Chapter 133: A Harsh Reality
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
In the living room, Meng Xing Hai tapped gently on a set of suspended bronze chimes, producing a crisp, melodious sound.
He spoke with a calm demeanor, “The Cui Family values their reputation. This makes things much easier.”
Qin Ming tilted his head slightly, his curiosity piqued. “What do you mean by that?”
Meng Xing Hai chuckled. “You’ve won over ten consecutive matches. Naturally, the Night Report should have covered your victories in their main edition. But the Cui Family intervened and suppressed the news.”
The Cui Family wanted him to keep a low profile, avoiding any resurgence of attention that might dredge up the past. They had already abandoned him, and his rising back into prominence would undoubtedly embarrass them.
“To put it bluntly,” Meng Xing Hai continued, “if you were to keep winning and attracting attention, it’d be like rubbing salt in their wounds.”
Qin Ming sighed. He couldn’t help but feel frustrated. How could it be fair to stay in obscurity for their sake? Was he supposed to hold back his entire life just to spare their feelings?
Meng Xing Hai smirked knowingly. “So I had a little chat with someone I know at the Night Report. When you won your fifteenth match, they mentioned it in passing, just to test the reaction of Cui He and his lot. Judging from the feedback, it worked well.”
Qin Ming realized then that Meng Xing Hai was a master manipulator, always setting the perfect rhythm. No wonder the man enjoyed playing with bronze chimes and bells.
At the same time, he couldn’t help but marvel at how commercialized the Night Report had become. Without Meng Xing Hai pulling strings, no matter how many matches he won, his name would never see print. Even now, the report only alluded to his victories in places like Red Glow City and Jin Rui City, while his name had been replaced with someone else’s. Yet Qin Ming felt that was for the best. Staying too conspicuous wasn’t ideal, and in a strange way, he was grateful to the Cui Family for keeping him under wraps.
Meng Xing Hai’s tone turned thoughtful. “Recently, I’ve been digging into some old traditions. Long ago, major sects and academies set rules for inter-city competitions. If someone won twenty consecutive matches, they could report to these institutions, pass a series of trials, and become a core disciple.”
Such customs had long since faded from memory, partly because the trials were notoriously brutal and offered limited value.
But Meng Xing Hai believed Qin Ming would have no problem meeting those challenges. Winning twenty consecutive matches would be a stepping stone. The Cui Family, especially Cui He, would likely send skilled fighters to stop him. When that happened, Meng Xing Hai had a suggestion: insist on rare scripture as a wager for the matches.
“If we could get our hands on the Longevity Sutra, even better. It’s said to extend life by half a lifetime—a priceless treasure.” Though the chances were slim, Meng Xing Hai wanted to give it a shot. After all, the Cui Family’s elder had lived so long precisely because he had practiced the Eternal Green Longevity Sutra.
Qin Ming quickly secured another four victories, bringing his streak to nineteen matches. With only one win to go, he had some breathing room to wait for Meng Xing Hai’s next move.
In the meantime, Qin Ming focused on studying the Fate-Altering Sutra. Brought to him by Li Qing Yue, the ancient scripture had already captured his full attention. The text was filled with perilous experiments, presenting hypotheses that seemed feasible yet often led to death.
One passage discussed the infamous Calamitous Cave, claiming entry would cost fifty years of life. However, should one survive, their body would undergo a transformation, potentially extending life by sixty years. Qin Ming couldn’t help but question the math. Even if it worked, what if it only extended life by thirty years? And what about the risk of outright failure?
He remained skeptical of the book’s more outlandish methods, wary of traps that could lead to his demise. Some techniques, like enduring strikes from lightning imbued with violet flames, promised unparalleled physical enhancement—if one survived. Qin Ming found himself at a loss for words after reading such passages.
Another section described a phenomenon called Dragon-Water Absorption, a rare tornado that connected sky and sea. The book suggested harvesting “Dragon Blood” from it, not the blood of an actual dragon, but a rare, priceless substance hidden within the vortex. However, the dangers were enormous, and success was never guaranteed.
