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Novel: [Night Without Boundaries]
Chapter 102: [The Great Pioneering Era]
Author: [Chen Dong]
Translator: [Shadow Knight AK]
Editor: [Shadow Knight AK]
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Qin Ming was training his Spiritual Sparrow, having not yet transferred Tang Xumi's spiritual consciousness into the crimson bird.
He planned to "arrange" this when they entered the Spiritual Cave.
"You're still in the mood to play with birds?" Meng Xinghai arrived, surprised to find him so relaxed.
"I'm emulating the ancient masters," Qin Ming replied. "Maintaining composure in the face of great events."
Meng Xinghai cautioned, "Be careful tonight. Only you and the other Core Disciples are allowed to stay in Mount Luo Fu Immortal Town. The rest of us have to remain outside the town."
Qin Ming's expression turned serious. "Do you think Outsider disciples would dare to make a move within the town?"
"Normally, they wouldn't," Meng Xinghai said, "but we can't rule out the possibility of an unexpected incident."
"I'm probably the lowest-ranked cultivator in Mount Luo Fu Immortal Town," Qin Ming said, gripping his Jade Iron Sword. "I really should be on guard."
"Don't worry," Meng Xinghai chuckled. "Just let Qingyue protect you."
Qin Ming dodged the teasing and asked, "Uncle Meng, among Qingyue's rivals, the Golden-Armored Guards, and the other powerful figures, who should I be particularly wary of?"
"The Core Disciples competing this time have all reached the second realm—the Yellow Court—though most of them are newly ascended," Meng Xinghai explained.
He assured Qin Ming that Li Qingyue could handle these opponents herself.
Qin Ming sighed, "Look at their names—Heart Purification, Yellow Court—all rooted in classical texts, each with a clear origin. Then look at our path... who even came up with these realm names?"
Meng Xinghai replied, "Our names arose from the practical circumstances of the Great Environment back then. They were simply what we called things based on what we saw."
"Practical!" Qin Ming could only praise the Founding Ancestors of this path.
Meng Xinghai sighed, "In the early days, after the sun vanished, Fire Springs emerged, Giant Beasts roamed rampant, and dangerous, mysterious plants proliferated, threatening our very survival. During that era, the pioneers who forged the Path of Awakening made tremendous contributions. They relied on constant physical Mutation to battle the Giant Beasts and eradicate vast swathes of terrifying plants."
Thus, the name "Awakening" truly held profound meaning, representing the entire race's awakening during that dangerous era.
"The title 'Outer Saint' was truly deserved in that era. After multiple awakenings, individuals reached a critical point where their Heavenly Light began to radiate outward. No longer passive and powerless against the Giant Beasts with their strange abilities, they could now slay mysterious creatures, cut down terrifying mountain-sized monstrous plants, and safeguard their territories. They truly earned the title of 'Saint.'"
Therefore, the title "Outer Saint" remained in use for a long time.
Everything changed with the emergence of the Ancient Method.
As humanity established its foothold, ancient religious texts were rediscovered, gradually giving rise to Outsiders and masters of the Esoteric Sects.
From that point onward, the term "Outer Saint" gradually fell out of favor, even being mocked as "Outer Nephew."
Most of the time, people simply referred to them as "Manifestation," which aptly described their outward-radiating Heavenly Light.
"Were all those dangerous monsters, mountain-sized plants, and elusive creatures—the unpredictable 'Spirit-like' beings—eradicated?" Qin Ming asked, his interest piqued by this historical period.
Unfortunately, ancient texts contained little detailed information about these events.
Meng Xinghai shook his head. "How could they all be eradicated? You don't think the Night Mist World we know today is the entirety of it, do you? It's merely a corner we've carved out."
"Just a corner of the world?" Qin Ming was genuinely shocked.
Even after regaining his memories, he had never learned this. No one in the Cui Clan had ever discussed such matters with him.
More importantly, the upper echelons seemed to be deliberately concealing the truth about the world, with records in various documents remaining vague and ambiguous.
Meng Xinghai nodded. "The Night Mist is endless, and the dark realm stretches without limit. We have no idea how vast it truly is. Though we've stabilized our position and seem to have the upper hand, our knowledge of the Night Mist World's depths remains limited."
"For now, we're halting further expansion. If we were to continue pushing forward, there's no telling what species we might encounter. No one knows what terrifying creatures lie ahead—likely even godlike beings."
He continued, "We're fortunate to live in this era, having already grown strong and temporarily seized the initiative. However, as our population continues to grow, the supply of high-grade Fire Springs will become insufficient, and our colossal cities will need to expand."
"When that time comes, we'll likely have to embark on another Great Expansion Era. When that happens, don't be surprised by any bizarre species you encounter or any strange phenomena you discover. It's even possible to glimpse hidden realms deep within the Night Mist World."
