Chapter 583: The Corroders
Chapter 583: The Corroders
Lindsey's attitude was so clear that no further explanation was needed. With a faint smile, the Elder followed him into the plant shop.
As they entered the shop, the Elder's gaze swept across the surroundings, and he couldn't help but exclaim in amazement, "To nurture so many plants?"
"Only an Awakener like you could create a forest out of nothing and even alter the environment of the Withered Expanse."
"..."
Lindsey wanted to correct this statement. Technically, he was still a Fourth Stage Awakener.
But such words sounded ridiculous even to himself, so he let it slide for now.
Lindsey led the way, bringing the group directly to the reception room on the second floor.
He and the Elder sat down, while the two young men stood straight behind them like guards.
Lindsey poured a cup of tea for the Elder:
"Sir, I can see that you come with good intentions."
"And if I'm not mistaken, you must be aware of many things that have happened in this land, right?"
The Elder nodded in admiration:
"Lord, your insight is truly astonishing."
Lindsey smiled and shrugged:
"With the abilities of an Awakener and sufficient age, it's not difficult to make such speculations."
After saying this, Lindsey introduced himself.
"Also, you don't need to call me Lord. My name is Lindsey."
"An elder like you can just call me by my name."
The Elder maintained his respect: "Lord Lindsey, I am Lane."
"I am a pitiful fugitive who has spent these years hiding and can only protect a small group of people."
Lindsey shook his head:
"In the current Withered Expanse, being able to protect yourself and even care for others is an extraordinary achievement."
"Mr. Lane, please tell me about your intentions."
The Elder didn't dare to be careless and explained his purpose in detail:
"A few months ago, I heard that a territory called Banyan Forest appeared in the east. In the current Withered Expanse, it's impossible to nurture such a large plant community. So, I became curious. And after hearing about your management of the territory, I became even more curious and decided to come and see for myself."
At this point, Lane couldn't help but sigh:
"You can probably tell that I'm already old, and I may only have ten years left to live. Before my death, I must find a place where these children can live for a while."
Lindsey nodded in understanding.
So, these people, like other refugees, had come to seek refuge in Banyan Forest.
They also had other companions, and these three were the ones sent ahead to scout.
Lindsey began to express his stance:
"I can assure you that Banyan Forest welcomes all friends who come with good intentions."
"If you want to arrange for people to join us, I will definitely welcome them!"
Lane's expression became somewhat excited.
Lindsey raised his hand and patted the air, then asked:
"But this is also a rare opportunity."
"Since a wise elder like you has come, there are some things I'd like to get answers for from you."
Lane understood what he meant:
"You want to know how Mooncry Mountain Range ended up in such a state?"
Seeing Lindsey nod, the Elder continued:
"There's no need to mention the battles between the Righteous Ones. The destruction of the major cities in this world was brought about by them. And when the battlefront retreated back to the Dust World, we thought we'd have a chance to breathe. But then, the Corroders suddenly appeared."
"Taking advantage of the infighting among the Righteous Ones, the Corroders acted without restraint and even unleashed a plague. I thought this world had truly come to an end, but for some unknown reason, that raging plague mysteriously stopped.
"Even someone as weak and insignificant as me, a low-stage Awakener, managed to survive the escape."
—Erosionist.
At the mention of this term, Lindsey frowned.
He was no longer the novice adventurer he once was; he had a basic understanding of various factions in the world, and the Erosionists were one of them.
Erosionists possessed formidable power in the world's main cities.
Their skills were incredibly dangerous, and some had notorious reputations. Their position was built upon their strength!
According to public knowledge, Erosionists' skills were potent even at lower stages, and powerful individuals could freely erode and even assimilate the world's forces.
Among them were some extremely dangerous individuals who could even devour others' Source Essence and skills.
Occasional appearances of these Erosionists posed significant threats, and even their own world's main city took them seriously.
Lindsey processed the information Lane provided.
He had initially focused his attention on the Abyss School, but he was surprised to hear this unexpected name from a firsthand witness.
He asked, "Mr. Lane, have you heard of the Abyss?"
The old man shook his head.
"No."
Lane, being a local of Mooncry Mountain Range, could still learn about some local matters due to his age and status as an Awakener.
But this was ancient history from tens of thousands of years ago, long buried by time.
Naturally, he had no way of knowing.
At this point, Lindsey, sitting across from Lane, furrowed his brows.
Seeing Lindsey's expression, Lane misunderstood the lord's thoughts and offered a suggestion, "Lord Lindsey, if you wish to know more, I might know of a good place."
"I heard that before the Messengers evacuated, they didn't destroy this world's Messenger Hall. You might find detailed records there."
"After all, you know that Messengers always have the most up-to-date information."
Lindsey's interest was immediately piqued.
"The Messenger Hall in this world wasn't destroyed or occupied?"
Lane nodded.
"It has basic skill protection in place."
"Ordinary people can't enter, and those who can get in aren't interested in paper and books anyway."
Decades have passed, and the great powers of the Desolate Land have long considered that place dispensable."
Lindsey inquired further, "And the exact location?"
Lane replied promptly, "It's east of the Teleport Courtyard. It would take ordinary people a week to get there."
"But—I heard when I was younger that powerful Messengers could make the trip in a day, and even manage a round trip."
Their conversation reached a point where Lindsey had gathered enough information, and he was quite satisfied.
After a long journey, the elderly man before him was showing signs of fatigue.
Noticing this, Lindsey prepared to end the conversation and arrange a residence for the old man.
As he stood up to lead the way, the recent concern resurfaced in his mind.
Lindsey casually asked, "Mr. Lane, do you know about Cinnabar Ore?"
The old man was puzzled.
"Cinnabar?"
Lindsey explained, "It's a red mineral with toxic properties. Humans can't consume it casually."
Lane's dormant memories were awakened.
"You mean the material used for seals?"
"If I recall correctly, there is indeed such a mine in the west, but that was also a long time ago."
(End of Chapter)
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