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Novel: [Night Without Boundaries]
Chapter 134: [Far Exceeding Expectations]
Author: [Chen Dong]
Translator: [Shadow Knight AK]
Editor: [Shadow Knight AK]
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The fact that the leading woman of the Jade Pure Lineage was paying such close attention to a young man, repeatedly glancing at him, deeply surprised many onlookers, who couldn't help but follow her gaze.
"I think his name is Qin Ming," someone whispered. "He's from Chi Xia City."
Many were astonished.
They were familiar with all the major cities in the realm, and Chi Xia City was certainly not among them, seeming to be a rather remote place.
Qin Ming smiled and nodded, regardless of whether she would reciprocate; he had fulfilled his courtesy.
The woman, radiant and dazzling, smiled brilliantly and nodded back in acknowledgment.
The surrounding crowd murmured in astonishment.
"Were these two old acquaintances? Or was this young man from a remote region truly extraordinary, having already captured the attention of the Jade Pure Lineage's leader?"
Her name was Lu Yuzhi, an extraordinary individual.
Two years ago, she had defeated numerous formidable experts, displaying terrifying strength, though her achievements had been deliberately downplayed.
"Is this Senior Sister famous?"
"Indeed. She's a stunning extraordinary prodigy who has shaken the realm. Rumor has it that someone injured her friend and provoked her. She then challenged her way through, consecutively crushing several seed-level experts from Beyond the Mortal Realm and the Secret Sect."
Only a few people present knew the truth, as the Lu Clan, a millennial noble family, had deliberately concealed Lu Yuzhi's achievements to avoid drawing excessive attention to her.
Qin Ming was surprised to see her here.
He wasn't well-acquainted with Lu Yuzhi, having only met her a few times.
He had heard of her possessing "Divine Wisdom" and assumed she would join the Secret Sect, never imagining she would become a disciple of the Jade Pure Lineage.
However, Qin Ming quickly understood.
Qingtian, Six Imperial, Jade Pure, and other lineages each possessed the legendary Heavenly Light Force.
On the path of awakening, they were among the few Dao Lineages that the Beyond the Mortal Realm and the Secret Sect feared.
Although disciples of these Ancestral Courts would eventually face slow cultivation progress and a bleak future, requiring them to endure long periods of stagnation, they were undeniably formidable in their early stages.
Qin Ming surmised that Lu Yuzhi intended to use the Jade Pure Force as her protective Dao technique while simultaneously pursuing the Secret Sect's path to godhood.
With her abundant Divine Wisdom, gaining entry into the Secret Sect would be no challenge.
The Jade Pure Lineage maintained exceptionally strict criteria for selecting disciples.
Without extraordinary aptitude, it was nearly impossible to obtain genuine inheritance.
Given her qualifications, she naturally wouldn't miss this opportunity.
Lu Yuzhi approached Cao Wuji, her brocade robes and exquisite features radiating confidence and charm. Her extraordinary presence captivated all eyes.
Cao Wuji had previously been the center of attention, surrounded by people like the moon amidst the stars.
But when he saw the radiant woman approaching, he immediately stepped forward to greet her, his demeanor humble and respectful.
He knew exactly who she was, and his status as an extraordinary prodigy no longer set him apart.
"Interested in joining the Jade Pure Lineage?" Lu Yuzhi asked with a gentle smile.
Born into a Millennial Clan and a high-ranking disciple of Jade Pure, she also walked the path of the Secret Sect.
Though her smile was warm, her presence carried considerable weight.
Facing her, Cao Wuji had no advantage whatsoever. He immediately addressed her as "Senior Sister" and expressed his willingness to join Jade Pure Sect.
A decisive man, he agreed without hesitation, making his choice clear.
The representatives from the Pure Yang Palace, Heart Inquiry Academy, and Five Elements Palace could only watch helplessly.
Though they desperately wanted to recruit this extraordinary prodigy, how could they compete with the Jade Pure Lineage?
Moreover, none of them were a match for the woman herself.
Even if they ganged up on her, they would likely be crushed.
After a brief silence, many stepped forward to congratulate Cao Wuji.
Lu Yuzhi's expression softened as she explained, "I must warn you, even after joining Jade Pure Lineage, you will still need to pass certain trials."
Cao Wuji nodded in understanding. Learning the legendary Heavenly Light Force couldn't be easy; even extraordinary individuals had to undergo scrutiny.
The atmosphere in the Purple Bamboo Forest grew lively.
Many people gathered around the two extraordinary individuals. Some congratulated Cao Wuji, while others inquired about joining the Jade Pure Lineage, eager to learn about the eligibility requirements.
Cao Wuji, strikingly handsome and remarkably articulate, quickly won the favor of the young disciples from the Jade Pure Lineage present.
Lu Yuzhi, radiant and captivating, smiled and nodded, her impression of him quite favorable.
Nearby, some pondered the significance of the Jade Pure Lineage actively recruiting disciples outside their sect—an extremely rare occurrence.
A few realized that the Great Pioneering Era might truly be approaching.
