MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 198
Chapter 198: The Silver-Haired Enigma
The man who stood before Lu Ming possessed a youthful, almost cherubic face, framed by a shock of silver hair that spoke not of age but of a unique genetic trait. His physique was lean and athletic, reminiscent of a human, and his overall demeanor exuded a rebellious, punk-rock vibe.
Lu Ming couldn't identify his race, but the familiar humanoid appearance left a slightly favorable impression.
Slightly favorable, but not much more.
He had learned a harsh truth in the Black Mist Zone: the environment could change a person. The prevailing chaos and darkness often forced even the most well-intentioned individuals to compromise their morals for survival.
So, when this silver-haired man claimed to harbor no ill will towards Lu Ming, he didn't believe it.
Even fools don't call themselves fools, Lu Ming thought wryly. And in this post-apocalyptic world, where order has crumbled, trust is a rare commodity.
With a gentle wave of his hand, Lu Ming sighed.
"I'm sorry," he said, his voice firm, "but I don't believe you."
"I'll have to ask you to die quickly. I'm in a hurry."
The fist force dragons, sensing their master's intent, surged forward, ready to tear the silver-haired man to shreds.
But an unexpected scene unfolded.
The man simply smiled bitterly. "Alright," he said, "you'll understand soon enough."
A faint light emanated from his body, a purifying radiance that washed over the fist force dragons, dissolving them instantly.
He had effortlessly neutralized Lu Ming's Intricate-level Explosive Fist!
The fleeting aura that accompanied this feat made Lu Ming's brow furrow in recognition.
Without further hesitation, Lu Ming nodded. "This time, I believe you."
"Because a Spirit Realm expert wouldn't need to explain himself to someone weaker."
The law of the jungle reigned supreme in the Black Mist Zone.
The strong dominated the weak, and that was simply the natural order.
A Spirit Realm expert wouldn't waste words on someone beneath their notice. This display of honesty spoke volumes.
Yes, this silver-haired man was undoubtedly a Spirit Realm expert.
Seeing that Lu Ming had discerned his strength, the silver-haired man flashed a playful smile. "So, you're not going to fight me this time?"
But instead of fear, he saw a dark glint in Lu Ming's eyes.
The smile vanished from the man's face.
"There's really no need for a fight," he said, seemingly aware that Lu Ming was about to activate the Void Domain.
Lu Ming shook his head. "Caution is never a bad thing."
The silver-haired man sighed. "Alright."
Without another glance at Lu Ming, he walked past him and approached the bodies of the fallen Divine Dao Alliance members.
He knelt down, rummaging through the relatively undisturbed pile of corpses, and spoke as he searched.
"The Divine Dao Alliance currently holds sway within Flame City. They have nearly twenty Spirit Realm experts wreaking havoc, unstoppable wherever they go."
"However, their main focus is on breaking the restrictions in the Imperial City District. Killing isn't their goal; they seek wealth. The alliance's array master has been working on it and made some progress yesterday."
Suddenly, a childlike cheer escaped the silver-haired man's lips.
"Found it!"
He turned, holding up a golden, spherical object. Intricate patterns of unknown purpose adorned its surface.
"This is the key to unlocking the restrictions in the Imperial City District, created by the Divine Dao Alliance's array master."
He paused, a sly grin spreading across his face. "But we took it from them."
Realization dawned on Lu Ming. "You're working with Apelo of the Black Feather Tribe?"
The silver-haired man shook his head. "It's just a temporary alliance."
Lu Ming nodded, not pressing for further details.
He now understood the root cause of the recent battle. The Divine Dao Alliance had created the key to the Imperial City District, but it had been stolen by their enemies. This was the catalyst for today's chaos.
Lu Ming didn't inquire further. He wasn't interested in the specifics.
He watched as the silver-haired man, clearly elated with his prize, prepared to leave.
Lu Ming was about to do the same, seeking a new place to continue his cultivation.
But the man stopped and looked back at him.
"Where are you headed?" he asked.
Lu Ming frowned. "That's none of your business."
The silver-haired man smiled. "True, it's not. But this key is technically your spoils of war. I'd feel a bit guilty just taking it without offering something in return."
He held up the key, a silent question hanging in the air.
Lu Ming wanted nothing to do with these troublesome affairs.
Lu Ming waved off the key with a nonchalant gesture. "It's a gift for you."
The silver-haired man chuckled, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "You're quite an interesting fellow. Do you realize how valuable this is? It could grant you early access to the Imperial City District and all its treasures."
Lu Ming remained silent, his expression unreadable.
He descended the stairs, reaching the building's entrance. The silver-haired man reappeared, a thoughtful look on his face.
"I checked your temporary dwelling," he said. "Plenty of supplies, and few signs of activity. I'm guessing you've been stuck in Flame City, haven't you? The Divine Dao Alliance controls the exit, and you're clearly not one of them."
Lu Ming's brow furrowed. This man was perceptive, perhaps too perceptive.
"I don't mean to pry," Lu Ming said, his voice guarded, "but what exactly are you up to? Can you give me a straight answer?"
A Spirit Realm expert was engaging him in idle chatter, but there was no hint of hostility. Lu Ming couldn't decipher the man's motives.
The silver-haired man's expression turned serious. "Would you believe me if I said I appreciate talent?"
Lu Ming paused. "I would. And then?"
"It's dangerous for you to be out here alone," the man explained. "I can offer you a safe haven. Well, I can't guarantee absolute safety, but it's certainly safer than your current situation."
Lu Ming fell silent, considering the offer. After a moment, he asked, "What's the price? What do I have to give in return?"
The silver-haired man laughed. "Your friendship. What do you think?"
Lu Ming thought long and hard before finally nodding slightly.
"Lu Ming," he introduced himself.
"Roda," the man replied.
Lu Ming couldn't say for certain if he could trust Roda, but at the very least, the man hadn't shown any hostility.
If he had wanted to attack, he could have done so already. There was no need for this elaborate charade.
Lu Ming decided to take a chance.
Roda, on the other hand, found Lu Ming intriguing.
"Intricate-level Explosive Fist?" he inquired, his eyes sharp with curiosity.
"Yes," Lu Ming confirmed.
"Remarkable... It's unimaginable that someone would have the patience to cultivate a Mortal Realm Origin Power Skill to such a degree. And if I'm not mistaken, your Origin Power Armor is also at the Intricate level, isn't it?"
Lu Ming merely hummed in response.
"Impressive, truly impressive," Roda exclaimed. "How old are you?"
"Twenty-six."
Roda let out a long sigh.
Lu Ming's strength wasn't particularly extraordinary, likely around Level 3 or 4 of the Physique Realm. For his age, it wasn't an exceptional achievement.
But two Intricate-level Origin Power techniques were a different story entirely.
Lu Ming was also deep in thought.
This Roda was quite knowledgeable...
End of Chapter 198