NOVEL ONLINE FREE CHAPTER 256
Chapter 256
Before He Qing's departure, he had briefly explained the situation unfolding beyond the Black Grasslands.
The Mother Tree's influence had united the Giant Clan and the Insect Clan in a joint campaign against the Undead Clan.
The conflict had escalated into a full-fledged war, its intensity growing with each passing day. Origin Realm experts were now commonplace on the main battlefield, and even clashes between Ancient Realm individuals had been reported. Though the gods themselves had yet to intervene, the situation was rapidly spiraling out of control.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see that the cooperation between the Insect Clan and the Giant Clan was a fragile alliance, held together only by the Mother Tree's mediation.
Hao Huang and the Queen of Blade's current mission was to hunt down Esek, an Origin Realm expert of the Undead Clan, rumored to be on a secret mission within the Hundred Thousand Mountains.
This was the reason for their presence on the Black Grass Plains.
The Blood Flesh Mother Tree, either out of boredom or some ulterior motive, had dispatched an avatar to accompany them.
"A sub-base," the Mother Tree declared, its voice echoing from within the sedan chair. "I need to establish a sub-base."
Its intentions, at least on the surface, were clear.
The human-headed monster carrying the sapling carefully placed it on the Black Grassland.
Roots began to burrow into the earth, and the Mother Tree started absorbing nutrients from the desolate soil.
This scene prompted Hao Huang to voice his concern. "The plants on the Black Grassland are toxic. Absorbing their toxins will severely disrupt the cultivation of superhumans."
The Mother Tree responded with a nonchalant "Oh."
"But I'm not a superhuman," it continued. "All I need is biomass."
The Black Grass, despite its toxicity, still provided sustenance. Besides, the Mother Tree was unaffected by the poison. This desolate plain still held value for its growth.
"So, I'll wait here for your good news. I'll leave the matter of Esek to the two of you."
Hao Huang simply replied, "Alright."
The Queen of Blade, however, bristled. "I can handle it myself!"
The Mother Tree chuckled. "Cooperation leads to win-win situations. I wish you both success."
As Hao Huang and The Queen of Blade departed, a calculating glint flashed in the small tree's eyes.
"Let's begin."
The eight human-headed monsters sprang into action, their destination—the depths of the Hundred Thousand Mountains.
Meanwhile, deep within the Hundred Thousand Mountains...
Esek, an Undead Clan member, was slowly making his way further inward.
As the Queen of Blades slaughtered his fellow undead, Esek paused, as if sensing something amiss.
The blond, blue-eyed, humanoid zombie showed no remorse for his fallen comrades. Instead, a sinister grin spread across his face.
"Hehehe~"
"The Giant Clan, the Insect Clan..."
"You seek power, unaware of the true danger you're courting. Can you even control that thing?"
With that, Esek turned and continued his journey deeper into the Hundred Thousand Mountains, his voice trailing off into a barely audible mumble.
"Soon, almost there..."
"Just like this, just like this. According to Lord Undead's instructions, that thing will undoubtedly deliver the heaviest blow to both clans!"
"The early sacrifices were necessary, all worth it."
"And now, the day of counterattack is approaching!"
About an hour later...
Two figures descended from the sky, landing gracefully within the City Lord's Manor of Archean City.
Roda hurried out to greet the unexpected visitors. Upon recognizing their faces, he took a deep breath, his demeanor respectful.
"Greetings to the two Lords of the Insect Clan and the Giant Clan," he said, bowing slightly.
The Queen of Blades ignored him, her gaze cold and distant.
Hao Huang, however, spoke calmly. "Are you the leader here?"
Roda nodded. "Yes."
"Tell your men to go to the Hundred Thousand Mountains and handle something for me. That's all."
Hao Huang's tone was curt, leaving no room for questions.
As an Origin Realm expert, Hao Huang's words were a command, not a request. The City Lord of Archean City had no choice but to obey.
There was no room for refusal.
This was the harsh reality of the Black Mist Zone.
Roda nodded immediately. "May I know what the lord requires of us?"
"Find an undead named Esek," Hao Huang instructed, his voice cold and commanding. "This is his appearance."
With a wave of his hand, Hao Huang conjured an image of Esek, his features vividly displayed through the manipulation of Origin Power.
Roda's breath hitched.
Such a display of power was a testament to Hao Huang's Origin Realm strength.
"Have you memorized it?" Hao Huang inquired.
"Yes, I have," Roda replied, his tone respectful.
Hao Huang continued, "Inform me when you find him. By the way, my partner and I need a place to stay for the time being. We'll be staying here. Do you have any objections?"
Roda opened his mouth, but the words died in his throat. He could only nod and say, "No objections."
What objections could he possibly have?
How could he dare to voice any dissent?
The two Origin Realm experts, Hao Huang and the Queen of Blades were like deities in the eyes of Roda and the rest of Archean City.
Yet, despite his seemingly subservient position, Roda remained composed.
After all, no one knew that within his City Lord's Manor, another powerful being lay hidden.
However, Roda chose to share this information only with Lu Ming, keeping it from the others. He didn't want to burden Lu Ming with unnecessary concerns. After all, this was a relatively minor issue that posed no immediate threat.
He would simply fulfill the Origin Realm experts' request and send them on their way. That would be the end of it.
Roda found Quan Chao and mobilized the combined forces of the Land God Association and the explorers of Archean City to begin their search for Esek.
Meanwhile, Hao Huang and the Queen of Blades settled into the City Lord's Manor.
To Origin Realm experts, those beneath their level were often insignificant.
This was likely the mindset of Hao Huang and the Queen of Blades during their stay.
Their interactions with others were aloof and detached.
However, this aloofness also meant less trouble for Roda and the others.
The two powerful beings spent their days either secluded in their rooms or venturing into the Hundred Thousand Mountains on their own. The City Lord's Manor was merely a temporary dwelling, and they had no interest in engaging with the "lesser" beings around them.
Thus, an entire week passed without any disturbances at the Manor.
Day 338 of the Black Mist Calendar
During their routine daily briefing, the Queen of Blades, uncharacteristically, displayed a surge of emotion.
"Trash!" she spat, her venom directed at Roda.
But Roda remained silent, his expression carefully neutral.
The Queen of Blade didn't elaborate further or take any action as if merely labeling Roda as "trash" was already a significant concession on her part.
Beside her, Hao Huang furrowed his brow and shook his head in agreement. "Indeed, they're trash. This Archean City is nothing more than a gathering of the weak and incompetent."
For a full eight days, they had found no trace of Esek.
Roda spoke up, his voice hesitant. "Two Lords, our people have searched the outskirts of the Hundred Thousand Mountains thoroughly but haven't found any sign of Esek. I suspect he might have ventured deeper into the mountains. Could that be possible?"
Hao Huang's response was immediate and thunderous. "If you knew that, why haven't you sent people to look for him?!"
Roda offered a bitter smile. "We can't search there. The depths of the Hundred Thousand Mountains are too dangerous, and our people are too weak. Sending them there would only result in needless casualties."
Hao Huang was at a loss. While he could force these people to venture deeper into the mountains, it would be pointless if they died in droves without achieving their objective.
"Forget it," Hao Huang said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I don't think I can count on you for this matter."
"Besides," he continued, "our reinforcements from the clan are about to arrive. Prepare food and drink for them. You don't need to worry about Esek anymore."
As Hao Huang spoke, The Queen of Blade added calmly, "Prepare an empty space and a large amount of blood food. Our Insect Clan will build a nest here."
Roda remained silent for a long moment, then finally nodded. "I understand."
End of Chapter 256