Night without Borders

Chapter 565 Affection
"A blind date!" Qin Ming was startled, feeling as if he had stumbled into the mundane world.

He then nodded in understanding.

In this war against foreign powers, all sides have suffered heavy losses. Whether it is the old mountain stronghold high in the sky or the transcendent power that entrenched itself on the earth, they all want to take the opportunity to select hidden dragons and immortal seedlings. Choosing sons-in-law and taking in disciples has naturally become the most effective and secure option.

Su Mohua had exquisite features and her black hair cascaded down to her waist, so shiny it seemed to reflect her image. She said with a grin, "Master, you have attracted the attention of many powerful clans. Recently, several famous fairies have subtly inquired about you."

Qin Ming, beaming, said, "I knew I was handsome, but I didn't expect to be so popular."

Su Mohua didn't know how to respond, thinking to herself, "Master, shouldn't you say something humble?"

Behind them, Bai Meng noticed that Brother Ming was actually quite narcissistic. He quickly realized that it was just Qin Ming joking about himself.

"You're really shameless," Tang Yushang, who was walking at the back, commented, raising her chin.

Qin Ming asked, "Mo Hua, did you encounter any problems in the enclave?"

Instantly, Su Mohua's face turned pale, filled with lingering fear. During this expedition, she had her shoulder ripped apart by a black flame bird of the Celestial Clan and was nearly kidnapped, but fortunately she was rescued by a Grandmaster.

As they spoke, they entered the bustling area of ​​Sky City.

High in the sky, a silver disc hung high, casting down its bright moonlight—it was a high-grade moon worm. Nearby, countless fireflies drifted about, like a sky full of twinkling stars.

The night in Sky City is magnificent, not quiet at all. It is still bustling with traffic, and the jade towers and silver palaces are all brightly lit, bathed in the moonlight. It is the time of the glittering lights and revelry.

Su Mohua said, "Alas, Master, if you weren't my master..."

Bai Meng immediately perked up and asked, "What will happen?"

His gossip-loving spirit burned fiercely; indeed, every beating he endured wasn't for nothing. This was his true nature, but because he had been brutally beaten by Qin Ming at the Great Thunderclap Temple, he had some lingering trauma and had restrained himself for a while. However, as their relationship grew closer, he fully recovered and let loose.

Su Mohua was a little embarrassed and said, "Originally, our Su family also wanted to choose a son-in-law..."

"I knew it!" Bai Meng slapped his thigh until it was almost swollen, naturally because he was extremely excited to have heard such a big piece of gossip.

Then, his head swelled up, and Tang Yushang slapped the back of his head three times in a row.

Su Mohua said, "My family originally wanted my sister to do it, but unfortunately, you are my master, so that's not a good idea."

"Huh?" Bai Meng felt he had eaten the wrong melon and was quite disappointed.

At this time, they were very close to the Su residence, and the Su family wanted to entertain Qin Ming and his entourage by letting them stay there.

Su Mo Ran was waiting outside not far away, ready to greet them, while Gao Chan was practically a shadow, having received advance notice and followed them.

Su Mo Ran clearly overheard the conversation; her expression froze slightly, and Gao Chan's ears twitched, his face turning dark instantly.

In this Sky City where every inch of land is precious, the Su family's mansion is very large. Not to mention pavilions and palaces, there are even several spiritual peaks shrouded in immortal mist.

However, the mansion involves the remnants of the celestial realm's magic, so from the outside, it doesn't appear to be nearly as large as it actually is.

"Mo Hua, don't talk nonsense." Gao Chan spoke, his left sleeve hanging empty and fluttering lightly. He had been severely injured in the enclave and was missing a section of his arm.

The atmosphere was awkward, and Qin Ming declined the offer, ultimately not staying at the Su residence.

After moving a little further away, Bai Meng asked, "Old Pei, you're too calm."

Pei Shuyan somewhat regretted his fate. What did this so-called matchmaking event have to do with him? He was indifferent to worldly desires and felt somewhat like the only one who was sober in a world of drunks. In the end, he couldn't help but comment: "The world is all vulgar."

Qin Ming and Bai Meng looked at each other speechlessly. If this continued, it seemed that Old Pei was on his way to becoming a saint in the mortal world!
Did people say that? Tang Yushang almost couldn't maintain her aloof and elegant demeanor as a fairy, and couldn't help but glance at Lao Pei a few times.

Soon after, Qin Ming exclaimed in shock, "Wow, Tang Dynasty, are you a rich woman? You even have businesses in the heavens!"

"What nonsense!" Tang Yushang only showed him the whites of her eyes, not her dark, intelligent pupils.

"Sister, our Taixu even has a residence in the heavens?" Bai Meng was also stunned; even he didn't know that.

