A meteoric rise in status

In the Western Territory, the Earth Light that had been rising for days vanished, and the entire world was once again plunged into a long night.

Scattered snowflakes drifted down, and every breath I exhaled was a white mist; early winter had arrived, and the weather had truly turned cold.

"It's time to go. Are you still reluctant to leave?" Master Xu Kong turned around and glanced at his disciple.

A pale-faced youth spoke up, "After all, this is the place where I shed my blood. I learned a lot of skills here, and they haven't gone to waste. I've done right by Night Prefecture, the place that gave me birth and raised me. I'll just take a few more glances and then leave."

He was Zhou Wubing, watching the vast plain under the night sky, gradually being tinged with a faint white by the snowflakes.

In this battle, he was covered in wounds, bathed in a large amount of scalding demon blood, and killed many opponents. Even now, some of his wounds have not fully healed.

The master and apprentice left without a trace after completing their task, concealing their merits and fame. Only a few people who had brief contact with them on the battlefield saw their backs as they cut through the ranks of demons.

Master Xu said, "Let's go. Though we may remain unknown, we're more likely to live longer."

There were many like them, coming and going in a hurry, leaving no name, entering the fray at crucial moments, and participating in the great battle against the demons.

At this moment, the experts from all routes also retreated in an orderly manner.

The God's Fall Plain have turned even redder, bearing the marks of countless drops of blood and souls. The few remaining mountains have been leveled, and vast forests have been razed to the ground.

In the following days, the leaders of each road met briefly, and then the Three Great Dynasties and super sects sent logistics personnel to measure the spirit fields, etc.

This time, Night Prefecture advanced 20,000 li westward and acquired a large amount of fertile Fire Field.

Next spring, after the underground Fire Spring revive, this area will be extensively developed.

"Uncle, I can guard the house. I was originally a family dog, but I was forced to venture into the depths of the plains by the hardships of life. I've never hurt anyone." A Dog Demon wagged its tail and introduced itself in front of a house in town.

It had no choice; if it didn't find a good home, it might be killed as a demon when the spirit fields on the God's Fall Plain were cultivated next spring.

"I am Jade Fox, most skilled in light dancing, and also somewhat proficient in music, chess, calligraphy and painting..." Some fox demons even entered the city to find "work" and seek protection, wanting to completely integrate into Night Prefecture.

The aliens on the Western Territory border are in a rather awkward situation. Humans resent them, believing they caused considerable harm in the past, while demons dislike them even more, considering them treacherous.

Many of the Demon Race that once roamed the God's Fall Plain are no longer fierce at all; they have all become skilled in singing and dancing, or at the very least, possess a unique specialty.

The more ferocious Demon Race volunteered to guard the mountain gates of some sects.

Comparatively speaking, it's best for exotic birds to integrate, mainly because the Night Mist World is vast and boundless, and their flying ability is highly valued by humans.

Qin Ming stood in the wind and snow, looking back for the last time at the God's Fall Plain, before he too departed.

During his brief pause, many faces appeared before his eyes: Lu Zhenyi, Zhuo Ya, Zhao Ziyuan, Jin Yuan, Meng Xinghai's Martial Granduncle...

Among those on the list of the dead were his friends, elders who Take Care Of and valued him, and Old Senior had saved his life from Cao Qianqiu.

Sadly, they remained forever on this battlefield, which was gradually being covered by ice and snow, and would never see each other again in this lifetime.

In fact, many people left in silence. But which of those who came to the edge of the world to fight demons didn't have relatives, friends, or elders who died in battle?

Many people left the Western Territory in tears.

"Breaking news! Breaking news! The great battle on the edge of the world has come to a complete end. The demons have been defeated and, as agreed, have withdrawn from the God's Fall Plain!"

"A great victory! A resounding triumph in the west! We not only crushed the Nomadic Hunting Civilization but also drove the invading Demon Civilization back to their lair and acquired a large number of Fire Field."

