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Novel: [Night Without Boundaries]
Chapter 126: [Ancestral-Level Performance]
Author: [Chen Dong]
Translator: [Shadow Knight AK]
Editor: [Shadow Knight AK]
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The living room was utterly silent.
Meng Xinghai and Li Qingyun sat motionless, not daring to make a sound for fear of disturbing the intensely focused young man.
In the Purple Bronze Incense Burner, Mind-Calming Incense burned slowly, its fragrance purifying the mind.
Qin Ming set down the three pages of paper, stepped into the courtyard, took a deep breath, and exhaled with a deliberate rhythm.
His eyes shone like stars.
Following his own understanding, he transformed his Heavenly Light Force into an astonishing number of fine, intricate lines that expanded within his flesh, verifying the three diagrams on the pages.
His Heavenly Light Force was the foundation of his current strength.
After its fusion and unification, it shone upon the Outworld Disciples like a golden sun.
Now, the Heavenly Light Force flowed through his flesh like golden rivers, mirroring the dense, intricate network depicted in the first diagram.
He felt a warm, comfortable sensation throughout his body.
His brow glowed, his flesh radiated heat, and his entire being seemed cleansed and purified, as if he were about to ascend to immortality.
Meng Xinghai and Li Qingyun stared in disbelief.
This wasn't just a strange sensation—he had actually achieved results!
How long had it been?
The two men were completely stunned.
"Everyone's understanding is different. Is he forging an entirely new circulation path?" Li Qingyun murmured telepathically, afraid to speak aloud and disturb the youth's intense focus.
He knew well that the bronze coin's engravings were so intricate they seemed utterly incomprehensible.
Each practitioner would inevitably interpret their own unique circulation path.
His ancient eyes gleamed with anticipation.
To witness a young man charting a new path before his very eyes!
"Even the Founding Masters struggled with these scriptures, yet he's already grasped such profound insights and is forging a new path!" Meng Xinghai nodded inwardly, his heart swelling with admiration.
'He truly lives up to my expectations!'
Qin Ming continued, his Consciousness Spiritual Light weaving into countless threads that coursed through his flesh, forming a dense, intricate network.
Soon, his brow furrowed.
The process was no longer smooth or comfortable.
Within the Mountain River Spiritual Nest, he had not only undergone a spiritual transformation but also practiced a scripture taught by Li Qingyue, giving birth to his Consciousness Spiritual Light.
Most of this energy had already been channeled back into his physical body, leaving only a small amount to maintain balance.
In the past two days, while practicing the methods from the Secret Sect's thin booklet, Divine Light had emerged within him.
A similar phenomenon occurred: the light nourished his body, ultimately leaving only a trace to maintain equilibrium.
The so-called Divine Light, referred to as "Divine Wisdom" by the Secret Sect, undergoes a qualitative transformation through cultivation, allowing it to accumulate and ascend continuously.
Qin Ming discovered that when he used his Consciousness Spiritual Light and Divine Wisdom to construct dense networks of lines within his flesh, their natural expansion met with significant resistance.
Moreover, he lacked the earlier sensation of lightness and clarity, feeling deeply uncomfortable—a contradiction to the true essence of the scriptures.
"Could this truly be suitable only for those on the Path of Awakening?" Qin Ming murmured to himself, standing motionless as he pondered the scriptures and the three engraved diagrams.
Then, he twisted Heavenly Light Force, Consciousness Spiritual Light, and Divine Wisdom into a single strand, spreading it through his flesh to construct a mysterious network that expanded outward.
Instantly, Qin Ming's body felt light and agile, his mind clear and lucid, as if the turbid air of the mortal world had been purged and the dust of his spirit swept away.
From body to spirit, he experienced a sensation of enlightenment and fulfillment akin to those described in ancient religious texts.
"This feels like nourishing oneself," he realized, carefully analyzing the sensation.
He understood the scripture's true purpose: with prolonged practice, it could transform one's innate constitution, enhance vitality, and nourish essence, qi, and spirit.
In this state, his mind became crystalline, his consciousness lucid, and his efficiency in comprehending the manual increased.
He felt a profound sense of joy and fulfillment, as if he had attained enlightenment in a single moment.
Qin Ming suddenly realized that these were precisely the "renowned techniques" Li Qingyun had mentioned, cultivated by famous figures.
He had actually touched upon them all.
He now understood that the contents of the three pages and the engravings on the copper coin likely served as an outline for this scripture.
