Night without Borders

Chapter 339 Status Rises Rapidly
In the western region, the earth's light that had been rising for many days disappeared, and the entire world was once again plunged into a long night.

Scattered snowflakes drifted down, and every breath I exhaled was a white mist; early winter had arrived, and the weather had truly turned cold.

"It's time to go. Are you still reluctant to leave?" Master Xu Kong turned around and glanced at his disciple.

A pale-faced boy spoke up: "After all, this is the place where I shed my blood. I learned a lot of skills here, and they were not wasted. I have done right by Yezhou, the place that gave me birth and raised me. I will leave after taking a few more glances."

He was Zhou Wubing, watching the vast plain under the night sky, gradually being tinged with a faint white by the snowflakes.

In this battle, he was covered in wounds, bathed in a large amount of scalding demon blood, and killed many opponents. Even now, some of his wounds have not fully healed.

The master and apprentice left without a trace after completing their task, concealing their merits and fame. Only a few people who had brief contact with them on the battlefield saw their backs as they slashed through the ranks of demons.

Master Xu said, "Let's go. Although we remain unknown, we are more likely to live a long life."

There were many people like them, who came and went in a hurry, leaving no name, but entered the scene at the crucial moment and participated in the great battle against the demons.

At this moment, the experts from all routes also retreated in an orderly manner.

The soil of the Gods' Demise Plains has turned even redder, leaving behind a vast amount of blood and souls. The few remaining mountains have been leveled, and a large number of forests have been razed to the ground.

In the following days, the leaders of each road met briefly, and then the three great dynasties and super sects sent logistics personnel to measure the spirit fields, etc.

This time, Yezhou advanced 20,000 li westward and acquired a large amount of fertile fire fields.

Next spring, after the underground hot springs revive, this area will be extensively developed.

"Uncle, I can guard the house. I was originally a family dog, but I was forced to come to the depths of the plains by the hardships of life. I have never hurt anyone." A dog demon wagged its tail and introduced itself in front of a house in the town.

It had no choice. If it didn't find a good home, it might be killed as a demon when the spirit fields on the God's Grief Plain were cultivated next spring.

"I am Jade Fox, most skilled in light dancing, and also somewhat proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting..." Some fox demons even entered the city to find "work" and seek protection, wanting to completely integrate into Yezhou.

The aliens on the western border are in a rather awkward situation. Humans resent them, believing they caused considerable harm in the past, while demons dislike them even more, considering them treacherous.

Many of the demons that once roamed the Divine Desolation Plains are no longer fierce at all; they have all become skilled in singing and dancing, or at the very least, possess a unique skill to "guard their home."

The more ferocious demons volunteered to guard the mountain gates of some sects.

Comparatively speaking, it's best for exotic birds to integrate, mainly because the world of Night Fog is too vast and boundless, and their flying ability is highly valued by humans.

……

Qin Ming stood in the wind and snow, looking back for the last time at the Divine Grief Plains, before he too departed.

During his brief pause, many faces appeared before his eyes: Lu Zhenyi, Zhuo Ya, Zhao Ziyuan, Jin Yuan, Meng Xinghai's grandmaster uncle...

Among those on the list of the dead were his friends, elders who cared for and valued him, and seniors who had saved his life from Cao Qianqiu.

Sadly, they remained forever on this battlefield, which was gradually being covered by ice and snow, and would never see each other again in this lifetime.

In fact, many people left in silence. But who among those who came to the edge of the world to fight demons did not have relatives or elders who died in battle?
Many people left in tears when they evacuated the western border.

……

"Breaking news! Breaking news! The great battle on the edge of the world has come to a complete end. The demons have been defeated and have withdrawn from the God's Lament Plains as agreed!"

"A great victory! A great triumph in the west! We not only crushed the nomadic civilization, but also drove the invading demon civilization back to their lair and obtained a large number of fire fields."

In the cities of Yezhou, many people were cheering.

Although news of the Patriarch's great victory had arrived several days ago, the situation remains unpredictable as long as the demons do not retreat.

Now that the dust has settled and the situation is settled, many people have taken to the streets to celebrate.

The oppressive and gloomy atmosphere of the past few days was swept away in all parts of Yezhou.

Under the long night, the cities were brightly lit, like pearls inlaid on the boundless dark earth.

Many of the patriarchs' names became well-known and were subsequently sung about. They were the absolute protagonists in this battle and played the biggest role.

Those who changed the form of life and stepped into the realm of the gods, as well as the ancestors who transformed into mysterious immortal beings, were also traced back to the past by people in history.