In the cities of Night Prefecture, many people were cheering.

Although news of the Ancestor's great victory had arrived several days ago, the situation remains unpredictable as long as the demons do not retreat.

Now that the dust has settled and the situation is settled, many people have taken to the streets to celebrate.

The oppressive and gloomy atmosphere of the past few days was swept away throughout Night Prefecture.

Under the long night, the cities were brightly lit, like pearls inlaid on the boundless dark earth.

Many of the Ancestor ' names became well-known and were subsequently sung about. They were the absolute protagonists in this battle and played the biggest role.

Those who altered life forms and stepped into the Divine Dao Domain, as well as the Ancestor who transformed into mysterious immortal beings, were also traced back to the past by people in history.

The Past Tathagata of the New Life Path, the Ye family pioneer of the Immortal Path, the silent Ancestor of the Esoteric Sect... all have been remembered again by the people.

"Some powerful figures died without us even knowing their origins, and many more experts on that plain were never found."

Undoubtedly, the newly emerging generation is even more dazzling, and has been extensively reported by Night Report, Day Report, and World Report. Many young adults and teenagers have come to the public's attention through words, bloodstained profile portraits, and other means.

"What?! Su Shiyun is dead? One of the most outstanding immortal Immortal Seed in the Immortal Land, the goddess I once looked up to, the goal I pursued in this life! She was ambushed by the old demon and will forever remain on that blood-stained land! How could this happen!"

Many people lamented the loss of such a beautiful woman, saying that Heaven's Jealousy of her beauty and that such a celestial being had passed away so tragically; otherwise, she would surely have become a great Ancestor in the future.

"Tang Yutian of the Esoteric Sect is also dead. He was God Seed that was being nurtured with great potential, but in the end, even his body couldn't be pieced together completely."

It wouldn't have mattered if we hadn't taken stock, but once we did, many people across Night Prefecture were shaken; this battle had been far too devastating.

At the level of Ancestor alone, it is confirmed that a number of people have died, and the fates of many other powerful figures remain a mystery, not disclosed to the public.

"Xue Yunzheng, the young leader of the Jade Clarity Sect, the Sky Shaker of the Sky Bearing Sect, and one of the strongest seeds of the Esoteric Sect..."

As the list was gradually released, everyone was shocked. All sides suffered heavy losses in this battle, including not only the older generation but also many future leaders.

Of course, the remarkable survivors generate even more buzz, and the spotlight shines especially brightly on them.

Do you know what Peerless Grandmaster is? Someone who surpasses an entire generation.

"Do you know that there are also Supreme Grandmaster in the world? They represent the strongest, unmatched within their realm. There was such a person in the recent Western Territory War..."

After the great war, anyone who had distinguished themselves and shone in the Western Territory began to be known and talked about by countless people.

It is obvious that in such a great era, the rise of the strong and the admiration for legends are the most attractive topics, and Night Report and Truth Report also intentionally guide this narrative.

The sorrow will eventually pass, and the mourning on all paths cannot become a lasting tragedy. We must look forward positively, and creating heroes is undoubtedly the best choice.

In fact, after a series of great battles, there is no need to exaggerate or deliberately boast. Just record the events as they were. There were too many brilliant people in this battle.

"Unbelievable! Women are just as capable as men. Jiang Ran holds a dominant position in the Fourth Realm, not only slaying many seedlings of the same level, but also killing a notorious old demon who tried to ambush her!"

Many people marveled at how God had bestowed upon this young girl not only flawless beauty but also extraordinary talent, truly making her a blessed woman.

Soon, people discovered that Chu Pianran, from Ancient Immortal Dojo, was probably no less capable than Jiang Ran, and her performance on the battlefield was equally dazzling.

"Li Qingyue once burned several old demons who had secretly come to hunt down Immortal Seed. Her performance alarmed the elders of Night Prefecture. In the end, in order to protect her, they did not let her participate in the battle again, otherwise her achievements would have been extremely brilliant."

