MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 227
The Flame Stone was indispensable for cultivating the Flame Body Forging Technique. Although relatively easy to find, Lu Ming hadn't brought back a large quantity from the ruins.
He had several packages filled with various items, but the largest one contained the precious Origin Power Skill Inheritance Orbs. These were undoubtedly more important than the Flame Stones.
He had no idea how many Flame Stones he would need for his cultivation.
After completing the second round of the Body Forging Technique, Lu Ming took a short break before immediately starting the third round.
Then the fourth, the fifth, the sixth...
By the tenth round, he noticed the Flame Qi within his body dwindling, the energy from the stones nearly exhausted.
He exited the Void Space and opened his eyes. The once vibrant red Flame Stones surrounding him had turned into dull, gray pebbles, indistinguishable from ordinary rocks.
Lu Ming understood.
"A unit of Flame Stone is about the size of an adult's fist," he concluded.
And one unit was enough to sustain a single round of the Flame Body Forging Technique.
"The consumption is manageable, within an acceptable range."
"It's time to prioritize acquiring more Flame Stones."
"I'll leave that task to Mr. Velo."
With that decided, Lu Ming left his room and entrusted the task of procuring more Flame Stones to Fala. He knew she and her grandfather would handle the matter efficiently, leaving him free to focus on his cultivation.
Returning to his chamber, Lu Ming scattered the remaining Flame Stones around him and once again entered the Void Space.
Within this ethereal realm, time flowed at a different pace. One day here equated to a mere hour in the outside world. And while in the Void, Lu Ming's body entered a state of slumber, constantly resting and recuperating.
This meant he no longer needed to sleep in the physical world.
Of course, mental fatigue was still a factor. In fact, this method of cultivation could exhaust his mind faster than normal training.
But within the Void Realm, he could still rest his mind if needed.
Lu Ming had long since discovered the most efficient way to utilize this unique environment.
"With a day in the Void Realm as the standard," he thought to himself, "I can cultivate for 20 hours and rest for 4."
"With a 10-day cycle, I can go out once to eat and replenish my body's natural consumption."
"As for my current cultivation projects, I only have the Body Forging Technique and the Origin Power Skills... The Body Forging Technique takes half an hour per cycle. Cultivating it 20 times amounts to 10 hours, leaving the remaining 10 hours for Origin Power Skills..."
The Origin Power Armor could be activated continuously, its proficiency increasing passively.
As for the other Origin Power Skills...
"I'll follow my previous plan and focus on the Explosive Fist," Lu Ming decided.
"First, I'll cultivate this Mortal Realm Origin Power Skill to its absolute peak and see what surprises it holds!"
Lu Ming's dedication to cultivation was unwavering.
He would meticulously plan his training and then adhere to it with unwavering discipline. Without external interference, Lu Ming wouldn't deviate from his schedule.
In the outside world, time flowed steadily.
One hour...
Two hours...
Five hours later, the Flame Body Forging Technique reached the Proficient stage.
[Flame Body Forging Technique (Proficient 0/1000): Physique Realm Body Forging Technique. This secret technique requires the assistance of Flame Stones during cultivation. Only when the power of flame enters the body can one temper their physique!]
[You have proficiently cultivated the Flame Body Forging Technique. At the Proficient stage, each cycle will increase your three-dimensional attributes by 2 points and grant you 2 free attribute points. It also consumes one unit of Flame Stone.]
Lu Ming opened his eyes, his supply of Flame Stones depleted.
Stepping outside, he discovered that Fala had already informed Velo about his need for more. Velo, ever efficient, had ventured into the Flame Clan Ruins and collected a substantial amount from the readily available mines.
At a slightly inflated price, Velo had returned with several cartloads of Flame Stones.
Lu Ming instructed Velo to continue gathering as many as possible, then carried his newly acquired supply back to his room.
After a quick meal, he resumed his cultivation.
Day 212 of the Black Mist Calendar
For Lu Ming, the concept of day and night had become irrelevant.
With a steady supply of Flame Stones, ample food, and water, Lu Ming settled into his planned cultivation cycle.
One day in the outside world translated to 23 days of training within the Void Realm. The remaining hour was allocated for basic necessities like eating, drinking, and rest.
The Void Realm's superpower was proving to be an invaluable asset.
Day 215 of the Black Mist Calendar
Around dawn in the outside world, Lu Ming's Flame Body Forging Technique reached another milestone, advancing from Proficient to Master level.
[Flame Body Forging Technique (Master 0/10000): Physique Realm Body Forging Technique. This secret technique requires the assistance of Flame Stones during cultivation. Only when the power of flame enters the body can one temper their physique!]
[You have mastered the Flame Body Forging Technique. At the Mastery stage, each cycle will increase your three-dimensional attributes by 5 points and grant you 5 free attribute points. It also consumes one unit of Flame Stone.]
The attribute gains from each cycle had tripled, from 2 points to 5.
Later that day, Huo Sheng paid a visit.
He arrived around lunchtime, unaware that Lu Ming had returned earlier.
Zhang Chengcheng rang the bell, rousing Lu Ming from his secluded cultivation.
Finally, the two friends were reunited.
In the outdoor dining hall, they shared a meal and caught up.
Lu Ming briefly recounted his experiences in the Flame Clan Ruin, carefully omitting any sensitive details.
Some secrets were best kept hidden.
Huo Sheng then shared the challenges the Nanxiang survivors had faced during their journey.
"Overall, the situation is quite dire," he admitted, a heavy sigh escaping his lips.
The Hundred Thousand Mountains offered the advantage of complex terrain, but it was far from a hospitable environment.
The sheer number of exotic beasts alone was enough to cause Huo Sheng endless headaches.
"My initial strategy was to divide and conquer, scattering into hundreds or even thousands of small settlements," he explained. "But some of these groups lacked sufficient defenders, leading to heavy casualties."
He forced a smile. "Thankfully, a few larger gathering points managed to survive and are now on the right track."
Lu Ming interrupted, his tone curious. "By the way, have Colonel Bai and Duan Mei set off yet?"
Bai Tianyu and Duan Mei were tasked with the perilous journey across the Hundred Thousand Mountains to contact the Aeonians.
Huo Sheng shook his head. "No, we're short on strong individuals. I don't dare to send them on such a dangerous mission right now."
Bai Tianyu and Duan Mei, both at the Level Nine Mortal Realm, were indispensable in protecting Nanxiang during this vulnerable stage of their resettlement.
Lu Ming smiled. "It's a good thing they haven't left yet. Coincidentally, I want to introduce someone to you."
Huo Sheng's interest was piqued. "Who is it?"
"The City Lord of Archean City, Roda. Oh, and by the way, he's also an Aeonian."
Huo Sheng's eyes narrowed.
Both Roda's position as City Lord and his Aeonian heritage held significant potential.
If this connection was handled well, it could greatly benefit the people of Nanxiang.
"What's your relationship with him?" Huo Sheng inquired cautiously.
Lu Ming paused for a moment. "I saved his life," he replied simply.
End of Chapter 227