“One wrong step, and you’d be swept into the heavens, never to return,” Qin Ming muttered, shaking his head.
Despite the absurdity of some methods, he found the book fascinating. Though he doubted the author had tested everything, he saw glimpses of inspiration and potential breakthroughs. Having already undergone six awakenings, Qin Ming was acutely aware that he had only three chances left to enhance his body.
The awakening phase was the most rapid period of growth. Beyond that, in realms like the Outer Saint, progress became painstakingly slow. Many practitioners found themselves stuck, advancing only after years or even decades of grueling effort. For some, the road became so arduous they lost hope altogether.
The Fate-Altering Sutra offered paths that could potentially shatter such barriers. Though unconventional, the book’s philosophy resonated with him—seeking life within death and defying the natural limits of vitality.
Qin Ming breathed deeply, drawing in spiritual essence as he merged his consciousness, divine insight, and Celestial Light Force. Together, they intertwined into a seed, planted firmly within his physical form. The seed seemed to embody the harmony of yin and yang, a balance rooted in the principles of heaven and earth.
“Only three chances left to strengthen my body during this phase,” Qin Ming mused, a trace of melancholy in his voice.
He resolved to find ways to ensure smoother breakthroughs in the future, especially in higher realms like the Outer Saint. For now, he was satisfied with the power and abilities he had gained after his sixth awakening, but the challenges ahead loomed large.
Three days later, Meng Xing Hai called out to Qin Ming with a calm smile, “Let’s take a trip to the Great City.”
Qin Ming raised an eyebrow and smirked. “That doesn’t sound like your usual style, Uncle Meng.”
It was true. Meng Xing Hai had avoided bringing him to the Great City for competition. The reason was twofold: the people there often dismissed young talents from remote areas, and Meng Xing Hai wanted to avoid drawing too much attention to Qin Ming. With the Cui Family pressuring the Night Report to suppress any mention of Qin Ming’s victories, he had remained relatively under the radar.
Meng Xing Hai chuckled knowingly. “This is just to stir things up a bit, to nudge Cui He into action sooner. But we’ll do it on our terms.”
Their destination was Jin Rui City, where a young aberration, Cao Wu Ji, had recently risen to prominence.
“You’re not planning to have me fight him, are you?” Qin Ming asked, his tone cautious but curious.
Meng Xing Hai shook his head. “No need for that,” he replied. “Major sects and academies must have plenty of talents like him. But since he revealed himself so early, he’s bound to attract attention.”
Cao Wu Ji’s emergence had indeed sparked interest. Representatives from various sects and schools had come to offer him a place among their ranks. Once he made his choice, his path would be set, and everything would change.
Jin Rui City carried an air of history, being one of the first Great Cities established during the Age of Expansion. Legends told of an auspicious phenomenon that had occurred during its founding, with shimmering colors spreading across the mountains and rivers.
“Cao Wu Ji’s strength is remarkable,” Meng Xing Hai said thoughtfully. “They say he possessed the strength of a thousand catties at his first awakening. No wonder so many sects want him.”
Such strength marked him as a true aberration. Only those with such innate talent could achieve nine awakenings; most others stopped at seven or eight.
It didn’t take long for Qin Ming and Meng Xing Hai to learn that, alongside prominent groups like the Five Elements Palace, Divine Illumination Academy, and Heart Inquiry Academy, even prestigious sects such as Pure Yang Palace and Origin Academy had sent envoys to recruit Cao Wu Ji. These names were legendary throughout the Night Fog World. However, sects like the Six Rulers, Yuqing Lineage, and Sky-Supporting Sect remained notably absent, maintaining their reserved stance.
Meng Xing Hai smiled. “Tomorrow, there’s a gathering of young talents at the Purple Bamboo Forest near Jin Rui River. You should go and observe.”
The Jin Rui River meandered through the city, lined with scenic spots. The Purple Bamboo Forest, in particular, was steeped in legend. It was said that during the Age of Expansion, a divine artifact was unearthed there, becoming the treasured emblem of a secret sect.