Even the ancient Jade Pure Dao Lineage had begun expanding, actively seeking top-tier disciples.
As Lu Yuzhi approached Qin Ming, she immediately drew attention again.
"It's quite unexpected to see you here," she said, her robes fluttering in the spring breeze.
Her slender figure and gently swaying hair radiated brilliance. Not only was she a Noble Lady from a Millennial Clan, but also a disciple of the Jade Pure Lineage, practicing dual path cultivation. Her entire being shone with even greater radiance and splendor than before.
"Miss Lu, it's been a while. You look even more radiant than before," Qin Ming greeted.
The purple bamboo swayed gently in the breeze, its faint jade-like glow shimmering in the sunlight. The scenery here was truly breathtaking.
Lu Yuzhi, her eyebrows as dark as distant mountains, smiled and asked, "Did you come here hoping to join one of the cultivation sects?"
Qin Ming nodded. "Yes, I've been working tirelessly to secure my future. I traveled all the way from a remote region to Jin Rui City specifically for this."
"If you wish to join the Jade Pure Lineage," Lu Yuzhi explained, "you'll need to pass various trials. Are you prepared to apply?"
Intrigued by the Jade Pure Lineage, Qin Ming asked, "What are the requirements for joining? How long would it take to master the legendary Jade Pure Force?"
Lu Yuzhi smiled. "The Jade Pure trials are rigorous. The first step is becoming a Registered Disciple, which requires a certain level of innate talent."
After a brief exchange, Lu Yuzhi shared some information with Qin Ming before turning to join her fellow disciples.
"Hey, brother, do you know Miss Lu?" Someone approached him.
This person had initially tried to cultivate Qin Ming as a connection, but lost interest upon learning he was from a remote region.
Now, he was back.
"Senior Brother, are you very close to Miss Lu?" A girl in purple robes appeared, greeting him with a radiant smile.
Qin Ming found himself surrounded, but he was straightforward.
He told them he had only met Lu Yuzhi a few times and that even if he wanted to join the Jade Pure Lineage, he would have to start with the Registered Disciple assessment.
Half an hour later, the crowd finally dispersed, convinced that he truly came from the remote Chi Xia City and wasn't particularly close to Lu Yuzhi, a core disciple of the Jade Pure Lineage.
After exchanging brief pleasantries with the geniuses from the Giant Cities, Lu Yuzhi announced, "Alright, anyone who wishes to apply to Jade Pure can take the test now."
She produced a stack of Scripture Paper and distributed it, explaining, "This paper describes a Heavenly Light Force, temporarily created by our sect elders. Those who can comprehend it and manifest four colors of Heavenly Light will pass."
Qin Ming accepted a sheet of Scripture Paper. Since it was a Heavenly Light Force, he naturally wanted to see what it was like.
Before long, he had mastered the technique and sensed that more than four colors of Heavenly Light were intertwined—there seemed to be even greater forces at play.
Sure enough, a more dazzling rainbow glow emerged from his palm.
The eyes of those around him immediately changed.
After counting carefully, they realized he had manifested eight colors and was still attempting to conjure more luminous mist!
"Xiao Qin, we should go now," Meng Xinghai called out from a distance, urging Qin Ming to leave.
"Alright!" Qin Ming nodded, extinguishing the light in his palm and striding away.
Exclamations of surprise echoed through the Purple Bamboo Forest.
"I passed! I manifested four colors!"
Soon, a few individuals achieved five colors, causing a minor uproar.
When attention turned to Cao Wuji, it was discovered that he had manifested seven colors, immediately causing a sensation.
A rainbow seemed to flow within his palm, radiant mist rising like sacred steam, its dazzling glow utterly captivating.
"This is absurd! He's completed it beyond the requirements!"
"Is this what it means to be Extraordinary Prodigy? The gap between us is truly insurmountable!"
The Purple Bamboo Forest erupted with continuous gasps of awe.
Many could only sigh, realizing that talent disparities were undeniable and unbridgeable. The difference was simply too vast.
Cao Wuji remained unfazed.
"What's so special about this?"
Yet, he mused, the process of analyzing the Heavenly Light Force was rather intriguing.
"This has nothing to do with the extraordinary prodigy's physical endowments," Lu Yuzhi said with a smile.
"This trial tests only comprehension. In truth, one more color can be manifested."
In her jade-white palm, eight colors swirled like a miniature celestial river, dazzlingly brilliant.
Cao Wuji was genuinely surprised.
"Another color?"
Lu Yuzhi, already highly satisfied with his performance, smiled reassuringly.
"Manifesting seven colors at this stage is already remarkable. The eighth color requires a unique understanding of Heavenly Light fusion, and you haven't studied that deeply yet..."
"I just saw someone... they seemed to emit eight colors too," someone whispered.
"What are you talking about?" a nearby person challenged.
The others in the area turned to look.
"What's going on?" Lu Yuzhi asked.
The girl in purple, though nervous, spoke plainly, "I just saw someone emit eight colors!"
"Impossible!"
"How could anyone at our stage possibly comprehend Heavenly Light to that extent?"
