Although they had reached this point by their own choices, Mu Hanyan wasn’t going to play the generous fool and give them back the money they had lost earlier. However, seeing their desolate and confused expressions, Mu Hanyan still found it hard to remain completely unmoved.
"Wait a moment, please hold your step," Mu Hanyan suddenly had an inspiration and stopped everyone.
"What instructions does Young Master Mu have?" the crowd asked.
"I know that most of you were deceived by the Yuan Family during the Stone Tasting Conference, losing your homes after gambling away your wealth. Although I despise the Yuan Family’s actions, I can’t retrieve the money they have swallowed. But, as a fellow Swordsman, I can’t bear to see you become downtrodden. I wish to offer you an opportunity, but it’s up to you whether you want to take it or not," Mu Hanyan said thoughtfully.
"Please speak, Young Master Mu," everyone perked up at the mention of an opportunity.
"Although ownership of the mine has changed, we cannot simply cease its operation. If you are willing, you can stay and help," said Mu Hanyan.
"Isn’t that the same as working for the Yuan Family before?" the people dimmed, smiling bitterly. Working hard for the Yuan Family and now working for the Mu Family—wasn’t it the same?
The Yuan Family paid so little that it was impossible for them to turn around their fate. Thus, after toiling for months, the moment they received their wages, they could only re-enter the Stone Tasting Conference, clinging to a slim hope of recouping their investments and returning the hard-earned money to the Yuan Family. The "opportunity" Mu Hanyan spoke of didn’t seem like much of one.
"Of course, it’s different. Whatever wages the Yuan Family gave, I will give the same. However, if you manage to extract Meteorite Gold from the raw stones, two-tenths will be used as a reward for all. If you extract exceptional Meteorite Gold, such as Chenyun Gold Sky Blue Sand, there will even be additional rewards," Mu Hanyan explained with a smile.
Everyone’s spirits were lifted. Although the probability of yielding Meteorite Gold from the veins was low, there was always some output. Two-tenths might not sound like much, but given the high value of Meteorite Gold, and the possibility of uncovering highly valued ores like Chenyun Gold Sky Blue Sand, it was already quite significant. In just a few years, they could recover their losses and return home richly dressed or even strike it rich overnight.
This was clearly different from the gambling at the Stone Tasting Conference.
"Young Master Mu, are your words true?" everyone asked excitedly.
"Why would I lie to you? Let’s formalize this agreement," Mu Hanyan proposed after some thought.
This wasn’t Mu Hanyan’s area of expertise, but Wu Qiuyun was a professional, quickly bringing over paper and pen to finalize the agreement on the spot. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novęlfire.net
Thinking about the chance to truly turn their lives around, these people couldn’t be held back. Once the agreement was signed, they energetically began working, and soon the mining field was bustling with the crisp sound of clanging and flashes of sword light.
Mu Hanyan had previously underestimated these individuals. Although they had appeared no different from ordinary gamblers with bloodshot eyes at the Stone Tasting Conference, once they began, they showed considerable skill—none were below Fourth or Fifth Rank Swordsmen, with some even achieving Seventh or Eighth Rank.
But after reflecting, Mu Hanyan realized it wasn’t surprising. For ordinary people, Little Pond City was located deep within the Longyan Mountains, teeming with groups of Exotic Beasts and fraught with countless dangers. Who would dare to enter without some ability?
Watching the Swordsmen working busily, Mu Hanyan and his companions prepared to return to the hall. However, at that moment, Mu Hanyan noticed a familiar figure.
"Young Master Ye? What are you doing here?" Mu Hanyan asked in surprise, seeing Ye Lanfeng unexpectedly present.