Night Without Borders Chapter 194
Chapter 194: Roaring with Laughter
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
The small courtyard amidst the bamboo forest exuded a serene elegance. Inside the refined chamber, the fragrance of tea lingered in the air. A petite pearwood teapot sat atop the table, releasing thin streams of steam. The Purple-Eyed Crow found the setup perfectly suited to its size. It clasped a warm tea cup, barely an inch tall, sipping leisurely.
On the table was a delicate miniature chair. Reclining on it lazily, the crow remarked, “No Daylight Gold? No secret techniques? If it were me, I wouldn’t have even shown up.”
Hearing the mention of Daylight Gold, Ling Yu suddenly felt something was amiss. The weight he had been carrying in his chest pocket was gone—the stack of Daylight Gold coins, dozens of them, had disappeared! His face turned pale as he groaned in dismay.
“All I have left is a single gold note!” he exclaimed grimly.
The crow took a small sip of tea and commented indifferently, “Ah, honesty is a virtue. Even in the pursuit of wealth, one must adhere to the proper means.”
Tang Jin, tall and graceful, strode across the room with a natural poise. Even compared to Ling Yu, her stature was imposing. She walked a few steps, her movements light and elegant.
“Let’s revisit this later,” she said with genuine curiosity. She couldn’t help but be intrigued by the youth who had emerged from the Black and White Mountain. Even though it was a sneak attack, knocking Ling Yu unconscious so cleanly was no ordinary feat.
At the same time, Tang Jin felt displeased with Ling Yu. If this had been the battlefield or the life-or-death struggles of the Third Forbidden Land, could someone this careless expect to survive?
Meanwhile, Qin Ming chuckled, “Brother Chuan, look at this turf…”
“Just call me by my full name,” Qian Chuan interrupted, visibly uneasy. He had always felt like Qin Ming was calling him a “money grubber,” which he found incredibly unlucky. Yet, he dared not show his displeasure openly. These two, after all, had just pummeled both Xin You Dao and Ling Yu. If word got out, it would be an earth-shattering event!
For a fleeting moment, Qian Chuan even considered selling the news for a handsome price—it would certainly shake Kun Lun City to its core. But he restrained himself. Someone had already warned him to keep his mouth shut.
For now, he decided to be cautious. Offering no trace of a cold shoulder, he wore a polite smile. After all, these two were terrifying individuals, seemingly capable of completely upending the status quo among this year’s cohort of students.
“About the compensation for the dead Dragon Carp…” Qian Chuan whispered cautiously.
“That’s just spiritual flesh,” the crow said nonchalantly. “Why not eat it all now? Besides, Xin You Dao killed it with lightning. You should ask him for compensation.”
Nodding in agreement, Qian Chuan whispered again, “If you’re determined to fish and eat, at least wait until no one’s around.”
Yao Zu grinned and offered, “Alright, I’ll invite you for grilled fish next time. Or better yet, take two with you now.”
“No way!” Qian Chuan declined hurriedly and made his exit.
Qin Ming leaned back on a lakeside lounge chair, holding a cup of wine in one hand and a roasted Dragon Carp in the other. “Dragon Carp with wine—it doesn’t get better than this!” he exclaimed.
Yao Zu had already repaired the grill and discovered several jars of fine wine from Xin You Dao’s storage chamber. The two of them feasted by the lake, indulging in their spiritual-flesh banquet paired with exquisite liquor.
The next day, the duo promptly paid their tuition fees and handled all the necessary formalities, including obtaining student IDs and library cards. Their next destination was clear.
Qin Ming’s sole purpose for joining the Mountain and River Academy was straightforward: to read.
This part of the campus was stunningly picturesque, with rare tree species like the fragrant Orchidwood and the silver-leafed Silver Maple scattering petals like silvery rain. At the heart of it all stood the towering nine-story Library Tower, an awe-inspiring structure located beside a lake formed by Fire Springs. Lush vegetation surrounded it, with experts stationed nearby as guards.
A middle-aged woman, still brimming with charisma, scolded Yao Zu the moment they entered. “What nonsense! Asking for a list of miraculous techniques right off the bat. You freshmen always aim for the stars, thinking you can master something beyond your capacity. Do you even have the talent or contribution points for this?”
Feeling aggrieved, Yao Zu muttered inwardly, I just wanted to borrow a book! If I can do it, fine. If not, forget it. Why the lecture?
“We understand the rules,” Qin Ming interjected. “We’re willing to pay for access.”
The woman gestured for them to follow. “This way.”
Trailing behind her, Yao Zu couldn’t resist making a clawing motion behind her back—a sign of youthful mischief. Without turning her head, the woman remarked, “My daughter’s already at the peak of the Second Realm. Still feeling playful?”
Yao Zu immediately lowered his head and apologized, “I’m sorry, ma’am.”
They were led into a spacious and serene chamber illuminated by crystal lamps housing solar stones. The bright yet tranquil environment was perfect for reading, though it wasn’t crowded.
