CHAPTER 2245: CHAPTER 2243: FUTURE PROSPECTS

Through introductions, Peter Brown also learned about the three people’s situations. The handsome middle-aged man was Dargan Smith, the woman was Lorraine Johnson, who was his wife, and they actually got together in this mining cave. The other middle-aged person was Cain Johnson.

All three of them were loose practitioners, captured by different families and thrown into the underground mining caves.

"Peter, people entering the mining caves are all recorded in the Sect’s Steward Office of the Great Void Sect. Even if they escape, they’ll be recaptured by the sect and thrown back inside. The only way out is through the large-scale competition in the underground world. Only by ranking in the top hundred in the underground competition can one possibly be accepted by the sect and thus enter it."

Peter curiously asked, "Underground martial arts tournament?"

"That’s right. The underground world of this mining cave is vast, beyond your imagination, and there are even cities underground and ranges of influence."

Charlotte glanced at Peter and sighed lightly, saying, "Even so, it’s extremely difficult for some people."

Peter immediately understood her implication and asked, "Do you mean someone like me has no chance?"

Charlotte slightly nodded, "Those like you, who have offended their families, all have their own younger generation in the Great Void Sect. Naturally, they would obstruct you, and they only need to hint, and those who control the underground forces, eager to please them, would cooperate to deal with you!"

Peter really wanted to curse; even in such a place, there’s no way out.

Of course, if Peter were an ordinary person, he might really be in trouble. But Peter was not ordinary, and his cultivation was recovering, so he didn’t worry too much.

Peter still showed a resentful expression, saying, "Is there no other way?"

"There are certainly other ways, but you have to show your value, let the sect think you are a valuable person."

"Isn’t it against the rules to kill indiscriminately in the underground world?"

"That’s right. In the underground world, it’s all about the fist. If your fist is big enough, you are the strong person and can enjoy all kinds of services."

At this point, Dargan Smith gave a wry smile and said, "Don’t mislead Peter. Actually, those underground strong people are the ones helping families manage, their seals are partially lifted, and some are entirely unsealed. How could someone sealed like you be their match?"

The three of them sighed at this moment, full of a sense of helplessness about this matter.

Dargan Smith said, "We have been in such a place for hundreds of years, yet, in so many years, no one has ever left here. Those who manage to leave are those with family connections, those with clear goals."

Charlotte smiled, "Even those with sealed cultivation can refine their bodies, right? Wasn’t there a person who practiced body refinement and made it to the top ten last time?"

"That’s true. Body refinement is prevalent in the underground world. Peter, if you have enough Life Stones or some Life Grass from the underground, you could exchange them for a set of body refinement techniques. This is the only path for people like us."

Body refinement?

Peter nodded in agreement. With cultivation sealed, this indeed seemed like the only way. However, Peter believed it wasn’t entirely so.

"Are there people who have lifted their seals?"

"Yes!" Cain Johnson, who hadn’t spoken all along, suddenly said.

"Indeed, there are such people who are called mining bandits."

Peter asked, "Why are they called mining bandits?"

"They do not comply with management, and their cultivation resources are acquired through looting. They even target the resources of those in charge."

Peter was curious, "Can they also participate in the sect selection?"

"Peter, you might not know the situation here. There’s nothing fairer than the sect’s large-scale competition. When the sect comes to select talents, they don’t care about your past deeds. If you showcase abilities that interest the sect or make it into the top hundred, you can be accepted as a sect disciple, leap through the Dragon Gate, and shed the identity of a miner."

Such a thing exists!

Peter learned more about the underground world’s situation and was surprised at what kind of place it was.

Seeing Peter’s incredulous expression, Charlotte said, "So, the underground world has only one rule, which is that the fist does the talking. As long as your fist is big, you have clout. However, this comes with a premise that you’re not someone they intend to target specifically."

At this point, the three of them looked at Peter again. Charlotte added, "Peter, if possible, it’s best not to reveal yourself in front of others. From what you said, you are marked as someone the Harrison clan intends to deal with. I believe this has already been communicated through the teleport path to the several major powers of this world. Once they see you, they will coordinate to deal with you."

"Do you have the coordinates of the underground world’s location?"

"I do have a copy made by someone in the city. I’ll give you one."

Dargan Smith took out a crystal ball-like object and handed it to Peter.

"We are all people with sealed cultivation, so storage bags haven’t been refined with divine sense. Jade slips are unsealed. Since you’re new, remember to absorb a piece of Life Stone’s life energy when reading the jade slip; it can support the use of divine sense for 15 minutes."

Peter didn’t know about this, so he nodded.

After saying these words, the three stood up and looked at Peter, then Dargan Smith clearly said to Peter, "Once you have the coordinates, you can proceed on your own. We won’t accompany you."

Peter thought they might want to go too while saying they wouldn’t accompany him, initially puzzled. Then he understood, they didn’t wish to be seen with him, afraid of being implicated.

Thinking of this, Peter didn’t say much, smiled at them, and nodded, "Alright, thank you. I’ll find some Life Stones here before I proceed."

The three quickly left towards the front.

Watching them leave, Peter sat cross-legged here, thinking carefully about the information he had gathered and understanding more about the underground world’s situation.

It appears the Harrison clan’s power is quite strong in this region, consistently under their control, with an inner disciple backing them. Indeed, Peter needed to be careful.