Chapter 30: A Dashing Encounter
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
The night lay quiet, with distant mountains fading into the darkness, their shapes lost against the starless sky. Qin Ming stepped carefully along a snow-blanketed trail, flanked by thick, silent forests. Ahead, through a light veil of mist, he could see the faint glow of Silver Vine Town. Even this late, the town shone warmly: lanterns swung in the breeze, and the silhouettes of wooden rooftops and busy streets flickered into view.
As Qin Ming got closer, he caught the sounds of voices—merchants haggling, townsfolk chattering, and travelers calling out for rooms. Storefronts were packed with goods, and vendors shouted over one another to lure in buyers. It was more crowded than usual, likely because people from Red Glow City had come streaming in. Some were high-born nobles, dressed in fine cloaks, while others were rough-looking adventurers or quiet strangers who kept their hoods pulled low. Everyone was searching for a place to rest, adding a strange energy to the marketplace’s usual hum.
Qin Ming headed toward the old nobleman’s mansion, set near the town’s eastern edge. A tall red gate, decorated with rows of copper studs, rose before him. On either side stood solemn stone statues of mythical beasts, their eyes seemingly watching everyone who passed beneath.
“Qin Ming!” a familiar voice called out. Turning, Qin Ming saw a group of local teenagers—newly awakened cultivators from neighboring villages—gathered near the mansion’s entrance. Some of them grinned and waved him over. Qin Ming, a lanky boy not much older than fourteen or fifteen, waved back, a smile lighting his face.
“Hey guys,” he said, voice casual and just a bit nervous, as if he were trying hard to sound cool. “Been waiting long?”
They stepped forward together, and a servant bowed, guiding them inside. Qin Ming took in the mansion’s vast courtyards, winding rock gardens, and graceful pavilions. Despite the winter chill, flowering shrubs and evergreen plants made the place feel alive. The old nobleman seemed to love beauty and comfort. Qin Ming could hardly imagine growing up surrounded by so many fine things.
In the grand main hall, soft lamplight fell across rosewood chairs and slender pillars carved with swirling patterns. Traditional paintings hung on the walls, each brushstroke full of quiet elegance. Qin Ming tried not to stare too obviously—he’d never been in such a refined place. The hall buzzed with whispers from young guests like him, all feeling a bit out of place, shifting awkwardly before finally settling down. Servants darted around, placing bowls of nuts and trays of bright, fresh berries on low tables. Fresh fruit in winter was a rare treat, and Qin Ming happily popped a handful of berries into his mouth, savoring their sweetness.
“Qin Ming!” called a voice nearby. Qin Ming turned and recognized the speaker—Zhou Wu Bing. Not long ago, everyone called him Er Bing Zi, a nickname that suited a quieter, simpler boy. Now he had grown taller and more confident since their Awakening. Qin Ming tried to remember to address him properly now.
“Hey, Zhou Wu Bing,” Qin Ming said, running a hand through his short, dark hair. “You look good, man. What’s up?”
“I’m heading off to Red Glow City soon,” Zhou Wu Bing replied, his glossy black hair catching the lantern light. “Figured I’d try my luck there. What about you? Got anything planned?”
Qin Ming shrugged, doing his best to look casual. “Not sure, dude. I mean, I’d love to check out those big cities someday, if I ever get the chance. Would be kinda cool, right?”
Around them, the hall swelled with conversation. Most of these teenagers came from small villages and were stunned by the mansion’s grand style. But as they tasted the snacks and took in the warmth, their nerves slowly eased. Qin Ming was already feeling at home, still savoring sweet berries as he watched the people around him. Everyone here had awakened some kind of power or potential; the future felt wide open.
“Not much competition happening tonight,” Zhou Wu Bing whispered, leaning in close. “But my relative mentioned something—” He suddenly stopped, eyes fixed on a pair of newcomers.
A silver-haired elder drifted past with a tall woman dressed in a black fur cloak. Her face was partly hidden beneath a hood, thick black hair tumbling down her shoulders. She moved with a quiet grace that immediately drew attention. As they swept into a smaller side room, Qin Ming noticed a bird perched on the woman’s shoulder, its glossy feathers shining in the lamplight.
Zhou Wu Bing widened his eyes, lowering his voice. “Hey, did you see that? That must be the Xie family’s noble lady. I mean, I can’t see her face properly, but she’s got this, I dunno… elegant vibe. And that bird—can’t tell if it’s a crow or something else, but man, it looks kinda intimidating.”
Qin Ming smirked, trying to sound braver than he felt. “She probably doesn’t struggle finding admirers, huh?” He remembered catching a glimpse of her during yesterday’s tense talks with some mountain creatures. This lady was definitely not your average noble daughter.
At that exact moment, the hooded lady turned her head sharply, as if she’d overheard. Though Qin Ming couldn’t see her eyes, he noticed the angry twist of her red lips. The bird cackled, its call echoing like harsh laughter. It made the hair on the back of Qin Ming’s neck stand up.
