Night Without End
Chapter 195 - 124 In the Dim Light of Lanterns

Chapter 195: Chapter 124 In the Dim Light of Lanterns

Outside the Luofu Mountain Ruins, many people have come.

Lately, the competition among Outer Disciples for the Close Immortal Item has been one of the hottest topics.

An important figure from Fangwai Heaven Pure Land spoke out, "Today, I’ve seen many familiar faces, and even an old friend I haven’t met in one hundred and twenty years is here, a rare visitor. Let’s catch up in Luofu Immortal Town."

Many were astonished; not having met in one hundred and twenty years truly made it "old friends," suggesting that their statuses were similarly lofty.

The atmosphere here consequently grew even livelier.

Blessed Lands, thousand-year-old families, Dynasties, Esoteric Buddhism, High level Alien Species... All had representatives arrive, and they all held high statuses, making for a grand scene.

In Luofu Immortal Town, a Four-Tusked White Elephant of true lineage appeared. It came bearing great importance, already transformed into human form – a youth – with an old elephant that had lost all its teeth following.

A Prince from the Great Yu Dynasty was having a cheerful conversation with Cui Chonghe. They hit it off well, as he was about to be admitted into the Outer World.

Qin Ming realized that a single competition among Outer Disciples had actually attracted many individuals of extraordinary status, turning into a gathering where many sought to expand their connections.

Soon, he noticed Fifth Master from the Cui Family and wanted to go over and ask whether his grandfather really did go to the Da Yu Imperial City.

Qin Ming knew those were probably lies, as back when he was with the Cui Family, the Second Elder and Fifth Master, among others, had told those stories just to entice him to Practice Silk Scripture.

He restrained himself and did not look in that direction again. With his current identity, he simply wasn’t qualified to approach the upper echelons of a thousand-year-old family.

Today, the usually quiet ancient town of Luofu Immortal Town was incredibly bustling. The Blessed Lands and thousand-year-old families had earlier made arrangements and even prepared a banquet.

Without a doubt, the most dazzling of all was Li Qingyue. Though many distinguished guests had arrived, with old seniors and exceptionally talented prodigies present, countless gazes gathered on her.

Li Qingyue was surrounded at the center like a star shining brightly. Many of the young people were from the direct lineage of Blessed Lands, Dynasties, and Esoteric Buddhism, also future high-rankers.

Brother Pei was handsome and scholarly, and with a mature and steady demeanor. As a standout person in his twenties from the Blessed Lands, he knew many people and assisted Li Qingyue with introductions.

These individuals, having been nurtured by their families since childhood, even teenagers all behaved quite maturely for their age, with early established mindsets. There were no controversies or surprises; all were keen and friendly in making acquaintances and exchanging pleasantries.

After removing his armor, the young Lu Zhen from Yin Yang Temple changed into his black and white robes, and was also invited by some to join them thanks to his qualification.

Because he practiced the Yin Yang Black and White Force, renowned throughout the world, at this stage it made his peers from Fangwai Heaven Pure Land and Esoteric Buddhism wary of him.

Most importantly, Yin Yang Temple was a very powerful Taoist lineage, and Lu Zhen was one of its Core Disciples.

Qin Ming glanced briefly at Li Qingyue amidst the brilliant lights, aware that her rise was unstoppable. From everyone’s attitude towards her, it was clear to see.

With a Close Immortal Item in hand, and with her exceptionally stunning performance this time, Fangwai Heaven Pure Land would likely regard her as one of the most important seeds.

"May your journey be smooth, and may all your desires be fulfilled," Qin Ming whispered.

Then, turning his head towards Meng Xinghai, he spoke, "Uncle, it’s time for us to leave."

"Aren’t you going to say hello before we go?"

"No need, it’s not the right occasion," Qin Ming shook his head.

Right now, where everyone was star-struck, even though they were all younger males and females, they each had impressive backgrounds. For him to go over there in the capacity of a Golden Armor Guard would be inappropriate.

If he really went over, he would certainly attract many eyes and possibly risk exposure. He needed to leave discreetly now.

Meng Xinghai seemed pleased, nodding with a smile, "Staying grounded is good!"

Qin Ming immediately realized that Old Meng’s few words to him tonight were all probing, concerned that he might feel left behind mentally and not mature enough.

"Uncle, you really..." Here in this place, Qin Ming found it inappropriate to call him Uncle Meng out loud, fearful of revealing their identities.

