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Novel: [Night Without Borders]
Chapter 69: [Unwavering Anticipation]
Author: [Chen Dong]
Translator: [Shadow Knight AK]
Editor: [Shadow Knight AK]
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"I am no longer Cui Chonghe. That's all in the past!"
Qin Ming withdrew his thoughts from the shattered fragments of his past, his eyes blazing with a Fireglow-like brilliance, his entire being radiating vitality.
He was now Qin Ming, and there was no turning back.
He had to sever ties where necessary, let go of what needed to be abandoned, and accept that not all old acquaintances would be willing to recognize him upon reunion.
In the past, Cui Chonghe had basked in the reflected glory of his Noble Clan's terrifying thousand-years-old legacy.
Now, he would rely solely on himself, advancing step by step.
The heights he could reach through his own efforts would be the true measure of his inner radiance.
"There must be a reason this place was chosen for city construction," Qin Ming observed.
The snow in the forest barely reached his knees—remarkably "mild" considering the waist-deep blizzards that had ravaged Black and White Mountain in recent years.
Behind Chi Xia City stood majestic mountains, their rugged peaks teeming with dangerous aberrants—a clear indication of abundant Spiritual Substance.
To the city's front stretched vast plains, dotted with fields of crops. A great river flowed beyond the walls, connecting to distant lands.
With the spring thaw, large ships would soon ply its waters, promising robust trade and transportation.
The towering city walls, constructed from cyan stone, loomed ahead, their massive gatehouse guarded by armored soldiers wielding long halberds that gleamed with a chilling light.
A steady stream of people and carriages flowed through the gates, creating a bustling scene.
Qin Ming entered the city without much scrutiny.
The city was remarkably open, a hub for merchants traveling from all directions. The streets, paved with cyan flagstones, were meticulously cleared of snow, leaving them spotless.
As soon as he stepped into Chi Xia City, a cacophony of sounds assailed his ears—far more vibrant than the atmosphere of Yinteng (Silvervine) Town.
The area teemed with people, jostling shoulder to shoulder.
Qin Ming walked along the bustling main street, his gaze drifting over the dazzling array of goods displayed in the shops lining both sides of the road.
Occasionally, he would pause to admire the wares.
"Child, do you dream of becoming a renowned expert in the Eternal Night World?"
"Hmm, that goal might be a bit too ambitious for now."
"How about joining a Sect?"
"Becoming a member of the Esoteric Sect?"
"Being chosen by an Outsider?"
"Or perhaps studying at one of the Advanced Academies in the Giant Cities?"
"Many golden paths lie before you, but you must start preparing now!"
"Come, hurry into the shop and have your mother buy you a cultivation manual!"
Not only the children and teenagers, but even Qin Ming was tempted to enter the old bookstore, its shelves overflowing with books.
He was immediately drawn to a volume titled "Great Sun Contemplation Technique," a name that carried significant weight.
"Apologies, sir," the shopkeeper said, "but this is a rare secret manual, even more precious than Advanced Intent Qi Cultivation Techniques. It's also incredibly difficult to master."
"The prerequisite for learning it is mastering the 'Star Fire Blazing Plains Meditation Technique.' Please come this way; you'll need to start with the first chapter of 'Star Fire Blazing Plains Meditation'..."
Qin Ming quickly waved his hand and turned to leave.
The shop was filled with newly printed books that reeked of ink, all low-level beginner techniques. There was no chance of finding ancient secret manuals containing the lifeblood of past masters here.
He realized he was looking in the wrong place.
Perhaps there were established brand bookstores that specialized in rare books.
However, this wasn't what he needed most.
What he truly wanted was Spiritual Substance.
He yearned for his fourth Awakening, desperate to recover his memories and finally unravel the mysteries of his past.
Qin Ming discovered that there were indeed merchants selling Spiritual Substances.
A magnificent five-story building stood in the heart of the city's most prosperous district, where every inch of land was worth its weight in gold.
However, he quickly exited after entering.
Simply inquiring about Spiritual Substances for a first Awakening would have cost him more than half of his accumulated Day Gold.
As for Spiritual Substances for a fourth awakening, they were completely out of the question.
