Chapter 128: The Domain of Gods
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
The room was quiet. The rich, dark tones of the ebony tea table contrasted against the cool, metallic gleam of bronze vessels scattered throughout. The faint, lingering scent of calming incense had long dissipated, replaced by the delicate aroma of mountain tea rising from two porcelain cups.
A man and a woman sat at ease, sipping tea, their demeanor calm and composed. They seemed as if they belonged to a painting, yet their presence carried a weight that was impossible to ignore.
As Qin Ming entered, he instantly recognized them. The man, Cui He, looked to be in his early thirties, his face serene and his dark-green hair faintly shimmering with a verdant glow.
“Well, well, it’s been two years, and look at you,” Cui He said warmly as he stood up and strode over. His broad smile made his approach seem friendly, almost familial. Placing both hands on Qin Ming’s shoulders, he gave them a firm shake. “You look more spirited than ever.”
“Fourth Uncle,” Qin Ming greeted with a smile, keeping his tone light.
While he and Cui He hadn’t been particularly close in the past, Qin Ming saw no point in souring the atmosphere now that his “uncle” was so openly amicable.
Cui He studied him closely, his sharp eyes flashing briefly with a green hue. “Impressive. You’ve got remarkable vitality—it’s the hallmark of someone destined to walk far on the Awakening Path.”
Qin Ming knew the man practiced Evergreen Art, a powerful secret technique that allowed its user to absorb the essence of plants, filling their body with life and vitality. He replied with deliberate modesty, “I’ve barely survived a grave illness. Whatever vitality you see is just the residue. But Fourth Uncle, you’re brimming with freshness and vitality—you must have extended your lifespan by decades.”
Of course, Qin Ming had already activated Light Shroud, masking his abundant life force even as Cui He maintained a firm grip on his shoulders.
Laughing, Cui He slung an arm around Qin Ming’s shoulders. “Ah, you’re as humble as ever. But listen, as a son of the Cui family, you can’t let humility dull your courage. No matter what name you use now, you’re still one of us.”
Qin Ming kept his easy smile. “If I had even half the strength you had at my age, Fourth Uncle, I’d be bold enough to conquer the world.”
“You two are full of flattery today,” said the woman seated at the tea table. Rising gracefully, she set down her cup. Dressed entirely in black, her appearance was striking—cool and elegant, with an air of refinement that hinted at her noble lineage.
“Good day, Aunt Ning,” Qin Ming greeted, hiding his unease. He didn’t trust her, but he masked it well, playing the courteous nephew.
Cui Shu Ning regarded him coolly for a moment before her expression softened into a smile—a rare thaw in her icy demeanor. “You’ve grown,” she said. “And much has changed. It’s been a difficult few years for you.”
Qin Ming remained polite. “What brings both of you so far out here? It’s rare to see such accomplished cultivators in a remote place like this.”
“We were passing through,” Cui He replied. “And thought we’d check in on you. What happened back then was… unfortunate. But don’t hold it against us. Your parents miss you dearly.”
Qin Ming nodded with a polite smile, knowing these were hollow words meant to gauge his reaction.
“Why not come back with us?” Cui Shu Ning said, her icy demeanor melting further into what seemed like genuine warmth. “You’ve endured enough hardships these past two years.”
“Yes,” Cui He agreed. “Return with us. It’s time to stop wandering.”
Qin Ming felt a chill run down his spine. If he went back, he knew he’d never leave again. They wouldn’t kill him—but they’d ensure he was confined, his freedom and future stripped away. He could almost picture himself locked in a gilded cage, cut off from the Awakening Path forever.
Smiling faintly, he let his body relax. “If I returned now, it would only stir up unnecessary trouble.”
Cui Shu Ning’s gaze sharpened slightly. “You’re not still practicing the Silk Script Method, are you?”
Qin Ming knew this was the real reason they’d come. Feigning a sigh, he allowed his expression to dim. “No. After I suffered a fractured skull and two years of memory loss, I couldn’t resume it. I’ve let it go.”
Cui Shu Ning reached out as if to pat his head, but Qin Ming stiffened internally, detesting the gesture. Thankfully, she withdrew her hand at the last moment. “You’re no longer a child,” she said with a faint sigh. “I suppose I should respect that.”
