Chapter 97: Climbing the Peak
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
Qin Ming endured the impact of three celestial lights from beyond the heavens. Although his entire body was covered in soot, he emerged unscathed. In fact, his energy, essence, and spirit felt more vigorous than ever.
As he activated the Separation Flame Sutra, he could feel vibrant life force surging through his body. Waves of heat rolled over him, as though baptizing and purifying his form while nourishing his spirit.
“This is extraordinary,” Qin Ming murmured, marveling at the technique. “The Separation Flame Sutra truly lives up to its reputation. It seems capable of refining the body and enhancing one’s constitution upon mastery.”
He noticed a tangible improvement in his physique since his battle in the desert. This transformation, which he could clearly sense, filled him with determination to dedicate himself fully to cultivation.
After washing away the traces of lightning and fire, Qin Ming emerged with his black hair still dripping and his skin smooth and glowing. His physique now radiated vitality, as if his life force had reached new heights.
Not long after, Qin Ming arrived at the City Lord’s Mansion. “Uncle Meng, you wanted to see me?” he asked.
Meng Xing Hai nodded. “You’re about to head to the Beyond Lands, so don’t go causing any more trouble in the Thunderfire Refinement Temple. Keep your body in its best condition.”
“I just wanted to grow stronger quickly,” Qin Ming admitted, “so I could make a difference in the Beyond Lands.”
Meng Xing Hai chuckled. “I figured as much. Lately, you’ve been especially driven. But you don’t need to rush—I’ve already prepared everything for you.”
He pointed to two boxes on the tea table. “One contains a rare tome of miraculous techniques, and the other holds an extraordinary spiritual substance. Together, they’ll significantly boost your strength.”
Qin Ming couldn’t suppress his excitement. Having just mastered the basics of Separation Flame Force, hearing this news felt like a double blessing. Strengthening his power further seemed well within reach.
He eagerly opened the box with the tome and furrowed his brow at the title. “Golden Silkworm Skill? Is this related to aberrations?”
He had heard of certain rare manuals inspired by high-level aberrations, which often enabled their practitioners to wield power far beyond the original creatures.
“This has little to do with the High-Level Aberration Golden Silkworm,” Meng Xing Hai explained, his expression turning serious. “The name is mostly a facade. But if you fully master this technique, it might lead you to an even greater secret manual.”
Qin Ming was stunned. “You’re saying the name ‘Golden Silkworm’ is just a cover, and there’s a superior scripture behind it?”
Meng Xing Hai nodded. “When I chose this Awakening Method for you, I had the long term in mind. Unfortunately, I don’t have the means to acquire the more precious scripture myself. But if you succeed with this one, you might earn the chance to access the other.”
Brimming with anticipation, Qin Ming began studying the tome right then and there. As he read, he understood why it was named the Golden Silkworm Skill. The technique described in the manual allowed practitioners to cultivate a form of Celestial Light Force that resembled silken threads. These threads could form a cocoon of light around the body, providing astonishing defense.
Moreover, at advanced stages, the technique could absorb rare golden essence, making the threads and cocoon even tougher and nearly indestructible.
“So, it’s primarily for defense at the early stages?” Qin Ming muttered, feeling a bit perplexed. Recently, he had already acquired several defensive techniques, such as the Vajra Force and Golden Light Shield, which were both exceptional.
However, he had only just begun mastering the basics of Vajra Force and Golden Light Force. Without consuming the Three-Colored Flower or enduring celestial light in the Thunderfire Refinement Temple, pushing them to higher levels seemed nearly impossible.
Meng Xing Hai added, “While hard techniques are undoubtedly powerful, excessive rigidity leads to breakage. The Golden Silkworm Skill, on the other hand, combines flexibility with durability, making it extraordinarily versatile. And if you look further into the manual, its offensive capabilities are equally remarkable.”
Qin Ming continued reading with a solemn expression. The deeper he delved, the more amazed he became. The Golden Silkworm Skill wasn’t just about defense; even the use of Celestial Light Force at intermediate levels was fearsome.
The silky threads could be projected outward, piercing enemies with precision and speed. At higher mastery, the threads could move chaotically, tearing apart opponents’ celestial light, weapons, and even distorting the space around them.
