Chapter 56: The Three Excellences
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
“Why? What right do they have to demand our Night Silver?”
“We almost starved to death not long ago! Things have only just started to improve. How can we survive with Golden Rooster Ridge squeezing us dry?”
The villagers were outraged.
Even though food had recently been transported in by giant beasts, it wasn’t free. They still had to pay for it, and this year’s harvest was so poor that no one had extra money to give to Golden Rooster Ridge.
What stung the most was that they weren’t being taxed by a legitimate authority but by a gang of bandits.
In this remote area, a single piece of Night Silver was enough to keep a family of three fed for an entire month, provided they were frugal. Now, two Golden Rooster Knights had come, arrogantly perched atop their golden mounts, and casually demanded a month’s worth of sustenance from each household.
It was robbery, plain and simple.
What made it worse was the uncertainty. Was this a one-time demand? Or would it become a regular tribute, demanded every few months?
“Those bandits have no humanity!”
The villagers’ collective fury was palpable. They wanted to resist.
The two Golden Rooster Knights, having delivered their message, were already far from the village entrance. Even so, they could still hear the angry shouts of the villagers echoing behind them.
One knight muttered, “These mud-legged peasants are overreacting. We’d better report this to the higher-ups. If we push them too far, they might rebel.”
The other nodded. “Yes, the stronghold’s forces have already been severely weakened. We can’t afford to stir up trouble during these turbulent times.”
“Won’t Red Glow City do anything about this?”
The unrest wasn’t limited to a single village. The entire region buzzed with discontent.
Some suggested appealing to the Mountain Patrol Group for intervention or reporting the matter directly to Red Glow City. After all, this winter was unusually harsh, and they couldn’t allow Golden Rooster Ridge to run rampant.
An elderly man sighed, “The leadership in Red Glow City probably has its hands full right now.”
“Why?” someone asked.
The old man explained, “A traveling merchant brought news. Two major organizations suspect that City Lord Ling Xu of Red Glow City has been colluding with the high-level aberrations of Black and White Mountain. They believe he set a trap for them in the mountains last time.”
According to the merchant, tensions in Red Glow City were running high. Although there wasn’t any solid evidence, the two organizations suspected that Ling Xu had orchestrated a scheme to pit them against each other.
“This will probably blow over eventually,” the elder continued, “but for now, the city’s leadership is too preoccupied to deal with our problems.”
Qin Ming stood under the dark night sky, listening to the villagers’ worried discussions. A radiant glow of celestial light flickered across his body, betraying his inner turmoil.
No one could stay calm forever. Everyone had emotions, desires, and frustrations. Qin Ming was no different.
After a moment, the light dimmed, and he steadied himself. He turned and headed to the cellar, selecting two blood snakes, each six to seven feet long, mutated once. He picked up a long-handled black metal hammer and began pounding the snakes on an iron slab until they were reduced to a fine paste. Then, he simmered the mixture in a pot, crafting a rich, fragrant stew.
He needed to prepare before leaving.
Soon, Qin Ming arrived at a neighboring courtyard.
“Brother Lu, how are you feeling? I hunted down a mountain beast with spiritual properties. It might help you awaken anew.”
He didn’t keep everything a secret. He told Lu Ze that eating the stew could not only heal his injuries but also potentially trigger another awakening within the next few days.
“Qin, I…” Lu Ze was a straightforward man and didn’t know how to express his gratitude. He nodded heavily, eyes glistening with emotion.
Beside him, Liang Wan Qing’s eyes turned red. She understood what another awakening meant in these harsh times. It meant she wouldn’t have to live in constant fear every time Lu Ze ventured into the mountains.
Qin Ming said, “Sister-in-law, you should have some too. Even if your body can’t awaken, it will strengthen you.”
A child’s voice interrupted them. “Mmm, it smells so good, Uncle Qin! I want some too!”
Wen Rui hadn’t gone to bed yet. His nose had caught the unique aroma of blood snake stew, and he was practically drooling.
Qin Ming chuckled. “You’re still too young. Eating this now might trigger premature awakening. But look, Uncle brought you the freshest wild fruits. Old Huang cultivated these himself.”
Wen Rui’s big eyes lit up with excitement, though he tilted his head in confusion. “Uncle, last time you said these were grown by Uncle Niu.”
“Well, sort of,” Qin Ming replied with a laugh. He knew the fruits came from Wild Ox Ridge.