“Outrageous prices!” Qin Ming exclaimed under his breath. He had found the most borrowed book among freshmen, a slim volume with only thirteen pages, yet it cost one Daylight Gold per page.
In Red Glow City, three Daylight Gold coins could barely sustain a family of three for a year. Here in Kun Lun City, the inflated cost required twelve.
Before opening the book, Qin Ming underwent a ceremonial pledge not to disclose its contents. Once sworn in, he began reading with utmost seriousness. Each page, worth a month’s food, was to be savored.
The slim volume was the distilled essence of wisdom from a seasoned expert, detailing critical points for newcomers navigating their first realm. Though Qin Ming personally found no glaring shortcomings in his approach, he acknowledged the book’s immense value to most freshmen.
The final page, filled with forward-looking insights and unverifiable hypotheses, left him lost in thought. It discussed the fabled Ninth Awakening, attainable only by aberrants, which many doctrines and prominent figures regarded with near-reverence.
In this domain, practitioners often seek extraordinary techniques such as the Immortal Butterfly Sutra, which promises resilience and rebirth.
This idea left Qin Ming deep in thought. The author of the sutra, a senior predecessor, seemed to have shared a “superstitious” belief in such aspirational outcomes. They claimed that these methods significantly enhanced the final rebirth and transformation.
The author even cited historical figures as examples. Many renowned individuals reportedly chose these paths and achieved remarkable breakthroughs during their ninth awakening.
For instance, the present-day Rulai practiced the Golden Cicada Sutra, which symbolizes the shedding of the old self and rebirth through tribulations, steeped in profound Zen principles. Similarly, during his ninth awakening, a Sky-Supporting Sect figure mastered the Dragon-Snake Sutra, enduring the bloody evolution from snake to dragon. His physical body shattered in desperate adversity, transforming into unmatched strength.
Qin Ming reread the text, noting how predecessors deliberately pursued violent transformations during their ninth awakening, hoping to achieve an unprecedented tenth awakening.
Of course, all of them failed.
Moreover, ancestral teachings had long confirmed that a so-called tenth awakening was illusory. Any potential for it was encompassed within the ninth awakening.
This conclusion rested on the fact that even aberrants with different foundations achieved vastly varying results during their ninth awakening.
“In other words, the ninth awakening encapsulates everything. If someone possesses extraordinary talents, surpassing the ancestral level, the rewards of their final awakening would be unimaginable,” Qin Ming reflected.
Closing the book, he decided to explore more extraordinary techniques.
He noticed Yao Zu engrossed in the Flesh and Soul Locking Technique, a clear indication of his targeted approach to refining his Rainbow Transformation Path.
Qin Ming sought guidance from Zhao Ming Hui, a middle-aged woman, inquiring whether the Immortal Butterfly Sutra or Dragon-Snake Sutra were available.
At that moment, Zhao Ming Hui regarded him with new interest. Was this young man an aberrant? Or was he planning to use such extraordinary techniques to establish his first realm?
Qin Ming, however, had fully activated the enhanced version of Harmonious Dust Sutra, rendering his uniqueness invisible to all but Master Wu and his mysterious purple eyes.
Zhao Ming Hui replied, “The techniques you mentioned are available in Kun Lun City, and our Mountain and River Academy also has no fewer than two copies. However… they are expensive.”
Qin Ming was astonished. It wasn’t surprising for the academy to have extraordinary techniques, but possessing two copies in the same domain demonstrated a solid foundation.
“I’d like to take a look,” he said.
Zhao Ming Hui informed him that only one, the Golden Cicada Sutra, was available for public borrowing.
Qin Ming’s interest ignited. He recalled meeting Xiang Yi Wu, a disciple cast out by the Rulai lineage at Luo Fu Immortal Mountain. Xiang had intended to break new ground using the Golden Cicada Sutra as a foundation for his later path.
However, when Qin Ming saw the borrowing price, he nearly bit his tongue. Each chapter cost 200 Daylight Gold! Considering the full sutra likely comprised dozens of chapters, the total cost was astronomical.
“Extraordinary techniques are priceless,” Zhao Ming Hui remarked.
“They truly are priceless treasures,” Qin Ming admitted, feeling the sharp sting of poverty.
Zhao Ming Hui smiled and offered a suggestion. “In reality, no one learns extraordinary techniques by spending that much Daylight Gold. Instead, find a suitable teacher. If they take a liking to you, they might teach you for free.”
“Really?” Qin Ming was overjoyed by this unexpected turn of events and immediately expressed his gratitude.
However, Zhao Ming Hui’s expression grew serious. She frowned and added, “Unfortunately, many seniors have passed away. The one most proficient in the Golden Cicada Sutra now is an old miser. To support his descendant, who has entered the Yang Land and seeks to compete for the Immortal Seed, he has become utterly greedy.”