"Who was it? Where did they go?"
The crowd erupted in disbelief.
Cao Wuji frowned, glancing in their direction.
A young prodigy from Giant City spoke up, "I think I saw it too. Eight colors appeared in his palm. It was Qin Ming, the one from the remote lands. He was called away."
A wave of shock swept through the crowd.
Could someone truly surpass the extraordinary prodigy Cao Wuji?
Even if their innate talent was comparable, how could their comprehension be so extraordinary?
Cao Wuji was stunned.
Could someone his age actually be performing better than him?
"This has nothing to do with the extraordinary prodigy's innate talent," someone tried to comfort him, hoping to curry favor, only to realize they'd stepped on his toes.
Cao Wuji's face remained impassive, but a tempest raged within him. To think someone could surpass him in comprehension!
Lu Yuzhi's expression also turned astonished as she gazed in the direction of the disappearing figure beyond the Purple Bamboo Forest.
"Could he truly possess such comprehension?" It far exceeded her expectations.
...
The next day, Cui He received some news that made him frown.
"He went to Jin Rui City and met with people from the Jade Pure and Pure Yang Dao Traditions? Is he planning to join one of the Great Sect Ancestral Courts?"
"It seems so. Oh, and there was a minor incident—his comprehension is astonishing..."
Later that day, Cui He received another report: Qin Ming was showing great interest in the Six Imperial Force and seemed intent on joining that Dao Lineage!
Upon hearing this, Cui Shuning's face darkened.
"He's a prodigy with such extraordinary comprehension! Isn't he trying to steal Chongxuan's core disciple spot? He's doing this on purpose!"
The most critical detail was that Qin Ming had already won nineteen consecutive matches.
Just one more victory would grant him direct entry to the Six Imperial, where he would undergo an assessment arranged by the elders.
Passing it would secure his position as a core disciple!
Cui He and Cui Shuning felt like the sky was falling.
Had they been outmaneuvered?
They were stunned to learn of this rule allowing direct access to the Six Imperials' gates and elders.
"Stop him immediately! We can't let him win the twentieth match!"
"Where's that young prodigy we found earlier? Get him into the arena!"
"He's a man of considerable status. It won't be easy to persuade him to participate!"
...
Meng Xinghai remained unhurried, declining invitations to spar and playing hard to get.
He insisted there was only one match left and no need to rush.
Over the past two days, Lu Yuzhi noticed familiar faces—old friends, all scions of noble clans—repeatedly inquiring about Qin Ming's aptitude.
"Hey, didn't you hear? The Cui Family's castoff has remarkable talent and is showing signs of rising to prominence."
"I heard there's going to be a spectacular match soon. Want to come watch? Yeah, that's right—a mysterious young prodigy is planning to challenge Qin Ming."
...
Four days later, all terms were agreed upon and approved by all parties.
A duel, though lacking widespread publicity, had been arranged, sparking considerable interest among those in the know.
Meng Xinghai was immensely satisfied.
While he had long anticipated failing to secure the complete Scripture of Everlasting Green Life (Yi Mu Scripture), he had ultimately negotiated for a fragment of the scripture, along with the Yi Mu Scripture—more than enough to consider the outcome a success.
The stakes for this duel far exceeded expectations, including not only the Yi Mu Scripture but also six pages of the Scripture of Everlasting Green Life (Yi Mu Scripture)!
Cui He was in a foul mood, realizing afterward that Meng Xinghai had led him by the nose, completely dictating the pace and terms of the negotiations.
Cui Shuning was equally displeased.
She had learned that despite their efforts to keep the duel low-profile, a small group of acquaintances from the Noble Clans would be attending.
Though the event wouldn't be publicly reported, the presence of these familiar faces still made her feel deeply humiliated.
Were they here to witness their humiliation?
Her expression turned icy.
What infuriated her most was that Meng Xinghai and certain members of the Li Clan were protecting Qin Ming. Fifth Master Cui was still "drinking" with Li Qingyun—how many days had passed already?!
Two days later, familiar faces began appearing in Chi Xia City.
The arrival of members from the Li Family immediately infuriated Cui He and Cui Shuning.
The Wang Clan's emotionless appearance left them feeling somewhat helpless.
"What are you doing here, you little brat?"
Cui He finally found someone he could vent his anger on and slapped Zheng Maorong across the face.
Zheng Maorong was stunned, desperately wanting to retaliate... He paused, realizing he stood no chance in a fight.
He had only come to observe the battle after hearing the news—how had he suddenly been slapped?
"And you lot! A bunch of greenhorns neglecting your duties to join this commotion?!" Cui He roared, his anger blazing.
"Slap! Slap!"
The group of youths seethed with fury.
"Lu Yuzhi is here too! Why don't you dare touch her?" one of them retorted defiantly.
Late that night, outside Chi Xia City, a dense fog blanketed the land, as if the world had been drenched in ink. Pitch blackness swallowed everything, rendering all visibility impossible.
Qin Ming stood motionless.
Through the thick night mist, a young figure slowly approached him.
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END OF CHAPTER
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