Chapter 378: Scavengers of the Shimmering Waste

Dawn broke

, casting its piercing light over the coastline's endless garbage heaps. Many scavengers had already started their work, their magical energy shimmering as it churned through the waste.

In the midst of the vast sea of trash stood four figures: Mo Fuyang, Qing Li, Qing Wan, and Song Heng. Behind them were twelve other scavengers, their postures slightly deferential—this quartet represented the Garbage Recycling Plant.

Mo Fuyang greeted Song Heng warmly. "Brother Song, these fellows are willing to work with you. This is the best we could gather for now."

“Ah, Manager Mo, you’re being too kind,” Song Heng replied, patting his ample belly. His tone was casual, but his eyes shone with determination. “This group is more than enough for this area. The real treasure lies beneath the surface—we need to unearth it.”

He raised his trusty treasure-seeking compass, letting out a sigh of relief. Having a powerful backer truly made everything easier. Now he could dig openly without worrying about disputes or conflicts—after all, no one would dare challenge the plant's authority.

Qing Wan’s icy gaze scanned the horizon. “We’ll leave this area to you, Brother Song. We have other places to spread the news.”

Qing Li nodded in agreement. “Manager Mo, I’ll take some people to the far side of the island. More hands will hear about the plant.”

“Very well,” Mo Fuyang replied. His deep, steady voice carried reassurance. “Just remember, we don’t need to rush. The Senior’s instructions are clear—take it slow, no forcing anyone. Let’s avoid trouble.”

“Understood.”

Qing Wan and Qing Li bowed deeply before taking to the sky, their movements filled with purpose. Behind them, dozens of scavengers emerged from the trash heaps, following them in a grand procession toward another part of the island.

As they disappeared into the distance, Song Heng activated his treasure-seeking compass. A beam of light shot into the air, causing a nearby mound of trash to erupt. Foul-smelling fumes and sticky sludge burst forth, filling the air with an overwhelming stench that spoke of centuries of rot.

“Alright, everyone!” Song Heng bellowed, pointing at the pile. “Get to work! Finders keepers, but since we’re short on manpower, we’ll split the spoils evenly for now.”

“Thank you, Brother Song!” “Much appreciated, Brother Song!”

The scavengers’ eyes lit up as they dove toward the heap. Having guidance from Song Heng’s compass was a game-changer; it saved them countless hours of fruitless searching.

As they worked, Mo Fuyang observed the compass with quiet admiration. “No wonder Brother Song earned three hundred mid-grade spirit stones in a single month. That tool of yours is extraordinary.”

Song Heng grinned modestly. “A family heirloom, nothing more. It’s just a little something to help me assist the Seniors. Not worth mentioning.”

“Oh?” Mo Fuyang’s curiosity was piqued.

Song Heng chuckled, a glint of mystery in his eyes. “Manager Mo, some secrets are best kept hidden. But let me tell you this: the potential of the Garbage Recycling Plant is far greater than anyone can imagine.”

Though he didn’t fully understand Song Heng’s words, Mo Fuyang nodded in agreement. He was confident in one thing: the plant’s future was boundless. Those who couldn’t see that were blind to opportunity.

“Well, Brother Song, I’ll leave this area to you. I need to return and sort through today’s haul for Master Chi.”

At the mention of Master Chi, Song Heng’s expression tightened. He nodded hastily. “Of course, Manager Mo. Please, carry on.”

As Mo Fuyang flew off, Song Heng muttered under his breath, “Damn it, that lion is out to get me...” Shaking his head, he dove back into the garbage, vowing to avoid the fiery beast at all costs.

<hr>

Elsewhere on the island.

High above the trash, Qing Li and Qing Wan soared through the air, their spirits high.

“Senior didn’t promise us resources for our work,” Qing Wan said, her frosty demeanor softening, “but he delivered on his word—sixth-tier mid-grade pills. That’s no small matter.”

Qing Li nodded. “Manager Mo mentioned plans for an internal and external contribution ranking system. Internally, those who help the plant will receive rewards. Externally, the top one hundred scavengers each year will earn bonus spirit stones.”

He paused before adding, “But there’s also a rule: no malicious disputes. Anyone who disrupts the island’s harmony will face the Ascension Gathering—a punishment enforced by the plant.”

Qing Wan’s gaze sharpened. “Then it’s better for scavengers to work harder rather than fighting amongst themselves. The Seniors clearly prefer harmony over competition.”

News of these rules spread quickly among the scavengers. Every day, more people made their way to the plant. Initially hesitant, they left brimming with confidence, their pockets jingling with spirit stones.

A common refrain emerged among the scavengers: “Sold yet? How many catties? What? You haven’t heard?”

The incredulous tone and mocking laughter quickly spread, leaving uninformed scavengers scrambling for answers. When they learned about the plant’s lucrative trade, they were stunned. “The garbage island has changed!” they exclaimed.

<hr>

Under the moonlight.

The Garbage Recycling Plant’s business was booming. Each day brought more scavengers and more materials. Inside the plant, Chen Xun and his companions worked tirelessly—breaking down materials, refining resources, and planning expansions. Nights were spent cultivating and processing the growing piles of trash. Life was busy, but fulfilling.

One evening, as the moon bathed the plant in silver light, Chen Xun sat with his companions around a campfire near a humble thatched hut. The atmosphere was warm, the air filled with the faint crackle of burning wood.

Sister Crane sat on a small stool, reading from her ledger. “Big Brother, this month we collected 1,132 catties of Great Desolate Crow God Crystal, spending 28,300 mid-grade spirit stones. Our revenue? 113,200 mid-grade spirit stones.”

Her voice trembled slightly as she read the final number. “Net profit: 84,900 mid-grade spirit stones.”

Sister Crane clapped a hand over her mouth, barely suppressing her excitement. “Big Brother, we’ve struck gold!”

Xiao Chi’s face twisted with glee, his claws unconsciously ruffling his mane. “Eighty-four thousand! No wonder the plant’s booming—this is what real efficiency looks like.”

Moo!

Brother Ox snorted in agreement, his gaze brimming with admiration for Chen Xun.

Chen Xun remained composed, sipping his tea. “I’ve already made arrangements with Yun Jin. Next shipment, we’ll receive spirit herbs and pill recipes to enhance our divine sense.”

Moo!

Brother Ox nudged Chen Xun, his gratitude evident.

Sister Crane beamed. “Big Brother, we’ll never have to worry about spirit stones again.”

Xiao Chi nodded fervently. “You’re a visionary, Big Brother. Who would’ve thought trash could make us rich—and without stepping on anyone’s toes!”

Chen Xun chuckled. “This is just the beginning. We’ll expand our operations, establish our dominance, and build our reputation. Soon, no one will dare challenge us. The world is vast, my friends, and the opportunities are endless.”