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Novel: [Night Without Borders]
Chapter 70: [Fragrance from the Depths of the Mountains to the City]
Author: [Chen Dong]
Translator: [Shadow Knight AK]
Editor: [Shadow Knight AK]
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The Drunken Cloud Pavilion was bustling with activity, every table occupied.
The Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall was the hottest topic, dominating conversations among the Awakeners.
After all, the time was drawing near—less than half a month away, it would be here in the blink of an eye.
"I can't wait for the ice and snow to melt, the spring thunder to roar, and the trees to sprout new buds. This year, I, old Zhao, am going to give it my all. I'm already seventy-two; even if I die there, I'll have no regrets. But if I succeed in the Thunder Fire Alchemy Process, I'll be awakened with a second spring!"
"Wishing old Zhao a new life through awakening! May you bathe in the Thunder Fire Heavenly Light, achieve awakening, and have another son next year!"
"You've got me tempted too. Life offers few chances for such gambles. In thirty years, when I'm seventy-two, I'll also enter the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall and give it a shot!"
Qin Ming noticed that the Awakener in the Drunken Cloud Pavilion were mostly young and middle-aged, with a smaller number of elderly individuals.
Those under twenty, like him and Wu Zheng, were rare.
Xu Sheng explained, "Most of the Awakener here are 'self-taught'—they haven't joined any local organizations, sects, or noble houses."
Naturally, no ordinary individuals could become Awakeners. Some were exceptionally skilled and commanded great influence, capable of rallying large groups to venture into the mountains to confront formidable mutant creatures.
Qin Ming then asked a question that weighed heavily on his mind: "Brother Xu, what level of awakening is required to enter the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall?"
Clearly, those who had undergone three or four awakenings would have a significantly higher chance of surviving the Heavenly Light within the hall compared to those who had only experienced one or two awakenings.
"Anyone can enter," Xu Sheng explained. "Generally, a first-time awakened only needs to endure one Thunder Fire Heavenly Light in the Bronze Hall. Those seeking a Second Awakening might withstand two. But even if you endure the appropriate number of Heavenly Lights for your level, do you really think you'll walk out alive?"
Xu Sheng elaborated that even with external assistance—ropes pre-prepared to pull someone out at the critical moment—it made little difference.
The only distinction lay in whether the corpse remained relatively intact or was completely charred beyond recognition.
Either way, death was inevitable.
Qin Ming pondered that if he were to enter the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall, he would need to endure at least four bolts of Heavenly Light.
Wu Zheng shook his head. "Looks like I'll have to follow that old man's example and wait until I'm seventy or eighty to go."
Xu Sheng chuckled. "Good point. I'll wait until I'm a hundred."
Qin Ming asked, "If someone can withstand the Thunder Fire Heavenly Light, can they go again next time, and will it still be effective?"
"Being able to enter once is already a great blessing from Heaven. You want to go a second time? Now that you mention it, I do remember someone like that," Xu Sheng said.
He paused, thinking back. "Decades ago, a young man survived for two consecutive years. He got arrogant and went a third time, overconfident that he could still withstand the 'Thunder Fire Heavenly Light'. But he died tragically."
Xu Sheng explained that the young man came from a powerful background and possessed an extraordinary physique.
Most importantly, his Awakening Techniques originated from an incredibly rare and precious secret manual.
When cultivated to a high level, his fists could unleash lightning.
Wu Zheng was stunned, suddenly finding his own Ancient Tome of Dual Mastery in Spear and Arrow less impressive.
Xu Sheng, equally envious, added, "That's a rare secret manual that grants special abilities related to thunder and lightning. That's why he dared to go. How could an ordinary person possibly survive?"
Qin Ming's heart stirred at the mention of such legendary inheritances. It was no surprise that these treasures were guarded by formidable sects and mysterious organizations.
Xu Sheng added, "A century ago, there was an even more reckless individual who withstood two Spring Thunders. He then even attempted to withstand the violent Summer Thunder, only to crawl out of the Bronze Hall, screaming in agony. His head was scorched crimson by the Heavenly Light, and his brain was completely cooked."
"Brothers, something has happened in the mountains! A Fifth Mutation spiritual creature has emerged at Fire Cloud (Huoyun) Ridge. Boss Liang Yukang is leading a hunting party and has already severely wounded the beast. But they've suffered heavy losses and are on the verge of collapse. They've sent word that anyone who helps will share in the spoils!"
A middle-aged man burst into the Drunken Cloud Pavilion, delivering the urgent news.
"Fire Cloud (Huoyun) Ridge? Isn't that the territory of the Fire-Scaled Sparrow? Who would dare venture into such a dangerous place? They must be mad!"
"I wasn't clear—it's the forests outside Fire Cloud (Huoyun) Ridge, within the hunting grounds!"
"Let's go!"
