Chapter 42 Clarification

Shen Jiayun’s body stiffened slightly, and she could clearly feel the air fluctuations caused by the vibration of the gun tip near her ear, as if she had been gently brushed.

This was the first time an outsider had helped her put on that headdress. She pulled out a blue beaded flower from her cascading black hair and held it in her hand.

Qin Ming holstered his gun and then turned to return it.

The owner of the purple-gold spear was somewhat embarrassed. When he lent the spear earlier, he had said that it was an indirect battle with Nie Rui, which was clearly a compliment.

Now that he has the weapon back in his hands, how can he praise Nie Rui? Should he boast that the gun in his hand defeated the most powerful twin stars in Chixia City in the past twenty years?

He thought it best to put the gun away when he got home, as using it again would be too conspicuous and would remind everyone of today’s battle, constantly reminding everyone that Nie Rui and Shen Jiayun had been defeated by the same person.

Mu Qing dared to speak up, saying, “You should keep this gun carefully; it has sentimental value.”

The young nobleman holding the gun suddenly felt like he was sitting on a wax figure, his embarrassment doubling.

It was only then that many people came to their senses, finding it hard to believe that Nie Rui and Shen Jiayun had been defeated by a teenager whose physical abilities were inferior to theirs.

“The boy’s marksmanship had a touch of simplicity, drawing the line between life and death in the ordinary, fully demonstrating the true essence of combat!”

Several aristocrats, nearing thirty, were among the commentators. They had all undergone three rebirths and possessed exceptionally keen insight.

“His killing intent was restrained at first, as if he were strolling leisurely and listening to the spring rain. Suddenly, he was connected with the thunder in the sky, and the gun shadows burst out like lightning. He was indeed not simple.”

The two stars who had amazed Crimson City suffered a defeat in a remote place, and by their peers no less. This incident naturally had a significant impact, and if it were to spread, few would believe it.

But the real results are right here, witnessed by a group of young nobles.

“Heroic and dashing, the charm of that shot was truly dazzling,” a noblewoman whispered among herself.

“Hey, I noticed that Shen Jiayun was briefly lost in thought while holding a beaded flower.”

…

Shen Jiayun landed lightly on the black tiger’s back and left with a group of nobles; the people there dispersed.

Just before parting, the twin stars of Crimson Cloud City spoke a few more words to Qin Ming, saying that the Night Mist World was vast and boundless, full of mysteries, and that they looked forward to meeting again in the future when they had both reached even greater heights.

As the young nobles left, they all gave Qin Ming a few deep looks.

Some people came over and chatted with him briefly, saying that he could look for them if he ever went to Chixia City.

This battle was purely accidental and unexpected, but it did ensure that Qin Ming’s name had already entered the ears of many people before he even entered Crimson Cloud City.

Many people believe that although his physical attributes are not among the strongest, his fighting style, which turns the impossible into the possible, and his superb on-the-spot tactics are very impressive. His combat talent is unparalleled, which is quite terrifying and rare. He is already a rising star.

“He’s so powerful that he even defeated Nie Rui. After this battle, Nie Rui no longer hesitated and decided to take a different path.”

In the Black and White Mountains, the other young nobles were all surprised when they heard this, and some even came from afar to see what Qin Ming looked like.

With Cao Long, Mu Qing, and Wei Zhirou stepping in, Qin Ming was able to avoid a lot of trouble, and things gradually calmed down afterward.

“Qin Ming, after early spring next year, or at the latest by midsummer, go to Crimson Cloud City to register. It’s a bit of a pity, though, that your strength is still a bit too low,” Mu Qing said.

“Huh?” Qin Ming asked, puzzled.

Wei Zhirou explained: “At that time, you may have the opportunity to access higher-level knowledge. Even advanced mental exercises that are usually kept secret may be part of what you learn.”

Cao Long added, “At that time, Giant City will come to select people. As long as you perform well enough, you may have the opportunity to change your life.”

If Qin Ming hadn’t unexpectedly fought and defeated Nie Rui and Shen Jiayun today, Cao Long and Mu Qing wouldn’t have told him these things, as they wouldn’t have been of much significance.

“If all else fails, you can study in Crimson Cloud City for a year and wait for the next year’s opportunity. If you can be admitted to the new school three times, your chances will be better, and you might be able to enter a more famous metropolis then.”