“This is incredible,” Qin Ming exclaimed, his eyes sparkling. “I wish I could master it right now and test it against a disciple from the Beyond Lands!”
Meng Xing Hai cautioned him, “For now, focus on the defensive benefits during the Awakening Stage. Consider its more advanced applications after reaching the Outer Saint Domain.”
“Uncle Meng,” Qin Ming said with a wry smile, “are you worried I might run into trouble in that Spiritual Cave? Is that why you found me such a strong defensive technique? But even if I can grasp the basics, how will I increase the total amount of Celestial Light Force I can wield in such a short time?”
Meng Xing Hai calmly lit Calming Incense in a Purple Bronze Incense Burner before replying, “Just focus on learning the Golden Silkworm Force for now. Leave the rest to me.”
Qin Ming’s eyes lit up with anticipation, his curiosity brimming.
Meng Xing Hai didn’t elaborate but assured him that a grand opportunity awaited, one that could significantly enhance his total Celestial Light Force.
“By the way,” Meng Xing Hai added, “once spring arrives, the Secret Sect, the Blessed Lands, and several special academies will begin recruiting disciples. The annual examination is coming, but you won’t need to participate in the preliminary rounds. As the City Lord, I can appoint you as the top candidate of Clear River City. Of course, if you want to push yourself further, there will be later contests in larger cities, and claiming first place there comes with even greater benefits.”
“I’ll focus on raising my strength first!” Qin Ming said. He knew he couldn’t rely on Li Qing Yue for protection in the Beyond Lands.
In fact, if the opportunity presented itself, he wouldn’t mind exchanging a few blows with disciples from the Beyond Lands.
Meng Xing Hai nodded. “That’s the right mindset. Don’t let yourself get distracted. In the coming days, the struggles among the disciples from the Beyond Lands will draw everyone’s attention. Consider this your preparation.”
“I’m only an Awakening Stage cultivator, not one of their disciples,” Qin Ming replied. Then he asked, “Uncle Meng, since the celestial light in that Spiritual Cave is so dense it doesn’t dissipate, hasn’t the spiritual substance inside remained intact? If I underwent a baptism there, could I awaken again?”
“Don’t get any ideas,” Meng Xing Hai warned. “The celestial light there is incredibly violent. You’re not thinking about taking shortcuts just to challenge the disciples from the Beyond Lands, are you?”
“I know my limits,” Qin Ming said with a laugh. “I’m not trying to steal their spotlight—I just want to broaden my horizons.”
With that, he took his leave, ready to pursue his fifth awakening.
That night, Qin Ming opened the jade bottle. Inside was a shimmering violet liquid, flowing with a faint misty glow, brimming with an almost tangible spiritual essence. Without hesitation, he tilted his head back and drank it all in one go.
A fiery heat surged through his body immediately, as if he were burning from the inside out. His entire being pulsed with an overwhelming vitality.
This wasn’t his first time experiencing such intensity. With ample practice and preparation, he wasn’t fazed. He focused on the Awakening Method recorded in the Silk Script Method, channeling the energy calmly. Once that was complete, he turned his attention to comprehending the deeper mysteries of the Golden Silkworm Skill.
Qin Ming could clearly feel his physical body evolving, growing stronger in every aspect—power, perception, and more. The changes were steady yet undeniable.
The hallmark of the Fifth Awakening was enhanced resilience. In simple terms, his body became far tougher, more resistant to physical harm. If the Sixth Awakening followed, it might even grant him a unique ability.
That night, after he fell asleep, the Golden Thread Jade Garment reappeared in his dreams. But unfortunately, there was no sign of his grandfather, nor did he relive memories of his childhood self.
This made sense. Last time, during his previous awakening, he had already recalled all the experiences of learning the Silk Script Method from his early years, before he had joined the Cui family.
The next morning, Qin Ming let out a sigh. “I wonder if my grandfather is still alive,” he murmured. Back then, the old man had said he had ten years left to live, but thirteen years had passed since then.
“I’m still not strong enough. Otherwise, I’d go straight to the Cui family’s key members and ask,” he thought, setting those emotions aside. Instead, he focused on letting his body adjust to the awakening and buried himself in studying the Golden Silkworm Skill.
