Chapter 124: At the Edge of the Light
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
Outside the Luo Fu Mountain Ruins, the crowd was immense.
Recently, the competition among Disciples of the Beyond for the Near-Immortal Artifact had become one of the most talked-about topics.
A distinguished figure from the Blessed Lands spoke, his voice warm yet commanding: “Today, I’ve encountered many familiar faces. Even an old friend I haven’t seen in a hundred and twenty years is here. What a rare occasion. Let’s head to Luo Fu Immortal Town and catch up.”
The onlookers were stunned. A hundred and twenty years—this wasn’t just any “old friend.” Whoever it was had to hold considerable status.
The atmosphere grew even more lively. Representatives from the Blessed Lands, Millennial Aristocratic Families, Imperial Dynasties, Secret Sects, and even High-Level Aberrations were present. All of them carried notable identities, making the gathering a grand affair.
Luo Fu Immortal Town, usually a quiet and ancient settlement, was bustling like never before. The Blessed Lands and Millennial Aristocratic Families had arranged for a banquet.
Amid the lively scene, the true Four-Tusked White Elephant arrived. Taking on human form, the elephant was a striking youth accompanied by an elderly, tuskless elephant.
An imperial prince from the Great Yu Dynasty mingled easily with Cui Chong He, their conversation flowing smoothly. The prince was soon to join the Beyond himself.
Qin Ming observed the gathering with surprise. What had begun as a competition for the Near-Immortal Artifact had evolved into a networking event. Many participants seemed more focused on building connections than on the outcome of the contest itself.
He spotted Fifth Elder Cui in the crowd and was tempted to approach and ask, “Did my grandfather truly travel to the Great Yu Imperial Capital?”
But Qin Ming knew better. Those claims were likely lies crafted by Second Uncle Cui and Fifth Elder Cui to manipulate him into practicing the Silk Script Method.
He restrained himself, deliberately avoiding their direction. With his current identity, he had no right to approach the higher ranks of a Millennial Aristocratic Family.
The spotlight of the evening remained firmly on Li Qing Yue.
Even with many distinguished guests present—respected elders and prodigious talents—most eyes were on her. Encircled by admirers, she stood at the center of attention, surrounded by heirs to the Blessed Lands, Imperial Dynasties, and Secret Sects, all destined for greatness.
Senior Brother Pei, a gentleman of charm and poise, acted as her guide. A rising star in the Blessed Lands, he introduced Li Qing Yue to numerous key figures, handling each introduction with practiced ease.
The young elites present were well-groomed from childhood by their families, displaying maturity beyond their years. Their conversations flowed with grace, free from tension or conflict.
Lu Zhen, the Yin-Yang Pavilion prodigy, had swapped his armor for a striking black-and-white robe. His status as a Core Disciple from a powerful sect ensured he too was welcomed into the elite circle.
His mastery of the Yin-Yang Black and White Force, renowned throughout the Beyond, had earned him both respect and fear from his peers.
From a distance, Qin Ming watched the glowing scene centered around Li Qing Yue. Her rise was unstoppable. With the Near-Immortal Artifact in her possession and her stunning performance during the competition, she was destined to become one of the most cherished seeds of the Blessed Lands.
“May your path be smooth and your dreams come true,” he murmured softly.
Turning to Meng Xing Hai, he said, “Uncle, it’s time for us to leave.”
Meng Xing Hai hesitated. “Not going to say goodbye?”
“No,” Qin Ming shook his head. “This isn’t the right time.”
In the glowing crowd ahead, the young men and women carried illustrious backgrounds. With his role as a Golden Armor Protector, Qin Ming knew he didn’t belong there.
If he approached, it would undoubtedly draw attention and possibly risk exposure. He preferred a quiet exit.
Meng Xing Hai’s smile was approving. “Not getting ahead of yourself. Good.”
Qin Ming realized then that his uncle’s remarks had been subtle tests, probing for any signs of frustration or immaturity.