She stepped back gracefully, as if the thought of touching him was beneath her. Born into a Thousand-Year Aristocratic Family, she had lived a life of opulence, her every movement exuding refinement. Qin Ming could sense her disdain, even if she disguised it well.
“That Silk Script Method was your obsession as a child,” Cui He remarked, his tone contemplative. “You practiced it for over a decade. With your talent, you might have mastered it if you’d kept at it.”
Qin Ming suppressed the urge to laugh bitterly. Obsession? It had been his inheritance—a legacy stolen from him. Despite everything, he’d managed to master the technique in secret.
Looking solemn, he asked, “Fourth Uncle, Aunt Ning, could I have the Silk Script back? It’s the only thing my grandfather left me.”
Cui He’s expression didn’t change as he replied, “It’s currently with the family elder. He’s studying it. Once he’s done, I’ll personally bring it to you.”
Qin Ming knew this was a lie. They had no intention of returning the Silk Script. It was clear he’d need either greater strength or a powerful ally to reclaim what was his.
Cui Shu Ning shifted the conversation. “I hear you’ve been named First of the City by Meng Xing Hai. It seems you’re making remarkable progress on the Awakening Path.”
“Not really,” Qin Ming said modestly. “Uncle Meng has been far too kind. My strength is mediocre at best.”
Cui He chuckled. “But I also heard you taught that Li family brat, Li Qing Xiao, a lesson. You kicked him twice, didn’t you? Good. That’s the kind of spirit we like to see in a Cui.”
Even Cui Shu Ning allowed herself a smile. “Indeed. The Li family may have lasted 800 years, but they’re deluded if they think they can rise to our level. A little humility will do them good.”
Her expression grew serious. “With your talent, you could achieve great things. Why not join Cui Chong He as his Jade Armor Protector? You’d be an invaluable ally.”
Qin Ming knew they were watching him closely, gauging his reaction. Internally, he sneered. You think I’d settle for that?
He shook his head firmly. “I’m not strong enough for such a role.”
Cui He spoke earnestly. “You’re one of us. With the family’s resources behind you, your progress would skyrocket. You could quickly rise to aid Chong He.”
Still, Qin Ming refused, his tone unwavering. “I have no desire to be anyone’s protector.”
As their gazes bore into him, Qin Ming’s thoughts churned. What exactly were they planning?
The quiet atmosphere felt heavier as Qin Ming realized the truth—Cui He and Cui Shu Ning were here not just for pleasantries but to test him. Their real goal was to confirm whether he had mastered the Silk Script Method.
Cui He abruptly said, “Qin Ming, if you’re not planning to return home, you’ve certainly not been low-key enough. Even as far away as Clear River City, we’ve heard you’re now First of the City.”
Qin Ming froze. The sudden shift in tone was jarring. The warmth on Cui He’s face vanished, replaced by stern disapproval. His words were sharp, cutting through the polite façade.
Both of them were watching him intently. Qin Ming frowned, finally understanding their ploy. They had cycled through warmth, subtle probing about the Silk Script, and now veiled reprimands, all to study his reactions and read his intentions. The Cui family was uneasy, uncertain if he had truly abandoned his legacy.
Their fears, Qin Ming realized, centered on the possibility that he had mastered the Silk Script Method, a technique they had sought to control.
“I’ve changed my name, settled in a remote place, and cut ties with the past. Isn’t that enough?” Qin Ming asked sincerely, though his mind remained wary.
Cui Shu Ning gave a cold smile. “Not quite. You’re still far from being low-key.”
Cui He’s expression grew severe. “Are you planning to join an Ancient Doctrine or one of the Special Academies? Why not return to the Cui family instead? We can ensure your future.”
Qin Ming had been humoring them with polite responses, but his patience was wearing thin. His smile faded, replaced by a resolute silence. He had severed ties with the Cui family—what more did they want?
It was clear now: some in the Cui family didn’t trust him. They wanted to sever his path forward, stopping him from joining powerful factions like the Ancient Doctrines or Special Academies.
“You two should leave. You’re not welcome here.” Meng Xing Hai entered the room, his face dark with anger.
Cui Shu Ning’s icy demeanor cracked slightly, but she quickly regained her composure, smiling faintly. “Brother Meng, this is a family matter. It doesn’t concern you.”
