The recent upheaval had placed the city in a dire position, teetering on the verge of attack from surrounding cities and towns—whether of lower or equal grade. Higher-grade cities, beyond grade-4, were far away.
Teleportation channels, however, could shorten the distance considerably. With every new discovery in the Sand-Scale Forest—treasures, minerals, mutated plants, and beasts—jealousy festered, and covetous eyes turned toward the city from neighboring territories.
Those cities and territories above grade-4 were far more advanced and learned. Even if they heard the news, many wouldn't bat an eyelid, dismissing the turmoil as the schemes of peasants in the lower cultivation world—plots designed merely to draw their attention.
They were truly arrogant.
Nevertheless, the law of the domain still applied. Sand-Scale City might have been seized, but with tens of cities—rapidly approaching hundreds—craving to claim it, the situation could only reach a decisive juncture. Otherwise, it would spiral into chaos.
For the residents of Sand-Scale City, there was only a single solution—challenge.
Multiple challenges had already been issued. Yet the law was clear: one could only challenge a city or territory at a time. If the challenger lost, the victor was granted a period of respite before the next challenge could be made.
Realizing the trouble they had unanimously placed themselves in, the authorities of Sand-Scale immediately declared a lockdown. None could enter or leave its bounds. Those already inside were permitted to act freely, though every move was watched under the eye of the law.
After all, the Bloodsuckers had already infiltrated the city, sowing chaos within the forest. This intrusion had forced the city into full alert, bracing against looming threats from every side.
___
Main Manor…
It was afternoon. The scorching sun beat down on the two 'excavators' as sweat streamed endlessly across their bodies. The day had dragged on, each strike of the shovel carrying them closer to an immeasurable destination.
Every goal ought to be measurable before one begins, to avoid doubt and uncertainty. Yet the task before them was anything but measurable, and the weight of that realization steadily drained their enthusiasm.
A destination unknown carved emptiness into one's back, a burden that deepened the longer one labored.
Ballock finally dropped the Crystal-Powered Shovel and climbed out of the pit, which now stretched nearly ten meters deep. Blood joined him soon after, settling beside him with the mound of soil piled high behind them.
"The energy will be depleted soon." Ballock muttered with a weary sigh.
"Yeah. It's surprising it could last for so long." Blood replied, giving the shovel a light kick.
"I reckon it will be exhausted within thirty minutes." Ballock guessed, and Blood could only nod.
They had been conserving the energy depletion the best they could, lowering the shovel's speed to stretch its duration. Had they worked at full pace, the energy would have burned out long ago.
And so, time slipped by. Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
___
"Did you notice the energy growing gradually as we dug?" Blood asked. He had realized that with each layer of soil removed, the density of energy increased. By the time they reached their current depth, it was impossible to ignore—the energy was dispersing into the surrounding atmosphere.
Although he couldn't sense it clearly now, stepping into the pit had been an entirely different experience.
Ballock darted his gaze toward Blood; confusion etched across his face. He clearly had no awareness of the growing energy. "What do you mean?" he demanded in a serious tone.
They had already stopped digging, forced to consider how to acquire more energy crystals before the current supply was exhausted.
Blood had quietly asked his father for some crystals, and it didn't take long before he received them. He rarely made such requests, so Salza thought little of it.
Denser energy meant faster advancement through stages and realms. Lands like this were not easily seen—they were opportunities, foundations for cultivation, and gateways to power.
Blood mused at Ballock's unexpected response. The energy had become unmistakable, especially at the point where they had stopped. He glanced back at Ballock and said,
"I noticed the Heaven and Earth energy growing thicker as we dug deeper. I thought you already knew, so I didn't bother to mention it—but clearly… khaaa." Blood snickered, giving him a light tap on the shoulder, which earned only a cold grunt.
"Don't worry about it. Perhaps when we dig further, it will become clearer and easier to sense." Blood added aloud.
"If it's as you say, then it means we're uncovering something fortuitous. Honestly, my fatigue feels greatly alleviated just realizing this." Ballock muttered, a faint blush coloring his face.
"Yeah. I feel much lighter all of a sudden." Blood replied with a smile.
"Of course you do. You've been basking in the energy all along, you've got a cheat." Ballock grunted, scowling at Blood's well-distributed teeth.
"It's not my fault you can't sense the energy around you. Go down into the opening and perform a quick test, maybe then you'll confirm your inferior senses." Blood teased, his smirk obvious.
Harumph...
Ballock snorted coldly, cursing in his heart. He would surely seize an opportunity another time. For now, he would let Blood relish the moment as he pleased.
Blood eventually calmed, but his gaze abruptly shifted into the distance. Two figures stood there in quiet conversation: the Head Guard of the manor and his mother. He recognized them instantly and wondered what business kept them so close together.
Recalling the few energy crystals he had left, Blood knew he would need more if he wished to continue using the Crystal-Powered Shovel. Rising to his feet, he decided to speak with his only source, or perhaps barter with the beast carcass he had kept.
"Hey, I'm coming. I'm going to get some crystals." Blood said with a smile that wasn't truly a smile.
He understood well how strict his family was, especially his mother. There was no redundancy in her rules, no leniency. The chance of receiving more crystals was slim without proper arrangements. He had only managed it once through his father; his mother was far stricter.
Still, he had to take his chances.
Blood reached them within minutes and offered a polite greeting. "Hello, Callus," he said, before turning his gaze toward his mother.
"Mother, how are you doing?" He made sure to wear his best expression.
"You could tell yourself. Tell me, how am I doing?" Callus remained silent, leaving Maria to respond. She spread her arms with an evil smirk.
Blood instantly regretted interrupting their conversation. A sharp unease pricked at him—he should have waited, even just a little longer.
"What to say… You look dignified and brilliant in every respect." Blood blurted out. He hadn't expected to come up with that so quickly.
Maria's smile brightened, smugness washing over her features. It seemed her son had learned something new. "Carry out the order and report by evening." she said softly.
"Yes, Madam." Callus replied and rushed toward the gate.
"So, kid. Thought we would be off for some days—seems that isn't accurate." Maria chuckled before narrowing her gaze. "What do you want this time?" She asked, already knowing what he sought.
"Why don't we sit in the sitting room? It'll be more convenient, especially for you, Mother." Blood proposed, wearing the most composed demeanor he could muster.
"You've become more adept at making others oblige to your needs. It appears your constant practice is paying off." Maria remarked, while Blood facepalmed in quiet embarrassment.
From a distance, Ballock observed the mother-son exchange. He eventually lay back, feeling better. Even with an energy-powered shovel, one's own strength was still required, and he needed to recuperate while waiting to see if Blood could secure more crystals.
In the sitting room…
"Mum, I need some crystals…" Blood began, his heart uncertain.