Chapter 84: Stronger Than an Aberration
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
By the riverside, the clash continued. Qin Ming and Ning Si Qi exchanged blows without pause, their conversation only occurring when their moves brought them closer.
Earlier, Qin Ming had claimed he hadn’t shot Ning Si Qi down from the sky because of their past friendship, but rather for someone else’s sake. Clearly, that wasn’t true. Had it been anyone else, he would have loosed an arrow without a second thought.
In fact, when Ning Si Qi saw his flying mount struck mid-air, he was terrified and almost yelled for Qin Ming to stop. However, he noticed that Qin Ming’s intent wasn’t to truly harm him, only to send him tumbling into the muddy pit below. Only then did he hold his tongue.
“I’ve looked into the Hall of Righteousness. People like Ge Qian Xun deserve to die,” Ning Si Qi explained. “That’s why I hired him.”
Before arriving, he had already sent a letter to Meng Xing Hai, ensuring that Ge Qian Xun’s end was inevitable. Still, as the mastermind, Ning Si Qi wasn’t entirely at ease and decided to oversee things personally.
“Of our old acquaintances, Zheng Mao Rong is the most sinister. While he might not act directly, even a glance or a subtle hint from him can set others into motion,” Ning Si Qi warned.
Qin Ming nodded, fully aware of Zheng Mao Rong’s nature.
Long ago, Cui Second Uncle, after one too many drinks, had let slip that Cui Chong He possessed near-divine potential and would likely become the disciple of a renowned elder in the Night Fog World. Since then, Qin Ming had grown accustomed to being envied and praised. If that halo were ever to fade, he wouldn’t be surprised if people turned against him.
After all, even back then, there were those who harbored resentment toward him.
“My cousin, Wang Cai Wei’s brother, is the most foolish of the lot,” Ning Si Qi said bluntly, referring to a distant relative. Lowering his voice, he added, “Zheng Mao Rong is deliberate and malicious. I suspect he’s using you as a means to provoke the real Cui Chong He. My idiot cousin, on the other hand, is dumb enough to want you dead himself. He thinks that erasing you would wipe away any trace of your past with Wang Cai Wei. Obviously, he’s been manipulated into such madness—or maybe he’s rotten to the core and doing it on purpose.”
Qin Ming listened silently, absorbing the intricate web of schemes.
“As long as I advance quickly on the path of Awakening, all these people and their petty plots will be nothing more than fleeting scenery along the way,” Qin Ming said with calm confidence.
To express his gratitude, Qin Ming promptly sent Ning Si Qi sprawling back into the muddy pit.
“Are you sure there aren’t any Talking Sparrows nearby?” Ning Si Qi grumbled, visibly irritated. He was a clean freak and struggled to endure such filth.
“Your awareness isn’t sharp enough,” Qin Ming replied before inquiring about Ning Si Qi’s progress on his path of Awakening.
“I’ve already awakened seven times,” Ning Si Qi admitted. “My family even prepared a high-grade spiritual material for me, but it couldn’t push me to the eighth awakening.”
Beyond that, his only option was to consume Great Medicine and enter the domain of Celestial Light Emission. While seven awakenings were a dream for most, it wasn’t enough for Ning Si Qi. Without a stronger foundation, his prospects in the Outer Saint Domain remained uncertain.
Hearing this, Qin Ming frowned.
“My father has spent the last year taking me to visit six Secret Sects. One of their paths suits me well,” Ning Si Qi said. “Once the unified examinations conclude, I’ll leave on a long journey. Who knows when we’ll meet again? The path involves entering extraordinary ‘phenomena’ zones, so I came to bid farewell.”
Qin Ming’s concern showed. “The Secret Sects ultimately lead to dealing with creatures near-divine in nature. It’s a powerful path, but also dangerous.”
“It’s only risky after reaching the summit,” Ning Si Qi reassured him. “At the start, there’s little to fear.”
He then grinned. “If I ever do attract the attention of one of those divine-like beings, you’ll have to come save me. But that means you’d better keep pushing yourself. See you at the summit!”
“Alright. If you need help, just send word,” Qin Ming agreed, dunking Ning Si Qi into the river once more.
Dripping wet, Ning Si Qi climbed ashore, his expression dark. Before leaving, he cautioned, “Even though you’re a Youth Aberration, don’t be careless. Some members of ancient families could rival you.”
“You don’t know the whole story,” Qin Ming admitted. “I’m actually stronger than others my age.”
