MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 181
The air inside the tent crackled with a mix of determination and desperation. Apelo's voice, though low, carried an undeniable weight as he addressed the dozen or so Black Feather Tribe members gathered before him.
"The Heavenly Stairs qualifications must not be missed!"
The gravity of his words hung heavy in the air. The importance of the Heavenly Stairs had been drilled into them relentlessly. It was the sole pathway to godhood, a power that could reshape the destiny of their entire tribe.
The larger tribes, already blessed with gods, craved more, seeking to solidify their dominion. The smaller tribes, devoid of such divine power, yearned for a chance to ascend, to alter their fate.
Currently under the protection of Hao Lie, the Black Feather Tribe enjoyed a semblance of security. Hao Lie, with his fierce loyalty, would undoubtedly ensure their survival and the continuation of their bloodline. However, the means of that protection remained in Hao Lie's hands, not theirs.
This arrangement, where smaller tribes sought shelter under the umbrella of larger ones, was a common occurrence in the cutthroat world of the Black Mist Zone.
But Apelo had only ever heard tales of such tribes being wiped out, their members scattered and their legacies erased. He had never witnessed a small tribe defy the odds and rise to prominence.
Reliance on others could only guarantee survival, not true strength or independence.
Apelo, having recently experienced the devastating loss of his tribe, refused to accept such a fate. He yearned to lead his people to glory, to carve their own path in this unforgiving world.
The only way to achieve this was to secure the Heavenly Stairs qualifications.
But his plea to Hao Lie had been rebuffed. Desperate, Apelo's thoughts turned to another possibility...
Twenty days' journey away, hidden from Hao Lie's knowledge, lay another gathering place for tribulation transcenders. He had kept this secret close to his chest, and now, more than ever, he was determined to keep it that way.
"We must rely on ourselves," he declared, his gaze sweeping over the faces of his tribesmen.
Before he could continue, a voice echoed from outside the tent.
Apelo emerged to find Hao Lie's personal guard standing at attention.
"The Black Feather Tribe members are to join the Third Legion immediately and head to the Blood Flame Swamp!" the guard barked, his voice leaving no room for argument.
With that, the guard turned and marched away.
Such was the treatment of vassal tribes – cannon fodder in times of war, laborers in times of peace. The Giant Tribe offered protection, but it came at a steep price.
Apelo, however, felt no anger. Instead, a spark of hope ignited within him.
"To reach the Blood Flame Swamp, we must pass through Bear Mountain," he realized. "And that's where those tribulation transcenders are."
It was the perfect opportunity.
"When the time comes, I'll find an excuse to break away," he thought, a sly grin spreading across his face. "And then the Heavenly Stairs qualifications will be within reach."
His plan seemed sound...
But unbeknownst to him, the Nanxiang Gathering place had already begun its exodus that very afternoon.
Lu Ming wasn't among the first wave to depart.
As a result, he spent one last night in his home – a final farewell to this familiar place.
Day 126 of the Black Mist Calendar
Time: Night
As soon as Lu Ming lay down on his bed, he activated his newfound power: the Void Domain.
The target was himself.
A wave of dizziness washed over him, and his consciousness blurred. When his vision cleared, he found himself once again in that familiar white expanse.
Unlike the last time, when he had been ambushed by Hachima An, Lu Ming now possessed a deeper understanding of this skill. He was the initiator, the master of the Void Domain Technique.
"The basic Void Domain isn't very effective when used on oneself," Lu Ming mused. "The passage of time remains unchanged, so the only benefit is that I can convert sleep time into skill practice or contemplation."
A twinge of disappointment flickered across his face.
But he hadn't considered that this ability wasn't originally intended for personal use. The nature of the Void Domain, a formidable power, had been subtly altered in his hands.
"However, the good news is that it won't affect my rest and recovery here," Lu Ming reasoned, a spark of optimism returning. "It's somewhat similar to those holographic helmets or nutrition chambers in the old games and novels."
He recalled how those fictional devices allowed players to rest and replenish their energy while immersed in virtual worlds. Lu Ming's Void Domain shared some similarities with those concepts.
After briefly summarizing the characteristics of this space, Lu Ming decided not to waste any more time.
He activated the Weapon Transformation Technique, and a gleaming long sword materialized in his hand.
Sword energy surged around him as he initiated the Atomic Sword Technique.
"In the future, I can schedule my offensive Origin Power skill training in this Void Space. This will also prevent any unnecessary commotion outside."
As Lu Ming's strength grew, the sheer force of his full-fledged cultivation in the real world was becoming increasingly noticeable. Practicing an Origin Power Skill could trigger a seismic disturbance. But within the Void Space, he could unleash his full potential without any repercussions.
Eight hours passed in a flash.
Day 127 of the Black Mist Calendar
Time: 6:00 AM
Lu Ming awoke, feeling refreshed and ready to face the day.
The relocation efforts in the Nanxiang Gathering place had continued through the night, but the sheer scale of moving over 100,000 people meant the process was far from over.
After a quick breakfast, Lu Ming joined Zhang Chengcheng and Wei Lan, their belongings packed and ready. They headed towards the entrance of the gathering place.
The trio carried minimal luggage, mainly water and food.
This marked the end of Lu Ming's time in Nanxiang, a place he had called home for over a hundred days.
He walked out of the gathering place without a backward glance. There was no lingering attachment or regret. This wasn't his true home, and leaving held no emotional weight for him.
Of the three, Lu Ming's strength was unquestionable. Zhang Chengcheng and Wei Lan had both reached Level 9 of the Mortal Realm and were diligently working to break through to the Physique Realm through body tempering techniques.
The group moved swiftly, soon catching up with Huo Sheng, who was leading the way.
Seeing Lu Ming, the weary Huo Sheng managed a smile. "The Hundred Thousand Mountains aren't far," he said. "About a month's journey, considering the slower pace needed for the elderly, women, and children. Experts traveling alone could make the trip much faster."
"My idea is this: The Spirit Clan members, Colonel Bai, and other strong individuals will scout ahead and enter the Hundred Thousand Mountains to choose our new settlement. I wonder if Brother Lu is interested in joining this vanguard?"
Lu Ming considered the proposition for a moment, then nodded. "I'm very interested. I'll go."
Huo Sheng had mentioned earlier his plan to divide the main force into hundreds of smaller communities, reducing their visibility and vulnerability.
Lu Ming had also promised to take some people under his wing.
Therefore, once they reached the Hundred Thousand Mountains, Lu Ming would lead a group to establish their own settlement.
Going ahead to scout for a suitable location made sense.
Constant relocation disrupted his cultivation, so finding a satisfactory place in the Hundred Thousand Mountains was crucial for long-term stability.
Lu Ming felt a sense of responsibility, a need to personally ensure the safety and well-being of his people.