With a flurry of movement, a group of awakeners surged out of the Drunken Cloud Pavilion, their eyes gleaming with ambition.
Since the mutant creature was already severely wounded, they could scout the situation first and join the fray if the opportunity arose.
Xu Sheng remarked, "Liang Yukang and his group have a good reputation."
"Should we join the fray?" Qin Ming's eyes burned with excitement.
"Xiao Qin, you're too impatient," Xu Sheng chided. "We haven't even found an inn or put down our luggage, and you're already rushing off to hunt in the deep mountains?"
Despite his words, Xu Sheng was intrigued.
"How many Awakenings have you undergone?" he asked.
"Two," Qin Ming replied, holding back the truth.
Xu Sheng nodded. "Alright, then. Stay back and observe from a distance. Gain some experience, but don't approach even if the mutant creature is dying."
Wu Zheng's eyes also burned with envy, but he knew his limitations.
Having just undergone his first awakening, he didn't even qualify to watch the spectacle.
A large group of people exited the northern city gate, trudging through knee-deep snow as they swiftly entered the dense forest of the Great Mountain.
Under the Shallow Night sky, Chi Xia City blazed like daylight.
As they entered the forest and adjusted to the darkness, some took a moment to adapt before picking up their pace.
Outside Fire Cloud (Huoyun) Ridge, a massive azure bull radiated fiery light, its fury palpable.
Severely wounded, it was now rampaging in a frenzy.
"So it's that old bull! I heard over a dozen Awakeners have encountered it in the mountains recently, all trampled to death."
"Killing it today will rid us of a menace!"
Despite these words, no one moved to attack, each waiting for someone else to make the first move.
"This massive bull must weigh thousands of pounds! There's enough meat for everyone. Let's strike together, brothers! We don't want to give other monsters time to arrive!" someone shouted.
With a thunderous crash, a tree that would take several men to encircle shattered as the Azure Bull charged through it. Its crimson eyes blazed as it gored another Awakener with its horns.
"Truly a spiritual creature! It's taken over a dozen iron spears and still hasn't fallen. In fact, it's getting even more ferocious!"
"Brothers, if you attack now! You can still get a share of the Azure Bull Meat. But If you wait until it falls before joining in, you will not get any share!" Liang Yukang shouted personally, his refined gold armor shattered and a deep gash torn across his arm by the bull's horn.
The sight of the heavily wounded Azure Bull, teetering on the brink of collapse, broke the crowd's hesitation.
Some hurled spears, others fired arrows, and skilled warriors attempted to close in.
"Thud!"
Qin Ming fired an arrow from afar, striking the Azure Bull's eye.
Though its thick hide prevented deep penetration, the arrow pierced its vulnerable spot, nearly piercing the eyeball.
The beast roared in agony, blood seeping into its eye.
"Attack now! Its left eye is blinded by blood—finish it off while you can!"
"Remember, my brother Xiao Qin shot that arrow! Give him an extra cut of Azure Bull Meat later!" Xu Sheng shouted, charging forward.
"Thud!"
Finally, the massive bull's head crashed to the ground, severed by Liang Yukang himself.
The thousands-of-catties carcass slammed into the earth, shaking the forest floor and staining the snow crimson.
Liang Yukang panted heavily, his snow-bright longsword gleaming menacingly, dripping with mutant creature blood. His shattered armor and disheveled hair added to his intimidating presence.
"Brothers, line up for the meat! Everyone gets a share—no fighting! Boss Liang's sword isn't just for mutant creatures!" he roared.
"Boss Liang is truly generous! There's enough Azure Bull Meat for everyone—no need to rush. Let's keep it orderly, brothers!"
The mountain forest instantly buzzed with excitement. Everyone was overjoyed, especially those who had arrived late and reaped rewards with minimal effort.
Half an hour later, after the Azure Bull Meat had been completely divided, someone couldn't resist roasting a piece on the spot.
"What's going on? The meat looks crystal clear, but after roasting, it feels like it lacks Spiritual energy. What's going on?"
"We've been tricked! All the Azure Bull's essence must be concentrated in its gallstone—Boss Liang must have secretly taken it!"
"Where's Liang Yukang?"
"He said he was feeling unwell, badly injured, and left half an hour ago."
The forest erupted in chaos.
Enraged, the crowd began searching for Liang Yukang.
Everyone cursed him vehemently, even Qin Ming couldn't help but hurl a few insults.
That day, a massive, furious mob stormed from the Great Mountain to the city, barging into Liang Yukang's residence only to find he had indeed fled, abandoning everything.
The crowd cursed him relentlessly, especially the awakeners who had been among the first to attack the Azure Bull.
They were furious, having suffered severe injuries only for Boss Liang to abscond with the Spiritual Substance.
As for those who had died in the mountains, their fate was even more tragic.
Throughout the day, the people of Chi Xia City buzzed with the news, many cursing Liang Yukang for his betrayal.
