MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 234
Chapter 234: The Skywalkers
Zhuang Zun and his companions were ushered into the reception hall, where they came face-to-face with Roda, the City Lord of Archean City.
Two other individuals, both male and of a different race, flanked Roda. Aside from their black hair and eyes, they bore a striking resemblance to the Aeonians.
Zhuang Zun briefly appraised the two strangers before pulling back his hood, revealing the face of an Aeonian. He appeared as young as Roda, but given that Aeonians only reached adulthood at fifty, Zhuang Zun was likely old enough to be Huo Sheng's father.
His features were more rugged than Roda's, his face conveying a sense of unwavering resolve.
The four individuals behind Zhuang Zun also lowered their hoods.
Lu Ming's gaze swept over them. Two were Aeonians, while the other two belonged to an unfamiliar race.
After a brief assessment, the five individuals led by Zhuang Zun spoke in unison, "Greetings to City Lord Roda."
They bowed slightly, showing courtesy without subservience, their tone measured and respectful.
Roda rose from his seat and returned the greeting, his own demeanor neither arrogant nor overly familiar. "Greetings to the five Lords of the Skywalkers."
Roda may have been a displaced scion of the Eternal Clan, but his family's downfall decades ago hadn't severed his ties entirely. After all, the destruction of the Roda family was an internal conflict, a mere ripple in the vast ocean of the Eternal Clan's affairs.
Roda harbored no resentment towards the Eternal Clan. The rise and fall of families were a natural part of life, he reasoned. His true enmity lay with those who had personally orchestrated his family's destruction.
Now, as for these so-called Skywalkers...
Roda had already briefed Lu Ming on their identity before their arrival.
The Skywalkers were members of the Eternal Clan's Sky Monitoring Bureau, a prestigious and influential organization within the clan.
Their mission was to monitor the entire Black Mist Zone, identifying and eliminating any potential threats to its stability.
The Sky Monitoring Bureau's ambition was to oversee everything under the heavens.
The Aeonians were a powerful race, arguably the strongest in the current Black Mist Zone. They had a tendency to act as saviors, taking responsibility for the world's well-being, which had earned them a favorable reputation.
But, as with everything, there were two sides to this coin.
Within the Aeonian culture, the Sky Monitoring Bureau had become an indispensable part of the Eternal Clan. It boasted numerous experts, and rumors even whispered of deities among their ranks.
Moreover, it was rumored that the Bureau housed hidden treasures, and some of its members even possessed the ability to foresee the future.
These individuals often appeared at the epicenter of impending disasters, quelling the unrest before it could fully erupt.
As a key department of the Eternal Clan, they had access to the clan's vast intelligence network, so locating Roda, a known member, posed no challenge.
Roda's request for Lu Ming to stay another night stemmed from the Sky Monitoring Bureau's reputation.
It wasn't that he feared them. The Bureau had a positive image, and Zhuang Zun and his companions seemed amicable enough.
Rather, it was because the Sky Monitoring Bureau often heralded disaster. Their presence usually signaled the approach of significant trouble.
After exchanging pleasantries, the group settled into their seats.
Zhuang Zun, wasting no time, addressed Roda directly.
"City Lord Roda," he began, his voice steady and resolute, "we, the five Lords of the Skywalkers, have come to Archean City because the elders within our Bureau have foreseen a great catastrophe looming over this region."
"To prevent a disaster that could bring suffering to all living beings, we have come here seeking your assistance."
Zhuang Zun's words were straightforward, devoid of any unnecessary pleasantries.
Roda's expression shifted, a shadow of concern clouding his features. Although he had suspected the Sky Monitoring Bureau's arrival was an ill omen, Zhuang Zun's blunt statement still sent a shiver down his spine.
"May I inquire about the nature of the events foreseen by the elders of your Bureau?" he asked, his voice carefully neutral.
A delicate-looking female member of the Eternal Clan, standing beside Zhuang Zun, answered before he could. "Based on the elders' observations, all they know is that the impending disaster in this area is related to dreams," she explained. "The focus is on individuals with pale faces who appear seriously ill, but beyond that, the elders cannot see more."
The Sky Monitoring Bureau's disaster detection system wasn't foolproof and was prone to errors.
Zhuang Zun continued, "According to the bureau's assessment, this impending disaster near the Hundred Thousand Mountains has been categorized as a Origin-level event. Once it erupts, even Origin Realm experts are likely to suffer."
