Free Web NovelChapter 223: Chapter 185: Trace from the Abyss
It’s safe to say that the discoveries Leon and the other teachers made about the Black Stone Turtles in just one afternoon were extremely valuable.
"When an organism eats, energy is lost at each level of the food chain. The Black Stone Turtles consume coal and absorb its energy. Most of this energy is spent on daily activities like breathing, moving, and using Soul Techniques. Only a small fraction probably goes into forming the high-quality coal on their bodies. So... we still need to have a detailed discussion about what to do with them." freēwēbnovel.com
Even though Leon had only been here for two days, his words made him sound like he knew a great deal about Soul Beasts.
Finally, Leon looked toward Dean Wu, his expression serious.
"What I’m trying to say is that our relationship with Soul Beasts doesn’t have to be one of constant conflict. We can engage in deep cooperation. I propose that we work with the Black Stone Turtle colony. Trying to achieve mutually beneficial partnerships with relatively docile Soul Beasts is the way of the future."
"That makes sense."
Dean Wu nodded, his expression showing clear approval.
Discovering a vast coal deposit and Soul Beasts that carried high-quality coal meant more to the academy than just being able to build a thermal power plant.
It would greatly help improve the academy’s industrial level, the members’ quality of life, and even the cultivation of Soul Beasts.
What also surprised Han Ning was that a Soul Beast like the Black Stone Turtle couldn’t actually produce fire.
Aside from being able to release some toxic black smoke, all they could do was ram into things with their bodies, like heavy-duty trucks.
And yet, the black rocks on their bodies were excellent fuel. With a bit of ingenuity, one could develop numerous offensive tactics using them.
...
In the time that followed, everyone at the academy began to fervently discuss the development of the coal mine.
"According to Han Ning’s estimates, the Black Stone Turtle colony lives at least 500 meters below the surface. We can try to make contact with them while we excavate the vein," Leon suggested.
"Leave the mining to us." Teacher Zhou, sitting across from Han Ning, raised his arm.
"My master’s thesis involved research on coal processing equipment, and I even spent time at a state-owned coal mine for hands-on experience. I’m fairly familiar with the mining process."
"The Black Stone Turtles may not have displayed great combat prowess, but they are still a threat that cannot be underestimated. The team sent to mine the vein must have a certain level of fighting skill. Furthermore, the insects should take the lead in the excavation, with humans providing support," Dean Wu added with a nod.
Listening to the discussion, Han Ning, who was sitting in a corner, realized his help wasn’t needed for the mining process.
Teacher Zhou was in charge of the excavation, security would be handled by the Tree Spirits and Tree Demons, and the Blue-Ringed Bees would take care of transport.
Far from feeling disappointed, he was actually quite pleased. Without him even realizing it, the people of the academy had gradually grown stronger. They were no longer the ordinary people who once cowered in their dormitories, trembling with fear.
The heated discussion lasted nearly three hours. In the end, they finalized a plan for mining the coal vein. Han Ning was appointed as the General Security Advisor for the operation. The title sounded prestigious, but his actual role was to step in and help if they encountered Soul Beasts too powerful to handle on their own.
Han Ning could also tell that Dean Wu was actually trying to free up as much of his time as possible so he could focus on cultivating his Soul Beasts.
The next morning, Teacher Zhou organized a mining team—20 humans, 20 Tree Spirits and Tree Demons, over 30 Blue-Ringed Bees, and 10 Silver Thorn Damselflies—and set out for the designated location to begin their preliminary work.
Meanwhile, the others were tasked with staying at the academy’s machining center to research the various types of equipment needed for sorting and processing the coal.
Coal can’t be used immediately after it’s mined; it requires a relatively complex series of processing steps. This involves a range of physical and chemical processes and demands specific knowledge in industrial fields. Only people with the right background could manage it.
Among the hundred-plus new members, a few had prior experience in related fields, and Dean Wu promptly recruited all of them into the research team.
The following day, Han Ning saw a steady stream of Silver Lotus Woods carrying unprocessed steel beams toward the machining center.
According to Dean Wu, the coal processing site would not be built within the academy grounds. After all, the process would pollute the surrounding area, which would undoubtedly affect everyone’s quality of life and also interfere with the cultivation of the insects.
The same went for the power station. It would be best to build it outside the academy and then transmit the power to the campus through transmission lines.
...
Around noon that day, Han Ning had just finished lunch and was about to head out to find a fresh kill for Egg Pancake and the All-Encompassing Spiritual Silkworm.
He had just reached the entrance to the dormitory area when a rushed voice called out from behind him, "Han Ning, wait!"
He turned around. It was Teacher Zheng.
’In Han Ning’s memory, Teacher Zheng had always been calm and composed, the very picture of unruffled grace.’
But now, her somewhat haggard face was filled with anxiety.
"What’s wrong?" Han Ning stopped in his tracks. freeweɓnøvel.com
"Yingying is sick! It’s an illness that even the doctors can’t diagnose." Teacher Zheng rushed to Han Ning’s side, explaining in a hurry.
Her hair was a mess, and her eyes were bloodshot.
Teacher Zheng took out her phone, pulled up a picture, and showed it to Han Ning.
