Martial Saint with Passives

Jiang Che traveled west along Cangyun Mountain.

After traveling for about half a day, a sprawling range of black mountains loomed before him.

This was the Black Stone Mining Area, one of the Cangyun Sect’s five major mining areas.

The mining area wasn’t large, but the resources it produced were quite precious.

It primarily produced two types of precious ores: Profound Iron Ore and Snow Crystal Jade.

From Profound Iron Ore, one could refine Profound Iron.

This was a metal even more precious than Secret Iron.

It was not only extremely hard but also highly resilient.

Furthermore, it was excellent for storing Strength.

Therefore, it had always been a prime material for forging divine weapons.

Snow Crystal Jade, on the other hand, constantly emitted a type of "aura" that aided in the cultivation of Qi Blood.

This made it a vital material for constructing Cultivation Rooms.

In addition, other rare, associated minerals could occasionally be unearthed here.

One might even, on rare occasions, find "Snow Crystal Milk," which precipitated from Snow Crystal Jade over many years.

This substance was an essence formed from the accumulated Spiritual Qi within Snow Crystal Jade. Consuming just a single drop could significantly increase one’s Qi Blood.

The effects were significant, even for masters in the Refining Organ Realm!

Thus, it was exceptionally precious.

The Sect typically used it to reward the outstanding disciples who won major competitions, making it nearly impossible for the average person to acquire.

Soon, Jiang Che arrived at the entrance to the mining area.

Two sturdy guard towers, built of wood and stone, flanked the entrance. Archers in black, close-fitting attire stood watch on top.

A winding mine tunnel stretched from the entrance deep into the heart of the mountain.

Jiang Che sniffed the air, catching the scent of mineral dust. It wasn’t pleasant.

’There are no face masks in this era. Do this for too long and you’d probably get black lung disease...’ Jiang Che frowned.

As he approached the entrance, he saw several figures already waiting for him.

The man in the lead was Mine Supervisor Sun Qihong. He wore a faded steward’s uniform and looked to be in his fifties, his hair already streaked with gray.

Seeing Jiang Che approach, his face immediately broke into a warm, enthusiastic smile. He stepped forward, clasped his hands in greeting, and said:

"Steward Jiang, it must have been a long journey! I am Sun Qihong, the Mine Supervisor here. Welcome to your new post!" His voice was resonant, his manner as cordial as a friendly neighborhood uncle.

Standing beside Sun Qihong was Guard Captain Chen Ze.

This man had a completely different air about him. He was about thirty-five or thirty-six, with a lean, upright build. His close-fitting attire was snug, and a long saber hung at his waist. His gaze was sharp as a hawk’s, and the hard lines of his face told you at a glance that he was not an easy man to deal with.

His salute was crisp and efficient, his voice deep and steady. "I am Chen Ze. Greetings, Steward Jiang."

The man faintly exuded the aura of the Peak of Force Integration, indicating his strength was the greatest among the welcoming party.

Behind them stood two foremen.

The one on the left, Gong Yi, looked to be in his early forties. His skin was dark and weathered, and his broad palms were thick with calluses. He had an honest, simple smile, and his eyes held a sincerity that inspired immediate trust.

He came from a background as an experienced miner and had since been promoted to foreman, responsible for leading teams down into the mines.

The man on the right, Cheng Ming, was a bit younger than Gong Yi, appearing to be in his early thirties. He was rather lean, with quick eyes and a shrewd look on his face.

When this man looked at Jiang Che, an almost imperceptible flash of disdain crossed his eyes, as if he found the new steward too young, perhaps even naive. His attitude, however, remained respectful enough.

"Your subordinates, Gong Yi and Cheng Ming, greet you, Lord Steward." The two men saluted together.

"There’s no need for such formalities," Jiang Che replied with a nod, his gaze sweeping over the four men’s faces, taking in their expressions.

Sun Qihong’s enthusiasm, Chen Ze’s steadiness, Gong Yi’s simple honesty, and Cheng Ming’s disdain.

Under his new Talent, the [All-Seeing Eye], their micro-expressions were as clear as if viewed through a magnifying glass.

He filed each observation away in his mind but showed no reaction on his face.

Afterward, Mine Supervisor Sun Qihong led Jiang Che into the mining area, giving him a tour as they walked.

The mining area’s layout, the network of tunnels, the number of miners, daily yields, safety regulations...

He reported every item in meticulous and precise detail.

Guard Captain Chen Ze added details about the guards’ deployment and past minor conflicts they had handled, his words conveying competence and reliability.

Gong Yi and Cheng Ming also reported on the miners under their charge and the progress of the excavation.

Sun Qihong then respectfully presented the ledgers.

Jiang Che leafed through them carefully. The accounts were clear, production was stable, and ore losses were within a reasonable range.

The safety records also showed no major accidents in the past year.

Everything seemed to be running smoothly.

Afterward, Jiang Che personally went deep into the mine tunnels to conduct an on-site inspection.

He saw miners working in an orderly fashion—excavating, transporting, and sorting with practiced, fluid movements.

Furthermore, the key support structures also appeared very sturdy.

The entire mining area projected an image of stability and efficiency.

After completing his tour, the tension in Jiang Che’s heart eased slightly.

Being a Sect Steward paid well, but the responsibilities that came with the position were heavy.

If anything went wrong in the mining area, he would be held accountable by the Sect.

It was only natural to be cautious.

That evening, Sun Qihong made special arrangements for Jiang Che to stay in a small, private courtyard—the best lodging in the mining area.

What surprised Jiang Che even more was that the courtyard also contained a storehouse, and it was filled with piles of Snow Crystal Jade!

"Snow Crystal Jade is precious, and it easily attracts thieves. Steward Jiang, you are a master of the Bone Forging Realm with profound power. With you guarding it, there could be no safer place!" Sun Qihong said with a smile.