Life at a Crossroads

Before they knew it, it was early spring, Beyond the Mundane, Esoteric Sect, and special institutions of higher learning all began to recruit disciples.

Qin Ming pondered, having once again reached a crucial Nodes in his life, a decision that would determine his future. Standing at this vital crossroads, which way should he go?

Meng Xinghai spoke up, "I used to think you should go to a special institution of higher learning. They are all extraordinary, backed by unfathomable forces, designed to counterbalance the Millennium Aristocratic Family. Naturally, they wouldn't care about the pressure from the Cui Household."

There's a saying in the Night Mist World: dynasties come and go, but powerful Aristocratic Clan remain. The latter have existed for a very long time, with some Lineage having been glorious for over three thousand years.

They are deeply rooted and have a presence in various fields and paths. Even in Beyond the Mundane and Esoteric Sect, many renowned figures come from the Aristocratic Clan and wield considerable influence.

Once upon a time, a ruthless dynasty destroyed an ancient Aristocratic Clan, but a small group of people from Beyond the Mundane Pure Land returned, rebuilt the Lineage, and caused the dynasty to collapse inexplicably in the end.

Meng Xinghai added, "Now I feel that with your talent, it would be a real waste if you didn't go to the Ancestral Court of some great sects!"

Although he initially approved of Qin Ming, when he thought about the fierce competition among those renowned sects, he decided it was best to avoid going for the sake of caution.

The so-called cruelty involves various aspects. For example, the blood relatives and descendants of the sect's elders, who grew up there, are often Take Care Of and enjoy many privileges. Meanwhile, scions of the Aristocratic Clan inevitably bring a large amount of resources with them when they join the sect, giving them a very high starting point. There are also bloody trials within the sect, and at certain stages, it's almost like raising a venomous insect.

If they don't transform into butterflies in the jar as soon as possible and break free, they won't be able to enter the sights of those important figures.

If Qin Ming were to inadvertently offend someone during this period, leading to underhanded tactics, it would be extremely dangerous.

Looking back now, Meng Xinghai believes that with Qin Ming's talent, he could compete "openly and boldly" even in the legendary Ancestral Court. Qin Ming naturally yearns for certain legendary scriptures, but after counting on his fingers, he realized that there aren't many options available.

For example, the Jade Purity Lineage does indeed have an astonishingly powerful background, but it has been closed to the mountains for more than two hundred years. It has only recently allowed Registered Disciple to descend the mountain, and it is still unknown whether it will widely recruit disciples this year.

Furthermore, the Tathagata Lineage is clearly raising poisonous insects and cultivating cicadas, even releasing Otherworlder like Xiang Yiwu, who are described as "big and burly."

The Six Royals Branch is facing serious problems. Their Ancestor is about to pass away, and the powerful figure from the Beyond the Mundane who was slapped is keeping a close eye on things, which could lead to turmoil.

Then, Qin Ming thought of places like Yin Yang Temple and Pure Yang Palace, which were also in his evaluation.

"Uncle Meng, which place has the most books and allows disciples to read them freely?" Qin Ming asked.

Meng Xinghai said, "If you have this inclination, then it naturally applies to certain academies, which were established specifically to break the monopoly of the Millennium Aristocratic Family."

After a moment's thought, he continued, "Actually, those eight special institutions of higher learning also have quite a background, and they may have Grandmaster Level supporting them. If you are dazzling enough, you should be able to draw them out."

Upon hearing this, Qin Ming was startled. Could it be that the academy was backed by figures like Sky-Pillar, Tathagata, or Six Sovereigns? That would be quite astonishing.

"Because some great sects have almost become ancestral temples, with deeply entrenched Aristocratic Clan and elder lineages, filled with their descendants. Some Ancestor who had disappeared for many years were furious when they emerged from seclusion and wished they could establish their own sect."

Meng Xinghai believes that the backers behind each special institution of higher learning are different; some are old monsters on the New Life Path, while others may be important figures from the Esoteric Sect or Beyond the Mundane Pure Land.

Qin Ming pondered for a moment and said, "It's not impossible for me to lie low, collect scriptures on my own, and cultivate diligently to rise up."

Meng Xinghai shook his head and said, "Whether you choose a prestigious sect or enter a special university, I will support you. You need this experience. There, you can see a wider world, learn various secrets, and meet geniuses from all over the world. Some of them will become your lifelong friends and confidantes. This is an indispensable and valuable experience on your life's journey."

Meng Xinghai emphasized that this experience is very important, transcending the ascetic practice itself.

In such places, there are abundant classical texts and important connections, which cannot be obtained by simply burying oneself in hard work.

Meng Xinghai cautioned that the Core Disciple of those special institutions of higher learning and renowned sects must be Otherworlder, and even more powerful figures have yet to truly emerge.

"Exchanging ideas and learning from them will be very helpful for you at this stage, and you might even meet someone who will influence your life." Qin Ming noticed that Meng Xinghai was deeply moved, which suggested that he had experienced these things in his youth, leaving a deep impression and having a significant impact on him.

"Uncle Meng, what are you reminiscing about? Who are you remembering?" Qin Ming asked out of the blue.

"You brat..." Meng Xinghai snapped out of his daze, stretched out his finger, and almost poked him on the forehead.

Meng Xinghai said, "I'm telling you this from someone who's been there. You can't lack the necessary experience. Simply being low-key and hiding your abilities isn't enough. If your vision isn't broad enough, it will affect the height and depth of your life. If you want to become a Master, your vision needs to be wide enough, otherwise it will hinder your path."

