Shen Jiayun felt her body stiffen slightly. She could clearly sense the air vibrating from the tip of the spear nearby, as if it had brushed against her.
This was the first time someone else had helped her put on that hairpin. She pulled out a blue flower from her long, flowing hair and held it in her hand.
Qin Ming put away the spear and turned to return it.
The owner of the purple-gold spear felt a bit awkward. Earlier, when he lent the spear, he had been boasting about how it was like indirectly battling Nie Rui. It was clearly just flattery.
Now that he had the weapon back in his hands, how could he continue to praise Nie Rui? Should he boast that his spear had defeated the strongest twin stars of Chixia City in twenty years?
He thought it would be better to keep the spear at home. Using it again would be too eye-catching, reminding everyone of today’s battle, and it would serve as a constant reminder that Nie Rui and Shen Jiayun had both lost to the same person.
Mu Qing dared to speak up, saying, “You should keep that spear well; it has sentimental value.”
The young noble holding the spear suddenly felt uncomfortable, his embarrassment doubling.
At this point, many people began to regain their senses. It was hard to imagine that Nie Rui and Shen Jiayun had lost to a boy whose physical abilities were not as strong as theirs.
“That boy’s spear technique has a raw and unrefined charm to it, cutting through the line between life and death with simplicity, revealing the true essence of combat!”
Several nobles in their thirties commented. They had already experienced three rebirths and had keen insights.
“The killing intent was restrained at first, seeming leisurely, like listening to spring rain, and suddenly it connected with the thunder from the sky. The spear’s shadow exploded like lightning; it was indeed not simple.”
The stunning twin stars of Chixia City tasted defeat in a remote area, and it was against their peer. This naturally had a significant impact; if word got out, few would believe it.
But the real outcome was right there, witnessed by a group of young nobles.
“Such elegance! That one strike was truly dazzling,” a noble girl whispered.
“Hey, I noticed Shen Jiayun was momentarily lost in thought while holding the flower,” another remarked.
Shen Jiayun gracefully landed on the back of a black tiger, leaving with a group of nobles as the people around dispersed.
Before parting, the twin stars of Chixia City had taken a moment to chat with Qin Ming, expressing that the Night Mist world was vast and mysterious. They looked forward to meeting again in the future when they would all be at greater heights.
As the young nobles left, they cast several deep glances at Qin Ming.
Some even came over to chat briefly, saying that if he ever visited Chixia City, he could look them up.
This battle was purely coincidental, but it had indeed made Qin Ming’s name known to many before he even entered Chixia City.
To many, although his physical abilities were not among the strongest, his combat techniques, which turned the ordinary into the extraordinary, left a deep impression. His talent for battle was rare, making him quite remarkable and a rising star.
“Who would have thought he was so powerful that he managed to impress Nie Rui? After this battle, Nie Rui no longer hesitates and is set on a different path.”
In the Black and White Mountains, other young nobles were surprised to hear this. Some even came to see what Qin Ming was like.
Cao Long, Mu Qing, and Wei Zhirou helped Qin Ming avoid a lot of trouble, and things gradually calmed down.
“Qin Ming, after the spring of next year, make sure to arrive at Chixia City by summer at the latest. But it’s a pity that your strength is still a bit low,” Mu Qing said.
“Ah?” Qin Ming was puzzled.
Wei Zhirou explained, “At that time, there might be opportunities to access higher-level knowledge, even some high-level techniques that are usually kept secret. You might learn a part of it.”
Cao Long added, “The Great City will be selecting people then. As long as you shine brightly, you might get a chance to change your fate.”
If Qin Ming hadn’t unexpectedly fought with Nie Rui and Shen Jiayun today and won, Cao Long and Mu Qing wouldn’t have said these things to him since it wouldn’t have mattered much.
“If it doesn’t work out, you can study in Chixia City for a year and wait for the next opportunity. If you can experience three rebirths, your chances will increase, and you might enter a more renowned Great City.”
They knew that those with a golden foundation could soon experience a second rebirth, but that wasn’t enough. Unless one had “divine wisdom,” special abilities, or rare talents, it would be hard to be valued early.
