Three Immortals Encountered on a Night Out

The Solar Yang disappears, and over 90% of the land becomes barren, with no distinction between Shallow Night and dark nights, only perpetual, boundless darkness.

"Uncle Meng, we've gone relatively smoothly, without any unexpected incidents." Qin Ming breathed a sigh of relief atop the Lightning Bird's back, having already traversed the Abyss -like terrain.

A rosy glow appeared, piercing the Eternal Night, like the rising sun. At the horizon, a massive city sat, its outline gradually emerging as it drew nearer.

That was Chongxiao, the Great Yu Capital, one of the ten most famous cities in the Night Mist World, with a magnificent and imposing presence.

Meng Xinghai said, "Although the Night Mist World contains various mysterious, unknown, and terrifying things, the mature routes pioneered by predecessors through continuous trial and error are generally without problems."

The majestic pass stands tall, its towering gate tower with layers of flying eaves and brackets, its glazed tiles shimmering with a pale golden luster in the Fire Haze.

The moment Qin Ming and Meng Xinghai entered the city, a cacophony of noise assaulted their senses. Entering this bustling capital from the pitch-black no-man's-land felt like crossing two worlds.

Chongxiao City was as bright as day, with crisscrossing streets and smooth bluestone pavement worn smooth by time. Pedestrians and vehicles bustled about everywhere.

"Ming Ge, over here!" Near the city gate, Wu Yaozu waved. He had received the message earlier and estimated their arrival time, and had been waiting for a long time.

Beside him stood a towering figure, as wide as two ordinary people, none other than Xiang Yiwu, the Tathagata's Abandoned Disciple of Xiang Yiwu.

"You young people should spend more time getting to know each other. I'm going to visit an old friend and also urge the people on the Immortal Path." After confirming the inn they would be staying at, Meng Xinghai and Qin Ming left immediately.

"Uncle Meng, I invite you to go to the moon, and we'll drink and listen to music together at the Moon Palace," Little Wu called out from behind. He was quite familiar with Old Meng.

Meng Xinghai nearly stumbled, but quickly disappeared into the crowd with Lightning Bird.

Xiang Yiwu chuckled and said, "Who is City Lord Meng? Even if it's a place of revelry, would he go with you? He has a private Heavenly Palace to go with him."

Meng Xinghai was at the Fourth Realm, possessing immense strength. Even after leaving, he could still hear their conversations amidst the clamor of voices. He longed to go back and shut them up.

Seeing the two men's rosy cheeks, Qin Ming said, "You're having such a good time here, you're really enjoying yourselves."

Little Wu said, "It's alright. The Great Yu Dynasty is indeed prosperous, a far cry from the desolate state of my hometown. Ming Ge, you've been braving the elements and suffering a lot in the wild lately, haven't you? Let me treat you to a welcome-back feast!"

Xiang Yiwu waved his hand and said, "Come on, don't just stand here."

Chongxiao City was indeed incredibly prosperous, with shops lining the streets in rows, offering everything from exquisite porcelain and silk made from the silk of the Higher Lifeform Fire Silkworm to all sorts of valuable goods. Every shop was doing booming business.

Even Qin Ming was somewhat dazzled by the sight; this was the largest and most magnificent Giant City he had ever entered, and he frequently stopped to admire it.

For example, a magnificent antique building even has a special store for relics of deities.

On the bustling main street, Qin Ming saw many alien races. Groups of kobolds were actually skilled craftsmen, busy working in a newly built garden.

In a master-level workshop, a Dragon Elephant was selling various magical artifacts, saying, "I'm honest and trustworthy. All my products are extraordinary items that fell off when I was shedding my teeth and horns. They've been meticulously crafted and engraved with Divine Dao Patterns, giving them New Life. They're perfect for both offense and defense, and their uses are endless."

An Old Turtle poked its head out from a nearby shop and shouted, "Tortoise jelly, guaranteed to prolong life! Genuine product, 200-year-old shop! Every bowl of this nourishing drink is personally prepared by me, the Old Turtle. Ten times the price back if it's fake!"