Tang Yushang said, "It was purchased a long time ago. It wasn't until recently, when the ancestor ascended to heaven, that the magic array was reactivated and this garden was cleaned up."

What is true cultural heritage? It's having businesses even in the heavens.

Qin Ming sighed, the descendants of the Lord of Yujing lived in Taixu, and the foundation there was indeed terrifyingly solid.

"The Ancestor is here too?" Bai Meng asked, slightly nervous.

“Yes.” Tang Yushang nodded.

Instantly, Qin Ming and Pei Shuyan tensed up, and then politely took their leave, truly not wanting to stay under the watchful eye of an Earth Immortal.

Even Bai Meng followed suit, "running away from home" to go for a stroll in the city with Qin Ming.

Last time, they trained in the wild forest outside the bustling city. Although they had entered the city, they had not had a proper chance to explore this world-famous fairy city.

Tonight, they walk under the moonlight.

"This...celestial city in the heavens is so mundane."

In their past understanding, the celestial city, which transcends the earth and hangs high above the world, should be ethereal, otherworldly, hazy, and undisturbed by worldly strife, surrounded by the spiritual essence of immortals.

However, the reality is that the city is brightly lit, with silver shops and jade palaces lining the bustling areas, and crowds thronging the streets, making it a lively and extraordinary place.

Although they had sensed something before, their "insights" deepened after tonight's enjoyable night out.

Above many areas of the city, painted boats floated in the air, shimmering with light and color, while inside the many magnificent palaces on the ground, music and singing filled the air, making it a city that never sleeps, a place of extravagance and debauchery.

Bai Meng was deeply moved and said, "I want to have a home here...."

He saw a six-tusked white elephant carrying a female bodhisattva-like figure, strolling across the night sky and entering a magnificent golden palace.

Qin Ming glanced at him and said, "You want to be that six-tusked white elephant?"

Bai Meng shook his head firmly and said, "No, I want to become a male Bodhisattva!"

Pei Shuyan sighed, his eyes showing a hint of melancholy.

Bai Meng quickly said, "Old Pei, it's a very festive night, so please don't act like you're trying to become a saint in this mortal world."

“You’ve misunderstood.” Pei Shuyan shook his head. He climbed to a high place and looked into the distance, feeling melancholy. Unconsciously, he realized that one more person was missing from his side.

He thought of his good friend Zhuo Qingming, who had not returned alive. During the last training break, they had come to this city together. How many days had it been? Everything had changed.

He muttered to himself, "This is the cruel path of immortality. We are all on a rugged and perilous road, and our fates are full of twists and turns."

He silently took stock and counted the losses. In just the last few years, not to mention ordinary disciples, even the well-known immortals had lost many people.

Su Shiyun, An Youxing, Xue Yunzheng, Luo Jingxiao... Zhuo Qingming, that's really not a small number. If this continues, their generation will be harvested like leeks.

Qin Ming patted him on the shoulder and said, "Think more positively. If you calculate it this way, there are even more people who die on my path to rebirth."

In an instant, many people came to mind. Years had passed, and some of their faces had become blurred, such as Zhuo Ya, the woman he had known for a long time, who was always talkative and cheerful...

Qin Ming exhaled a breath of turbid air and said, "There are many wandering souls on the path of cultivation. Observing the past and reflecting on the present, this is always the case."

Bai Meng also comforted him, saying, "Old Pei, there's no need to dwell on the past. This is reality. It's fate that some people can walk a part of the road together. Cherish the present."

Pei Shuyan nodded. This was true. Many outstanding geniuses initially shone like the sun in the sky, but then dimmed in an instant, proving to be nothing more than shooting stars that briefly streaked across the night sky.

He whispered calmly, "Immortality, true immortality, no one can achieve that. We are all shooting stars, or perhaps even worse, mere candles."

A moment later, the three of them looked solemn.

At this moment, they found themselves in a magnificent celestial palace. Their slightly gloomy mood vanished, and they embraced the local customs, experiencing the celestial casino.

The name of this place is quite nice—God of Wealth Workshop.

"I regret it! Gamblers deserve to die a horrible death!" Bai Meng wanted to slap himself a few times. In order to broaden his horizons and gamble a little for fun, he had already lost over a thousand gold coins.

This time, Pei Shuyan didn't find the world vulgar. Pei Gong still liked Zhou Jin, as it was his resource for cultivation, but unfortunately, he also lost quite a bit.

Here you'll be accompanied by ethereal figures, surrounded by enchanting music, and free to enjoy fine wines and other delicacies, but this "fairy casino"... is a real rip-off.

Qin Ming sighed, forced to resort to his ultimate move. He directly resonated with the opponent's consciousness. Although various gambling tools such as dice could block divine sense from probing, they could not block the human heart.

