The embryonic form of Yujing might have already appeared. This set Qin Ming thinking along many lines. Perhaps its original disintegration and descent had not been an accident, or perhaps its "afterlife" had been arranged well in advance.
Now an unclaimed land, whoever managed to enter early and nourish themselves on its Dao resonance could become a Heavenly Immortal!
Yao Ruoxian said, "Some suspect that the earliest beings to enter Yujing will face no limits on their future achievements, perhaps even surpassing Heavenly Gods and Heavenly Immortals!"
After all, Yujing existed at an extraordinarily high tier. In ancient times, the prominent figures there had looked down upon all under heaven.
"My only fear is that going in means giving up one's freedom," Qin Ming said.
He had such a person by his side: Old Man Liu, also known as Liu Mo, who was suspected of being a Heavenly God who had fled Yujing.
In Qin Ming's view, rather than "journeying to the capital for the imperial exams" only to end up as a Heavenly God bound to a realm, it was far better to remain on the surface as an unfettered eight-sun stacker.
For the Newborn path, that corresponded to mastering the Eight Imperial Forces!
If one day he could cultivate the Eight Imperial Forces, his corresponding potential would reach the eighth realm.
If a being walking the mortal earth could firmly stand in such a realm, possessing peerless combat prowess, where could they not roam? What need was there to become a Heavenly God, confined within Yujing?
Yao Ruoxian spoke up. "You might be overthinking it. The constraints of ancient Yujing likely came from those prominent figures, not from the place itself."
As a member of the Dayu imperial family, her sources of information were far beyond the reach of ordinary people, and she was well aware of the rumors concerning high-tier deities fleeing Yujing.
She said solemnly, "Judging from the fragmented truths unearthed so far, some currents of history seem to move in cycles. Those in this era who seize the chance to be the first to break into Yujing will, eight times out of ten, become its high-ranking authorities, perhaps even the Lord of Yujing."
Qin Ming said, "Before such momentous matters, one ought to proceed with caution."
Yao Ruoxian nodded. What she had just voiced were merely optimistic judgments based on fragmented ancient truths. When the time truly came to make a choice, careful deliberation would be essential.
She chuckled. "When the critical juncture arrives, those old fellows will cherish their lives far more than we do."
Hearing this, Qin Ming took the opportunity to ask, "Why have the senior figures across the various paths run into problems with their cultivation? How does it mainly manifest?"
Yao Ruoxian said, "Each suffers their own anomalies. Some cough blood ceaselessly, their physical vitality suffering catastrophic failures. Others have the light of their minds clouded, splitting into conflicting personas. Their Dao cultivations are at risk of declining."
Qin Ming's expression grew solemn. For it to be this severe—did it have something to do with Yujing's fall?
"Could it be that certain scriptures are about to become useless scrap?" he murmured to himself. Was such a rumor truly coming to pass?
"It shouldn't come to that," Yao Ruoxian replied, shaking her head. "Going by the current situation, the most reasonable deduction made by various factions is that the true face of the world is emerging, such as the Night Ruins and other phenomena. The overarching environmental conditions of heaven and earth are shifting constantly, leaving some senior figures struggling to adapt."
She continued, "It starts with top-tier powerhouses, but it may eventually affect the likes of us, and ultimately spread to low-level cultivators. As long as one transitions smoothly and integrates into this worldly shift, all should be well."
Furthermore, the higher-ups believed this was actually a good thing: the world was completing itself, and after undergoing a baptism, the various paths might be able to progress even further.
Yao Ruoxian said, "You could consider it true gold being refined in the fire."
At present, the older generation was on edge. If things turned out differently from their deductions, the problem would become unimaginably dire and terrifying.
"Looking at it this way, will many grand experts gradually fade from view to wait out this dark hour?" Qin Ming considered this from his own perspective. For him, this was not a bad thing; it meant the broader environment would be safer.
Yao Ruoxian said, "Yes, more or less. Overall, heaven and earth favor trailblazers, effectively forcing the senior figures to make corresponding changes."
