NOVEL NEXT CHAPTER 102
Chapter 102: Secrets of the Black Mist, Unveiled
Eileen presented the item she retrieved from her pocket. Lu Ming and Huo Sheng leaned in to examine it together.
It was a booklet resembling a martial arts manual, with a deep blue cover and five bold characters printed on a white background:
Basic Breathing Technique
“???” Lu Ming's face was a picture of confusion.
“???” Huo Sheng mirrored his expression.
“What is this?” they both asked simultaneously.
“It's called Basic Breathing Technique,” Eileen replied.
Lu Ming and Huo Sheng weren't illiterate. They could clearly read the title, but it left them bewildered.
Eileen continued, “Chang Yi claimed this was his greatest treasure from the misty area. However, I haven't examined it closely, so I don’t know much about it.”
Chang Yi hadn't carried the booklet on him. Instead, he had hidden it in his room, believing it to be well-concealed. Unbeknownst to him, Eileen had observed his actions, memorizing the location and waiting for the perfect opportunity to betray him.
“He also has a bag of high-level zombie crystals,” Eileen added.
However, Lu Ming and Huo Sheng barely registered her words. Their attention was fixated on the Basic Breathing Technique booklet. Huo Sheng picked it up and began flipping through the pages, a block of text filling his vision.
“Chinese characters,” Huo Sheng confirmed the script before carefully examining the content within the booklet.
As he read, a spark of excitement ignited in his eyes. After a brief scan, he handed the booklet to Lu Ming, who eagerly began to flip through it.
On the title page, the following phrase was boldly displayed:
“Origin Power, The Beginning of the Extraordinary!”
“Origin Power?” Lu Ming murmured, pondering the meaning behind the words. Huo Sheng, standing beside him, offered his interpretation: “It must refer to the Mystery Factor.”
Turning to the next page, Lu Ming delved into the text itself. However, as he read, his eyes narrowed in contemplation.
After closing the booklet, he shook his head with a tinge of regret. “This is of no use to me...”
The so-called Basic Breathing Technique, in Lu Ming's opinion, resembled the concept of inner energy often depicted in martial arts films. It involved meditation and a specific breathing pattern to cultivate and refine this internal energy.
It sounded somewhat fantastical to him.
In truth, the purpose of the Basic Breathing Technique was quite simple. As they knew, humans relied on Mystery Factors (Source Power) to become Awakened, and Awakened relied on Mystery Factors to level up and grow stronger. The same applied to zombies.
The Basic Breathing Technique was a method to quickly absorb the Mystery Factors dispersed in the air through a specific breathing pattern. It enabled ordinary people to Awaken and allowed Awakened to rapidly level up.
In essence, it served as a substitute for zombie crystals.
However, for Lu Ming, this wasn't particularly useful. He didn’t want or need to level up quickly as an Awakened; otherwise, it would hinder his daily attribute farming.
While the Basic Breathing Technique was valuable for others, as accumulating high-level zombie crystals was always a challenge, for Lu Ming, it was entirely redundant.
Huo Sheng, on the other hand, was captivated by the booklet. Seeing Lu Ming's disinterest, he quickly tucked it away. A new question arose in his mind.
“If Chang Yi possessed such a valuable technique, why haven't we ever seen him practice it?” Huo Sheng wondered aloud.
The Basic Breathing Technique was crucial for ordinary Awakened.
With the Basic Breathing Technique, achieving higher levels would be a smoother journey. So why didn’t Chang Yi utilize it?
At the mention of Chang Yi, Eileen sneered. “That's why I say he's sick! He thinks he's invincible in Nanxiang and just wants to indulge in pleasure. Why bother with the effort of increasing his strength?”
Lu Ming and Huo Sheng both sighed at her words. Chang Yi was born with immense talent and fortune, yet he failed to capitalize on his advantage, squandering precious time on frivolous pursuits.
“I must take this as a warning!” Lu Ming declared. “Stay grounded, avoid distractions, focus, and persevere! Invincible? He was nothing more than a frog in a well.”
