novelraw Chapter 831 831: The Mine Operations
Chapter 831 831: The Mine Operations
Han Yu also realized something else. This meeting was not random. Hong Yao was here at the Second Kidney Peak speaking with the Peak Head. That meant there was a purpose.
And that purpose was likely related to the mine.
Han Yu's thoughts sharpened.
This might be the turning point or the beginning of a complication.
Either way… He could not afford a single mistake.
Not in front of this man.
Not again.
So he stood there.
Calm.
Silent.
Respectful.
While deep within… Every instinct he had was on edge.
The brief exchange between the three came to a natural pause, and for a moment, silence settled within the chamber. It was not an awkward silence, but rather one that carried weight, as if something more important was about to be revealed.
The Peak Head did not waste time.
"Hong Yao is here to bring you to the mines," he said plainly.
Han Yu raised a brow.
Even though his expression remained mostly composed, the faint shift in his eyes betrayed genuine surprise. He had expected approval, perhaps instructions, maybe even a delay. But this… this was immediate action.
He had not even needed to ask.
The Peak Head had already arranged everything.
Han Yu quickly pieced it together. The timing aligned perfectly. His puppet demonstration, the approval from Elder Jurhanzi and High Elder Hagun, and now this arrangement. There was no doubt in his mind.
The Peak Head had been informed.
And not just informed.
He had acted.
"The mining operation for the Violet Spirit Quartz," the Peak Head continued, "is under the authority of the Elder Council. Among them, High Elder Zhongli oversees it directly."
Han Yu's gaze flickered briefly toward Hong Yao.
That explained everything.
"Core Disciple Hong Yao," the Peak Head said, "is currently stationed there as a supervisor."
He then paused before continuing, "You will accompany him. For now, you will be listed as his assistant."
Han Yu listened carefully.
'An Assistant.'
A nominal position.
He understood immediately that it was not about hierarchy but rather about placement. A way to insert him into the operation without drawing excessive attention or disrupting the existing structure.
Of course, the Peak Head added, "Your actual work will differ. You are not required to perform the duties of an assistant."
Han Yu gave a slight nod.
"I understand."
Internally, however, his thoughts were far more complex.
Working under Hong Yao.
An enemy.
Not just any enemy.
One tied directly to the events of the inheritance ground.
A man who had killed his people.
But Han Yu did not hesitate. He could not afford to. He had lived among enemies for over three years. He had walked among wolves, smiled among predators, and hidden his identity in the very heart of danger.
This was no different.
If anything… It was closer to his goal.
He cupped his hands.
"This disciple looks forward to working with Senior Hong Yao."
Hong Yao gave a small nod and his expression remained easygoing.
"We'll see how it goes," he said.
The Peak Head watched the exchange with quiet satisfaction.
"Go," he said. "Familiarize yourselves with the arrangement. Hong Yao will brief you on the situation there."
Han Yu bowed.
"Thank you, Master."
Hong Yao inclined his head slightly.
The matter was settled.
—
A few minutes later, the two stepped out of the Peak Head's residence.
The cold air of the Kidney Peak greeted them once more, crisp and sharp.
They began walking down the path.
Han Yu did not rush.
He needed to return to his courtyard first.
There were things to prepare.
Tools.
Notes.
Perhaps even adjustments to his puppet.
Hong Yao walked beside him casually, his hands behind his back, his pace unhurried.
For a while, neither spoke.
Then Hong Yao broke the silence.
"So," he said, glancing sideways at Han Yu, "what exactly are you doing at the mine?"
Han Yu responded smoothly.
"I've developed a puppet designed for mineral extraction. It specializes in precision mining, particularly for fragile materials like Violet Spirit Quartz."
Hong Yao blinked once.
"…Right."
Han Yu continued.
"It operates using a multi-core system. One core manages locomotion, another handles tool articulation, and a third analyzes mineral composition. There's also a central coordination core to synchronize—"
"Stop."
Hong Yao raised a hand.
His face twisted slightly, as if he had just swallowed something bitter.
"Slow down," he said. "I don't understand half of what you just said."
Han Yu paused.
"…I see."
But he did not stop entirely.
Instead, he adjusted.
"The puppet can mine without breaking the crystals," he summarized.
Hong Yao's expression immediately relaxed.
"Ah. That I understand."
Han Yu nodded.
Internally, however, he was observing carefully. So far, Hong Yao had shown no familiarity with puppet arts. No curiosity toward the technical aspects. No probing questions.
Only surface-level interest.
Han Yu decided to test further.
"The key lies in adaptive force modulation," he continued, deliberately adding more complexity. "The puppet adjusts its output based on feedback from the mineral density and internal resonance—"
"I said stop."
Hong Yao pressed his fingers against his temple.
"I can feel a headache coming."
Han Yu fell silent.
Hong Yao let out a breath.
"Look," he said, waving his hand dismissively, "I don't get this stuff. Never did."
He gave a small shrug.
"All I'm good at is fighting."
Han Yu's eyes flickered slightly.
That… was very useful information.
"Then Senior's role at the mine?" Han Yu asked.
"Supervision," Hong Yao replied. "Security. Handling disputes. Making sure no one does anything stupid... like stealing."
He glanced at Han Yu.
"And sometimes dealing with people who think they're smarter than they actually are."
Han Yu nodded slowly.
"I understand."
Internally, however… He smiled.
Not outwardly.
Never outwardly.
But within his mind, a quiet satisfaction formed.
'This was perfect.'
If Hong Yao lacked knowledge in puppetry, then Han Yu would have far greater freedom.
He could adjust.
Modify.
Experiment.
And even hide certain things if needed. As long as the results were good, Hong Yao would not question the process too deeply. At most, he would care about efficiency, output and results.