Qin Ming felt a surge of emotion. "In that case, our generation is bound to personally live through a grand era where a hundred schools of thought contend and a myriad paths compete."
He stayed there temporarily, waiting for Yao Ruoxian to help him locate a suitable blessed ground.
That same day, the Thunder King Bird returned, dejected and crestfallen. Clearly, its journey to meet its unrequited white moonlight had ended in defeat.
Looking downhearted, it said, "Mountain Lord, back on the Plain of Divine Demise, I thought you would end up dying alone of old age. Heavenly demon fairies, demonesses—you just cut them all down with one saber stroke. And yet..."
In the end, it had discovered that Qin Ming actually had several close female confidantes.
Meanwhile, the bird itself had been so proactive, so enthusiastic, only to be met with cold indifference. The blow to its pride was severe.
Qin Ming shook his head. "I warned you before: be better to yourself, don't make yourself look so cheap, and above all, don't move yourself to tears like some pathetic simp bird. I don't even know what to say to you anymore."
The Thunder King Bird engaged in some soul-searching, brooding all night. The next day, it was full of energy again, declaring, "I've realized the truth! I'm so powerful, with three heads and six wings, not inferior to her in any way. I need to be reserved, aloof, and carry myself with dignity!"
Then it swore an oath: "If I ever play the warm-hearted simp bird again, I'm a dog!"
It left once more and stayed away the entire day, returning only in the evening. This time, someone from the Princess Manor accompanied it—Yao Ruoxian's personal maidservant had come in person.
"Young Master Qin, you have to do something about it! It went way too far!" the pretty maidservant cried in accusation.
"What happened?" Qin Ming asked.
The Thunder King Bird hung its heads, looking rather embarrassed.
Yao Ruoxian's maidservant was seething with indignation. "It gave Her Highness's favorite Thunder Imperial Bird a sound beating! Yesterday it was all smiles and passion, and today it turned hostile without warning and started a vicious fight!"
Qin Ming stood dumbfounded. Was this the great awakening the Thunder King Bird had achieved after meditating for a night? It had leapt straight from one extreme to the other!
"I only wanted to spar with her! I accidentally broke her bones, that's all!" the Thunder King Bird argued defensively.
Qin Ming was completely at a loss for words. "..."
Yao Ruoxian was remarkably efficient. Two days later, word arrived that she had found a rare metal vein as well as a place rich in earth essence for Qin Ming.
Moreover, the two locations were adjacent to each other, both located in the southeastern territory of Dayu.
As for the "sea" he required, further inquiries were needed, as it involved the Night Ruins.
Qin Ming felt it was time to set off.
Yao Ruoxian said, "My imperial elder brother learned that you have arrived in Chongxiao City and wishes to invite you to a small gathering."
This was mainly because the Thunder King Bird had made a name for itself in a single battle. Over the past two days, many people had heard that a wild bird with three heads and six wings had barged into the Princess Manor and brutally beaten the Imperial Bird raised there.
News of the incident had spread through the relevant circles in Chongxiao City.
Consequently, after digging a bit deeper, some realized that Qin Ming had arrived.
His reputation was by no means small at this point. He was the figurehead of the Newborn path and an Immortal Seed who had forged a glorious record of victories along his journey.
"This gathering will also include cultivators from Pugong and people from Sky City," Yao Ruoxian informed him.
The Dayu imperial capital was one of the ten celebrated cities of Night Province. Even though many places had lost contact and resembled isolated islands, this city remained radiant and bustling.
In such an environment, travelers from beyond the province naturally prioritized places like Chongxiao City, as it was sufficiently secure, prosperous, and free from isolation.
Although Qin Ming wished to break through the fourth barrier immediately, Yao Ruoxian had provided immense assistance. With an imperial prince extending an invitation, it was difficult to refuse.
In a sizable estate featuring pavilions, towers, silver bamboo veiling a lake, and a garden bursting with exotic flowers and rare herbs, the scenery was thoroughly charming.
