Chapter 109: Refining the Golden Silkworm with the Separation Flame Sutra
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
The young man who emerged from the white bamboo forest was a sight to behold. His hands were as large as fans, his legs thick as pillars, and his waist as broad as a bear’s. His neck was like a sturdy tree trunk, his head massive as a basin, with coarse black hair resembling steel needles. Thick eyebrows framed his wide eyes, and his square nose and wide mouth completed his imposing appearance.
Qin Ming had just sent an opponent flying with a sweep of his halberd when he caught sight of this peculiar figure stepping into view.
“Perfect timing. Come and help out!” Qin Ming called, unsure if the boy was even addressing him. But he was too deep into the fight to overthink it.
The Golden Armor Protectors immediately turned their attention to the hulking youth, with one of them lunging forward to strike first.
The boy, however, wasted no time. With a simple wave of his massive hand, he sent the attacker hurtling backward, shattering a large boulder upon impact.
“Everyone, calm down! We’re all here trying to enhance our strength through body refinement. Why resort to such violence?” the youth called out.
Then, with another swing of his fan-like hand, he smacked an opponent wielding a blade, sending them crashing into the pristine bamboo forest.
Thud!
The fallen Protector coughed up blood, his face pale. Without the protection of his golden armor, he might have been obliterated on the spot.
“What’s wrong with you all? I just said to calm down, yet you keep charging at me!” the burly boy complained.
With a loud crack, his right foot lashed out like lightning, shattering a spear aimed at him and sending its wielder flying over twenty meters. The injured Protector crashed into a grove of white bamboo, splattering the area with blood. His glowing chest armor, inscribed with intricate runes, had barely saved him from being torn apart by the boy’s terrifying strength.
“This is a core disciple battle. Why involve yourselves in something that doesn’t concern you? Can’t we resolve things peacefully?” he grumbled, though his actions said otherwise.
Suddenly, he twisted backward, crashing into another attacker. The unlucky assailant’s face contorted in pain as blood streamed from every orifice. They collapsed into the forest, unable to stand.
The crowd’s gaze shifted to the burly youth, their expressions wary. Though he spoke of peace, his overwhelming strength was clear—without special protective armor, his blows would have left them in pieces.
“Thanks for the assist, brother,” Qin Ming said, nodding in gratitude. He lowered his voice, “What’s your name?”
“Xiang Yi Wu,” the youth answered simply.
Qin Ming’s impression of him deepened. His build alone made him unforgettable. Xiang Yi Wu was not fat—just overwhelmingly solid, his frame as wide as two people standing side by side.
The two had briefly crossed paths in Luo Fu Immortal Town, where Qin Ming had asked him about the Abandoned Disciple of Tathagata, the Golden Silkworm Force, and whether disciples from the Palace of the Five Elements were present. Xiang Yi Wu had claimed ignorance at the time.
Now, however, Qin Ming was beginning to suspect otherwise. This boy might very well be the Abandoned Disciple or a practitioner of the Golden Silkworm Force!
“Brother, I’m not one to help strangers freely,” Xiang Yi Wu admitted, rubbing his massive hands together awkwardly. “It’s all about fate.”
The two now stood side by side, momentarily halting the Golden Armor Protectors, who hesitated to advance. Some even retreated further away.
Qin Ming knew full well that Xiang Yi Wu wouldn’t help without a reason.
“If you’ve got something in mind, just say it,” Qin Ming offered.
Xiang Yi Wu grinned. “You’re direct—I like that. Fine, I’ll cut to the chase. I saw you fight Cui Chong Xuan earlier, and I couldn’t help but admire your unique techniques.”
Qin Ming’s eyes narrowed. This youth’s ambitions were bold.
“Don’t misunderstand,” Xiang Yi Wu quickly added. “I’m not trying to exploit the situation. I’ll offer a fair trade. To be honest, I’m in desperate need of the Separation Flame Sutra.”
Qin Ming’s thoughts raced. This boy had sharp eyes to recognize the Separation Flame Force, even though Qin Ming had already fused it with his other techniques.
Seeing Qin Ming remain silent, Xiang Yi Wu’s excitement grew. “So you do have it! Don’t worry, I’ll make it worth your while.”
“You’ve mastered either the Tathagata Force or the Golden Silkworm Force, haven’t you?” Qin Ming asked. “With such legendary techniques, why do you need the Separation Flame Sutra?”
Xiang Yi Wu admitted, “I practice the Golden Silkworm Skill. To refine it further, I need a fire-based miracle technique. My elders calculated that fusing the Separation Flame Sutra with my current stage will allow me to molt, be reborn, and soar like a phoenix.”
