Rumor

Li Ming and Li Xuan proceeded with their work, accompanied by the members of the three Dragon Houses who had arrived at the site. The first group to arrive was from the Yellow Dragon House, responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of the workers.

Gradually, members from the other Dragon Houses gathered as well. Some came to learn about the tasks at hand, while others engaged in discussions about the construction project. Li Ming relied on Eyses to provide the plan and blueprint, but since the blueprint needed to be drawn personally, he could only provide the workers with the location and instruct them to clear the area.

Throughout the process, Li Ming and Li Xuan remained together. However, something seemed off. Despite Li Xuan's concerns and expectations of an ambush, there was no sign of any imminent danger.

Perplexed, Li Xuan shared her observations with Li Ming. "It's strange. I anticipated that Li Heng would attempt to ambush us, but so far, there is no indication of any such threat."

Li Ming, puzzled as well, responded, "Isn't that a good thing? It would be preferable for the family to maintain peace rather than engaging in conflicts."

Li Xuan contemplated his words, realizing he had a point. She had no intention of harming Li Heng physically; instead, she sought to strip him of his power and render him powerless. Her plan had been to create an impression of vulnerability, but it appeared that Li Heng had not taken the bait.

"Nevertheless, I suggest remaining cautious," Li Xuan warned Li Ming. She had an inkling that the situation was more complex than it appeared.

Li Ming, unperturbed, replied, "Of course, it's always wise to be cautious in such circumstances."

They continued their work, focused on locating potential oil reserves. Li Ming identified a specific spot and explained to the workers, "This should be the place. You will encounter shale at the top, but as you dig deeper, you should reach a sandstone formation where we can find oil."

One of the workers, taking charge, inquired about the construction needed to excavate the ground. Li Ming replied, "Yes, please proceed with constructing the necessary structures to dig the ground. Although I initially considered a three-legged derrick, it would be more practical to use the methods we are accustomed to. Let's complete the tools first before improving the rest."

Impressed by the efficiency and strength of the elite workers, Li Ming reflected, "These Martial Artists-turned-laborers are diligent, powerful, and knowledgeable. They make excellent additions to our team."

The workers swiftly set up the spring pole within a remarkably short time, exceeding the productivity of the average workers Li Ming had encountered before.

Observing their progress, Li Ming mused, "At this rate, they may reach a depth of ten to fifteen meters within just two days." He also contemplated the difficulties he might face in revolutionizing technology, as significant advancements were often achieved during the industrial revolution.

Noticing Li Xuan's pride in the workers' performance, Li Ming decided to shift his focus. "By the way, have you heard any rumors spreading in the city?" he asked one of the workers, aiming to engage in casual conversation and alleviate the monotony of their work.

Frowning slightly, Li Xuan interjected, "You two, why are you talking? Disregard those rumors; Li Ming and I are simply business partners."

However, the workers seemed confused by her response. The worker who had initiated the conversation clarified, "No, Young Miss, that's not what we meant. There is another rumor circulating in the city. It appears that the water supply has been disrupted due to the presence of oil."

Li Xuan's eyes widened in surprise. "What do you mean?"

"I don't have all the details, but it's said that there is a layer of oil contaminating the water supply," the worker explained.

Perplexed, Li Ming approached them, curious to learn more. "Can you provide further information?"

"I can't explain it in detail. That's all I know. It seems that the patriarch has been distributing water due to this issue," the worker replied.

Li Xuan squinted her eyes, contemplating the implications. "Are you suggesting that our work here is somehow affecting the city's water supply?"

The worker quickly dismissed her assumption. "No, no, that couldn't be the case."

Li Ming, deep in thought, pondered the situation. Consulting Eyses, he concluded that their work should not be causing any disruption to the water supply.

Frowning, Li Ming remarked, "Our operations here shouldn't be the cause of the water supply issues. Water and oil formations are distinct phenomena."

Perplexed, Li Xuan sought clarification. "What do you mean?"

Li Ming retrieved a piece of paper and drew a diagram of the rock formations. Separating it into three sections—gas, oil, and water—he explained, "This is an illustration of an oil reservoir. The gas lies at the top, followed by the oil, and the water resides at the bottom."

Li Xuan's curiosity was piqued. "If I understand correctly, we extract the oil above the water, and the water beneath the oil is what we use for the well."

"No, that's incorrect. The oil reservoir is distinct from the water reservoir," Li Ming clarified.