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Novel: [Night Without Boundaries]
Chapter 127: [Crossroads of Life]
Author: [Chen Dong]
Translator: [Shadow Knight AK]
Editor: [Shadow Knight AK]
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Before he knew it, early spring had arrived.
The Beyond the Mortal Realm, Secret Sects, and specialized Advanced Academies had all begun recruiting disciples.
Qin Ming pondered, realizing he had once again reached a critical juncture in his life, a crossroads that would determine his future destiny.
Standing at this pivotal crossroads, which path should he choose?
Meng Xinghai spoke up, "I used to think you should go to one of the specialized Advanced Academies. They're no ordinary institutions, backed by unfathomable powers to counterbalance the Millennial Clans. They wouldn't care about pressure from the Cui Family."
In the Night Mist World, there's a saying: "Flowing water for dynasties, iron for Noble Clans."
The latter have endured for millennia, with some families boasting over three thousand years of glory.
Their deep roots extend into every domain and path. Even the Beyond the Mortal Realm and Secret Sects harbor numerous luminaries of noble clan origin, granting them immense influence.
Once, a ruthless dynasty annihilated an ancient noble clan.
In response, a small faction from the Beyond the Mortal Realm returned, rebuilt the clan, and mysteriously brought about the dynasty's collapse.
Meng Xinghai added, "Now I believe that with your innate talent, it would be a great pity if you didn't seek out the ancestral halls of the great Dao Lineage!"
Initially, while he had acknowledged Qin Ming's potential, the thought of the brutal competition within those renowned Dao Lineages had led him to advise caution.
This "brutality" manifested in various forms.
For instance, the blood relatives and descendants of the sect elders, having grown up within the sect, enjoyed preferential treatment and numerous privileges.
Scions of noble clans, upon entering the sect, would naturally bring vast resources, giving them a significant head start.
Moreover, the sects often employed bloody trials and tribulations, with certain phases resembling the cultivation of venomous insects.
Unless one transformed into a butterfly within the crucible at an early stage and broke free, they would never catch the attention of the sect's influential figures.
During this critical period, any careless offense could provoke underhanded tactics, placing Qin Ming in grave danger.
Now, however, Meng Xinghai believed that with Qin Ming's extraordinary talent, he could compete fiercely even in those legendary ancestral halls, "wielding both grand strategies and meticulous tactics."
Qin Ming naturally yearned for those legendary scriptures, but after counting his options on his fingers, he realized his choices were remarkably limited.
Take the Jade Pure Lineage, for example.
Their origins were undeniably astonishing, but they had been secluded on their mountain for over two centuries. They had only recently allowed registered disciples to descend, and it remained uncertain whether they would widely recruit new disciples this year.
Then there was the Tathagata Lineage, clearly engaged in raising gu worms and cultivating cicadas. They had even released Anomalous disciples like the "eccentric and burly" Xiang Yiwu into the world.
The Six Imperial lineage faced even more serious problems. Their Founding Master was nearing death, and a powerful figure from the Beyond the Mortal Realm—the one who had been slapped—was closely monitoring the situation, potentially leading to turbulent times.
Qin Ming then considered the Yin-Yang Temple, Pure Yang Palace, and other sects, all of which were part of his evaluation.
"Uncle Meng, which places have extensive collections of scriptures and allow disciples free access to read them?" Qin Ming asked.
Meng Xinghai replied, "If you're inclined that way, then naturally it would be certain academies. They were established precisely to break the monopoly of the Millennial Clans."
After a moment's thought, he added, "Actually, some special Advanced Academies also have remarkable origins. They might even be backed by Founding Ancestor-level figures. If you shine brightly enough, you might draw them out."
Qin Ming was startled by this revelation.
Could the Advanced Academies truly be backed by figures like Qingtian, Tathagata, or the Six Imperial? That would be truly astonishing.
"Because," Meng Xinghai explained, "some major sects have practically become family estates. The Noble Clan and Elder Faction have become so deeply entrenched that their descendants dominate every level. When Founding Ancestors who have been in seclusion for centuries finally emerge, they are often enraged and eager to establish their own independent lineages."
Meng Xinghai believed that each Advanced Academy was supported by different patrons.
Some were ancient monsters who had walked the Path of Awakening, while others might be backed by major figures from Secret Sects or Pure Lands Beyond the Mortal Realm.
Qin Ming pondered this, then said, "I could just lie low, gather scriptures myself, and rise through diligent cultivation. That's not impossible."
Meng Xinghai shook his head.
"Whether you choose a renowned major sect or an Advanced Academy, I will support you. You need this experience. There, you'll witness a broader world, gain access to secret teachings, and encounter prodigies from across the land. Some will become lifelong friends or romantic partners—invaluable experiences that will shape your path."
Meng Xinghai emphasized that this kind of experience was far more important than solitary cultivation.
Such places held vast collections of ancient texts and, more importantly, access to influential connections—resources that could never be obtained through solitary cultivation alone.
Meng Xinghai reminded him that the core disciples of elite Advanced Academies and renowned sects were invariably extraordinary individuals, and even more formidable figures had yet to emerge.
"Sparring and exchanging insights with them would greatly benefit you at this stage. You might even meet someone who will shape the course of your life."
Qin Ming noticed a deep sense of nostalgia in Meng Xinghai's tone, likely stemming from his own youthful experiences that had left an indelible mark on him.
"Uncle Meng, what are you reminiscing about? Who are you thinking of?" Qin Ming asked abruptly.
"You little rascal..." Meng Xinghai snapped out of his reverie, pointing a finger that nearly poked Qin Ming in the forehead.