"Uncle Turtle, our family has been drinking your tonics for years, but we still haven't lived long lives. Your shop sent my great-grandfather and my grandfather to their deaths, and soon it will be my father's turn."

Qin Ming noticed that the atmosphere here was quite open-minded, with at least one outlier among ten people.

Ahead, a Purple-Gold Rat and a Civet Cat walked upright together, arm in arm. On the other side, a golden-haired old ape rode leisurely through the bustling city on the back of a white lion.

"It is rumored that Godlike beings may be lurking in the Great Yu Capital, experiencing life there," Xiang Yiwu said.

Wu Yaozu said, "Brother Wu, try to marry a Godlike wife in the future."

Xiang Yiwu grinned and said, "You're already drunk before nightfall."

Qin Ming said, "You two are really letting loose a bit."

Little Wu chuckled and said, "Ming Ge, all this glitz and glamour is just to pave the way for you."

"Don't try to pin everything on me," Qin Ming said with a smile. This guy is really adaptable; he's almost become a seasoned veteran.

As they spoke, they arrived at the most bustling street in the city, a place where land was incredibly valuable, as it was adjacent to a large river that flowed through the city like Jade Belt.

Under the cover of night, the Shuyu River was ablaze with light. Various paper lanterns filled the sky, painted boats swayed in groups, and the sounds of zithers and string instruments filled the air. There were also Butterfly Woman from foreign tribes dancing gracefully in the night sky, their snow-white dresses fluttering like fairies flying in the heavens.

Wu Yaozu said, "Ming Ge, we've arranged for you to stay here today. We'll go to the moon tomorrow night. If you want to go to the Celestial Tower, you need to make an appointment in advance."

Along the banks of the Shuyu River, Silver Willow and wisteria grow in abundance. These are special plants. Irrigated by Fire Spring, each willow sways like a silver ribbon, and each wisteria shimmers with purple and gold light. The silver glow and purple brilliance complement each other, making them exceptionally radiant in the darkness.

This riverside street is extremely popular; even without taking a boat trip on the river, simply strolling along the riverbank and enjoying the scenery attracts many people.

As Xiang Yiwu and Little Wu led Qin Ming to queue up to board a pleasure boat, they suddenly spotted an acquaintance on the shore.

"Oh no, Ming Ge, your wife is over there. We don't want her to catch you red-handed!" Little Wu whispered, trying to pull Qin Ming around.

Unfortunately, with Xiang Yiwu standing beside him, it was impossible for him to go unnoticed.

Qin Ming quickly shook him off, saying, "Don't act like a thief. You'll make trouble even when there's nothing wrong."

The willow branches swayed gently, and the silvery Li Qingyue was like a fairy descended to Mortal World, her white robes fluttering in the night wind. Her waist was even more slender than the Silver Willow on the bank. Her bright eyes shone as she looked this way.

There were two other outstanding women beside her.

The young girl was dressed in the Esoteric Sect attire, with some kind of emblem embroidered on her robe sleeves, clearly a God Seed. She had a dignified and beautiful appearance and a sacred aura.

Qin Ming knew another person and had even served her before. He had interacted with her when exploring the ruins of the Yin Soil Ghost Cultivator's Giant Palace.

She is Yao Ruoxian, the Fourth Princess of the Great Yu Dynasty. She is comparable to a top-tier Immortal Seed. She wears a fiery red dress, which is like a divine lotus covering her body. Her skin is fair and her eyes are like autumn water. She is beautiful yet somewhat bewitching.

The three women first noticed the burly Xiang Yiwu, and then they saw Qin Ming and Little Wu.

Qin Ming nodded to the other side and waved across the crowd.

"Fairy Li." Little Wu was quite enthusiastic, but he didn't dare to call her "sister-in-law" in this kind of place. After all, it's fine to joke in private, but with so many people present, it would be disrespectful to the seed of Immortal Path if he were to be so casual.

Tathagata Sect Yiwu, a member of the Xiang Yiwu, had a wide circle of acquaintances and knew all three of them. He transmitted his voice, saying, "Fairy Li, Divine Maiden Zhao, and the Fourth Princess."

