MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 244
Chapter 244: The Flame Clan's Desperate Gamble
"Green Ivy..." The Dream Source(Lord Yanxin) echoed the name, its massive eye flickering with a spark of recognition.
The words stirred something deep within its memories, remnants of the Flame Heart that had merged with it.
"Crimson," the Dream Source addressed the AI, its voice resonating through the laboratory, "do you remember who designed and built you and this research institute?"
"I remember," the Crimson Queen replied calmly. "It was you, Lord Flame Heart, the last emperor of the Flame Clan."
"Now you should call me Dream Source," the entity corrected, a hint of bitterness in its tone. "But that's not important. Do you remember the purpose for which this research institute was established?"
"I remember," the Crimson Queen answered without hesitation. "To find another path to godhood."
"That's right..." the Dream Source sighed. "To find another path to godhood."
Back then, the Flame Clan had been defeated, six of their seven gods fallen. Only the Jing God and the remnants of the clan remained, seeking refuge within the ruins.
The Jing God was gravely wounded, and the resources within the ruin were limited.
And their enemies still hunted them.
Though those enemies feared the Jing God's final, desperate act of self-destruction, they hadn't given up on eradicating the Flame Clan.
"The enemy of a god can only be another god," the Dream Source mused, its voice heavy. "And the lifespan of a god is endless."
"To the gods," the Dream Source continued, its voice resonating with a melancholic echo, "the Flame Clan Ruin was not truly hidden."
"Many sought to extinguish the bloodline of the Flame Clan. Ever since Ancestor Jing God fell into slumber, they have tested him countless times. If they discover his weakened state, the Flame Clan's extinction is inevitable."
Faced with such a dire predicament, the Flame Clan had no choice but to seek a new path.
And there was only one way to resist an enemy at the Divine Spirit Realm: to become a god oneself.
However, trapped within the ruin, they couldn't reach the Holy Tower to participate in the Heaven Ascension Stairs ceremony.
Therefore, only one option remained for the Flame Clan.
"To find a way to become a god without ascending to the heavens," the Dream Source declared, its voice filled with a desperate determination.
"Or rather," it corrected itself, "not a way to become a god, but a way to attain power that could rival the gods."
In the Black Mist Zone, there was only one known path to transcendence: the Origin Power System.
And at the pinnacle of that system were the gods themselves.
To attain power comparable to the gods without becoming one, there was only one path: to forge a new system of transcendence.
Flame Heart, newly ascended to the throne, had presented this plan to the still-conscious Jing God and received his blessing.
Thus, the Royal First Research Institute was born.
"All the projects from number five and above were created under this premise," the Dream Source continued, its voice resonating with the weight of a failed ambition.
Its gaze remained fixed on the screen.
"Though it's a failed experiment, Green Ivy possesses strength comparable to a Ninth-Level Spirit Realm expert. And its power doesn't rely on Origin Power. Even Origin Realm experts could be caught off guard if they're not careful."
The Crimson Queen interjected, her tone flat. "That's why I predicted this human's demise."
The Dream Source nodded, its silence a tacit agreement.
It watched as Lu Ming entered Laboratory No. 5.
"Hello, I'm coming in," Lu Ming announced politely as he stepped into the laboratory.
He surveyed the room, his eyes widening in surprise.
The vast space, spanning several thousand square meters, was filled with a chaotic tangle of plants. It seemed that without regular maintenance, they had grown wild, crowding the once-spacious laboratory.
A female voice echoed through the verdant labyrinth.
"Hello," it said, its tone curious. "How should I address you?"
"My name is Lu Ming. And you?"
"I am Green Ivy."
"I'd like to ask for directions," Lu Ming said. "Do you have a map of this place?"
A moment of silence followed.
"Yes," Green Ivy finally replied.
The strange plants before Lu Ming parted, revealing a hidden path. At its end, a sunflower-like plant swayed gently. Lu Ming's sharp eyes noticed faint lines etched upon its large petals.
"What's this?" Lu Ming asked, his curiosity piqued.
"It's a map of the First Research Institute," Green Ivy replied.
"Can you bring it out?"
"I'm afraid I can't," Green Ivy's voice held a note of apology. "This institute doesn't have a physical map. This one is based on my memories."
"I can't move, so you'll have to come and take a look yourself."
"I see," Lu Ming nodded and walked towards the sunflower without hesitation.
As he walked, he couldn't help but ask, "Green Ivy, are you not human?"
"Why do you say that, Mr. Lu Ming?"
"Just a feeling."
A brief silence followed.
"You're right, Mr. Lu," Green Ivy said softly. "I'm not human in the traditional sense. Do you have any prejudice against unusual lifeforms like me?"
Lu Ming shook his head. "I don't. I believe that as long as we can coexist peacefully, species differences are irrelevant."
Green Ivy's gentle laughter echoed through the laboratory. "Mr. Lu, you have a way with words."
Lu Ming shrugged. "I'm just speaking my mind."
He reached the sunflower and examined the lines and markings on its petals. The paths and labels were clear.
It was indeed a map of the institute.
After memorizing it, Lu Ming expressed his gratitude. "Thank you, Green Ivy."
"You're too kind, Mr. Lu," Green Ivy replied.
"Well then, I'll see you later," Lu Ming said, turning to leave. But as he did, he noticed the path behind him had vanished without a trace.
He frowned. "I thought we were already friends..."
"Friends?" Green Ivy's voice echoed through the laboratory, still gentle but with a hint of amusement. "Mr. Lu, why do you think we're friends?"
Lu Ming paused, considering her question. "We've had a pleasant conversation, our tones have been cordial, and most importantly, even though you're an unusual life form, I see no reason for hostility between us."
"That's meaningless," Green Ivy replied, her voice taking on a colder edge.
"Hehehehe..." A chilling laughter filled the air. "Although I'm an... 'alien life form,' as you put it, Mr. Lu, your words are steeped in human arrogance."
Lu Ming raised an eyebrow. "Arrogance?"
"Yes, arrogance," Green Ivy affirmed. "You seem to believe that as a human, simply not discriminating against me is a grand gesture."
Lu Ming shook his head. "That's not what I meant."
Green Ivy ignored his protest, her voice growing darker. "But do you realize what you humans are in my eyes?"
Lu Ming remained silent, a sense of foreboding creeping over him.
"Food," Green Ivy said, her voice a chilling whisper. "Would you be friends with your food?"
End of Chapter 244