The past Buddha of the New Life Path, the Ye family pioneer of the Immortal Path, the silent patriarch of the Esoteric School... all have been remembered by people again.

"Some powerful figures died without us knowing their origins, and many experts on that plain were never found."

Undoubtedly, the newly emerging generation is even more dazzling, and has been extensively reported by newspapers such as the Evening Post, the Day Post, and the Border Post. Many young adults and teenagers have come to the public's attention through words, blood-stained profile portraits, and other means.

"What? Su Shiyun died in battle? One of the most outstanding immortal species in the Immortal Land, the goddess I once looked up to, the goal I pursued in this life. She was blocked by the old demon and left forever on that blood-red land. How could this be?"

Many people lamented that it was a great pity that such a beautiful woman was killed off so tragically, otherwise she would surely have become a great patriarch in the future.

"Tang Yutian of the Secret Sect is also dead. He was a divine seed that was carefully cultivated and had boundless potential. In the end, even his body was not pieced together completely."

It wouldn't have mattered if we hadn't taken stock, but once we did, many people across Yezhou were shaken to their core; this battle had been far too devastating.

At the level of patriarchs alone, it is confirmed that a number of people have died, and the fates of many other powerful figures remain a mystery, not disclosed to the public.

"The young leader of the Jade Purity Sect, the Heaven-Shaker of the Sky-Supporting Sect, Xue Yunzheng, one of the strongest seeds of the Secret Sect..."

As the list was gradually released, everyone was shocked. All sides suffered heavy losses in this battle, including not only the older generation but also many future leaders.

Of course, the remarkable figures who survived generated even more buzz, and the spotlight shone especially brightly on them.

"Do you know what a peerless grandmaster is? Someone who surpasses an entire generation!"

"Do you know that there are also Supreme Grandmasters in the world? They represent the strongest, with no rivals in the same realm. There was such a person in the recent Western Frontier War..."

After the great war, anyone who had distinguished themselves and shone in the Western Frontier began to be known and talked about by many.

It is obvious that in such a great era, the rise of the strong and the admiration for legends are the most attractive topics, and night reports and daily reports also intentionally guide this trend.

The sorrow will eventually pass, and the mourning on all paths cannot become a lasting tragedy. We must look forward positively, and creating heroes is undoubtedly the best choice.

In fact, after a series of great battles, there is no need to exaggerate or deliberately boast. Just record the events as they were. There were too many brilliant people in this battle.

"Unexpectedly, women are just as capable as men. Jiang Ran holds a dominant position in the fourth realm. She has not only killed many seedlings of the same level, but also killed a famous old demon who tried to ambush her!"

Many people are amazed that God has bestowed upon this young girl a flawless appearance and such extraordinary talent; she is truly blessed by the heavens.

Soon, people discovered that Chu Pianran, who lived in an ancient Taoist temple, was probably no less capable than Jiang Ran, and her performance on the battlefield was equally brilliant.

"Li Qingyue once burned many old demons who had come in hiding to hunt down immortal seeds. Her performance alarmed the elders of Yezhou. In the end, in order to protect her, they did not let her participate in the battle again, otherwise her achievements would have been extremely brilliant."

The newspapers Shi Bao and Jie Bao also published a series on outstanding women, highlighting Tang Jin, Leng Feiyue, Zhao Qingcheng, Yao Ruoxian, Helian Yaoqing, and others.

"Cheng Sheng, Cui Chonghe, Zhuo Qingming, and others are also remarkable, even astonishing. Any cultivator who can break through to the fourth realm is a formidable figure, and it's difficult to fight against enemies beyond that realm. Especially those with immortal seeds in the fourth realm, who almost represent the strongest in their field, it's truly unbelievable that they could still achieve such a comeback!"

After a great battle, people discovered that many new stars were rising along various paths, and if they continued on this trajectory, they were destined to illuminate this era.

"The road to new life has shone brightly this time, producing a truly extraordinary figure. It is said that he single-handedly broke through the demon camp and reaped countless Heavenly Demons, shocking both sides."

Although the battle achievements have not yet been tallied, various rumors are already circulating, so people have almost pinpointed the rumored target.

"There are rumors that he possesses the power of two paths, and this time he may have broken through the barrier using immortal techniques. Only after reaching that level was he able to defeat his enemies in the Western Region."

"I don't believe it. He is definitely the face of Xinsheng Road, and could not possibly be from Xianlu."

"It's hard to say whether he's just a figurehead of Xinsheng Road, but it's certain that he's another figurehead of Xinsheng Road with a distinguished record."

When Xiang Yiwu saw this report, he was completely distraught.