The Sky Monitoring Bureau used the same disaster ratings as the levels of superhumans: Mortal, Physique, Spirit, Origin, Ancient, and Divine. Mortal and Physique level disasters were generally considered minor, so typically, disasters were categorized as Spirit level at the lowest and Divine level at the highest.
"Due to the need to address the impending Blood Flesh Mother Tree disaster," Zhuang Zun explained, "only five Spirit Realm members were dispatched from the bureau. Therefore, we not only need Lord Roda's help in investigating individuals with pale faces but also his assistance in combat when necessary."
Zhuang Zun's words left Lu Ming and Huo Sheng stunned.
"The Blood Flesh Mother Tree disaster?" Lu Ming murmured.
Zhuang Zun nodded gravely. "A Divine-level disaster, the Blood Flesh Mother Tree."
"The Bureau has already assessed the danger it poses. If this entity isn't eliminated, it will become the catalyst for a Divine-level war."
Lu Ming was speechless.
Huo Sheng remained silent, his mind racing with the implications of this revelation.
They certainly hadn't expected to hear news of the Old Familiar Tree from these strangers. But even if they had, Lu Ming and Huo Sheng wouldn't have been overly concerned. Their own strength was too insignificant to tackle such a monumental threat. Why worry about matters that concerned the fate of the entire world when they were struggling to survive themselves?
Roda, on the other hand, frowned, deep in thought.
No one spoke, allowing Roda ample time to ponder the situation. After a few minutes, he slowly nodded.
"I need to discuss this with my friends," he said, his voice grave. "Please wait a moment."
With a glance at Lu Ming and Huo Sheng, Roda led them to the back hall.
Once they were alone, Roda addressed them directly. "First of all, I must take responsibility for this matter. It's my duty as the City Lord of Archean City."
Huo Sheng nodded in agreement. "This matter concerns us as well..."
As Zhuang Zun had mentioned, the impending disaster wasn't limited to Archean City alone; it threatened the entire region surrounding the Hundred Thousand Mountains. This included the current dwelling place of the Nanxiang people and even South Mountain, Lu Ming's base.
Roda turned to Lu Ming. "Secondly, I hope to enlist the aid of the Land God Association. And this time, I need Mr. Lu to personally meet with Quan Chao."
Though he held the title of City Lord, Roda's authority was limited. When it came to finding people in Archean City, he was no match for Lu Ming, the nominal leader of the Land God Association.
Lu Ming nodded in agreement.
Roda continued, his tone measured. "Lastly, this incident presents a rare opportunity for your Nanxiang people."
Huo Sheng's eyebrows rose in curiosity. "What do you mean?"
"The Eternal Clan is relatively benevolent," Roda explained. "They are willing to extend their protection to the current generation of Tribulation Transcenders and ensure their safety."
"But we must also understand," he cautioned, "that a vast and populous clan like the Eternal Clan is not monolithic. There are both good and bad individuals, those who are righteous and those who are less so."
"Returning to the matter of protection," Roda continued, "the Eternal Clan can indeed offer sanctuary to your people, but the extent of that protection will depend on various factors. They can certainly guarantee basic survival and the continuation of your bloodline, but if you desire more..."
Huo Sheng nodded in understanding. "So, while it's called 'protection,' it's essentially a form of charity. And the extent of that charity is determined by the Eternal Clan, not us."
"Precisely," Roda confirmed.
He then shifted the conversation's focus. "However, if you have a connection with the Sky Monitoring Bureau, things change. They hold a high position within the Eternal Clan, and their words carry significant weight. If you can gain their favor through this matter, it would be greatly beneficial for your human race."
Both Huo Sheng and Roda turned their gaze towards Lu Ming.
Lu Ming let out a deep sigh.
"So, you need my involvement, then?"
Roda remained silent.
It was an internal matter for the human race.
But without Lu Ming, Huo Sheng's subordinates wouldn't even warrant the Sky Monitoring Bureau's attention.
Seeing this, Huo Sheng, without hesitation, was about to kneel before Lu Ming, but Lu Ming stopped him.
Looking into Huo Sheng's pleading eyes, Lu Ming considered for a moment, then nodded.
"Three things," he said.
"First, find Quan Chao and have him come see me."
"Second, bring the group from South Mountain here."
"Third, prepare a room for me in the City Lord's Manor and provide me with some Flame Stones."
"Since things have come to this, I'll stay in Archean City and see just how ferocious this so-called Origin-level calamity is."
End of Chapter 234