“Big Brother Lu, I heard you’ve opened a spiritual meridian?” Yu Xiaodie looked at Lu Ye with curiosity, her eyes showing a hint of surprise.

Lu Ye smiled slightly, waving his hand. “Where did you hear such rumors?” He then asked, “What about you, Miss Yu?”

Yu Xiaodie smiled faintly and extended her hand, a faint glow shimmering on her palm. “I’ve also opened a spiritual meridian.” She spoke softly, and there seemed to be a bit of secrecy in her eyes.

Lu Ye understood, casually asking, “How many meridians?”

Yu Xiaodie was momentarily stunned, and the smile on her face became a little complex. “Exactly how many, I’m not sure, but I believe that with the chance to experience this opportunity, everything will no longer be an issue.”

The two of them walked side by side, and among the many mine slaves, it felt less lonely. Opening the spiritual meridian was indeed a stroke of luck for cultivators compared to those without the aptitude, but still, those with true cultivation were few and far between. Most only possessed the ability to sense spiritual energy, with low cultivation levels. Their identities were not noble, and just surviving to this point was a miracle.

Yu Xiaodie lowered her voice and said, “Tomorrow’s opportunity is extremely important. Big Brother Lu, if you have any special talents, don’t hold back—show them. That way, the future is bright.”

Lu Ye nodded. Though he understood that he didn’t have any special talents and had no intention of revealing his Spiritual Root Tree, the concern she showed warmed his heart. “Understood,” he responded briefly.

Yu Xiaodie smiled lightly. “Alright, no more talking about that. Remember, this opportunity is crucial, don’t miss it.”

Lu Ye acknowledged her words and bid her farewell. That said, as a mine slave, what special talent could he possibly have? The only thing that might “stand out” was his seemingly ordinary storage bag. Unfortunately, his Spiritual Root Tree could not be exposed, and clearly, he wouldn’t be revealing this secret to anyone.

After walking a few steps, Lu Ye couldn’t help but glance around. He still wasn’t accustomed to being surrounded by so many mine slaves. Though he was now free, the environment remained harsh.

He continued walking toward a corner, hoping to find a place to be alone for a while. At that moment, he noticed the Liu brothers hiding at the back of the crowd, shivering. When they saw Lu Ye walking toward them, their faces went pale, and fear filled their eyes.

When Lu Ye stood before them, the fear in their eyes was unmistakable.

“What… what do you want?” Liu Eldest said weakly, his voice tinged with threat, but he kept glancing toward the chubby cultivator, seemingly hoping for help.

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Lu Ye’s expression was emotionless as he delivered a punch straight to Liu Eldest’s nose. Blood splattered, and Liu Eldest immediately collapsed to the ground. Lu Ye then kicked Liu Second in the stomach, causing him to scream in agony. Without missing a beat, Lu Ye grabbed his hair and threw him forcefully.

“Looks like you two don’t recognize me anymore?” Lu Ye sneered.

Liu Second, in excruciating pain, his vision spinning, never imagined that Lu Ye would suddenly act. He didn’t even have time to respond before he was tossed aside, landing hard and losing two teeth in the process.

“Remember this for the future—don’t provoke me.” Lu Ye took their spot on the ground, crossed his legs, and began to meditate.

The surrounding mine slaves watched this scene, secretly relieved yet anxious. After all, no one wanted to be the next “lesson” for Lu Ye. Since that incident with the Liu brothers, Lu Ye had claimed a corner for himself, and it became much quieter around him. No one dared to approach.

After cultivating Qi, his appetite grew larger, and he now devoured the dried beast meat with relish. Others watched in envy, their mouths watering, but no one dared to snatch it from him.

That night, Lu Ye spent his time peacefully in his small corner. The next morning, he was full of energy and ready to face the upcoming “opportunity.”

After breakfast, Lu Ye and the other mine slaves sat quietly, waiting for what was to come. Finally, more than ten cultivators dressed in various robes approached the mine slaves. The leader, a middle-aged cultivator, stood at the front, hands behind his back, scanning the young people before him.

“You all come from different sects and families and have suffered here. Now, the Haotian Alliance is recruiting talent. If any of you have opened your spiritual meridians or possess cultivation talent, you will have the chance to join one of the sects,” the middle-aged cultivator said with a warm smile, his tone gentle, though his words carried an undeniable authority. “Make sure to seize this opportunity. Perhaps in the future, we will fight side by side, slaying demons and evil.”

As soon as he finished speaking, more than ten cultivators stepped forward. The first cultivator waved his hand, releasing a surge of spiritual energy that enveloped over a hundred mine slaves.

Following the instructions of the other cultivators, Lu Ye was brought to the last cultivator in line. This cultivator, dressed in a light gray robe, had a cold and experienced gaze, signaling to the group to form a line. Lu Ye stood in line, his heart quietly bracing himself. He had a feeling that today’s test would be crucial for determining his fate.

As each person passed the cultivator, they were asked if they had opened their spiritual meridians or had any aptitude for cultivation. Lu Ye noticed that those who hadn’t opened their meridians were quickly dismissed, their hands being covered before being cast aside, clearly no longer eligible to remain in the group.

Finally, it was the turn of the thirteenth person in line. The mine slave placed his hands on a crystal orb, which immediately lit up with a faint blue-green glow. The cultivator smiled slightly, clearly pleased with the result. “Finally, one,” he muttered, turning to the mine slave. “Name?”

The mine slave responded excitedly, and the cultivator nodded, pulling out a jade token. Using spiritual power, he quickly activated it, and the jade token displayed the slave’s name.

“Take the jade token and go to the tent over there to meet Third Senior Brother. He’ll verify your aptitude,” the cultivator instructed, handing him the jade token, and motioning for the next person.

The mine slave cradled the jade token like a precious treasure and ran to the tent, his heart full of hope.

Lu Ye stood in line, watching all this unfold, his thoughts racing. It seems that the opportunities really do vary. Those who haven’t opened their meridians might be eliminated here.

Taking a deep breath, Lu Ye prepared himself mentally. Today’s opportunity would determine his future.