MTLNOVEL CHAPTER 269
CHAPTER 269: Revelations of the Ancient Realm
In the hierarchy of power, Origin Realm experts could be likened to high-ranking officers within their domain, while Ancient Realm experts were the undisputed overlords of the major clans. If Origin Realm experts were the armored units of these clans, then Ancient Realm experts were their nuclear weapons.
The transition to the Ancient Realm marked a profound transformation in strength. This leap granted Ancient Realm experts a status and power that far surpassed that of Origin Realm individuals.
The Queen of Blade’s eyes widened in shock as she beheld the magatama-like golden patterns on Esek’s hand. Her voice trembled with disbelief. “How is this possible? You were at Origin Realm Level Three before—how did you become an Ancient Realm expert now? And not just any Ancient Realm, but the [Foundation of Matter!]”
Esek observed her with a smirk, savoring the moment. The difference between the Ancient Realm and the Origin Realm was stark and absolute. In the face of such overwhelming strength, everything that transpired was entirely under Esek’s control. He had all the time in the world and was in no rush to attack. Instead, he relished the opportunity to flaunt his newfound power to an “old friend.”
“This is the gift of the Corpse God!” Esek declared, his hand sweeping slowly over his grotesque, beastly form. Despite its repulsive appearance, Esek’s expression was one of ecstatic pride. The appearance was inconsequential; what mattered was the immense strength this body now possessed.
Indeed, Esek had once been merely an Origin Realm Level Three, but after merging with the son of the Beast King, his body had undergone profound, unpredictable changes. Though the exact nature of these changes remained unclear, the fact that he had ascended to the Ancient Realm was undeniable.
With this realization, Esek casually seated himself on the ground. Observing The Queen of Blade’s panic—her usual cold arrogance stripped away—he couldn’t help but smile.
“Dance for me, The Queen of Blade,” he commanded, his tone indifferent.
The Queen of Blade stared at him in disbelief. “Dance? What do you mean?”
“I want to see the pendulum dance,” Esek replied nonchalantly. “We have plenty of time. I’m also curious to see how capable your Insect Clan’s Ancient Realm expert is, especially considering that Cockroach Night’s second uncle is on his way…”
He spread his hands with a casual shrug. “Since we have nothing else to do, why not find some entertainment?”
This was a classic case of encircling the enemy’s position and targeting their reinforcements!
The Queen of Blade fell into a stunned silence. Outside, the rumbling footsteps grew louder and more insistent.
Esek turned his head as the ceiling was suddenly ripped away with a resounding crash. Lu Ming, his massive figure looming over the wormhole, peered down at them.
“Oh, I found you,” Lu Ming said, his gaze locked on The Queen of Blade.
Without acknowledging Esek, Lu Ming reached out to grab The Queen of Blade. In a panic, she screamed, “I’ll dance! I’ll dance for you! Esek, save me!”
Esek frowned, ready to intervene, but his attention was drawn to the wavy silver pattern on Lu Ming’s chest, faintly visible through his clothes. This sight momentarily stunned Esek, halting his impending attack.
Despite the tension of the situation, Esek’s demeanor remained composed. When he saw The Queen of Blade in Lu Ming’s grasp, he offered a gentle smile to Lu Ming.
“She’s an enemy of mine as well, but not one I need to handle personally,” Esek said, his tone mild. “Furthermore, engaging in a fight with you—another Ancient Realm expert—for something as trivial as a dance wouldn’t be wise.”
He gestured toward Lu Ming with an inviting sweep of his hand. “Feel free to do as you wish.”
Esek’s clarity of thought was evident. He understood that Lu Ming harbored a grudge against The Queen of Blade and that Lu Ming’s intent was lethal. Though Esek felt a pang of regret at relinquishing The Queen of Blade so easily, he saw no reason to provoke conflict with another Ancient Realm expert over her. In the absence of personal or racial enmity, Ancient Realm experts generally avoided combat with their peers.
Lu Ming, however, raised an eyebrow at Esek’s response. After a moment of contemplation, he shifted from his normal state into his [Self-Limitation State]. With a powerful leap, he and The Queen of Blade disappeared into the wormhole, reappearing in front of Esek.
Lu Ming scrutinized Esek, soon noting the golden pattern on the back of his hand. “Ancient Realm?” he muttered, pointing to the golden pattern on Esek’s hand and then to the silver pattern on his own chest. “Is this the symbol of the Ancient Realm?”
Both Esek and The Queen of Blade were taken aback. Esek had not anticipated Lu Ming’s apparent ignorance, while The Queen of Blade was stunned to realize that Lu Ming was indeed an Ancient Realm expert.
The Queen of Blade had not previously noticed the silver patterns beneath Lu Ming’s clothes. Esek's expression turned peculiar as he remarked, “Your background is…?”
“Nameless small clan,” Lu Ming replied.
“No wonder…” Esek mused, his smile returning. “Since I have some free time, I’ll take this opportunity to explain the Ancient Realm to you. It might be beneficial for you.”
Indeed, Esek had a genuine interest in befriending Lu Ming. In the Ancient Realm, it was always advantageous to have more allies.
Lu Ming pondered for a moment, then began to massage The Queen of Blade as he nodded gratefully at Esek. “Thank you.”
The sound of cracking bones and The Queen of Blade’s anguished screams provided a grim backdrop to their conversation.
Esek observed Lu Ming’s actions with a strange expression. He wondered about the extent of Lu Ming’s hatred for The Queen of Blade but chose not to inquire, focusing instead on the matter at hand.
“The defining characteristic of an Origin Realm expert is origin power control,” Esek began. “In contrast, the characteristic of an Ancient Realm expert is the power of the natural order.”
He gestured towards the golden pattern on his own hand and then at the silver pattern on Lu Ming’s chest. “These are known as magical patterns or nomological patterns. They represent the embodiment of the laws of the universe.”
Thus, the wavy silver pattern on Lu Ming’s chest was identified as a mystical pattern.
Lu Ming frowned in thought. After a moment, he asked, “There’s a golden pattern on yours and a silver pattern on mine. The shapes are different—does this signify any differences between them?”
Esek nodded. “Of course, there are differences.”
Esek continued, his tone reflecting the gravity of the subject. “That silver pattern of yours is called the [Source of Mystic]. It’s a magical pattern that emerges when one cultivates an Origin Realm or Ancient Realm origin power skill to the Divine level.”
He paused, then pointed to his own hand. “As for mine, it’s known as the [Foundation of Matter]. This mystical pattern is born from researching a particular concept to its utmost extreme.”
The two patterns not only had different origins but also differed significantly in their power.
“There’s a notable disparity in strength,” Esek explained. “Advancing to the Ancient Realm through the [Source of Mystic] method is the most common approach in our Black Mist Zone. By cultivating an Origin Realm or Ancient Realm origin power skill to the Divine level, you can manifest the [Source of Mystic], thus achieving Ancient Realm status.”
He glanced at Lu Ming with a hint of seriousness. “The [Foundation of Matter], represented by the golden pattern, requires a profound comprehension of the essence of a specific element or concept. It is through this deep understanding that one can create the [Foundation of Matter].”
Esek’s expression grew more intense. “The difference between these two methods is significant. The power of a single [Foundation of Matter] pattern can surpass that of three [Source of Mystic] silver patterns.”
END OF CHAPTER 269