Bai Meng immediately perked up because he discovered that Brother Ming was starting to dominate. He exclaimed in amazement, "Sure enough, someone who excels in one field can rise to prominence and stand out even if they change their path. Brother Ming is a god."

The woman accompanying him, with her captivating eyes and exaggeratedly curvaceous figure, spoke in a gentle voice, "Young Master Qin, you truly possess the physique of a god of wealth. Your luck will soar to the heavens tonight. Would you like to go into the inner hall and try your luck?"

Bai Meng was very excited and eager to see what the legendary inner palace looked like.

It is said that noble ladies stand by the side there, all of whom are grandmasters, and even higher-level old monsters appear.

Qin Ming shook his head and said, "Forget it. Gambling is a major taboo on the path of cultivation. We're just experiencing it briefly; we can't take it seriously or get too caught up in it."

He has already earned 27,000 gold coins, so leaving now shouldn't be a problem. But if he continues his rampage, things might get out of hand.

Tonight, they are here to experience the various nightlife activities of Sky City, not because they are actually addicted to gambling.

In the evening, the three of them occasionally encountered acquaintances, mostly cultivators from the ground, who were touring the various scenic spots of Sky City and experiencing its unique customs.

"It's my treat from now on." Qin Ming waved his hand and led the two away from the God of Wealth Square.

Following directions from the locals, they arrived at a rather quiet but renowned building, said to house the finest wines among various categories. Even from afar, the aroma of the wine wafted from this jade-like building, intoxicating and intoxicating, making one feel as if they were floating on air.

This place produces the best wine, but it has only one drawback: it's ridiculously expensive, so business isn't that good.

Qin Ming and his two companions climbed the tower and could see the city's night view. The bright moon, the stars, and the floating painted boats in the air were all intertwined with the magnificent buildings, creating a dreamlike scene.

"Brother Cheng?" They spotted an acquaintance here.

It was Cheng Sheng, a prominent figure in the esoteric sect. He was drunk and looked dejected, lacking his former imposing demeanor.

Qin Ming and Pei Shuyan immediately went over to share a table with him. All three of them realized that this esoteric Buddhist deity had suffered some kind of torment, otherwise he wouldn't be so depressed.

Cheng Sheng nodded to them and said, "You're here. Don't worry about me. Tonight, I just want to get drunk."

Qin Ming ordered drinks: "Boss, four cups of 'Soaring to the Clouds'."

Bai Meng's eyes widened, and he said, "Brother Ming, this is... an exquisite wine worth a thousand gold coins per cup?"

Although he could afford it, he wasn't a heavy drinker and couldn't distinguish between good and bad wine, so there was no need for him to be so extravagant.

"Life is short, so seize the day. Tonight is just an experience, so let's have a taste," Qin Ming said. After all, he was just spending the day's money from Caishenfang, so he didn't care about this unexpected windfall.

Bai Meng immediately praised, "Following Brother Ming, you get to eat nine meals a day."

Cheng Sheng sighed: "When life is going well... alas, what about those who are down on their luck?"

Qin Ming said, "So, I want you to calm down a bit; some things can be put on hold when you're drunk."

Pei Shuyan asked, "What's wrong?"

He is no longer moved by beauty, but that doesn't mean he's lost his normal emotional fluctuations. He still cares deeply about his friends and those around him; otherwise, he wouldn't be mourning his dear friend Zhuo Qingming.

Soon, four cups of wine, shimmering with light, were brought in, resembling piled-up gold and countless stars falling from the night sky, all condensed into a delicate jade cup.

As for food and drinks, there's no need to order anything else; after purchasing the wine, you'll be given a complimentary table of delicacies.

"Ding!"

The four raised their glasses, the wine flowing like silk. The moment it entered their mouths, they felt as if they were flying immortals, bathed in rosy light, about to ride the rain of light and soar into the sky.

This fine wine truly lives up to its name—"Soaring to the Clouds."

Cheng Sheng put down his wine glass, his whole body filled with resentment, and said, "Qingcheng... died in battle. I hate it! I wasn't there at the time and couldn't save her!"

Pei Shuyan was surprised and said, "I haven't heard that the two of you got together."

Cheng Sheng was quite dejected. He said, "She was perfect. I felt that I was not strong enough or good enough. I wanted to express my feelings after I became a grandmaster. I never expected that I would hear the news of her death in the end. I lost even the chance to say it. This life is full of regrets!"

Qin Ming patted his shoulder, unsure how to comfort him.

His thoughts drifted back to when Li Qingyue wanted to travel far away, but she couldn't grasp the road ahead and didn't know if she would ever return. She even tried to match him up with Zhao Qingcheng.

