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Novel: [Night Without Borders]
Chapter 97: [Climbing the Peak]
Author: [Chen Dong]
Translator: [Shadow Knight AK]
Editor: [Shadow Knight AK]
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Qin Ming had absorbed three streams of Otherworldly Heavenly Light.
Although his entire body was now pitch-black, he was unharmed.
On the contrary, his Qi and Spirit were more vigorous than ever.
As he circulated the Li Fire Scripture, he felt a surging vitality coursing through his veins, accompanied by waves of heat that seemed to envelope and purify his body, nourishing his spirit.
Qin Ming was astonished.
This Extraordinary Technique truly lived up to its name, capable of purging impurities and refining his essence.
After just mastering its fundamentals, his physique had noticeably improved.
"The Li Fire Scripture is extraordinary," he mused. "Once comprehended, this technique can induce gradual mutations in the body. Over time, its profound benefits will become fully manifest."
He sensed that he had grown stronger since his battle in the Desert. This tangible progress fueled his dedication, driving him to persist in his arduous cultivation.
After washing away the traces of Thunder Fire, his dark hair dripped with water, his physique sculpted and gleaming, and his vitality visibly enhanced.
Soon after, Qin Ming arrived at the City Lord's Mansion.
"Uncle Meng, you summoned me?"
Meng Xinghai replied, "We're about to depart for Beyond the Mortal Realm. Stop recklessly tinkering in the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall and maintain your body in peak condition."
"I'm just eager to grow stronger, so I can make a difference in Beyond the Mortal Realm," Qin Ming countered.
Meng Xinghai smiled. "I knew you'd been particularly eager to improve lately. Stop wasting your energy on trivial pursuits—everything's already prepared for you."
He pointed to two boxes on the coffee table.
"An Extraordinary Technique Manual and a rare Spiritual Substance. These will significantly enhance your strength."
Qin Ming couldn't suppress his grin.
Having mastered the Li Fire Force and now receiving such good news felt like double blessings. His power could ascend even further.
He eagerly opened the box containing the Secret Manual, then frowned. "Golden Silkworm Technique? Is this a technique related to Otherworldly Beings?"
Qin Ming had heard of special texts that, while imitating High-Tier Lifeforms, ultimately unlocked powers far surpassing those of the original aberrants.
"This book has little to do with the High-Tier Aberrant Golden Silkworm. The name is merely a facade," Meng Xinghai said gravely, explaining the details.
If Qin Ming could fully master this extraordinary technique, he might even gain access to an even more extraordinary secret scripture.
Qin Ming's eyes widened in surprise. "The 'Golden Silkworm' name is just a cover? There's an even more powerful scripture hidden behind it?"
Meng Xinghai nodded. "When preparing the Awakening Technique for you, I naturally considered the long term. Unfortunately, I lack the means to help you obtain that rarer scripture directly. If you master this manual and earn its recognition, you might gain access to the other one."
Qin Ming's spirits soared.
He immediately began studying the manual on the spot, eager to uncover its mysteries.
He finally understood why it was called the Golden Silkworm Technique.
The technique recorded in this manual cultivated a Heavenly Light Force that resembled silkworm threads, capable of forming a luminous cocoon around the body with astonishing defensive power.
Furthermore, upon reaching advanced levels, it could absorb rare Golden Essence Qi, making the silkworm-like Heavenly Light Force and its cocoon even more resilient and indestructible.
"So, the initial stages primarily focus on body protection?" Qin Ming mused, a peculiar expression on his face.
He had recently acquired several defensive secret techniques, such as the Golden Armor Technique and Golden Light Shield, each exceptionally formidable.
Unfortunately, he had only mastered the Vajra (Diamond) Force and Golden Light Force to a beginner level. Without consuming the Three-Colored Flower or entering the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall to receive Otherworldly Heavenly Light, it would be difficult to advance them further.
Meng Xinghai remarked, "Many hard cultivation techniques are indeed powerful, but excessive rigidity leads to brittleness. The Golden Silkworm Technique, however, combines flexibility with resilience, offering boundless versatility. Moreover, if you turn the page, you'll find its offensive capabilities even more terrifying."
Qin Ming continued reading, his expression growing solemn.
It was indeed an extraordinary technique.
Even without delving into the later chapters, the usage of the Heavenly Light Force alone were astonishing.
