MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 207
Lu Ming's determination to advance was unwavering. He continued to circulate his breathing technique, pushing himself towards the next level.
But nothing could stop Lu Ming's determination to advance, except... danger.
He had been cultivating for less than ten minutes when a loud explosion echoed from above, followed by a series of rumbling tremors.
Roxin's anxious voice pierced through the commotion.
"Mr. Lu, Mr. Lu, something's wrong! We have enemies! Spirit Realm enemies!"
Without waiting for permission, she burst into his room, her voice frantic.
"We have to escape quickly..."
But as her eyes met Lu Ming's, her words trailed off. His expression was calm, but a flicker of anger burned in his eyes.
Roxin suddenly realized something.
The man before her was a monster.
Although Roda had initially claimed Lu Ming was only at the third level of the Physique Realm, his performance during his recent advancement had been far beyond what someone at that level could achieve.
Even a Spirit Realm expert might struggle to replicate such a feat.
Roxin understood now – this man was a monster in disguise, playing the fool to lull his enemies into a false sense of security.
It was the kind of plot twist one might find in a novel...
Faced with an enemy at their doorstep and a hidden powerhouse by her side, Roxin's mind raced.
After a moment's hesitation, she put on a pitiful expression.
"Mr. Lu, please save me... for my brother's sake."
Lu Ming looked down at her, his expression unreadable.
After a long silence, he finally spoke. "Your brother is your brother, and you are you..."
Roxin's heart sank, but before she could say anything, Lu Ming continued.
"But... on account of you cooking for me all these days..."
He stood up and walked out of the room, his gaze fixed on the entrance to the underground martial arts arena.
The explosions finally subsided, and a solitary figure emerged from the entrance, stepping into the underground martial arts arena.
The newcomer was an imposing presence. Towering at three meters tall, with a bald head and a single, massive eye in the center of his forehead, he cut an intimidating figure. Four arms extended from his torso, adding to his unsettling appearance.
Roxin's face paled as she recognized the intruder.
"Evil Spirit!?" she gasped.
"Evil Spirit?" Lu Ming echoed, his curiosity piqued. "What's that?"
"That's my name," the figure rumbled, his voice deep and resonant.
Lu Ming nodded in understanding.
Roxin's voice, now tinged with fear, whispered in his ear.
"Evil Spirit is infamous in the Hundred Thousand Mountains. He's a lone traveler, a Level One Spirit Realm expert. He often roams the various ruins, but he's even more notorious for his... despicable and cruel methods..."
A shiver ran down her spine as she spoke.
"They say he's... lecherous... Any woman who falls into his hands is better off dead..."
Roxin was genuinely terrified, and she instinctively sought refuge behind Lu Ming.
Upon hearing Roxin's words, Lu Ming frowned. But Evil Spirit merely laughed.
"Don't worry, little darling," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "You're quite valuable, a walking gold mine. I wouldn't harm such a profitable asset."
His gaze shifted to Lu Ming, his expression hardening.
"But you," he said, "you caused the commotion earlier, didn't you?"
Lu Ming remained silent.
Evil Spirit didn't seem to mind. "You must have some strength, then," he continued, his tone appraising. "Though you look weak, I'll consider you a fellow expert for now."
He raised a hand, pointing at Roxin cowering behind Lu Ming.
"Someone offered a hefty price for this woman. Hand her over, and I'll split the reward with you."
Lu Ming shook his head. Material possessions held little value for him.
Besides, Evil Spirit had approached him for a conversation. Perhaps there was room for negotiation.
"Can't we avoid a fight?" Lu Ming asked, his voice calm.
Evil Spirit was momentarily taken aback. He had never encountered such a proposition before.
But after a moment's thought, he realized it might be a viable option.
In the Spirit Realm, unlike the Physique Realm, individuals were considered significant figures wherever they went. Unless the benefits were enormous, Spirit Realm experts typically avoided direct conflict with one another.
And the benefits here were indeed substantial...
Thinking of this, Evil Spirit looked at Roxin, a predatory smile curling his lips. "If you can offer me double the price, I might consider letting you go."
"Well, young lady," he purred, "as an Aeonian, you should be quite wealthy, right?"
At the mention of the word "Aeonian," Lu Ming's eyebrows shot up.
He turned to look at Roxin, surprise flickering in his eyes. He hadn't expected Roda, Roxin, and Uncle Lu to be members of the legendary Aeonian tribe.
♣ ♦ ♠
Meanwhile, Roda, accompanied by Uncle Lu and seven others, had reached the inner part of the Imperial City District.
This area was dominated by a massive palace complex, its grand entrance sprawling across a vast expanse. It had once been the residence of the Flame Clan's royalty.
Perhaps due to the strong restrictions already in place within the Imperial City District, the security around the palace was surprisingly lax. With little effort, Roda breached the main gate, leading the group inside.
Jade pillars and golden eagles adorned the opulent halls, jewels scattered like pebbles underfoot.
Faint energy fluctuations emanated from every corner, hinting at the treasures and rare items hidden within.
But no amount of gold, silver, or even Origin Realm and Ancient Realm Origin Power Skills could compare to the true objective of their expedition.
The Inheritance of the Jing God.
"Follow me!" Roda commanded, his voice filled with urgency.
He led the group swiftly through the palace, reaching the ancestral hall.
After a brief survey of the surroundings, Roda whispered, "The Jing God's Inheritance is here..."
Just then, a burst of arrogant laughter echoed from outside.
They turned to see the Spirit Realm experts of the Divine Dao Alliance, led by Li De, approaching rapidly.
Within moments, the Divine Dao Alliance members had surrounded Roda and his group within the ancestral hall.
The two sides faced off, the air thick with tension.
Li De stepped forward, a cruel smile twisting his lips as he addressed Roda.
"Roda, of the Eternal Clan."
"Thirty-five years ago, you arrived in Archean City with your servants and sister."
"Outsiders believed you had stumbled upon an opportunity in the Hundred Thousand Mountains and quickly ascended to the Spirit Realm. But the truth is, you, Roda, hail from a wealthy Aeonian family, blessed with exceptional heritage and talent. It's hardly surprising for someone like you to reach the Spirit Realm..."
Roda's eyes narrowed. "So what?"
Li De's smile widened. "That's why I'm curious. Why would a scion of the Aeonian Clan come to a remote and impoverished place like Archean City?"
Before Roda could respond, Li De's laughter grew louder. "Guess what? I think I've figured out your reason."
Roda's frown deepened as Li De continued.
"Your family fell from grace, your loved ones were slaughtered. You fled with your old servant and sister, seeking power to avenge them."
"And the Jing God's Inheritance is your best chance."
End of Chapter 207