Night without Borders

Chapter 492 The Turmoil in Yudu
In the Cui family's living room, the towering sandalwood pillars, requiring two people to encircle, were covered with natural cloud patterns. A divine glass lamp hung three zhang above the ground, its silver light flowing through the space like water. On the table, a bronze incense burner emitted intermittent purple smoke, as fine as silk threads, which dissipated into tiny runes in mid-air.

An elderly woman said with great satisfaction, "Good! In recent years, although my Cui family has experienced some ups and downs, the family as a whole is thriving and full of vitality. Above, our sixth-realm ancestor is making great progress in his cultivation; in the middle, a new grandmaster is breaking through his cultivation barrier; and below, geniuses like Chongxiao and Chonghe are rising up. The future is promising!"

"Changqing has lived up to expectations and has finally reached this point." An old man, whose hair was almost completely gone, put down his teacup and chuckled.

In the simple yet luxurious and understated living room, the core members of the Cui family exchanged glances and nodded, their lips already slightly curved in a smile, their laughter somewhat hazy in the drifting purple incense smoke.

They didn't laugh out loud, but tried to restrain themselves and keep a low profile, feeling that they shouldn't lose the dignity of a thousand-year-old family.

However, a sudden exclamation interrupted everyone's mood. Cui Qi's hand holding the letter trembled, and his lips quivered: "How could this be?"

Some of the older men tried to remind him that as the head of the family, he shouldn't be so prudent, but their expressions quickly changed as well.

The letter was stained with blood; that was no good omen.

“Zhushi Manor, not a single person was left alive!” Cui Qi uttered these words with difficulty.

With a bang, the Divine Glass Lamp exploded in the Cui family's living room. Pure Yang consciousness surged, divine wisdom soared, and heavenly light pierced through the ceiling. Several elders could no longer sit still and all stood up abruptly.

Several days later, Cui Changqing's second son went to visit his reclusive father, hoping to witness his glorious breakthrough to the Grandmaster realm. However, he found the garden lifeless, filled with bloodstains and broken bones.

The Cui family never expected to receive such devastating news.

There was no good news of a grandmaster's breakthrough; their joy was in vain.

"Changqing!" In the living room, an old man with almost no teeth roared, veins bulging on his face, eyes bloodshot, and sparse hair standing on end.

"How could this be?" The only old woman swayed, almost falling over, her face deathly pale, her smile frozen and vanished.

"Quickly go to the west and invite the ancestor!"

"What are you asking for? The Ancestor is too busy taking care of himself to leave seclusion."

On that day, a suppressed roar came from the Cui family. A group of people were filled with hatred, grief, and pain, so angry that they trembled all over and were furious.

Cui Qi and the others felt as if their chests were on fire, filled with grief and indignation. The old man who was closest to Cui Changqing was coughing up blood.

The news was not kept secret and spread quickly.

In Chongxiao City, Dayu, upon hearing the news, the brothers Cui Chonghe and Cui Chongxiao smashed the tea table. Their so-called calm and composure could no longer be maintained, and they both lost their composure.

In the past two years, the Cui family has had a smooth and successful life. Now, someone actually dared to slaughter an entire manor of theirs and kill one of their renowned masters who had the potential to become a grandmaster. When the news spread, it was no less than kicking the face of a thousand-year-old family.

"The Li family?"

"Or are they the people from the outer realms who have been in contact with us?"

After careful investigation, the Cui family believed that Zhushi Mountain Villa had been destroyed for about seven days. Only then did they discover that Cui Changqing had already passed away on his seventh day after death.

……

Qin Ming walked along the banks of the Shuyu River, exchanging pleasantries with acquaintances along the way.

Pei Shuyan and Zhuo Qingming appeared and found a teahouse nearby on the bustling riverbank, where they took Qin Ming to have tea.

Su Mohua followed, truly considering herself a disciple, with a proper and serious attitude, personally pouring tea for Qin Ming.

"Brother Qin, do you know that some people in the heavens are now doubting you, believing that you are the one who pierced through the thirty-sixth heaven with a single sword strike?" Su Moran said, having also arrived.

Gao Chan sat to one side, listening intently and observing Qin Ming's expression.

Qin Ming thought to himself, "They're here, they've finally arrived."

He shook his head and said, "How could someone like me, who hasn't even reached the third realm, possibly possess a sword technique that resonates throughout the heavens?"

What brought him here? It was to "clarify the truth."

He seemed to be deeply moved and said, "I focus on the path of rebirth and use the path of immortality as a secondary goal. Breaking through the barriers is difficult. As a rogue cultivator... alas!"