Moreover, according to the Established Brand merchant, higher-tier Spiritual Substances were almost always out of stock, unavailable even with Day Gold.
Qin Ming wandered through Chi Xia City, gradually familiarizing himself with its layout.
The city boasted a Fourth-Tier Fire Spring, its crimson, glowing liquid flowing ceaselessly even in winter, gurgling and surging through the city's streets.
In addition, several First and Second-Tier Fire Springs were scattered throughout the city, enhancing its overall luminosity.
Qin Ming deliberately sought out crowded areas, actively joining the bustle.
To truly understand a city, these were the places to be.
"Young master, take care. Come back early next time!"
"Young master, please come upstairs!"
...
Qin Ming suddenly stopped in his tracks.
Where had he come to?
The street was dominated by men, and the pavilions lining it echoed with the melodious strains of silk and bamboo instruments.
"Brother Qin! I never expected to see you here!" someone shouted.
Instantly, many heads turned in Qin Ming's direction.
For the first time in his life, he felt utterly disheveled and wanted to hide his face and flee.
He recognized this place now—it was undoubtedly Old Wu's favorite haunt for squandering his fortune!
And there was Wu Zheng, Old Wu's grandson, calling out to him in public.
"Brother Qin! Meeting an old friend in a foreign land is such good fortune! I'm so glad you're safe and finally made it to Chi Xia City," the seventeen-year-old Wu Zheng said with a beaming smile, rushing over with unrestrained enthusiasm.
"What could have happened to me? The man that day was just an old acquaintance," Qin Ming replied, his expression turning peculiar.
He couldn't help but wonder if family talents were truly hereditary.
He didn't know if Wu Zheng would inherit the "dual mastery of spear and arrow," but in terms of carefree charm, he seemed to rival his grandfather, Old Wu.
After all, he'd only just arrived in Chi Xia City and already knew his way to this notorious street.
"Didn't you come here to broaden your horizons?" Qin Ming advised. "Money should be spent wisely. Focusing on improving your strength is what truly matters."
Wu Zheng shook his head. "Brother Qin, you're misunderstanding. I'm just here to listen to the music, nothing more."
Seeing Qin Ming's skeptical expression, Wu Zheng grew anxious.
"I'm telling the truth! Many experts who hunt mutated creatures outside the city come here afterward to drink and listen to music."
"They discuss the terrifying mutant creatures in the mountains and how to hunt them for Spiritual Substance. I'm here to gather valuable information!"
"Is that the truth?" Qin Ming perked up.
"If you don't believe me, ask Brother Xu later," Wu Zheng said. "You know, Xu Sheng, the Traveling Merchant who brought us to Chi Xia City. He's changed his profession and decided to become a free Spiritual Hunter. He was nearly scared to death by that female mutated creature in the group during the last expedition."
Qin Ming had initially tried to dissuade Wu Zheng from lingering in such places, but within moments, he found himself climbing the steps of the Drunken Cloud (Zuì Xiá) Pavilion alongside him.
The pavilion was indeed a place for drinking and listening to zither music. Fragrant mist curled through the air as a beautiful woman played behind a beaded curtain, her notes tinkling like jade pendants.
The spacious hall was filled with tables, each occupied by Awakeners, who drank and chatted animatedly.
It was unclear when, but this pavilion had become a hub for them to exchange information. It left the owner of Drunken Cloud Pavilion rather helpless—though as long as business was good, that was all that mattered.
Qin Ming and Wu Zheng found a table and sat down, immediately overhearing various conversation.
"Have you heard? A Sixth Mutation Mountain Monster has emerged on Chi Xia Mountain. Its true form is unknown, but its strength far exceeds its rank—it's likely a spiritual creature. Anyone want to team up and hunt it?"
"Are you trying to get killed? Spiritual creatures are typically a tier above their Mutation level, almost as strong as Seventh Mutation beings!"
...
Qin Ming listened intently, feeling his trip had been worthwhile. The conversations here allowed him to quickly grasp the situation in the mountains.
"Brother Qin, I'm glad you're safe! So, none of my team died on our last trip—we all made it to Chi Xia City safely! Haha!" Xu Sheng arrived, greeting Qin Ming warmly.
"Brother Xu, your neck..." Qin Ming noticed the healed scratch marks on Xu Sheng's neck, remnants of an attack from over ten days ago.