He desperately wanted to burn the night newspaper, but he inexplicably became the door panel of Xinsheng Road!
"They're praising you. Didn't you read the description? An unshakeable giant gate. Whoever can push open this gate will surely become an unparalleled master in the future," an old master of the Tathagata Sect said with a smile.

Xiang Yiwu rubbed his hands together, eager to fight, and said, "Elder, I'll invite the grandson of the person in charge of that Night Report organization out another day, and I'll have a friendly sparring session with him. If we want to continue on the path of rebirth, we must engage in various real battles, tempering our true selves in the face of life and death, only then can we truly be reborn!"

Throughout Yezhou, from the ten famous cities to magnificent metropolises and even villages and towns, all the hot topics these days are related to the Western Frontier War.

"We have once again been forced to reclaim wasteland, and have traveled 20,000 miles westward. This has not only solved a major problem, but also opened up a large number of fire fields next spring, which will feed more people. In the long run, the strength of Yezhou will grow stronger day by day."

"Such a large territory is probably difficult to manage, and there will likely be many conflicts of interest in the future."

Then, people started talking about pioneering again.

"If we don't explore new lands, we can't just stay in one place. We need to integrate with the human races around the world in Night Fog, find our own kind, and strengthen our race in order to protect ourselves."

Looking back, the Yangtu and Etu of the Fangwai Land were incorporated after the pioneering efforts, as were the Yin-Yang Temple and Chunyang Palace of Xinsheng Road. Some important sects of the Esoteric Buddhism also joined Yezhou later.

Of course, excavating underground scriptures and reshaping the path of cultivation underfoot during pioneering is also a major undertaking for all religions.

"You have no idea how miserable the human race was before some areas of Night State were integrated into the country. Their fate was predetermined from birth, and they were to be servants of certain alien races."

“There’s something even worse. In the early years of the Great Continent, not only humans, but also many other races were regarded as ‘meat crops’ by the giant beasts,” an old man said.

Then he sighed, "In fact, the essence of pioneering is mainly for survival. In this dark world, our people are deeply uneasy and want to unite with more of our kind to explore the way forward. Why did the sun disappear? What is the truth and essence of this world? These are all truths that urgently need to be discovered."

In Yezhou, many people are worried. The sun has disappeared, the environment has changed drastically, what will happen in the future, and will the world continue to undergo earth-shattering changes?

"While we were pioneering, we also wanted to communicate with other civilizations, hoping to understand where they came from and whether they shared the same origin as us."

Currently, the situation regarding tracing the source is quite complex.

The most terrifying thing is that this world seems to have no end.

After pioneering the western frontier, if you leave the Divine Desolation Plains and travel hundreds of thousands of miles further, you will encounter the boundless Western Sea.

The human pathfinders who entered the demon camp reported that the so-called Western Sea is likely just a slightly larger inland lake.

In the past, powerful demons traveled from this shore to the other, covering approximately a million miles, and were able to see land again.

...In Kunling, Qin Ming and Wu Yaozu returned from the Western Border and briefly stopped here to bury Zhao Ziyuan's ashes with Yu Gengsheng.

Two days later, as they were about to set off again, the land trembled slightly. Then, a few people looked up and saw a human skin, its entire body ablaze, screaming horribly, traversing the night sky and rushing into the distance.

What's going on? Those who had mastered special eye techniques were all taken aback.

Above the dark clouds, several patriarchs stood silently, staring at the fleeing human skin.

"They were exploring Yujing; two were burned to ashes, while the other escaped after being engulfed in flames!"

"It is very likely that the mysterious civilization behind the demons and monsters has attracted some experts who couldn't resist approaching Yujing in person."

"That's good. The person in charge risked their life to investigate, so things should be peaceful for a long time afterward."

This incident caused some ripples at the higher levels, but ordinary cultivators were completely unaware of it. Having just quelled the invasion of demons, the patriarchs of all paths did not want to cause unnecessary panic.

Unbeknownst to anyone, deep within the Kunling Forbidden Land, in a place inaccessible to outsiders, amidst layers of chaotic void, a terrifying city is glowing.

It seems to hang upside down in the sky, with the city walls and the vast yet hazy interior scenery all "head down, feet up," as if reflected there.

It is ethereal and extremely distant, yet the ripples it is creating are reaching a real earthen city.

……

Xiao Wu bid farewell: "Brother Ming, I haven't been to 90% of the beautiful landscape of Yezhou. This time, I plan to travel around and explore."

He had earned a considerable amount of merit in battle and planned to hand it over to Yu Gengsheng to help him exchange for what he needed, so he wouldn't wait for it himself.

