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Novel: [Night Without Borders]
Chapter 42: [Resolving Doubts]
Author: [Chen Dong]
Translator: [Shadow Knight AK]
Editor: [Shadow Knight AK]
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Shen Jiayun's body stiffened slightly as she felt the subtle air vibrations from the trembling spear tip near her ear, like a gentle brush.
This was the first time someone outside her family had ever helped her insert the hair ornament.
She plucked the luminous blue pearl flower from her waterfall of black hair and held it in her hand.
Qin Ming retracted the spear and turned to return it.
The owner of the Purple-Gold Spear felt awkward.
When he had lent it out earlier, he had boasted that it would be an indirect battle against Nie Rui, clearly trying to flatter him.
Now that he had the weapon back in his hands, how could he continue praising Nie Rui?
Would he have to brag that his spear had defeated the Twin Stars, Chi Xia City's most formidable duo in the past two decades?
He decided he would store the spear away at home. Using it again would draw too much attention, constantly reminding everyone of today's epic battle and serving as a perpetual reminder that both Nie Rui and Shen Jiayun had been defeated by the same person.
Mu Qing, never one to mince words, remarked, "You should keep that spear. It's very memorable."
The young noble holding the spear suddenly felt like he was sitting on pins and needles, his embarrassment doubling.
It was only then that many came to their senses, finding it hard to believe that Nie Rui and Shen Jiayun had been defeated by a youth with inferior physical abilities.
"That young man's spear techniques has a touch of returning to simplicity," one noble remarked, nearing thirty and having undergone Third Awakening, his eyes sharp and discerning. "He draws the line between life and death with effortless precision, revealing the true essence of combat!"
"His killing intent is restrained, initially appearing as casual as strolling through a garden or listening to spring rain. But suddenly, he channels the fury of a thunder strike, his spear erupting with lightning-like speed. Truly extraordinary."
The Twin Stars of Chi Xia City, renowned for their brilliance, had tasted defeat in this remote corner of the world, and at the hands of a peer.
This event would undoubtedly have significant repercussions.
If word spread, few would believe it.
Yet the undeniable truth of their defeat stood before them, witnessed by a group of young nobles.
"Such heroic bearing!" a noblewoman whispered. "The sheer elegance of that spear strike... it dazzled my eyes."
"Wait, look! Shen Jiayun is twirling a pearl flower between her fingers, her gaze momentarily lost in thought."
...
Shen Jiayun gracefully landed on the back of a black tiger and departed with the group of nobles, leaving the area to disperse.
Before parting, the Twin Stars of Chi Xia City had made a point of speaking with Qin Ming, remarking on the vastness and mystery of the Night Mist World.
They expressed their anticipation of meeting him again in the future, each having climbed to even greater heights.
As the young nobles left, they cast lingering glances at Qin Ming.
Some even approached him for brief conversations, inviting him to seek them out if he ever visited Chi Xia City.
This battle had been purely accidental and unexpected, yet it had ensured that Qin Ming's name reached many ears in Chi Xia City even before he set foot there.
To many observers, while his physical prowess might not rank among the strongest, his ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary through combat, coupled with his exceptional tactical acumen, left a profound impression.
His innate talent for battle was unmatched, making him a formidable and rare talent — a brilliant new star rising rapidly on the horizon.
"He's even more formidable than we thought! He even subdued Nie Rui. After this battle, Nie Rui abandoned his hesitation and chose a different path."
In the Black and White Mountain, other young nobles were astonished by the news.
Some even came specifically to see Qin Ming for themselves, drawn by his growing reputation.
Cao Long, Mu Qing, and Wei Zhirou stepped forward, finally shielding Qin Ming from much of the trouble.
Gradually, things calmed down.
"Qin Ming," Mu Qing began, "after early spring next year, but no later than midsummer, you should go to Chi Xia City and register. It's a bit of a pity your current strength is still somewhat lacking."
"Huh?" Qin Ming asked, confused.
Wei Zhirou explained, "At that time, you might have the chance to access higher-level knowledge. Even the Advanced Intent Qi Cultivation Techniques, which are usually kept secret, might become partially accessible to you."
Cao Long added, "The Giant Cities will be sending recruiters then. If you perform exceptionally well, you could secure a life-changing opportunity."
If Qin Ming hadn't unexpectedly fought and defeated Nie Rui and Shen Jiayun today, Cao Long, Mu Qing, and the others wouldn't have shared this information, as it would have been pointless.
"If all else fails, you can study in Chi Xia City for a year and wait for the next opportunity. Achieving your Third Awakening would significantly improve your chances, and you might even qualify for a more renowned Giant City then."