These supple golden silkworm threads, when cultivated to advanced levels, could be projected outward, swiftly piercing opponents.
At even higher levels, the Heavenly Light Force transformed into golden silkworm threads that danced erratically, capable of tearing apart an opponent's Heavenly Light, weapons, and even distorting space itself.
Qin Ming's spirit surged. "I can't wait to master this and test it against the Dao Sect Disciples!"
Meng Xinghai cautioned him, "In the Awakening Realm, it will only dramatically enhance your defense. As for other aspects, consider those after you reach the Outer Saint Realm."
[T/N: There was a mistranslation in previous chapters where I used "Outer Sage Realm". The correct term is "Outer Saint Realm", and I will be using this translation from now on.]
"Uncle Meng, are you worried about me getting in trouble in the Spiritual Cave? That's why you're giving me this defensive technique. But even if I grasp the basics quickly, how will I increase my Heavenly Light Force reserves?" Qin Ming asked, knowing such an extraordinary technique must consume immense energy.
Meng Xinghai first added Mind-Soothing Incense to the Purple Bronze Incense Burner before replying, "You only need to master the Golden Silkworm Force's fundamentals. I'll handle the rest."
Qin Ming's eyes lit up with anticipation as he gazed at Meng Xinghai.
Meng Xinghai didn't elaborate, only assuring him that the "grand gift" would boost his Heavenly Light Force reserves.
"Also, with early spring approaching, the Esoteric Sects, Blessed Lands, and some special Advanced Academies will begin selecting disciples. The annual grand examinations are starting soon. You don't need to participate in the initial stages. As the city lord, I can still declare you the city's top candidate."
"Of course, if you aim higher, later competitions will be unavoidable—like vying for first place in larger regions. The rewards are substantial."
"I should focus on strengthening myself first," Qin Ming said.
He would soon be traveling to the Beyond the Mortal Realm and couldn't rely solely on Li Qingyue's protection.
In fact, if the opportunity arose, he wanted to exchange a few moves with some Outsider disciples.
Meng Xinghai nodded. "You're right. Don't get distracted lately. The Beyond the Mortal Realm Disciples' Competition will likely become the focus point, drawing attention from all sides. Consider this your preparation for battle."
"I'm an Awakener, not an Outsider disciple. By the way, Uncle Meng, since the Spiritual Cave is saturated with Otherworldly Heavenly Light so dense it's practically solid, the Spiritual Substance within hasn't dissipated, has it? If I undergo nourishment there, could I undergo another Awakening?" Qin Ming asked.
"Don't be reckless. The Heavenly Light there is incredibly violent. You wouldn't be trying to rapidly advance your realm just to challenge the Outsider disciples, would you?" Meng Xinghai teased, glancing at him.
"Luckily, your realm isn't high enough to steal their spotlight."
"Of course not! I know who the main players are in that arena. I'm just going to broaden my horizons," Qin Ming replied with a smile.
He then bid farewell, preparing for his fifth Awakening.
That night, he opened the jade jar, revealing a shimmering purple liquid that flowed with a hazy, luminous mist, its Spiritual essence so concentrated it seemed impossible to dissolve.
Qin Ming tilted his head back and drained the entire jar.
Immediately, a searing heat surged through his body, as if he were burning from within.
A vibrant life force coursed through his veins, invigorating every cell.
This wasn't his first experience with Awakening.
Having grown accustomed to the process, he paid little attention to the discomfort. He first practiced the Awakening Techniques from the Silk Book, then delved into comprehending the Golden Silkworm Technique.
Qin Ming could clearly sense his physical constitution steadily improving. This was a comprehensive enhancement, affecting everything from his strength to his perception.
The fifth Awakening primarily focused on enhancing his physical resilience—in simpler terms, making him tougher to beat.
The sixth Awakening would likely grant him a unique, special ability.
That night, after falling into a deep slumber, the Golden Jade Robe reappeared.
Regrettably, he didn't dream of his grandfather, nor did he glimpse his childhood self.
This was because his memories of learning the Silk Book before joining the Cui Clan had fully resurfaced during his previous Awakening, flooding back in complete clarity.
At dawn, Qin Ming sighed, wondering if his grandfather was still alive.
The old man had claimed he had ten years left, but thirteen years had already passed.
