Chapter 99: Stirring Winds and Rising Tides
This novel is translated and hosted on Bcatranslation
The late night shrouded Red Glow City in a veil of misty quiet.
In a serene courtyard, Qin Ming gazed at the night sky. His strength had grown significantly, and with it, his confidence in venturing to the Beyond. The lingering apprehension was replaced by a calm determination.
He took a moment to feel the changes within himself. While his strength and perception had improved, the most notable transformation lay in the evolution of his Celestial Light Force—it was somehow… different.
Raising a sheet of paper, he tossed it into the air and flicked his finger. The paper shattered into dozens of fragments, drifting down like dry leaves in the wind.
As Qin Ming walked forward, the paper fragments, nearing his body, were repelled by an invisible force. Some even disintegrated into specks with a crisp crackling sound.
What was remarkable was that he hadn’t consciously activated his Celestial Light Force—it surfaced instinctively, blocking external objects and countering them immediately.
Without question, his Celestial Light Force was now not only stronger but also far more perceptive and responsive.
“If anyone tries to harm me by scattering a special powder while approaching, it won’t work now,” he mused with satisfaction.
A few days prior, a supposed old friend had secretly tampered with him, leaving him with a strange scent that attracted a flock of batbirds. No matter how he tried, he couldn’t shake them off.
“If this evolution continues, the Celestial Light Force will undergo a mysterious transformation. Who knows what surprises it might bring?” Qin Ming was filled with anticipation.
Now, a newfound ambition burned in his heart. By continually fusing various techniques, he believed his mastery could one day rival even the mighty Sky-Supporting Force or Tathagata Force. The possibilities seemed endless.
The recent integration of two unique techniques into his Celestial Light Force had played a pivotal role in its metamorphosis.
As night deepened, the courtyard glowed with a soft firelight. Qin Ming began channeling the Separation Flame Force, and a faint red radiance enveloped his body.
This radiance resembled a divine flame, born within his flesh, nurturing rather than harming him. It transformed seamlessly into Celestial Light Force, guarding his body.
Testing its strength, Qin Ming reached out to touch another sheet of paper, which promptly turned to ash upon contact.
The Separation Flame Force was evolving into something extraordinary.
A metallic clanging sound followed as his body became coated in a faint golden sheen. It was the Vajra Force—unleashed as a formidable defensive technique.
Soon, golden threads began weaving over his form, creating an intricate web that wrapped him entirely, even threading through his dark hair.
This was the marvel of the Silk Script Method. It not only unified various aspects of his Celestial Light Force but also allowed it to take on the traits of his practiced techniques.
Remarkably, the integrated Celestial Light Force was even stronger than the original Separation Flame Force or Golden Silkworm Force when used along their respective paths.
Satisfied, Qin Ming reflected on these changes with joy. He recalled the single word an elder had once inscribed in the Silk Script: “Fusion.” That elder had even admonished future practitioners through this character, emphasizing its importance.
Later that night, Qin Ming fell into a deep sleep. Even as he rested, his Celestial Light Force automatically emerged, forming a protective cocoon in the shape of a Golden Thread Jade Garment.
As dawn neared, the city’s Fire Spring began to intensify, glowing like a rising sun, casting light upon the crimson clouds.
Qin Ming awoke, feeling invigorated, as if he’d consumed an elixir. His essence, qi, and spirit were brimming with vitality. He was itching for action.
“How does sleeping feel like taking a tonic?” he muttered, puzzled.
Without wasting time, he hurried to inform Meng Xing Hai of his success in fully integrating the Celestial Light Force with the Five-Colored Spiritual Branch.
“So fast?” Meng Xing Hai’s face froze momentarily. Thankfully, he had grown accustomed to being “trained” by this young man, who consistently exceeded all expectations.
Had this been their first meeting, Meng Xing Hai might have stood up in disbelief. He had given Qin Ming two days to absorb the intense Celestial Light from the Five-Colored Spiritual Branch, but Qin Ming had done it overnight!
What did talent even mean anymore? Meng Xing Hai felt compelled to redefine the term as he grew increasingly impressed with this youth.
“Your blade and arrows aren’t ready yet. Come, let’s find you a strong bow and check out some other weapons,” Meng Xing Hai suggested.
Qin Ming followed him to the armory. He didn’t hesitate, picking whatever he needed. A set of twelve short spears now rested on his back.