Ning Si Qi was stunned. Knowing Qin Ming, that “little bit” probably hinted at a monumental gap—beyond the scope of an ordinary Youth Aberration.
“Don’t get cocky,” Ning Si Qi warned. “The People from the Beyond awaken their consciousness right from the start, giving them an edge. Our path of Awakening is much cruder in comparison.”
He paused, then added, “By the way, Li Qing Yue has been making waves in the Beyond. And Li Qing Xu—he’s exceptional. His teacher couldn’t be prouder, saying his timing is perfect for stepping into that domain. High praise with a hint of expectation.”
“Sounds like a fierce competition over there,” Qin Ming remarked.
“Of course. Rival factions are always at odds,” Ning Si Qi replied. “Rumor has it they’re fighting over a legendary item said to bring one closer to immortality. It’s shaping their lives, and even some of our old acquaintances might get involved.”
“Their world sounds thrilling,” Qin Ming mused.
“Every realm has its marvels. You should join a powerful sect or enter a special academy. Study rare texts, experience the world firsthand,” Ning Si Qi advised.
Finally, Qin Ming dragged the muddy Ning Si Qi to the City Lord’s Mansion, leaving Meng Xing Hai to deal with him.
“Farewell.”
“Take care. See you at the summit!” Ning Si Qi called out as he departed.
In the Purple Bronze Incense Burner, a calming fragrance wafted, dispelling agitation and clearing the mind.
Meng Xing Hai sipped tea and remarked, “You really surprised me. Three hammer strikes and two palms to take down an old expert—and you held back!”
This time, Qin Ming didn’t downplay his abilities. “Ge Qian Xun may be old, but he’s no expert. By the way, Uncle Meng, he’s a Golden Thief.”
“I’ve already ordered his interrogation,” Meng Xing Hai said. Then, eyeing Qin Ming carefully, he asked, “How far have you progressed on the path of Awakening?”
“I’ve awakened four times—stronger than the Aberrations described in books,” Qin Ming revealed.
Meng Xing Hai stood abruptly, unable to remain calm. He scrutinized Qin Ming closely, then chuckled. “What a shame—I don’t have a daughter to marry off!”
Qin Ming laughed heartily in response.
Meng Xing Hai sighed deeply. “With such talent, you’re nearing the level of the People from the Beyond, with potential akin to a near-immortal. But, alas, our path doesn’t lead to immortality. What we cultivate is entirely different.”
His astonishment settled into contemplation as he added, “You’ve truly surprised me. You’re even better than I imagined.”
Standing up, Meng Xing Hai began pacing the old-fashioned living room. Finally, he stopped, placing his hand on a Bronze Cauldron. “Stop practicing those random, low-level Celestial Light Forces. Soon, I’ll find you a rare secret manual.”
Qin Ming, quick to grasp the dynamics, realized that by demonstrating his unique value, Meng Xing Hai was indeed taking him more seriously. His respect was now translating into immediate action.
Meng Xing Hai continued, “In this Awakening Phase, common folks often misunderstand. The ancient clans are clear about this: one’s body shouldn’t mutate more than five times in a year. Otherwise, it affects the future.”
Qin Ming froze. Did this mean his ambitious plan for rapid growth would be restricted?
Meng Xing Hai pressed on. “You’ve probably noticed by now: with every mutation, the benefits are immense—like being reborn. But short-term, there are side effects—discomfort requiring a period of adjustment.”
“Uncle Meng, I haven’t felt anything like that,” Qin Ming replied, shaking his head.
Meng Xing Hai tapped a Bronze Bell, his tone thoughtful. “Your case surpasses the level of a Youth Aberration. Ancient texts do mention situations like yours. I recall a record stating that, in rare cases, one could endure six mutations in a year without issue. But there’s no need to rush. The Awakening Phase is our fastest-growing stage. Don’t try to accelerate further.”
Yet Qin Ming felt the urgency pressing on him. He couldn’t afford to waste even a single day.
He thought about the conflicting advice from various sources. While some texts warned against reckless fusion of Celestial Light Forces, the Silk Manuscript encouraged it. More importantly, the manuscript made no mention of limiting mutations to five or six times per year.
Meng Xing Hai advised, “Don’t be hasty. Take time for quiet meditation. I’ll arrange for some advanced spiritual materials to assist you.”
Qin Ming nodded, holding back his objections. While he needed to show his capabilities, revealing too much of his core secrets was unwise.