Huo Sheng listened to Lu Ming's words and couldn’t help but chuckle wryly. He wanted to tell Lu Ming that it was okay to relax occasionally, that he didn’t need to be so driven all the time. However, considering Lu Ming's personality, Huo Sheng knew such advice would fall on deaf ears.
To him, Chang Yi and Lu Ming were polar opposites. Yet, he found Lu Ming far more admirable. Turning to Eileen, Huo Sheng offered a gentle smile. “There's no need to elaborate on the Holy Tower. I understand the situation in that regard. Now, I'd like to have a private conversation with Mr. Lu. Madam Eileen, if you wouldn’t mind...”
Eileen nodded and excused herself.
Once Lu Ming and Huo Sheng were alone in the dining room, Huo Sheng spoke: “Mr. Lu, have you memorized the Basic Breathing Technique? If not, I can show it to you again before I take the original.”
Lu Ming nodded, confirming that he had committed the technique to memory.
In truth, Lu Ming had briefly considered experimenting with the Basic Breathing Technique, but not delving too deep into it. Dedicating himself to the practice would be counterproductive, as leveling up would only complicate matters.
However, possessing an additional skill was never a bad thing. Even if he didn’t need it presently, having it in his arsenal could prove useful in the future.
With the matter of the Basic Breathing Technique settled, Huo Sheng adjusted his glasses, his eyes gleaming with insight. “The situation is becoming quite clear,” he remarked.
Lu Ming raised an eyebrow, prompting Huo Sheng to continue.
Huo Sheng began his explanation. Three days ago, Chang Yi had made contact with the Holy Tower and received some information.
Chang Yi hadn’t kept this information to himself. He had proclaimed, “If you desire greater power, if you wish to escape this perilous place, you must reach the Holy Tower.”
Combining this statement with Chang Yi's experience in the Black Mist, the Basic Breathing Technique, and their previous observations, Huo Sheng had pieced together a rough understanding of their current predicament.
“Firstly, we can be certain that the Black Mist and the Holy Tower didn’t appear out of nowhere. There's a mastermind behind all of this—the Holy Tower, the Black Mist, and everything we're facing.”
However, the identity or nature of this mastermind remained shrouded in mystery.
“Based on our observations,” Huo Sheng continued, “the Black Mist is gradually shrinking. It’s likely a death trap for us.”
Just because Chang Yi survived the Black Mist didn’t mean it was safe for others. He possessed unique abilities, making him nearly unstoppable in Nanxiang, save for Lu Ming.
Despite his power, Chang Yi had sworn off re-entering the Black Mist, highlighting the immense danger it held.
As the Black Mist continued to shrink, everyone faced two possible outcomes:
- Engulfment: Being enveloped by the Black Mist and forced into its domain.
- Ascension: Reaching Level 5 as quickly as possible and contacting the Holy Tower to uncover its secrets.
Holding the Basic Breathing Technique, Huo Sheng experienced a whirlwind of emotions. Countless thoughts and speculations swirled in his mind, yet they lacked concrete evidence.
After a moment of reflection, Huo Sheng smiled and shook his head. “Regardless, this Basic Breathing Technique solves a major problem.”
Although they had discovered a method to Awaken ordinary people, the limited number of zombie crystals remained a significant obstacle. This issue hindered the progress of all Awakened individuals, restricting their potential for growth. The emergence of the Basic Breathing Technique offered a clear path forward.
Huo Sheng's excitement was palpable. “I must hurry back and share this knowledge,” he declared.
After a brief pause, he added, “I believe the Black Mist holds both great secrets and opportunities... Mr. Lu, are you interested in exploring it?”
If Chang Yi could emerge from the Black Mist alive, there was no reason why Lu Ming couldn’t.
However...
Lu Ming's personality...
“I don’t want to go,” he stated bluntly and decisively.
Huo Sheng's mouth twitched in response.
It was the answer he had expected.
End of Chapter 102