Chapter 577: Corrupted Gold
Chapter 577: Corrupted Gold
The Sky Compass, as always, proved to be reliable.
Lindsey felt a vibration and opened the map.
The hidden space was indeed marked on the map.
This space was located to the northeast of Lindsey, not too far away, just about 50 meters in a straight line.
"Good, let's go directly there."
Lindsey activated the Eternal Mark, and his entire body instantly sank into the ground, crossing the distance in the dark in the blink of an eye.
Whoosh—
A torch was lit in the pitch-black underground.
What appeared before Lindsey was the end of a mine pit tunnel.
"Hmm?"
Lindsey curiously looked behind him.
Due to the accumulation of soil and rocks, the outside of the tunnel no longer showed its former appearance. But from this observation point, one could easily discover that the collapse here was caused by some external force.
"Was it deliberately blocked off?"
Lindsey carefully examined the surroundings, and soon, a gleam of golden-green light caught his attention.
It was a fist-sized mineral growing on the stone wall of the tunnel.
"..."
Lindsey didn't act impulsively.
This mine pit was indeed eerie, and he didn't plan to take things lightly. He decided to conduct a basic check first.
[Rare Artifact: Corrupted Gold]
[The Corruption Toxin should not have infected dead objects, but by a stroke of luck, it was guided by someone to combine with this Essence Gold, resulting in an unexpected magical transformation; it can be used as a material to create other items.]
[A rare mutated mineral, of high value.]
"..."
After reading this description of its attributes, Lindsey didn't immediately extract the mineral.
Because just below the Corrupted Gold, in a crack, he saw a few familiar pages.
"Is this... the explorer's journal?"
Lindsey first retrieved the pages, which indeed carried a familiar Essence aura.
Powerful, brave, these were the skills of the explorer.
[Mooncry Mountain Range Expedition Journal]
[October 5th]
Winding through the mountain range, I arrived at the entrance of the Southern Ruin Mine.
Here, too, was invaded by the plague. My skills warned me, and at this moment, danger and despair permeated the air.
This wasn't the Insect Tribe, and without my supervision, it would be impossible to maintain the balance of life...
[October 6th]
The Lawful Knight guarding the mine remained on duty here, striving to prevent the plague from spreading further.
According to his account,
The plague had already spread through the mine tunnels, and anyone who ventured in would only find death.
...
I have to go in and take a look.
[October 7th]
The mine tunnels were intricate, and the rock textures, illuminated by the firelight, displayed an odd beauty. But the wood used to support the tunnels was rapidly decaying under the plague's corrosion.
Faintly, it seemed as if there were wails coming from below?
[October 8th]
I almost got infected, so I had to evacuate and regroup.
However, after-action review, the mine's layout below has already connected with my exploration skills.
Next time, I will definitely find the most accurate and fastest route.
Perhaps there's still a chance to save someone...
[October 10th]
"Since you've already been down there, don't you know what's going on inside?"
The Lawful Knight guarding this place questioned me.
How could I not know?
Disease, suffering, death.
So I shouldn't go; it's too dangerous.
But even knowing that, I still have to go and see for myself; it's something that must be done.
The difference between doing and not doing is significant.
As for the principle the Lawful Knight insisted on, guarding and blocking off the area, it was indeed the right decision for the world.
But for the living beings below...
【October 12th】
The Law Knight was right, not a single survivor.
I...
I couldn't eliminate the plague's impact on life.
But I can try to guide and contain the plague within this tunnel into the essence-infused gold.
Then, I'll completely seal off this tunnel, and one day, it should return to normal.
Frost Moon is on the way.
May you light the way for those unfortunate souls.
—I came, I saw, and I tried.
"..."
"So, it was him."
Lindsey's heart was filled with emotion.
From the Insect Tribe to this abandoned gold mine shaft.
Although he only experienced two places, it was enough for him to confirm that this unknown explorer was a man worthy of respect.
And with that, the mystery of this gold mine and all that had transpired was unveiled.
Just like the Insect Tribe.
This gold mine was also under attack by the plague of Corruption Toxin.
The Law Knight guarding this place, unable to solve the problem, could only seal it off to contain the spread of the plague.
As for the explorer...
After a perilous adventure, he ventured deep inside, only to find that everyone had perished. He could only rely on his experience with the Insect Tribe to attempt to contain the plague within this gold ore.
Now, decades have passed.
The mine shaft has been purified, and hope has been delivered to Lindsey in this manner.
With the situation as it is, Lindsey no longer hesitated.
Crack!
He took out the Meteorite Pickaxe and struck the wall, causing the corrupted gold to loosen and fall into his bag.
He then placed it on the workbench.
【1 Corrupted Gold + 3 Advanced Dark Gems + 1 Advanced Wood = Corrupt Poison Staff】
【1 Corrupted Gold + 3 Advanced Metals + 5 Special Metals + 1 Advanced Dark Gem = Malevolent Plague Sword】
【1 Corrupted Gold + 3 Dragon Teeth + 3 Advanced Gems = Toxic Dragon Summoning Staff】
【1 Corrupted Gold + 15 Titanium Alloy + 1 Advanced Gem Powder = Corrupted Erosion Plague Bomb】
【1 Corrupted Gold + 1 Death Soul Bug + 3 Corrupted Moss = Mutation Potion】
"..."
These advanced ores, transformed by the containment of corrupted toxins, seemed exceptionally dangerous to Lindsey.
Moreover, upon checking the materials, he found that several of them could be crafted immediately!
"Tsk—"
"Another multiple-choice question?"
Lindsey hesitated, his expression uncertain.
But at that moment, another idea suddenly popped into his mind.
The plague in the Insect Tribe could be treated with diluted Luminothorn Mushrooms, but there was still no solution for the infected land.
However, this gold is different!
It was produced by absorbing the Corruption Toxin, and as long as it's transported back and placed with the explorer's notes, the original purification effect might just work on the Bug Canyon!
"Absolutely!"
Lindsey's face lit up with joy.
With his decision made, he prepared to leave this hidden space and return to the main tunnel of the mine shaft.
All in all, today brought plenty of good news.
Not only did he obtain new materials, but he also confirmed the safety of the gold mine and even found a potential way to purify the land.
Lindsey returned with a full load! On his way back, he found the cave he had entered and reinforced the surrounding structure to prevent tunnel collapse.
And as he journeyed back...
In the attribute panel, a new line appeared under the Real-Time Strategy module:
【Trading Caravan Route: 1/1】
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
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