Zhou Wu Bing gulped. “Maybe it’s a myna bird?” he ventured uncertainly. The creature responded with another fierce glare, and Zhou shrank back. “Alright, guess not.”
“Why’s she dressed up like that at home?” Zhou Wu Bing murmured, pretending not to meet her eyes. “Though I guess nobles are all about showing off.” He tried a shaky grin, but the woman’s shoulders tensed, and her bird let out another mocking cry.
Qin Ming nudged Zhou lightly. “Dude, keep your voice down. We don’t wanna get kicked out.” He spoke quietly, barely moving his lips, and Zhou nodded, swallowing hard.
Forcing himself not to look directly at the noble lady, Qin Ming had to admit she was unlike anyone he knew. Under that cloak and hood, she held herself with an air of mystery and power. It was painfully clear that she belonged to a world completely different from his own.
As the hall chattered on, everyone wondered who exactly these nobles were. The older nobleman who ran this mansion was probably Xie Jing Rui, and the woman in black seemed to be his daughter. Rumors swirled about her—some called her a genius cultivator, others whispered that she was destined for greatness, forever unreachable by ordinary folk.
Before long, the old nobleman himself entered, his silver hair neatly tied back, his robes embroidered with subtle patterns. He greeted them all with a friendly smile, his voice warm and welcoming. “I’m so pleased to see all of you here,” he said. “Your kindness and courage set you apart from the usual schemers and tricksters I see passing through town.”
He wasted no time explaining what he wanted. He was searching for rare materials from the nearby mountains. He made it clear he wasn’t asking anyone to fight or risk their lives; he simply hoped they might share any information if they came across something valuable out there. With a gentle smile, he clapped his hands, and servants came forward bearing gifts: finely crafted swords, bows, and knives, offered to every young visitor.
The old nobleman sighed, voice heavy with concern. “My daughter weighs on my mind. I wish she would find someone who suits her, someone she might care for, but I don’t care about titles or rank. Truly, if she found the right person, I’d arrange the wedding tomorrow.” He sounded so honest that a few of the young guests exchanged astonished glances. Was he that eager for a son-in-law?
Xie Jing Rui approached Qin Ming and Zhou Wu Bing, studying them closely. “I’ve heard about you two,” he said, voice calm and curious. “They say you have golden roots, that your potential is truly impressive. Have you considered choosing a different path for yourselves?”
A moment later, the butler appeared and quietly guided Zhou Wu Bing off to meet the mysterious young lady. Qin Ming watched him vanish into a nearby corridor. When Zhou Wu Bing returned, he looked shaken.
“How’d it go?” Qin Ming asked, trying to sound casual. He raised an eyebrow, expecting some grand tale.
Zhou Wu Bing flashed a tight, nervous grin. “She’s… wow. She’s gorgeous, all in black, but man, not my type. Way out of my league. Maybe you should give it a try, Qin Ming.” He hurried away before Qin Ming could question him further.
Qin Ming didn’t really want to play matchmaker here. He was just thankful for the gift—he ran a finger along the sturdy bow the nobleman had given him. But it was hard to refuse meeting the daughter when it was so clearly expected. Soon enough, the butler returned for him, and Qin Ming followed without argument.
They headed through the mansion’s winding halls until they emerged in a quiet courtyard. There, beneath the muted glow of lanterns, the noble lady stood with a sword in hand. She trained without pause, each swing of her massive blade sending gusts of cold air through the courtyard. Qin Ming gulped. She was taller than he ever imagined—nearly five meters, towering like a giantess. Yet her movements were balanced and swift, her posture as proud and perfect as a warrior’s.
Qin Ming’s heart pounded. She was indeed beautiful, but not in any delicate way. She was fierce, powerful, and, well, huge. Could this really be the same woman Zhou Wu Bing had mentioned?
Catching sight of him, the lady turned, her eyes narrowed beneath the hood. “Do you think I’m a monster?” she asked, her tone as cold as the winter air.
Qin Ming managed a half-smile, trying hard not to sound like a scared little kid. “No, not at all. I mean, look, you’re on a path to become something incredible—like an immortal, right? Once you’ve mastered your Giant Spirit Form, you’ll be back to your normal self.” His voice cracked slightly, but he forced himself to sound respectful and honest. He might’ve been nervous, but he meant every word.
The lady—Xie Ling Xi—tossed her long black hair as she swung her sword in a graceful arc. “Hah. Who cares about gods or immortals?” she scoffed. “If they really existed, wouldn’t they lift the sun back into the sky and end these endless winters?”
Qin Ming had no answer for that. He turned, ready to leave this strange and intimidating scene, when her voice softened just a fraction.
“I saw you two years ago,” she said, shoulders lowering slightly. “We passed near Red Glow City. You were there, practically on the brink of death.”
Qin Ming froze, slowly turning back. That memory stung. He barely remembered those days, just a blur of cold and hunger, of drifting between life and death. How did she know about that? Why would she remember him?