Before the final syllable faded, Lou Gao's fingers—covered in thick calluses yet containing astonishing strength, suddenly exerted force!
"Crack!"
With a crisp sound, the ordinary-looking stone shattered instantly like a walnut being crushed.
However, what appeared inside the broken stone was not the imagined gray-white or earthy yellow, but a kind of deep, heavy black—dense as ink, as if capable of absorbing light itself!
This black color was extremely pure, carrying a metallic, cold and rigid texture, forming a striking contrast with the soil and moss on the surface.
"Eh?!"
Lin Xia exclaimed in surprise and immediately crouched down. Following Lou Gao's example, he casually picked up another inconspicuous stone nearby.
Lin Xia's finger strength was not weak either; he squeezed hard.
"Pa!"
The stone cracked, and its interior was the same deep black!
"How come everything inside is black?"
Lin Xia rubbed the heavy black gravel powder between his fingers; the touch was fine and weighty.
Seeing Lin Xia's shocked expression, Lou Gao smiled even more broadly, filled with the satisfaction of teaching and enlightening his disciple.
Lou Gao tossed away the remaining black gravel in his hand, clapped the dust from his palms, and began his lesson.
"Xiaoxia, you haven't yet studied the systematic knowledge of mineral vein detection, so it's perfectly normal you couldn't tell."
He pointed toward the ground beneath their feet, voice calm and full of authority.
"The reason this place was named Blackrock Valley by our Blacksmith Association is exactly because of the distribution of a special underground rock layer—the Blackrock Layer!"
Lou Gao paused and continued emphatically.
"This Blackrock isn't an ordinary stone. It is extremely hard and dense, its mass far exceeding common rocks. Its internal composition is unique and possesses strong capabilities—you may understand it as a kind of sealing or nurturing power."
"Blackrock usually forms in high-temperature, high-pressure environments. When metal-rich magma or hydrothermal activity encounters particular geological structures, it becomes enveloped and preserved by rapidly cooled and compressed Blackrock formations."
As he spoke, Lou Gao tapped the earth with his toe.
"Therefore, the more luxuriant the vegetation on the surface and the deeper the soil layer, the more it proves that this Blackrock protective cover remains intact. The treasures below have not been weathered or eroded!"
"To us prospectors, these Blackrocks are a massive arrow pointing underground. Their presence almost declares that beneath this valley absolutely lie valuable objects, most likely the rare mineral veins we seek!"
Lou Gao elaborated tirelessly on the origins, characteristics, and methods of judging ore deposits based on the range, thickness, and associated minerals of Blackrock Layers.
He also mentioned the peculiar vegetation growing upon Blackrock: which plants with developed root systems might indicate vein direction, and which served merely as camouflage.
Lin Xia listened intently, eyes glowing brighter and brighter.
Only now did Lin Xia deeply realize that ore prospecting was not random digging with hoes; it was a complex discipline!
"I understand, Teacher!"
Lin Xia spoke sincerely.
"Turns out there are so many principles and knowledge involved. I've truly learned!"
"Haha, good!"
Seeing Lin Xia's proper attitude and fast comprehension, Lou Gao felt delighted. His sharp gaze scanned the nearby terrain; he tested ground hardness and slope carefully with his feet.
"Based on prior experience and my observations of exposed Blackrocks!"
Lou Gao finally stomped firmly upon the solid earth.
"We begin right here! Dig diagonally downward toward the southwest. This angle avoids major cracks and pierces straight into potential main vein regions!"
Lou Gao turned toward the restless Larvitar already scraping excitedly at the ground.
"Little one, it's your turn! Remember, enlarge the entrance as much as possible! It must allow both of us to move freely and prepare for transporting materials later!"
"Larvitar——!!!"
Larvitar, having waited impatiently, screamed energetically upon receiving instructions.
Its crimson eyes flashed; the rocky-armored small body exploded with power totally inconsistent with its size!
Shua! Shua! Shua!
Short yet razor-sharp claws turned into blurry shadows. The hard Blackrock Layer beneath melted like tofu under its touch!
Gravel and soil shot backward like fountains. Within a few breaths' time, a slanted, smooth-edged circular hole nearly two meters in diameter appeared before them!
The entrance was deep, exhaling moist scents of soil and stone.
"Excellent!"
Lou Gao praised, yet he did not immediately pull Lin Xia to descend. Instead, he swiftly retrieved several items from his equipment bag.
First came a large metal windmill with a complex structure, its base fitted with sharp steel spikes.
Lou Gao firmly planted it beside the cave entrance into the solid ground to ensure stability.
Next, he produced several smaller windmills of similar design and a long bundle of hose-like tubes.
Taking hold of the handle of the main windmill, Lou Gao began to turn it rapidly.
As he worked, the blades of the windmill whirred loudly, generating a powerful current of air.
He then attached one end of a hose to the wind outlet of the large windmill and stuffed the other end deep into the hole Larvitar had just dug.
Lin Xia watched his teacher's actions with growing curiosity.
"Teacher, what is this for?"
He pointed at the windmills and hoses, completely puzzled.
Wasn't prospecting supposed to mean going down quickly to search for ore? Why bother with these windmills?
Lou Gao continued his work, planting the second smaller windmill a bit farther from the entrance and explaining without looking up.
"Xiaoxia, prospecting is no joke, especially with untouched veins buried deep underground. The second key point is ventilation!"
His tone turned serious.
"Deep underground, oxygen levels are extremely low in newly dug, sealed caves, and toxic earth gases can easily accumulate. If we go down recklessly, we will get dizzy before long, or even suffocate and faint! That is not something to play with!"
Lou Gao pointed at the rotating windmills and hoses.
"These are our lifeline! The large one is the main fan, forcing fresh air through the hose into the depths of the cave, replacing the stale air."
Lin Xia gestured at the auxiliary windmills Lou Gao had inserted.
"These smaller ones are relay fans. I will plant one every certain distance along the digging route and connect them with hoses."
"They serve as backup relays. The main fan's wind weakens deeper inside; these keep air flowing and help expel the foul gases."
Lou Gao connected the second hose parallel to the first and continued teaching:
"You see, even the layout of these fans requires care, placed higher to avoid falling stones, connections sealed tightly… all this comes from countless hard lessons!"
"Remember, once we work underground, these windmills must never stop! They greatly extend safe operation time, this is life-saving knowledge, so keep it well in mind!"
Lin Xia felt enlightened watching the whirring system, sensing the noticeably fresh airflow mixed with soil smell. He was filled with respect and relief.
Exploring the unknown underground world clearly carried lethal danger; his teacher's experience was indeed no different from a protective talisman!
"I understand! Thank you for your guidance, Teacher!"
Lou Gao nodded approvingly.
After setting the final relay windmill, he retrieved two bright-burning torches.
"Hu…"
He handed one to Lin Xia and lit the other.
"Ventilation complete, air is fine."
He listened carefully to the windmill sound and tested the cave entrance with the torch. The flame burned steadily without abnormal signs.
"Now let us go down and see what treasure lies beneath Blackrock Valley! Larvitar, lead the way, stay alert and safe!"
"Larvitar!"
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