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Novel: [Night Without Borders]
Chapter 12: [Yinteng (Silvervine) Town]
Author: [Chen Dong]
Translator: [Shadow Knight AK]
Editor: [Shadow Knight AK]
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In the depths of a frigid winter, amidst a world of ice and snow, a red glow erupted from the mountain forest.
Fireflies danced through the night sky, and a vast rain of light descended, creating an elegant and ethereal beauty.
This extraordinary spectacle left Qin Ming and Xu Yueping stunned.
They stopped to watch.
The howling mountain wind shook the dense forest, sending branches thrashing violently and swirling up thick blankets of snow.
The dancing "fireflies" in the distance were carried by the wind.
Xu Yueping stared at the crimson-stained night sky, finally identifying what it was.
"A Mutated Plant is 'blooming,' surging with vibrant life force. A few nearby wild beasts and raptors are undergoing Mutation."
As he spoke, the fluttering "fireflies" drew closer. A few were blown over by the Mountain Wind.
Upon closer inspection, they revealed themselves to be glowing petals.
Qin Ming casually scooped up a handful, his fingers tinged red by their light.
Xu Yueping even popped two petals directly into his mouth and ate them.
After a Mutated Plant blooms, both its flowers and fruits are imbued with a potent life force, beneficial to the human body.
"Slightly sweet," Qin Ming remarked after tasting a few petals.
Unfortunately, too few had fallen here.
In the distance, the mountain forest was densely packed with petals, resembling burning crimson clouds that dispelled the night's darkness.
Countless birds soared into the night sky, chasing the fiery red petals.
From the forest floor, the sounds of apes and roars of tigers echoed, as many creatures fought over the falling blossoms.
Qin Ming was eager to rush forward.
Xu Yueping shook his head, stopping him.
"Forget it. By the time we get there, the place will be barren. We might even encounter dangerous mythical birds or Mountain Monsters."
The "blooming" of Mutated Plants had no season or pattern, making them difficult to actively seek out.
Moreover, their splendor faded quickly, leading to complete death.
Qin Ming sighed. "Not to mention the deep mountains and vast swamps, even near our village, there are so many mysteries. I truly long to pierce through the thick night fog and venture deep into the vast, boundless world to see what lies beyond."
Xu Yueping nodded. "That's a good mindset to have. It gives you the chance to improve. When you get the chance, you should visit Chi Xia City in the distance."
He believed that only after reaching that city would Qin Ming truly glimpse a corner of the real world.
He added, "You could even take the imperial exams there."
"Have you been there, Uncle Xu?" Qin Ming asked, turning to him.
Xu Yueping's eyes already showed a few wrinkles as he said, "I've been there. I was deeply shaken. Gradually, I came to terms with reality and, after adjusting my mindset, accepted my own mediocrity."
His voice was calm, devoid of youthful sharpness, leaving only the weariness of middle age.
"Uncle Xu has seen and experienced so much," Qin Ming could only offer in consolation.
Xu Yueping gave a bitter smile. "Who doesn't have dreams when they're young?"
He had more to say, but it felt too pessimistic, too decadent. He didn't want to burden Qin Ming with such thoughts, so he kept them to himself.
In the end, reality would erode everything.
"We've walked over ten miles and haven't seen a single animal prey," Xu Yueping grumbled, hoping to catch something in the wilderness to trade for food and drink in town.
"They've probably all been drawn to the Mutated Plants," Qin Ming suggested.
Normally, people would travel this stretch of road in pairs, as the dark wilderness could harbor any kind of creature.
"Hey, at least we're not going home empty-handed," Xu Yueping said with satisfaction.
After multiple attempts, he had finally shot a roe deer, weighing around forty pounds.
Their pace was swift.
After walking thirteen miles, Yinteng (Silvervine) Town came into view.
Under the night sky, the distant lights of the town glowed dimly, and buildings loomed indistinctly, like a meticulously crafted painting from a bygone era of tranquility.
As they approached Yinteng (Silvervine) Town, the number of people on the road noticeably increased.
Some were heading out to hunt, others were entering town to sell mountain goods, and still others sped past in animal-drawn carts carrying goods speeding past.
Xu Yueping, familiar with Yinteng (Silvervine) Town, led Qin Ming straight ahead.
The main street was lined with shops, red lanterns hanging from the eaves.
The bustling crowd filled the air with lively chatter.
Each shop displayed a dazzling array of goods: exquisite porcelain, luxurious silk, mountain spices, and more.
Street vendors sold delicious snacks like pancakes and wontons, their aromas mingling with the vendors' calls, creating a vibrant, bustling atmosphere.