Cui He added, “Indeed, Meng Xing Hai, this is our family’s business. We’re here to take him back and nurture him properly.”
Meng Xing Hai’s expression hardened. “We all know the truth here. Spare me your platitudes. Leave now, or I’ll have no choice but to throw you out.”
Cui Shu Ning’s smile tightened. “Brother Meng, there’s no need to be so hostile. Let’s be reasonable, shall we? No matter how you frame it, this boy belongs to the Cui family.”
Meng Xing Hai snorted. “You abandoned him once already. Don’t think you can waltz in here and lay claim to him now. If you want to revisit the past, go ahead and air out all your family’s dirty laundry. See how well that plays in public.”
He crossed his arms and continued, voice sharp, “And don’t forget—he’s not just some stray you can reclaim. He’s my future son-in-law.”
Qin Ming blinked, startled by the bold declaration, though he quickly composed himself.
Cui Shu Ning laughed coldly. “You don’t even have a daughter, Brother Meng. How could he possibly be your son-in-law?”
Meng Xing Hai’s lips curved into a wry grin. “Who says I can’t have a daughter? And if I don’t have the time, I’ll adopt one. Problem solved.”
Her smile vanished, replaced by a frigid stare. “You value this boy quite highly, don’t you?”
Meng Xing Hai’s tone turned lethal. “Leave now, or I’ll make you.”
The room seemed to tremble as the bronze artifacts began to glow. The calming incense in the purple-bronze censer reignited, sending plumes of white smoke spiraling through the air.
“Are you refusing to leave with dignity?” Meng Xing Hai’s voice was as cold as ice.
The white smoke surged forward, winding toward Cui He and Cui Shu Ning like constricting ropes.
Cui He’s body erupted with a vibrant green light as his Evergreen Energy flared. His hair and eyes gleamed with an eerie emerald glow as his power surged.
Cui Shu Ning’s brow furrowed, and from the center of her forehead, her Consciousness Aura condensed into the shape of a shimmering Spiritual Blade, slashing toward the advancing smoke.
But it was futile. The bronze artifacts pulsed with crystalline light, filling the room with an oppressive force. Space itself seemed to solidify, pinning them in place. Both Cui He and Cui Shu Ning gasped for air, their faces pale with strain.
“This… is a Divine Domain?” Cui He whispered, his voice trembling.
“The Divine Wisdom has formed into a domain!” Cui Shu Ning exclaimed, her voice tinged with disbelief.
The white smoke coiled tighter, binding them completely. The pressure was overwhelming—there was no escaping Meng Xing Hai’s power.
With a casual wave of his hand, Meng Xing Hai flung them out of the sitting room. They landed unceremoniously in the courtyard, bruised and humiliated.
“Get out!” he roared, his voice cutting through the night like thunder.
Neither dared argue. They scrambled to their feet and left without a word.
Meng Xing Hai exhaled slowly, then rubbed his forehead. “Damn it. They weren’t just here for you—they were testing me, trying to gauge my stance and your potential.”
He considered chasing after them but stopped short, muttering, “No, let them go. If you’re going to join a Grand Doctrine’s Ancestral Court or one of the renowned academies, you’ll need to prove yourself sooner or later. You can’t hide a sharp blade forever.”
Qin Ming took a deep breath, his emotions swirling. The Cui family’s visit had severed the last thread connecting him to his past.
“Uncle Meng, do I need to go into hiding? Perhaps disappear into the depths of the Dark Mountains?” he asked, half-serious.
Meng Xing Hai chuckled. “Don’t be ridiculous. The Cui family isn’t all-powerful—not even in the Night Fog World. Focus on making a name for yourself. Become a Core Disciple of a top-tier faction. That’s the best way to secure your future.”
Relieved, Qin Ming nodded. “In that case, I’ll prepare myself. But apart from the upcoming duel with Qi Dao Ming, I suspect some in the Cui family will try to test me again. If Cui He intervenes, let’s make him wager his Evergreen Art as a stake.”
Meng Xing Hai’s eyebrows shot up. A moment ago, Qin Ming had seemed shaken, even contemplative. Now, he was already scheming for gains.
“You’re relentless,” Meng Xing Hai said with a wry smile. “Always plotting.”
Qin Ming’s expression remained calm. “I lived under Cui He’s roof for over a decade. I know his ways well.”