"Brother Qin." Yao Ruoxian's imperial elder brother, Yao Chengyu, approached with a genial smile. He carried himself with scholarly elegance and put on no airs, greeting Qin Ming warmly before introducing him to the others.
The reception hall was spacious and magnificent, its carved beams and painted rafters exquisitely wrought. Maidservants bustled about, serving tea and pastries.
Qin Ming was surprised to find that none of the guests were ordinary figures. For instance, Jian Huaidao from Pugong was the descendant of a seven-sun stacker.
In a certain sense, a seven-sun stacker was even more intimidating than an Earth Immortal; such beings had not altered their fundamental form, leaving an open path before them.
Jian Huaidao greeted him, "Brother Qin, we meet again."
Qin Ming replied with a smile, "Brother Jian."
This Jian Huaidao kept a low profile. He had appeared for a brief period before vanishing, without causing much of a stir in Night Province. It was unexpected to see him surface again today.
Back then, someone had praised him as being like a dragon—deep and fathomless.
Qin Ming struck up a conversation with him, partly because he was intrigued by Jian Huaidao's ancestor and wanted to know what state a seven-sun stacker truly embodied, and partly because he hoped to learn about the living sage in Pugong through him.
As one of the origins of Chaos force and the master of Past Rulai, rumors had long circulated that this figure was coming to Night Province, yet his shadow had not been seen for all this time.
Jian Huaidao sighed. "That elder is extraordinarily formidable, unfathomable to the extreme. Even an established Earth Immortal would likely be no match for him."
Qin Ming wanted to know if the sage would fly into a rage over Past Rulai being crippled, and whether he had already set out.
The Thunder King Bird, having taken human form, had tagged along. Unable to restrain itself, it blurted out, "That sage is probably still riding a dragon on his way here, isn't he?"
Several people nearby chuckled. Indeed, that terrifying powerhouse of the Newborn path had existed perpetually in rumor; word always claimed he was departing, yet he never seemed to arrive.
Qin Ming shot the bird a glare, warning it to keep quiet. That figure was an elder of the Rulai Sect and one of the founders of Chaos force. If he truly descended, he would bring immense pressure upon everyone.
"It will probably be a while longer," Jian Huaidao replied.
"I heard the overarching environment in Pugong has changed as well. Are the senior figures experiencing discomfort in their cultivation?" Qin Ming asked.
Jian Huaidao replied, "It's similar to Night Province. The powerhouses are all on edge, adjusting their states."
He added, "Brother Qin, you need to exercise caution. Those who practice Chaos force in Pugong consider themselves orthodox. When some heard you defeated Sun Chengjun and that Past Rulai suffered a crushing defeat, the core successors of that lineage were left holding a grudge. Once they cross the border, there's a high probability they will challenge you."
Qin Ming was taken aback. "How do they compare to Little Rulai?"
Jian Huaidao said, "Little Rulai can be considered one of the core successors. However, certain individuals in Pugong hold exceptionally elevated status, such as descendants of the sage, or prodigies personally instructed by the sage."
Yao Ruoxian was also present. Hearing this, she remarked with surprise, "Could they be that sage's closed-door disciples?"
Jian Huaidao shook his head. "They do not hold the formal title of master and disciple."
Yet they clearly possessed the substance of that relationship, which was remarkable in itself.
"Thank you for the warning," Qin Ming nodded.
A short while later, Qin Ming spotted a young woman wrapped in bandages. Catching the peculiar look in the Thunder King Bird's eyes, he immediately understood who she was.
"Three-Heads, get over here!" She was the Thunder Imperial Bird in human form, her right arm fractured in multiple places. Glaring furiously at her kin, she was beside herself with rage.
"What of it? Want another beating?" the Thunder King Bird replied insolently. Having achieved its great awakening, it was entirely different from before.
The young woman was infuriated. "Fine, you're ruthless! Since you want to fight, I'll find someone for you. Come on!"
