Sudden deaths, mental aberrations, and episodes of rampant stupidity and madness had all become the norm...
The Imperial Court withdrew the laborers originally toiling along the canal and established a "Forbidden Area" along its banks.
However, rumors began spreading that although the area around the canal was perilous, it was also rich with treasures. Many folks started to venture into the Forbidden Area, hoping that a bit of luck might lead to unearthing small gemstones—thus making a fortune...
...
...
"Five Elements Crystals, Sun Nine-Pattern Gold, Taiyin Smoke-Patterned Jade, these have all begun to appear in this world..." Su Mengzhen wore a snow-white summer dress, gracefully covering her figure without revealing anything unnecessary.
"This is happening too quickly..."
Su Ningyu was nursing, but she instinctively took up her sister's topic, "I remember when these crystals appeared in Greenbird Continent, everything started to go downhill..."
"Very much downhill."