Zhao Qingcheng, from the Undying Great Sect, is indeed exceptionally beautiful, but she is too aloof. She holds a very high position among her peers in the Esoteric Sect and is God Seed on par with Cheng Sheng.

All three women gave brief responses.

"Three fairies, would you like to come together?" Little Wu asked, trying to explain for Ming Ge.

Beside them, a Four-Winged Bird about a foot long perched on Silver Willow said indignantly, "How dare you! You board a pleasure boat to drink and carouse, and you even want my princess and two fairy-like figures to come along! That's outrageous!"

Many people looked over, wondering who this amazing person was who dared to do such a thing. For a moment, the place became quiet.

Qin Ming, Little Wu, and Xiang Yiwu had never experienced such an awkward situation in their lives.

Instantly, a commotion erupted, with many people pointing and whispering, thinking these three guys were incredibly audacious and ungrateful.

Qin Ming deeply regretted that when he demonstrated his archery skills, he had only managed to shave the bird's head; he should have just shot it to pieces with a single arrow.

Little Wu said, "This is a refined outing. We board a boat to admire the moon, gaze into the distance from the railing, contemplate the past, present, and future, and even worship the Shuyu River, experiencing the mystery and beauty of this land."

The Four-Winged Bird curled its lip and said, "Come on, I saw you and that big guy coming here to drink and carouse a couple of days ago. You spent the night on a pleasure boat, causing a scene, shouting, 'I'm drunk, I'm examining my sword by lamplight.'"

"Hehe..." People who frequent this place all year round were laughing.

Little Wu wanted to strangle it. Why would a bird always run to a place like this, and talk so much? Maybe it just wanted to drink with brothels but couldn't bring itself to do it?

Qin Ming quickly stopped him; arguing with a bird for no reason would only lower his status.

Let's get together next time.

The two parted ways.

However, they soon met again, facing each other from afar.

After Qin Ming and his companions boarded the painted boat, a Treasure Ship slowly sailed by in the distance. Three women, like peerless fairies stepping out of a painting, stood at the bow of the ship, their black hair and dresses fluttering in the wind, exuding an otherworldly aura.

"And you're talking about us? Aren't they also boarding the ship for a night cruise?" Little Wu said indignantly.

Xiang Yiwu said, "That's the princess's own boat, not one of the pleasure boats here."

"Ming Ge, you really came here just for a meal?" Little Wu asked.

The two realized that Qin Ming was really hungry; he was wolfing down his food without listening to any music or even watching the Butterfly Woman's Flying Dance.

"Otherwise what?" Qin Ming asked.

Wu Yaozu whispered, "The reason why the Shuyu River is so famous, attracting so many people to come for night cruises, is because it is rumored that there may be a god in the river!"

Qin Ming was startled and said, "Godlike creature, residing in the Great Yu Capital?"

Xiang Yiwu said, "Yes, this is a god who is said to be recognized by the Great Yu Dynasty. She will not be conquered, and she is used to control the various rivers to ensure favorable weather and abundant harvests in the surrounding area."

Qin Ming was astonished. Was this a model of cooperation between humans and gods? However, ordinary people certainly didn't have the ability to utilize Godlike creatures.

Xiang Yiwu said, "Occasionally, the Shuyu River invites those with affinity to his divine palace, so it's always bustling with activity. Tonight, the Fourth Princess of the Great Yu Dynasty has arrived; perhaps that Godlike creature will invite people to a banquet again."

However, even after they had been leisurely strolling around until very late, they did not see anyone going to the divine abode.

Just then, a large ship slowly approached from the opposite direction, with three men on board looking in their direction, which caught the attention of Xiang Yiwu and Little Wu.

"Sun Elf!" Xiang Yiwu in surprise.

Qin Ming looked across at the three women. They were all tall and slender, more beautiful than many women, and each had long, golden hair that reached their waists, making them quite eye-catching.