"Take care!" Qin Ming was quite at ease with him. This brother was incredibly adaptable; he seemed to thrive anywhere.

Half a month later, in Crimson Cloud City, Qin Ming stood on the city gate tower, gazing at the dark wilderness outside the city. Snowflakes were falling heavily, turning the earth into a silvery white.

"It's another cold winter!" He returned here a few days ago.

He couldn't help but think of the past. Last winter, he was born in his prime and officially embarked on this path. Time flies, and a year has passed in the blink of an eye. He has now arrived at the third realm—the Spirit Field.

Such a speed would be frightening no matter what road it's on.

Qin Ming had made many military achievements, all of which were clearly recorded in the memory crystal, but he didn't want to redeem the rewards himself and was waiting for Lu Zizai to emerge from seclusion.

He has killed more than two dozen Heavenly Demon species and even slain Silver War Beasts. Without anyone paving the way, it wouldn't be safe for him to claim the reward on his own.

"I hope Senior Brother Lu will be able to successfully complete his new studies!"

Then, Qin Ming looked towards the night sky in the direction of Black and White Mountain, where blood kites would occasionally fly by, and he could see them once every ten days or half a month.

A few days ago, he returned to Shuangshu Village. Old Liu was still the same as before, drinking his wine, eating wild game, and occasionally kicking the big yellow dog. Nothing had changed.

Wu Zheng arrived and said, "Brother Qin, I feel like I'm dreaming. You and I left Black and White Mountain at the same time. Now you're famous all over the place and have become the face of Xinsheng Road!"

He was very excited, feeling as if it were a dream. Thinking back, it was only a year ago. Qin Ming was just a freshman like him and had even come to his house to buy the dual skills of spear and arrow.

Qin Ming shook his head and said, "Being burdened by a false reputation and now being reported on extensively by the Night Report and the Border Report is not a good thing."

He disliked the night newspaper quite a bit. Back then, when it came to competitions among teenagers in various cities and during the unified examinations, this newspaper would pay money to give them special coverage, with all sorts of fancy and exaggerated reports.

Especially now, he sensed a malice; the other party had dug up his past, saying that he had lived in the Cui family for more than ten years.

On the surface, the night newspaper was defending him, believing that the Cui family had missed out on a genius and had poor judgment, but it had also stirred up a lot of hatred.

He didn't want to be the focus of attention and scrutiny from all sides, but the night papers kept mentioning him.

"Fortunately, Old Cao is crippled and has become Cao Si," Qin Ming muttered to himself.

Of course, with all sides joining forces to defeat the demon army, their relationship was in its honeymoon phase. Even when Lao Cao was at the height of his fame, he wouldn't have dared to resort to underhanded tactics.

"The Cui family..." Qin Ming pondered.

"Xiao Qin, let's drink until we drop tonight!" Xu Sheng arrived, followed by Sister Fenfang and Zhou Lin.

They were also shocked that their former companions, who used to hunt spiritual creatures together in the mountains, had come to this, killing so many celestial demons in the third realm in the western region that no one dared to challenge them.

Qin Ming stayed in Chixia City for several days, during which time he accompanied Meng Xinghai to pay respects to his teacher, his great-uncle.

He then learned from Meng Xinghai that there was something wrong with the letter he had received.

Qin Ming's expression turned grim. He said, "It's a letter written in my grandfather's own handwriting, but it's been manipulated and staged. If I investigate further, something unexpected might happen."

He listened to advice and didn't go himself, but let Meng Xinghai arrange people to investigate. Sure enough, there were problems later.

Qin Ming clenched his fist and said, "They're like ghosts that won't leave. Once I become a Grandmaster, I'll wipe them all out!"

Meng Xinghai said, "You need to keep a low profile now. You were too dazzling in the battle in the Western Region. You should lie low and focus on improving yourself."

Qin Ming nodded. He had gone too far on the demon battlefield, but he had no better way to gain battle merits to exchange for what he needed.

This time, what he wanted were the classic texts that were not available on the path to rebirth!

In the past, those things would have been impossible to obtain, but now it shouldn't be a big problem.

Five days later, outside Yezhou, in a deserted place, Lu Zizai suddenly opened his eyes. His consciousness soared into the sky, piercing through the dark clouds and drawing in the endless light of heaven.

Beyond the world, it was exceptionally dazzling, with endless rain of light falling, drawn by its spirit, falling straight to the ground and engulfing its physical body.

Not far away, the founder of the new path personally protected him.

With a deafening roar, thunder and fire raged, and the mountains in this area were almost melted away.

