Night without Borders

Chapter 441 Showdown with Cui Chong

Qin Ming had been with the Cui family for over ten years, until he was abandoned by them and about to be involved in a deadly situation. Only then did he realize that he was actually a substitute.

His skull had cracked, and he was banished to Black and White Mountain. In the icy and snowy landscape, his headache flared up, and he struggled in a life-threatening situation, nearly going insane. It was a truly miserable existence before he finally ended up in Twin Tree Village.

After a brief reflection on the past, Qin Ming felt no more turmoil. The road ahead was long, and he should look to the future.

Cui Chonghe, with his sword-like eyebrows, bright eyes, lustrous black hair, and flowing robes, exuded an ethereal and otherworldly aura, truly resembling a celestial being, as he walked step by step towards us.

His initial attitude towards Qin Ming was to ignore him, treating him as a servant raised in the family to die in his place. Later, after being surprised to hear that Qin Ming had extraordinary talent, he began to pay more attention to him.

But he still didn't care too much. He was humble and low-key, like an immortal, but strong and confident inside. He didn't think that a stand-in could cause any trouble.

Subsequently, a series of events occurred, and Qin Ming's rapid rise on Xinsheng Road made him gradually realize that something was wrong.

But Cui Chonghe remained confident, once saying, "In the end, he is just a substitute, and he will eventually return to where he should be."

By the end, Cui Chonghe had become somewhat wary.

He even couldn't resist taking action. During the terrifying period when the Night Market was approaching, he wanted to go to Black and White Mountain, but was stopped by his master, Sun Taichu.

At this moment, Cui Chonghe had no idea who the person in front of him was.

He didn't need to trace his origins. At this moment, he was bathed in three kinds of immortal light, in a state of perfect harmony of essence, energy and spirit. He was extremely confident and dared to compete with the old monsters here!

After taking the stage, he didn't say a word and immediately started making his move. In his eyes, ranking eighty was far from enough; it was just scenery along the way.

Cui Chong pointed with his right hand, and celestial light rippled, runes intertwined, and a lantern materialized.

Initially, the lantern emitted a soft light.

But in an instant, it shone brightly, covering the entire dueling arena with its divine light, as if it could pierce through the dark sky.

Cui Chonghe had strong convictions and a detached mindset, but he did not underestimate his opponent. He immediately began to circulate an extremely powerful immortal scripture called "The Beginning of One Yuan".

In terms of its literal meaning, the intention is very profound.

The clanging sound echoed continuously throughout the area, and a lantern illuminated the world, its radiance seemingly tangible, yet also like the sharpness of a sword, sweeping across the entire dueling arena.

Qin Ming's eyes were deep. This was his first fight with Cui Chonghe, and he had a preliminary feel for the other party's style. He unleashed a powerful move with artistic conception as soon as he appeared.

In the distance, Cui Chongxiao secretly commented, "Chonghe likes to play high-level games."

Before Qin Ming, a pure Yang flying sword shot up, carrying a dense stream of black particles and exuding a terrifying killing intent.

Advanced sword cultivators all refine evil energy into their sword light to increase its power. If they can collect holy evil energy, it will be even more terrifying.

Qin Ming's Pure Yang Flying Sword cleaved through the night fog, and behind it, black tides surged, emitting a realistic and clear tsunami sound.

This extraordinary sight of sword energy astonished many young people, who were then filled with envy.

They realized that this must have incorporated the most powerful water-attribute holy energy.

Qin Ming unleashed a sword strike, causing the wind and clouds to surge. Pure Yang sword energy overflowed, and the tangible sword light resembled an endless ocean, stirring up towering waves.

With a deafening roar, the Sword-Slaying Tide submerged the lantern.

Clearly, this sword strike also contained sword energy of wind and lightning attributes, which merged together, causing the wind to stir up monstrous waves and the lightning to strike the sea surface, far exceeding the expectations of the young sword cultivators.

Qin Ming did not underestimate Cui Chonghe. Since the opponent wanted to play a high-level game right from the start, he could not be too stingy.

On the dueling platform, a lantern imbued with Taoist charm seems to be "getting rid of the old and establishing the new," using the light of civilization to dispel darkness and reshape the old order.

The immortal scripture "The Beginning of Oneness" is indeed of great importance, but using it in the battles of the third realm is a waste of its potential and would make it difficult to unleash its full power.

In comparison, Qin Ming's sword aura is quite down-to-earth and very suitable for confrontation.

This sword strike seemed to surge forth from a vast ocean, carrying the surging sword energy of a breached dam, accompanied by the majestic aura of a roc spreading its wings and soaring into the sky, engulfing the lights.