The next day, Qin Ming arrived at the forest and was greeted by the sound of whispers. People were recounting its storied past, marveling at the place’s significance. He wasn’t the only outsider present; young talents from numerous cities had come, drawn by rumors that Pure Yang Palace, Origin Academy, and Five Elements Palace were selecting disciples in the area.
A gentle spring breeze swept through the forest, causing the bamboo leaves to rustle. The entire grove seemed to glow softly with violet light. A stream from the Fire Spring cut through the forest, adding to the picturesque scenery.
Qin Ming observed the gathered talents from various Great Cities. They were as impressive as their reputations suggested, exuding poise and confidence. Before long, his gaze fell upon Cao Wu Ji. The young prodigy stood tall amidst the crowd, his sharp eyes glinting with intelligence. With his sword-like eyebrows and striking features, he commanded attention effortlessly.
Cao Wu Ji was the center of the gathering, surrounded by representatives from Pure Yang Palace and Divine Illumination Academy. His charisma and potential made him the focus of everyone’s attention. Yet, Qin Ming noticed that Cao Wu Ji seemed most interested in sects like the Sky-Supporting Sect and Six Rulers, which had yet to send anyone.
As a group of youths approached to greet him, it was clear that Cao Wu Ji’s reputation preceded him. Many sought to build connections with someone destined for greatness. One boy, brimming with confidence, turned to Qin Ming and smiled. “Where are you from, brother? May I know your name?”
“Red Glow City. My name’s Qin—” Qin Ming began, but the boy interrupted with a polite yet dismissive bow.
“Ah, I’ve heard of it,” the boy said vaguely, cutting him off before he could finish. It was clear he had already judged Red Glow City as insignificant, and he quickly excused himself.
Moments later, a young woman in a violet robe approached, her smile sweet and warm. “And you, brother? What’s your name and where do you hail from?”
“Red Glow City. I’m Qin Ming,” he said again, this time completing his introduction. The violet-robed girl didn’t interrupt. Instead, she continued the conversation enthusiastically, much to Qin Ming’s surprise. He had assumed she was only interested in mingling with future prodigies.
As they talked, a second girl in white robes joined them. She was stunning and seemed to know the violet-robed girl. However, she eyed Qin Ming with mild curiosity. “Who is this?” she asked.
“He’s from the Great City of Red Glow,” the violet-robed girl said warmly, her tone brimming with enthusiasm.
“Um, I think you’re mistaken,” the white-robed girl whispered. “Red Glow City isn’t a Great City. It’s in a rather remote area.”
The realization dawned on the violet-robed girl, and her face flushed. “Oh! I’m so sorry,” she stammered, before quickly retreating alongside her companion, leaving Qin Ming standing there, bemused.
He sighed, reflecting on how even at such a youthful age, people could be so practical and calculating. This was supposed to be the most innocent and carefree time in life, yet it seemed reality had already taken hold.
Meanwhile, the crowd around Cao Wu Ji grew thicker, everyone eager to be near him. He was like a celestial body, and they, the stars, gravitated toward him. Suddenly, a voice called out, “The Yuqing Lineage has arrived!”
The announcement caused a stir. For the Yuqing Lineage, an ancient and reclusive sect, to send someone was monumental. Though they rarely opened their doors to disciples, they had never ceased seeking out the most extraordinary talents.
The group from the Yuqing Lineage was led by a young woman, radiant and poised. She moved with an ethereal grace, as if she had stepped out of a painting. Many in the crowd gazed at her with admiration, hoping for a chance to learn the legendary Yuqing Force.
“You may apply,” she said with a gentle smile, “and as long as you pass the trial, you’ll be accepted.”
“Are you the famed young aberration from two years ago?” someone blurted out in awe. “The one who defeated the elites of various cities, bested disciples from the Beyond, and outshone the secret sect’s prodigies? I’ve seen your portrait. It’s really you!”
The woman gave a faint smile but didn’t respond, instead making her way toward Cao Wu Ji. As she passed near Qin Ming, her gaze lingered on him briefly, her expression shifting ever so slightly. She glanced back at him several times, her curiosity evident. Her reaction did not go unnoticed, and murmurs spread through the crowd.