Chapter 190: Testing the Sword Across the World
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
The night was alive with the faint chirping of insects, their song weaving through the air like fine silk. A narrow path of smooth cobblestones cut through a serene forest, where faint streaks of light filtered through the dense canopy. It resembled scattered fragments of gold rippling across the darkness.
Qin Ming had encountered them before. The Purple-Eyed Crow was Master Wu, and the black-clad woman was Tang Jin from Flowing Light City. She had once sought a worthy successor for her master.
According to the Talking Sparrow, Tang Jin had not considered Qin Ming suitable at the time, deeming him unworthy of becoming her master’s final disciple.
The young man standing beside her, however, was no stranger to Qin Ming. This individual frequently appeared in the Night Report and, while not yet a household name, had achieved considerable fame.
His name was Ling Yu. Dressed in a flowing green robe, his black hair cascaded over his shoulders. His deep-set eyes held a calm intensity, emanating a quiet nobility. An astonishing vitality coursed through his being.
Recently, Ling Yu had shaken the world by challenging a hundred cities with his sword, earning him the title of “Young Ancestor” from some admirers.
Though Qin Ming was slightly surprised to encounter them here, it wasn’t entirely unexpected. After all, Ling Yu was soon to face Xin You Dao in a duel.
Xin You Dao, too, was a force to be reckoned with—a bold and relentless figure who had dominated eighty-one cities. He was a prominent name in the Night Report and one of the most celebrated prodigies in this year’s examinations.
Tang Jin’s figure was elegant and tall. Though her face remained concealed, the loose black robe she wore couldn’t entirely hide her graceful curves as the night breeze stirred the leaves with a soft rustle.
Qin Ming cast a brief glance in their direction as he walked past without speaking. He had no intention of acknowledging them; after all, they had barely any acquaintance to speak of.
Yao Zu, however, stole a few curious glances, muttering to himself that his grandmother was right—there truly was an enchanting vibrancy to the outside world, even in this tranquil forest.
As they brushed past, Tang Jin felt a peculiar sensation and turned to look at one of the boys retreating into the distance.
Back during the battle at Black and White Mountain, when vying for the mysterious resources of a unique node, Tang Jin had dared to hunt down the blue-robed woman who had claimed the greatest prize. Her abilities were unquestionably extraordinary.
“I found nothing,” Master Wu declared, swooping back toward them. But then its purple eyes gleamed with uncertainty as it gazed at Qin Ming’s departing figure. “Strange, he looks familiar… Could he be the boy we overlooked back then?”
Master Wu’s purple eyes were known to pierce through layers of truth that others could not perceive.
“Who is he? Is he strong?” Ling Yu asked.
The Purple-Eyed Crow nodded thoughtfully, its gaze fixed on the retreating figure. “Indeed, I sense something remarkable about one of those boys. From the moment he first awakened, he brought with him an unusual phenomenon. Hmm… the other one seems extraordinary as well. Fascinating that such individuals are traveling together.”
After walking a good distance, Yao Zu whispered, “Brother, I think that woman was looking at me just now.”
“Don’t believe your instincts at moments like these,” Qin Ming replied, stopping to examine an important letter he had tucked into his sleeve.
“But it’s true!” Yao Zu insisted. “Oh, and that crow was staring at you.”
Ignoring him, Qin Ming unfolded the letter, his emotions surging as he read the brief message. Lu Zi Zai’s words were concise but powerful: Risk everything to claim the Auspicious Beast’s Blood; I will guarantee fairness for you!
Qin Ming had initially given up on pursuing the Auspicious Beast’s Blood, knowing the immense web of interests and connections involved. Why had Cui Chong He, Sun Jing Xiao, and others appeared in Kun Lun?
Even the Immortal and Divine Seeds Qin Ming had encountered aboard the Vermilion Bird Vessel weren’t merely chasing the Celestial Essence from the heavens; they, too, sought the Auspicious Beast’s Blood.
His heart stirred as he considered the weight of Lu Zi Zai’s promise. Despite facing significant personal pressure—like today, when Sun Tai Chu had almost attacked him—Lu Zi Zai had extended this assurance. It was an overwhelming kindness.
“Brother, what’s wrong?” Yao Zu asked.
“We’re going for the Auspicious Beast’s Blood,” Qin Ming declared resolutely, turning back to delve into the details of the competition rules. If fairness was ensured, how could a newly awakened individual like him be excluded?
At that moment, a golden bird flew toward him, alighting on a branch nearby. Its eyes sparkled brilliantly.
“Senior!” Qin Ming greeted it respectfully.
The golden bird sighed softly. “He values you greatly. In his eyes, only four people on the Path of Awakening could potentially forge a new trail in the future. You are among them.”
Qin Ming felt his blood boiling. Although he was only in the First Realm, Lu Zi Zai already placed such high hopes on him. He suppressed the urge to roar with determination, choosing instead to channel his gratitude into action.
“How is Senior Lu doing?” he asked quietly, concerned about Lu Zi Zai’s pale and decaying appearance earlier that day.
The golden bird looked at him intently but offered no reply.
The golden bird’s soft voice resonated in Qin Ming’s mind, delivering a private message. “He is fine. The golden giant you saw today is merely the manifestation of his past cultivation—an embodiment of achievements he has deliberately cast aside. It does not reflect his current state. That was a ‘fruit of his labor’ he chose to forget.”
