Brother Zhang, I've been thinking all night, and there's something I feel I must tell you

To be frank, Brother Qin, the reason I had such luck today is that I used a trump-card secret technique. It grants me a temporary sharpness that can cut through anything.

But this secret technique puts a massive strain on my Golden Core.

Su Ji clutched his chest as he spoke, coughing twice for dramatic effect.

Every time I use it, it's like dancing on the edge of a blade. I also suffer from the backlash of that sharpness. After today, I'll need to rest for at least three days to let my Golden Core recover.

Otherwise, if I force myself to use it again, I'm afraid this seventh-grade Golden Core I worked so hard to forge will shatter on the spot.

Qin Feng's face turned solemn upon hearing this.

Su Ji actually had an eighth-grade Golden Core?

He understood the principle of only speaking thirty percent of the truth to others and never revealing one's whole heart.

So, if Su Ji said seventh-grade, he was definitely eighth-grade!

Just like how he claimed to be eighth-grade himself, but was actually ninth-grade!

He didn't doubt the authenticity of Su Ji's words and information.

He and Su Ji shared the same goal.

At least in the short term, the other party had no reason to harm him.

And at the very beginning of an alliance, one wouldn't throw out fake information to screw over an ally.

As for not being able to mine tomorrow...

That was also very reasonable.

After all, the more powerful the secret technique, the greater the restrictions and the heavier the price.

It was just that his original plan would have to be disrupted now.

Then... after three days? Qin Feng asked tentatively.

Su Ji shook his head. I want to wait seven days until I'm fully recovered before taking action. In this place, I don't want to rush things and leave myself with hidden injuries.

Qin Feng nodded heavily, his doubts completely dispelled.

If he were in his shoes, he would make the exact same choice.

Three days!

Within three days, I will find a way to get two hundred pounds of Black-veined Iron for you, Brother Su!

Hearing this, Su Ji's face revealed a deeply touched expression. He stepped forward and firmly patted Qin Feng's shoulder.

Brother Qin, with those words, I am relieved!

Brother Qin, you head back first!

If the two of us go back together, it'll easily arouse suspicion!

I'll wander around outside tonight.

I'll pretend to secretly look for a way out.

Anyway, I've already been labeled a troublemaker, so a little more debt won't weigh me down.

I also have a quota to meet, and since I performed well today, they won't kill me easily.

I'll shoulder this risk.

This is my sincerity.

How about it?

The two of them had a heart-to-heart discussion for a while longer, finalizing various plans for the future before going their separate ways.

Farewell.

Qin Feng cupped his hands at Su Ji, turned around, and silently blended into the thick night.

On his way back to his shack, Qin Feng's steps were much lighter.

He felt like he had grasped the key to breaking out of this situation.

Su Hao was the key that could unlock all the shackles!

As long as he made good use of him, they could obtain a steady supply of meat to maintain their strength, and then step by step, dismantle this damned mining camp!

Meanwhile, watching his retreating back, the smile on Su Ji's face gradually faded.

In his mind, Su Jiu's slightly worried voice sounded.

Senior Brother, does that method really damage your body that much? Are you okay?

Su Ji lazily replied in his heart, I've never been one to show off. Shouldn't I give my ally a chance to perform?

Su Jiu: ...

Su Ji ignored the little fox.

He turned around and didn't go back to his own shack.

Instead, he walked straight in another direction.

That was Zhang Kui's residence.

...

Zhang Kui's shack was much larger and sturdier than those of the ordinary mining slaves.

Inside, a dim oil lamp flickered.

Right at this moment.

Thump, thump, thump.

Three moderate knocks broke the silence in the room.

Who is it?

His voice was muffled.

Brother Zhang, it's me, Su Hao.

A somewhat familiar, yet cautious voice came from outside the door.

Zhang Kui froze for a moment.

Su Hao?

That newcomer?

What was he doing coming to find him so late at night?

A trace of doubt rose in Zhang Kui's heart. He got up, walked to the door, and lifted the curtain.

Su Ji was standing outside, the night wind fluttering his somewhat thin clothes.

Seeing Zhang Kui, a smile immediately piled onto his face.

Brother Zhang, I didn't disturb your rest, did I?

The vigilance on Zhang Kui's face eased slightly.

He stepped aside to make way.

If you have something to say, come in and say it.

Su Ji quickly walked in.

Zhang Kui dropped the door curtain, blocking out the sound of the wind outside, turned around, and sat down at the stone table.

He pointed to the stone stool opposite him.

Sit.

Su Ji then carefully sat on the edge of the stone stool, looking nervous and uneasy.

What's the matter, coming so late at night? Zhang Kui got straight to the point.

Su Ji's face showed just the right amount of hesitation and struggle.

He glanced at Zhang Kui, then quickly lowered his head, as if making some difficult decision.

Zhang Kui didn't rush him, just picked up the wineskin on the table and took a swig to himself.

After a long time, Su Ji finally seemed to have made up his mind. He jerked his head up, his face written with a reckless determination.

Brother Zhang!

Zhang Kui was taken aback by this sudden outburst, almost spitting out the wine in his mouth.

You brat, why are you howling so loudly?!

Under the dim lamplight, Su Ji's eyes flickered with a light called loyalty.

Brother Zhang, I thought about it all night, and there's something I feel I absolutely must tell you!