“Uncle, you’re too much sometimes,” he said with a wry smile, mindful not to call him “Uncle Meng” aloud, lest he risk revealing his identity.
Meng Xing Hai’s tone grew more serious. “The road ahead is long. Today’s glories are fleeting. The path of mutation isn’t as limited as people say. Who decreed it’s only for serving the Beyond or the Secret Sects? The real path lies beneath your own feet. If you keep progressing, becoming a Youth Master or even a Trailblazer Master, you’ll outshine those so-called prodigies and make them bow.”
His words carried weight, though he spoke them in a private tone. Even someone as strong as Meng Xing Hai wouldn’t dare voice such things openly here.
Qin Ming grinned. “Uncle, since you love the mutation path so much, why not join me? Forget about becoming a god and come explore it with me!”
Meng Xing Hai chuckled but shook his head. “No way. I’ve hit too many dead ends on this path. Look at my generation—those once hailed as prodigies have either switched paths, been absorbed by the Beyond, or fallen to serve as external protectors for the Secret Sects. It’s disheartening.”
Qin Ming nudged him further. “We’d make a great team. You as the Middle-Aged Master, me as the Youth Master. Imagine the legends!”
But Meng Xing Hai’s expression grew solemn. “I haven’t made any progress in five years. My talent isn’t enough. I’ve pinned my hopes on my role in the Secret Sect, praying for a slim chance to ascend and encounter one of those quasi-divine beings.”
Qin Ming knew the Secret Sect’s path was far more perilous than the Beyond’s, leading its followers toward increasingly dangerous encounters with quasi-divine creatures and the so-called irreverent journey that followed.
“Let’s go, Uncle!” Qin Ming said decisively. He was ready to return to Red Glow City, to build his strength step by step. The dazzling lights before him, though beautiful, felt distant.
Luo Fu City loomed behind them, vast and resplendent even in the dense night fog. Qin Ming and Meng Xing Hai rode upon a High-Level Aberration, its golden feathers gleaming under armor forged from rare metals.
The creature, helmeted in secret alloys, resembled a winged turtle as it carried them swiftly away.
Before long, the grand city vanished behind them, swallowed by the mist. Ahead lay nothing but darkness, the world around them shrouded as though dipped in ink.
Qin Ming lingered for several days in the Fire Spring Radiant Land, a place so bright and serene that he momentarily forgot the darkness of the outside world. But now, back in the familiar yet harsh reality, he felt slightly disoriented.
Fortunately, he adjusted quickly.
“Don’t take the usual route back…” Meng Xing Hai sent a message directly to their High-Level Aberration, instructing it to take a different path toward an uncharted region.
“Uncle Meng, are you worried someone’s following us?” Qin Ming asked, his tone laced with curiosity.
“I don’t sense anything suspicious,” Meng Xing Hai replied through a private transmission. “But just to be cautious, we’ll take a detour. Besides, I want to visit my master’s uncle and ask him to purify us.”
Meng Xing Hai’s vigilance was absolute. If there were any irregularities he hadn’t detected, it could only mean the threat was exceedingly grave.
The aberration, a swift and powerful creature, soared through the dense Night Fog, leaving a streak of light in its wake. Covering 800 miles in a short span, it approached their destination.
Meng Xing Hai provided directions as they flew. After traveling a few more miles, the aberration slowed its pace, passing over a dimly lit village before landing ten miles outside its boundaries.
“Master Uncle! I’ve come all this way to see you!” Meng Xing Hai called out.
They stood before a towering cliff, its sheer face evidence of a once-lofty mountain severed at its midpoint, leaving behind a vast, flat plateau. Even in the dead of night, an elderly man sat at the edge of the precipice, fishing into the void below. Without turning, he grumbled, “Spare me. You never visit me unless you need something.”
Meng Xing Hai chuckled. “I wouldn’t dare disturb you, knowing you’re focused on ascending to godhood. But since I’m passing by, I brought you two jars of fine wine.”
