MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 204
Lu Ming spent an intense hour and a half pushing his limits, advancing from Level 5 to Level 6 of the Mortal Realm. The sheer energy unleashed during this breakthrough startled Roxin from her slumber.
Lu Ming noticed her watching from her doorway, but he no longer cared. His focus was unwavering.
With this latest advancement, he gained another 5 Divine Origin Points, bringing his total to 32.
His attributes doubled once more:
- Strength: 1,134,760
- Physique: 1,134,558.4
- Agility: 1,133,859.2
(Status: Self-Limitation State)
Even in his Self-Limitation State, his attributes now exceeded a million!
This meant that in his Desperate State, they would surpass ten million, far beyond the capabilities of a Level 9 Physique Realm expert. Could he even contend with Spirit Realm experts now?
The newfound strength fueled Lu Ming's confidence, and the allure of the Divine Origin Points spurred him to continue his relentless climb.
Roxin's presence couldn't deter him.
He pushed the Basic Breathing Technique to its limits, drawing in a maelstrom of mysterious factors that filled his room with a soft, blue glow.
However, the Proficient-level Basic Breathing Technique's efficiency was starting to show its limitations.
Lu Ming's unique body could absorb far more mysterious factors than others at his level, but this also meant he needed a greater influx to advance. The Basic Breathing Technique, while effective, was simply too slow.
But it didn't matter.
He had time.
Three hours later, as the first rays of dawn painted the sky outside, Lu Ming finally broke through the barrier and reached Level 7 of the Mortal Realm!
Divine Origin Points: +3!
His attributes doubled again:
- Strength: 2,269,520
- Physique: 2,269,116.8
- Agility: 2,267,718.4
(Status: Self-Limitation State)
Void Domain (Entry) (Advancing)...
Two things became clear to Lu Ming.
First, the gains in Divine Origin Points were diminishing.
This meant the god's energy was nearly depleted.
Second, the flashing of the Void Domain on his attribute panel was accelerating.
The end was near.
This ability was about to advance!
"Level 7 isn't enough. I have to keep going!" Lu Ming's determination burned brighter than ever.
Five hours later, at noon on the 209th day of the Black Mist Calendar...
Lu Ming successfully broke through to Level 8 of the Mortal Realm!
He gained 3 more Divine Origin Points, bringing his total to 38.
His attributes doubled once again:
- Strength: 4,539,040
- Physique: 4,538,233.6
- Agility: 4,535,436.8
(Status: Self-Limitation State)
The words "Void Domain (Entry) (Advancing)" flashed on the attribute panel like a light bulb on the verge of bursting, but the final barrier remained unbroken.
One more advancement should do it, Lu Ming thought.
He stopped cultivating and opened his eyes.
A pang of hunger struck him.
He got up from the bed and headed towards the door.
Upon opening it, he found Roxin standing there, her eyes wide with astonishment.
As she realized Lu Ming was emerging from his room, Roxin jumped back like a startled rabbit. She seemed ready to flee from the strange phenomenon she had witnessed, but Lu Ming's calm voice stopped her.
"Is lunch ready?"
Roxin blinked, momentarily confused. "It's... it's done..."
Lu Ming raised an eyebrow, glancing at the cold, empty stove.
Roxin's face flushed as she realized her slip-up. "I-I'll go cook now," she stammered, rushing off to gather ingredients.
"Thank you," Lu Ming called out after her.
The simple expression of gratitude eased some of the tension in Roxin's heart.
Despite his mysterious abilities and relentless cultivation, Lu Ming hadn't shown any malice during their time together.
Perhaps she didn't need to worry about him silencing her to protect his secrets.
With a mix of trepidation and curiosity, Roxin started a fire and began preparing the meal.
Meanwhile, Lu Ming returned to his room and resumed circulating his breathing technique.
Far away, at the edge of the Flame Clan Ruin...
Within the former palace of the Jing God, Jing Yi gazed at the thinning crystal coffin and the increasingly distinct form of the slumbering deity within.
A shudder ran through him, and a triumphant laugh escaped his lips.
"Jing God! Jing God, you're finally awakening!"
"Under your guidance, the Flame Clan will rise again!"
Jing Yi, blinded by his fervor, failed to notice the subtle changes in the crystal coffin and the Jing God's increasingly defined features. He saw only what he wanted to see: the imminent revival of his ancestor.
After all, this coffin, crafted from the Eternal Stone, served as both protection and seal for the Jing God.
And now, the seal was weakening. Surely, this meant the Jing God was on the cusp of recovery.
Lost in his hopeful delusion, Jing Yi envisioned a glorious future for the Flame Clan.
"Kill, fight," he muttered, his voice filled with a dark fervor. "The more ruthlessly you fight, the more ferociously you kill, the faster the ancestor will awaken!"
He was oblivious to the fact that the Divine Dao Alliance had solidified its control over Flame City. The intensity of battles and casualties had decreased significantly.
But the Divine Dao Alliance's dominance was neither stable nor permanent.
In another hidden location within the Inner City...
Roda and Uncle Lu, who had left the night before, now stood in a secret chamber.
Seven other figures surrounded them, including Apelo.
The nine of them seemed to have just gathered.
"We've prepared everything," one of them spoke. "When do we make our move?"
Roda, pulling out a handful of keys to the Imperial City District, replied, "I have the keys. The operation is today, right now!"
He surveyed the group, a hint of authority in his voice.
"I'll say it again. The Divine Dao Alliance is powerful and arrogant. They will never allow us to share the treasures of the Imperial City District. There's no room for negotiation. Once we enter, we kill them all!"
As he distributed the keys, Roda continued, "I'll handle Li De. The rest of you will deal with the other Spirit Realm experts."
He paused, his tone turning grave. "The most crucial point is the location I mentioned earlier."
"I'm certain that the Jing God's inheritance is there! We eliminate the Divine Dao Alliance first, then we discuss how to divide the divine inheritance. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
"No problem."
The group voiced their assent, outwardly unified in their purpose.
But their true intentions remained hidden, a web of ambition and self-interest woven beneath the surface.
Roda, his eyes narrowed, surveyed the masked figures. Then, with a curt nod, he said, "Let's go."
At noon, after lunch...
Lu Ming continued his breakthrough, relentlessly pushing towards Level 9 of the Mortal Realm.
In another part of the ruins, the nine Spirit Realm experts, led by Roda and Uncle Lu, launched their attack on the Divine Dao Alliance.
They had the keys, but keys required doors and keyholes. And those doors were currently under the control of the Divine Dao Alliance.
There was no way around it.
To enter the Imperial City District, they would have to fight their way in.
Just an hour after Lu Ming finished his meal, a fierce battle erupted at the border between the Inner City and the Imperial City District.
End of Chapter 204