The Truth Report and World Report also published a series on outstanding women, highlighting Tang Jin, Leng Feiyue, Zhao Qingcheng, Yao Ruoxian, Helian Yaoqing.

"Cheng Sheng, Cui Chonghe, Zhuo Qingming, and the others are also extraordinary, even astonishing. Any cultivator who can break through to the Fourth Realm is a formidable figure, and it's difficult to fight against enemies beyond that realm. Especially those with Immortal Seed in the Fourth Realm, who almost represent the strongest in their field, it's truly unbelievable that they could actually defeat them!"

After a great battle, people discovered that many new stars were rising along various paths, and if they continued on this trajectory, they were destined to illuminate this era.

"The New Life Path has truly shone this time, producing an exceptionally powerful figure. It is said that he single-handedly broke through the demon camp, reaping countless Heavenly Demon Seed, shocking both sides."

Although the battle achievements have not yet been tallied, various rumors are already circulating, so people have almost pinpointed the rumored target.

"Rumor has it that he possesses the power of two paths, and this time he may have broken through the barrier using Immortal Method. Only after reaching that level was he able to defeat his enemies in the Western Territory."

"I don't believe it. He's definitely the face of New Life Path, he couldn't possibly be from Immortal Path."

"Whether he's merely the face of New Life Path is hard to say, but another illustrious figurehead of New Life Path is certain."

When Xiang Yiwu saw this report, he was completely distraught.

He desperately wanted to burn the Night Report; he had inexplicably become a door panel on New Life Path!

"They're praising you. Didn't you read the description? An unshakeable gate. Whoever can push open this gate will surely become an unparalleled master in the future," an old Master of the Tathagata Sect said with a smile.

Xiang Yiwu rubbed his hands together, eager to fight, and said, "Elder, I'll arrange to meet the grandson of the person in charge of that Night Report organization another day. I want to have a friendly sparring session with him. If we want to continue on the New Life Path, we must engage in various real battles, tempering our true selves in life-or-death situations, only then can we truly achieve New Life!"

Throughout Night Prefecture, from the ten most famous cities to magnificent Giant City and even villages and towns, all the hot topics these days are related to the Western Territory War.

"Once again, we were forced to reclaim wasteland, advancing 20,000 li westward. This not only solved a major problem, but next spring we will also open up a large number of Fire Field, which will feed even more people. In the long run, the strength of Night Prefecture will grow stronger day by day."

"Such a large territory is probably difficult to manage, and there will likely be many conflicts of interest in the future."

Then, people started talking about pioneering again.

"If we don't explore new lands, we can't stay confined to one place. We need to integrate with the human races around the Night Mist World, find our own kind, and strengthen our race to protect ourselves."

Looking back, the Sunland and Calamity Land of the Beyond the Mundane were incorporated after the pioneering efforts, as were the Yin Yang Temple and Pure Yang Palace of New Life Path. Some important sects of the Esoteric Sect also joined Night Prefecture later.

Of course, excavating underground scriptures and reshaping the path of cultivation underfoot during pioneering is also a major undertaking for all religions.

"You have no idea how miserable the human race was before some areas of Night Prefecture were integrated into the country. Their fate was sealed from birth; they were destined to be servants of certain other races."

"And there's something even worse. In the early years of the Night Prefecture, not only humans, but also many other races were regarded as ' Meat Crop ' by the giant beasts," an old man said.

Then he sighed, "In truth, the essence of pioneering is primarily survival. In this pitch-black world, our people feel intense unease and must unite with more of our kind to explore the path ahead. Why did the Solar Yang disappear? What is the truth and essence of this world? These are all truths that urgently need to be uncovered."

In Night Prefecture, many people are worried. The Solar Yang has disappeared, the environment has changed drastically, what will happen in the future? Will the world continue to undergo earth-shattering changes?