Nearby, two-year-old Wen Hui stirred awake, rubbing her eyes. “Uncle… I want some too…”
Even the pet squirrel in its cage squeaked and bowed repeatedly, clearly angling for a taste of the stew.
The next morning, Qin Ming polished his White Jade Alloy Blade. The weapon was too conspicuous; when unsheathed, it demanded blood. He carefully disguised the blade, wrapping it before sliding it back into its scabbard.
Then, he grabbed a sturdy staff to use as a spear and retrieved his old bow and arrows. Qin Ming had become a master of both spear and bow—a true dual expert.
In the courtyard, he demonstrated astonishing spear techniques. The staff in his hands danced like a dragon, twisting and coiling as though it might ascend to the heavens.
With a light flick, the staff split into dozens of shadows, each targeting a different spot. Snowflakes drifting down were pierced midair, one after another.
However, as Qin Ming increased the force, the wooden staff couldn’t withstand the strain and shattered into splinters.
Picking up his bow, he tested it briefly before setting it aside. “If I use any real strength, the string snaps or the bow itself breaks. At this rate, my title of spear-and-bow master is hollow without proper weapons.”
He resolved to head into the mountains to find suitable gear.
The Great Canyon was eerily quiet. The Golden Rooster Ridge guards had long abandoned it.
Qin Ming descended into the somber underground caves, wandering through web-like tunnels for hours. He found broken armor, shattered weapons, and bloodstains. Among the debris were fragments of aberrations’ horns and bones.
Deep within the cavern, he discovered a sinister altar. Cold, dark energy emanated from it. With a single kick, Qin Ming destroyed it, releasing a surge of black mist.
As his celestial light flared, the mist evaporated instantly.
“What were they doing here?” Qin Ming wondered aloud. He suspected the two bandit leaders were colluding with the mist-transforming outsider for some nefarious purpose.
After more searching, he unearthed several intact weapons. He managed to piece together a few suits of armor—each one remarkably well-preserved, likely crafted from rare materials.
Qin Ming selected a long spear, a sharp blade, and a sturdy bow capable of withstanding his immense strength. He also filled six quivers with iron arrows.
Standing amidst his findings, he declared with a grin, “Tonight, I’ll be the Blade Immortal, the Spear Saint, and the Bow God—the master of all three!”
Qin Ming buckled on a gleaming suit of armor, its metallic surface catching the faint light of the underground cave. Over his shoulder, he slung a sturdy bow and quiver of arrows. In one hand, he hefted a long spear that was not only heavy but lethally sharp, while on his back hung a long blade adorned with a phoenix motif. With everything in place, he strode out of the cave and into the crisp night air.
“Hmm?” Qin Ming murmured, his sharp eyes narrowing in surprise. Just outside the Great Canyon, he caught sight of Old Liu. The older man’s hunched figure was unmistakable against the stark landscape.
Making no attempt to hide, Qin Ming walked straight toward him.
Old Liu turned as he approached, his expression unusually serious. “I heard you went into the mountains,” he said, his voice gruff but edged with concern. “Figured you might end up here. You’re not thinking of targeting Golden Rooster Ridge, are you?”
Qin Ming offered a small smile. Old Liu had been sharp ever since their last expedition together—when they’d destroyed an ant nest in the mountains. That operation had shown the old man just how far Qin Ming’s strength surpassed others of his level. It had been a revelation, like a bolt of clarity striking his mind. And since then, Liu had been piecing things together with unnerving accuracy. He had even witnessed Qin Ming master the Celestial Light Force in mere days—a feat so astounding it had left him both shaken and impressed.
“You’re a clever one, Old Liu,” Qin Ming said, realizing that the man had likely guessed his intentions.
“If you really are planning to take on Golden Rooster Ridge, I know I can’t stop you. But don’t rush in. Wait a day or two,” Liu advised, his voice steady but firm.
“Why?” Qin Ming asked, curious but wary.
Old Liu’s face turned grave. “Golden Rooster Ridge became what it is today because of the infamous Golden Bandits. Back in the day, they used the ridge as a hideout while running their trade routes between two major regions. They don’t use it much now, but on the off chance you run into them… well, it wouldn’t end well.”
Qin Ming snorted, exhaling a breath that clouded in the chill air. Snowflakes drifted lazily around them. “You’ve got a knack for bad omens, Old Liu. Nothing was going to happen until you started talking about it.”
