MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 222
Chapter 222: A New Path
The more Lu Ming pondered it, the more likely this possibility seemed. He recalled the system's message during its transformation:
[Note: However, please remember that your efforts will never be in vain! If you cultivate a Mortal Realm Origin Power Skill to its extreme, you may receive unexpected and substantial results and rewards!]
The words still resonated with him.
"I shouldn't just chase after advanced Origin Power Skills," Lu Ming concluded. "I should focus on cultivating more skills at my current level. The power of Mortal Realm Origin Power Skills, when cultivated to the Micro-Level Realm, is still considerable."
He remembered his battle with Li De. While the Origin Power Armor and Explosive Fist hadn't been as effective as he'd hoped, that was because Li De was exceptionally powerful and unorthodox.
Against a typical Level 8 Spirit Realm expert, Lu Ming was confident he could hold his own with his Micro-Level skills.
"Besides, now that I have the Origin State, I'm invincible below the Origin Realm," he mused. "Even if I encounter an Origin Realm expert with advanced skills, they probably won't be a match for me. So, my need for high-level Origin Power Skills isn't urgent. I have time to cultivate the Explosive Fist and Origin Power Armor to even greater heights and see what unexpected gains I can achieve."
His mind made up, Lu Ming set his course.
"I'll continue focusing on the Origin Power Armor and Explosive Fist for now. I'll consider other skills after leveling up."
However, he still needed to find new Breathing and Body Forging techniques.
The Basic Breathing Technique was too rudimentary, its proficiency increasing at a snail's pace. Lu Ming's need for it wasn't urgent, so he decided to switch to a Physique Realm Breathing Technique directly.
After some searching through the pile of Inheritance Orbs, Lu Ming found what he was looking for.
[Flame Vein Breathing Technique (Entry) (0/100): Physique Realm Breathing Technique. Regular practice of this technique enhances the power of the practitioner's Flame-attribute Origin Power Skill.]
The same principle applied to the Body Forging Technique—the Knight Body Forging Technique could no longer strengthen Lu Ming's Physique Realm body.
Lu Ming couldn't afford to invest excessive time in cultivating the Knight Body Forging Technique to its maximum level. Unlike the Explosive Fist and the Origin Power Armor, the Body Forging Technique was far too time-consuming.
[Flame Fire Body Forging Technique (Entry 0/100): Physique Realm Body Forging Technique. This secret technique requires the assistance of Flame Fire Stones during cultivation. Only when the power of flame enters the body can one temper their physique!]
[Note: You have mastered the initial stage of the Flame Fire Body Forging Technique. At the Entry level, each cycle will increase your three-dimensional attributes by 1 point and grant you 1 free attribute point. It also consumes one unit of Flame Fire Stone.]
The challenge with Body Forging Techniques, from the Physique Realm onwards, was the necessity of additional materials for cultivation.
Lu Ming weighed his options and settled on the Flame Fire Body Forging Technique. There simply weren't any Physique Realm Body Forging Techniques that didn't require additional resources.
Fortunately, the Flame Fire Stone, essential for this technique, was relatively common.
It was readily available within the Flame Clan ruins and even outside. As long as one had the means, the supply was practically limitless.
"That's all for now," Lu Ming decided, having secured the Breathing and Body Forging techniques he needed. He set aside further thoughts of Origin Power Skills for the time being.
He picked up a few large bags and packed away the remaining Origin Power Skills. Then, with a purpose in his stride, he sought out Roda and Roxin.
"I want to explore King Lin's inheritance," he declared, his voice firm.
Lu Ming considered this trip to the ruins a success so far.
The Void Realm had leveled up.
He had also obtained a substantial number of Divine Origin Points – perhaps his most valuable acquisition from this venture.
With over a thousand Origin Power Skills at his disposal, Lu Ming wouldn't have to worry about acquiring new ones until he reached the Ancient Realm.
The only remaining item on his agenda was the quasi-divine-level inheritance promised by Roxin: King Lin's legacy.
Roda, having been informed by Roxin, showed no hesitation when Lu Ming brought it up.
If not for Lu Ming, he would have been killed by Li De. Roda understood the importance of prioritizing life over material possessions.
"I was just about to look for you, Brother Lu," he said with a relieved smile. "Shall we set off now?"
Lu Ming nodded. "Let's go."
Shouldering their packs, Lu Ming, Roda, and Roxin embarked on their journey.
They headed straight for the Imperial City District, stopping before a mansion near the Imperial Palace.
At the entrance, Roda spoke softly.
"This used to be King Lin's residence. According to the records I've seen, after the chaos of the three kings, King Lin was severely injured. He returned to this mansion and was never seen again."
"The book speculated that King Lin died within his residence, and there's a high probability he left behind an inheritance at his place of death," Roda concluded.
Roxin picked up the thread of the narrative. "The book also mentioned three possible locations for King Lin's demise."
"First, his bedroom."
"Second, the ancestral hall of his lineage."
"And third, a secret underground palace built by King Lin - similar to the underground martial arts hall we used to occupy."
For some reason, King Lin seemed to have a penchant for constructing secret underground chambers. Perhaps it was merely a personal quirk...
Lu Ming, however, was more concerned with practical matters. "Is it dangerous inside?" he asked.
Roda shook his head. "There's virtually no danger."
"Time is the ultimate weapon," he explained. "Even the most perilous things lose their potency with the passage of countless years."
Lu Ming nodded in understanding.
He thought of the restrictions within Flame City. In its prime, the Flame Clan had boasted seven gods! The city's defenses weren't created by the Jing God but by Ancient Realm experts.
Yet, a mere handful of Spirit Realm cultivators had managed to breach them. It was likely because the restrictions had been neglected for so long, their power waning with time.
As if to emphasize his point, Roda led the way into the mansion. Lu Ming and Roxin followed closely.
Roda's pace was deliberately slow. He maintained a significant distance between himself and the others.
On one hand, Roda was cautious, wary of any lingering dangers within the mansion. On the other hand, he wanted to create an opportunity for his sister.
It was clear to him that Roxin was drawn to Lu Ming.
By walking ahead, Roda was giving them a chance to connect, to perhaps even spark a romance.
And it wasn't long before Roxin seized the opportunity.
"Brother Lu," she began, her voice soft and tentative, "do you enjoy historical stories?"
Lu Ming paused, considering the question. "I do," he replied, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
Before the apocalypse, Lu Ming had been quite fond of historical tales. The rise and fall of civilizations, the triumphs and tragedies of individuals long past – they held a certain fascination for him.
Roxin's face brightened. "Then, Brother Lu, are you familiar with the history of the Flame Clan?"
Lu Ming shook his head. "I'm afraid not."
He glanced at Roxin, her eyes sparkling with eagerness. He couldn't bring himself to dampen her enthusiasm.
"Why? Do you know about them?" he asked, encouraging her to continue.
Roxin beamed. "I know a little."
"My brother has been planning to obtain King Lin's inheritance for a long time. We've collected many ancient books about the Flame Clan in Archean City. I remember their contents quite clearly."
As Lu Ming listened, Roxin's words flowed effortlessly, weaving a tapestry of history and legend.
End of Chapter 222