Xu Yueping and Yang Yongqing understood that once spring arrived, Qin Ming would likely leave this place.
Qin Ming learned more about the situation. Since it was casual conversation, he asked many other questions, but they were all unintentional.
For example, when discussing what spiritual materials could help with rebirth, Cao Long casually mentioned mineral essence, and Qin Ming took the chance to ask for details.
“Mineral essence is an active substance extracted from mineral veins. Drinking it can enhance physical abilities, but whether it leads to rebirth depends on luck. Even so, it is still very expensive.”
“Why?” Qin Ming asked.
Cao Long replied, “Because as long as it’s your first time taking mineral essence, it can enhance your physique, regardless of how many rebirths you’ve had, and there’s a fifty percent chance it can lead to rebirth.”
Wei Zhirou added, “That’s what makes it so precious. It’s favored by some older folks who find it hard to progress because regular methods can no longer help them, but mineral essence offers a possibility.”
Qin Ming asked, “Does it have no effect if taken a second time?”
Mu Qing said, “Not that it has no effect at all; it’s just about one-tenth of the first time. Also, unless you can get higher-grade mineral essence, like a bright red one that resembles the glow of sunset, known as the blood of the earth, you won’t see even one or two bottles in Chixia City in a year.”
From her words, it was clear that there were higher-grade mineral essences that could only be found in the Great City.
Qin Ming knew they would likely leave in two or three days, so he chatted a bit more and casually asked various questions.
When the topic of mysterious materials in nodes came up, he couldn’t help but want to understand the special qualities of sheep fat jade iron.
The three were also very interested in this topic and engaged in lively discussion.
“Every time the light of day falls, it nurtures many incredible things. Some extremely rare materials, when refined into mysterious weapons, can be passed down through generations and protect and prosper a family. There are even unique mysterious materials that can be used to stabilize a nation.”
Cao Long’s eyes sparkled with excitement. This was why he was actively searching in the mountains; the materials born in the nodes could be of any level.
“Sheep fat jade iron may not be the rarest, but it’s incredibly valuable, far surpassing ordinary iron, and has great utility.”
Finally, the three mentioned the information Qin Ming wanted to know.
Sheep fat jade iron doesn’t require extensive refining; even refining it a thousand times doesn’t enhance it. Its material is excellent, and once made into weapons, it can cut through the scales of giant beasts, posing a significant threat to those protected by the light of day.
But that’s not the most important thing, as some other materials can also be tough and sharp.
“The weapons made from sheep fat jade iron, if damaged and not severely so, can be nurtured by the light of day, slowly restoring themselves.”
Qin Ming was amazed; such weapons or armor were indeed quite extraordinary.
“The most remarkable thing about sheep fat jade iron is that holding it allows one to slay certain special beings.”
This statement shocked Qin Ming, making him realize how little he understood about this world.
Mu Qing explained, “In this vast and boundless dark world, how many places have fire springs? Each dazzling Great City, while brilliant, is just a weak firefly in the endless night. The more expansive regions are pitch black, like a deep abyss, filled with things that are hard to describe or explain. Sometimes, you need rare weapons like sheep fat jade iron to deal with them.”
Qin Ming asked her to elaborate, as he was completely in the dark.
Mu Qing elaborated, “For example, there are things you can’t see with your eyes. Stabbing them with a regular spear is useless; the spear tip feels like it’s stuck in the air. But if you use a weapon made from sheep fat jade iron, one strike might produce a series of strange blood flowers, killing certain beings.”
Qin Ming sighed, “I know nothing about these things in remote areas. This dark and boundless world is truly mysterious.”
Wei Zhirou spoke up, “Why do some secret sects worship deities? It’s because of the various unknowns and mysteries; some things cannot be spoken of or explained.”
Old Liu patted his chest and said, “Good thing we don’t have that here.”
Mu Qing laughed, “How do you know we don’t? It exists; ordinary people just can’t see it.”
“Don’t scare me; the older you get, the more timid you become. I still want to live for several more decades.”
