Chapter 70

Chapter 70

Their gaunt appearances clearly resulted from long-term malnutrition. Yet, this ragtag bunch didn’t even register as a threat in Qin Han’s eyes. He turned to the White-haired Elder and cut straight to the point:

“We’ve been ordered to deal with the monster’s cries. Take me to where the sounds are coming from.”

The elder, sensing the miners’ rudeness, turned and scolded them sharply, “What are you all doing? Get back to work, now!”

At his words, the group reluctantly dispersed deeper into the mining area, though each still clutched pickaxes and other tools, their eyes fixed on Qin Han with a predatory glare—as if ready to tear into him at any moment.

Li Yang shrank back again, cold sweat breaking out on his forehead.

The White-haired Elder apologized, “My sincerest apologies. These folks aren’t used to outsiders, so they’re a bit too curious. I’ll discipline them later. As for the cries, honored guards, they’re coming from the deepest part of the Ninth Mining Area. Follow me.”

With that, the elder led the way.

Li Yang hesitated, his face pale with fear. He clearly wanted nothing to do with the miners deeper inside.

In a hushed voice, he said, “Brother Ma, these serious criminals look like they’re plotting something. Going in there seems too dangerous. Maybe we should just leave?”

Qin Han patted his shoulder reassuringly. “The Supervisor assigned us this task. If we bail now, we’ll be in deep trouble.”

“Tell you what—stay here and keep watch. If anything happens to me inside, alert Manager Liu immediately. Don’t worry, once the job’s done, the credit’s shared between us. I won’t breathe a word otherwise.”

Touched, Li Yang murmured, “You’re too kind, Brother Ma.”

Qin Han responded with a faint, enigmatic smile before striding after the elder.

……

Ninth Mining Area

Without Li Yang holding him back, Qin Han actually felt more at ease. He quickened his pace to walk alongside the White-haired Elder and struck up a conversation.

“Old man, you mentioned the monster’s cries. What exactly do they sound like? Is it a howl? Or more of a growl?”

The elder thought for a moment before answering, “Neither. From what I recall, it’s more like a mooing sound.”

Qin Han’s eyes lit up with intense excitement.

Now he was 80% certain—the creature making those noises deep in the mines was definitely that thing. And not just any specimen, but a fully matured one.

This was going to be an incredible payday.

The White-haired Elder continued, “Whenever the creature cries, the walls of the Ninth Mining Area tremble slightly. Sometimes, it even causes minor cave-ins.”

“That’s why I had to ask for help—to keep the children safe.”

“Children?” Qin Han’s focus sharpened at the elder’s words.

There were children in the mines?

As if confirming his thoughts, the deeper they ventured, the more they saw—not just emaciated young men, but also the elderly, women, and even infants.

The oldest looked to be in their seventies or eighties, while the youngest were still swaddled in blankets.

Every one of them was sallow and skeletal.

Though it was mealtime, none held even a scrap of food.

One child, in particular, was sucking on a smooth pebble, as if convinced it could stave off hunger.

Qin Han thought to himself, "The people here don't look like prisoners but rather members of a family. The High Priest has locked them up here, so they must be hiding many secrets. Digging them out might prove useful in dealing with the High Priest in the future."

"However, the most important task at hand is finding the monster. I’ll revisit this matter later."

Setting aside his thoughts, Qin Han followed the old man deeper into the Ninth Mining Area.

Suddenly, a young girl rushed over in a panic. As soon as she saw Elder Lei, she exclaimed nervously, "Grandpa Lei, the monster is moving again!"

Elder Lei’s expression tensed at the sight of the girl, and he cautiously glanced at Qin Han. Seeing no reaction from him, he let out a relieved sigh.

Then, he glared at the girl and said, "I know. You’re not needed here anymore. Go."

Afterward, he continued leading Qin Han further inside.

As they walked on...