With a thunderous roar, the colossal Kunpeng, exuding immense pressure amidst the sword-wielding tide, leaped from the sea and pounced on the One Yuan Dao Lamp amidst gusts of wind and thunder.

"Are you crazy? Is this the kind of Daoist charm that someone ranked eightyth can display?"

Below the dueling platform, many people looked astonished, feeling that with the skills and strength of these two, they should be able to rank among the top sixty.

The lanterns nurtured by the Daoist aura dimmed and shattered, and the tide of sword energy receded. In their first encounter, the two had already ignited a bit of fire, exceeding everyone's expectations.

The fierce battle on the dueling platform did not end. In an instant, sword energy shifted and changed, wind and thunder roared, and black sword energy rolled endlessly, sweeping forward.

"Hmm?" Cui Chonghe sensed something was wrong. His five elements were out of balance, water vapor was rising, and his body was showing signs of losing control.

His face stiffened slightly, and his ethereal demeanor vanished. Was this an attempt to make him follow in Gu Yanci's footsteps? He would never allow himself to appear so disgraceful.

Cui Chonghe let out a soft shout, and three different kinds of immortal light flashed intensely around his body, protecting him inside.

At the same time, in front of him, runes densely packed together condensed into divine nails, radiating an extremely dangerous aura, before bursting out.

Cui Chonghe has a strong fighting spirit. He knew he hadn't been grounded enough just now, and he immediately corrected himself.

This is a pure yang divine nail honed by the spiritual field, engraved with various mysterious patterns. Once it pierces into the opponent's consciousness, it can kill their mind and spirit!

Qin Ming was pragmatic and didn't immediately resort to various sect-level immortal scriptures.

He was assessing Cui Chonghe carefully, understanding his methods, and preparing for a real conflict and war to break out in Yezhou in the future.

The methods he used were by no means simple; if recognized, they would certainly be considered quite "luxurious."

Flames flowed around its body, and sword energy soared into the sky. The stone man had no flesh and blood, but now it seemed as if tendons had appeared inside its body, and they were dragon-shaped tendons.

"What is that? The legendary... Sword Fiend Meridian Opening?" Some people exclaimed as they saw the stone man with intertwined dragon-shaped tendons, flowing with pure Yang sword light from the inside out.

Qin Ming activated the "Nanming Li Huo Jing" (Southern Bright Fire Scripture), opening the dragon vein and sword tendon, and a celestial lake-like acupoint appeared, nurturing the pure Yang sword evil of the fire attribute.

As soon as the Nanming Fire Sword was drawn, the dense cluster of Suppressing Nails melted away.

Moreover, the Wind and Thunder Sword Fiends also emerged together, boosting the Fire Path Sword Fiends. This was a perfect match, sweeping away the God-Suppressing Nails with overwhelming force and burning them to ashes.

In the third realm, it is difficult to ignite the divine fire to a blazing blaze, but even a few weak flames are quite considerable, causing the power of the Fire Path Sword to surge dramatically.

Many people's pupils contracted, as if they saw a meteorite falling from the sky, accompanied by flames, engulfing the dueling arena.

Cui Chonghe looked serious. He had realized that this opponent was far stronger than he had initially imagined, and had not used his full strength when he defeated his father.

Before him, a deep blue lotus bloomed, blocking the sword's aura. Behind the lotus seemed to be a deep ocean, drawing upon the power of innate true water.

On the dueling platform, water and fire clashed, emitting a blinding light.

Cui Chonghe's entire body shone with golden light. In an instant, he grew eight arms, seemingly transforming into a four-faced immortal or Buddha. He waded through the raging flames, confronting the sword aura and heading straight for his opponent.

His physical body was not yet present; this was a precious body with life and spirit that his master had crafted for him. It was equally terrifying and could perform various Taoist magic just like his true body.

"There's definitely something to it!" Qin Ming nodded to himself.

Within his stone body, dragon-shaped veins meandered and expanded, and the acupoints within his body glowed like celestial lakes, all emanating sword energy, with the clanging sound of swords echoing throughout the dueling arena.

Subsequently, Qin Ming further activated the astonishing Six Ding Divine Fire, merging it into the sword aura. At this moment, he seemed to transform into an innate fire body, controlling countless sword beams and slashing forward.

Even though the blue lotus bloomed with thousands of rays of true water light, it could not withstand the divine fire sword aura. With the help of wind and thunder, the entire blue plant was ignited and then exploded.

Cui Chonghe was also swept away by the sword aura, and various scorch marks and sword wounds appeared on his golden body, but he actually withstood it and moved away at lightning speed.

"Extraordinary methods," he commented casually.

