Night Without End
Chapter 89 - 56 The Three Excellences - Part 2

Chapter 89: Chapter 56 The Three Excellences - Part 2

In the end, Qin Ming discovered an altar deep within the Underground Cave, suffused with a ghostly atmosphere, which he kicked apart with one foot, releasing a large cloud of black fog.

However, once his body radiated Heavenly Light, the Yin Fog quickly dissipated, evaporating cleanly.

"What were they doing here?" Qin Ming felt that the two bandits and the Fangwai person capable of turning into fog must have colluded to no good end here.

He searched for a long time and found some intact Weapons, and as for armor, he also pieced together several sets, naturally, the ones that were preserved without damage were all of fine quality.

He chose a Big Gun and a long blade, found a Hard Bow that could barely withstand his tremendous strength, and picked up a pile of Iron Arrows, filling up six Arrow Tubes.

"Tonight, I will be the Sword Immortal, the Gun Saint, and the Arrow God, the three ultimate masters of Sword, Spear, and Arrow!" Qin Ming muttered to himself.

He donned a set of shining armor, carried a bow and arrow, held a heavy and exceptionally sharp long spear, and left the Underground Cave with a long blade engraved with Phoenix Pattern on his back.

"Hmm?" Qin Ming was somewhat surprised to find traces of Old Man Liu outside the Dalie Valley.

He made no attempt to hide and walked straight over.

Seeing him, Old Man Liu wore an extremely serious expression and said, "I heard you went into the mountains and guessed you might come here; don’t tell me you’re planning to target Jinji Ridge?"

Ever since the last time he went into the mountains with Qin Ming to eliminate the Ant Nest, Old Man Liu had witnessed his strength far surpassing others of his level, and had an epiphany, realizing many things.

Furthermore, he had personally witnessed Qin Ming rapidly mastering Heavenly Light Force at Old Wu’s place, which not only shocked him but also made him realize that Qin Ming was probably capable of taking on those who had undergone rebirth four times, and very much wanted to.

Qin Ming found that the old man was quite astute, probably guessing many things.

"If you really want to go to Jinji Ridge, I know I can’t stop you, but don’t rush to act, wait another day or two."

"Why?"

Old Man Liu’s expression turned serious as he said, "The reason Jinji Ridge exists is because the infamous Golden Thief used it as a foothold while doing business between the two regions years ago. Although it’s almost unused now, it would be very unlucky if you happened to encounter them."

Qin Ming took a deep breath of the cold air filled with little snowflakes and said, "Is your life really that extraordinary? There wasn’t much of an issue, but with you mentioning it, something might really happen."

He didn’t really believe this, just joking around, as he only believed in his own strength.

"I’ll go find someone to understand the situation first. You’re not in a hurry for this day or two," said Old Man Liu.

"What kind of connections do you have that can probe the movements of the Golden Thief?" asked Qin Ming, surprised.

"How could I have such connections and ability? But I can judge based on past events and current details. It is said that whenever the Golden Thief is about to appear, the two bandits of Jinji Ridge would order people to prepare a variety of rare ingredients, purchase fine wines, and invite exceptionally beautiful Dancing Girls and the like, two days in advance."

Qin Ming nodded immediately, thinking it was a reliable idea to wait for Old Man Liu’s news.

Afterwards, he hid the armor in the mountains and returned to the village with Old Man Liu, carrying a hunted animal.

At this moment, the village was in an uproar because people from Jinji Ridge had come again.

"For whom are we doing this? Isn’t it to protect you and others, that we are hastily recruiting Newcomers."

Jinji Ridge had already learned that the villages were strongly resentful, and the people now coming were trying to ease the atmosphere and provide some necessary explanations.

"We sacrificed many of our lives in a fierce battle against the Alien Species in Dalie Valley a few days ago to protect the villagers beyond the mountains, slaying a large number of mutant beasts that wanted to occupy the outer regions of the mountains. Nearly all of our forces were wiped out."