Clearly, Gao Chan was the most cheerful among those present. He pretended to get close to Qin Ming while using his special treasure to carefully sense Qin Ming's condition.

After a moment, Gao Chan realized that the other party was indeed in the late stage of the Spirit Field Realm, but had not yet reached the fourth stage—the Heart Lamp.

He smiled and said, "Brother Qin, your cultivation speed is already very fast, why belittle yourself? After all, not everyone can be compared with the Realm Masters and One Sword. Besides, they are not necessarily among us, they may very well be peerless Earth Immortals."

Beside him, Bai Meng was shocked. He hadn't really thought much about it before, but now it seemed like he had awakened to the truth. Could it be that Brother Ming really was a swordsman? If so... that's terrifying!
He secretly pondered that since Qin Mingruo also had the identities of Yijian and Jingjie Sect, his sister's attempt to avenge the two kicks was definitely futile. If she made any more trouble, she would surely get kicked a couple more times.

Qin Ming came to the capital of Dayu to showcase himself, so he was in high spirits.

He asked about Pei Shuyan and Zhuo Qingming's recent situation and soon learned that when the four great earth immortals descended to the mortal realm, many immortal species were forced to go to the outer realms and hide for half a year.

Pei Shuyan sighed: "Unfortunately, places like the Mountain and River Spirit Nest and the Ancient Medicine Field, which are all extraordinary places, are all owned by someone. It's really too difficult to venture out."

As for now, the golden claw marks and the unicorn's toe are causing quite a stir, and no one dares to go out for the time being.

"What's happening above the Nine Heavens?" Qin Ming asked his disciple.

Su Mohua comes from Sky City, which is also one of the old mountain strongholds.

“The masters are all lying low and not coming out.” She told us that the heavens are much stronger than the earth. After all, the heavens were once locked up, and after the earth was unified, auspicious light shone back to the heavens.

Her cousin, Su Moran, spoke up: "However, this is also an opportunity, as some senior figures want to break through the barrier."

Today, the strong in the world are all in danger. This situation is not caused by the decline of the Dao. On the contrary, an unprecedented golden age is about to appear, and a torrential rain of the Dao is about to arrive.

On the eve of this, a storm was howling, and the Daoist energy was constantly surging.

In the heavens, some old earth immortals whose lifespans were nearing their end could no longer endure it. They wanted to take advantage of the peak of the Daoist energy to leap into the eighth realm and become celestial immortals.

Qin Ming sighed, "Indeed, in special times, there will always be some special people who rise to prominence."

However, Su Mohua curled her lip and said, "That was a choice made out of necessity. I reckon no one could succeed. Even if we risked our lives, we would still die."

Su Mo Ran nodded and said, "It is indeed difficult. Even a terrestrial immortal can only lie low in this era of turbulent Daoist energy, forced to ride the crest of the wave, and will most likely be reduced to dust."

……

Qin Ming rushed to the princess's residence immediately after finishing his tea, as he had already agreed to keep his appointment that evening.

“Let’s go together.” Clearly, Pei Shuyan, Su Moran, and the others had also been invited.

As the fourth princess of Dayu, Yao Ruoxian's status has been greatly elevated compared to before. This is because all members of the royal family have been blessed by the light of heaven and earth, which has further enhanced her talents. Moreover, the royal family has access to the "place of near-the-path".

"Princess, it's been two years since we last met, and you're even more beautiful than before," Qin Ming said with a smile.

This mansion is filled with groves of silver bamboo, pavilions and towers scattered throughout, arched bridges with flowing water, and a small blue lake with ripples on its surface. It is a scenic spot every ten steps, and at night, the flying eaves and brackets are surrounded by a purple aura.

Yao Ruoxian had bright eyes and white teeth, and stood tall and graceful. She was indeed more outstanding. For the past two years, she had been suspecting that Qin Ming might be Taiyi.

However, she wouldn't mention these things in public. Instead, she immediately complained, "Brother Qin, please take care of your mutated king bird. It injured my royal bird again."

Qin Ming was stunned. He had given a warning beforehand, but this still happened.

"Mountain Lord, Princess, I was wrong." The three-headed, six-winged Thunder King Bird bowed its head, its attitude very good. However, every time it came to the capital of the Great Yu Dynasty, it would make the same mistake.

Pei Shuyan said, "I think this is a beautiful and graceful bird, which a gentleman would love. Why not help them make a good relationship?"

He was just mentioning it casually, but Princess Dayu's mount had to be a Daoist companion, so there must be some considerations.

"Qin Ming? I've long admired your name!" There were other people in the princess's residence who also attended the gathering.

In addition, some people come uninvited, and their motives are very clear.