Outside his body, light and mist swirled, and with a whoosh, all his injuries vanished, and he recovered in the blink of an eye. This was the effect of the "Avoiding Calamity Immortal Scripture".

Regarding this immortal scripture, he only selectively practiced a portion of its essentials, which are not included in his three fundamental scriptures.

Below the dueling platform, Cui Qi frowned deeply. Today was the day his second son, the fledgling dragon, was making his debut, and encountering such a formidable opponent made him somewhat uneasy.

However, he felt relieved. There were countless old monsters high above the heavens, and he believed his second son had encountered one, so his performance was something to be proud of. In fact, Cui Qi even thought his second son might be able to defeat this old monster!

Qin Ming's Pure Yang Sword Fiend, carrying the Southern Bright Fire and the Six Ding Divine Fire, swept across the area once again with overwhelming force.

Cui Chonghe's body was like smoke, gathering and dispersing without form, and then it became nine parts of his body.

These figures looked exactly like him, some wielding immortal spears, some holding celestial blades, and some summoning precious mirrors... all charging towards the stone man in the center.

His true form is integrated into the body, and his clones are not as powerful as the original body, but they can still harm people. Most importantly, his true form and clones can switch places at any time.

Below the stage, someone looked grave and said, "Is this the 'Undying Immortal Scripture'?"

An old man nodded and said, "It should be this legendary true scripture. The clones are indestructible. As long as one remains, the true body can be repeatedly recreated."

"In fact, the highest level of this true scripture should be to sever all the clones, leave behind the immortal true meaning, nourish the original body, and from then on the true body will never perish."

On the dueling platform, Qin Ming was astonished. After slaying some figures, they would reappear. The pure yang light was inextinguishable and endless, as if it had created some kind of immortal cycle.

He remained calm and instantly unleashed a burst of pure Yang sword light. In addition to the sword auras of wind, thunder, and fire, he added a holy aura of metal.

Furthermore, he activated the "Silkworm Emperor's Golden Sutra".

Centered on Qin Ming, streaks of sword light, resembling metallic threads, seemed to distort the void, spreading in all directions.

Both Cui Chong and the so-called Nine Undying Bodies were impacted. Amidst the dazzling sword light, most of them were pierced and disintegrated.

Multiple sword lights shot out from Qin Ming's body, and the wind, fire and thunder combined to refine the golden silkworm, causing its power to surge. The sword energy was like silk threads, forming a net that was everywhere.

With a series of popping sounds, Cui Chong and his differentiated bodies shattered one after another, their original forms bleeding.

This was a spiritual body that his master had refined for him with rare and precious materials, yet it was still shattered when he faced the Four Sacred Evils alone.

Cui Chonghe realized the seriousness of the problem; it was an unimaginable enemy. Although he had taken it seriously before, it was still not enough.

With a thunderous roar, he unleashed the ultimate weapon of the Immortal Path, causing a storm of light and rain as he performed the Ascending to Immortality Technique!

Amidst the dazzling rosy light, Cui Chonghe rose from the ground and ascended into the night sky, like an immortal about to leave the mortal world. Thousands of brilliant lights burst forth from his body.

The void seemed to be pierced, and he carried immense and unfathomable power, trying to break through the layers of sword energy and annihilate the opponent who was putting so much pressure on him.

Sword Fiend can attack, and naturally it can also defend.

Four layers of pure Yang sword energy swirled around Qin Ming's body, emitting clanging sounds, protecting him and blocking the dense rain of ascending light.

Below the stage, some young sword cultivators showed expressions of awe. For one person to be able to fuse and refine several sword auras was an extraordinary feat!
Some people sighed, for this was something they dared not even think about, because fusing the Holy Fiend into the Pure Yang Sword Light would erode the physical body and spirit, and easily shorten one's lifespan.

In fact, the very step of finding the Sacred Fiend has stumped many people.

Most importantly, how well one can integrate really depends on individual talent.

Otherwise, even if there were life-saving elixirs, they wouldn't be enough, and no one would dare to risk their life.

Even if those old monsters were to retrace their steps, they wouldn't dare to court death. They cherish their lifespan even more, unless they can find a great medicine that can completely change their fate.

When Qin Ming was refining the Saintly Fiend, he also suffered immense pain. It was a agonizing process. He had no longevity-extending elixir and watched helplessly as his lifespan was cut short.

Ultimately, it was through repeated rebirths and complete nirvana that he was able to recover the lifespan that had been cut off.

Obviously, these methods are not universally applicable. How many people can undergo such a transformation and continuous rebirth?

Cui Chonghe's expression was solemn. In an instant, as his "Undying Immortal Scripture" erupted, he was also merging with the true scripture "The Beginning of One Primal".