His carefully cultivated reputation over the past two years had turned out to be nothing more than a setup for his final, devastating betrayal.
As evening fell, the Fire Spring's natural dormancy, combined with the stone slabs covering the city, dimmed the entire city into a hazy twilight.
Some areas plunged into complete darkness, this adjustable lighting system giving Chi Xia City a distinct day-night cycle.
Qin Ming and Wu Zheng checked into an inn.
Qin Ming roasted his share of Azure Bull Meat and invited Wu Zheng to share it.
"Not bad, but that Liang Yukang is such a snake!" Qin Ming grumbled.
Xu Sheng arrived with wine, sighing, "For higher levels of transformations and awakenings, fathers betray sons, husbands turn against wives—anything can happen. We need to be more careful from now on."
The next day, Qin Ming ventured back into the mountains, this time with Xu Sheng leading the expedition.
Xu Sheng had learned from his master, an old Traveling Merchant, that a nest of White Apes guarded several Snow Lotus plants deep within the mountains, each brimming with potent Spiritual energy.
"Unfortunately, there's only one left," Xu Sheng lamented. "The others have already matured and been eaten by the White Apes!"
"A Spiritual Substance capable of granting fourth awakening is incredibly valuable!" The woman spoke, her eyes burning with fervor.
She was a friend Xu Sheng had invited along.
"We'll trigger an avalanche to scare away the White Apes. Then we'll quickly move in to harvest the Snow Lotus. These apes are notoriously tenacious. If we fail, retreat immediately without wasting time."
However, after successfully driving off the White Apes, a gray-robed figure with their face concealed appeared and snatched the crystal-clear Snow Lotus before they could react.
The figure moved with impossible speed, vanishing into the Great Mountain.
Xu Sheng's lungs nearly burst with rage.
He had assembled this team the moment he received the intel, and victory had seemed within reach, only to have it stolen by this gray-robed figure.
Qin Ming also choked down a mouthful of bitter blood.
Even if they had secured the Snow Lotus, his share likely wouldn't have been enough for a fourth awakening. Still, having it snatched away like this made him want to smash the thief's face into a bloody mess with his hammer.
"You better not fall into my hands! I'll find out who you are!"
Even the woman couldn't contain her fury, spewing a string of curses along the way.
This time, Qin Ming decided to follow local customs, joining them in cursing all the way from the Great Mountain to Chi Xia City.
He realized that making a living in Chi Xia City wouldn't be easy. The Awakeners here were treacherous and ruthless.
"Sigh, ultimately, my strength isn't enough yet. I wish the Spring Thunder would roar soon!"
...
Within just five or six days, a remarkable phenomenon began to unfold outside the city.
Earthlight steamed upward, instantly illuminating the dark mountain forests with a radiant, rain-like glow.
The subterranean Fire Spring was awakening, its luminous vapor rising to nourish all living things.
The accumulated snow began to melt slowly.
Many nobles ventured out of the city to admire the spectacle.
During this season, the mountain forests were particularly vibrant, offering unobstructed views of the snow-covered landscapes, their grandeur enhanced by the ethereal mist.
"Spring might arrive earlier this year," Xu Sheng observed.
"Brother Xu, let's go check out the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall on Chi Xia Mountain," Qin Ming suggested, wanting to scout the location in advance, as the Spring Thunder could strike at any moment.
"I'll come too," Wu Zheng chimed in, eager to see the Bronze Hall for himself.
However, he soon regret his decision.
What they witnessed was a lot of people.
As the Earthlight began to rise, not only did nobles arrive in carriages, but commoners also flocked out of the city with their children.
Chi Xia Mountain, a renowned scenic spot guarded by powerful experts, was virtually impenetrable by mutated creatures. The crowds were so dense that people were packed shoulder to shoulder.
Even the nobles were helpless against the surging crowd. No one paid them any attention, and their Strange Beast carriages proved useless.
Some noble ladies who dismounted and tried to walk were immediately squeezed, their screams piercing the air as their hairpins fell to the ground in disarray.
Qin Ming was swept up the mountain by the human tide, unable to catch even a glimpse of the mountain's true beauty.
He was simply carried along by the relentless flow.
Before he could properly examine the structures at the summit, he was pushed forward again.
At a critical moment, he finally managed to break free and enter the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall.
Wu Zheng wore a mournful expression.
As someone who had experienced awakening, he had lost a shoe in the crowd.
"I didn't even get a good look at the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall's exterior before being pushed inside!" he complained bitterly.
"I didn't get a look either!" Qin Ming replied, his senses sharpening as he stood within the hall.
He carefully examined the walls, running his hand along their surfaces.
"Boom!"
He staggered, nearly collapsing to the ground as an overwhelming surge of emotions washed over him.
Could this ancient hall truly resonate with his Spirit?
He was stunned.
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END OF CHAPTER
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