Meng Xinghai said, "The road ahead is long; what do these momentary glories count for? What does it matter that you walk the path of bodily mutation? Who says the future is fixed, constrained to being mere guards for outsiders or followers for those of Esoteric Buddhism? The true path lies beneath your own feet. If you can keep advancing swiftly, becoming a Young Master and a pioneering Ancestor Master, wouldn’t that shine far brighter than those so-called geniuses, leaving them breathless?"

Of course, these words were all conveyed through a whisper, or else even someone as strong as him might "have an incident" on the spot.

Qin Ming responded, "Uncle, you’re really always spurring me on. Since you like the path of mutation so much, why don’t you stop thinking about becoming class of God and just turn around to join me?"

Instantly, Meng Xinghai waved his hand dismissively, "Enough, I can’t do it anymore. I’ve hit a wall on this path, and I’m just not able to proceed. Seeing my contemporaries, those geniuses of the past, they’re all gone now. Either they’ve changed paths or have fallen into the Outer World or become protectors for Esoteric Buddhism. I feel chilled to the bone."

Qin Ming continued to persuade, "How wonderful it would be if we, uncle and nephew, travel this road together, one becoming a Young Master, the other a mature Master."

Meng Xinghai didn’t laugh but spoke seriously, "These past five years, I haven’t made any progress on this path. Despondent, with even my talent proving insufficient, let alone my peers. Fortunately, I’m doing quite well in Esoteric Buddhism. I hope that, in the future, I’ll have a slim chance to climb to the peak and approach those terrifying beings of the unknown."

Qin Ming knew that the path of Esoteric Buddhism was far crazier than the Outer World, first approaching "Class of Gods" and then embarking in a journey of great irreverence!

"Uncle, let’s go!" Qin Ming took the lead in departing. He was heading back to Chixia City, determined to rise from that remote place. Although surrounded by dazzling lights for now, they were, in fact, somewhat distant from him.

Blessed Lands, thousand-year-old families, Dynasties, Esoteric Buddhism, Fangwai Heaven Pure Land – these colossal entities were currently too dangerous for him to approach.

Meng Xinghai nodded in agreement, "Indeed, it’s time to return. The crucial phase of the major examinations across the lands is underway. Do you wish to compete with the foremost practitioners of other cities? There should be ample rewards."

The two departed without lingering.

Li Qingyue suddenly turned around, sensing something, and saw a familiar silhouette fading away at the edge of the lamplight before swiftly disappearing into the night.

...

Luo Fu City was magnificently grand, and the night mist couldn’t conceal its brilliance. By this time, the entire giant city lay beneath Qin Ming and Meng Xinghai’s feet as they stood atop their High level Flying Mount, facing the night breeze, and rapidly moved away.

Golden high level Exotic Birds, their heads adorned with helmets wrought from Secret Gold, their bodies draped with rare metals forged into armor, covered up so tightly that they resembled giant turtles with long wings.

Soon, Luo Fu City vanished completely behind them.

The road ahead was pitch-black, the night fog heavy, the whole world as if it were soaked in ink.

Qin Ming, who had spent several days in the radiant Fire Spring, was not accustomed to the darkness and now returning to this familiar yet real world, appeared somewhat dazed.

Thankfully, he quickly adapted.

"Do not take the same way back..." Meng Xinghai transmitted his voice to the high level Exotic Bird, guiding it, directing it towards an unknown land.

"Uncle Meng, not going straight back, are you worried that someone might be following us?" Qin Ming asked.

"I perceive no issues, but to be safe, we should take a slight detour and pay a visit to my great-uncle, and ask him to help us purify," Meng Xinghai secretly transmitted his voice.

He was extremely cautious; if there was an anomaly that even he could not detect, then it signified a very serious problem.

The high level Exotic Bird was mighty in strength and quick in flight, moving through the night fog like a streak of light, not taking much time before they had flown over eight hundred miles, nearing their destination.

Along the way, Meng Xinghai directed their route, informing the specific location.

After flying for several more miles, they began to slow down, passing a town with dim lights, gradually descending, and finally landing ten miles outside the town.

"Great uncle, I’ve come to visit you specially!" Meng Xinghai shouted.

It was a tall cliff, massive beyond measure, as if a great mountain once reaching into the clouds had been cut across at the waist, leaving behind only a vast plateau.

