In the previous chapter, Qin Ming had received three strands of otherworldly light. Although he was covered in black from head to toe, no injuries marred his body. Instead, he felt more invigorated than ever.
As he circulated the Li Huo Sutra, he sensed a powerful vitality surging through him, waves of heat cascading over his body. It felt like a baptism, cleansing and purifying him, nourishing his spirit.
Qin Ming was astonished. This truly was an extraordinary skill, seemingly capable of refining one’s body and spirit. His constitution had actually improved since he began training.
“This Li Huo Sutra is remarkable. Once understood, it can gradually mutate the body. Over time, it can yield tremendous benefits,” he pondered.
He felt that he was stronger now than during his battle in the desert. This tangible transformation fueled his desire to persist in rigorous training.
After freshening up to wash away the traces of thunder and fire, his black hair glistened with water droplets, his physique appeared sleek, radiant, and his life force significantly enhanced.
Soon after, Qin Ming arrived at the lord's manor, saying, “Uncle Meng, you called for me?”
Meng Xinghai replied, “We’re about to venture into the outer realms. Do not recklessly enter the Thunder Fire Refinement Hall anymore. Keep your body in its best condition.”
“I just want to become stronger and achieve something in the outer realms,” Qin Ming expressed earnestly.
Meng Xinghai smiled, “Yes, I knew you were eager for advancement recently. Don’t tire yourself out; everything is prepared for you.”
He pointed to two boxes on the tea table and continued, “One contains a rare skill, and the other holds a precious spiritual substance that can significantly enhance your power.”
Qin Ming could not suppress his joy. Having just trained in the Li Huo technique, hearing such great news felt like a double blessing; his strength could rise once more.
Eagerly, he opened the box containing the secret manual. A look of confusion crossed his face as he read, “Golden Silkworm Technique? Is this related to the exotic creatures?”
He had heard before that some special texts imitated higher life forms, but the powers they ultimately manifested far exceeded those of the original creatures.
“This book isn’t closely related to the high-level exotic creature, the Golden Silkworm. It merely borrows the name,” Meng Xinghai said, his expression growing serious as he shared details.
If Qin Ming could master this extraordinary skill, he might even encounter an even more remarkable scripture.
Qin Ming’s eyes widened in surprise. “The name ‘Golden Silkworm’ is just a disguise? There’s an even more powerful scripture behind it?”
Meng Xinghai nodded. “When I prepared the rebirth method, I considered the long-term. Unfortunately, I lack the ability to help you obtain that more precious scripture. If you can master this one and gain recognition, you may be able to see the other.”
Qin Ming felt energized and immediately began to study, eager to discover its marvels.
He soon understood why it was called the Golden Silkworm Technique. The techniques recorded in this manual allowed practitioners to produce a light akin to silken threads, forming a protective cocoon around their bodies with incredible defense capabilities.
Moreover, when practiced to a certain depth, it could absorb rare golden essence, making the silken light even more resilient and indestructible.
“Is it mainly for defense in the early stages?” Qin Ming asked, a thought crossing his mind. Recently he had acquired several defensive secret arts, like the Golden Armor Technique and the Golden Light Shield, which were formidable.
Unfortunately, he had only initially cultivated the Diamond Force and Golden Light Force. Without consuming the Tri-Color Flower or entering the Thunder Fire Refinement Hall to absorb the otherworldly light, it would be difficult to elevate them further.
Meng Xinghai replied, “Many solid techniques are indeed powerful, but too rigid can lead to breakage. The Golden Silkworm Technique balances flexibility and strength, offering infinite possibilities. Moreover, if you look further back in the text, its attacking power is fearsome.”
Qin Ming continued to read, his expression becoming serious. This was indeed a remarkable skill. Without discussing the later chapters, even just the applications of the heavenly light technique were incredibly fearsome.
The silken threads, when refined deeply, could shoot outward rapidly, piercing opponents with great speed.
