In the jet-black night sky, a golden glow suddenly cascaded down. Dense stands of towering larches in Yinhan Gorge reached into the night, appearing as though bathed in morning twilight.
Standing atop the tree canopy, Qin Ming was showered in a rain of light. His polished armor was mottled with bloodstains, and his pitch-black hair drifted in the breeze, lending him an aura of heroic vitality.
A piece of exceedingly high-grade spiritual crystal fell into his hand. Within the transparent material, a wisp of purple haze seemed alive, rising and swirling ceaselessly—a rare and precious potion capable of helping him break through his bottleneck.
"This is the rare Purple Dragon Blood. Even with your immense potential and mountain-vast foundation, it is more than enough for you to break through. It carries no side effects that would impair your future; the only flaw is that after consumption, both your body and spirit will remain hot and restless for a time."
In the night sky, a golden phantom informed him of the details.
Such a "flaw" was completely negligible to Qin Ming.
He looked down at it, beaming with a radiant smile.
Not long after his intense, bloody battle against the Parasitic civilization's Dao Seed, where he had reached the brink of despair before achieving newborn rebirth and breaking through, he was already about to break through once again on the very same day.
He felt a sense of unreality—he never imagined he would have a day where he was this "wealthy."
Qin Ming's face glowed with vitality. "Only this lives up to my philosophy—not only must each step be solid and steady, but breakthroughs must also come swiftly. In the end, I will become a truly formidable Realm Faction expert worthy of the name."
If so, could the Rulai force, Yuqing force, and Six Imperial forces still be far off? He had looked forward to them for so long.
Yun Jianyue possessed the legacy of the Lord of Yujing; Daoist Butterfly possessed the taboo trinity art of Bug, Butterfly, and Immortal; and the Parasitic civilization's Dao Seed likewise wielded unfathomable techniques.
Qin Ming felt that his current Chaos force needed further strengthening.
Fortunately, the path ahead was not bleak. Though the tribulations of the True Form realm would bring no small tempest, it was bound to offer tremendous opportunities, allowing him to fuse together his own ultimate force technique.
The faint golden phantom did not linger, transforming into a streak of flowing light that vanished into the depths of the sky.
Qin Ming redeeming breakthrough medicine with military merits was a win-win outcome.
He was satisfied, and the Golden Roster was spared any further dilemma.
After all, whether Earth Immortals or seven-day stackers, virtually all had reached the end of their progression. In this brutal era, expecting to consume miraculous medicine to break into the Heavenly Immortal domain was utter fantasy!
Under these circumstances, most old monsters would choose exotic metal to forge immortal weapons and craft armor, relying on powerful armaments to elevate their strength.
"Ninth Heaven of the Mind Lamp, here I come." Qin Ming drifted down to the ground and sat cross-legged, leaning against an ancient larch so thick it would take several people to encircle it.
He snapped the spiritual crystal in his hand and inhaled the drop of medicinal liquid, which had condensed into the form of a miniature purple dragon, into his mouth.
...
In the Crimson Forest, several grandmasters were eyeing the five-colored strange beast with peculiar looks. Before the battle, it had spoken with impassioned fervor, proclaiming: *One battle tempers true gold; a single breath slays filthy dross.*
Yet in the end, it had turned tail and vanished without a trace.
The five-colored strange beast was utterly calm. "What are you all staring at? That was a strategic withdrawal."
Many experts present could not help but curse inwardly: *How can your skin be this thick? To utter such words without batting an eye!*
The five-colored strange beast continued, "At the time, anyone could see that Daoist Butterfly's prowess rivaled creation, towering over his peers. Therefore, I moved to support other battlefields. You must cultivate the broad perspective of a superior, not confine your sight to a single place."
Upon closer thought, it had indeed made an early exit... ran away. Yet flaunting it and lecturing others was pushing it too far.
The five-colored strange beast sighed. It knew that its friendship with Daoist Butterfly had likely reached its end. Since that was the case, it made no further attempt to approach him, turning to walk toward the domain of a young Abyss King.
Meanwhile, the main combatant from the recent battle—Daoist Butterfly—seemed as though ascending to immortality. Though seated cross-legged on the ground, a vast shower of sacred light rain rose and billowed toward the black night sky.
He frowned. Why was this body depleted even more severely than he had anticipated?
He had nearly exhausted his entire reserve, consuming all manner of rare tonics, yet he still felt his physical vessel was far from replenished. Could it be that he was on the verge of breaking through a bottleneck?
Soon, a shadow fell over Daoist Butterfly's heart. He possessed an incredible life-sacrificing technique corresponding to Bug, Butterfly, and Immortal, which could substitute death for his true body.
Just when had he consumed his Bug Life?
He gradually calmed his mind, preparing to first restore himself to peak condition. Once that crystal-clear state of mind returned, he would ponder the reason, and then... he would slay that "One Sword."