"While pioneering, we also wanted to communicate with other civilizations, hoping to understand where they came from and whether they shared the same origin as us?"

Currently, the situation regarding tracing the source is quite complex.

The most terrifying thing is that this world seems to have no end.

After pioneering the western frontier, if you leave the God's Fall Plain and travel hundreds of thousands of miles further, you will encounter the boundless Western Sea.

The human scouts who entered the demon camp reported that the so-called Western Sea was likely just a slightly larger inland lake.

Long ago, a powerful Demon and Monster Race traveled from this shore to the other, covering approximately a million miles, and was surprised to find land again.

Kunling, Qin Ming, and Wu Yaozu returned from the Western Territory and briefly stopped here to bury Zhao Ziyuan's ashes with Yu Gensheng.

Two days later, as they were about to set off again, the land trembled slightly. Then, a few people looked up and saw a human skin, its entire body ablaze, screaming shrilly, traversing the night sky and rushing into the distance.

What's going on? Even those who have mastered special eye techniques were taken aback.

Above the dark clouds, several Ancestor stood silently, staring at the escaped human skin.

"They were exploring Jade Capital; two were burned to ashes, while the other escaped after being engulfed in flames!"

"It's very likely the mysterious civilization behind the demons; some experts couldn't resist and personally approached Jade Capital."

"That's good. The person in question risked their life to investigate; things should be peaceful for a long time afterward."

This incident caused some ripples among the higher-ups, but ordinary cultivators were completely unaware of it. Having just quelled the invasion of demons, the Ancestor of all paths did not want to cause unnecessary panic.

Unbeknownst to anyone, deep within the Kunling Forbidden Land, in a place inaccessible to outsiders, amidst layers of chaotic void, a terrifying city is glowing.

It appears to be suspended upside down in the sky, with the city walls and the vast yet hazy interior scenery all "head down, feet up," as if reflected there.

It is ethereal and extremely distant, yet the ripples it is creating are reaching a real Earthen City.

Little Wu bid farewell. "Ming Ge, I haven't been to 90% of the beautiful landscape of Night Prefecture. This time, I plan to travel around and explore."

He had earned a considerable amount of merit in battle and planned to hand it over to Yu Gensheng to help him exchange for what he needed, so he wouldn't wait for it himself.

"Take care!" Qin Ming was quite at ease with him. This brother was incredibly adaptable; he seemed to thrive anywhere.

Moon Queen, in Red Haze City, Qin Ming stood on the city gate tower, gazing at the dark wilderness outside the city. Snowflakes danced in the air, turning the earth into a silvery white expanse.

"Another cold winter has arrived!" He returned here a few days ago.

He couldn't help but think of the past. Last winter, he New Life in his Golden Age and officially embarked on this path. Time flies, and a year has passed in the blink of an eye. He has already arrived at the Third Realm - the Spiritual Field.

Such speeds would be frightening on any road.

Qin Ming had made many contributions, all of which were clearly recorded in the Memory Crystal, but he didn't want to redeem the rewards himself and was waiting for Lu Zizai emerge from seclusion.

He has killed more than two dozen Heavenly Demon Seed and even slain Silver War Beast. Without someone paving the way, it wouldn't be safe for him to claim the reward on his own.

"I hope Senior Brother Lu will be able to successfully complete his New Life!"

Then, Qin Ming looked towards the night sky in the direction of Black White Mountain, where Blood Kite would occasionally fly by, and he could see them once every ten days or half a month.

A few days ago, he returned to Double Tree Village. Old Man Liu was still the same as before, drinking his wine, eating wild game, and occasionally kicking the Big Yellow Dog. Nothing had changed.

Wu Zheng arrived and said, "Brother Qin, I feel like I'm dreaming. You and I left Black White Mountain at the same time, and now you're famous everywhere, becoming the face of New Life Path —no, the symbol of it all!"