Meng Xinghai continued, "I'm speaking from experience. You can't afford to miss out on essential experiences. Simply lying low and hiding your talents isn't enough. If your horizons remain narrow, it will limit the depth and breadth of your life. To become a Young Grandmaster, you need a sufficiently broad perspective. Otherwise, it will hinder your path."
Qin Ming nodded immediately, accepting the advice humbly.
"Right now, if you want to reach greater heights, you need to shine brighter. Perhaps you should spar with the 'first' from other cities. Victory would bring rewards and enhance your own 'prestige.'"
With that, the conversation took a lighter turn.
Meng Xinghai mentioned that Li Qingyun would likely arrange for Qin Ming to study the complete secret scriptures soon after returning.
"Uncle Meng, you're so good to Qingyue," Qin Ming said, his suspicion piqued.
"Could Old Meng be related to Li Qingyue by blood?"
Meng Xinghai chuckled. "What are you thinking? Her father saved my life, and her mother was my senior apprentice sister. Our families have always been close."
A middle-aged man in black entered the living room and reported, "City Lord, we have distinguished guests."
"Oh?" Meng Xinghai raised an eyebrow in surprise.
The black-clad man was his trusted confidant, handling many trivial matters. He whispered, "City Lord Qi Daoming of Zhuguang City has arrived."
"Ah, it's him. Interesting. He's come so quickly." Meng Xinghai nodded, instructing his confidant to prepare a banquet as he rose to his feet.
Seeing this, Qin Ming naturally prepared to take his leave.
Meng Xinghai said, "The matter they're here to discuss likely concerns you."
Puzzled, Qin Ming turned to Old Meng.
Meng Xinghai explained, "Qi Daoming is the Li Family's son-in-law, a formidable figure. Last time, Li Qingxu's cousin, that kid Li Qingxiao, got humiliated here. You, my personally appointed 'First Place,' kicked him twice."
"I imagine he went back and complained. But the main issue is this Li Family son-in-law, Qi Daoming. We had some rivalry back in the day, and with all these events converging, he probably wants to challenge you to a duel."
Realizing what this meant, Qin Ming asked, "So, his personally appointed 'First Place' wants to fight me?"
Meng Xinghai nodded. "That's about the gist of it. This guy was truly formidable in his youth. Rising from humble origins, he suffocated his peers on the Path of Awakening."
"In one competition, he defeated seventy-two consecutive opponents, dominating his region and becoming a legend."
"Later, when it was discovered he could walk the path to the Beyond the Mortal Realm's Pure Land, he decisively changed his path and became even more powerful. That's when the Li Family noticed him and made him their son-in-law."
"Uncle Meng fought him before?" Qin Ming asked.
Meng Xinghai nodded. "We clashed once on the Path of Awakening. Neither of us won, and we haven't crossed paths since we diverged onto different paths."
As Qin Ming left, he saw a middle-aged man entering the mansion from afar, radiating an otherworldly aura that marked him as an extraordinary figure.
Wandering through Chi Xia City, Qin Ming found himself lost in thought.
Despite having been here only a short time, he had already developed an attachment to the place.
Before leaving, Qin Ming felt he should fulfill his promises.
He had promised Speaking Sparrow and Crimson Eagle to find spiritual substance for them, a pledge he had yet to honor.
He owed them much for their assistance during the battle in the desert.
Soon after, Qin Ming visited the Sun Family and presented Granny Sun with a Hammer Technique manual he had personally written.
With Xin Yi Hall's harassment now gone, the elderly woman and her three-year-old grandson were thriving.
The thirty Day Gold coins Qin Ming had given her were more than enough to raise her only grandson.
"Child, thank you!" Granny Sun gazed at the completed hammer manual, her cloudy old eyes streaming with tears.
She wanted her three-year-old grandson to kowtow to Qin Ming, knowing this act could change the boy's destiny forever.
Qin Ming quickly helped them up and hurried away.
Soon after, he entered the Great Mountain.
With his current skills, finding spiritual substances capable of triggering a third mutation posed no challenge whatsoever.
Even if he encountered Outer Saint-level Figures, Qin Ming could hammer them to death, provided they weren't ancient, seasoned monsters.
"Mountain Lord, you weren't just saying things! You remembered about Speaking Sparrow! I'm so touched! To think I could evolve again—I'm so happy I could cry!"
Speaking Sparrow had never left Chi Xia City, often venturing into the mountains with Wu Zheng, who also hailed from Black White Mountain.
Speaking Sparrow blinked his large, obsidian-like eyes and said, "Mountain Lord, why don't you consider letting me follow you? I'm still quite extraordinary, you know. I've already developed divinity and could walk the path to godhood in the future."
"I might be going on a long journey. With your family, it's not suitable." After saying this, Qin Ming went to see Crimson Eagle.
That evening, Meng Xinghai, his expression grim, summoned Qin Ming.
"Was Qi Daoming being unreasonable?" Qin Ming asked.
Meng Xinghai shook his head. "No, he's still quite meticulous in his actions. He'll skirt the red lines, never cross them. But someone from the Cui Family has arrived and wants to see you. Be prepared."
Qin Ming's gaze sharpened.
The Cui Family—a colossal, millennium-old power in Qing He City.
He had lived there for ten years and severed all ties.
Why had they resurfaced now?
Judging by Meng Xinghai's expression, he knew the visitors likely harbored ill intentions.
"Alright, Uncle Meng. I'll meet them," Qin Ming nodded.
The Cui Family still loomed like a Great Mountain before him, but he knew he would eventually have to confront them to retrieve the Silk Book.
"Don't worry. I'll handle everything," Meng Xinghai said, patting his shoulder. "Go ahead and do what you need to do. Don't be afraid!"
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END OF CHAPTER
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