Chapter 197: Mountain Collapse and Earth Quake

Chapter 197: Mountain Collapse and Earth Quake

Xiao Yin entrusted the task to Xiao Yue.

He then led Xiao Xi'er and Baiyu around the base of the mountain and headed deeper into the mountains.

Jing En left Beiling a bit later than the emperor and Ci Xin, so he arrived at the foot of the mountain just as the explosives were being delivered.

"Where is it?" Xiao Yue asked Ci Xin.

"Around the back of the mountain, oh, right, and we need to climb halfway up. Xiao Yue, what if we need to ensure that the people placing the explosives aren't injured? Would they need to run really fast?" Ci Xin asked Xiao Yue.

"No matter how fast they run, if the mountain collapses, they could still get hurt. What if..." Xiao Yue looked into the distance and said, "The fire bombs need a spark. How can we connect the fuse to the fire bombs?"

"We can make a long cotton wick, soaked in tung oil, and lead it all the way to the fire bombs. That way, we don't need to hold the fire bombs directly to ignite them," Ci Xin said.

"Hmm, you're quite clever!" Xiao Yue said with a smile.

"It's a small matter! How could you not think of that? I heard that the old master came out of seclusion and left the mountain some time ago, not sure where he went. If he comes here, he might knock your head off," Ci Xin said.

Bai Cangming loved to tap their heads; for Xiao Yue, it was a nightmare.

Whenever she made a mistake, the old master would tap her head or forehead, leaving her feeling like she had horns growing out of it. It was incredibly painful.

The old master said that only by feeling pain would she not make mistakes again.

"I hope he doesn't come here. There's nothing fun here anyway!" Xiao Yue said, then turned her head to see Ke Zhen and the others approaching. She walked over and, noticing the woolen coat on the person next to Ke Zhen, said, "Ci Xin, this wool can be used for the fuse!"

"That’s a great idea," Ci Xin agreed.

They explained what they needed to do to Ke Zhen, who fully supported them and even had someone bring sheep oil from home.

Without tung oil, sheep oil was a good substitute.

Ci Xin watched Jing En hurry towards the back of the mountain, hands tucked in his sleeves. He pouted and said, "That monk only knows how to play with Xiao Xi'er and doesn't do any serious work."

"He's naturally innocent and simple-hearted, so let him be," Xiao Yue said as she continued to twist the fuse rope.

"Boom!"

Just as Xiao Yue and Ci Xin had been twisting the rope for a long time, making Ci Xin's palms red, a muffled sound echoed, and the entire mountain range collapsed. Not only Xiao Yue and Ci Xin but also Ke Zhen and the others who had lived at the foot of the mountain for a long time were frightened and fell to the ground, covering their heads.

"Mother! Is the earth dragon awakening?"

"Did the mountain collapse because we're planning to mine it? Oh heavens! Mother! We can't let this happen. If the earth dragon turns the sky, our entire Tatar tribe will be doomed."

"It seems... it's quiet now!"

Everyone stood up and looked at the mountain. After a while, they turned to look the other way.

There, on either side of a tree, stood Xiao Yue and Ci Xin.

Because of the sparse population and continuous mountain ranges in the Northern Desert, few people cut down trees.

So, the mountains were filled with tall, large trees.

"So, are you two not working together?" Ke Zhen asked, twitching his mouth.

"Of course we are on the same side. But does that mean we have to stand together when danger arises?" Ci Xin asked curiously.

"First of all, you're a man, and it's only right for a man to protect a woman!" Ke Zhen looked at Ci Xin and shook his head. "Our women spend their days eating, drinking, and sleeping in bed. We don't ask them to work; we prefer to keep them well-fed and pampered."

Xiaoyue leaped down from the tree trunk, laughing. "Master Ci Xin has always kept his distance from women, so it's only fitting that he stays far from me."

Women in Great Wei are typically very reserved and would never allow unfamiliar men to get too close, let alone stand right next to them under normal circumstances.

Ci Xin raised his eyebrows and said nothing.

He had wanted to protect Xiaoyue just now, but since she didn't seem to appreciate it, he backed off.

"Is everything alright down the mountain?" Master Jing'en's voice came from above.

"What's going on?" Ke Zhen looked up and asked, "Master Jing'en, did something happen?"

A figure raced down the mountain, the wind lifting the folds of his gray robe, giving him the air of a true immortal.

"I placed mountain-opening talismans!" Master Jing'en arrived in front of Ci Xin and the others, gave a Buddhist salute, and said.

"So, the loud noise and the mountain cracking just now were caused by you?" Ci Xin patted the dust off his clothes and asked.

"Yes, yes, it was me. How about it? Didn't I do a perfect job opening the mountain?" Master Jing'en nodded immediately, smiling.

"You really don't care whether we live or die!" Ci Xin raised his fist and attacked Master Jing'en. "That was attempted murder, you know?"

"Xiao Xi'er said it would be fine and that no one would get hurt, so I proceeded." Master Jing'en dodged and said.

"Where's Xiao Xi'er? Is she still on the mountain?" Ci Xin turned around, only to see that Xiaoyue had already dashed off into the distance.

"I'll go find Xi'er!" Xiaoyue's voice came from halfway up the mountain.

Ruo Xi Baby was standing on a platform halfway up the mountain, held by her uncle Xiao Yin.

"This crack is perfect! There's gold ore and plenty of gems beneath. The old monk's work really pleases me."

Ruo Xi Baby couldn't help but praise Master Jing'en, but when she turned to look for him, the old man had already left.

"Brother, Xi'er!" Xiaoyue landed beside them.

"Don't worry, with me here, Xi'er won't get hurt!" Xiao Yin turned to his sister and said.

"With you here, Brother, I feel much more at ease." Xiaoyue nodded.

She knew that even if it meant sacrificing his life, her brother would protect her.

As Xi'er had said, according to historical records, her brother had been held captive by Shangguan Jinghong, leading to a tragic death and the downfall of the nation.

So, her brother would definitely protect Xi'er well.

"Yue'er, come and see. These cracked stones are different from the others, aren't they?" Xiao Yin pointed to the pile of broken stones and said.

"Yes, Brother. The fact that the mountain is moist underneath means that if we fully excavate it, there must be treasures below!" Xiaoyue said.

Xiao Yin nodded slightly. He gently patted Xiao Xi'er, feeling that she truly deserved his utmost care and protection.

This mountain is rich in jade, gold, and high-quality black iron, making it as valuable as a nation's entire wealth.

However, the Tatars might not be trustworthy, so we need to make proper arrangements. If someone else seizes this mine, it could lead to serious problems.

Xiao Yin heard Xi'er's thoughts and glanced at Xiaoyue.