Although the little cow was a bit of a shock, the business had to be discussed: "I want to meet the Mining Grandmaster Minotaur."

The attendant said, "I'm sorry, sir, but with your current status, you cannot meet the Grandmaster."

"I have Privilege Points."

"Please pay 5000 Privilege Points."

Chun's heart twinged; apparently, it takes 10,000 points to publish a bounty task, and even adding difficulty is just 30,000. Just to meet someone, and there's no guarantee of success, it's 5000…

Pay with pain!

The attendant laughed with a moo: "Please proceed to the Earth Altar, sir."

Alright, at least it's a chance to witness some high-tech stuff in Minotaur City. The previous gang street fights didn't show any technical content.

Chun arrived at the middle of the big tent, suddenly seeing six giant glowing stone pillars engraved with symbols. A group of Minotaur Shamans, equally covered with patterned symbols, were worshipping around the pillars.

Chun knew this thing was called a rune, equivalent to a mage's magic spell. Runes are considered "Natural Power bestowed by Ancient Gods," widely used by Shamans, and mages often incorporate them, even developing a Rune Mage system. The mages in Gem City actually carve runes on gemstones and use the gemstones like grenades when they're out of mana.

When Chun first came to the internet cafe, he was a newbie to the game, completely unable to distinguish between mages and shamans, but after asking a lot, he understood. In Chun's understanding:

Mages are like top students, mastering math, physics, and chemistry to fearlessly roam the void. Mages don't believe in gods; they consider themselves gods. If they encounter powerful creatures, they find it more practical to sign a contract.

Shamans, unable to grasp complex math, physics, and chemistry, must instead request help from ancestors, the Spirit of Nature, and various Wild Gods. They rely heavily on geographic advantages; if they can't summon them quickly in Alternate Spaces, they're out of luck.

The Paladins and Physicians, however, can only ask for help from the Great God of Bright and none other; the Divine Element is incredibly strong, an open-book test where study isn't essential, just piety.

Therefore, mages and paladins have the highest status, while shamans are deemed as belonging to the uncivilized witchcraft of backward races. But this has its advantages, even a goblin can pick up a few runes and cast attack magic with a wooden staff.

Shamans also look down on mages and paladins, believing that the ancient runes are the true orthodoxy, before the Great God of Bright existed.

...

Entering the altar, a violent shaking disoriented the screen, and the scene began to transition slowly.

It's undeniable; comparing it to the mage-developed Teleportation Array, the Earth Altar feels like riding a tractor.

Chun appeared in a massive, hollow underground Crystal Stone mine. Around him, a large number of Minotaurs were mining, and from their skill effects, they were obviously experts, with even a few masters!

Holy Shit, this Minotaur Miner Association has such depth!

Then he saw a grand tent in the center of the mine.

The Grandmaster must be inside the tent.

"Earth Lotus, take over; check out the tent."

"Okay, Father."

Chun entered Earth Lotus's perspective; under the reflection of the shining crystals around, the tent projected ever-changing scenes of blue sky, white clouds, and grasslands on its walls like a screen.

To find a compliment with good taste for the Grandmaster, Chun had to look a bit longer to organize his words.

Looking more closely, he indeed saw something remarkable — faintly flashing runes on the tent! Though he didn't recognize them, they must be tested on an exam! Even if not, I must show off!

Earth Lotus said, "There are 7 in total!"

"Very good, go inside then."

Inside the tent was a pile of Crystal Stones, and a Golden-Horned Minotaur with a crystal rune tattoo all over his body sat on the ground drinking, a heap of exquisite wine bottles on the ground instantly catching Chun's eyes — Holy Shit!

Chun's eyeballs nearly popped out; isn't this the "seasoning wine" that the Wine Angel got stolen from by a big business? It seems like the kind Flame Charm Crystal Lamp streams with; turns out, Minotaurs genuinely enjoy their drink! The key is, despite the expense, he can afford it!

The Minotaur said in a deep voice, "Your Vice President contacted me, but I cannot work in the same guild with such a person! So if you're here to talk about that again, please leave."

Uh… he really sees through people!

Got to say, his conversation was very refined with a demeanor of authority, quite different from street brawlers, but that didn't mean he was without bull-headedness, so there was no chance of persuading him forcefully at the risk of angering him. Actually, not having him join the guild also has benefits; once he joins, he becomes a target for big shots.

Chun first went along with his temper: "I deeply regret it, and I apologize for the Vice President's rudeness."

The Minotaur said in a deep voice, "Apology accepted, now please leave—"

Holy Shit! I spent 5000 points not to apologize!

Chun quickly showed off: "The blue sky and grasslands on the tent are beautiful, but I don't understand the 7 runes, could you enlighten me?"

The Minotaur paused, blue light burst from his blood-red bull's eyes!

Chun suddenly thrilled, showing off just in time! If I'd known he was this eager, I should've shown off as soon as I entered!

The Minotaur casually waved his hand and picked seven color-varied stones from the Crystal Stone pile behind him: "Take these. Go back and study them slowly, understand them, and next time you can directly drink with me."

——System Tip: You've received the runes "Earth," "Thunder," "Flowing Water," "Gentle Breeze," "Flame," "Sun," and "Moon" gifted by Minotaur.

——System Tip: Minotaur's favor level towards you has been upgraded to "Appreciation." You can visit Minotaur without an appointment next time.

Holy Shit! In dealing with him, I must "not be a layman" and learn a craft? Surely it wasn't this troublesome when the big shot invited Bast to Duodolin? All in all, I've gained a lot.

Chun also straightforwardly didn't waste any words: "Next time I will bring fine wine to visit!"

Kidding aside, my guild can also self-produce this wine! Absolutely at the base price. I refuse to believe a celebrity's seasoning wine can be better than the hotel girls'.

Leaving the tent, he arrived at the altar and saw a group of Minotaurs pushing carts unloading Mineral Crystals in the altar.

The Minotaur courteously bid him farewell: "Please!"

Chun was surprised, meaning the altar can teleport people along with so many minerals?

Entering the altar, amidst the shaking and blurring, Chun with these crystals returned to the guild's big tent.

Holy Shit!

Chun was indeed astonished, mages' stable arrays have always only seen people transported, never goods! Even if they could, the cost would be steep. This is the very awesomeness of the Earth Altar!

These runes must be learned! Of course, it's Earth Lotus who will learn.

Chun found the little cow attendant: "I want to learn basic rune knowledge, where are the textbooks?"

The attendant chuckled with a moo: "Everyone in the guild knows the basics; I can teach you, sir!"

Chun felt a bit flustered: "I also need advanced textbooks!"

The attendant smiled even happier: "Don't judge by my looks, I'm an expert Rune Shaman!"

Holy Shit! With your looks, aren't you the flower of Niu City?

Rejecting again would be impolite, Chun braced himself: "Please, miss, teach me!"

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