MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 183
Archean City, a bustling hub of activity nestled at the edge of the foreboding Hundred Thousand Mountains, was a magnet for those seeking fortune and freedom in the Black Mist Zone. Explorers, outcasts, and dreamers alike flocked to this sanctuary, their eyes gleaming with ambition and a thirst for the unknown.
Within the city's dimly lit taverns and bustling marketplaces, whispers of a newfound treasure echoed through the crowds.
"Have you heard?" a weathered explorer leaned in, his voice hushed with excitement. "They've found Flame Clan ruins deep within the Hundred Thousand Mountains. And not just one, mind you, but a whole cluster of them!"
A nearby patron scoffed, "That news is stale, my friend. The Flame Clan ruins are real, alright. The Heaven Saber Gang even returned with several Spirit Realm Origin Power Skills!"
Eyes widened in disbelief. "Spirit Realm skills? You're joking!"
"I swear it's true!" the patron insisted, his voice rising above the din. "My uncle's brother's second aunt's grandson works for the young master of the Heaven Saber Gang. He was there! How could he lie to me?"
The revelation sent a wave of excitement through the tavern. The Flame Clan ruins had become the talk of the town.
A melodious voice, laced with a hint of melancholy, added to the conversation. "The Flame Clan... once a mighty super clan, second only to the Aeonians. They even surpassed the Insect Clan and the Undead Clan in their prime."
"But during a great calamity, their seven gods chose the wrong side and were wiped out by other deities."
"Without their divine protection, the Flame Clan, fearing retribution, fled into the Hundred Thousand Mountains. Over generations, their legacy faded, and now they're nothing but a whisper in history..."
The tale of the fallen clan hung heavy in the air, eliciting sighs of regret from the gathered crowd.
Yet, amidst the melancholic sighs, a few individuals exchanged knowing glances, their eyes alight with a spark of avarice. They quietly settled their tabs and slipped out of the tavern, their minds already racing with the possibilities.
The ruins of a once-great clan... What treasures and secrets might they hold?
Just a few days ago, this news had been met with skepticism. But when the Heaven Saber Gang, one of Archean City's most powerful factions, publicly confirmed the existence of the Flame Clan ruins, it ignited a frenzy.
The explorers of Archean City were a breed apart, driven by an insatiable hunger for wealth and power. They were willing to risk life and limb for the chance to strike it rich, and the allure of the Flame Clan ruins was irresistible.
Day 130 of the Black Mist Calendar
Time: Nightfall
Lu Ming and his three companions ventured deeper into the Hundred Thousand Mountains. The dense canopy of trees cast an oppressive darkness, obscuring their path and amplifying the sounds of the wilderness.
Strange roars echoed through the forest, sending shivers down their spines.
The Hundred Thousand Mountains were teeming with life, both beautiful and deadly. Lush vegetation and exotic creatures abounded, but so did hidden dangers.
"Water," Lu Ming muttered, his thoughts turning to the practicalities of survival. "Water is our first priority."
"Our settlement must be near a reliable water source," he declared, his voice firm.
"Next is security. We need to ensure there are no immediate threats from nearby beasts."
"Finally, food. That's easily solved. There's plenty of game in these mountains."
Many locations in the vast mountain range likely met these criteria.
But Lu Ming wasn't content with just any location. He sought a hidden, comfortable haven, a place where they could rebuild and thrive.
That night, after sharing his thoughts with the group, Lu Ming received nods of agreement from Zhang Chengcheng and Wei Lan. Fala, however, hesitated for a moment before offering an alternative.
"Why don't we look for something ready-made?" she suggested, her eyes sparkling with an idea.
Lu Ming's interest was piqued. "Ready-made?" he echoed, his voice hinting at curiosity.
Fala nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, like those abandoned settlements. There are plenty scattered throughout the Hundred Thousand Mountains - some ravaged by exotic beasts, others simply left behind by their inhabitants."
She elaborated, "The turnover of groups in the Hundred Thousand Mountains is high. Some come in, like us, while many others either leave or perish. But whether they leave or die, they can't take their homes with them."
Lu Ming pondered this for a moment, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Your idea has merit," he finally conceded.
Fala's smile widened. "Coincidentally, I know of an abandoned campsite nearby. Shall we investigate?"
Velo, Fala's grandfather, may not have led a life of grand adventures, but he'd experienced his fair share of challenges. He had journeyed into the Hundred Thousand Mountains before, and the information Fala possessed was a testament to his wisdom and experiences.
"Lead the way," Lu Ming said, his curiosity piqued.
Darkness had already enveloped the mountains. Lu Ming had initially planned to camp outdoors, but the dangers of sleeping in the open within the Hundred Thousand Mountains were not to be underestimated.
Finding an abandoned campsite for the night seemed like a safer option.
Whether they would choose to stay there permanently was a decision for later.
After trekking deeper into the mountains for nearly two hours, they reached the abandoned campsite Fala had mentioned.
However, the sight that greeted them was unexpected. The campsite flickered with the warm glow of campfires, causing Lu Ming to frown slightly.
Fala was equally surprised. According to her grandfather, this place should have been deserted.
Before they could react, a patrolman spotted them.
After confirming they weren't beasts, the alien guard, with gray skin and pointed ears, spoke in a deep voice, "Are you here to search for the Flame Clan ruins too?"
Confusion rippled through the group, but Fala quickly responded with a simple "yes."
The patrolman continued, "Since you're all explorers from Archean City, you're welcome to enter. However, one of you must take a turn patrolling, as per the rules."
This wasn't unique to this particular campsite; it was an unwritten law among the explorers of Archean City.
Fala discreetly slipped a few Origin Stones into the patrolman's hand, and the matter of patrolling was promptly forgotten.
As the alien guard walked away, Fala returned to Lu Ming's side, a worried expression on her face. "I don't understand," she said, tugging at her hair. "Why are there so many people here?"
She looked at Lu Ming, seeking his guidance. "Brother Lu, should we still go in?"
Lu Ming glanced at the sky. It was already midnight.
"Let's go inside and rest for the night," he decided.