NOVEL WEB CHAPTER 160
The Black Feather Tribe would never return.
Over ten days ago, the Mother Tree, accompanied by Simba, Lian Jie, and Xu Rufang, had traversed the Dragon Spirit's territory. With three Dragon Beasts under its command, it had swiftly overwhelmed and devoured the Dragon Spirit, eradicating all other exotic beasts in the area.
Their journey continued, leading them to the Black Feather Tribe's stronghold: Black Feather Mountain.
Earlier that day, the Mother Tree had arrived outside New York's gathering place. From afar, it witnessed the chaos unfolding within—Black Feather Tribe members wreaking havoc, capturing and killing New Yorkers, harvesting blood essence energy, and abducting women and children for breeding purposes.
Flames roared, screams pierced the air, and the tribe's overwhelming strength reigned supreme.
The Mother Tree, however, remained unmoved by the suffering. These New Yorkers were strangers, their fates inconsequential to it. Instead, its gaze fixated on the Black Feather Tribe members, a predatory hunger rising within.
"Food! More food!" it shrieked, a chorus of anticipation echoing from its many mouths.
Five Dragon Beasts roared in response, taking to the skies. With an unstoppable force, they descended upon the BlackFeather Tribe.
Catastrophe struck in a blink of an eye. The Mother Tree's assault marked the beginning of the end for the Black Feather Tribe.
The Black Feather Tribe stood no chance against the five Dragon Beasts that reigned supreme above the Physique Realm. Coupled with the Mother Tree's ability to grow stronger in battle, the conflict became a one-sided massacre.
The battle raged for three grueling days.
Day 53 of the Black Mist Calendar.
Ayu and Apelo, the tribe's two experts above the Physique Realm, desperately led the remaining survivors towards a distant refuge. Victory was impossible; their only option was to flee.
The tribe members' eyes reflected fear and confusion, but Ayu and Apelo's gaze held a deeper sorrow—a mixture of despair and bitter resentment. Their dreams of rising to power with the help of the new generation of tribulation transcenders had been shattered. The monster had found their home, and their tribe faced annihilation.
Now, their sole focus was on preserving their lineage. Apelo, a ruthless determination burning in his eyes, devised a desperate plan.
As he glanced back at the human-headed Dragon Beasts ravaging Black Feather Mountain, he gritted his teeth and issued a command: "Go east! Find my sworn brother!"
The Black Mist Zone was vast, and many tribes remained unaware of the new generation of tribulation transcenders. In this dire situation, Apelo relinquished his dreams of monopolizing the newcomers' power. Survival, not domination, was their new priority.
Apelo's plan was to leverage the knowledge of the tribulation transcenders, seeking refuge with stronger beings who could shield them and ensure the survival of their bloodline.
The Black Feather Tribe fled in disarray, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
The New Yorkers, spared from further slaughter due to their meager energy reserves, were granted a reprieve. The Mother Tree, no longer interested in their paltry offerings, turned its attention elsewhere.
With the Black Feather Tribe vanquished, the Blood Flesh Mother Tree took root atop Black Feather Mountain, its stay temporary pending news of Lu Ming's whereabouts.
For the New Yorkers, the Mother Tree had become a symbol of hope and protection, a totem to rally behind.
Day 54 of the Black Mist Calendar.
After Anderson's demise, the newly appointed leader of the New York gathering place ascended Black Feather Mountain, seeking an audience with the Mother Tree. However, their request was denied.
To the Mother Tree, the New Yorkers were inconsequential. It saw itself as a tribulation transcender, just like them, and their meager strength offered little benefit.
Simba, however, proposed an alternative. "Why not give them to us as a reward?" he suggested. "We can't offer much assistance by your side, and we're more comfortable among these humans."
The Mother Tree agreed. "That is acceptable."
Indeed, staying with the New Yorkers would be far safer and more comfortable for Simba and the others. After all, even though Simba and Lian Jie were zombies, Xu Rufang was still a living human.
