Chapter 297

The Leopard Cave was a stone cave. Judging from Ye Guhong’s limited knowledge of geology, it was probably limestone.

To enjoy the luxury, someone has to excavate it. Ye Guhong thought about it for a while, and then had someone cut down many trees, pile them in the cave, and set them on fire.

In a moment, the cave was filled with roaring flames and billowing smoke. Ye Guhong then had people make many buckets from wood and bamboo. It just so happened that there was a small river at the foot of the mountain. When the trees were burned, the soldiers carried buckets of cold water and poured them into the cave. For a while, white smoke billowed, and the ground suddenly cracked in large areas.

When the smoke in the cave dispersed, the troops went in and removed the loose rocks… This went on for two or three days, day and night, and a seven or eight meter deep pit had been burned out at the bottom of the cave.

One day, after the steam had mostly dispersed, the Yi soldiers on shift entered the cave one after the other. Under the light of the torches, they pried open a layer of spontaneously heating stone slabs and saw a dazzling golden light bursting forth. Hundreds of people cheered in unison, 鈥淕old! There really is gold!鈥�

Outside the cave, Ye Guhong and the others hurriedly entered to check. Under the cracked limestone, large areas of golden ore were exposed. When they were illuminated by the firelight, they were truly radiant with gold and exuded a precious aura, dazzling the eyes of everyone.

Ye Guhong, however, remained calm. He frowned, crouched down, and examined the area carefully for a moment. Then he shook his head slightly, took a hammer from one of the Miao soldiers, and smashed it down hard. Sparks flew in all directions, but the golden ore did not change in the least.

Those who were quick-witted already noticed a slight change in their expressions: with Ye Guhong’s strength, a single hammer blow would shatter a large stone, so shouldn’t the gold be deeply indented?

Ye Guhong threw the hammer and said to the crowd, 鈥淚t seems that the gold is still underneath. As for these, they are not gold, but pyrite. Because it is similar to gold, it is just much harder. Some people pass it off as gold to deceive people, so it is also called fool’s gold . Doctors call it natural copper, also known as stone lead. It has the effect of dispersing blood stasis and relieving pain, and can be used to treat bone fractures and injuries. It can be used in combination with blood circulation and pain relief powder and bruise powder. Haha, this thing will be useful when we go on a campaign in the future.

Everyone was greatly disappointed when they heard this. Many Yi people squatted down and slowly felt the pyrite, their faces full of disbelief.

After digging for two or three days like this, they finally found a real gold mine. They saw countless fine gold grains embedded in the long ore body. When the torches shone on them, they competed to flash, like stars.

At this point, the leaders of the Yi and Miao tribes were all overjoyed, and they finally believed that Ye Guhong’s wandering was truly divinely ordained, and they pledged their undying loyalty from then on.

What was surprising was that in addition to the gold mine, there were also large amounts of coal and iron ore. These were not surprising in later generations, but they were just right for making armor.

Ye Guhong immediately ordered the various ethnic groups to mobilize their craftsmen to mine gold and smelt weapons here, build a city, and named it 鈥淛inlongfu鈥�. He also sent Wan Daitou, younger brother of Wan Dashi, to be the first prefect, supervise the construction of the city, and oversee public security and people’s livelihood. He sent She Pang, younger brother of She Xiang, to be the mine supervisor of Baodiao Cave and supervise mining affairs.

After the arrangements were made, Ye Kuhong led the Emei army back to Emei with his concubines and Zhu Chongba.

Since all the concubines were to be married and the wedding had not yet taken place, it was not appropriate to go to Emei at this time. After thinking for a while, Ye Kuhong simply arranged for Liu Ji to stay at his home, and he himself took Zhu Chongba and the others to the mountain.

When they arrived at the mountain gate, Mie Jie heard the news that his beloved disciple had returned and came to greet him in person. Ye Guhong saw his master standing under the mountain gate from afar, his face glowing with a rosy hue, and his feet slightly tapping the ground, revealing a girlish manner. He was obviously extremely excited, which Ye Guhong found strange.

He thought to himself: My master is such a proud and dignified person, how can he be so happy today, even a little…excited?

At a glance, he saw that beside his master, Shi Feilong of the Beggar Sect, the Seven Heroes of Wudang, Wei Sanniang of Kunlun, Ji Dabao of the Golden Whip School…and many other heroes he knew and didn’t know, were all smiling at him.

He quickly walked up to them and bowed, saying, 鈥淢aster, I’m late, but I’m glad you’re thinking of me.鈥�

Mie Jie laughed and said, 鈥淭here’s no need for formalities. Get up quickly and meet your friends. I didn’t expect that your wedding would have attracted so many people.鈥�

At this, Zhang Qubing pounced out from between his parents and took Ye Guhong’s arm, saying, 鈥淢aster, I have not dishonoured you. I have retrieved everything intact. How about this as my gift to you?鈥�

Old man Zhou immediately jumped out and shouted, 鈥淏rother, I also had a hand in obtaining those secret…secret treasures of great value, so how can you give them to me alone?鈥�

Ye Guhong was surprised and said, 鈥淏rother Zhou, what did you call my apprentice?鈥�

Old man Zhou grinned and said, 鈥淵ou and this apprentice hit it off right away, and you’ve become close friends. But don’t worry, he still calls you master, and you still call him apprentice. It’s just that I also call you brother, and I also call him brother!鈥�

Zhang Cui Shan laughed and said, 鈥淚n short, this friend Zhou is all about each person for themselves. He surprised me before, but then he told me that apart from his father and son, everyone else he finds pleasing to the eye is his brother.鈥�

Even Ye Guhong, who had long since become unperturbed by the old man’s absurd behaviour, could not help shaking his head repeatedly at this moment.

