"Little white? Just what in the world is this?" Lu Chen's eyes widened so big that he looked like he hadn't slept in days which was actually very true.
Alex as well licked her lips and proceeded to step on the acidic gunk to analyze the dazzling crystal.
In fact, in the presence of the warm nourishing energy wafting out of the ore chunk, the minor injury to the feet was nothing. They didn't even feel it.
Absorbing the thick pure energy was just that intoxicating.
After a long pause of silence, Lu Chen was the first to speak. "This... Could this be the same as… mana core?" He gulped and then added, "Except a lot bigger and denser?"
Hearing his words, Alex dazedly nodded and the two of them simultaneously turned to look at the big black wolf who had a smug grin plastered on her face.
[Woof! Do you guys like my gift? Fu Fu Fu!] Qin Hua shook her head drizzling the few drops of acid that fell on her back.
"Umm… Little white, is it okay to bring the others here as well?" Lu Chen asked her.
Earlier he was intent on sharing the misfortune but that didn't mean he would be selfish with good things like this.
Along with the burdens, he also wanted to share unexpected treasures. However, this was not his treasure, rather the dog's discovery. So he asked her permission first.
[Woof! Woof! Yup, everyone can use it.] Qin Hua bobbed her head up and down. That was why she had also brought him over here. Otherwise, what was the point?
And the only reason she did this was because of the 'loyal' tag. Lu Chen might not be sure of everyone's thoughts and intentions but Qin Hua could see things more clearly.
So she wasn't too stingy. They were loyal to her and she didn't mind rewarding them.
"Alright. I will make the necessary arrangements then." Lu Chen gave her a thumbs up and went back up with Alex, climbing out by using one of the landslides as a staircase.
After a few minutes, they brought back with them the rest of the group, all tired and dragging their bodies. However, just as they reached the small cave opening, they were also completely amazed.
Warm energy filled the holes and injuries in their bodies and they stared at the mana crystal as if they were staring at a God's idol.
But unlike Lu Chen and Alex, they were not strong enough to tolerate the acidic puddles on the cave floor. Seeing this, Lu Chen quickly gave out the instructions.
"Luo Zu, take a couple of men and clean out this gunk first. Also, two people from the group should stay up and keep a watch. You can take turns and make sure that everyone gets a chance to absorb the energy from the rock."
Everyone nodded in silent agreement and immediately began to work.
The cave's floor was soon cleaned out and the air circulation from the many cracks on the ground also helped, getting rid of the stale pungent putrid smell.
[Woof! I am finally able to smell other things!]
Now that she was no longer in a hurry, Qin Hua tied the cat to her back and began exploring the labyrinth of tunnels more closely and more methodically.
Of course, the lucky charm was sharp as ever and before long, she smelled something peculiar.
[Sniff] [Sniff]
[Hmmm… Why does this smell familiar…]
She turned around the corner to find another mana ore protruding out of the ground. [Dayum! Just how many mana ores were these centipedes hoarding?!]
She walked over to the big chunk of mana crystal and lazy laid down near it. Her abdomen immediately started swirling with butterflies and her mana core rejoiced.
With every breath of air she sucked in, a huge waft of mana entered and circulated through her body, making her feel as if she was currently relaxing in a hot spring.
[Ah! This is the life! Woof!]
The cat as well lazily sprawled next to her or rather on top of her, using her furry body as its pillow and bed.
[Get off me dufus] Qin Hua pushed her down, but a couple of seconds later the animal once again magically climbed on top of her.
The two continued playing like this for a while when she eventually remembered that the others might be looking for her.
But she was too lazy and comfortable to stand up…
[He He. I guess this is why clones exist. Woof… Come out my clone zzzz...]
Black wisps flickered next to her which were almost invisible in the darkness of the night. They instantly morphed into an elegant lycan silhouette, only the pair of purple eyes visible.
[Run along and bring Lu Chen here. Woof.]
The clone nodded obediently and then threw a sideways glance at the cat nestled on its master's back, before springing in a particular direction.
A few seconds later, it returned back again with a puzzled Lu Chen. He stared dumbfoundedly at the cat, the dog, and the second chunk of mana ore.
"Little white! You found another one! Just how many are there!!!"
[Woof! Who knows I haven't looked around fully…]
Lu Chen saw the beast was resting so he walked over and nuzzled her head, not disturbing her anymore. Instead, he took a walk around the small opening and observed everything carefully.
"Was this how the centipedes became so strong?"
"This is indeed a good treasure…" He scratched his chin, whilst also enjoying the mana that was being absorbed into his body.
Everything was fine but there was a small unsettling thought at the back of his head. The better the treasure, the more competition it would have.
And this kind of huge mana ore… it would surely bring them more troubles soon…
Lu Chen settled next to the dog and the cat and silently absorbed the mana swirling around them for a while.
Meanwhile, Qin Hua sent her clone to do her bidding.
[Woof! Woof! Go search the rest of the labyrinth and report to me how many of these mana ores are there.]
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