Compared to this, Qin Ming found Twin Tree Village eerily quiet.
Xu Yueping inquired about grain prices and learned they remained sky-high due to continued scarcity.
The heavy snowfall had blocked roads, making it difficult to transport grain from distant regions.
The heart of Yinteng (Silvervine) Town was brightly illuminated.
The Fire Spring, though in its dormant phase, still shimmered and steamed within its eight-zhang-square pool.
A silver old vine, as thick as a water bucket, had rooted itself in the glowing, magma-like waters of the Fire Spring — the origin of Yinteng (Silvervine) Town's name.
Though impressive in appearance, the vine remained an ordinary plant, its ability to absorb the Fire Spring's spiritual energy limited.
Qin Ming noticed something alive in the Pool — a reddish, glowing clam, as clear as jade.
They were a type of glowing red shellfish, translucent like jade, fire-like lights flowed through its shell as it opened and closed.
"Fire Clams," Xu Yueping murmured. "They only raise a few dozen in a pool this size. They're said to be incredibly delicious and rich in potent active substances. I wonder where they'll end up, and who will eat them."
Xu Yueping explained that Fire Clams needed to be raised in a Second-Tier Fire Spring like the one in town to provide enough spiritual energy.
The most successful shops were located near the Fire Spring, such as the Established Brand weapon shop, which saw a constant stream of customers.
In the harsh wilderness, everyone wanted a good weapon.
As snowflakes began to fall, Xu Yueping led Qin Ming to the neighboring bar.
Intricate chandeliers hung outside, each containing a sunstones that cast a dazzling glow.
Bars thrived late at night, so it was still too early, and the place was nearly empty.
"Are we the first customers?" Xu Yueping asked with a smile.
A young man nodded politely, though he was clearly still half-asleep and reluctant to be serving so early.
Xu Yueping said, "Tell your boss we're here to see Feng Yi'an."
The polite smile on the young man's face vanished as he snapped to attention.
"Our boss isn't here, but he instructed us to find Mr. Feng for you immediately."
"This roe deer meat is tender and flavorful. Will it be enough to trade for some good wine?" Xu Yueping offered the deer as payment.
In the past, the bar would have refused, but with food scarce these days, the young waiter nodded without hesitation.
"The owner here calls himself a 'Xī Huô Luó Màn'," Xu Yueping told Qin Ming. "Many years ago, his father, as a servant, followed a master who rode a strange bird from the west."
"Some say the master traveled the world, while others claim he was killed by a "Moon Insect" while exploring a Second-Tier Fire Spring deep within the mountains."
"His followers settled here and started this bar."
"Mr. Feng should appear around noon today," the young man reported a moment later, preparing to call for service.
Xu Yueping waved him off. "No need for singing or dancing. Just bring us food and fine wine. We're here to discuss business today."
The bar's decor was quite exquisite, adorned with colorful crystal lamps.
However, the sunstone fragments embedded within were small, creating a hazy, dreamlike glow.
Xu Yueping said in a low voice, "It's still early, Xiao Qin. Wait here. I'll go pay a visit to that old gentleman."
Qin Ming nodded, knowing that Xu Yueping was going to try his luck at the old noble's residence.
There was no point in trying to stop him.
Silence fell over the bar.
Qin Ming took a sip of the amber liquid in his glass. Though not spicy, he still couldn't quite get used to it.
Time passed slowly.
He watched the snow fall outside the window, people coming and going, and felt the rare prosperity and liveliness of Twin Tree Village.
Xu Yueping returned, brushing off the snowflakes from his shoulders and rubbing his hands together before downing several glasses of wine in quick succession.
"This is indeed better than what we have at home," he declared.
"Uncle Xu, are you alright?" Qin Ming asked.
Xu Yueping replied, "What could possibly be wrong with me? Oh, and when I went to see them, they were very polite and warmly received me. They said they'd give you a chance later."
"Huh?" Qin Ming was taken aback.
This was completely different from what he had expected.
They hadn't rejected him outright.
He asked a few more questions, then fell silent.
Xu Yueping was received by the butler, making it impossible to meet the old nobleman.
The butler wore a gentle smile, more like he was maintaining proper etiquette.
He explained that they had been receiving many visitors lately and would arrange a time for the outstanding young man to meet the old nobleman.
Qin Ming said, "They're politely declining."
Xu Yueping took another drink and said, "You can lift six hundred jin. With such a dazzling achievement, I think they'll look at you differently."
Qin Ming replied, "You revealed my background. Even though they smiled, they treated you with indifference, which should explain everything. As you mentioned, they come from afar, perhaps from a magnificent city. They've certainly seen the world."
