NOVEL NEXT CHAPTER 103
Chapter 103: The Calm Before the Mist
After Huo Sheng departed, Wang Xiong, Zhang Chengcheng, and the others returned, allowing Lu Ming some much-needed rest.
He awoke just past 2 p.m., to a delicious lunch prepared by Zhang Chengcheng. The meal was leisurely and satisfying, lasting over an hour.
By the time he finished, it was already 3:30 p.m., disrupting his usual afternoon skill practice. After some deliberation, Lu Ming decided to experiment with the newly acquired Basic Breathing Technique instead, letting the system record the results.
He retreated to his second-floor room, opening the window to invite in more Mystery Factors (though he knew it wouldn’t make a difference). Sitting cross-legged on the floor, he began adjusting his breathing rhythm according to the technique.
The technique felt profound. As his breathing synchronized with the prescribed pattern, Lu Ming could distinctly sense a cool, refreshing air entering his body through his nose and mouth, then diffusing throughout his system.
After about three minutes, Lu Ming promptly stopped the exercise. He stood up, testing his body’s movements, but noticed no changes. Satisfied with this result, he nodded to himself.
When he opened the attribute panel again, the attributes came into view:
Name: Lu Ming
Level: 1 Mortal Realm
Age: 25 years old
Attributes:
Strength: 606.7
Physique: 618.1
Agility: 638
Free Attribute Points: 201
Superpower: Awakening in progress...
Skills:
- Fitness Lv23 (1900/2300)
- Slingshot Lv31 (268/3100)
- Archery Lv25 (487/2500)
- Firearms Lv25 (1330/2500)
- Hand-to-hand Combat Lv30 (658/3000)
- Cold Weapon Combat Lv30 (652/3000)
- Basic Spearmanship Lv25 (210/2500)
- Throw Lv6 (60/1600)
- Basic Saber Technique Lv5 (400/1500)
- Basic Sword Technique Lv5 (314/1500)
- Basic Staff Technique Lv5 (100/1500)
Stance Techniques:
- Tiger Steps Stance Lv5 (635/1500)
- Resistance Stance Lv6 (500/1600)
Origin Skill:
Basic Breathing Technique (Novice) (1/100): The most basic Origin Energy Breathing Technique. This breathing technique only assists in absorbing Origin Energy to advance. It has no other special effects. This cultivation technique can only raise the user to the Realm of Mortals, Level 9!
“Origin Skill?” Lu Ming muttered, his brow furrowing as he stared at the unfamiliar term on the system interface. “Beginner? Realm of Mortals? Level 9?”
The Basic Breathing Technique had introduced a series of perplexing concepts into Lu Ming’s world. He pondered for a moment, piecing together fragments of information to form educated guesses.
“An ability related to Origin Energy, also known as the Mystery Factor,” he deduced, “is labeled by the system as an Origin Energy Skill.”
“As for the levels of Origin Energy Skills,” he continued, “they don’t seem to follow the numerical system of Level 1 or Level 2. Instead, they use terms like Beginner.”
“And the Realm of Mortals...” Lu Ming paused, mulling over the phrase. “It must be a classification of levels within this new system.”
He shook his head, realizing the limits of his knowledge. The information available was too scarce for him to draw any definitive conclusions. There was no way to verify his theories, so he decided to shelve the matter for the time being.
The Basic Breathing Technique’s description, however, offered one crucial insight: “This technique doesn’t increase attributes, even with cultivation. It can only promote advancement.”
Lu Ming made a swift decision. “I won’t cultivate it in the future,” he declared, opting to focus on his usual training methods.
He left the confines of his house, climbed the familiar tower, and resumed his diligent skill proficiency farming. Life settled back into a familiar rhythm.
Meanwhile, Huo Sheng returned to the official shelter, his mind buzzing with the implications of their discovery. He immediately sought out Bai Tianyu, eager to share the newfound knowledge.
After recounting the events, Huo Sheng solemnly handed the Basic Breathing Technique to Bai Tianyu. “Although our current situation seems stable,” he said, “it’s actually quite precarious. Perhaps I’m simply pessimistic, but I believe that even with Mr. Lu’s presence, we must strive to find a breakthrough. Otherwise, we face a grim future.”