Seeing this, Qin Ming made no move to stop them. Inside an imperial prince's manor, nothing serious would happen.
"Brother Qin, I have long heard of your renowned name," a young man approached with a smile.
"Greetings, Brother Lu," Qin Ming replied.
Not long ago, when Yao Chengyu introduced the guests, he had mentioned that this person came from the heavens above and was named Lu Chengyuan.
"Brother Qin is quite famous even in our Sky City. You guided Mohua for merely half a month, yet her cultivation progressed by leaps and bounds, allowing her to take first place in the lower-age-tier seed contests. Truly remarkable."
Lu Chengyuan brimmed with heroic spirit. Within the Pure Yang energy coursing through his body, a faint sword intent subtly revealed itself. He was clearly a powerful sword cultivator.
"You flatter me. Those results were entirely thanks to Mohua's own efforts," Qin Ming said. Relying on intuition, he could tell this man was extraordinary; in an era where countless stars shone, he likely had the qualifications to contend for the position of a "Divine Moon," or perhaps even approach the "Blazing Sun."
Lu Chengyuan said, "You are too modest. I once heard that even Fairy Yan Zhuohua sought your guidance, wishing to study Chaos force."
Qin Ming immediately recalled that woman from Sky City. With pale ink tracing her brows and azure mist tinting her robes, she was a classic, peerless beauty who seemed to have stepped out of a traditional wash painting.
He replied, "It was merely a brief exchange. It hardly qualifies as seeking guidance."
He had heard from Su Mohua that Yan Zhuohua possessed the strength to contend for the Blazing Sun title.
Lu Chengyuan asked, "Word has it that Fairy Yan Zhuohua wished to temper her Pure Yang with Chaos heavenly light, but if she wanted to learn Chaos force, she would have had to take Brother Qin as her master. Is that true?"
Nearby, others showed looks of astonishment. Yan Zhuohua was renowned throughout the heavens, yet she had actually hesitated over whether to study an art of the Newborn path.
Qin Ming shook his head outright. There was no need to elevate his own standing by riding on Yan Zhuohua's name; doing so would only invite pointless disputes.
Lu Chengyuan informed him, "Certain people in Sky City have been spreading that rumor."
He added that several figures up above had grown interested, eager to test the true caliber of Chaos force.
Qin Ming said, "They ought to seek out Little Rulai. He is in the fourth realm with profound cultivation, perfectly suited for those aspiring to the Blazing Sun to spar with."
Lu Chengyuan said, "Brother Qin, you keep too low a profile. To be honest, even I am rather curious about you and wish to test your arts."
"Oh?" Qin Ming looked at him. Had this man laid so much groundwork just to provoke a duel?
Lu Chengyuan waved his hands with a chuckle. "Don't misunderstand. I harbor no ill will toward Brother Qin; I am simply intrigued and mystified by your methods."
He then candidly revealed that he, too, had refined and fused sacred baleful auras, and wished to seek Qin Ming's insight.
"Not to trade blows, but to ask you to appraise them." Lu Chengyuan raised his hand. From his fingertips, three colors of light flew forth, dividing into three spheres that radiated an intensely dangerous aura.
He walked the path of a sword immortal, and the sacred baleful auras he had refined were thunder, fire, and wind.
These were immensely beneficial for his sword control; the three sacred baleful auras could temper his Pure Yang consciousness and enhance his sword immortal path.
Qin Ming raised a hand, guiding the thunder, fire, and wind auras straight to him. With merely a thought, he kneaded them at will, altering their shapes effortlessly.
Lu Chengyuan sighed, expressing deep admiration. He had suffered terribly while refining these three sacred baleful auras, yet in Qin Ming's grasp, they were as docile as kittens.
"Do people up there also refine sacred baleful aura?" Qin Ming asked.
Lu Chengyuan said, "A few do. In Sky City, there is an extraordinarily terrifying fellow who has refined at least six kinds of sacred baleful auras, causing quite a sensation."