Qin Ming raised an eyebrow, puzzled. He hadn’t noticed Meng Xing Hai taking any wine from the Luo Fu Immortal Town banquet. When did he sneak that out?
“Don’t mention godhood to me. It makes me sick. I can’t even become a mere mountain god. I’ve been fishing here for a hundred years, and it still won’t bite!” The old man’s frustration was palpable.
Finally, he reeled in his line and stood. Despite his advanced age, he was a towering figure, nearly two meters tall, radiating vitality. His face glowed with health, though his hair was sparse.
“Greetings, elder,” Qin Ming bowed respectfully, curiosity flickering in his eyes. What connection could fishing have with becoming a god? He glanced toward the base of the cliff.
“Don’t look down there,” the elder warned. “It’s dangerous. Whatever’s below is terrifying, and this is a unique domain.”
The old man’s tone was kindly, devoid of the arrogance one might expect from a senior figure. Meng Xing Hai explained to Qin Ming that beneath the cliff lay an endless abyss, shrouded in mysterious fog. It was best left unexplored.
The elder suddenly pointed at Qin Ming, a flicker of light in his eyes. “Interesting. There’s a faint mark left on this boy by someone else.”
Meng Xing Hai was startled. “A mark? What kind of mark?”
The elder scrutinized Qin Ming closely. “Is this child particularly unique?”
“That…” Meng Xing Hai hesitated before recounting Qin Ming’s journey in detail. Qin Ming added his own observations, mentioning how he’d inadvertently caught the attention of a significant figure.
“I see,” the elder mused. “You’ve been posing as a Six Imperial Disciple. That old codger must have taken note. He was slapped by someone from the Six Imperials in his youth. Now, with rumors swirling about the impending fall of the Six Imperials, he’s probably using you to test the waters. It’s nothing too serious.”
With a wave of his hand, the elder’s eyes glowed as he ignited the faint mark on Qin Ming’s body. The mark burned away in an instant, leaving no trace behind.
“Master Uncle, do you think this boy is suited for the Secret Sect’s Path?” Meng Xing Hai asked.
“Not everyone has the divine insight needed for that path. Hmm… Wait!” The elder’s expression shifted as symbols formed in his gleaming eyes. He examined Qin Ming intently.
“Remarkable! Such profound divine insight,” the elder exclaimed in genuine admiration.
Meng Xing Hai’s emotions were mixed. On one hand, he was relieved Qin Ming had a promising alternative path. On the other, he felt a pang of regret—was there truly no one who could fully master the Awakening Path?
“Take this scripture,” the elder said, handing Meng Xing Hai a thin booklet. “Let him practice it for six months and then bring him back. I’m preoccupied with this abyss and can’t spare more time.”
Qin Ming wasted no time. While still on the plateau, he memorized the opening incantations. As they departed, he began practicing immediately.
When their High-Level Aberration finally descended upon Red Glow City, Qin Ming approached Meng Xing Hai with a puzzled expression. “Uncle Meng, I’ve managed to produce a fragment of Divine Radiance, but…”
“What happened?” Meng Xing Hai asked, alarmed. Producing results so quickly hinted at extraordinary talent, but something seemed amiss.
“The radiance… dissolved,” Qin Ming explained, bewildered. Once again, an inexplicable phenomenon had occurred.
Meng Xing Hai quickly examined him but found nothing out of the ordinary.
“We’ll figure it out later,” he said.
Over the next two days, Qin Ming continued practicing the techniques in the booklet. Each time Divine Radiance appeared, it would dissolve shortly after, nourishing his body and subtly enhancing his physique. Only a faint trace of the radiance remained to maintain equilibrium.
On the third day, Meng Xing Hai approached him with news. “Stop practicing for now. Someone has delivered a priceless Secret Tome for you. They’ve brought the first three pages. Go check if you can cultivate it. If not, they’ll exchange it for a more conventional technique.”
“What secret tome? And who sent it?” Qin Ming asked, his curiosity piqued.
“Why don’t you guess who promised you a manual?” Meng Xing Hai replied with a sly smile.