BOOM BOOM BOOM

The mine roared.

The earth trembled violently as shockwaves rippled through the tunnels. Rock formations shattered, support structures collapsed, and entire sections of the underground network gave way.

Within the rivers, the effect was even more devastating.

The tunnels collapsed inward.

Water surged uncontrollably.

Paths that had once guided the current now broke apart, sending torrents of water bursting through weakened rock layers.

Flooding began.

Rapid.

Unstoppable.

Water spilled into mining sections, filling tunnels, swallowing pathways, and dragging everything in its path into chaos.

Screams echoed.

Disciples, and clan members alike were caught off guard, their carefully maintained routines shattered in an instant. Some were crushed beneath falling rock. Others were swept away by the sudden influx of water, their bodies disappearing into the depths.

The slaves had already been taken outside when the collapse first started and now only disciples and clan members who went to investigate were left.

Above, the supervisors could do nothing.

The scale was too large.

The destruction too sudden.

The mine itself was breaking apart.

Han Yu stood within the safety of his hidden tunnel, unmoving.

He could no longer monitor anything.

The formations were gone.

Destroyed.

But he did not need to see.

He understood.

The elders within the river had no escape.

Even if they survived the initial collapses, the destruction of the pathways would trap them. The flooding would disrupt their movement, obscure their direction, and isolate them from one another.

The mine would not recover quickly.

Han Yu allowed himself a small smile.

’This... will take time to fix.’

Days.

Weeks.

Perhaps longer.

The sect would be forced to halt operations, redirect resources, and investigate the cause. The loss would be significant.

And in that chaos...

His actions would be buried.

Han Yu exhaled.

Then turned his attention to himself.

He dirtied his robes further, tearing sections of the fabric and smearing dust and debris across his body. Small, controlled injuries were inflicted where necessary, enough to appear convincing without causing actual harm.

His breathing slowed.

His posture shifted.

He became... A survivor.

After waiting for an appropriate amount of time, he moved again.

He exited the hidden tunnel.

Then, with a single precise strike, he collapsed the entrance behind him. The rock fell naturally, sealing the path in a way that would appear no different from the countless other collapses that had occurred.

From there, he navigated the remaining intact routes.

His jade slip guided him.

Paths that others did not know.

Shortcuts.

Safe passages.

He moved through them efficiently, avoiding unstable sections and bypassing blocked tunnels.

Hours passed.

Finally...

He emerged.

Near one of the main tunnels.

The scene was chaos.

Disciples rushed back and forth, some injured, some assisting others. Supervisors shouted orders, trying to restore some semblance of control. The air was filled with tension, confusion, and fear.

Then...

Someone saw him.

"Senior Ju Fan!"

The voice cut through the noise.

A figure rushed toward him. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

Han Yu recognized him immediately.

The same Curse Peak disciple he had spoken with before. The one who had supervised the slaves. The very first one he had met and talked to.

The disciple’s eyes widened as he approached, taking in Han Yu’s disheveled appearance.

"Senior! What happened to you?" he asked urgently.

Han Yu’s expression remained calm, though his voice carried a controlled strain.

"The mine... collapsed," he said. "I was in one of the deeper tunnels. It buried me."

The disciple’s face paled slightly.

"You were buried?"

Han Yu nodded faintly.

"I managed to dig my way out. It took time. The paths were blocked. I had to find another route."

He let out a slow breath.

"Nearly five hours."

The disciple exhaled heavily, relief flooding his expression.

"Thank heavens..."

He shook his head.

"We were about to start a search for you. Senior Hong Yao reported your absence, and word reached the Second Kidney Peak."

Han Yu’s gaze shifted slightly.

"The Peak Head?"

The disciple nodded quickly.

"He’s furious. When he heard about the collapse, he immediately ordered that you be found at all costs. He’s already on his way here personally."

Around them, others had begun to notice.

Their attention shifted.

Whispers spread.

"That’s Ju Fan..."

"He’s alive?"

"I thought he was gone..."

Several disciples approached, their expressions a mix of shock and relief.

One of them spoke.

"Senior, are you alright? You’re injured..."

Another added quickly, "We thought... with the collapse..."

They did not finish the sentence.

They did not need to.

Han Yu remained composed.

"I am fine," he said calmly. "Minor injuries."

The reactions continued to spread.

Supervisors paused in their work, glancing toward him. Even some of the clan members turned, their expressions showing clear surprise.

Ju Fan was not just any disciple.

He was important.

More valuable than most, especially with the work he was doing.

And his survival...

Changed things.

The Curse Peak disciple who had first approached him straightened slightly, his tone more respectful now.

"Senior, you should rest. The situation here is unstable. We’ll escort you to safety."

Han Yu gave a small nod.

But within his mind...

Everything was already moving forward.

The first stage was complete.

And now...

The consequences would begin.

Han Yu allowed himself to be escorted without resistance.

The moment his presence was confirmed, several disciples moved quickly to support him, guiding him away from the unstable tunnels and toward a safer section of the mine.

His appearance alone was enough to draw attention. Dust-covered robes, torn fabric, and faint traces of injury painted a convincing image of someone who had narrowly escaped death.

A temporary treatment area had already been established near one of the more stable areas of the mining camp. Injured cultivators were being brought in continuously, some walking under their own strength, others carried. The atmosphere was tense, filled with urgency and suppressed panic.

Han Yu was seated without delay.

A healer stepped forward, their spirit sense sweeping across his body.

"Minor external injuries," the healer said after a brief inspection. "Internal condition stable. No serious damage."