Though Qin Ming had suspected as much, hearing this confirmation filled him with mixed emotions. The golden bird continued, “Rest assured, when the time comes, he will reclaim everything he has forsaken and more, blazing a new path with unparalleled brilliance.”
“Good!” Qin Ming nodded firmly. He believed that as long as Lu Zi Zai lived, he would someday surpass even his former glory.
The golden bird spread its radiant wings and vanished into the vast darkness of the night.
Yao Zu wiped the sweat from his forehead, exhaling deeply. “Why do I feel like the world outside the Fourth Forbidden Land is even more terrifying? That tiny bird alone made my heart quiver as if I were standing before a mountainous and monstrous aberration.”
Qin Ming chuckled. “Its true form might very well rival a mountain in size.”
The forest was dim, and ahead lay a cluster of wooden houses where many newly awakened lived. Tonight, the atmosphere there was heavy with despondence and unease. Numerous individuals sat in quiet reflection, pondering their uncertain futures.
The gloom stemmed from the recent appearance of the New Awakening Path’s Ancestor in Flying Immortal Academy. His decayed and withered aura had cast a shadow over the path’s prospects, leaving many with a sense of hopelessness.
“It’s been years since the New Awakening Path saw an Ancestor break new ground, while other paths are still being actively explored. Sigh.”
“No wonder there are rumors that some wanted the Ancestor of the New Awakening Path to work as a laborer. It’s not baseless gossip.”
“Unfortunately, we tried other paths and failed. Without unique talents, we’re just ordinary people. The only feasible option for us is bodily transformation.”
The group sighed heavily, the oppressive atmosphere making the night seem even darker and their future paths entirely obscured.
“But wait, tomorrow night, Ling Yu will duel Xin You Dao at our academy. Both are said to be from the New Awakening Path, right? Let’s look forward to that!”
The next morning, Qin Ming and Yao Zu familiarized themselves with the layout of the Mountain and River Academy. They were unimpressed with the dining hall, summarizing their experience in four words: “Tasteless and overpriced!”
“Brother, look at that library you’ve been so eager about. It’s grand and majestic, nine stories tall!” Yao Zu exclaimed.
They soon learned, however, that accessing the library’s texts required either contribution points or payment.
After inquiring, Yao Zu took a sharp breath as he glanced at the fiery glow above the library. “Wow, the cost is outrageous! Brother, if this doesn’t work, we might have to fight for it. We’re missing Daylight Gold among the Five Elements, aren’t we?”
Qin Ming nodded resolutely. “We won’t let something like Daylight Gold block our progress.”
By midday, the academy bustled with activity as people streamed in from all directions. News of Ling Yu and Xin You Dao’s upcoming duel had spread far and wide, sparking excitement for days.
The skyrocketing prices of spectator tickets hinted at the financial stakes involved. This wasn’t just a duel—it was an event carefully amplified for profit.
Indeed, both Ling Yu and Xin You Dao were extraordinary prodigies, dazzling this generation. Both had been called Young Ancestors and were regular features in the Night Report, gaining notable fame in various regions.
Visitors weren’t limited to Kun Lun alone. People from distant cities had journeyed great lengths to witness the spectacle.
“Ling Yu’s teacher is one of the era’s most likely candidates to become an Ancestor, a legendary figure who commands reverence in the Night Fog World.”
This pedigree only heightened public interest. Many were eager to see how a disciple of such a Grandmaster would perform.
The entire city of Kun Lun buzzed with talk of the duel. Unlike Sun Tai Chu’s sudden arrival, this clash of youthful geniuses had been long anticipated.
Even without tickets, students from over a dozen academies and dao grounds flocked to witness the event. Among them were elders and seasoned practitioners.
“Look at this! Even the New Awakening Path has managed to attract this level of attention. The paths of immortals, secret sects, and aberrants all sent people to spectate.”
“Snap out of it. This hype is just you New Awakened inflating your egos. Do you know Xin You Dao practices dual paths? His secret sect techniques are far superior.”
“And Ling Yu? His teacher, once an outsider, merged with the New Awakening Path only to further ascend. Reaching the pinnacle of the pyramid and becoming an Ancestor is just a natural step for him.”
These remarks left many Newly Awakened feeling deflated.
The Mountain and River Academy was packed, more lively than ever before.
The Night Report had already prepared its headline: The Young Ancestor Tests His Sword Across the World.
Yao Zu’s eyes sparkled with ambition. “Brother, I think we could each take on one of them and take their place.”
Though from the Forbidden Lands, Yao Zu was still youthful. The grandeur of the event, the extensive media coverage, and the throngs of spectators stirred his competitive spirit. He longed to face off against Ling Yu and Xin You Dao.
Qin Ming laughed. “Don’t rush. Your time will come. Sooner or later, your name will echo across the world.”
Their lighthearted banter drew attention, eliciting scoffs. “Big words,” someone muttered, dismissing them as delusional attention-seekers.
However, not everyone dismissed them.
From a distant treetop, the Purple-Eyed Crow observed them. In a low voice, it said, “Tang Jin, did you hear them? Did you see their confidence, their expressions? Yesterday, I recognized that boy from Black and White Mountain, and he recognized us too. He didn’t even acknowledge the one you chose.”
Tang Jin smiled faintly, saying nothing.
The Purple-Eyed Crow pressed on. “Why not arrange for Ling Yu to test him? Let’s see if you misjudged him back at Black and White Mountain.”
Tang Jin’s reply was brief and decisive. “Agreed.”