Qin Ming’s gaze turned contemplative. This boy’s methods were extraordinary. He wasn’t simply seeking the sutra for its power—he planned to integrate it into a grander strategy.
“People call me Golden Silkworm,” Xiang Yi Wu said with a smile.
“Who are you supporting?” Qin Ming asked, still wary.
“A so-called elite disciple. He lied to me, offering a mediocre fire-based technique,” Xiang Yi Wu grumbled, his frustration evident.
“Then ditch him. Partner with me instead,” Qin Ming suggested. His concern for Li Qing Yue was growing—she was outnumbered five to one.
“I’ve already sent that disciple packing,” Xiang Yi Wu replied.
“You killed him?” Qin Ming asked, startled.
“No, just knocked him out and sent him on his way.” Xiang Yi Wu shrugged.
Qin Ming suspected this youth had a powerful background. His extraordinary strength and refined techniques made him a force to be reckoned with, even in the Second Awakening Realm.
“Help me rescue someone, and I’ll give you the Separation Flame Sutra,” Qin Ming offered.
“You want me to take on five core disciples? That’s suicidal,” Xiang Yi Wu replied, shaking his head.
“You don’t have to fight them all—just open a path for her to escape,” Qin Ming explained. He hinted at having more miracle techniques to sweeten the deal.
After some thought, Xiang Yi Wu said, “I’ll take a look. If I see an opening, I’ll help. If not, don’t hold it against me.”
With that, he sped off, disappearing into the bamboo forest.
Watching him leave, Qin Ming’s suspicion deepened. Could the Golden Silkworm Skill be a branch of the Tathagata Force or the Golden Silkworm Force? Both techniques were said to evolve continuously, with their scriptures being refined over time.
“If he really is a disciple of such an ancient path, then in the first two major realms, he might be even stronger than the Path of the Beyond disciples.”
As Qin Ming pondered, the Golden Armor Protectors advanced again, tightening their encirclement.
“Do we really need to fight? Why don’t we talk this out—” Qin Ming began, only to be cut off as the Protectors closed in.
He sighed, gripping his halberd tightly. “Fine. If someone’s looking for death, I’ll grant their wish.”
The battle erupted once more.
Outside the bamboo grove, speculation about Li Qing Yue’s potential victory over the Near-Immortal Object reached a fever pitch.
The Night Report, a popular commentary, was filled with praise for her. It even suggested she was the likely champion, fueling public interest and betting.
Meng Xing Hai, however, felt a sinking dread. He understood how these things worked: the more hype there was, the higher the chances someone would orchestrate her downfall.
“Someone’s trying to force Qing Yue out, maybe even make a killing on the betting pools,” he muttered.
Moments earlier, he had been basking in Qin Ming’s impressive battle achievements, feeling a warm pride like fine wine spreading through him. Now, worry for his companions set in—both Qin Ming and Li Qing Yue seemed to be in danger.
Qin Ming was injured. The Golden Armor Protectors accompanying the Five Core Disciples were skilled, especially Tan Yu, whose extraordinary Heavenly Light Force burned fiercely, like a scorching sun. He was clearly at a higher realm than Qin Ming and used this advantage to suppress him.
“Tan Yu!” Qin Ming recognized him immediately.
Back in Luo Fu Immortal Town, Tan Yu’s name had been brought up in hushed, respectful tones. Hailing from Falling Moon City, Tan Yu was rumored to have fused over ten types of Heavenly Light Force during his Awakening Stage.
“Every Outer Saint discussed in those circles is terrifyingly dangerous,” Qin Ming thought grimly, wiping blood from the corner of his mouth.
It wasn’t just Tan Yu who attacked him—others joined in, surrounding him. Qin Ming’s Bronze Halberd was knocked to the ground amidst the chaos.
Tan Yu was stunned. Despite his considerable strength, he found his palm bleeding after clashing with Qin Ming’s techniques.
Qin Ming took a deep breath, disregarding his fallen halberd and the sword at his side. His mind flooded with memories of the countless Heavenly Light Forces he had learned. Though adept in wielding weapons like blades, spears, and hammers, his mastery over Heavenly Light Force was unparalleled.
Summoning Wind Force, he seemed to glide weightlessly above the forest floor, his steps so light that even blades of grass beneath him remained untouched. He darted toward Tan Yu, his movements swift and fluid. Just as he neared, Qin Ming shifted his technique with explosive speed, striking with a thunderous blow using Hammer Force, causing the bamboo forest to echo with its deafening impact.
Tan Yu sneered, intending to overpower him with sheer strength, as though a single overwhelming strike could negate any skill. He believed in the old adage: brute force could crush even the most masterful technique.