Xu Yueping recalled some rumors about the nobleman's daughter, who was said to possess extraordinary talent.
He frowned. "You're considered a prodigy in our region. How could they still look down on you?"
Though somewhat resentful, Xu Yueping had already sensed the outcome after being politely received by the butler.
He desperately wanted to help Qin Ming seize this opportunity and, in the process, resolve the Mountain Patrol Group's harassment.
Qin Ming's expression was serious.
"Uncle Xu, don't overthink it. We shouldn't get involved with mysterious nobles who come from big cities to small towns like ours."
Xu Yueping immediately sobered up. Who knew whether this person was hiding in seclusion or fleeing trouble?
He nodded solemnly. "You're right."
Noon was the time of day when the night's shadows were faintest, allowing them to make out the indistinct outline of the mountains beyond Yinteng (Silvervine) Town.
Feng Yi'an appeared, accompanied by two Mountain Patrolmen.
Braving the wind and snow, they entered the bar, bringing with them a gust of cold air.
"Brother Xu, my apologies for making you travel so far and wait so long. We just returned from our patrol," Feng Yi'an greeted him warmly.
Seeing his genuine demeanor, Qin Ming felt an intense aversion.
He wanted nothing more than to punch the burly, bearded man in the face.
He had already learned from Xu Yueping that this Mountain Patrol Group rarely took their duties seriously, only appearing in the mountains together during the middle and end of each month.
Though the sun had vanished, and the brilliant spectacle of a full moon and starry sky was gone, people still followed the old calendar, referring to the beginning and end of each month.
Often, some members of the Mountain Patrol Group would linger in the bars and restaurants of various towns, even keeping mistresses.
Xu Yueping forced a smile and replied, "Brother Feng, you're too kind. We know you've been working hard patrolling the mountains; we haven't been waiting long."
Feng Yi'an turned to Qin Ming and said, "Young Brother Qin, you have a remarkable appearance and boundless potential. I hope you'll consider joining our Mountain Patrol Group in the future."
He patted Qin Ming on the shoulder to show his friendliness, then called over a waiter and requested a private room.
Turning to the two men behind him, Feng Yi'an said, "Brother Xu and I will chat for a bit. You two keep Young Brother Qin company while he orders some drinks. You can also check out the restaurant next door to see if they have any good dishes."
His real intention was to drop his pretense and speak with Xu Yueping alone.
Sure enough, once they were inside the private room, his demeanor changed.
"Old Xu, you're being too stubborn. Being too serious in life will only bring you exhaustion and pain. Don't forget you have a wife, children, and elderly parents to care for. If a few wild beasts occasionally burst out of the deep mountains and into your home at night, wouldn't that be considered normal?"
Feng Yi'an gently patted Xu Yueping's face with his palm.
No longer jovial, he smiled coldly, his gaze growing colder.
It was a blatant threat.
"I'll plant the Black Moon Medicine Herb as soon as I return," Xu Yueping said.
"You've made me very uncomfortable this time. You wouldn't have bowed your head unless I killed some people in the mountains, would you? I even came here specially for you, and the team leader was very displeased when he heard about it!" Feng Yi'an slammed his hand against Xu Yueping's face again, this time with even more force.
Fifteen minutes later, Feng Yi'an emerged from the second-floor private room first, a smile plastered on his face.
"Let's go," Xu Yueping said to Qin Ming.
Feng Yi'an chuckled. "Brother Xu feels that planting the Black Moon is urgent and wants to return immediately. If Young Brother Qin isn't in a hurry, you're welcome to stay and have a drink."
Qin Ming shook his head. "No, thank you. I'll go with Uncle Xu. It's been quite unsettled in the wilderness lately, so traveling together offers some protection."
As they disappeared through the bar's entrance, an attendant beside Feng Yi'an spoke up.
"What does it matter if that young man has a Golden Foundation? He's clearly in league with Xu Yueping. Why bother being so polite to him?"
Feng Yi'an replied, "True, it's hard to say how far he'll go, and we're not on the same path. But we haven't completely fallen out yet. For now, we'll give him some face — unless we're certain we can kill him immediately..."
"Uncle Xu!" Qin Ming noticed a faint handprint on Xu Yueping's left cheek.
He immediately understood that Xu Yueping had been humiliated in the private room.
He could empathize with the humiliation, and a surge of anger flared within him.
Taking a deep breath, he said, "Uncle Xu, they've repeatedly committed evil deeds. I think even the heavens can't stand it anymore. They'll be punished soon!"
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END OF CHAPTER
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