Qin Ming met Feng Zhige and Zhou Tiandao here. Both of them had been to the Heavenly Sword Fighting Platform. The former was ranked in the 50s on the new list, and the latter was known as a genius and had a great reputation in the Nine Heavens.

In addition, Yan Zhuohua, who was equally famous, was also there. She was graceful and elegant, with light ink-painted eyebrows and a blue-green dress, like a fairy from a traditional Chinese ink painting.

In addition, there were some people Qin Ming had seen on the sword-fighting stage, many of whom were celestial beings.

He sensed immediately that someone was carrying a strange treasure, investigating his "essence," and had come specifically to determine if he was Yi Jian.

Qin Ming was stern; he had only just made his appearance, yet many people were already impatient.

This is understandable, though. Even the bigwigs in Yujing had given orders to the people of the old mountain stronghold to keep a close watch and search for a special young master. Fortunately, Yujing has mysteriously disappeared, so it's impossible for them to keep an eye on the temporary owner of the old cloth.

"I admire Brother Zhou, and it's been a long time since I've seen Brother Feng and Fairy Yan. And who is this gentleman...?" Qin Ming thought it was fine this way; one night would be enough to resolve the identity issue and give them a clear understanding.

"I have long admired Brother Qin's name; it is renowned far and wide..."

"It is said that the Chaos Force is unparalleled in its offensive capabilities, and can be considered one of the strongest techniques in the Jade Capital's radiation area. If I have the opportunity, I will have to ask Brother Qin for guidance."

"Not at all. How can the magic on the ground compare to the magic of the gods and immortals in the heavens? These are mere tricks, not worth mentioning," Qin Ming replied, exchanging pleasantries with them.

Anyone can say nice things, and the group of people all wore smiles, but who knows what they were really thinking.

However, a discordant voice arose: "Chaotic Force, they really dare to give it a name. Is it really that powerful? I'd like to experience it for myself."

This is a man in white, with an ethereal and otherworldly air.

"Who is this person..." Qin Ming thought to himself. The necessary process would not be missed. Since the people in the heavens cared so much about Yijian and the Realm Sect, how could they not arrange for someone to come and weigh things up personally?

However, he really didn't want to waste his energy; this time, he only wanted to fight Cui Chonghe.

"My name is Gu Yanci," the man in white replied.

Qin Ming grinned and couldn't help but laugh. He naturally recognized the other party. They had fought on the sword dueling stage before, and Qin Ming had even used the "Overturning the Sea Classic" to make the other party feel constantly wet.

"What are you laughing at?" Gu Yanci's expression darkened slightly.

Qin Ming said, "I recall a friend mentioning that there was someone with the same name as you on the dueling stage back then, which is quite interesting."

“You…” Gu Yanci was a man who cared about his reputation. He felt a tightness in his chest and wished he could disappear into the ground. Two years had passed, and yet someone was still bringing this up.

At the time, he felt an incessant urge to urinate, and he still feels ashamed when he thinks about it now.

"Gentlemen, tonight we'll drink and talk about the past and present, but let's not let things get out of hand," Yao Ruoxian said, trying to prevent a conflict from breaking out.

Gu Yanci was too ashamed to stay any longer and left in shame and indignation.

Immediately, the atmosphere became much more harmonious.

Not long after, someone mentioned that something had happened to the Cui family.

"Huh? Cui Changqing is dead, Zhushi Manor has been destroyed, and such a murder has occurred." Even Yao Ruoxian was quite surprised.

Many people started talking.

Qin Ming nodded and said, "They're really too fierce and arrogant."

During this time, he learned that the invitations sent by the Great Yu royal family were intended to represent both the old mountain strongholds in the heavens and the earthly immortals from various regions, and the two sides reached a consensus.

Yao Ruoxian said, "Yujing once had some gates that connected to distant places, even more distant than the ancestral path. However, those mist gates have all been sealed off. Now, after the turmoil of the glowing footprint and the Qilin Toe has passed, they may be reopened."

Qin Ming was shocked; he hadn't expected that his trip to the meeting would be related to this matter.

There is no doubt that these paths lead to the deeper parts of the foggy world.

"How did it come to this?" The people on the ground did not know, but Feng Zhige, Zhou Tiandao and others from the sky certainly already knew.

Yao Ruoxian secretly told Qin Ming, "The Earth Immortal is dying and does not want to sit and wait for death, but he is unable to take action himself. He can only open the gate first and see others explore the way. If there is a great opportunity, they will most likely risk their lives to go there."

Over the long years, even the people in the heavens no longer know where those misty gates lead, whether they hold danger or great opportunities. It's impossible to judge now. Only when some old fellows can't hold on any longer do they think of these distant ancient roads.