Returning to the inn, Qin Ming began inventorying his spoils.
Inside Ge Qian Xun’s bundle, he found 421 pieces of Daylight Gold, an astonishing fortune. Yet for someone of Ge’s stature as a Hall Master, it seemed oddly lacking.
“This old fox must have more than one lair,” Qin Ming thought. As a notorious Golden Thief, Ge likely had far-off hideouts. The absence of family ties in this region only confirmed Qin Ming’s suspicions.
Ge Qian Xun’s belongings included five books. Three were manuals for Hall of Righteousness newcomers, filled with coded language that Qin Ming dismissed outright.
The fourth book detailed hammer techniques from the Sun family, but Qin Ming had already mastered similar skills, making it redundant.
The fifth caught his attention—a battered, ancient text titled Vajra Armor.
Bound in unknown beast hide, the book’s worn appearance suggested age, yet its emotional resonance was still vivid, a testament to the dedication of its creator.
“A hardening technique that boosts defense and allows for offensive applications,” Qin Ming muttered after skimming its pages. It was no ordinary method.
No wonder Ge Qian Xun harbored such resentment. This skill could’ve propelled him into the Outer Saint Domain if not for his foundation being destroyed during his early mastery.
“The swelling of his body showed he hadn’t mastered it. At higher levels, one can shrug off blades and swords. Perfected, the body would appear entirely ordinary,” Qin Ming mused.
Captivated, he immersed himself in the manual, his spirit resonating with its lingering emotions.
In vivid visions, he saw an elder withstand relentless attacks from Aberrant Birds, their blows utterly futile. With a single strike, the elder obliterated his foes.
In another scene, the same elder collided with a massive Aberrant Turtle, shattering it into pieces with sheer physical force.
Finally, the elder clashed with a mountain-sized Gigantic Beast, his body radiating Celestial Light. Using himself as a weapon, he charged through the beast’s heart, ending it in one brutal move.
“Now that’s some serious toughness,” Qin Ming whispered in awe.
The elder’s frail appearance belied his body’s unyielding strength—a masterpiece of violent elegance.
In the following days, Qin Ming devoted himself entirely to practicing the Vajra Armor technique.
The manual’s Celestial Light Force, named Vajra, was a composite method—a dominant, almost mystical protective skill.
A few days later, Qin Ming experimented with his progress. His body swelled noticeably, as if inflated, with Celestial Light coursing through him, stretching his muscles and skin.
“This is just the beginning,” he muttered, standing before a mirror. For now, his defenses couldn’t withstand truly powerful attacks, but he could subtly alter his appearance. With effort, he rounded his face and bulked up his frame, making himself look entirely different.
After studying maps of the mountainous terrain, Qin Ming decided to venture out alone.
Though Meng Xing Hai had urged patience, Qin Ming’s instinct told him time was slipping away. Strength was his only guarantee of survival.
Even though Ning Si Qi had sought to reach Cui Hao of the People from the Beyond, hoping Seventh Uncle Cui could intervene, Qin Ming refused to place his faith in others. What if the message never reached Cui Hao? Or what if he remained in seclusion?
Disguised with a thick beard and loose-fitting clothes, Qin Ming left his heavy hammer behind, carrying only his White Jade Alloy Blade.
The mountains were alive with beauty. Fiery red skies stretched over regions where Flame Springs bubbled back to life, and budding flowers hinted at the return of vitality.
“Wait, that thief!” Qin Ming’s sharp eyes caught a figure in gray—the same man who had stolen a Snow Lotus from him, Xu Sheng, and Sister Fen Fang.
With a burst of speed, Qin Ming gave chase.
The gray-robed man reacted instantly, darting into the woods like a fish in water. His familiarity with the terrain made him difficult to track.
When they reached the Lake Region, Qin Ming’s attention shifted. Nearby, a Purple Lightning Beast, shimmering with violet light, emerged from a steaming lake. Admiring its own reflection, the creature radiated an aura of solitary elegance.
“Another Purple Lightning Beast? Aren’t these supposed to be rare? Have they started multiplying?”
Without hesitation, Qin Ming surged forward, leaping onto the creature’s back.
“You’re under my command now. Let’s go—help me chase someone!”
The four-time mutated Purple Lightning Beast had just finished its relaxing bath. Now, it froze in sheer disbelief. That voice—one it had unfortunately encountered before—spelled trouble.