"The Great Expansion Era, the Great Pioneering Era..." Qin Ming murmured. The very names stirred a young man's blood, making him yearn to participate in such monumental events.
It was clear that against this grand backdrop, countless extraordinary figures would rise, rapidly growing into pillars of their respective paths.
Undoubtedly, it would be an era overflowing with heroes, a time when the stars shone with unparalleled brilliance.
Yet, upon reflection, it was equally clear that if another Great Expansion War were to erupt and the Great Pioneering Era were to return, countless lives would inevitably be lost.
Glory, splendor, blood... many imaginable scenes would accompany the rise of powerful figures, lending greater weight and significance to their achievements.
But countless youthful dreams would also shatter, their bearers becoming mere bones along the path of the Great Expansion Era and the Great Pioneering Era, utterly insignificant.
Meng Xinghai said, "It's too early to discuss these matters. The higher-ups won't speak of them publicly either, as they're all extremely cautious. After all, no one truly knows what lies deep within the vast Night Mist World. Despite centuries of exploration, its depths remain a mystery."
The two ended their discussion and turned to the immediate practical concerns.
"Each Core Disciple can bring four Golden-Armored Guards into the competition," Meng Xinghai explained. "There are some truly formidable individuals among them, like Tan Yu from Luo Yue City. Rumor has it he had already mastered over ten types of Heavenly Light Force during his Awakening phase."
"Over ten types?" Qin Ming calculated.
He himself had already mastered over a dozen, many of which were powerful composite techniques.
Moreover, the fusion of two Extraordinary Techniques had triggered a dramatic evolution in his Heavenly Light Force.
He mused that while his raw power might not match theirs due to his lower cultivation realm, with the Heavenly Light Force enhancement, he should be able to hold his own against certain opponents.
"A young man named Chen Shuhang has mastered the Five-Colored Thunder Fire Force," Meng Xinghai continued, highlighting another dangerous contender.
"This is a renowned technique with immense destructive power, capable of injuring Outsiders of the same cultivation level."
His expression turned serious. "There are even rumors that a nominal disciple from that Ancient Daoist Sect, the one that sealed its mountain for two hundred years, has emerged."
"What kind of Dao Lineage is that? With such a prestigious background," Qin Ming asked, surprised.
Meng Xinghai said solemnly, "He had Mastered the Jade Pure Force, which is profound and unfathomable, he should be no weaker than those who wield the Heaven-Shattering Force or Tathagata Force. This sect is secluded and maintains a very low profile."
He added, "Fortunately, he's just a nominal disciple, so he probably hasn't learned the true Jade Pure Force yet."
Meng Xinghai took a sip of tea and continued, "Also, there's a rumor that someone from the secluded Five Elements Palace has also emerged—a young man invited to lend his strength. If he has truly mastered the Five Elements Force, he would be a formidable and dangerous opponent, especially among your generation."
Qin Ming remarked, "It seems these secluded Dao Lineages are becoming more active. Could this signal the dawn of a new era of expansion for the various sects? Are the figures hidden within the Night Mist-shrouded Spirit Mountains about to descend into the world?"
Meng Xinghai replied, "While that trend is indeed emerging, this particular event is primarily about the Core Disciples from Beyond the Mortal Realm competing for an Immortal artifact. It's like the Eight Immortals crossing the sea, each displaying their unique abilities. Everyone is seeking allies, which is understandable."
He then commented on several other individuals, including the Former Disciple of the Tathagata and Cui Chongxuan, all of whom had mastered the extraordinary Heavenly Light Force.
Based on this information, Qin Ming began to assess his potential rivals.
Meng Xinghai reassured him, "Don't feel pressured. You won't need to intervene. Besides, apart from the specially invited few, the true Golden-Armored Guards are of only average strength."
As he explained, this age was the prime of youthful ambition.
Who would willingly become someone else's follower?
Relatively speaking, the Outer Saints who appeared here were those who had lost their way, forced into this path by a lack of hope for the future.
"Apart from a handful of temporary reinforcements, the truly exceptional talents are all participating in the annual Great Examination. They won't abandon their prospects at this stage."
Meng Xinghai sighed softly. "Among the geniuses taking the Great Examination, some will eventually join the Beyond the Mortal Realm as Jade-Armored Guards after many years. The most remarkable ones will endure even longer, ultimately becoming Divine Armor Guards."
Qin Ming was speechless.
So, everyone on this path eventually becomes someone else's follower?
The more talented they are, the later they compromise, ultimately forced to accept the harsh reality.
"Unless you can achieve rapid breakthroughs after reaching major realms like Manifestation and Spirit Field, you'll spend a decade of arduous cultivation just to climb a small step. Can you endure that?"
"There must be a way," Qin Ming mused, realizing that the Overlord's strength was growing at a decent pace.