That night, an honored guest arrived uninvited, and only to catch a glimpse of Qin Ming. She was none other than the saint above the Nine Heavens—a celestial being who had once cultivated while seated in the Flower of the Great Dao.

Qin Ming could clearly sense that she was different from before; she was stronger, and her appearance was also slightly different.

Qin Ming stared at her, pretending not to know her.

The goddess looked at him and took out a piece of pure white conch shell, which she had once given to the "Realm Sect".

Qin Ming was alerted and immediately realized that the celestial being who ranked at the top of the new list was actually a celestial god.

In an instant, he understood. Celestial beings walk the path of immortality, and gods walk the path of divinity. These are two sides of the same coin for this woman. Now that they have merged and become one, this is the ultimate form of a saint.

The celestial being activated the conch shell here, watching Qin Ming, but ultimately remained oblivious, not noticing anything amiss, and quickly departed.

"Have I successfully completed my mission tonight and can I leave now?" Qin Ming wondered. He figured it wouldn't be a problem to return to Black and White Mountain overnight.

Late at night, the old master Yu Gengsheng rushed over from Kunling and, despite his illness, found Qin Ming.

"Senior, what brings you here?" Qin Ming was taken aback. Grandmasters couldn't just wander around now, or something bad could easily happen.

"You've been missing for so long, and suddenly you've come to the capital of the Great Yu Dynasty. I was worried that someone might be after you, so I came to check on you." The old master was worried and rode a high-class mount to come overnight.

In addition, the lid of the Bagua Furnace reappeared, informing Qin Ming that Li Qingyue had returned to the reclusive Li family, but had not yet arrived. Upon learning of his arrival, she sent the old furnace ahead of her.

Qin Ming sighed and said, "Originally, I was considering returning to Black and White Mountain overnight. Since that's the case, I'll also go and take a look at the gathering in two days and study those roads leading to the distance. After all, I'm really interested."

The next day, Qin Ming continued to stroll around the city, while Yu Gengsheng, wearing a hat to cover his bald head and adjusting his face to look middle-aged, followed at a distance behind him at a leisurely pace.

Nothing unexpected happened throughout the day.

That evening, an old man came to visit. He said he meant no harm, but he immediately grabbed Qin Ming's wrist and carefully examined his intentions.

Even though he wasn't going to put on an act, some people still didn't trust him and insisted on fighting him. Moreover, he was an elderly grandmaster, which was already considered an extraordinary fighting force in this world.

Secretly, the old master Yu Gensheng restrained himself, listened to Qin Ming's telepathic message, and did not make a move.

In fact, Qin Ming didn't think that a Grandmaster could instantly kill him; who would suppress whom would only be known after the fight.

“It really isn’t…” The mysterious master shook his head, and without lingering, disappeared through the window.

Qin Ming felt that this trip to the capital of the Great Yu Dynasty had largely served as a test. Even some powerful forces at the Earth Immortal level could only send Grandmasters now, and those with higher levels of expertise were almost extinct.

As night fell, he went to the meeting, which was near the place of worship in the capital, close to the road.

"Ladies and gentlemen, after careful study and consulting ancient books, we have learned where some routes lead. It can be said that great fortune and great crisis coexist."

As soon as Qin Ming arrived at the scene, he heard some people talking about these things.

Yu Gengsheng didn't walk with him, but he followed him from a distance.

“Qin Ming…” Cui Chong looked over, and for once, he took the initiative to talk to the pawn in his eyes.

He wanted to ask what level Qin Ming had reached.

Qin Ming looked at him and said, "I received your letter."

He said simply and directly, "I am ready to accept your challenge anytime, anywhere."

"Hmm, you've reached the fourth realm?" Cui Chonghe turned around, looking directly at him, his face showing surprise.

"No." Qin Ming shook his head.

At this moment, many people looked over, and everyone in Yezhou knew about the grudges and entanglements between the two sides.

There were also some people in the heavens and other realms who, knowing little of the world, couldn't help but ask others around them, after all, Qin Ming was now quite a celebrity.

Cui Chonghe has also risen rapidly in the past six months, achieving brilliant results and showing amazing performance in various aspects.

“Qin Ming was once Cui Chonghe’s double…” someone said.

"There's such a relationship? That's interesting."

The two people in the room immediately became the focus of attention.

Cui Chonghe said, "Wait until you reach the fourth realm before you step forward, because I can only suppress myself up to the early stage of the fourth realm at most, and I can't get any weaker."

“Eighth level of the Spirit Realm, isn’t beating you enough? That’s more than enough,” Qin Ming replied calmly.

(End of this chapter)