"Bug, Butterfly, and Immortal—the Trinity. Who can rival me?" As his condition improved, Daoist Butterfly's confidence swelled to the brim.
...
Under the cover of night, outside Moon Palace Ferry, sparkling ripples covered the river's surface like a billowing ocean, grand and magnificent.
Like Yinhan Gorge, Wangshu City, and Guitian Ruins, its name was tied to the moon.
Tang Yushang was stationed here and had just recently undergone a bloody battle.
Her black-gold armor was badly damaged, the pauldrons long shattered and stained with blood, exposing a section of her arms that gleamed white as mutton-fat jade.
Yet her battle intent surged high. Today's combat had forged fierce confidence within her, and she was currently gazing across the river toward the Crimson Forest.
"Sis, are your injuries all right?" Covered in wounds, Bai Meng staggered over.
"I'm fine," Tang Yushang said, shaking her head.
Clad in battered armor, her figure was tall and slender, her dark hair fluttering in the night breeze. On her fair, flawless, exquisite face, her eyes shone like stars, brimming with confidence.
Bai Meng knew well how intense today's fighting had been.
Da Tang had swept across this region, rushing to relieve three different sectors and battling one of the Celestial Clan's "Seven Heroes" in a bloody struggle—a truly perilous endeavor.
Most alarming of all, an Abyss King had passed by at the end, casting a deep, penetrating glance in their direction.
Fortunately, that Abyss King was wounded and had not entered the fray.
Bai Meng asked, "Sis, should we request reinforcements?"
Tang Yushang shook her head. "Why ask for reinforcements? If more formidable foes attack, we'll simply strike them down."
Bai Meng keenly sensed that after the Golden Roster temporarily unlocked her "shackles," even his sister's aura had grown domineering. Aloof and ethereal, she carried an attitude that looked down upon the world, her conviction... remarkably resolute.
He spoke up, "Sis, you fought a bloody battle today against the Lightning Beast, one of the Celestial Clan's Seven Heroes, forcing him to retreat empty-handed. I expect he'll return."
Ethereal as a true immortal descended to the mortal realm, Tang Yushang's voice held an alluring resonance, yet her words were uncompromising: "If he comes, all the better. I'll take his head and claim it as military merit."
Bai Meng said worriedly, "Today, some on our side were gossiping, saying you're a descendant of the Lord of Yujing. I worry that someone in the Crimson Forest caught wind of it."
After all, this region was vast and densely forested. All sorts of birds and exotic insects lurking about could serve as scouts for either camp, making leaks impossible to guard against completely.
Bai Meng added, "If the news leaks, I worry even that passing Abyss King will come charging over."
Tang Yushang's identity was somewhat sensitive; if those across the river caught wind of it, many would eagerly move against her.
Capturing a bloodline descendant of the Lord of Yujing would offer immense leverage and symbolic value.
Tang Yushang's dark brows knitted slightly. She had not expected her identity to become a topic of discussion among her own allies, which truly could trigger adverse consequences.
Across the great river, in the Crimson Forest, the golden-armored man transformed from the Lightning Beast received a secret message and nearly cried out in shock: "A descendant of the Lord of Yujing?"
He was instantly invigorated. If he could abduct her and keep her by his side as a concubine or handmaid, it would be an immense humiliation to the Yujing camp on a spiritual level.
Of course, this also entailed extreme danger and could provoke frenzied retaliation.
He mused that if he could achieve such an extraordinary feat, he could simply return to that "Silver Sea" in the night sky and hide away.
However, on his own, he might not be able to subdue the woman. After all, they had already clashed in a bloody duel earlier, and she had proven extremely troublesome.
"Is the news authentic?" In an adjacent region, the Divine-Eyed King, one of the Six Abyss Kings, also received a secret report. His entire face was covered with golden eyes, all of which opened at once.
"Her identity is exceedingly sensitive. If captured, it would indeed cause quite a stir." The Divine-Eyed King was a humanoid being covered in silver scales, save for his face, which was entirely golden because dozens of eyes of the same color were densely clustered across it.
Rumor had it that the supreme powerhouses of his race could possess over a thousand golden pupils.
In a raspy voice, the Divine-Eyed King said, "If she can be captured alive and presented to the higher-ups, a generous reward is guaranteed. Even kept for oneself as a beautiful concubine, it would be a mark of prestige. This woman is of immense value—she must be taken."
At Moon Palace Ferry, Bai Meng spoke up: "Sis, since you're aware of the danger now, let's call for help."
He suggested calling Brother Ming over. By now, even he had guessed that "One Sword" was Qin Ming.
When Tang Yushang and Qin Ming had sparred, he had witnessed the entire duel in person.