Chang Yuchun whispered to his brothers, 鈥淲e must not have sons too soon, or Brother Zhou will consider our sons as brothers too, and I don’t have the breadth of character of Zhang Wuxia…鈥�

At this point, Mie Jie stepped forward and pulled Ye Guhong along, saying, 鈥淔irst, greet your good friends.鈥�

Pointing to Shi Feilong, the Seven Heroes of Wudang, and others, he said, 鈥淭hese are all your good friends, so naturally I don’t need to say anything.鈥�

Ye Guhong bowed and said, 鈥淭he Seven Heroes of Wudang have all come together, I’m so honored.鈥�

The seven heroes laughed out loud, and they all said the same thing as Master Mie Jie: 鈥淣ot only that, not only that.鈥�

Ye Guhong was taken aback, and was about to ask in detail when he was pulled away by Master Mie Jie, who introduced him again: 鈥淭he head of the Huashan School, 鈥榊anggu Swordsman鈥� Bai Yuan, and the two highly respected elders of Huashan, Mr. Gao and Mr. Cui, you met them on Wudang Mountain.鈥�

Ye Guhong was slightly surprised. He thought to himself, 鈥淚’m a disciple of Emei, and I’m getting married, but I didn’t send invitations to Huashan. Even if he came to congratulate me on behalf of the martial arts community, just an inner disciple would have been enough. How come the headmaster and the elder protectors came at the same time?

He also thought, 鈥楳y master is so excited, is it because these people have arrived and he feels honored?鈥�

His thoughts were changing, but his face was as bright as the spring breeze, and he smiled with clasped fists, 鈥滻t is truly an honor to have the headmaster of Huashan come visit.鈥�

Bai Yuan smiled broadly and waved his hand, saying, 鈥淲hat junior? The name of the Jade Hero of Emei is spread all over the world, and the Seven Heroes of Wudang still call you brother. How could I presume to be older than you? You can call me senior Bai, and I will call you junior Ye. From now on, let’s be close brothers.鈥�

The tall elder suddenly stepped forward and looked up and down at Ye Guhong, saying, 鈥淪o you are Ye Guhong? Hehe…鈥�

The short elder next to him jumped up and said, 鈥淪hut up, if you say another word, I’ll take you back to Mount Hua.鈥�

The tall elder trembled with fear and quickly bent over, covering his mouth with his hands.

He was old, and everyone around him couldn’t help but laugh at this gesture.

Zhou Laoren followed behind Mie Jie and suddenly interrupted, 鈥淗ey, I think this tall old man looks about the same age as you short old man, so why are you treating him like your father? No, no, you are all guests here at Emei. Can’t guests speak?”

He patted the elder’s shoulder and encouraged him, 鈥榃hat did you want to say? Go ahead.鈥�

The elder shook his head and said, 鈥滻 won’t say anything. My senior won’t let me speak. If I do, he’ll beat me up. To be honest, my martial arts skills are actually not weaker than his. But if my senior is teaching my junior, how can I fight back?鈥�

Old man Zhou, fearing that the world is in chaos, immediately pulled him away from the short old man and shouted, 鈥淕o ahead, speak. As a member of the Emei Sect, if anyone starts a fight on Mount Emei, I naturally have to stop them.鈥�

Jie Jie could tell at a glance that this tall old man’s brain was a little better than Old Man Zhou’s, but he was still afraid that they would go on and on forever, so he quickly said, 鈥淵es, tall old man, go ahead and speak your mind.鈥�

The Elder laughed heartily, straightened his back, gave the short Elder a provocative look, and then looked at Ye Kuhong: 鈥淚 heard that you showed off your skills on Mount Wudang, beating up nine Shaolin monks by yourself. I heard from my master’s nephew when he returned to the mountain, and I wanted to come and challenge you to a duel. Who would have thought that you even went to the Tartar palace. Only then did I realize that your martial arts and wisdom are probably just a little bit higher than mine. Hmm, you call my head disciple’s nephew your brother, and I am also considered your uncle, so you should call me 鈥渦ncle鈥� and let me hear it.鈥�

Ye Guhong heard the man’s rude words and looked sideways at him, but saw that his face was full of sincere joy, and his eyes were full of expectation. He couldn’t help but smile and bow, saying, 鈥淚 am Ye Guhong, a junior disciple of the Huashan School.

