Just as they stepped into the forest, a system prompt suddenly appeared in front of Luo De,
[Location of mixed silver-copper ore vein discovered. Display marker?]
Silver mine?
Luo De's heart tightened, money is here!
"Display."
Standing still, Luo De concentrated, feeling a blue dot far to the right-front, about two hundred and ninety meters away.
Most silver mines are not independent; they might mix with iron, copper, and lead ores, among others.
But this doesn't hinder silver production.
"Lord, what did you discover?"
Rein's voice rang out, bringing Luo De's attention back.
Luo De shook his head slightly,
"Nothing."
Silver mines can't run away, so Luo De wasn't in a rush.
It's dangerous to venture in during the night when visibility is poor.
Luo De said no more, collecting all the arrows in the forest, then returned to the camping site.
High-end ingredients often require just simple cooking methods.
The butchered rabbit was sprinkled with salt and roasted until golden brown, without needing other spices; just a sprinkle of chili powder made it already delicious and aromatic.
Unfortunately, the wild rabbit wasn't very plump, and after seven people finished it, they still needed to eat some dry food to fill their stomachs.
During the night, Durant and others took turns on watch, tending the fire, so Luo De could sleep soundly through the whole night.
The next morning.
At dawn, the group set out into the forest.
The marker in Luo De's view was just a straight-line distance, with the target located in the valley on the opposite side.
Below the valley was an almost-dry stream, with meager water trickling down the moss-covered stones, forming small pools at the foot of the mountain.
On the pretext of washing his face, Luo De led Durant down the slope to examine the stones in the water.
A flash of silvery-white caught Luo De's attention.
"Found it!"
Luo De exclaimed in his heart, reaching into the icy stream to retrieve the piece of silvery-white stone.
"Look at this."
Luo De casually tossed the stone to Durant beside him.
"Is this... silver ore?"
Durant looked at the sheen of the stone, surprised, and asked, "Where did you find it?"
Luo De pointed with his mouth, gesturing Durant to look at the pit in the water.
In the water cave under the rocks, there was a barely noticeable glimmer of light.
"This is a silver vein?!"
Shocked internally, Durant swallowed hard, restraining himself from shouting out loud.
This is money!
Real money!
Without hesitation, Durant found a rock by the stream to block the hole beneath the water.
"I think we currently lack the capacity to mine it, so we need to hide it, my lord!"
Only after throwing the stone did Durant realize his actions and immediately explained, "Sorry, my lord, I made the decision without your consent..."
"You thought exactly as I did."
Luo De interrupted Durant, saying, "Even if you were wrong, I wouldn't blame you; I understand your loyalty."
No one can replace Durant's position right now.
"Thank you for your trust."
Durant solemnly bowed his head in salute.
Then he hesitated for a moment, took a step forward, and whispered, "My lord, the Northern Wasteland is not like the Earl's Domain of the Tulip Clan, a silver mine here might be contested if developed.
You should plan earlier."
"Hmm, I know. Soon you'll be back to your old trade."
Luo De nodded in agreement.
Durant was an excellent instructor at Tulip Castle.
Both the silver mine and the convoy transporting the silver would need more military protection.
Training was one thing; it also implied taking farmers or slaves away from their usual duties.
Relying on agriculture alone, the town's four hundred-plus people couldn't sustain such consumption.
Luo De needed more food as the foundation.
Not just from fields, but also meat, fish, and eggs.
There is much more to develop in Black Pine Territory.
"I understand, Lord!"
Durant looked determined, with a hint of excitement on his face, "I will train more troops for you!"
Luo De nodded, lightly patting Durant's shoulder,
"No rush, we'll take it slow, everything that should come will come."
...
...
Then marking it on the map, they climbed up the slope and continued forward.
Finding the silver mine put Luo De in a good mood, looking forward more to the journey ahead.
The forest was vast, with complicated terrain, and when encountering tall mountains plunging into the ground, Luo De and the others had to take detours.
Fortunately, their paths weren't wasted; over the course of two days, they found an iron ore vein in the northeast corner.
More excitingly for Luo De, Alya found a log cabin emitting smoke at the foothill.
No more sleeping in the open.
Everyone was happy, rushing downhill towards the cabin.
A courtyard made of three log cabins quickly appeared in Luo De's sight, with smoke rising from the middle cabin.
"Alya, check if there's any danger first."
Rein instructed his daughter.
Alya nodded.
"Roar!"
Before she could turn, a deafening roar suddenly came from the cabin's direction!
"It's a black bear!"
Rein exclaimed!
Everyone's eyes turned to Luo De!
"Quickly, save them!"
Luo De urgently called out, Rein leapt down, sliding directly down the slope!
Alya and Gang Le closely followed, while Luo De and others quickly caught up, charging towards the cabin!
Before they reached the cabin, screams could be heard from the yard!
Through the open door, Luo De saw a huge black bear pressing a man beneath it, tearing him apart ferociously!
At this time, a woman wielded a hoe and charged towards the black bear, but was swatted away with a single paw!
The sight made Luo De furious,
"Kill it! Kill it now!"
Almost simultaneously, Rein steadied himself, and arrows fired from his bow, precisely hitting the black bear's back!
"Roar!"
In pain, the black bear roared again, turning to look for the source of the attack!
At this time, Alya's arrow was already in flight, hitting the black bear's neck instantly!
Surprisingly, the black bear's life force was incredibly strong, not only did it not fall, but it also charged towards Luo De and others!
Gang Le lifted his war axe, ready to face the black bear, but was stopped by Luo De behind him!
"I want to kill it with my own hands!"
Luo De glared directly at the black bear, roaring, "Die!"
Seeing Luo De rushing in, the black bear unexpectedly stopped in its tracks, even subtly retreating!
"Afraid now? Too late!"
Luo De gave the black bear no chance to escape, swinging his steel great sword and leaping up, slashing down in the bear's terrified eyes!
Thwack!
The black bear's head flew off like a ball, with its body crashing heavily to the ground, stirring up a cloud of dust.
Durant quickly moved forward to check on the figure on the ground.
The bloody scene made him turn away after just one look, frowning, and shaking his head at Luo De.
Luo De turned to the woman who had been sent flying.
By now, Alya was already beside her, trying to check her breath, but saw a puddle of fresh red blood flowing from the woman's head.
Alya looked up at Luo De,
"She's gone too..."
"Damn beast!"
Luo De lifted his great sword, thrusting it fiercely into the black bear's head!
The joy from seeing human smoke was now completely drowned by anger!
"My lord, are you alright?"
Durant was equally distressed, not expecting Luo De to be this angry.