MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 228
Chapter 228: The City Awakens
The weight of a life debt was significant.
However, Lu Ming wasn't one to exploit such a connection for personal gain.
"I'll introduce you to Roda, but how you approach him and persuade him is your responsibility," Lu Ming clarified.
"Of course, given my role, Roda should be receptive. But we can't expect too much."
Huo Sheng nodded earnestly. "I understand."
"Then let's head to Archean City after dinner," Lu Ming proposed.
"Sounds good!"
With that, the matter was settled.
Day 216 of the Black Mist Calendar
Time: Early Morning
Archean City was already buzzing with activity. The recent events in the Flame Clan Ruins had stirred the city from its slumber.
Countless adventurers streamed out of the city gates, venturing into the Hundred Thousand Mountains, each harboring dreams of striking it rich.
Duncan, a guard stationed at the city gate, watched the procession with a stoic expression, his thoughts drifting.
"I wonder how many will achieve their dreams of wealth," he mused, "and how many won't even see the day's end..."
As a gatekeeper of Archean City, Duncan had witnessed countless individuals come and go, their fates intertwined with the treacherous mountains.
The Hundred Thousand Mountains were indeed a land of opportunity, but those who found true riches were few and far between. Most met their end in some forgotten corner of the wilderness.
Compared to such a precarious existence, Duncan's job, with its steady income, was a haven of comfort and stability.
After a brief moment of contemplation, Duncan extended his hand, halting three individuals attempting to enter the city.
"Entrance fee," he said, his voice gruff but practiced.
Archean City's revenue relied partly on entry fees. While leaving the city was free, and the fee itself was nominal, it had become an established custom over time.
The three individuals paused, and one of them handed Duncan a Mortal Realm Level 8 corpse crystal.
Duncan inspected it, a satisfied nod escaping his lips. There was even some change left over, enough for a glass of flower wine after his shift.
He couldn't simply let them in for free.
Duncan understood the underlying logic.
In the early morning, more people left the city than entered it.
A deep, resonant voice broke through his thoughts. "Officer, it's been a while since we've been back. Have there been any major events in the city recently?"
Duncan grinned. "Quite a few, actually."
"Besides the uproar caused by the Flame Clan Ruin, another major event is the rise of the Land God Association."
"The Land God Association?"
"Yes. The Heaven Saber Gang and the Divine Dao Gang both met their end in the Flame Clan Ruin. Naturally, other factions have stepped in to fill the power vacuum."
"Initially, several major gangs fought fiercely for control, but just two days ago, the Land God Association appeared out of nowhere and crushed all opposition with the might of Spirit Realm experts!"
Duncan's enthusiasm was palpable when he spoke of the Land God Association. The city's defense system, after all, was now under their control, making them his current employers.
"The Land God Association is truly impressive," he continued. "I don't know the Sect Master's name, but his surname is Lu. They call him Mr. Lu. It's said he has a close relationship with City Lord Roda."
"The one in charge of external affairs is the deputy leader, Mr. Quan Chao, a Spirit Realm expert."
"Speaking of Mr. Quan, he's really..."
Duncan prattled on, unaware that the three individuals before him were exchanging knowing glances.
Velo, who had been conversing with Duncan, turned to look at Lu Ming, shrouded in his black robe. Huo Sheng also cast a curious glance in Lu Ming's direction.
Lu Ming, however, maintained his stoic expression.
It wasn't until they entered the city that he finally spoke.
"I know Quan Chao," he admitted, his voice low.
Huo Sheng couldn't help but ask, "And the Land God Association...?"
Lu Ming shook his head. "I'm not sure," he replied, a hint of amusement in his voice. "But come to think of it... well, the president of the Land God Association is probably me."
He hadn't expected Quan Chao to take such initiative without consulting him.
But after a moment's thought, Lu Ming dismissed it.
"Let's focus on the task at hand," he said, his voice firm. "We have more important matters to attend to."
Archean City pulsed with life and commerce, a chaotic tapestry of diverse races and ambitions. Its layout was haphazard, and security was lax. After all, there was no true governing body. The city's affairs were managed by whichever gang held the most power at any given time. The City Lord, Roda, seemed more of a symbolic figurehead than a true ruler. Beyond collecting taxes and occasionally flexing his might to deter petty criminals, Roda had little involvement in the city's administration.
Yet, as the City Lord, Roda still commanded a certain level of respect and influence.
Lu Ming, Huo Sheng, and Velo made their way toward the City Lord's Manor. Along the way, they witnessed the city's underbelly: three brawls, five robberies, and even a public assassination attempt. Finally, they arrived at the imposing gates of the manor.
Lu Ming stepped forward, addressing the gatekeeper. "I am Lu Ming, requesting an audience with the City Lord."
The gatekeeper blinked, taken aback.
"Mr. Lu Ming?" he asked cautiously.
"Yes," Lu Ming confirmed.
The heavy gates creaked open, revealing a grand entrance. The gatekeeper bowed respectfully. "The City Lord has given orders that Mr. Lu Ming may enter freely. Please proceed, and I will inform him and Miss Roxin of your arrival."
Roda and Roxin's deference towards Lu Ming was understandable. It was a testament to his newfound power.
However, Velo and Huo Sheng, witnessing this scene, couldn't help but feel a sense of disbelief. While they knew Lu Ming was capable, they hadn't imagined that in just two months, he had become so influential.
He had inexplicably become the leader of the Land God Association, with a Spirit Realm expert as his second-in-command.
Even the City Lord of Archean City treated him with utmost respect.
It was a level that neither Velo nor Huo Sheng could even fathom reaching.
Under the guidance of a servant, the three of them entered the City Lord's Manor. They traversed corridors and gardens, venturing deeper into the heart of the estate.
The atmosphere within the manor was a stark contrast to the chaos of Archean City. It was a haven of tranquility, filled with the sounds of birdsong and the fragrance of blooming flowers.
They were led to a pavilion in the garden, where the servant instructed them to wait.
"Please be patient for a moment. The City Lord and Miss Roxin are freshening up and changing."
With that, the servant retreated. The three took their seats, and another servant promptly arrived with refreshments, filling the table with fragrant tea, delectable snacks, and colorful fruits.
They ate and waited.
Ten minutes later, footsteps echoed from the distance.
Roda, Roxin, and Uncle Lu approached with haste.
"Brother Lu!" Roda exclaimed, rushing forward and enveloping Lu Ming in a bear hug.
Lu Ming, slightly taken aback, returned the enthusiastic embrace. He then looked past Roda to see Roxin smiling warmly at him. Her smile grew even brighter as their eyes met.
"Brother Lu," she greeted him softly.
Lu Ming smiled back.
Uncle Lu, his face still pale from his injuries, maintained his usual stoic expression.
After exchanging pleasantries, they all settled down in the pavilion.
End of Chapter 228