NOVEL WEB CHAPTER 295
Chapter 295: The Silent Departure
Lu Ming didn’t expel the Moonlight Curse Seal immediately. Despite his ability to rid himself of the mark, he knew Moonfiend Yue was likely sensitive enough to detect its removal. For now, discretion was his ally. He would bide his time.
He walked back to the house by Frost Lake, his face a cold mask of suppressed anger. Yet, the moment he stepped inside, all traces of that fury vanished, replaced by his usual, composed expression.
“Brother Lu, you’re back,” Roxin greeted him, her smile as warm as ever. She didn’t notice anything amiss, and Lu Ming was careful to keep it that way.
He nodded curtly. “Anything happen while I was gone?”
“Nothing worth mentioning,” she replied. “What about you?”
“I had some things to deal with,” Lu Ming said, his voice steady, though the memory of his encounter with Moonfiend Yue still burned fresh in his mind. After a pause, he added, “We need to leave soon. It’s not safe to stay here any longer. I’ve got to get to the Eternal Clan, and fast.”
Roxin blinked, caught off guard by his sudden urgency. “What’s going on?”
“Gather everyone,” Lu Ming instructed. “We need to talk.”
Within minutes, the five of them were seated around the dining table, waiting for Lu Ming to explain. He didn’t mention the specifics of his encounter with Moonfiend Yue—there was no need to stir unnecessary alarm. Instead, he focused on the larger threat: the looming conflict in the core of the Hundred Thousand Mountains.
“We can’t stay here any longer,” he began, his voice calm but firm. “The alliance between the Undead Clan and the Insect Clan is preparing for a major assault on the mountains. Once the fighting begins, it won’t be small. Divine Realm experts will likely get involved, and the destruction will be widespread. This area—Frost Lake—won’t be safe.”
The others listened in silence as he continued. “I also have personal matters that need my immediate attention in the Eternal Clan.”
When he finished, Lu Ming turned to Roda, who had been listening intently. “What do you think?”
Roda didn’t hesitate. “If you think it’s dangerous to stay here, then there’s no point in arguing. I’ll go with you to the Eternal Clan.”
With that, the decision was made. They would leave Frost Lake.
Within half an hour, the group had packed up their belongings and gathered by the edge of the lake. Roda took the lead, diving into the icy waters without a second thought. The others followed quickly, plunging into the lake’s depths.
Beneath the surface, Frost Lake was a strange and mysterious place. The water temperature was well below freezing—around -10 degrees Celsius—yet the lake never froze. This was due to the presence of Ice Crystal Stones, rare minerals that emitted a constant cold air. These stones were invaluable for body-forging techniques, but for now, they simply made the journey through the lake colder and more arduous.
Fortunately, the frigid water didn’t affect them. Each of them was more than capable of withstanding such conditions. With the lake’s exotic beasts having long since fled due to the zombie outbreaks, there were no threats to contend with. Their path was clear.
Hours passed as they swam deeper and deeper into the lake. Eventually, Roda led them to a narrow water tunnel, gesturing for the others to follow. The current was strong here, and the tunnel was tight, forcing them to maneuver carefully through the surging waters.
It took several more hours to traverse the tunnel, but finally, they emerged into a dark underground space. They pulled out glowstones, casting light over the damp, rocky surroundings as Roda led the way.
“The journey ahead will be long,” Roda warned, his voice echoing in the cavern. “We’ll have to dip in and out of the water several times, and the route will take about a month. But the good news is, it’s a safe path—hidden and complex. Almost impossible for outsiders to find.”
Lu Ming nodded, urging the group forward. He had no time to waste. Every minute they spent underground was a minute closer to his confrontation with Moonfiend Yue—and to the end of this twisted game of manipulation.
Along the way, Lu Ming probed Roda for more information about the Hundred Schools of Philosophy. He needed to understand what he was up against.
“The Hundred Schools of Philosophy are a massive organization within the Eternal Clan,” Roda explained. “They’re essentially a coalition of the top hundred academies, all specializing in different fields of extraordinary knowledge. They produce many powerful experts—some of whom eventually reach the Divine Realm.”
Roda went on to explain the intricacies of the Hundred Schools. Graduates from these schools often rose to prominent positions within the Aeonian Empire, contributing their talents and power back to the academies. It was a self-perpetuating system, with each generation building upon the last. The organization had grown so influential that it rivaled even the military institutions of the Eternal Clan.
“They’re guarded by three gods,” Roda added. “The sect master, Jiu Han, and the deputy master, Xiang Yi. Beyond that, there are seven other gods who were former graduates, though they aren’t officially part of the schools anymore.”
The more Lu Ming learned, the clearer his strategy became. Infiltrating such a powerful organization would be no easy task, but with the right approach, he could find a way to bend it to his advantage.
Twenty days later, after traversing a labyrinth of water tunnels and underground caverns, they finally resurfaced in Qinghe(Clear River) Province, deep within the Eternal Clan’s territory.
“I’ll be heading directly to the Hundred Schools of Philosophy,” Lu Ming announced as they stood on the shore, taking in the unfamiliar landscape. “What about the rest of you?”
Roda hesitated. “I’m afraid I can’t accompany you this time. I need to return to my hometown and check on things there.”
Lu Ming smiled, though there was a tinge of regret. “Take care, Roda. We’ll meet again.”
Quan Chao stepped forward, his expression resolute. “I’m going with you,” he said to Lu Ming, his loyalty unquestionable.
Roxin, meanwhile, wavered. She glanced between her brother and Lu Ming, conflicted. In the end, she chose to stay with her family. “It’s not a goodbye,” she said with a weak smile. “Keep in touch, okay? And don’t forget to visit me when you can.”
Lu Ming ruffled her hair affectionately. “I promise. I’ll be back.”
As they parted ways, Lu Ming’s eyes flicked toward the distant horizon, where the Hundred Thousand Mountains loomed ominously.
This was far from over. His journey had only just begun.
End of Chapter 295