On that day, Lu Zizai shed his old body and truly succeeded in being reborn, and stepped into the sixth realm. The world lost an unparalleled grandmaster and gained an ancestor.

"It's time for me to officially venture into the depths of the Night Fog world!" Lu Zizai said. If it weren't for the invasion of the Hunting Civilization and the Demon Civilization, he would have left Night State long ago.

However, he had some things to take care of before that.

Two days later, in Crimson Cloud City, Qin Ming met Lu Zizai, who had been missing for many days. As soon as they met, he was certain that Lu Zizai had returned completely reborn.

The boy in front of him had clear, bright eyes, without a trace of impurity. This was not Lu Zizai pretending to be young; he was full of vitality and energy from head to toe.

Even his spirit seemed to have undergone a rebirth, cutting away useless distractions, his consciousness becoming clear and pure like that of a child.

"Congratulations, Senior Brother Lu!"

Lu Zizai smiled and nodded, saying, "Tell me about your achievements, and what do you want to exchange for?"

Even he was surprised to learn that Qin Ming had killed a Silver War Beast despite being a realm above him.

"Killed more than a dozen Heavenly Demon Seeds? You really are a Heavenly Demon Seed harvester!" Lu Zizai knew that this little brother was very powerful, but he did not expect it to be this exaggerated.

"I'd like to know which scriptures suitable for me are found in the secluded places and the esoteric schools, but not in our New Life Path," Qin Ming said to him.

Lu Zizai said, "The incomplete copy of the 'Golden Crow Illuminating the Night Scripture' is in a secluded place. We have only copied a small part of it. You don't need to exchange for the 'Heaven-Slaying Strategy.' I will find the Heaven-Slaying Blade Technique for you later. As for its fundamental power technique, don't worry about it now. If you were to integrate the Tathagata Power, the Six Imperial Power, the Heaven-Slaying Power, etc., it would definitely explode."

After some discussion, Qin Ming knew which scriptures he should exchange for.

Some of these scriptures were even cherished by the venerable masters who studied the silk-bound calligraphy.

If they were to obtain it, the Silk Calligraphy might become even more domineering than it is now!
Of course, the more references and integrations one makes, the easier it might be for that kind of power technique to explode in the later stages of practice.

With Lu Zizai paving the way, Qin Ming was able to exchange for the legendary scriptures.

His first stop was the Immortal Land, which was also his first time entering a land beyond the ordinary filled with various legends.

Immortal Land, located within the territory of the Great Rui Dynasty, is a vast "blessed land".

As the Thunder King Bird carrying Qin Ming approached, its body tensed up, for there were auspicious birds of the fifth realm soaring in the sky and giant beasts of the grandmaster level guarding the mountain gate on the ground.

Outside, the world was covered in snow, but in the immortal land, it was warm as spring. Even from a distance, it was a delight to behold. Everywhere there were spiritual trees, and not only medicinal fields, but even the crevices of the cliffs were full of precious herbs.

In the immortal land, each mountain is shrouded in purple mist, and there are all kinds of strange fire springs, ranging from gold to azure blue, completely different from the red fire springs that are commonly seen.

This is a world of fragrant flowers and singing birds, filled with spiritual energy and rising mist, brimming with vitality.

Even the insects curled up in the leaves of the trees are spirit insects. This place is too mysterious; it truly is a land of creation.

After Qin Ming introduced himself, an acquaintance soon appeared.

The stunningly beautiful Jiang Ran arrived at the mountain gate and led him inside.

When Qin Ming set foot in this blessed land of immortals, a grandmaster personally came forward and had a friendly conversation with him.

Undoubtedly, after the battle in the Western Region, Qin Ming's talent astonished many people. His actual battle record was so dazzling that even the older generation began to take him seriously.

Otherwise, how could a mere teenager have a grandmaster personally accompanying him?

Clearly, his status rose sharply after he became the face of Xinsheng Road.

During this process, many disciples and followers of the Immortal Land came over and quietly observed him from a distance. Among them were core disciples, immortal seeds, and direct descendants of the old monster Tuolu, all of whom were quite curious about him.

Jiang Ran's younger sister, Luo Yao, a girl in white, pouted. She really didn't expect that in just one year, this boy who was once as far away from her as mountains and seas would come to this point and be personally received by her sister and a grandmaster on his way to the Immortal Land.

She served as a "tea servant," bringing tea and water to the three of them and attending to their needs.

"I want to watch 'The Golden Crow Shining at Night'," Qin Ming said, getting straight to the point.

Legend has it that several masters of silk calligraphy coveted this scripture but could not obtain it.

(End of this chapter)