As for the "Taichu Scripture" and the "Avoiding Calamity Immortal Scripture," they also exerted their power, but they were not included in his three fundamental scriptures.

The simultaneous resonance of multiple scriptures placed a heavy burden on him, but he still chose to operate them, showing great importance to the stone figure.

He said, "I've heard that a true swordsman can break through all laws with a single sword strike, which is far more profound than simply piecing together various sword auras!"

At this moment, Cui Chonghe remained suspended in the night sky without falling. The One Yuan Dao Lamp in his hand shone with nine colors, far surpassing its previous appearance. Moreover, his body radiated a divine light that averted calamity, and an indestructible Daoist aura flowed within him.

Qin Ming remained calm and said, "Is that so? Let me try."

No one expected that he would actually conceal the multiple sword auras, leaving only a pure yang flying sword in the end.

Everyone looked surprised. Wasn't this stone man too arrogant?

A touch of green appeared on the Pure Yang Flying Sword, and at Qin Ming's feet, a bright green leaf appeared, more than three feet long, lifting him up.

"Wood Fiend!"

"If this holy aura is fused into the sword light, the attack power won't be that great, right? It embodies vibrant vitality. Does the stone golem intend to use this single sword aura against the enemy?"

Many people were puzzled and felt that he was being too arrogant.

However, a warning sign appeared in Cui Chonghe's mind.

Below the dueling platform, Cui Qi's expression changed slightly. Had he misread it? It felt like a legend had appeared, seemingly involving a state of mind that was impossible to achieve with the "Scripture of Worldly Preservation".

Qin Ming stood on the green leaves, suspended in the night sky. Even in his stone-man form, he exuded a refined and refreshing aura. Moreover, the Pure Yang Flying Sword in front of him had changed, transforming into a branch with tender buds, which he held directly in his hand and used as a longsword.

At that moment, he seemed to have touched upon the true meaning of immortality.

Cui Qi was shocked and found it hard to believe.

Legend has it that some people can cultivate the "Scripture of World Preservation" to the point of immortality and the ability to achieve eternal life through swordplay.

"Is there really anyone who can master this?" He couldn't calm down.

He quickly calmed down and said, "No, he has only figured out a way to kill. What's the point of talking about immortality when you're only at the third realm? Even gods will decay."

"Could it be the Longevity Sword Intent from the Scripture of World Preservation?" Some old monsters also showed surprise. It was a technique not recorded in writing, and it was too difficult to master.

Cui Chonghe sensed danger. He activated several scriptures with all his might, unleashing a dazzling celestial light that poured out like a galaxy from another world, which was extremely terrifying.

Qin Ming stood on a leaf, and with a gentle stroke of the tender branch with green buds in his hand, Cui Chong and blood splattered into the night sky.

This is the true meaning of remaining in this world—the sword seeks immortality!
Cui Chonghe was almost cut off at the shoulder, his face showing horror. He had just casually mentioned it, but it had provoked the other party to unleash such a terrifying sword intent of immortality.

His body was enveloped in a celestial aura that averted calamity, and his undying Daoist charm allowed him to recover quickly. Moreover, his pure Yang power began to erupt.

He was circulating the "Golden Jade Chapter," the true scripture he valued most. However, circulating it in the third realm would place a heavy burden on him. Now that he was facing a powerful enemy, he had no choice but to show his strongest form!
In an instant, three kinds of immortal light surged from Cui Chong's body, and his three fundamental meridians were mysteriously connected to each other, roaring together.

The area below the dueling platform fell silent. Many people suspected that he was an old monster who had now fully recovered and whose methods might be far beyond what was expected.

Qin Ming remained calm and composed. The Five Elements Sword Aura had already soared into the sky, resonating with each other and becoming one.

Regarding the Longevity Sword Intent, he can only unleash one or two strikes at this stage, and cannot fully utilize it.

Moreover, that was not the true meaning of his sword technique—to break through all laws with a single sword strike, to merge all sword energy, and to achieve unity of all things. That was the true essence of his strongest swordsmanship.

"That's the legendary Five Elements Sword Demon Unification!"

"How is this possible? A sword domain has actually formed there!"

Many people were deeply shaken.

"It's time to end this!" Qin Ming said.

Besides the Five Elements Sword Aura, he also condensed a transcendent sword aura deep in the night sky, which can be considered as completing the Six Paths of Reincarnation Sword.

"Hmm?!" Cui Chonghe felt as if endless sword intent was approaching from the shadows, and the hairs on his body began to fall off in a rustling sound.

"Slay!" Qin Ming shouted softly.

(End of this chapter)