He was thrilled, feeling as if it were a dream. Just a year ago, Qin Ming, like him, had just New Life and had even come to his house to buy the Spear and Arrow Dual Mastery.

Qin Ming shook his head and said, "Being burdened by a false reputation and now being reported on extensively in the Night Report and World Report is not a good thing."

He disliked the Night Report quite a bit. Back then, this newspaper would pay money to give prominent coverage to the youth competitions in various cities and during the unified examinations, with all sorts of fancy and exaggerated reports.

Especially now, he sensed a malice; the other party had dug up his past, saying that he had lived in the Cui Household for more than ten years.

On the surface, the Night Report seemed to be defending him, believing that the Cui Household had missed out on Heavenly Prodigy and lacked foresight, but it certainly stirred up a lot of hatred.

He didn't want to be the center of attention and scrutinized by everyone, but the Night Report kept mentioning him.

"Fortunately, Lao Cao is crippled and has become Cao Four," Qin Ming muttered to himself.

Of course, with all sides joining forces to defeat the demon army, their relationship was in a honeymoon phase. Even when Lao Cao was at the height of his fame, he wouldn't have dared to resort to Black Hand.

"The Cui Household..." Qin Ming pondered.

"Little Qin, let's drink until we drop tonight!" Xu Sheng arrived, followed by Sister Fenfang and Zhou Lin.

They were also shocked. Their former companions, who used to hunt Spiritual Creature together in the mountains, had now come to this, killing Heavenly Demon Seed in the Third Realm in the Western Territory that no one dared to challenge them.

Qin Ming stayed in Red Haze City for several days, during which time he accompanied Meng Xinghai to pay respects to his Martial Granduncle.

He then learned from Meng Xinghai that there was something wrong with the letter he had received.

Qin Ming's expression turned grim. He said, "It's a letter written in my grandfather's own handwriting, but it's been manipulated and staged. If I investigate further, something unexpected might happen."

He listened to advice and didn't go himself, but let Meng Xinghai arrange people to investigate. Sure enough, there were problems later.

Qin Ming clenched his fist and said, "They're like ghosts that won't leave. Once I become Master, I'll wipe them all out!"

Meng Xinghai said, "You need to keep a low profile now. You were too dazzling in the battle in the Western Territory. From now on, you should lie low and focus on improving yourself."

Qin Ming nodded. He had gone too far on the demon battlefield, but he had no better way to gain battle merits to exchange for what he needed.

This time, what he wanted were the classic texts that were unavailable on the New Life Path!

In the past, those things would have been impossible to obtain, but now it shouldn't be a big problem.

Five days later, outside Night Prefecture, in a deserted place, Lu Zizai suddenly opened his eyes. His consciousness soared into Chongxiao sky, piercing through the dark clouds and drawing in the endless Heavenly Light.

Beyond the world, exceptionally dazzling, endless rain of light fell, drawn by its spirit, straight to the ground, engulfing its physical body.

Not far away, the Ancestor of the New Life Path personally protected him.

With a deafening roar, Thunderfire raged, and the mountains in this area were almost melted.

On that day, Lu Zizai shed his old body and truly succeeded in New Life, and stepped into the Sixth Realm. The world lost an Supreme Grandmaster and gained a Ancestor.

"It's time for me to officially venture into the depths of the Night Mist World!" Lu Zizai said. If it weren't for the invasion of the Nomadic Hunting Civilization and the Demon Civilization, he would have already left Night Prefecture.

However, he had some things to take care of before that.

Two days later, in Red Haze City, Qin Ming met Lu Zizai, who had been missing for many days. As soon as they met, he was certain that Lu Zizai had returned completely New Life.

The boy before him had clear, bright eyes, without a trace of impurity. This wasn't Lu Zizai to be young; he was full of vibrant life and energy from head to toe.

Even his spirit seemed to have undergone a Nirvana, cutting away useless distractions, his consciousness becoming clear and pure, like the heart of a child.

