Chapter 184: The Flame Clan Ruins
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Archean City was the only city near the Hundred Thousand Mountains.
As the only resource gathering place outside the Hundred Thousand Mountains, countless people from all walks of life gathered here!
These so-called people from all walks of life had a more appealing name: explorers.
However, in the Black Mist Zone, explorers were essentially considered outlaws.
The intelligent creatures within the Black Mist Zone usually preferred to gather in groups—the principle that there was strength in numbers which held true everywhere.
However, there were always a few individuals who were unwilling to be restricted by the rules of their groups or had committed unforgivable offenses within their communities, leading to their exile and survival on their own.
Such people were very common in the chaotic region.
And Archean City was no exception.
They pursued dreams of freedom or wealth, willingly throwing themselves into the perilous Hundred Thousand Mountains, either for survival, power, or ambition!
During this period of time, a piece of news began circulating in Archean City.
“Have you heard? There have been sightings of the Flame Clan ruins within the Hundred Thousand Mountains recently, and it’s not just a single ruin, but a sizable group of ruins.”
“Tsk, this news of yours is long outdated. Let me tell you, the ruins of the Flame Clan are indeed true. Not only that, but the members of the Heaven Saber Gang also brought back several Spirit Realm Source Power Skills from those ruins!”
“Spirit Realm Source Power Skills? Really?!”
“It’s as real as it gets. Let me tell you, the grandson of my uncle’s brother’s second aunt is the subordinate of the young master of the Heaven Saber Gang. At that time, my relative had personally experienced it. How could he lie to me?”
One statement caused quite a stir.
Indeed, the recent ruins of the Flame Clan ruins were an unavoidable topic in Archean City.
Another person spoke up in a melodious voice, saying, “Speaking of the Flame Clan, they were once one of the top super clans in their prime! In terms of strength during their peak, they were second only to the Aeonians, even surpassing the Insect Clan and the Undead Clan!”
“However, during a certain major calamity some time ago, the seven gods of the Flame Clan chose the wrong side, and were besieged and wiped out by other divine beings!”
“Without the protection of the gods, the Flame Clan, fearing retaliation, relocated their entire clan to the Hundred Thousand Mountains.
Unfortunately, after several generations, information about the Flame Clan slowly decreased, and now the Flame Clan has become history…”
After hearing this long speech, the people in the tavern let out sighs of regret.
However, some individuals seemed to be deep in thought as they settled their bills and left.
The ruins of a once-prominent clan…
How extraordinary could the opportunities inside be!?
In fact, a few days ago, someone had begun to spread this news in Archean City.
Initially, most people did not take it seriously. However, after the Heaven Saber Gang, one of the top factions in Archean City, publicly endorsed the existence of the Flame Clan ruins, it became a fact!
Who were the people living in Archean City?
People who wanted money more than their lives!
Even though the Hundred Thousand Mountains were filled with danger, before the news of the Flame Clan ruins, these explorers from Archean City dared to venture into them. Now, there was even less reason to hold them back.
On the 130th night of the Black Mist Calendar.
Lu Ming had already entered the Hundred Thousand Mountains with his three female companions.
The mountains were densely covered with trees, making the surroundings dimly lit, and the roads were arduous to navigate.
Occasionally, strange roars from beasts could be heard, but it was unclear which type of creatures were producing those sounds.
In any case, the resources in the Hundred Thousand Mountains were indeed abundant, with no lack of flora and fauna.
However, the environment was indeed harsh. Establishing a safe dwelling here would be quite challenging.
“Water. Water is the most important thing.”
Lu Ming muttered and began to make plans in his heart.
“Therefore, the location of our gathering place must be near a water source.”
“Next is security. I need to ensure that there are no threats from nearby exotic beasts that could endanger my life.”
“Lastly, food. The food problem is easy to resolve. There’s no lack of exotic beasts in these mountains.”
There were many locations in the Hundred Thousand Mountains that met these three criteria.
However, Lu Ming was a perfectionist, hoping to find a hidden and comfortable place to live, which was a more subjective matter.
For the time being, he could only look around and try to find.
That night, Lu Ming briefly explained his logic for selecting a location, and obtained the approval of Cheng Cheng and Wei Lan. However, Fala thought for a moment and suggested,
“Why don’t we look for something ready-made?”
Lu Ming raised an eyebrow, “Ready-made?”
Fala nodded, “Yes, like those abandoned gathering points. There are many of them in the Hundred Thousand Mountains—some were destroyed by exotic beasts, while others were abandoned by the people.”
“Anyway, the turnover of groups within the Hundred Thousand Mountains is rapid. Some come in like us, while many can’t stay and leave or perish directly. But whether they leave or perish, they can’t take their houses with them, right?”
After hearing Fala’s suggestion, Lu Ming fell into deep thought.
A moment later, Lu Ming nodded, “Your idea has some merit.”
Seeing Lu Ming nod in agreement with her idea, Fara smiled and said, “Coincidentally, 1 know there’s an abandoned campsite nearby. Should we go and check it out?”
Velo’s life had not been filled with grand adventures, but he had experienced quite a bit. He had been to the Hundred Thousand Mountains before, and all the information that Fala knew was previously shared with her by Velo.
Lu Ming nodded again, saying, “Let’s go then!”
By now, the sky was already dark. Lu Ming had initially been prepared to camp outside. However, the dangers of camping in the open within the Hundred Thousand Mountains were not insignificant.
It would be better to find an abandoned campsite to spend the night.
As for whether they would choose the abandoned campsite as their residence for the near future, that was a matter for later, and there was no need to make that decision now.
After walking deeper into the Hundred Thousand Mountains for nearly two hours, the four of them arrived at the abandoned campsite that Fala had mentioned.
However, the campsite was illuminated by clear flickering flames, causing Lu Ming to frown slightly.
Fala was also perplexed by the sight….
According to her grandfather, this place should have been completely deserted.
Before the four of them could react, a patrolman nearby had already spotted them.
After confirming repeatedly that they were not beasts, the alien patrolman who had gray-skinned and pointed ears, spoke in a deep voice,
“Are you here to find the Flame Clan’s ruins too?”
The four of them wore puzzled expressions, but Fala responded with a simple “yes.” The patrolman continued, “Since you’re all explorers from Archean City, then come on in. However, according to the rules, one of you has to be in charge of patrolling.”
This rule was not specific to this abandoned gathering place.
Instead, it was an unwritten rule among the explorers of Archean City.
Fala rolled her eyes and quietly went forward. After slipping a few Origin Stones into the patrolman’s hand, there was no more mention of the patrolling.
After watching the alien patrolman walk away, Fala returned to Lu Ming’s side. The tall girl, tugging at her own hair, said in distress, “I wonder what’s going on. Why are there so many people here?”
She then looked at Lu Ming and asked, “Brother Lu, should we still go inside?”
Lu Ming looked at the sky.
It was already midnight.
He nodded and said, “Let’s go inside and rest for the night..”