They knew that those with a golden foundation could be reborn soon, but that wasn’t enough. Unless they had “divine wisdom,” special abilities, or rare talents, it was difficult for them to be valued early on.

Xu Yueping and Yang Yongqing knew that Qin Ming would most likely leave this place after spring arrived.

Qin Ming inquired about the situation in detail. Since it was a casual conversation, he asked many other questions, but they were all brought up unintentionally.

For example, when discussing what spiritual substances can help people be reborn, Cao Long casually mentioned minerals, and Qin Ming took the opportunity to ask for details.

“Minerals are active substances extracted from mineral veins. Drinking them can improve physical fitness, but whether or not one can be reborn depends entirely on luck. Even so, they are still very expensive.”

“Why?” Qin Ming asked.

Cao Long said, “Because as long as it’s your first time taking mineral essence, no matter how many times you’ve been reborn, it can improve your physique and has a 50% chance of allowing you to be reborn.”

Wei Zhirou said, “That’s what makes it so precious. It’s loved by some old men whose strength has stagnated because other conventional methods can no longer give them a new lease on life, but minerals have brought them that possibility.”

Qin Ming asked, “Was there no effect after the second dose?”

Mu Qing said, “It’s not completely ineffective; it’s about one-tenth as effective as the first time. Besides, unless you can obtain a higher-level mineral, such as a bright red mineral that’s as radiant as a sunset, known as the Blood of the Earth, you might only see one or two bottles a year in Crimson Cloud City.”

Judging from her words, there are obviously higher levels of minerals, which can only be found in the giant city.

Qin Ming knew that they would probably be leaving in two or three days, so he chatted a bit more, subtly asking them various questions.

When the mysterious resources within the nodes were mentioned, Qin Ming inevitably wanted to know about the special features of the mutton fat jade iron.

The three of them were also very interested in this topic and were having a great time talking about it.

“Every time the sun sets, it nourishes many extraordinary things. Some incredibly rare materials, when forged into mysterious weapons, can be passed down through generations, protecting and bringing prosperity to a family. There are even unparalleled mysterious products that can be used to protect a nation.”

Cao Long’s eyes burned with fervor, which was why he was so actively searching in the mountains. The resources born in the nodes could be of any level.

“Although mutton fat jade iron is not among the rarest, it is still extremely precious, far surpassing ordinary iron, and has great uses.”

Finally, the three of them brought up the information that Qin Ming wanted to know.

Mutton fat jade iron doesn’t need to be forged a thousand times; even refining it ten thousand times wouldn’t enhance it much. Its material is of exceptional quality; once forged into weapons, it can slice through the scales of giant beasts and pose a significant threat to those protected by celestial light.

This is not the most important thing, because some weapons made of other materials are also tough enough and incredibly sharp.

“If a weapon forged from mutton fat jade iron is damaged but not severely, it can be slowly restored to its original state by being warmed by the sunlight.”

Qin Ming was surprised; this weapon or armor was indeed quite amazing.

“The most miraculous thing about mutton fat jade iron is that holding it can kill some special things.”

These words startled Qin Ming, making him realize how little he knew about the world.

Mu Qing said, “In this vast and boundless dark world, how many areas have fire springs? Although those giant cities are dazzling, under the boundless night, they can only be considered as faint fireflies. The more vast regions are a black ink, as dark as an abyss, and there are always some inexplicable things there. Sometimes, we need to use some rare weapons such as mutton fat jade iron to deal with them.”

Qin Ming asked her to explain in detail, because he was completely confused.

Mu Qingxi explained, “For example, there are some things that you can’t see with your eyes. Thrusting them with an ordinary spear is useless; the spearhead is like hitting the air. But if you use a weapon made of mutton fat jade iron, one thrust might pierce out a string of strange blood flowers and kill something.”

Qin Ming sighed, “I’m in a remote place, completely ignorant of these things. The pitch-black, boundless world is truly mysterious.”

Wei Zhirou said, “Why do some esoteric religions worship gods? It’s because there are all sorts of unknowns and mysteries, and some things are ineffable and inexplicable.”

Old Liu patted his chest and said, “Luckily, we don’t have any here.”

Mu Qing laughed and said, “How do you know it doesn’t exist? Even if it does exist, ordinary people just can’t see it.”

“Don’t scare me. People get more timid as they get older. I still want to live for several more decades.”