Another powerful fighter flanked Tan Yu. Together, they coordinated their attacks with the other Golden Armor Protectors, aiming to end Qin Ming quickly.
But Qin Ming shifted trajectories midair, narrowly avoiding Tan Yu’s blazing fist that radiated like a miniature sun. Using Silk Wrapping Force, Qin Ming’s hand briefly touched Tan Yu’s arm, yanking him forward with unexpected force. Tan Yu stumbled awkwardly.
Still, Qin Ming paid a heavy price. Tan Yu’s protective Heavenly Light emanated such fierce energy that it relentlessly battered Qin Ming whenever he got too close.
Taking advantage of the stumble, Qin Ming swung his leg high and unleashed a devastating Whip Force kick, smashing into Tan Yu’s shoulder. While Tan Yu avoided a critical hit to the head, the impact left him struggling to keep his balance.
The other Golden Armor Protectors pressed their attack. Qin Ming activated Golden Silkworm Force, his body shimmering with faint golden threads. The threads offered partial defense, piercing through the attacking fists and kicks of his opponents, even causing minor injuries to those who struck him.
Tan Yu grimaced as Qin Ming’s relentless Silk Wrapping Force continued to entangle him, dragging him off balance like a beast trapped in quicksand. Despite his power, Tan Yu couldn’t unleash his full potential.
Within moments, Qin Ming landed a solid punch to Tan Yu’s face. The impact was brutal, and Tan Yu’s protective helmet fell off as blood streamed down his battered visage.
Though victorious in the clash, Qin Ming was pale and bleeding heavily from his hands. The battle had taken its toll. His armor was damaged, and he had already activated the protective talismans within it, meaning he was fighting on borrowed time.
Finally, he drew his White Jade Alloy Blade, its cold light glinting ominously as he plunged it through Tan Yu’s chest. The protective runes on Tan Yu’s armor had already been exhausted, leaving him vulnerable. The blade pierced through, ending Tan Yu’s life.
“You…” Tan Yu’s horrified gasp trailed off as his body collapsed lifelessly to the ground.
Turning to face the remaining attackers, Qin Ming let out a ferocious roar and charged forward. Though outnumbered, his fury and relentless drive gave him the upper hand. In a final clash, he decapitated a fighter who had rivaled Tan Yu in strength, effectively breaking the enemy’s will.
With their leaders defeated, the remaining Golden Armor Protectors scattered, fleeing into the forest. Qin Ming gave chase, his blade glinting as it cut down those who tried to escape.
When the grove finally fell silent, he staggered to the ground, panting heavily. His armor was in shambles, his body drenched in blood, both his own and his enemies’. If anyone had launched a final strike, he would have been powerless to defend himself.
Peering toward the distant grove, he could still sense the sounds of battle where Li Qing Yue fought. Worry filled his heart.
Moments later, Xiang Yiwu appeared, rushing out of the grove at full speed. “Brother, run!” he shouted. “It’s chaos in there! The Core Disciples almost killed each other!”
“What about Li Qing Yue?” Qin Ming asked urgently.
Xiang Yiwu stopped long enough to explain. “She’s hurt badly. But she managed to use a secret technique and nearly took out two Core Disciples. It scared them off enough to let her escape.”
“Where is she? Did you help her?” Qin Ming pressed.
“I didn’t get the chance. They were going all out, using forbidden techniques from the Beyond. Their Consciousness Radiance created overlapping light storms. If I’d gone in, I’d have been shredded along with them.”
“But she escaped?” Qin Ming asked.
Xiang Yiwu nodded. “Yes, she fled. They didn’t chase her, thinking she’s too injured to compete for the Near-Immortal Object.”
Wasting no time, Qin Ming headed in the direction Xiang Yiwu indicated, guessing Li Qing Yue would retreat toward the lush, thriving area they had passed earlier. She had mentioned her sect’s ancient founder had established something there long ago.
As he arrived, he noticed bloodstains marking the trail. He called out her name softly.
“I’m here,” Li Qing Yue’s weak voice answered.
Qin Ming rushed to her side, finding her slumped against a massive tree, her silver armor shattered and her body covered in blood. “Qing Yue, how bad is it?” he asked, supporting her.
She managed a faint smile. “Terrible. If another Core Disciple shows up, we’re both dead.”
Her pale, bloodless face was striking, and though she seemed fragile, her resolve was unshaken. “Qin Ming, search this area,” she whispered. “My ancestor once mentioned a Mountain River Spiritual Nest nearby. If it’s still intact, it could heal us—and maybe even more.”