As the saying went, both sides held leverage over each other: Da Tang knew one of Qin Ming's hidden identities, while Qin Ming knew that she possessed a "jade mirror" connected to Yujing.
Tang Yushang said, "I am different from before. All my bloodline shackles have been temporarily severed. Qin Ming's realm isn't high; fighting above his rank is ultimately too strenuous, and he might not be able to handle someone on the level of the Celestial Clan's Seven Heroes."
She added, "Not long ago, the person who barged into the Crimson Forest was very likely him, and he was nearly beaten to death."
Bai Meng explained, "Rumor has it that although that person paid a grievous price, he ultimately slew his opponent."
He was also rather worried about whether Brother Ming needed to nurse his wounds.
Tang Yushang said, "Moon Palace Ferry was invaded, and I imagine Yinhan Gorge suffered an enemy raid as well. Let's check on their battle situation."
Bai Meng immediately used a Dharma conch to contact Qin Ming: "Brother Ming, how are things on your side? What? An exceptionally handsome young powerhouse descended like a heavenly god and swiftly put down the chaos and bloodshed? Who on earth is he to be so powerful and stunning?"
He was deeply shocked. For even Brother Ming to praise that person endlessly left him utterly stunned.
Qin Ming asked back, "What's the situation over on your end?"
Bai Meng gave a soft sigh, worry evident between his brows. "Surrounded by formidable foes, walking on thin ice."
Qin Ming said, "If you need help, just say the word. I can come over to reinforce you."
"Brother Ming, how's your condition right now?" Bai Meng asked.
Qin Ming replied, "Currently in secluded cultivation, nourishing my body. I'll soon reach peak condition."
Hearing this, Bai Meng's heart sank, sensing that things looked bad. Had something gone wrong with Brother Ming's body? He actually needed recuperation.
Noticing something in their tone, Qin Ming said, "It seems your situation is precarious. Wait a moment; as soon as I finish nourishing my body, I'll head over immediately."
"Forget it. Just nurse your wounds properly," Tang Yushang's voice came through.
With that, the communication ended.
Tang Yushang said, "Who would have thought I'd become this powerful?"
Then she muttered to herself, "Trivial Qin Ming—I can already handle him easily. He can no longer match me."
Bai Meng was at a loss for words. Sister Tang was indeed extraordinarily strong right now, but was such shameless self-praise really appropriate?
Afterward, Tang Yushang left Bai Meng behind and quickly walked to the side. Shedding her aloof demeanor, she nervously contacted the Golden Roster to decisively request reinforcements.
Moments later, radiant with confidence, she strolled gracefully back and declared, "Who can rival me?"
For the Golden Roster had told her that while higher-ups would not intervene, it would send her a formidable reinforcement.
In Yinhan Gorge, Qin Ming successfully broke through, reaching the Ninth Heaven of the Mind Lamp.
When breaking through minor realms, the shifts from the Third to Fourth Heaven and from the Sixth to Seventh Heaven brought the most drastic changes, with the most notable leaps in cultivation.
This was because they marked transitions from the early to middle stages, and from the middle to late stages of the Mind Lamp realm.
Otherwise, breakthroughs accompanied by bodily rebirth would yield extraordinary boosts in strength.
Qin Ming's breakthrough this time was standard and orderly; rebirth could not happen every single time. Even for him, achieving one or two nirvanic rebirths within a major realm was already remarkable; three or four would be an unexpected miracle.
Wreathed in immortal mist, he fed on morning clouds and drank twilight vapors. The quintessential matter of the fire spring flowed into his nose and mouth, while spiritual dew fell silently from above, merging into his body.
Qin Ming rose to his feet, sending showers of light cascading around him. Reaching the Ninth Heaven of the Mind Lamp filled him with vigorous vitality, leaving him only a single step away from becoming a grandmaster.
Ethereal and transcendent, his strength reached an unprecedented peak. With every gesture and movement, Dao charms flowed with his breath, harmonizing with heaven and earth; at any moment and in any place, he seemed capable of unity with the cosmos—truly wondrous in both form and spirit.
However, his entire body was currently burning with restless heat—the sole side effect of the Purple Dragon Blood, which would not dissipate for at least two days.
The phantom image of the Golden Roster manifested, faint golden light rippling as it spoke: "Go reinforce Moon Palace Ferry. A descendant of the Lord of Yujing may die in battle, but must never be subjected to humiliation."
Listening to its words, Qin Ming learned part of the situation there. He soared into the sky, riding the astral winds into the distance.
The two places were not far apart, and before long he reached his destination. Clad in crimson armor, he descended slowly from the night sky.
"Hmm?" Bai Meng was instantly alerted.
Tang Yushang had looked up even earlier, her gaze locked onto the figure in the night sky.