Congratulations, Senior Brother Lu!

Lu Zizai smiled and nodded, saying, "Tell me about your achievements. What do you want to exchange for?"

Even he was surprised to learn that Qin Ming had killed a Silver War Beast despite being a Major Realm above him.

"Killed more than a dozen Heavenly Demon Seed? You really are a Heavenly Demon Seed harvester!" Lu Zizai knew this little brother was powerful, but he didn't expect it to be this exaggerated.

"I'd like to know which scriptures suitable for me are found in the Beyond the Mundane and the Esoteric Sect, but not in our New Life Path," Qin Ming said to him.

Lu Zizai said, "The incomplete copy of the <Golden Crow Illuminates Night Scripture> is in Beyond the Mundane; we've only managed to copy a small portion. Don't bother exchanging for the <Intercepting Heaven Strategy>; I'll find you the Intercepting Heaven Blade Technique later. As for its fundamental energy technique, don't worry about it now. If you were to integrate the Tathagata Force, the Six Royal Force, and the Intercepting Heaven Force right now, it would definitely explode."

After some discussion, Qin Ming knew which True Scripture he should exchange for.

Some of these scriptures were even of interest to the venerable Ancestor who studied the Silk Book Method.

If they were to obtain it, the Silk Book Method might become even more domineering than it is now!

Of course, the more references and integrations one makes, the easier it might be for that kind of power technique to explode in the later stages of practice.

With Lu Zizai paving the way, Qin Ming was able to exchange for the legendary scriptures.

His first stop was the Immortal Land, which was also his first time entering Beyond the Mundane filled with various legends.

Immortal Land, located within the territory of the Great Rui Dynasty, is a vast "Blessed Land".

As the Thunder King Bird carrying Qin Ming approached, its body tensed, for there were auspicious birds of the Fifth Realm soaring in the sky and giant beasts of the Master-level guarding the mountain gate on the ground.

Outside, the world was blanketed in snow, but in the Immortal Land, it was warm as spring. Even from afar, it was a sight to behold, filled with spiritual trees. Not only were there medicinal fields, but even the crevices in the cliffs were teeming with Treasured Medicine.

In the Immortal Land, each mountain is shrouded in Purple Mist, and strange Fire Spring range from golden to azure blue, completely different from the red Fire Spring commonly seen.

This is a world of fragrant flowers and singing birds, filled with Spiritual Qi energy, Immortal Mist, and brimming with vitality.

Even the insects curled up in the leaves of the trees are spirit insects; this place is too miraculous, truly a land of creation.

After Qin Ming introduced himself, an acquaintance soon appeared.

The stunningly beautiful Jiang Ran arrived at the mountain gate and led him inside.

When Qin Ming set foot in this blessed land, a Master personally came forward and had a friendly conversation with him.

Undoubtedly, after the battle in the Western Territory, Qin Ming's talent astonished many people. His Actual Combat Record was so dazzling that even the older generation began to take him seriously.

Otherwise, how could a mere teenager possibly have Master personally accompanying him?

Clearly, his status rose sharply after he became the face of New Life Path.

During this process, many disciples and followers of the Immortal Land came over and quietly observed him from a distance. Among them were Core Disciple, immortal Immortal Seed, and direct descendants of the Path Opening Old Monster, all of whom were quite curious about him.

Jiang Ran's younger sister, Luo Yao, White-Clad Girl, pouted. She really didn't expect that in just one year, this boy who was once as distant as mountains and seas had come to this point, and today he had ascended to the Immortal Land, personally received by her sister and a Master.

She served as a "tea servant," bringing tea and water to the three of them and attending to their needs.

"I want to watch ' The Golden Crow Illuminates Night Scripture '," Qin Ming said, getting straight to the point.

Legend has it that several Ancestor of silk calligraphy coveted this Silk Book Method but could not obtain it.