Qin Ming immediately nodded, humbly accepting the answer.

"Right now, if you want to go to a better place, you have to perform exceptionally well. You might need to compete with the 'number one' from other cities. Winning will not only bring you some benefits but also increase your 'value'."

After Meng Xinghai finished speaking, the conversation became much more relaxed.

He mentioned that after Li Qingyun returned, arrangements should be made soon for Qin Ming to view the complete secret manual.

"Uncle Meng, you're really good to Qing Yue." Qin Ming had some doubts; could Old Meng possibly be related to Li Qingyue by blood?

Meng Xinghai laughed and said, "What are you thinking? Her father saved my life, and her mother is my Senior Sister. Our two families are very close."

A middle-aged man dressed in black entered the living room and reported, "Lord, a distinguished guest has arrived." "Oh?" Meng Xinghai asked in surprise.

The man in black was his confidant, and he handled many trivial matters. He whispered, "City Lord Qi Daoming of Chase Light City has arrived."

"It's him. Interesting, he arrived so quickly." Meng Xinghai nodded, instructing his trusted aide in black to arrange a banquet, and then he himself stood up.

Seeing this, Qin Ming naturally took his leave.

Meng Xinghai said, "The matter the people who came are discussing is probably related to you."

Qin Ming looked at Old Meng, puzzled.

Meng Xinghai began, "Qi Daoming is the son-in-law of the Li Household, a very formidable figure. Last time, Li Qingxu's cousin, Li Qingxiao, suffered a loss here and was kicked twice by my handpicked 'number one,' which is you. He'll probably go and complain. Well, the most important thing is this son-in-law of the Li Household, Qi Daoming. I had some competition with him back then, and I guess all sorts of things have come up at once, and he wants to challenge me to a duel."

Qin Ming realized something and said, "The person he handpicked to be number one wants to compete against me?"

Meng Xing nodded and said, "That's roughly the idea. This person was indeed very powerful back then. He came from humble beginnings and overshadowed many of his peers on the New Life Path. In one competition, he defeated seventy-two opponents in a row, reaching the top of a region and becoming famous for a time. Later, it was discovered that he could walk the path of the Beyond the Mundane Pure Land, so he decisively changed his path and indeed became even more powerful. Moreover, he caught the eye of the Li Household and became their son-in-law."

"Has Uncle Meng ever faced him?" Qin Ming asked.

Meng Xinghai nodded and said, "We clashed once on the New Life Path, and it ended in a draw. We haven't crossed paths since we changed our routes." As Qin Ming left, he saw a middle-aged man enter the mansion from afar. The man exuded an air of otherworldly grace and was clearly an extraordinary figure.

He walked through Red Haze City, somewhat lost in thought. He hadn't been here long, yet he had already developed a certain attachment to the place.

Before leaving, Qin Ming felt he should finish some things. He had promised to find Spiritual Matter for Talking Finch and Red Hawk, a promise he hadn't yet kept. He'd relied heavily on their help during the battle in the desert. "Would you like a box of delicious Gannan navel oranges?" he asked.

Not long after, Qin Ming visited the Sun Family and gave Grandma Sun Family a hammering technique he had personally written. Now that the Xin Yi Hall was no longer making things difficult for her, the old woman and her three-year-old grandson's living conditions immediately improved. With the thirty Day Gold Qin Ming had given her, it was enough for her to raise her only grandson.

"Child, thank you!" Sun Family looked at the completed hammer manual, and tears streamed down her face. She wanted her third grandson's child to kowtow to Qin Ming, knowing that this could change her grandson's life.

Qin Ming quickly helped them up and hurried away.

Soon after, he entered the mountains. With his current skills, finding the Spiritual Matter that could cause a person to undergo Third Mutation would naturally be no problem for him.

Even if he encounters Outer Saint- level anomaly, as long as it's not an old monster that has been around for many years, Qin Ming can still kill it.

"Mountain Lord, you weren't just saying that casually, you actually remembered Little Finch's matter. I'm so touched. I'm so happy that I could cry." Talking Finch hadn't left and lived in Red Haze City. She usually went into the mountains with Wu Zheng, who also came from Black White Mountain.

Talking Finch blinked her large, black gem-like eyes and said, "Mountain Lord, why don't you consider letting me follow you? Little Finch am quite extraordinary; I have already developed Divine Nature and can walk the Path to Godhood in the future."

"I may have to travel far away. It's not suitable for you to travel with your family." Afterwards, Qin Ming went to see Red Hawk. That evening, Meng Xinghai's expression wasn't very good, and he called Qin Ming over.

"Is Qi Daoming really that bad?" Qin Ming asked. Meng Xinghai shook his head and said, "No, he's a very principled person. He'll only skirt the line, not cross it. The Cui Household has sent people to see you, so be prepared."

Qin Ming's gaze sharpened. The Cui Household, Clear River City, a colossal entity with a history spanning millennia. He had lived there for ten years, and they had supposedly severed all ties. How did they reappear?

Moreover, from Meng Xinghai's expression, he already knew that the visitor was likely not well-intentioned.

"Alright, Uncle Meng, I'll go see them!" Qin Ming nodded. The Cui Household was still a huge obstacle for him at the moment, but no matter what, he would eventually have to face them and go there to retrieve the Silk Scripture.

"Don't worry, I've got you covered!" Meng Xinghai patted him on the shoulder and said, "Just go ahead and do what you're supposed to do. Don't be afraid!"