When Meng Xing Hai saw him select a large bow that shimmered with dark radiance, his face twitched slightly. That bow required over six thousand jin of strength to draw!
It dawned on him that Qin Ming’s claim of being “slightly stronger than his peers” wasn’t arrogance—it was extreme humility. Most five-time awakened youth aberrations barely approached five thousand jin, far below Qin Ming.
Next, Qin Ming chose a bronze staff. Though crafted from a mixed alloy, it was incredibly sturdy—a heavy weapon. Testing it, he found it could serve as a spear, a hammer, or even a blade when wielded with both hands.
Now equipped, he could showcase his mastery of blades, spears, bows, and hammers to their fullest in the Beyond.
Of course, these weapons were secondary. With Qin Ming’s current abilities, his Celestial Light Force remained his most potent weapon.
“Armor won’t be necessary. The golden armor crafted by those in the Beyond is excellent,” Meng Xing Hai remarked.
Everything was nearly ready. It was time to hasten the forging of his blade and arrows.
“Where are you going?” Meng Xing Hai asked as Qin Ming suddenly stepped outside, looking up at the sky.
“It’s about to thunder,” Qin Ming said, dropping his weapons and sprinting off at full speed.
Meng Xing Hai watched, bewildered. Was he heading back to the Thunderfire Refinement Temple? The boy seemed obsessed with the place.
“The lightning isn’t strong enough this time. It probably won’t strike. Besides, you’ve just improved your strength—there’s no need to rush,” Meng Xing Hai called after him.
“I’m going to train unique techniques!” Qin Ming shouted back.
“How is that place suitable?” Meng Xing Hai followed, concerned. A fierce storm could injure him before their journey even began.
“Lightning and fire refine, which makes it perfect for practicing the Golden Silkworm Force,” Qin Ming replied.
A thunderclap echoed.
This time, Qin Ming absorbed four lightning strikes infused with fire, his body charred black. Following the path of the Separation Flame Sutra, he began channeling his energy.
A layer of firelight seemed to pulse within him, forming a protective divine glow.
Next, he transitioned smoothly into the Golden Silkworm Skill. His claim wasn’t unfounded—lightning and fire truly complemented his techniques.
Through the Separation Flame Force, Qin Ming boosted the Golden Silkworm Skill.
“Ning Si Qi really found you a gem of a tome,” Meng Xing Hai remarked approvingly. The synergy of these techniques had greatly enhanced Qin Ming’s abilities. He could already feel his Celestial Light Force growing in magnitude once again.
During the Awakening stage, those relying on body mutations experience the fastest growth in strength. Qin Ming didn’t want to waste a single opportunity.
Yet, the maximum number of Awakenings was nine. Beyond that, the next realm became far more challenging, requiring new methods and strategies.
It was afternoon, and Red Glow City basked in its brightest light. Qin Ming had just received a pristine White Jade Alloy Blade, leagues beyond the crude one he and Old Liu had forged together.
Slightly shorter than his arm, the blade boasted smooth lines, graceful curves, and a body that shimmered with a soft, white radiance. It was intricately engraved with dragon patterns and phoenix script, making it as much an artistic masterpiece as a weapon.
Meng Xing Hai explained, “The dragon patterns and phoenix script are my handiwork. If you encounter unseen or mysterious entities, they’ll enhance the blade’s cutting power.”
Moreover, the blade was a “parent-child” weapon. Its sheath doubled as a thicker blade, sparing Qin Ming the trouble of coating it with mineral pigments for concealment.
The arrow accompanying it was sharp, its head glowing a faint blue, etched with numerous inscriptions. The shaft, crafted from a unique material, was reinforced with precision.
Meng Xing Hai elaborated, “I originally planned to use rare metals for forging. This time, I refined the essence directly into the shaft. This allows your Celestial Light Force to extend all the way to the arrowhead.”
Qin Ming inspected the shaft and noticed a thin metallic wire running through its core, connecting it to the arrowhead. It seemed similar to the blade, capable of channeling Celestial Light Force.
At his current level, unable to release his force outward, only rare materials could achieve this.
“Pack your things; it’s time we set off,” Meng Xing Hai announced the next morning.
Before leaving, he used a Secret Sect technique to alter Qin Ming’s appearance—a necessary measure to protect him. After all, the Cui family, a thousand-year clan, had declared that he was forbidden from stepping into their sphere for the next few years.