"I'm not strong enough," he lamented. "Otherwise, I'd simply confront the Cui Clan's key members directly."
Qin Ming put aside his thoughts and allowed his body to undergo its Awakening.
He then immersed himself in studying the Golden Silkworm Technique.
That evening, he completed his fifth Awakening, significantly enhancing his senses, speed, and physical resilience. His strength now exceeded six thousand catties.
Without a doubt, his power was rapidly ascending.
Qin Ming remained indoors, knowing this was still insufficient.
He diligently studied the Golden Silkworm Technique and practiced its techniques tirelessly in the courtyard.
By the fifth day, he had cultivated the Golden Silkworm Force.
Wisps of golden light emerged from his skin like sprouts breaking through the soil, brimming with vitality.
However, he couldn't yet weave them into a protective shield, indicating he had only just grasped the basics.
Yet this was enough.
Meng Xinghai had already prepared a grand gift for him, allowing him to continue advancing.
In recent days, news of the Beyond the Mortal Realm Disciples' Competition had indeed spread across the land, drawing widespread attention.
Eventually, even the topic of the Great Examination was overshadowed.
This was primarily because the path of the Outsiders was exceptionally powerful, and any development involving them would inevitably capture the world's attention, especially a competition among their core disciples.
Now, in every city, teahouse, and restaurant, people were eagerly discussing the matter.
When Qin Ming entered the City Lord's Mansion, he found Meng Xinghai entertaining a guest—a young man with a vaguely familiar face.
"Brother Chonghe—no, Brother Qin Ming, long time no see!" the youth greeted with a radiant smile, standing up to greet him.
His lips were crimson, his teeth pearly white, and his eyes sparkled with an inner light, hinting at considerable strength.
Qin Ming carefully recalled and recognized him. They had met before in Qing He City.
His name was Li Qingxiao, and he was likely fourteen years old now, the junior brother of Li Qingxu.
"It has indeed been a long time," Qin Ming nodded.
"I originally planned to come here to get recognition from Uncle Meng and have him declare me the city's number one. But Brother Qin Ming beat me to it, so I won't compete with you. I'll find another city," Li Qingxiao said with a smile.
Qin Ming smiled faintly, not believing this scheming youth hadn't known he was here all along.
He guessed that after Qin Ming had slain the Black-Clad Woman and an Outer Saint in the desert, those old acquaintances, unsure of who had done it, had discussed the matter.
Qin Ming suspected Li Qingxiao genuinely wanted to find a city to gain recognition and had stopped by here to gather information along the way.
Li Qingxiao sighed. "I never imagined Brother Qin was so formidable. You've quietly become the city's number one. No wonder my cousin speaks so highly of you."
Qin Ming ignored him.
Everyone knew about his feud with Li Qingxu.
The youth's mention of this could only mean ill intentions.
"Find another city. You should leave now," Meng Xinghai began to drive him away.
Li Qingxiao stubbornly remained. "Uncle Meng, you're so biased! You're chasing me away just for sitting here, yet you're so protective of Brother Qin Ming."
Li Qingxiao smiled. "Brother Qin, my cousin said you'll definitely meet again in the future. He highly respects you, and those past misunderstandings were just minor incidents."
"Mm," Qin Ming replied curtly.
Seeing his lack of response, Li Qingxiao continued, "My cousin believes that Brother Qin will climb to the peak of the Awakening path and eventually gain entry to the Beyond the Mortal Realm."
"Is this supposed to be high praise?"
In the outside world, ordinary Awakeners might be thrilled by such recognition from an Outsider.
But Li Qingxu's assessment of Qin Ming was far from flattering.
The implication was clear: Qin Ming would have to strive relentlessly, reaching the pinnacle of his power, before he could even meet Li Qingxu in the Beyond the Mortal Realm.
There was also an unspoken layer of meaning: what would a master of the Awakening path do in the Beyond the Mortal Realm?
Become a Jade-Armored Guard or a Golden Armored Guard.
Meng Xinghai's expression darkened.
"Stop stirring up trouble," he warned. "Tell your cousin to focus on the competition among the Outsider disciples. He might not even be able to claim that item in the Spiritual Cave."
"I doubt he'll get it either," Qin Ming added.
Li Qingxiao's smile widened. "Just wait and see. The Competition for the Outer Disciples is about to begin."
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END OF CHAPTER
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