Cao Long said, “Don’t worry; even we have never seen it.”
Qin Ming thought for a moment and asked, “Are outsiders really powerful?”
Wei Zhirou nodded, “Some outsiders have paths that are incredibly glorious, hard to compare to.”
“How strong are they?” Qin Ming asked, eager to know, as the boy who had severely injured him wore feathered clothing and should be one of those outsiders.
Mu Qing replied, “Don’t think too much about it. Right now, just focus on improving yourself. Once you enter the Great City and your strength rises again, if it’s discovered that you have special talents, you can change your path.”
Although they didn’t say much, it was enough to indicate how terrifying outsiders could be.
Moreover, from what they said, it seemed they had already changed their paths.
Qin Ming pondered for a bit and realized they were not ordinary reborn individuals; one had already taken the path of the Giant Spirit God, and the one with a tail, Wei Zhirou, must also have something special about her.
After another sleepless night, Qin Ming finally fell into a dream, which brought him complete relief. Not being able to sleep was truly painful.
During this time, the giant beasts from Chixia City transported grain carts across snow-blocked mountain roads, finally delivering food. The entire region erupted in excitement.
Although the grain prices were slightly high, considering the transportation costs, it was still a very sincere price, primarily aimed at alleviating the crisis.
“No need to rush to buy; don’t worry, the grain prices won’t rise, and more will keep coming.”
Cao Long, Mu Qing, Wei Zhirou, and others were already packing their things, preparing to head back. However, news came from the mountains that multiple special nodes had been discovered in a large canyon area, and more nodes were being found.
Immediately, three teams rushed into the mountains, asking Qin Ming, Old Liu, and others to lead the way.
This time, some old folks were also in the group, including Cao Long’s uncle, who had eaten the longevity tree.
The black goat that Yang Yongqing was sitting on immediately urinated in respect upon seeing him.
Old Liu’s big yellow dog also reacted, relieving itself right away.
Seeing this, Cao Long’s uncle nearly got his nose bent from anger, shouting that he wanted to eat black goat meat and yellow dog meat.
Everyone else wanted to laugh but could only hold it in.
“After we get you to the place, you don’t need to participate anymore; it’s too dangerous there!” Cao Long said.
Undoubtedly, this would be their last action before leaving, and a major battle was likely to break out, with nodes appearing densely and various parties fighting fiercely.
In fact, after Old Liu led the group to the canyon, he immediately took Qin Ming, Xu Yueping, and Yang Yongqing and turned back, heading straight for the village.
Old Liu said, “Ninety-nine bows have already been completed, and everything has been safe. We just need to avoid this last tremor. We must stay far away from there and keep our safety line; as long as nothing happens, that’s good!”
Although Qin Ming felt somewhat confident that he wouldn’t be eroded by the light of day once he entered the node and could remain safe inside, he still held back.
At this time, not only would the people from Chixia City go mad, but the strange beings in the mountains would likely be drawn over as well.
However, some local organizations were forcing villages to send people to join them in the mountain actions.
The messenger was a newcomer from Jinjiling, riding a fast-running chicken. He was merely a lackey this time, acting on orders, as a real bandit had come to Jinjiling.
In the final stages, they too had turned mad, wanting to seize the mysterious materials in the Black and White Mountains.
“This isn’t just our family’s decision; we’ve teamed up with the Three-Eyed Sect. You all should weigh your options; if you don’t send anyone, there will be consequences later!”
This was clearly a threat; if they didn’t comply, they would face retaliation later.
“Each village should send people based on their population, but they must be newcomers.”
Qin Ming immediately understood that these people feared the light of day in the nodes and wanted to find someone to replace them to search inside. They clearly didn’t see the newcomers from each village as human and didn’t care about their lives.
“I’ll go!” Qin Ming insisted on pushing Old Liu, Xu Yueping, and Yang Yongqing back. For a small village like theirs, sending one person was enough.
He calmly followed the newcomer from Jinjiling into the mountains, but the killing intent in his heart gradually boiled over.