"A drudge?" Qin Ming asked.
Lu Chengyuan shook his head. "No, an immortal path body cultivator. There is a high probability he will seek Brother Qin out to spar in the future."
Qin Ming said, "Tell him that sparring with Little Rulai would be a better choice."
"Very well, I will pass it along," Lu Chengyuan said.
Qin Ming inquired further for details, finding it rather absurd that he had inexplicably become a target for challenges.
Lu Chengyuan said, "Yan Zhuohua once conversed with you, and rumor claims she nearly took you as her master. Furthermore, Feng Zhige visited you in person. That terrifying body cultivator learned of both incidents."
Qin Ming felt this was truly an uncalled-for misfortune.
He offered a sincere assessment: "Fusing at least six kinds of sacred baleful auras is indeed remarkable!"
Lu Chengyuan nodded. "Indeed, he is exceedingly powerful. Soon enough, he will surely be among the first batch of people to be named on the Yujing roster."
"The Yujing roster? What is that?" Qin Ming asked, intrigued.
"It's news that only recently leaked out. Supposedly, it relates to gaining entry into Yujing. When the time comes, a New Roster, a Golden Roster, a Dao Roster, and others will manifest in the world."
Everyone was drawn by the topic and urged him to elaborate.
"It encourages trailblazing. Anyone who makes significant contributions or proves formidable in combat will be bestowed with rewards..."
Qin Ming felt the trip had been well worth it, having gathered substantial fresh intelligence.
The Earth Immortals of the earthen city had also run into trouble with their cultivation and had fled back to Sky City.
Right now, the rudimentary form of Yujing was truly poised to appear, releasing rosters to recruit talents and encouraging a hundred schools of thought to contend and a myriad paths to compete.
"Youth is the time for soaring ambition. Who wouldn't want to stand at the heights and look down upon all heroes under heaven? With the senior figures encountering issues with their cultivation, our generation ought to bravely blaze new trails."
As they were parting ways, the Thunder King Bird stirred up another commotion, fracturing the bones of several powerful mounts from Sky City.
Even the young woman who was the Thunder Imperial Bird did not escape another beating, ending up with a massive bump swelling on her forehead.
Let alone the onlookers, even Qin Ming was dazed for a moment. Had this former simp bird evolved straight into a merciless brute?
***
Qin Ming set out on his journey, heading for the highlands twelve thousand li southeast of the Dayu Imperial Dynasty.
Yao Ruoxian led a contingent of people to accompany him, primarily intending to inspect various regions of Dayu and see how the disconnected territories were faring.
In many areas, flight was impossible, and they had to stop and proceed intermittently to steer clear of perilous Night Ruins creatures. Consequently, their journey was slow, taking many days before they reached their destination.
Fortunately, they encountered no real disasters along the way.
Arriving at a highland plateau where ochre-yellow currents of vapor drifted and earth essence was dense, Qin Ming knew this was precisely what he needed. He entered seclusion there that very day.
Yao Ruoxian said, "It is relatively safe here, rather sacred and serene. As for the rare metal vein, things might not be as calm."
In fact, Qin Ming's seclusion proceeded exceptionally smoothly without any disturbance. He successfully opened his hidden trove, glimpsing a new world, and his spirit wandered into an ochre-yellow palace.
"This is the Classic of Earth Virtue!" Filled with joy, after achieving a great awakening here, the continuation of the Wuji Classic revealed itself, and he successfully plucked it into his grasp.
Qin Ming bathed in the ochre-yellow Dao resonance, absorbing the specialized earth essence. It felt as though he had fused into a single whole with the entire earth. He sensed that if he fought upon the surface from now on, his strength would surge endlessly, an inexhaustible reservoir of power.
A mysterious spiritual substance settled within him, laying the groundwork for breaking through the grand barrier.
"Next stop: the metal-attribute secret canon!" Qin Ming stepped out of the highland plateau and set off without pause, rushing toward the expansive mining region.
Chapter 425