Chapter 91: Reunion with an Old Acquaintance
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
Qin Ming silently operated the “Light Shroud” technique, suppressing his energy to appear no different from an ordinary person. Yet, even with this precaution, he still caught the attention of the figure ahead—a testament to the other’s remarkable perception.
The night deepened, with the Fire Spring glowing brightly in the distance. A gentle breeze swept through, lifting Cui Chong He’s luminous hair. His presence was like a celestial figure standing apart from the mundane world, radiating a soft rain of light as if severing all ties to earthly dust.
Standing on the shadowed slope, Qin Ming gave a slight nod toward him. By the Black and White Twin Trees near the Fire Spring, Cui Chong He stood in flowing robes, wisps of white mist coiling around him. His features were as finely carved as flawless jade, his eyes deep and profound. He returned the nod toward the slope, though there was no recognition in his gaze.
Qin Ming realized Cui Chong He didn’t recognize him—and it made sense. Qin Ming had studied Cui Chong He before. Born to a noble lineage, this man had been a prodigy since childhood, groomed by elders who commanded great respect across the Night Fog World. His innate brilliance and unwavering confidence had paved a path where every ambition was realized with ease.
Such a person would never pay attention to someone like the imposter Cui Chong He. Qin Ming, upon regaining his memories, had reflected on the past and realized that Cui Chong He had always ignored him.
The only time Cui Chong He had shown irritation was when he scolded his family for the supposed imposter’s existence, calling it a disgraceful joke that could bring ridicule upon their name.
Meng Xing Hai had once warned Qin Ming about Cui Chong He’s attitude toward him. For someone like Cui Chong He, the heir to a thousand-year-old family, Qin Ming was nothing more than a servant raised to be expendable. A disposable tool, meant to be used and discarded at will.
At the time, Qin Ming had been furious. But now, his heart was calm.
On the slope, Qin Ming even allowed himself a faint smile. This anonymity was better—there would be no unnecessary complications. If Cui Chong He knew who he was, trouble might follow.
Cui Chong He responded with a smile of his own, his glowing figure exuding an otherworldly radiance. Then, he turned his gaze to the Black and White Twin Trees and remarked, “Pity. Without the trial of the Celestial Light Life-and-Death Tribulation, these saplings of such young years are useless.”
Qin Ming turned away, leaping onto the back of his Red Eagle. With a powerful beat of its wings, the bird scattered the night fog and soared into the distance. On his shoulder, the Talking Sparrow shivered in relief.
“That young man was terrifying,” it muttered. “When his gaze swept over me, it felt like I was no longer in this early spring but plunged into the dead of winter, amidst the fiercest blizzard.”
“You felt that?” Qin Ming asked, surprised. He hadn’t experienced anything similar.
The Talking Sparrow nodded, still uneasy. “Yes. Maybe it was because I tried to use my barely formed spiritual sense to spy on him—and was bitten back for it.”
Qin Ming realized then that Cui Chong He’s spiritual mastery was even greater than he’d imagined.
By the Black and White Twin Trees, amidst the mist and rain of light, Cui Chong He spoke. “My spirit stirred. It feels as though something or someone is connected to me.”
Around him stood nearly a dozen followers, including young Disciples of the Beyond, golden-armored guards, jade-armored protectors, and unfathomable experts from his sect. At his words, they immediately became vigilant, scanning the surroundings and peering toward the nearby village.
“The young man who left on the Red Eagle—could he be connected?” one person speculated.
A Disciple of the Beyond commented, “Judging by the Black Metal Hammer he carried, his strength is just over 4,000 jin. Impressive for a commoner, but far below the threshold to qualify for the golden-armored guard.”
“Should we investigate further, just to be safe?” someone suggested.
Cui Chong He’s standing, whether in his noble family or the Beyond, ensured unparalleled caution from those around him.
Qin Ming stood alone in the wilderness, awaiting word. Once the experts from Red Glow City arrived, he planned to leave; lingering here was unwise.
As the brief night ended, the mountains were gradually swallowed by darkness. The howls of wild beasts echoed, while strange birds screeched incessantly from the forest.
“Mountain Lord Qin, the experts from Red Glow City have arrived and want to discuss the details with you,” the Talking Sparrow reported as it returned from Silver Vine Town.
Qin Ming nodded, relieved. Hopefully, nothing serious would arise. He didn’t want to encounter the leader of the Golden Thieves here; otherwise, their followers could unleash chaos in this remote region. He suspected the Golden Thieves might be a financial tool for some grand organization, given their longevity.
Unfortunately, after killing several Golden Thieves in a single day, Qin Ming hadn’t found any valuable items on them. Perhaps their leader had already taken everything of worth.
Outside Silver Vine Town, Qin Ming met two top-tier experts.
Ling Xu, the former city lord of Red Glow City, wore a white robe and appeared to be in his early forties. His handsome and scholarly demeanor exuded elegance. He smiled and said, “Ah, young Qin, isn’t it? You’re quite capable.”
Qin Ming’s heart skipped a beat at the warmth of Ling Xu’s smile. He knew well how cunning the former city lord was. Stories told of how Ling Xu once collaborated with a high-level aberration in the mountains, luring hidden observers to a node bathed in five-colored radiance. Those deceived were left bitterly trapped.
Though the backlash had cost him his position as city lord, Ling Xu simply moved to govern an even larger city elsewhere.
“Greetings, Senior Ling,” Qin Ming said respectfully.
Ling Xu’s smile remained gentle. “I’m good friends with Meng Xing Hai. Since you’re his nephew, there’s no need for formalities between us.”