Qin Ming knew he had comprehended and mastered it.
"This technique holds many wonders. Persistently practicing it is akin to slowly altering one's destiny, but it remains far from achieving immortality," he mused.
He looked up and saw Meng Xinghai and Li Qingyun staring at him with fervent gazes.
"You've comprehended it?"
"Have you already forged a new path?"
The two men asked eagerly, their voices trembling with excitement.
It was clear they cared about this even more than Qin Ming himself.
Qin Ming nodded.
"I don't think it's that difficult," he replied truthfully.
He spoke honestly because this scripture hadn't held him back for even half a day.
To put this in perspective, he had practiced the Silk Book for over a decade, only gaining entry after surviving a near-death ordeal, finally embarking on the Path of Awakening.
In Qin Ming's mind, no technique could surpass the Silk Book in difficulty.
However, Meng Xinghai and Li Qingyun were unaware of this, leaving them with mixed and indescribable emotions.
The latter, in particular, began to question his life's purpose, even feeling sorry for himself.
Li Qingyun had spent years in secluded contemplation, yet his efforts paled in comparison to a young man's sudden enlightenment.
Qin Ming said, "You're both very interested in this book? It's indeed extraordinary—it can enhance one's innate talent and prolong life. I can teach you."
"This..." Li Qingyun hesitated.
At his advanced age and profound cultivation, he couldn't bring himself to stoop to learning from a junior's enlightenment.
Meng Xinghai, however, was more easygoing and immediately began learning.
Li Qingyun gritted his teeth and decided to throw caution to the wind.
However, the two soon found themselves staring blankly, unable to circulate the new pathways Qin Ming had expanded.
Forcing the flow nearly caused internal hemorrhaging.
"What's going on?" Qin Ming was also taken aback.
He then instructed them to follow his movements, even allowing them to extend their Consciousness Spiritual Light to observe the pathways he was constructing.
Even with direct observation and imitation, they couldn't make it work.
Li Qingyun, with his profound cultivation, eventually noticed that the intricate network of lines within the Heavenly Light Force shifted and adjusted over time.
"How do you control it?" he couldn't help but ask.
Qin Ming explained, "This scripture is actually about 'internal strengthening'..."
The mere mention of "internal strengthening" nearly broke Li Qingyun and Meng Xinghai's composure.
This was an ancient scripture related to immortality, of immense significance, originating from the depths of the Night Mist World.
Yet this young man treated it like a common technique circulating in the streets?
Qin Ming clarified, "This technique is indeed extraordinary. With years of consistent practice, it can transform one's innate constitution, nourish both the physical body and spirit, and ultimately trigger a qualitative change."
The two nodded, acknowledging it as a life-altering technique worthy of being considered a secret scripture.
Qin Ming continued, "It might not be what you imagine. It doesn't grant immortality. Overall, it's essentially a technique for 'internally strengthening' oneself."
Their expressions shifted again, the phrase "internal strengthening" proving particularly provocative.
Qin Ming mused, "Perhaps in ancient times, people pursued different paths than we do now. They sought only to prolong life and transform their constitution. That's why this technique is so gentle, far less powerful than the Heaven-Shattering Force or the Six Imperial Force. Judging by its outline, it's primarily a manual for cultivating health and longevity."
"Are you saying you've completely comprehended and mastered it, not just grasped a portion?" Li Qingyun asked.
Qin Ming nodded. "I believe I've grasped the true essence of these three pages of scripture paper and their corresponding bronze plate engravings."
"Explain to me how you expanded those pathways and made them operational," Li Qingyun said, setting aside his pride to ask for guidance on the spot.
He found it hard to believe.
Qin Ming began, "This scripture teaches how to grasp the transformations of yin and yang, breathe in spiritual essence, and integrate consciousness and Divine Wisdom into the Heavenly Light Force. By planting this force within the physical body, yin and yang harmonize, aligning with the natural order..."
He added, "Without Consciousness Spiritual Light and Divine Wisdom, the Heavenly Light Force alone is sufficient."
He then demonstrated, explaining that by following nature and aligning with the natural order, the Heavenly Light Force would naturally spread.
The paths it traversed would become the operational pathways, leaving one feeling comfortable, light, clear, and filled with a sense of completion.
Li Qingyun stared in disbelief for a long moment before finally saying, "This is far too subjective! You're letting the Heavenly Light Force choose its own path, then memorizing it and telling us?"
