MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 235
Chapter 235: The Calm Before the Storm
Lu Ming wasn't one to seek out danger.
But the current situation wasn't about seeking; it was about facing an unavoidable threat.
The Sky Monitoring Bureau's warning of a major disaster in the region around the Hundred Thousand Mountains hung heavy in the air. Lu Ming's home in South Mountain fell squarely within that zone. Even if he remained there, danger would inevitably find him.
Lu Ming's approach to such threats was simple: confront them head-on, and if possible, neutralize them before they could cause harm.
In this context, Huo Sheng's request became secondary.
However, Lu Ming was still willing to assist his fellow humans, as long as it didn't compromise his own goals.
Besides, cultivating his attributes was equally feasible in South Mountain or the City Lord's Manor. As long as he had a place to train, the location mattered little.
Roda returned to the main hall to continue discussions with Zhuang Zun and the others about the impending disaster.
Meanwhile, Roxin guided Lu Ming to a guest room within the manor.
A servant had already delivered a supply of Flame Stones, arranging them around the room. After discussing meal arrangements with Roxin, Lu Ming settled onto the futon, closed his eyes, and entered the Void Space.
Velo prepared to return to South Mountain to bring Zhang Chengcheng, Wei Lan, Fala, and the others to Archean City. Uncle Lu, still recovering from his injuries, accompanied Huo Sheng to the headquarters of the Land God Association.
Two hours later, the bell in Lu Ming's room chimed, signaling his return to the physical world.
Huo Sheng had arrived with Quan Chao.
In the tranquil garden outside the bedroom, Lu Ming saw Quan Chao once again. The Firestone tribesman was dressed in a formal black outfit with a matching cloak, looking far more composed than when they last met in the ruins.
"Mr. Lu," Quan Chao greeted him respectfully, bowing deeply.
Lu Ming was momentarily at a loss for words.
He had never explicitly instructed Quan Chao to become his follower. Quan Chao had taken the initiative to establish the Land God Association using Lu Ming's name.
Honestly, Lu Ming found it a bit presumptuous. However, the situation had changed, and he now needed the Land God Association's assistance.
This made Lu Ming unsure how to address Quan Chao.
Just as he was hesitating, Quan Chao spoke, his voice earnest. "Mr. Huo has informed me about the situation. The purpose of establishing the Land God Association was to help you, Mr. Lu, resolve your troubles."
"Now, you need me and the Land God Association. Please allow me to repay your kindness for sparing my life and demonstrate my respect and loyalty."
Quan Chao's eloquence and sincerity caught Lu Ming off guard.
Lu Ming had no desire for followers or organizations. But since Quan Chao had already taken the initiative, he decided to give him a chance.
"Then I'll leave it to you," Lu Ming said, his tone neutral.
Quan Chao's eyes lit up with joy.
He knelt on the ground, bowing his head. "Thank you for your trust, Mr. Lu!"
Then, he rose and departed, a renewed sense of purpose in his stride.
Watching Quan Chao's departure, Lu Ming couldn't help but scratch his head in bemusement.
"A loyal Spirit Realm follower... Am I really that prestigious now?"
Lu Ming was unaware that with his true strength, nearing the Origin Realm, he indeed commanded significant respect.
In the Origin Realm, individuals were formidable figures wherever they went. A solitary Origin Realm expert was an anomaly. Most had a retinue of subordinates.
Quan Chao's decision to pledge allegiance to Lu Ming was understandable.
A lone Origin Realm individual represented an incredibly valuable asset, promising immense potential returns.
Even without immediate benefits, having an Origin Realm expert as a backer was valuable in itself. The principle of strength in numbers, and the influence that came with it, was universal.
After Quan Chao left, Lu Ming returned to his room and resumed his solitary cultivation.
Meanwhile, in the outside world...
As Quan Chao stepped out of the City Lord's Manor and onto the bustling streets, the entire Land God Association sprang into action.
Archean City had a permanent population of tens of thousands, but with the constant influx of explorers (non-permanent residents), the total number swelled to around a million.
The former Heaven Saber Gang and Divine Dao Gang had boasted 10,000 and 8,000 members, respectively. However, after the Land God Association's takeover, their membership had already surpassed that of the Heaven Saber Gang, reaching 12,000.
And with no competition, this number continued to grow rapidly.
As the de facto rulers of Archean City, the Land God Association wielded immense power.
Under Quan Chao's command, Archean City buzzed with activity.
Around eight o'clock that night, a door in the Drunken Flower Pavilion was violently kicked open, startling Duncan in the midst of his revelry. He turned to face the intruder, but upon seeing who it was, he quickly composed himself.
Quan Chao, the deputy leader of the Land God Association, sat down with an air of authority. "I have a question for you," he said, his voice measured and deliberate.
"Tonight, around the time of your shift change, did you see anyone with a pale, sickly complexion?"
Though he had accepted Soro's bribe, Duncan didn't dare lie to Quan Chao.
"I did. It was Soro and his group."
"Good," Quan Chao nodded, a satisfied glint in his eyes. "You may continue," he said, rising from his seat and leaving Duncan to his interrupted evening.
Duncan, shaken by the encounter, sat in stunned silence.
Having identified the target, the rest was straightforward.
Within ten minutes, the Soro Exploration Team's residence was surrounded by the Land God Association's elite forces, led by Quan Chao himself, eager to impress Lu Ming.
A loud bang echoed as the heavy door was kicked open, and the Land God Association members swarmed into the house.
The residence was a spacious quadrangle courtyard. Quan Chao stood at the entrance, his sharp gaze scanning the surrounding buildings.
Before he could give any orders, voices emanated from the central room.
It was the sound of a door creaking open, followed by a chorus of horrifying screams from within the room.
Quan Chao's brow furrowed. He turned towards the doorway and saw three figures stumble out: Soro, Feng Wu, and the Demon Man.
"Who are you...?" Soro managed to croak, his face pale and drawn.
Quan Chao cut him off. "Land God Association," he declared, his voice firm. "I am Quan Chao, the deputy leader."
A subtle surge of Spiritual Pressure, quickly contained, served to confirm his identity.
Soro coughed, his body wracked with tremors. "Mr. Quan Chao," he rasped, "you're here... for..."
Another blood-curdling scream echoed from the room behind Soro.
Quan Chao shrugged, gesturing towards the open door. "I'm here for that."
Faced with a Spirit Realm expert, Soro had no choice but to comply. Quan Chao held the power of life and death over them.
Quan Chao observed Soro and the other two, his brow furrowing.
All three were pale and wracked with coughs, as if suffering from a grave illness. This was highly unusual for Spirit Realm experts, whose bodies were typically resistant to such ailments.
Even more concerning was the grayish film that clouded their eyes, making their gazes dull and their mental states unstable.
"Are you sick?" Quan Chao inquired, cautiously backing away with his subordinates.
Soro managed a bitter smile. "Perhaps... I'm not sure, but our team's condition is dire..."
"What did you encounter?" Quan Chao began to ask, then abruptly changed his mind. "Tell me later, so we don't have to repeat ourselves."
He turned to his deputy. "Go and fetch the Skywalkers."
The Skywalkers were experts in dealing with such matters.
Seeing Soro's deteriorating condition, Quan Chao had no desire to risk infection. He kept his distance.
End of Chapter 235