The elder Gao responded with a 鈥榟ey鈥� and puffed out his stomach, laughing heartily, 鈥漈he Jade Hero of Emei Mountain called me a junior disciple. Does that mean I have become famous in the martial world?鈥�

Many young disciples from various schools, who had followed their masters to broaden their horizons, had already been amused by the old man, and when they heard this, they replied in unison, 鈥淵es!鈥�

The Elder Gao was even more delighted, while the Elder Short and Bai Yuan were filled with shame. The two glanced at each other, deeply regretting that they had brought him along.

However, the old man Zhou frowned and said, 鈥淪eeing as you are of an age, you actually don’t know anything. What’s so fun about being famous?鈥�

Elder Gao was surprised and said, 鈥淔or martial artists like us, who roam the world, fame is the most important thing. If that’s not fun, what is?鈥�

Old Man Zhou looked mysterious and said, 鈥淟et me teach you a lesson. The most fun thing on Mount Emei is the monkeys!鈥�

Mo Shenggu nodded repeatedly upon hearing this: 鈥淭hat’s right!鈥�

Although Elder Gao did not know Old Man Zhou, he knew about the reputation of the Seven Heroes of Mo, and immediately became interested: 鈥淎re monkeys really that fun?鈥�

Mie Jie quickly chimed in: 鈥淭he monkeys of our Emei Mountain are probably different from those elsewhere. If you are interested, let our Zhou worshiper accompany you to see them.鈥�

She was afraid that the old man would say something stupid again, so she wanted to distract him.

The Elder Gao glanced at his senior brother. The short Elder was thinking the same thing as Mie Jie, nodding repeatedly: 鈥淵es, yes, the Emei monkeys are famous all over the world, and they are really not to be missed.鈥�

The elder Gao was overjoyed and quickly pulled the worshiper Zhou along to see the monkeys.

Once they had gone, Mo Shengu was itching with curiosity. As he was struggling with it, he suddenly saw the tabby cat on Tang Gong’s shoulder jump off and chase after them. He thought to himself: if the cat can go, why can’t I go?

He let out a cloud-walking leap, and followed the two men and the cat.

Mie Jue let out a sigh of relief, and asked Ye Guhong to continue the introductions on his behalf. It turned out that not only Huashan, but also the Kongtong Five Elders had arrived together, and they were also extremely polite. First they congratulated him, and then thanked Mie Jue and his apprentice for killing Xie Qian and avenging them.

Wei Sanniang of the Kunlun School also brought several fellow disciples to offer their congratulations. Apart from Shaolin, all the other six major schools were present.

In addition, the Qingcheng School, Qinghai Sword School, Diancang School, Tang Family Fortress, Yandang Mountain Divine Sword Gate, Hengshan School, Hengshan School, Taishan School, Xueshan School… all the reputable schools with a certain reputation were also present.

The Hengshan School was founded just ten years ago, and its headmaster, Master Xiaofeng, was a childhood friend of Mo Jie before he joined Emei. When Mo Jie saved Ye Kuhong, he stayed at her nunnery, and later went to Hengshan to start the school. Now she has just four disciples, all young nuns, and she brought them along to congratulate Ye Kuhong.

She and Ye Kuhong were old acquaintances, and when she saw the young boy from those years who had grown up to become a hero famous throughout the world, she could not help but sigh with emotion. She talked to Ye Kuhong for a long time, and then asked her disciples to come and greet their senior.

The four young nuns were all poor children who had been rescued by the heroic Master Xiaofeng. They had never seen much of the world, and when they saw the handsome young man Ye Kuhong, their four little faces turned as red as a piece of cloth.

Among these guests, some were known and some were not. Ye Kuhong met them all as Mie Jie took him straight to the back rooms. Ye Kuhong was surprised and said, 鈥淢aster, there are so many distinguished guests here, where are you taking me?鈥�

Mie Jie’s eyes flashed with excitement, 鈥淣aturally, to meet Zhang Zhenren!鈥�

Ye Kuhong was taken aback. Zhang Zhenren had not set foot on Wudang Mountain for many years, and he never expected that he would come just because of his wedding!

It was already a great honor for the Seven Heroes of Wudang to come together, and for Zhang Zhenren to congratulate them in person would be a huge boost to their reputation. He thought to himself, no wonder my master is so excited, it turns out to be for this reason.

He couldn’t help but say, 鈥淢aster, this is too much honor for Zhang Zhenren, how can I, your disciple, accept it?鈥�

鈥淲ho says you can’t handle it?”

Mie Jie suddenly stopped walking and looked his disciple in the eyes, saying in a firm voice, 鈥漈he head of our Emei Sect getting married is like a real immortal coming down to earth, we can handle it!鈥�

Ye Guhong was shocked, but then he saw that Mie Jie touched the mysterious iron ring on his finger and said softly, 鈥淕uhong, this time it is not only your wedding, but also a grand ceremony for the succession of the third and fourth generations of the Emei Sect!鈥�

鈥淢e? I’m going to be the sect leader?鈥� Ye Guhong couldn’t help but freeze.

You have to know that Mie Jie is at the peak of his martial arts years, so how could he pass the leadership to himself so early?