They knew that someone with a Golden Foundation could achieve their Second Awakening relatively quickly, but that alone wasn't enough.
Unless Qin Ming possessed Divine Wisdom, special abilities, or rare talents, it would be difficult for him to gain early recognition.
Xu Yueping and Yang Yongqing knew that Qin Ming would likely leave this place when spring arrived.
Qin Ming gathered detailed information, casually asking numerous other questions during their conversation, but all of them were brought up unintentionally.
For instance, when the topic of Spiritual substances that could aid Awakening came up, Cao Long casually mentioned Mineral Essence Liquid. Qin Ming seized the opportunity to inquire further.
"Mineral Essence Liquid is an active substance extracted from mineral veins," Cao Long explained. "Drinking it can enhance physical attributes, but whether it triggers Awakening is entirely a matter of luck. Even so, it remains incredibly expensive."
"Why?" Qin Ming asked.
Cao Long replied, "Because the first time you consume Mineral Essence Liquid, regardless of how many Awakenings you've undergone, it will enhance your physical constitution. Moreover, there's a fifty percent chance it will grant you another Awakening."
Wei Zhirou added, "That's what makes it so precious. It's highly sought after by old-timers whose cultivation has stagnated. Conventional methods can no longer grant them Awakening, but Mineral Essence Liquid offers a glimmer of hope."
"Does it lose its effectiveness after the first dose?" Qin Ming asked.
Mu Qing replied, "It's not entirely ineffective, perhaps one-tenth as potent as the first time. Moreover, unless you can obtain higher-grade Mineral Essences Liquid — like the crimson, sunset-hued variety known as 'Blood of the Earth' — you won't find more than one or two bottles of it in Chi Xia City in an entire year."
Judging from her words, it was clear that even higher-grade Mineral Essences Liquids existed, likely only found in the Giant Cities.
Qin Ming knew they would likely be leaving in just two or three days, so he lingered, naturally asking questions about various topics.
When the conversation turned to the mysterious resources within the Nodes, Qin Ming couldn't help but inquire about the unique properties of Jade Iron.
The three of them showed great interest in this topic, their enthusiasm palpable.
"Every time the Heavenly Light descends, it nourishes countless extraordinary treasures. Some materials are so rare and precious that when forged into mystical weapons, they can become heirlooms, safeguarding and prospering entire families. There are even unparalleled mystical resources capable of stabilizing nations."
Cao Long's eyes burned with fervor.
This was precisely why he had been so diligently searching the Great Mountain — the resources born from the Nodes could potentially be of any grade.
"While Jade Iron isn't the rarest of materials, it remains exceptionally valuable, far surpassing ordinary iron in utility and worth."
Finally, the three of them mentioned the information Qin Ming had been seeking.
Jade Iron didn't require endless refinement; even refining it ten thousand times would yield no further improvement.
Its inherent quality was exceptional.
When forged into weapons, it could cleave through the scales and armor of Giant Beasts, posing a significant threat to those protected by Heavenly Light.
This wasn't the most crucial aspect, as some weapons made from other materials were equally resilient and incomparably sharp.
"If a weapon forged from Jade Iron sustains minor damage, it can gradually restore itself to perfect condition through nurturing with Heavenly Light."
Qin Ming was astonished.
Such weapons and armor truly possessed a mystical quality.
"The most extraordinary property of Jade Iron lies in its ability to slay certain unique entities."
This statement sent a jolt through Qin Ming's heart, making him realize how little he truly understood about this world.
Mu Qing explained, "In this vast, dark world, how few regions contain Fire Springs? Though the Giant Cities gleam brilliantly, they are mere flickering embers against the boundless night. The vaster territories remain shrouded in inky darkness, like bottomless abysses, where inexplicable phenomena lurk. Sometimes, only rare weapons like Jade Iron can effectively combat these entities."
Qin Ming asked her to elaborate, completely baffled by what she was saying.
Mu Qing explained, "For example, some things invisible to the naked eye can't be harmed by ordinary spears. The spearhead would simply pass through them as if striking thin air. But if you used a weapon forged from Jade Iron, a single thrust might pierce through and create a strange bloom of blood, killing the creature."
Qin Ming sighed, "Living in a remote region, I know nothing of these things. The boundless, dark world is truly mysterious."
Wei Zhirou added, "That's why some secret sects worship spirits — because of the countless unknowns, the mysteries, and the things that can't be spoken of or explained."
Old Liu patted his chest and said, "Good thing we don't have any of that here."
Mu Qing chuckled. "How do you know we don't, old man? Even if they exist, ordinary people wouldn't be able to see them."