By evening, he had fully completed his Fifth Awakening. His perception, speed, and physical resilience had improved significantly, and his strength had surpassed 6,000 jin. There was no doubt—his power was rising rapidly.
Even so, Qin Ming remained indoors. He knew this level of strength wasn’t enough yet. He devoted himself to comprehending the Golden Silkworm Skill, tirelessly practicing in the courtyard.
On the fifth day, he finally succeeded in cultivating the Golden Silkworm Force. Threads of golden light emanated from his skin, like fresh sprouts breaking through soil, radiating vigorous vitality. However, he wasn’t yet able to weave these threads into a cohesive net—it was only the beginning.
Still, this was enough for now. Meng Xing Hai had already prepared another gift for him to further his progress.
In recent days, rumors of the competition for Disciples of the Beyond had spread across the region, drawing widespread attention. Even talk of the upcoming major examinations had taken a backseat to this.
After all, the Disciples of the Beyond were an exceptionally powerful group. Any news about them would naturally become the center of attention, let alone a competition involving their core members.
Everywhere, in teahouses and restaurants across the cities, people discussed the matter in heated tones.
When Qin Ming visited the City Lord’s mansion, he found that Meng Xing Hai already had a guest—a boy who looked somewhat familiar.
“Brother Chong He—no, Brother Qin Ming—it’s been so long!” the boy said with a bright smile, standing to greet him. His lips were red, his teeth white, and a divine gleam flickered in his eyes, hinting at considerable strength.
Qin Ming thought for a moment before recognizing him. The boy was Li Qing Xiao, someone he had met years ago in Clear River City. Now about fourteen years old, he was the younger cousin of Li Qing Xu.
“It has been a while,” Qin Ming replied with a nod.
“I originally came here to polish my reputation under Uncle Meng and have him recognize me as the city’s number one,” Li Qing Xiao said, grinning. “But I see you’ve already claimed that title, Brother Qin Ming. I’ll just find another city instead.”
Qin Ming gave him a faint smile. He didn’t believe for a second that this scheming boy hadn’t known he was here.
Perhaps the recent rumors of Qin Ming defeating a veiled woman and an Outer Saint in the desert had reached old acquaintances, sparking their curiosity. Qin Ming guessed that Li Qing Xiao, while searching for a city to bolster his prestige, had taken the opportunity to gather information.
Li Qing Xiao sighed. “I didn’t expect you to be so formidable, Brother Qin. Quietly taking the top spot here—no wonder my cousin speaks so highly of you.”
Qin Ming didn’t bother responding. Everyone knew about the animosity between him and Li Qing Xu. For Li Qing Xiao to bring it up now was hardly innocent.
“Another city, then. Go ahead,” Meng Xing Hai said, clearly dismissing him.
Li Qing Xiao, however, lingered. “Uncle Meng, you’re so biased! You’re shooing me away after just a short visit, but you treat Brother Qin Ming with such favor.”
He turned to Qin Ming with a smile. “My cousin said that someday, you two are bound to meet again. He holds you in high regard and says that the conflicts of the past were merely misunderstandings.”
“Hmm.” Qin Ming only gave a single word in response.
Seeing the lack of engagement, Li Qing Xiao carried on, “My cousin also said that, in time, you’ll ascend to the pinnacle of the Awakening Path, eventually reaching the Beyond.”
To an ordinary Awakening Stage Cultivator, such words might have been inspiring—recognition from a figure as exalted as Li Qing Xu. But to Qin Ming, it was far from a compliment.
The implication was clear: only by rising to the very top of the Awakening Path would Qin Ming qualify to enter the Beyond and meet Li Qing Xu. And even then, what role would he play? Likely as a Jade Armor Protector, or at best, a Divine Armor Protector.
Meng Xing Hai’s expression darkened. “Stop stirring up trouble. And tell your cousin to focus more on the competition for Disciples of the Beyond. He may not even be able to claim the artifact in the Spiritual Cave.”
“I don’t think he will,” Qin Ming added.
Li Qing Xiao smiled brightly. “We’ll see. The competition is about to begin.”