Staring at his reflection, Qin Ming barely recognized himself. His once familiar features now bore sharp brows and bright eyes, giving him a commanding and almost intimidating presence.
“This… is me?” he muttered, studying his refined yet fierce demeanor. In the past, he exuded such intensity only during combat, but now it had become his default state—a testament to his status as a natural-born fighter among Awakeners.
At the training ground in the City Lord’s mansion, Qin Ming initially mistook their flying mount for a winged turtle.
Upon closer inspection, he realized Meng Xing Hai had spared no effort in equipping the creature. It wore armor infused with rare metals, covering its birdlike body almost entirely.
This high-level aberration had pale gold feathers and formidable strength. The gold-plated helmet adorning its head shimmered with traces of secretive metals.
“Traveling through the Night Fog is perilous. If someone targets our mount, the consequences could be dire,” Meng Xing Hai admitted. The bird’s armor was on par with his own, a necessary precaution for their journey.
The mount wasn’t even his. He had borrowed it from an old friend in the mountains. Meng Xing Hai had also disguised himself, unwilling to let anyone know he had left Red Glow City.
“Our destination isn’t too far—around four thousand li,” he explained. “It’s a former stronghold of the Disciples of the Beyond. A thousand years ago, it was struck by endless Celestial Light, forcing its abandonment.”
Luo Fu City loomed in the distance, far larger than Red Glow City. Even through the dense Night Fog, its grandeur and brilliance were unmistakable. The city’s light pierced the night sky.
Nearby stood Luo Fu Mountain. Though abandoned by the Disciples of the Beyond, the surrounding region thrived. Guarding the ruins of a former immortal mountain ensured an abundance of high-grade fire springs.
“Long ago, top-tier cultivators of the Disciples of the Beyond sought to elevate Luo Fu Mountain’s rank…” Meng Xing Hai trailed off, shaking his head.
The events of the past were evidently monumental. Whatever the Disciples had attempted must have been audaciously ambitious.
“Even as it was, Luo Fu Mountain was extraordinary—a true immortal mountain. And they wanted to make it even greater…” Qin Ming could only marvel at the sheer scope of their plans.
Recently, Luo Fu City had become a bustling hotspot. News of the Disciples of the Beyond vying for supremacy had drawn countless cultivators eager to witness history.
The city gates stood tall and imposing, like a small mountain. The towering walls stretched endlessly ahead, guarding the vibrant city within.
As Qin Ming and Meng Xing Hai entered, they were greeted by a dazzling and lively scene. The city’s brightness rivaled the days when the sun still shone.
Wide streets accommodated numerous beast-drawn carriages without crowding. Shops along the road bustled with patrons, their business flourishing.
With the influx of visitors, inns were almost entirely booked. Many had resorted to renting private residences.
Fortunately, Meng Xing Hai had arranged accommodations in advance—two rooms with private courtyards, an expensive luxury in such a prosperous city.
That evening, Qin Ming met Li Qing Yue. She was staying at a neighboring inn but came by to visit him and Meng Xing Hai.
“Qin Ming, I’ll need your help this time,” Li Qing Yue said with a gentle smile. Her flowing black hair resembled a waterfall, and her slender frame carried an ethereal grace. Dressed in white, with no makeup, her features were flawless. When she smiled, it was as if clouds parted for the sun, her entire presence glowing.
“You’ve helped me so much already. Don’t be so formal with me,” Qin Ming replied with a grin. “Your smile’s so dazzling, I can barely keep my eyes open.”
Li Qing Yue chuckled softly. She was relieved to see that despite everything he had endured, he remained as resilient and spirited as ever.
“Let me show you around the city. We can grab a meal, and I’ll brief you on the things to watch out for on Luo Fu Mountain,” she offered, inviting Meng Xing Hai along.
Meng Xing Hai waved them off, declining politely. “I’m too old for this. Walking with you two would only highlight my age. I’ll visit an old friend instead.”
As Qin Ming and Li Qing Yue wandered through the city, they encountered familiar faces—several Disciples of the Beyond were also staying in nearby inns.
“What are you looking at? Oh, that’s Wang Cai Wei,” Li Qing Yue remarked with a knowing smile.
“No, I just spotted my younger brother, Cui Chong Xuan. What’s he doing here?” Qin Ming said, surprised.
Li Qing Yue speculated, “He’s probably here to help Cui Chong He compete for that near-immortal artifact.”