Meng Xinghai had departed, unable to linger in Mount Luo Fu Immortal Town.
Li Qingyue returned, having received guidance from her sect elders.
"With only contenders remaining in town, tonight might not be peaceful," Qin Ming remarked.
"They wouldn't dare attack us. You can sleep in the room next to mine," Li Qingyue replied with a faint smile, radiating confidence.
As one of the most favored contenders, she had every reason to be assured.
She had already retrieved the golden armor for Qin Ming and introduced him to three others—two men and a woman—who had been following her for over a year.
Apart from Qin Ming, Li Qingyue hadn't recruited any additional allies, relying solely on her original three Golden-Armored Guards.
"Let's go for a walk," she suggested.
Qin Ming was surprised. "At a time like this, we should be keeping a low profile, not venturing outside."
Li Qingyue, clad in white robes, her raven hair gleaming with luster, her flawless face radiant like a divine flower blooming against the icy wind—fresh yet dazzling—smiled.
"They should be afraid of me, dread me, not I should be wary of them. If I lacked such confidence and resolve, I wouldn't have come to contend for that legendary artifact."
"Alright!" Qin Ming stood up and followed her outside.
It was already dusk, the evening glow painting the Night Mist crimson. The Fire Spring in Mount Luo Fu Immortal Town flowed slowly, dividing the day from night.
The town was filled with ancient relics, remnants of a thousand years past.
Other Core Disciples strolled through the ancient streets, radiating confidence as entourages trailed behind them.
A crowd of Outsider disciples quickly gathered around Li Qingyue.
Qin Ming soon realized that these Outsider disciples centered around Li Qingyue, pledging to actively assist her after entering the Spiritual Cave.
This was the essence of being a Core Disciple: possessing sufficient prestige to attract disciples who saw little hope for advancement on their own.
In truth, these disciples had already made private contact with Li Qingyue, forming the foundation of her future power base in the Beyond the Mortal Realm.
This arrangement was mutually beneficial.
The Outsider disciples, aware of their limitations, naturally gravitated toward a rising star destined for greatness.
Cui Chonghe had already left the ancient town, forbidden from spending the night there.
The junior brother he supported had emerged—a disciple of one of his senior uncle's disciples, possessing exceptional talent.
After receiving the Yin-Yang Grand Elixir, his strength had surged dramatically.
At that moment, Cui Chongxuan stood beside the young man, flanked by the Cui Clan's elite Golden-Armored Guards.
Qin Ming realized that the powerful Core Disciples had emerged to flex their "muscles," bolstering the confidence of their Outsider disciples.
Sure enough, he spotted Li Qingxu again.
What caught his attention was the golden-armored youth wielding a massive spear at Li Qingxu's side.
Qin Ming's heart stirred.
Could this be Li Qingxu's master, who had entrusted the Overlord's legacy to the lineage's Golden-Armored Guard?
"The Overlord's legacy may be easy to cultivate in its early stages, but can they truly grasp its profound meaning? It's meant for those who have reached the Spirit Field Realm and beyond!" Qin Ming mused skeptically.
Li Qingxu was also accompanied by a sizable group of Outsider disciples.
Soon, Qin Ming recognized familiar faces from Beyond the Mortal Realm, such as Lu Zhenyi and Chen Bingyan.
They seemed to be sticking together for mutual support.
Wang Caiwei appeared as well, her figure as graceful and radiant as ever, her dark hair flowing like silk.
She was surrounded by a group of people, including four exceptional young masters specially recruited by the Wang Clan.
These prodigies wielded the rare Heavenly Light Force, a legacy of extraordinary power.
"Brother Li!" Core Disciple Tang Xumi greeted, flashing a sincere smile.
A large group of followers stood behind him.
Qin Ming grinned back, revealing his pearly white teeth.
'You sly bird-chasing boy,' he thought, 'still playing the innocent act?'
Core Disciples continued to arrive, though Qin Ming recognized only a few.
"Li Qingxu, are your cousins among your Golden-Armored Guards? Is Li Qingxiao there? I heard someone kicked his ass recently and made him cry like a baby!"
Even in the Beyond the Mortal Realm, the Core Disciples were a diverse bunch.
Now, someone was deliberately provoking Li Qingxu, mocking him openly.
And the instigator was a young woman.
"Luo Qingge, you can't resist, can you? Eager to fight me already?" Li Qingxu retorted, glaring at his sworn rival.
He muttered to himself, "The one who humiliated my junior brother was crippled by three strikes of my staff. Yet he seems to be recovering... unexpected."
Li Qingyue suddenly interjected, "Li Qingxu, as long as I'm here, you won't get your hands on any Immortal artifacts. The man you attacked years ago was my close friend. It's time to settle that score. See you in the Spiritual Cave!"
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END OF CHAPTER
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