Despite his joking tone, Qin Ming wasn’t one to put stock in superstition. He believed in his strength, not fate.
“Let me gather some intel first,” Liu said. “You can afford to wait a day or two.”
Qin Ming raised an eyebrow. “Since when did you have connections to the likes of the Golden Bandits?”
Old Liu chuckled dryly. “I don’t. But patterns repeat themselves if you pay attention. Whenever the bandits plan to show up, the two leaders at Golden Rooster Ridge send people out to buy rare ingredients, fine wines, and hire the prettiest dancers they can find. If that happens, you’ll know.”
Qin Ming nodded. It was sound reasoning. He decided to wait for Liu’s report. For now, he stashed his weapons and armor in the mountains, then accompanied Liu back to the village with a fresh kill slung over his shoulder.
The village was in turmoil. Anger simmered among the people like an unchecked fire.
“Golden Rooster Ridge sent men again,” one of the villagers spat, his voice filled with contempt.
“We fight for you, risk our lives for you—and this is the thanks we get?” another added bitterly.
It was clear the bandits’ visit had stirred deep resentment. Golden Rooster Ridge had tried to smooth things over, sending men to explain their actions. But their excuses only fueled the villagers’ anger.
“Last week, we fought off aberrations from the canyon to protect you,” one of the bandits claimed. “We nearly lost everything. Do you think we enjoy this?”
The villagers weren’t buying it. Everyone knew Golden Rooster Ridge only ventured into the mountains for its mysterious treasures. Their losses were a mix of incompetence and bad luck—not heroics. The villagers’ disdain was palpable.
“Next month, we’ll collect the Night Silver as agreed. You’ll have more time to prepare,” the bandit added weakly, trying to placate them.
But it was no use. The explanation was hollow. The villagers muttered angrily among themselves, and some even looked ready to fight.
“These peasants are hopeless!” one of the bandits muttered as they retreated hastily, their attempt at diplomacy a failure.
That evening, Liu brought news. “No sign of major movement at Golden Rooster Ridge,” he said. “Just the two bandit leaders and a handful of their men.”
He also shared an intriguing rumor. “Two traveling merchants passed through Silver Vine Town with big news. Red Glow City is changing lords. Ling Xu isn’t in trouble, but he’s being reassigned to another city.”
Qin Ming’s eyes gleamed. “Perfect timing,” he murmured to himself. The current upheaval presented an opportunity.
The night grew darker as Qin Ming readied himself. Donning his armor and weapons once more, he set off toward Golden Rooster Ridge, fifty miles away. Most wouldn’t dare traverse the wilderness at night, but Qin Ming was no ordinary traveler.
Even so, the journey wasn’t without danger. Halfway there, a massive shadow burst from the trees—a creature glowing faintly with purple light. It charged at him with the speed of a gale.
Its head resembled a horse, but its sharp, gleaming teeth betrayed its carnivorous nature. Its powerful body was built like a tiger’s, with long, muscular legs ending in hooves that struck the ground like thunder. Its sleek coat shimmered like silk, the purple glow rippling across its frame as it leapt through the air.
“A Purple Lightning Beast?” Qin Ming exclaimed, recognizing the creature. He had learned about this newly mutated aberration from Old Liu. It was a three-time awakener, swift as lightning and nearly impossible to outrun—even faster than some four or five-time mutants.
The beast charged, its massive hooves aiming straight for his head. Qin Ming shifted slightly, narrowly avoiding the blow. Then, with practiced ease, he moved closer, his fingers brushing the creature’s shimmering hide.
The beast recoiled in shock. Qin Ming’s Celestial Light Force had a unique adhesive quality. Once he made contact, there was no escape. His grip tightened, first with his fingertips, then his entire hand, until he had mounted the beast in one fluid motion.
“Settle down!” Qin Ming barked, gripping the creature’s mane.
The beast bucked and twisted, furious at being subdued. But Qin Ming wasn’t about to lose. In one swift motion, he drew his shining blade and pressed it against the creature’s neck. Its glowing mane was already fraying, some strands sliced clean by the blade’s edge.
The Purple Lightning Beast froze, its powerful body trembling with tension. It glanced toward the mountains as if considering an escape but instead began to run.
Under the heavy night sky, Qin Ming rode the shimmering beast toward Golden Rooster Ridge, his destination drawing ever closer with each thundering stride.