Even at higher levels, the golden silken threads transformed from the heavenly light could move chaotically, shredding through others’ light and weapons, as if twisting through space.
Qin Ming’s spirit soared. “I wish I could master it immediately and spar with the outer disciples!”
Meng Xinghai reminded him, “In the rebirth realm, it primarily enhances your defensive capabilities. As for other aspects, you'll need to consider them when you step into the Outer Sage realm.”
“Uncle Meng, are you worried I might face danger in that spiritual cave? That’s why you found me such a defensive technique. But in a short time, though I can grasp the basics, how can I elevate the total amount of heavenly light?” Qin Ming asked, knowing this kind of extraordinary skill would demand immense energy.
Meng Xinghai first added calming incense to the purple copper incense burner before replying, “Just begin by mastering the Golden Silkworm Force. I’ll take care of the rest.”
Qin Ming’s eyes sparkled with expectation as he looked at him.
Meng Xinghai didn’t elaborate further, merely informing him that the great gift could elevate his total amount of heavenly light.
“By the way, with the arrival of early spring, secret teachings, blessed grounds, and some special prestigious academies will start selecting disciples. Hmm, the annual examination is about to begin; you won't need to participate in the preliminaries this year. As the City Lord, it’s still feasible to recognize you as the city’s top student. Of course, if you wish to be more ambitious, there will be a competition later on, and it’s inevitable. For instance, striving to be first in larger cities brings many benefits.”
“I’ll focus on improving my strength first!” Qin Ming declared, for soon he would head into the outer realms and could not solely rely on Li Qingyue’s protection.
Moreover, if the opportunity arose, he wanted to have a few sparring exchanges with certain outer disciples.
Meng Xinghai nodded, “Yes, you’re right. Recently, don’t get distracted. In the times to come, the conflict among the outer disciples will be the focus, attracting much attention from all sides. Now you’re basically preparing for battle.”
“I’m a newcomer, not an outer disciple. By the way, Uncle Meng, since the spiritual cave holds such rich otherworldly light, the spiritual substance it once contained hasn’t dissipated, right? If I accept the baptism there, wouldn’t I undergo another rebirth?” Qin Ming inquired.
“Don’t act recklessly; the otherworldly light there is exceedingly violent. You’re not secretly longing to step up your realm swiftly and spar with the outer disciples, are you?” Meng Xinghai looked at him with a teasing smile. “Fortunately, your cultivation is insufficient, making it hard for you to steal the spotlight.”
“Not at all! I can tell who the main players on that battlefield are; I’m merely seeking a chance to gain experience.” Qin Ming chuckled, then took his leave, preparing for his fifth rebirth.
That night, he opened the jade jar filled with a purple, shimmering liquid, flowing with hazy light and rich spiritual essence that couldn't disperse.
Qin Ming tilted his head and drank it all down. Suddenly, he felt his entire body heat up, as if igniting, with vibrant vitality coursing through him.
This wasn’t his first experience. He had been through this before and remained unconcerned, first practicing the rebirth method in the manual, before delving into the Golden Silkworm Technique.
Qin Ming could distinctly feel his constitution improving, a comprehensive enhancement altering everything from strength to perception.
The fifth rebirth primarily showcased his body’s resilience—simply put, he became tougher. The sixth rebirth could potentially grant him a special ability.
That night, after sleeping, his golden silk jade attire reappeared. Unfortunately, he did not dream of his grandfather, nor did he see his younger self.
Because, in his childhood, before joining the Cui family, all those experiences of learning from the silk book had been completely recalled during his last rebirth.
In the early morning, Qin Ming sighed, wondering if his grandfather was still alive. The old man had said he could live for another ten years, but it had been thirteen years since then.
“I’m not strong enough! Otherwise, I would directly ask those important members of the Cui family.”
He shelved those thoughts and focused on studying the Golden Silkworm Technique.
That evening, he completed his fifth rebirth, significantly enhancing his perception, speed, and physical resilience. His strength exceeded six thousand pounds.