Lu Ming’s existence had resolved many issues for the official shelter. However, Huo Sheng knew that relying solely on one individual was a dangerous strategy. It had been a necessity before, but Chang Yi’s experiences presented a new possibility.
“The Black Mist Zone,” Huo Sheng declared. “If it contains high-level zombie crystals and the Basic Breathing Technique, there must be other valuable resources there as well.”
“Our only option at this point is to explore and understand the Black Mist Zone!”
Bai Tianyu accepted the Basic Breathing Technique, nodding solemnly. “I understand,” he replied.
The two men had worked together for a long time and shared a deep understanding. Bai Tianyu grasped the unspoken message in Huo Sheng’s words.
Lu Ming wouldn’t venture into the Black Mist Zone. Therefore, Bai Tianyu would take the lead, assembling a small but capable team to explore that unknown territory.
Danger was inevitable, but the potential rewards were too great to ignore.
For the sake of Nanxiang City’s remaining survivors, Bai Tianyu was willing to embrace the risk. A determined grin spread across his face as he declared, “With Brother Lu watching over everyone, I feel a bit useless. Now, it’s my time to shine.”
Huo Sheng smiled and shook his head in amusement. “By the way,” he said, “these are the zombie crystals Chang Yi left behind. You can take care of them.”
That night, the exploration team was formed. It consisted of ten members, with Bai Tianyu, a Level 3 Awakened, as the captain. The rest of the team members were also Level 3 Awakened individuals, each possessing formidable combat abilities through their unique superpowers.
Later that evening, Bai Tianyu arrived at the gathering place on Guangping Street and successfully ascended to Level 4. He became the third Level 4 Awakened in the safe zone.
The advancement process attracted a minor wave of zombies, easily dispatched by Lu Ming. Unfortunately, the remaining members lacked sufficient zombie crystals to advance further—Chang Yi hadn’t stockpiled many Tier 4 crystals, as he had no personal need for them.
However, this wasn’t a major setback. With the Basic Breathing Technique, steady progress was still possible, even if it wasn’t as rapid as consuming zombie crystals.
Bai Tianyu and his team prepared for a period of secluded cultivation at the gathering place. Once all members reached Level 4, or when Bai Tianyu himself ascended to Level 5, they would embark on their expedition into the enigmatic Black Mist Zone.
Day 102 of the Apocalypse Calendar, Wednesday.
Lu Ming’s fitness skill had leveled up to Lv24 (0/2400). Aside from this minor achievement, it was another ordinary, yet fulfilling day.
Meanwhile, in Wang Family Village on the outskirts of Nanxiang City, the once peaceful haven was now overrun by countless zombies.
The village was teeming with the undead, packed together shoulder to shoulder, creating a grotesque scene. The putrid stench emanating from their rotting bodies formed a thick mist that hung over the entire village, giving it an eerie, otherworldly appearance.
At the center of this macabre congregation stood the two Devourers, Simba and Lian Jie.
Simba and Lian Jie had been enjoying a rather comfortable existence since parting ways with Chang Yi. They had laid low for a while, realizing that Lu Ming wasn’t pursuing them. The two Devourers had their own agenda, and revenge was far from their minds.
Returning to the urban area of Nanxiang City was out of the question. As long as Lu Ming remained there, these two Devourers would never set foot in the city again.
However, hiding and skulking around wasn’t a sustainable solution for the two Tier 4 Zombie Kings. Without their underlings and cannon fodder, they couldn’t maintain their status or protect themselves from other high-level zombies.
After scouring nearby villages, Simba and Lian Jie amassed a new horde of zombies and claimed Wang Family Village as their territory. The reason for this choice was simple: the village was situated on the edge of the Black Mist, the farthest point from Lu Ming’s residence.
It was a strategy of avoiding confrontation and staying out of sight.
Looking down at their newly acquired minions, Simba and Lian Jie exchanged satisfied smiles, feeling a renewed sense of security.
Just as they were about to discuss their plans, Xu Rufang’s voice startled Lian Jie from behind.
“Son,” she inquired, her gaze fixed on the ominous Black Mist, “do you think it’s getting closer?”
End of Chapter 103