The New Yorkers, now under the protection of Simba, Lian Jie, and Xu Rufang, unknowingly entered a new chapter in their struggle for survival.
In the harsh reality of the Black Mist Zone, the line between the living and the undead had blurred. Thus, Simba, Lian Jie, and Xu Rufang, acting as envoys of the Mother Tree, were welcomed into the New York gathering place.
That night, amidst Xu Rufang's own bewilderment, she was appointed the new leader.
The events transpiring in distant New York remained unknown to Lu Ming and Velo. The vastness of the Black Mist Zone and the lack of communication made it impossible for news to reach them.
Day 54 of the Black Mist Calendar.
Lu Ming had a nagging feeling that the Black Feather Tribe wouldn't return. While he maintained his vigilance, he relaxed his anxious anticipation, no longer allowing the threat to consume his thoughts.
Velo, on the other hand, was losing his smile. The black rice was nearing harvest, and the other crops were thriving. Soon, he would have no excuse to linger in the Nanxiang gathering place.
Day 56 of the Black Mist Calendar.
This day marked a significant milestone for Lu Ming: his Knight's Body Forging Technique was on the verge of advancement.
After dinner, he initiated the breakthrough process. As he meticulously followed the technique's steps, a wave of heat surged through his body. Completing the cycle, Lu Ming's mind was flooded with new insights into the art of body forging.
Lu Ming's movements grew more refined, his Origin Power seamlessly merging with his cells, his breath perfectly synchronized with each motion. Ten minutes later, he opened his eyes and accessed his attribute panel:
Name: Lu Ming
Level: Mortal Realm Level 2
Self-Limitation State!
- Strength: 10605.2
- Physique: 10605.1
- Agility: 10614.2
- Free Attribute Points: 1463
Transcendent Ability: Body Self-Limitation
Skills: (Omitted)
Basic Stance: (Omitted)
Origin Power Skills:
- Basic Breathing Technique: Proficient (183/1000)
- Explosive Fist: Perfect (100,000/100,000)
- Knight's Body Forging Technique: Master (1/10,000)
- A secret technique created by a knight to refine the body using mystery factors. This technique is simple, easy to learn, and applicable to both humans and beasts! Diligent practice gradually improves basic physical fitness.
- You have mastered the initial stage. In the proficient stage, each cycle increases all three attributes by 5 points and grants 5 free attribute points!
The results were as Lu Ming expected. The Proficient stage of the Knight's Body Forging Technique awarded 5 points to each attribute and 5 free points per cycle—a significant improvement over the 2 points gained in the Mastery stage.
His strength was growing at an accelerated pace, a cause for celebration. Lu Ming's heart swelled with joy as he contemplated the possibilities this newfound power would bring.
Lu Ming was elated, his successful breakthrough fueling his spirits. That night, he completed nine more cycles of the Knight's Body Forging Technique, drifting off to sleep with a contented smile.
Four days passed in peaceful monotony.
Day 60 of the Black Mist Calendar.
After a hearty breakfast of exotic beast meat, black rice, and a side of chilled bok choy, Lu Ming headed towards the entrance of the Nanxiang gathering place.
Velo and Fala, packs slung over their shoulders, were bidding farewell to Huo Sheng and the others. Their brief stay had fostered a sense of trust and camaraderie, but with the crops flourishing, their reason for remaining had dwindled.
Velo smiled, but a hint of bitterness lingered in his heart. He longed to confront the Black Feather Tribe and demand, "Where in the world did you all disappear to?!"
As they turned to leave, Lu Ming's voice reached their ears. "Merchant sir, if you come across any Origin Power Skills for sale, please return! I'll buy them all!"
Velo paused, a new idea taking root. "Of course, traveling merchants can always return," he thought. "Lu Ming needs Origin Power Skills. Why not bring some back for him?"
With renewed purpose, Velo quickened his pace. He would return to his tribe's gathering place first, then venture out to seek the skills Lu Ming desired. The prospect of another visit, and perhaps a lucrative deal, filled him with hope.