Without a doubt, his power was soaring rapidly.
Qin Ming did not go outside. He knew this wasn’t enough; he earnestly comprehended the Golden Silkworm Technique, continuously practicing in the courtyard.
On the fifth day, he successfully cultivated the Golden Silkworm Force, strands of golden light emerging from his skin, akin to sprouts breaking through the earth, infused with vigor, yet still unable to weave into a net—just barely touching the basics.
But that was enough; Meng Xinghai had already prepared a great gift for him to continue enhancing his abilities.
In recent days, news regarding the outer disciples’ competition indeed spread from various places, drawing widespread attention.
Eventually, even the topic of the examination was overshadowed.
This was mainly because the path of the outer disciples was extremely formidable; any fluctuations would capture the world’s attention, especially with a group of core disciples about to compete.
Now in each city’s tea houses and restaurants, many were discussing this topic passionately.
Upon entering the lord’s manor, Qin Ming found Meng Xinghai having a guest—a familiar-looking young man.
“Chonghe? No, it’s Brother Qin Ming! Long time no see!” The young man stood up, beaming with a smile. His lips were red and teeth white, and his eyes sparkled with energy, suggesting he possessed considerable strength.
Qin Ming recalled who he was; he had met him in Qinghe City. His name was Li Qingxiao, now likely fourteen years old. He was Li Qingxu’s cousin.
“Indeed, it’s been a while,” Qin Ming nodded in acknowledgment.
“I originally planned to come here to earn some recognition from Uncle Meng to be named the top in this city. I didn’t expect Brother Qin Ming to get there first. Well, I won’t contend with you; I’ll choose another city,” Li Qingxiao said with a smile.
Qin Ming smirked faintly, not believing this cunning young man was unaware of his presence here beforehand.
He guessed that during his battle in the desert against a black-clad woman and an Outer Sage afterward, those old acquaintances wondered who had done it.
Qin Ming suspected that Li Qingxiao indeed wanted to choose a city to gain recognition while passing through here, hoping to collect some information.
Li Qingxiao sighed, “I didn’t expect Brother Qin to be this impressive, silently taking the top spot here. No wonder my cousin speaks so highly of you.”
Qin Ming didn’t bother to respond; everyone knew the enmity between him and Li Qingxu. The young man mentioning this wasn’t done with goodwill.
“Choose another city; go ahead,” Meng Xinghai began to usher him out.
Li Qingxiao insisted on staying, saying, “Uncle Meng, you’re really biased! Even when I sit here for a while, you chase me away, yet Brother Qin is treated so well.”
With a smile, he said to Qin Ming, “My cousin says that you two will undoubtedly meet again in the future. He holds you in very high regard; those past matters are merely misunderstandings.”
“Hmm.” Qin Ming responded with a single word.
Seeing him unresponsive, Li Qingxiao continued, “My cousin said that in the future, Brother Qin will surely scale the heights on the rebirth path and eventually enter the outer realms.”
Was this a high compliment? Placed in the outside world, an ordinary newcomer might feel highly encouraged; it was a significant recognition from an outer disciple.
However, Li Qingxu’s evaluation of Qin Ming meant very little good.
The implication was clear: Qin Ming must strive to rise, only reaching the pinnacle could he enter the outer realms to meet Li Qingxu.
Of course, there was an underlying message—what do the experts on the rebirth path seek in the outer realm? To become a Jade Armor Guardian or a Divine Armor Guardian.
Meng Xinghai revealed an unpleasant expression, saying, “Don’t stir trouble. Besides, your cousin should focus more on the competition among the outer disciples; he might not be able to obtain that item from the spiritual cave.”
“I believe he won’t be able to,” Qin Ming said.
Li Qingxiao kept a broad smile, saying, “Let’s wait and see; the competition among the outer disciples will begin shortly.”
The clock struck midnight, and there were still updates to be shared; it was just about to go online. Thanks to all the supporters for their continued encouragement.