“Are the others far less skilled than him?” Qin Ming asked. Personally, he didn’t mind. As long as he had the text, he could practice independently.
Zhao Ming Hui nodded. “Yes, there’s a significant gap. Wu Cheng Wang, that old miser, not only mastered the original Golden Cicada Sutra in his youth but also discovered a variant version in an ancient tomb. By combining the two, he developed many new insights.”
Cautiously, Qin Ming asked, “If I were to approach Senior Wu, would he charge me?”
Zhao Ming Hui sighed. “Absolutely. To ensure his descendant’s return as an immortal, he no longer cares about appearances.”
After leaving the library with Yao Zu, Qin Ming sought information about Wu Cheng Wang’s residence.
A passerby offered a kind warning. “Brother, the Golden Cicada Sutra may be miraculous, offering longevity and the chance for rebirth, but if you go to Wu Cheng Wang, be prepared to be drained dry. That miser will suck every drop of your wealth, and you’ll only learn half the sutra!”
Even the wealthiest heirs hesitated to approach Wu Cheng Wang, fearing their reserves of Daylight Gold would be insufficient.
Yao Zu voiced his concern, “Brother, I also think dealing with an old miser like him isn’t worth it.”
“Yao Zu, wait for me outside,” Qin Ming replied, resolute. He wanted to give it a try. To be cautious, he handed over all his extra Daylight Gold to Yao Zu, keeping only 300 with him—the rumored minimum fee for a visit.
He feared carrying more would make him a prime target for exploitation.
Finally, Qin Ming arrived alone at Wu Cheng Wang’s residence. The courtyard was a picturesque paradise, filled with blooming rare flowers and medicinal herbs. A gentle fragrance lingered in the air, hinting at the old man’s refined lifestyle.
“Ah, young man, seeking immortality? You’ve come to the right place,” Wu Cheng Wang said with a smile. His silver hair glistened, and his face radiated health. His kind demeanor was entirely unexpected. “The variant Golden Cicada Sutra—I’m the only one who possesses it in Kun Lun City. If you’re just starting on your Awakening Path, using it as your main technique will lay an indestructible foundation.”
“Senior, how much is the tuition?” Qin Ming cut straight to the point, preferring to settle the matter with gold instead of lengthy discussions.
Wu Cheng Wang chuckled. “Ah, the tomb I explored nearly cost me my life. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to studying this variant Golden Cicada Sutra.”
He pulled out a few pages of freshly copied text. “You could start learning from these immediately.”
Qin Ming frowned. These seemed like newly written excerpts, likely prepared for novice disciples.
“I want to learn true mastery,” Qin Ming said firmly.
Wu Cheng Wang raised an eyebrow. “Oh? And what do you mean by true mastery? What I’m teaching is an extraordinary skill.”
“I want access to your manuscripts, notes, and journals—your life’s work. I believe that’s where your true expertise lies.”
Surprised, Wu Cheng Wang paused before laughing. “What a perceptive young man! You think I would teach you anything less than authentic knowledge? Very well, no problem. But the cost will be higher.”
“How much Daylight Gold?” Qin Ming asked.
“For access to my manuscripts? Six hundred Daylight Gold per session,” Wu Cheng Wang replied, his tone ever kind.
“That’s expensive… but I’ll fetch the gold,” Qin Ming eventually agreed. “Can I at least see one page beforehand?”
“That won’t do. Pay first, then you may read,” Wu Cheng Wang said with a chuckle, shaking his head.
“Fine!” Qin Ming turned and left.
“Brother, are you really letting that miser fleece you?” Yao Zu asked, worried Qin Ming had lost his mind.
“Don’t worry. I can handle his schemes,” Qin Ming replied confidently, heading back to the fragrant courtyard with six hundred Daylight Gold in hand.
This time, Wu Cheng Wang was even friendlier. He retrieved a heavily worn book and said, “This contains my annotations. Its value is immeasurable, as few outside the Rulai lineage understand the two versions of the Golden Cicada Sutra.”
Qin Ming praised him, saying, “You’ve devoted your life to this sutra, expanding the path for the Awakening Domain. Truly, you’re a person of great virtue.”
“Ah, I couldn’t agree more,” Wu Cheng Wang replied with a pleased smile.
Qin Ming opened the first page. This session allowed him only a few pages, but his satisfaction was evident. The more he read, the broader his grin became.
“Excellent,” he muttered, his face lighting up with joy. Soon, he couldn’t hold back and began laughing aloud.
Wu Cheng Wang observed him, his smile growing warmer. Inwardly, he mused, Such a fine lamb, so willing to spend without hesitation. I must nurture this one carefully.
“Ha ha ha!” Qin Ming laughed with genuine delight, impressed by what he had glimpsed within the manuscripts.
Seeing him so ecstatic, Wu Cheng Wang couldn’t help but join in the laughter, his heart filled with anticipation. What a perfect, plump lamb, he thought, already planning his next move.