Chapter 122 - Invader
Hearing a new term had once again sparked Lin Mu’s curiosity as he wondered what it meant. Lin Mu waited patiently for senior Xukong to explain it to him.
"In a simplified manner, an invader is basically a being that enters a world that it’s not allowed to. It does so to gain control of that world or to obtain its resources.
You see, most worlds have an innate barrier present in them. There are created and operated by that world’s will." Xukong spoke.
"World’s will? Senior, you mean each world is alive?" Lin Mu questioned while tilting his head.
"Not exactly. While it may or may not have had life on its surface, every world can have a certain level of sentience. Not all worlds have it, though. Some worlds are simply too young to have developed it, while others lose it due to dying or being destroyed."
"Every world slowly gains its consciousness and also starts to generate spirit qi. You could even say that spirit qi is formed when a world gains sentience or a world becomes sentient when spirit qi comes into existence. It can be either of those reasons." Xukong answered.
Lin Mu felt intrigued upon hearing this new information. It had actually solved an important question that he had, but had never asked. The question was about the existence of spirit qi and how it came into being. Xukong’s words had answered a part of that question.
While Lin Mu now knew that spirit qi was created by a world, he didn’t know how other energies or types of qi came into being. For example, he didn’t know how spatial qi came into being or how it was created.
While he wanted to ask further about this, he knew that now was not the time for it as there were other things at hand.
"So about this ’Invader’ if it’s restricted by the barrier, how does it still enter the world?" Lin Mu questioned.
"An invader can use various methods to enter a world. The most common method is to find a flaw in the world’s barrier and enter through there. Another is to find a gate from which it can enter, this can be in the form of a teleportation formation or a spatial portal.
From the way that the black smoke disappeared, I can tell that it came through the second manner. The creature, whatever it may be, is a powerful being and knows how to manipulate space. The Invader here is actually not its real body but perhaps an avatar." Xukong answered.
Senior Xukong’s mention of the avatar instantly reminded Lin Mu of his real body and how he had created a smaller avatar to accompany Lin Mu.
"Wait senior, does this mean that you are an invader too?" Lin Mu questioned with his brows raised.
"In a broader sense, you can say that, but in my case, I would be a traveler instead.
"What do you suggest, brother Lin Mu? What do we do now?" Hong Luo respectfully asked.
Lin Mu turned his sight to him and spoke.
"Leader Teng’s words are right, you should send the emergency messages. In addition, I can perhaps help you contact the mayor." Lin Mu replied.
"And how would you do that?" Teng Xiaolian questioned.
"I’m acquainted with the new high official that is administering the town, Hei Wan. I’ll inform her, and perhaps we can arrange a meeting." Lin Mu answered.
If it was before, Lin Mu would have avoided talking about anything about the members of the Hei corps. But now that Hei Wan was out in the open and even had a clean identity, there was no problem in him taking advantage of that fact.
A slightly surprised expression appeared on everyone’s face after hearing that Lin Mu was acquainted with Hei Wan.
"Indeed, nothing can compare to brother Lin Mu’s influence." Xiong An spoke in a flattering manner.
Lin Mu paid no heed to his words and continued.
"I’ll warn you though, do not attempt to investigate this alone. I’m afraid that we’re dealing with something that’s beyond us." Lin Mu spoke in a serious tone.
Lin Mu had decidedly chosen not to tell the mercenaries about the ’Invader’. It was not that he didn’t think that they wouldn’t believe him, but rather that it may become problematic if it spreads. He wanted to talk with the Hei corps first, as he believed that they may have a better control over the situation.
"I’ll leave now and tell you later when we will have a meeting." Lin Mu spoke.
"That’s fine with me." Teng Xiaolian replied.
The others also nodded in acceptance and acknowledged his words.
Lin Mu left the tent and turned towards the direction of the town. His walk soon turned into a sprint and he rushed towards the town center. With his speed, it didn’t take him long to reach the town center as he was there in five minutes.
Although what felt strange to him was instead that the number of people walking around was decreased. He had expected that people would be staring at him as he ran, but surprisingly there were barely any people outside. Even the number of guards seemed to have fallen.
Only when he stood in front of the town center did he realize why.