Some villagers, hearing this, looked at them with hatred. Everyone knew that Jinji Ridge went into the mountains for the sake of a mysterious resource, overreached their abilities, and, not being lucky, were almost annihilated. And now they claim it was for their protection?

"The two leaders feel for you and have decided to collect that piece of night silver next month, giving you time to prepare."

Undoubtedly, Jinji Ridge’s explanation was weak and caused even greater resentment among the villagers. At the end of the day, it was still about extorting each household; the protection tax could not be less, and many people were willing to fight them over it.

"These country bumpkins are overreacting!" Eventually, the people from Jinji Ridge hastily left.

That day, Old Man Liu sent word that there was no unusual movement from Jinji Ridge. According to very reliable intelligence, only two bandits and their confidants were in the stronghold.

Additionally, two traveling merchants appeared in Yinteng Town, bringing the latest news that Chixia City was going to change its City Lord, and although Ling Xu hadn’t had any incidents, he was going to be transferred to another city."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming nodded. Now was a good time to act.

He whispered, "There are major organizations speculating that the Chixia City Lord is conspiring with the Alien Species. Naturally, it’s also possible that they suspect local organizations of signaling and colluding with them. If they dare not touch Ling Xu, do they not dare to exterminate Jinji Ridge?"

Then, he muttered to himself, "Two bandits and outsiders are colluding, resulting in the man capable of turning into fog dying mysteriously. Wouldn’t his sect and elders suspect Jinji Ridge?"

At this moment, Shallow Night had ended, and Qin Ming went directly up the mountain, changed into his armor, armed himself with weapons, and headed towards Jinji Ridge fifty miles away!

The night was dense, and the journey was not short; ordinary people would really not dare to travel alone after nightfall.

In fact, Qin Ming also encountered an accident along the way. He was attacked by a mutant beast that suddenly leaped from the forest and stepped towards him.

Its head looked like a horse’s, but it was not of the equine species. With a mouthful of snow-white sharp teeth glinting with the cold light, it was obviously a carnivorous predator. It had the torso of a tiger or leopard but with very long limbs and hooves that were heavy and full.

Its satin-like fur flowed with a misty purple light, immensely majestic. It leaped into the air, its huge hooves aiming for Qin Ming’s head.

"A Purple Lightning Beast?" Qin Ming was surprised to encounter this kind of Alien Species. Lately, he had been learning much about the mountain’s Alien Species from Old Man Liu and recognized this creature.

The Purple Lightning Beast was a recently emerged mutant beast that had undergone three mutations. It ran as fast as wind and lightning and was quicker than creatures with four or five mutations.

It seemed to have been spooked and fled from the deep mountains. Seeing Qin Ming blocking its way, it directly aimed a hoof at him. If he didn’t dodge, he would have been "enlightened" in a rather brutal sense.

Qin Ming slightly moved to the side, avoiding the massive purple hoof, and then quickly approached, touching its shimmering purple body.

The Purple Lightning Beast was startled. What kind of monster was this, that just by lightly grazing its fur with his fingertips, it stuck to him like plaster?

The sticky aspect of Qin Ming’s Heavenly Light Force came into play, ensuring that once he made contact, there was no escaping. First, it was his fingertips, then his whole palm, firmly grabbing the fur of the Purple Lightning Beast. Eventually, he mounted it.

"Stop your thrashing; give me a lift!" Said Qin Ming.

The Purple Lightning Beast was enraged, being one of the species that was very difficult to tame. It tried to shake its head and swish its tail to throw him off.

Qin Ming didn’t waste time talking. With a swoosh, he drew his snow-bright long blade and held it to its neck. If it wouldn’t comply, he would kill it. Those glowing purple manes fluttered, many of them cut off.

The Purple Lightning Beast tensed up, daring not to make a fuss any longer, glanced towards the deep mountains, and then began to gallop.

In the dense night, Qin Ming rode on the majestic Alien Species, covered in flowing purple light, quickly approaching Jinji Ridge!