Chapter 134: The Secret of the Jade Vein

Watching his retreating figure, I felt a mixture of anticipation and unease. However, with the entire Bengjian market on my shoulders and the immense pressure from the local jade industry, I simply could not find the time to seek her out alone. For now, I could only hope that this group of "Black Hairs" would prove useful.

...

The next morning, we gathered once more in the eastern district of the market. The team members were fully prepared. Professor Wang reiterated the safety protocols, ensuring everyone was equipped with the essentials: hard hats, flashlights, ropes, and communication devices.

"Xiao Li, you are responsible for leading a team to secure the perimeter. If you notice anything unusual, notify us immediately," Professor Wang instructed.

Xiao Li nodded in acknowledgment. Though his face still betrayed a hint of reluctance, he carried out his orders diligently.

Once inside the mine, the air grew damp and frigid, and the beams of our flashlights seemed pitifully dim against the encroaching darkness. We moved with extreme caution, each step deliberate. Pan Ximi, seemingly finding the atmosphere too oppressive, opened his mouth to speak, but was promptly silenced by a sharp look from Professor Wang.

Suddenly, the ground trembled again, and thin fissures began to spiderweb across the rock walls. Professor Wang immediately ordered everyone to halt and assess the surroundings.

"Be careful, everyone. The geological structure ahead may be unstable," the Professor warned.

Just then, the ground shook violently. The cracks widened rapidly, and debris began to shower down. The team members scrambled back, with some beginning to advocate for a retreat.

"Professor, we should pull back! This is too dangerous!" one student said, his voice trembling.

"Indeed, continuing forward could cost us our lives," another agreed.

However, Professor Wang was resolute. "We have come this far; we cannot give up so easily. A little further ahead, we might find the vital clue we've been searching for."

With that, he turned to me. "Wang Hu, do you think the risk factor is high up ahead?"

I cast my gaze toward the front. For a fleeting second, the very atmosphere in the space seemed to freeze.

"It’s fine," I said slowly. "It’s just debris that has accumulated over the years; it’s not a fundamental shift in the mine’s structure."

I looked at Professor Wang and nodded, signaling my support for his decision.

We pressed on. Although the ground beneath our feet grew increasingly precarious, we proceeded with meticulous care. Suddenly, a deafening crash echoed through the tunnel, and the floor collapsed once more. Fortunately, I was in the lead and managed to block the path just in time. The sinkhole was barely a meter away from us. We retreated rapidly, dodging the falling rocks.

It was then that several massive, blackened logs emerged from the collapsed section. Between the logs, we discovered a hidden opening, seemingly containing traces of antiquity.

"Professor, there's something here!" I shouted.

Professor Wang hurried over to inspect the opening. A spark of excitement flashed in his eyes. After sweeping his flashlight inside, he exclaimed, "This could be the remains of ancient jade miners!"

We carefully entered the cavity and discovered numerous ancient jade artifacts and tools preserved within. They appeared crude and primitive.

"This is fascinating; these relics hold immense historical and archaeological value," Professor Wang said, visibly stirred. "We must suspend our exploration for now to protect and study these findings."

The team members expressed their agreement, and everyone began the delicate process of collecting artifacts and documenting every detail. Pan Ximi and I were relegated to the back of the group.

Pan Ximi grumbled under his breath. Professor Wang seemed to notice and apologized to us. "My apologies, gentlemen. It is our duty to protect these national treasures."

I smiled, signaling my understanding, while Pan Ximi remained clearly displeased, though he held his tongue.

Professor Wang led the team in a methodical, orderly collection of the artifacts. Just as the academics were deep in their work, a strange, eerie sound emanated from the depths of the pit.

"Who... who is there?" Professor Wang asked, alert, his flashlight beam scanning the darkness of the cavern.

The sound was hoarse and low, as if emerging from a constricted throat: "Hehe... hehe..."

The team members exchanged uneasy glances. The air grew thick with tension. Pan Ximi’s face darkened further, and he cursed under his breath, "To hell with this; this place is cursed."

Professor Wang took a deep breath and said calmly, "Don't panic, everyone. It’s likely just the wind or an echo from the rocks. Let’s continue our work, but be extra cautious."

I, however, sensed something amiss, and a subtle anxiety stirred in my heart. Suddenly, I spotted a faint, flickering light emanating from a tiny crevice in the tunnel wall. I intended to tell the Professor, but a selfish instinct held me back.

I caught Pan Ximi’s eye and gave him a subtle signal. He looked at me, then back at the crevice, and instantly understood. I tapped his shoulder lightly without saying a word, but he clearly grasped my intent. Pan Ximi nodded, a cunning glint in his eyes.

We retreated to the side, maintaining our vigil over the team’s progress. Professor Wang and his crew remained focused, oblivious to our movements, carefully handling each artifact as the tension and excitement of the discovery filled the air.

As time ticked by, Professor Wang finally announced that the day's work was concluded. The team began packing their equipment, preparing to evacuate the mine.

"Good work, everyone. Today's discoveries are of great importance. We will study and organize them thoroughly upon our return," the Professor said with satisfaction.

We followed the team back to the surface, our minds already calculating our plan to sneak back in that night.

When night fell and the market grew quiet, Pan Ximi and I slipped out of the dormitory and returned to the mysterious mine. Our flashlight beams felt weak in the suffocating darkness, and my heart began to race.

Reaching the spot where I had spotted the crevice during the day, I shone my light on it. The faint glow was still flickering. Pan Ximi whispered, "What do you think that is?"

I shook my head. "I don't know, but we have to go in and see."

We carefully used our tools to widen the crack. Finally, a hidden tunnel revealed itself. Inside, faint, shimmering points of light seemed to beckon us forward.

"Let’s go. Let's take a look," I said firmly.

Pan Ximi nodded and followed close behind. We stepped forward, moving slowly into the depths of the cavern.

However, just as we were about to reach the entrance to the innermost chamber, a sound suddenly rang out.