Meng Xinghai sighed, "This isn't about forging a new path; it's about following the path of one's own heart."
The two stared blankly at each other.
Each person's Heavenly Light Force was unique, flowing along different paths.
How could they possibly imitate it?
"This ancient scripture is too mysterious, too obscure!" Elder Li Qingyun lamented, gazing skyward in helpless frustration.
The glimmer of hope he had just glimpsed had been swiftly extinguished, leaving him utterly disheartened.
Qin Ming countered, "It's not mysterious at all. Where's the difficulty? You can all expand your own paths according to your hearts, and try following the path of your own heart."
"Don't speak, let me think!" Li Qingyun wanted to punch him.
"Path of one's own heart?"
Who would dare try that recklessly?
One wrong move could cripple you for life.
Qin Ming pondered.
Perhaps the Heavenly Light Force he had cultivated from the Silk Book resonated perfectly with his own nature, allowing him to intuitively control it.
He could guide it along paths that made him feel lighter, clearer, and more attuned to his inner self, following his heart's guidance.
If that were the case, he couldn't help others.
"This technique is truly extraordinary," Qin Ming said. "It enhances innate talent and extends lifespan, making it a priceless treasure. However, we shouldn't overemphasize ancient techniques. In terms of combat prowess, I believe it falls far short of the Heaven-Shattering Force."
"Besides the outline, there are also specific techniques detailed later in the text," Li Qingyun said as he prepared to leave, his gaze lingering on Qin Ming with a complex expression. "These will be far more valuable to you than any other extraordinary skill."
"Why did Senior Li look at me like that?" Qin Ming asked, watching his retreating figure disappear into the distance, puzzled.
"He's astonished," Meng Xinghai chuckled.
His smile faded as he continued, "Before coming here, he saw you as Qingyue's future Jade Armor Guard, Divine Armor Guard, and eventually the First Protector."
"After all, he had heard of your exceptional abilities. But your performance here far exceeded his expectations, rivaling the achievements of Founding Masters during their youth on the path of awakening."
"For instance, the founders of the Five Elements Palace, Yin-Yang Temple, and Pure Yang Palace only grasped partial insights from that scripture."
Qin Ming's expression darkened slightly.
He had sworn to himself that his arduous cultivation was never meant to make him someone else's follower.
Meng Xinghai said, "Don't worry, he means no harm. He simply believes that the path of awakening offers no real hope. Even Founding Masters like Qingtian and the Six Imperial relied on time and gradual refinement to slowly advance their cultivation. This path is arduous, growing increasingly difficult the further you go."
Then Meng Xinghai chuckled. "Your current state must have completely intimidated him. He probably suspects you're a young Founding Master lying dormant..."
He sighed. "Your performance today has even astonished me."
Qin Ming shook his head. "What little I've achieved is nothing. During the battle for the Near-Immortal Artifact, when the Core Disciples clashed, I couldn't even participate. Though we're the same age, I stood by like a mere lackey, watching from the sidelines."
"At the subsequent banquet, every Outworld Disciple and Secret Sect member present was a prodigy, their cultivation profoundly advanced."
"They're barely older than me, yet some have already reached great realms, considered seeds of near-immortality."
"Take Cui Chonghe, who failed twice in his possession attempts—the more I think about it, the more terrifying it becomes. He's my age, yet what level has he reached? His defeat was merely due to Qingyue's Spiritual Eyes accidentally exposing him."
Meng Xinghai looked at him and said, "You call yourself a lackey? You simply started your journey later than others. Don't underestimate yourself. Sooner or later, you'll forge your own path to becoming a Founding Master."
Qin Ming replied, "Falling behind is a fact. Some people were at a higher cultivation realm than I am now when they were much younger. I still need to work a hundred times harder."
Meng Xinghai asked, "Are you comparing yourself to cultivators on other paths?"
Qin Ming nodded. "Yes, the depths of other paths are unfathomable. In the Beyond the Mortal Realm, they casually display scriptures that we consider sacred."
"Outsiders can view them for a price, which shows how little they value them. Their true foundations far surpass our imagination."
Qin Ming believed that during the Great Pioneering Era, the Outsiders must have reaped far greater rewards from the depths of the Night Mist World.
Meng Xinghai knew this to be true.
He then thought of the upcoming Grand Examination, now at its critical stage, and asked, "Have you decided where you want to go? I have complete faith in you. I'm eager to see you forge your own path to becoming a Founding Master."
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END OF CHAPTER
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