Cao Long said, “Don’t worry, even we have never seen it before.”

Qin Ming thought for a moment and asked, “Are all people outside the secular world very powerful?”

Wei Zhirou nodded and said, “Some people’s paths are so glorious that they are incomparable.”

“How strong are they?” Qin Ming asked. He was eager to know because the young man who had severely injured him was dressed in feathered robes and should be someone from beyond the mortal realm.

Mu Qing said, “Don’t think too much about it. Right now, you just need to work hard to improve yourself. Once you enter the giant city and your strength increases again, if you are found to have special talents, you can change your path.”

Although they didn’t say much, it was enough to illustrate how terrifying those outside the secular world could be.

Moreover, judging from their words, they themselves seem to have changed their course.

After a moment’s thought, Qin Ming realized that they were no ordinary newcomers. One had already embarked on the path of the Giant Spirit God, another had a tail, and Wei Zhirou, who was with them, must also have something special about her.

After another sleepless night, Qin Ming finally drifted off to sleep, which brought him complete relief. The inability to sleep was just too painful.

During this time, the giant beasts of Crimson Cloud City pulled grain carts across the snow-blocked mountain roads and finally delivered the grain, causing the entire region to erupt in excitement.

Although the price of grain is slightly high, considering the transportation costs, it is already a very reasonable price, and its essence is to help alleviate the difficulties.

“No need to panic buy, don’t worry, the price of grain will not increase, and more will be delivered continuously.”

…

Cao Long, Mu Qing, Wei Zhirou, and the others were already packing their bags, preparing to embark on their journey home, when news came from the mountains that several special nodes had been discovered in a large rift valley area, and more nodes were being found one after another.

Immediately, the three groups rushed into the mountains, asking Qin Ming, Old Man Liu, and others to lead the way.

This time, some old guys are with the team, such as Cao Long’s seventh uncle who ate the longevity tree.

Upon seeing Yang Yongqing, the black goat he was sitting on immediately began to urinate as a sign of respect.

The big yellow dog that Old Liu was riding also had a stress reaction and immediately defecated.

When Cao Laoqi saw this, he was so angry that his nose almost crooked, and he shouted that he wanted to eat black goat meat and yellow dog meat.

Everyone else wanted to laugh, but they had to hold it in.

“Once you’ve dropped us off, you don’t need to get involved anymore; it’s too dangerous there!” Cao Long said.

Without a doubt, this will be their last operation before they leave, and it is very likely that a major battle will break out, with nodes appearing in quick succession and all sides fighting fiercely.

In fact, after Liu Laotou led the team to the Great Rift Valley, he immediately grabbed Qin Ming, Xu Yueping, and Yang Yongqing and ran away, heading straight back to the village.

Old Liu said, “We’ve made it through all ninety-nine bows and everything has been peaceful. We’re just one last tremor away from ending it all. We absolutely must stay away from there and stay safe. As long as nothing goes wrong, that’s all that matters!”

Although Qin Ming had some advantage—that he wouldn’t be corroded by the heavenly light after entering the node and could remain safe inside—he still held back in the end.

At this point in time, not only will the people of Crimson Cloud City be bloodthirsty, but even the strange creatures in the mountains will probably be attracted here.

However, some local organizations are acting inhumanely, ordering each village to send people to join them in their mountain operations.

The messenger was a newcomer from Jinji Ridge, who arrived riding a fast-moving free-range chicken. He was just a lackey this time, acting on orders, because a real bandit had come to Jinji Ridge.

In the final stages, they also became greedy and wanted to seize the mysterious resources in the Black and White Mountains.

“This isn’t just our decision. We’ve joined forces with the Three-Eyed Cult. You’d better think carefully before you act. If you really don’t provide the manpower, we’ll explain later!”

This is clearly a threat; if they don’t comply, they will retaliate later.

“Each village contributes people based on its population size, but they must be newborns.”

Qin Ming immediately understood that these people were afraid of the light within the nodes and wanted to find someone to go in and search for them in their place. They really didn’t treat the newcomers in the villages as human beings and didn’t care about their lives.

“I’ll go!” Qin Ming insisted on sending Old Man Liu, Xu Yueping, Yang Yongqing and the others back. For a small village like theirs, one person was enough.

He calmly followed the newcomers of Jinji Ridge into the mountains, but the murderous intent in his heart gradually boiled over.