"Brother, you are..." Bai Meng's pupils contracted abruptly. He recognized him—this was... the Realm Faction? During the sparring against the Totem camp's younger generation, this person had made an appearance, though he hadn't fought.
Was this the formidable reinforcement the Golden Roster had spoken of? Tang Yushang offered a polite greeting.
Qin Ming offered a reserved, gentle smile and nodded to her.
Those gleaming white teeth, coupled with the restless heat radiating from his flesh, caused Tang Yushang to frown. Couldn't this fellow restrain his aura?
Bai Meng was equally speechless. The scalding waves of heat rolling off Realm Faction were truly overflowing with masculine vigor, strikingly reminiscent of the primal aura male creatures exuded when spring arrived.
This was precisely the side effect of the Purple Dragon Blood, impossible to quell for the time being.
Consequently, Tang Yushang, who had a cleanliness obsession, didn't even want to breathe here, finding the man far too licentious.
Her domain unfurled, indistinguishable from that of a grandmaster. With every bloodline shackle temporarily severed, her cultivation had surged with tremendous ferocity.
This was the "gift" of her supreme ancestor, though often it also restricted descendants.
Tang Yushang was expressing her displeasure. This man was simply too brazen, utterly indecent; she nearly pinched her nose.
Yet Qin Ming touched down lightly, completely unimpeded by her domain. As though an invisible giant axe—or perhaps sword baleful aura—had cleaved through the void, his feet planted firmly upon the earth.
"It's... you?" Tang Yushang's eyes widened. She sensed the lingering charm of the nine-colored sword baleful aura and the Heaven-Opening axe light.
She had harbored suspicions before but had never dared confirm them, merely guessing that Qin Ming was "One Sword." Now she discovered he truly had yet another identity.
"Who?" Bai Meng asked blankly.
Shocked, Tang Yushang inadvertently took a deep breath. She immediately began coughing dryly, glaring with wide, beautiful eyes at the "scorching" figure before her.
Covering her mouth, she backed away and asked, "Should I call you One Sword, or..."
"What?!" Bai Meng was struck as if by lightning. Stunned senseless at first, shock plastered across his face, he now caught on: Realm Faction was actually Brother Ming too? A trinity—this was practically mythical!
He had entertained vague notions in the past, but they had always remained "wild speculation." Now that it was confirmed today, his gaze transformed completely.
"Just call me Realm Faction," Qin Ming replied with another reserved smile.
Bai Meng stared blankly, unable to recover his senses for a long time.
Tang Yushang was unconvinced. Remembering how she had once wept "weakly," and seeing how smugly he was putting on airs now, an urge welled up to give him a sound thrashing.
Glowing all over, she refused to accept this. Was she truly still no match for this fellow today?
Instantly, her domain materialized and swept over Qin Ming, tangible Dao charms engulfing him to lock him in place.
Unable to restrain herself, Tang Yushang wanted to "test" him within controllable bounds.
Qin Ming walked straight toward her. Though moving as if wading through mud, he nevertheless closed the distance step by step.
With dark hair dancing and brilliant rain of light surrounding her, Tang Yushang continuously ramped up her power.
Clad in battered black-gold armor, her exposed warm shoulders and slender calves shone lustrous white, as if glowing.
Her expanding domain seemed to warp the entire night sky.
Yet though Qin Ming's pace was slow, he strode over steadily and forcefully, ultimately coming right before her and lightly patting her shoulder.
Qin Ming smiled. "Brother Tang, you're getting ahead of yourself. Have you forgotten past pain?"
The pauldrons of Tang Yushang's black-gold armor were already fractured; now, with that light press, they shattered to pieces and clattered to the ground.
Inevitably, Qin Ming's hand brushed against her snow-white, delicate shoulder. Coupled with his remark and that scalding, potent heat radiating from him, Da Tang instantly felt like she was being teased.
Yet she realized with crystal clarity that even now, her strength still fell short of this "nemesis" of hers.
Indignant and with flushed cheeks, she stepped back. Never in her wildest dreams had she expected that the formidable reinforcement promised by the Golden Roster would be him.
"Brother Ming, you're a true god among men!" Coming back to his senses, Bai Meng was prostrated in sheer admiration. The figures currently shaking the realm—Qin Ming, Realm Faction, and One Sword—were actually the same person!
Qin Ming's teeth were stark white, rivaling even Tang Yushang's fair complexion. With a warm, amicable smile, he said, "Let me say it once more: I am Realm Faction."
"Understood!" Bai Meng nodded eagerly, deeply thrilled inside.
Qin Ming found a large bluestone, sat down, and asked them for the specifics.
He nodded. "The Lightning Beast of the Celestial Clan's Seven Heroes, and the Divine-Eyed King of the Six Abyss Kings, are the most likely to attack? No matter. I just concluded my secluded cultivation and was looking to test my sword."
Chapter 557