Most importantly, they all possessed an aura of immortality, making them seem more like Immortal Path Disciple than many people from Beyond the Mundane.

"What an elegant demeanor! Like Banished Immortal!"

On the river, the people in the other pleasure boats, their eyes glazed with drunkenness, marveled at the sight of the three, thinking they were like immortals descended to earth.

"How is that similar? He's just Yellow Hair!" Little Wu muttered to himself.

One of the Sun Elf had a mysterious crimson pattern between its brows, resembling a vertical eye, and it looked towards Qin Ming and his companions.

"Hmm, the Heavenly Light within them is like a rainbow, as if layers of lightning are accumulating. These three are not simple," he murmured, using his special eye technique to discern their true nature.

"These should be three strongmen, but they are servants of the Immortal Seed. No need to worry about them," another Sun Elf said in a special elven language.

Soon after, the two ships passed each other without causing any disturbance.

Gradually, a thick fog rose over the Shuyu River. Even with the paper lanterns being released and the Fire Spring on the banks reflecting the light, the area remained hazy and mysterious.

"Could it be that a god has arrived, and is truly inviting a distinguished guest into the divine palace?" Little Wu perked up.

Xiang Yiwu nodded and said, "That's very likely. It's said that members of the Great Yu Dynasty royal family can directly enter the Divine Palace. Tonight, some people might benefit from that princess's influence."

Soon after, they saw that upstream, Yao Ruoxian's Treasure Ship was covered by a layer of mysterious light.

Then, three consciousnesses disappeared into the Shuyu River.

"Were they really taken away by the gods?" Qin Ming's Eye of New Life saw it clearly.

Clearly, the mysterious glow covering the ship was to protect the three women's physical bodies.

Then, their area was also covered by a mysterious light. Instantly, Qin Ming and the other two felt drowsy and their eyes were blurry. However, at the crucial moment, the light receded like a tide.

They vaguely heard a pair of boys voice their dissatisfaction, saying, "They seem to have a lot of spiritual potential, but only one of them barely passes; the other two are just strongmen!"

"Let's go, they are not qualified to attend the banquet," said another boy.

Almost simultaneously, the three of them regained their clarity of vision.

"Did you hear that?"

"This is being rejected, how awful!"

Qin Ming realized that they were subordinates of Godlike beings. These deities were mostly conservative and followed ancient laws. They probably looked down on the warriors in the Ancient Immortal Dojo, and their views had not changed in this era.

He thought to himself, "I've even been inside the dojo of the Black and White Mountain Gods, this River God is quite the show-off."

"Those three Yellow Hair guys were invited! Foreigners are allowed to attend the banquet! This River God is so unfair!" Little Wu said.

The Sun Elf ' ships were shrouded in divine light, where a thick fog blanketed the area.

Little Wu had drunk too much, and his lower abdomen was bloated. He was also very dissatisfied, so he went straight to a secluded spot and relieved himself downstream.

The three Sun Elf had just entered the water when they saw this scene and were all stunned. Then their eyes blazed with fury!

"Splash!"

Qin Ming and Xiang Yiwu were speechless upon hearing the voice; this brother was truly speechless.

"Holy crap, why is there a double image? Why are there two water lines? I'm drunk. Wait, there are four lines now, ah, eight lines!" Little Wu looked down and screamed in agony.

Qin Ming and Xiang Yiwu were both shocked when they saw the eight water lines on the river surface.

Wu Yaozu was so frightened that he snapped out of his daze and quickly fastened his belt, knowing he might have offended the River God.

At this moment, their great ship was once again covered in divine light, and they began to feel dizzy, their consciousness... being pulled out of their bodies. This meant they had been invited to the banquet again.

But at this moment, none of the three of them wanted to go.

Little Wu cried out in despair, "River God Goddess, please forgive me! I was wrong!"

Xiang Yiwu also said in a muffled voice, "By the gods above, we are not disciples of Immortal Dojo, and are not suitable to attend this banquet!"

At the last moment, Qin Ming grabbed around haphazardly, trying to find any artifacts he had brought from Black White Mountain.