"Don't scare me like that! The older I get, the more easily frightened I become. I still want to live a few more decades!"
Cao Long reassured him, "Don't worry. Even we've never encountered anything like that."
Qin Ming pondered for a moment, then asked, "Are all Outsiders incredibly powerful?"
Wei Zhirou nodded. "Some Outsiders follow paths of unparalleled glory, beyond comparison."
"How powerful are they?" Qin Ming asked, eager to understand.
The youth who had severely injured him wore feathered robes, suggesting he was an Outsider.
Mu Qing replied, "Don't dwell on it too much. Focus on improving yourself for now. Once you reach the Giant City and your strength increases further, if you're found to possess a special aptitude, you can change your path."
Though their words were few, they conveyed the terrifying power of the Outsiders.
Moreover, their implication seemed to be that they themselves had already changed their paths.
After a moment's reflection, Qin Ming realized they were no ordinary Awakeners.
One had long followed the path of the Giant Spirit God, another possessed a tail, and Wei Zhirou, who traveled with them, must also have some unique trait.
After another sleepless night, Qin Ming finally drifted into slumber, bringing him complete relief.
The inability to sleep had been excruciating.
Meanwhile, the Giant Beasts of Chi Xia City, pulling grain carts, finally crossed the snow-blocked mountain roads and delivered the much-needed supplies, causing the entire region to erupt in celebration.
Though the grain prices were slightly higher than usual, considering the transportation costs, they were remarkably fair, demonstrating a genuine desire to alleviate the crisis.
"No need to panic-buy!" the officials announced. "Rest assured, the prices won't increase, and supplies will continue to arrive steadily."
...
Cao Long, Mu Qing, Wei Zhirou, and the others were already packing their belongings, preparing to return home, when news arrived from the Great Mountain: multiple special Nodes had been discovered in a vast rift valley area, and more were being found in quick succession.
Immediately, three teams rushed into the mountains, urging Qin Ming, Old Liu, and others to lead the way.
This time, some old-timers joined the group, including Cao Long's Seventh Uncle, who had consumed the Longevity Tree.
The Black Goat beneath Yang Yongqing immediately urinated in a show of respect upon seeing him.
Old Liu's Big Yellow Dog had a similar reaction, promptly defecating on the spot.
Old Seventh Cao's nose nearly twisted in anger at the sight, and he vowed to return and feast on Black Goat meat and Big Yellow Dog meat.
The others struggled to suppress their laughter.
"Once you've guided us to the location, you don't need to participate further," Cao Long said. "It's far too dangerous there!"
This would undoubtedly be their final operation before departing, and a major battle was highly likely.
With Nodes appearing in such dense clusters, all sides would be fighting with bloodshot eyes.
In fact, after Old Liu's team escorted the group to the rift valley, they immediately grabbed Qin Ming, Xu Yueping, and Yang Yongqing and fled back to the village.
Old Liu said, "We've made it through ninety-nine obstacles unscathed, and we're just one final hurdle away from the end. We absolutely must stay far away from that place, maintain our safety, and hope nothing goes wrong!"
Although Qin Ming had some confidence — he wouldn't be corroded by the Heavenly Light within the Node and could remain unharmed — he ultimately restrained himself.
At this critical juncture, not only would the people of Chi Xia City be driven to a frenzy, but even the aberrant creatures in the mountains would likely be drawn to the chaos.
Yet some local factions, acting inhumanely, ordered each village to send representatives to join their mountain expedition.
The messenger was an Awakener from Golden Rooster Ridge, riding a high-speed Ground Chicken.
He was merely a lackey following orders; the true bandits of Golden Rooster Ridge had arrived.
In this final phase, their eyes were bloodshot as they sought to plunder the mysterious resources of Black and White Mountain.
"This isn't just our decision," the messenger declared. "We've joined forces with the Three-Eyed Sect. Consider your options carefully. If you refuse to send personnel, there will be consequences!"
This was a clear threat: disobedience would be met with retaliation.
"Each village must contribute personnel based on its population, but they must be Awakeners."
Qin Ming immediately understood: these factions feared the Heavenly Light within the Node and wanted to use the Awakeners as expendable proxies to search for resources.
They clearly valued the lives of the village Awakeners as nothing, caring little for their survival.
"I'll go," Qin Ming insisted, firmly pushing Old Liu, Xu Yueping, Yang Yongqing, and the others back.
For such a small village, one person was enough.
He calmly followed the Golden Rooster Ridge Awakener into the mountains, but the murderous intent in his heart gradually began to boil.
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END OF CHAPTER
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