Xu Sheng took a swig of wine and sighed.
"Don't even mention it. The descendants of High-Tier Aberrants are allowed into Chi Xia City for training, with the High-Ranking Figure's approval. But this one was pathetically timid—she'd cling to people and squeeze their necks at the slightest disturbance. And because she'd undergone multiple Awakening, I couldn't fight back. She choked me unconscious once. I'm done being a Traveling Merchant—I'm changing careers!"
Qin Ming clinked glasses with him.
"Changing careers sounds wise. Otherwise, walking these dark roads every night, something bad might happen eventually."
Xu Sheng nodded. "Exactly. Let me tell you, some of the old traveling merchants might not even be human anymore. They could have been replaced by some unknown creature ages ago. Our profession is full of legends, and I've wanted to quit for a long time!"
Wu Zheng raised his glass. "A toast to Brother Xu's successful career change! From now on, I'll be following around Chi Xia City with you. You're a top-tier expert—you've got to take me under your wing!"
Just then, a lively discussion about the "Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall" erupted at the next table, quickly drawing in more participants.
Qin Ming's spirits lifted.
These people seemed to be talking about a rare spiritual substance.
"In another half-month, the ice and snow will melt. When the spring thunder roars and all things revive, I wonder what will happen at the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall on Chi Xia Mountain this year. How many people will risk their lives to absorb the lightning into their bodies?"
"Every year, some people die. The lucky ones are few and far between!"
...
Intrigued, Qin Ming immediately turned to Xu Sheng, who was from the area.
"Brother Xu, what's the situation with the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall?"
Xu Sheng, a composed man in his early thirties, immediately cautioned him.
"Xiao Qin, are you interested? That place may offer great opportunities, but it's incredibly dangerous. Awakeners die there every year. I advise you to stay calm."
He explained that only a handful of people ever managed to seize the opportunities there, relying entirely on luck.
Even seeing one successful person emerge every few years was considered fortunate.
Qin Ming nodded. "I just heard about it today and was curious to learn more. If it's truly that dangerous, I definitely won't go near it."
"Brother Xu, tell us more!" Wu Zheng urged.
"Alright, let me explain in detail. The Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall is located on Chi Xia Mountain outside the city. It's said to be at least a thousand years old—a unique structure, with roof tiles mainly made of copper, and also mixed with some rare metals into its construction..."
During thunderstorms, a spectacular phenomenon occurs at the bronze hall: lightning bolts and fireballs surge across its surface, arcs of lightning intertwine, creating an extraordinarily brilliant display.
"When lightning strikes, it carries fragments of Heavenly Light down with it. Spring thunder is particularly special, imbued with the vital energy of all things awakening. As lightning and Heavenly Light intertwine, they give birth to a unique Spiritual Substance."
"That's why, every spring when the first thunderclap echoes, countless Awakeners flock to the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall, hoping to absorb this mixture of lightning and Heavenly Light. They seek to undergo a violent Transformation, an awakening that can propel them to new heights."
Qin Ming listened intently, his interest growing with each word.
Xu Sheng warned, "The bronze hall weakens the lightning considerably, reducing its intensity to a fraction of its original power. But the Heavenly Light remains the true danger. How many can survive being bathed in such otherworldly light? It's far more powerful than the Heavenly Light that falls on Spirit (Ling) Mountain. Don't even think about trying it!"
Qin Ming felt that he absolutely had to go to this place.
What made him worried was the raw power of thunder—a force of nature he couldn't even dream of confronting in his current state.
Any attempt to touch it would instantly turn him to ash.
But with the Thunder Fire Alchemy Hall "purifying" the lightning, what was there to fear?
He could withstand the Heavenly Light, even if it were far stronger than the Heavenly Light contained within the special Nodes of Black and White Mountain. He estimated it wouldn't be a problem.
While others relied on luck to survive, Qin Ming could truly rely on his own strength to achieve a violent Transformation and Awakening on Chi Xia Mountain!
"Counting the time, the first Heavenly Thunder of early spring will strike in just a few days. After a short rest, the moment will be upon us," Qin Ming thought, his anticipation burning fiercely.
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END OF CHAPTER
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