Even though it was late at night, an old man was still sitting at the edge of the cliff fishing, without turning his head, he said, "Come on, when have you ever visited me for the sake of it? You must need something again."

Meng Xinghai chuckled, "Isn’t it because I fear disturbing your ascension to divinity? I wouldn’t dare to come ordinarily, but since I was passing by today, I brought you two jars of good wine."

Qin Ming looked curious; this was the fine wine from Luo Fu Immortal Town’s banquet, and when they left, he hadn’t seen Meng Xinghai take anything.

"Don’t mention ’ascension to divinity’ to me. I’m about to throw up. Not even managing to become a Mountain God, I’ve been fishing for a hundred years without a single bite!" The elder seemed somewhat irritated.

Then he retracted his fishing rod, stood up, and approached. The old man was tall, at least two meters in height, full of vigor, with a ruddy complexion but little hair remaining.

"I pay respects to the senior," Qin Ming greeted him with a bow, while he was quite curious: what did fishing here have to do with becoming a god? He looked down below Duan Mountain.

"Don’t look, it’s easy to get into trouble. The thing below is very terrifying; this is a special territory," the old man cautioned, his temperament was good, showing none of the airs of an elder.

Meng Xinghai told Qin Ming that below was the Endless Abyss, shrouded in heavy fog, mysterious and unfathomable, best not to peer into.

"Indeed, you’ve brought trouble to me again, interesting, there’s a simple mark on this young man by some old fogey," the elder pointed at Qin Ming.

Then he asked, "Is this child special?"

"This..." Meng Xinghai was startled and promptly relayed Qin Ming’s experiences on this trip.

Qin Ming added information himself; had he actually caught the eye of some significant figure?

"I understand. You’re masquerading as a Six Imperial Disciple, that old guy was slapped by the ’Six Imperial’ when he was young, and now, hearing that the ’Six Imperial’ is on his deathbed, he’s unsure if the news is true or false and wants to verify it through you. That’s not a big deal," the elder concluded, then his eyes shone, causing a faint light to rise from Qin Ming’s body, then ignite and vanish without a trace.

"Great uncle, what do you think about this child following the path of Esoteric Buddhism?" Meng Xinghai inquired.

"Do you think ’Divine Wisdom’ is so common that anyone is fit for this path? Hmm, wait!" Suddenly, the elder’s expression changed as his eyes lit up with divine light, turning into symbols fixed upon Qin Ming.

"Hisss, a promising seedling indeed, full of Divine Wisdom!" He praised.

"I knew he had it, but is his Divine Wisdom that profound?" Meng Xinghai had mixed feelings; he was relieved that Qin Ming had found a new path, but also somewhat regretful—was there really no one who could continue on the Newborn Road and remain strong to the end?

"Take this Scripture, let him try practicing it, and come back in half a year. I’m currently locked in a struggle with this abyss and can’t be distracted," the old man said briskly, handing a thin booklet to Meng Xinghai before starting to shoo them away.

In fact, on Duan Mountain, Qin Ming had silently memorized the opening spell, and after setting off, he had begun to try practicing it.

When the high level Exotic Bird arrived at Chixia City, he told Meng Xinghai, "Uncle Meng, I managed to summon a wisp of Divine Light, but..."

"What is it?" Meng Xinghai hurriedly asked, sensing that Qin Ming’s quick success suggested extraordinary aptitude, yet also hearing something had gone awry, he grew anxious for one mustn’t be careless on the path to divinity.

"The Divine Light was... melted," Qin Ming informed, finding himself in yet another strange situation!

Meng Xinghai immediately examined him but found no issues at all.

"Let’s discuss it when we get back."

Over the next two days, Qin Ming was practicing the methodology from the thin booklet.

However, whenever the Divine Light appeared, it would melt away, nourishing his body, subtly enhancing his physique, with only a small amount of Divine Light remaining to maintain a certain balance.

On the third day, Meng Xinghai called Qin Ming, saying, "Alright, stop practicing this Scripture for now. Someone has sent you a Secret Scripture of invaluable worth—just the first three pages for now. Hurry over and see if you can practice it. If not, we need to find you a different and more normal Miracle Technique."

"What Secret Scripture, and who sent it?" Qin Ming inquired.

"Who ever said they’d give you a Cultivation Technique?" Meng Xinghai asked with a smile.