From the forest, a tabby cat the size of a small child approached. It carried a Red Long Sword on its back, nearly dragging the scabbard on the ground as it walked with an elegant gait. “We have a vendetta against the Golden Thieves,” it said calmly. “Upon hearing the news, we came immediately.”
Qin Ming bowed respectfully to the expert before him and quickly relayed the intelligence gathered by the Talking Sparrow and its flock from the major towns.
Ling Xu furrowed his brow. “All signs point to them attempting a breakout from Black and White Mountain. Are the other nets we’ve cast just for show?”
Before anyone could respond, a cheerful voice rang out from the distance. “Brother Ling, we meet again! I never thought we’d cross paths here!”
A group of figures emerged from the dense night fog, drawing closer to Silver Vine Town.
Ling Xu turned, his face lighting up in a friendly grin. “Brother Zhao! I thought you were in seclusion, far removed from the world. What brings you to such a remote place as Black and White Mountain?”
The middle-aged man named Zhao strode forward, his demeanor relaxed and confident. “I came here to seek the Yin-Yang Great Medicine for my junior apprentice. That mountain lord, though… quite formidable and mysterious. Still, it wasn’t a wasted trip.”
Trailing behind him was a tall, sturdy young man who seemed slightly out of place for someone from the Beyond. This was Zheng Mao Ze, whom Qin Ming recognized as a member of the Zheng family—and, interestingly, the older brother of Zheng Mao Rong, whom he had impersonated at the Black Market in the Night Fog.
“Brother Ling,” Zhao said with a smile, “I’ve heard you once acquired a Yin-Yang Great Medicine from Black and White Mountain. Would you be willing to part with a portion?”
Ling Xu shook his head firmly. “Just rumors! You don’t believe that nonsense, do you? All the great medicines in that place were snatched up by that old white-haired beast. And if you’re asking me, I have to wonder—are you planning to recruit me as one of your Golden Armor Protectors?”
Zhao chuckled. “Heavens, no! Others might not know, but I’m well aware. You’re a master of the Secret Sect, aren’t you? Your secrecy is unmatched.”
Qin Ming raised an eyebrow at this revelation. So even the former city lord had ties to other paths. Clearly, no renowned expert was as simple as they seemed.
As the group drew closer, it became evident that they weren’t from the same sect. Even those from the Beyond had various lineages, often competing with one another. Among the group, Qin Ming spotted familiar faces: Lu Zhen Yi, Zeng Yuan, and Chen Bing Yan. Some were heirs of noble families, while others had less clear origins, though he remembered seeing them in Clear River City, waiting for mentors from the Beyond to recruit disciples.
Following them were other disciples of the Beyond whom Qin Ming didn’t recognize.
The tall and sturdy Zheng Mao Ze, who led the group, was the first to notice Qin Ming. His expression brightened as he called out, “Cui Chong He! Ah, sorry—force of habit. I didn’t mean it. It’s been more than two years since we last met. How have you been?”
Qin Ming smiled politely. “It’s surprising to meet you here, Young Master Zheng.”
Zheng Mao Ze chuckled and waved his hand. “Come now, calling me ‘Young Master’ makes it seem like we’re strangers. What would others think? That I’m looking down on you?”
“Alright, Big Zheng, you haven’t changed a bit!” Qin Ming replied with a hearty laugh.
Zheng Mao Ze’s smile froze briefly. His tall, sturdy figure had earned him the nickname “Big Zheng” in the past, a moniker that was less than dignified but fitting due to his size. His family had once considered steering him toward the Giant Spirit God path, though he had ultimately aligned more with immortal cultivation.
Despite the good-natured tone, Qin Ming’s familiarity was bold. Zheng Mao Ze’s rough exterior masked a sharp mind, and Qin Ming knew better than to underestimate him. After all, Zheng’s younger brother, Zheng Mao Rong, was infamously ruthless.
Ning Si Qi had already warned Qin Ming to be wary of the Zheng brothers, hinting that recent troubles targeting him might trace back to Zheng Mao Rong’s machinations.
“You’re still the same, I see,” Zheng Mao Ze said, his tone amiable. “It’s nice to know our friendship can stand the test of time. What do you go by now? How should I address you?”
Qin Ming noted the subtle reminder of their differing statuses beneath Zheng’s polite demeanor. Smiling, he replied, “Qin Ming will do. And I must say, in just over two years, you’ve changed a lot—your aura is almost otherworldly now. Truly, you’ve fulfilled your ambitions!”
“Cui Chong He—no, Qin Ming—you shouldn’t say such things in front of so many people!” Zheng Mao Ze interrupted hastily, adopting a serious expression. “You’ll put me in a difficult position!”
He turned to the others, continuing in a self-deprecating tone, “I’m just a humble disciple, insignificant compared to the many seniors and peers here.”
“Big Zheng, you’re too modest,” Qin Ming said with a grin.
Zheng Mao Ze quickly changed the subject. “Have you seen Wang Cai Wei yet?”
“No,” Qin Ming replied curtly.
“She should appear soon,” Zheng said, smiling.
“Qin Ming,” a voice called out. “How have you been?”
It was Lu Zhen Yi, accompanied by Zeng Yuan and Chen Bing Yan, all familiar faces from the past.
Soon, more old acquaintances approached. Whether out of genuine friendliness or social obligation, they greeted Qin Ming warmly.
Still, there was no hiding their sidelong glances at the bloodstained hammer in his hand—a stark symbol of his severed connection to the immortal path. He no longer walked the same road as they did.
“Before long, Li Qing Xu, Wang Cai Wei, and Cui Chong He might arrive as well,” someone murmured, their tone cryptic. Whether it was a reminder or a veiled warning, the words seemed to stir the air with unspoken tension.