Qin Ming quickly shook his head, warning that he shouldn't speak the truth while drunk and further provoke Cheng Sheng.

He knew that Zhao Qingcheng was a good girl, but unfortunately, as a prominent figure in the esoteric sect, she had a bright future ahead of her, yet she died young.

Pei Shuyan said, "Life is fleeting. Even an Earth Immortal can only live for 1,500 years at most. Brother Cheng, let it go. Many beautiful things will fade in the passage of time."

Cheng Sheng looked up and asked, "Old Pei, why do I feel like you're as calm as still water? I used to hear that you had some obsessions, so why are you so indifferent now?"

Pei Shuyan didn't even raise his head, took a sip of "Soaring to Immortality," and said, "Just cut it off."

"How do I cut it?" Cheng Sheng humbly asked for advice.

Pei Shuyan remained silent, seemingly also reminiscing about the past.

"I heard that you initially had a crush on one of your junior sisters, but, cough..." Cheng Sheng coughed and glanced at Qin Ming apologetically.

Pei Shuyan said frankly, "It's alright, it's all in the past. Besides, Brother Qin understands my intentions and knows my heart, so there won't be any misunderstandings."

His voice was flat as he said, "Junior Sister Qingyue is a very good person, as bright as the moon, hanging high in the sky, untouched by worldly affairs. She gives people a very distant feeling, not like a flesh-and-blood person in the mortal world. Well, how should I put it, she is too ethereal, so let her go with the wind."

He added, "Of course, her gaze never fell on me, it was only fixed on Brother Qin."

Cheng Sheng then asked, "What about Fairy Su?"

Bai Meng immediately said, "Old Pei, you used to multitask, huh? Now... it's not unfair."

Pei Shuyan shook his head and said, "Su Shiyun's talent and ability were only slightly inferior to Jiang Ran's. It's a real pity that she died on the Western Frontier battlefield—the Divine Grief Plain. However, her image has long since faded in my mind. I never even saw her from afar, so how can I feel sad? The impression has faded."

Cheng Sheng was filled with awe, knowing that it would take great perseverance and determination to completely erase a person's shadow.

He earnestly asked, "Is there some secret method involving the mind? Please teach me, Brother Pei. I also want to draw the sword of wisdom to sever the past."

A moment later, Cheng Sheng spat out a mouthful of wine with a "pfft" sound and said, "True... slash?"

……

The great victory in the foreign war is a cause for universal celebration, and it's impossible to call this a matchmaking event. In reality, it's mainly a gathering of major powers to discuss the future.

Because the Dao Ranking, the Gold Ranking, and the New Ranking are all going to fall into slumber!

"Wow, this is earth-shattering news! Those who perform exceptionally well in the future will have a great chance of entering the Jade Capital. This is a supreme divine decree!"

A message spread through the heavens.

At present, even the so-called saints have never entered that mysterious, upside-down city, but now there is finally some definite news.

Is Yujing about to be born?
"As far as I know, the Celestial City of the Celestial Clan and the Abyss of the Abyss Civilization are also like this, isolated from the world and hanging upside down in the sky. Their saints have never entered such forbidden places."

"Legend has it that only a few outstanding individuals can eventually enter the supreme, upside-down sacred ground."

"So, the night fog is like this all over the world. It just means that we are not at a high enough level and are far from being able to reach the highest place."

Everyone was wondering if the emergence of supreme Daoist temples such as Tiancheng, Zuyuan, Daleiyin Temple, and Bajing Palace would have a devastating impact on the world.
Those mysterious places, if they were to actually produce some living beings, would be mostly unimaginable.

Will the world's extraordinary powers and geniuses pale in comparison?
Clearly, the so-called matchmaking will not be openly mentioned at this event; it will simply create opportunities for families and young people to get to know each other.

Actually, it was mainly the old monsters discussing important matters.

Before the official grand event even began, Qin Ming, Bai Meng, Pei Shuyan, and Cheng Sheng spent the next two days touring the entire Immortal City, leaving their mark at the God of Wealth Square and on the painted boats in the night sky.

After Tang Yushang learned that they had boarded the large cruise ship amidst the twinkling stars, she also appeared and gave Bai Meng a beating.

Even Qin Ming and the others sensed the killing intent.

Bai Meng protested, "Sis, you want to beat up Brother Ming, don't you? Go ahead and hit him!"

Then, Qin Ming joined in and beat him up as well.

The group arrived at the arena and experienced firsthand the cruelty of the place. The celestial city high above the heavens had such a bloody side, with every battle a matter of life and death, accompanied by the splashing of broken bones and spiritual blood.

At this time, various rumors and gossip were already circulating about Sky City.

The arrival of several of the most prominent daughters of the Huang family undoubtedly caused a sensation, as there is a saying that one should marry a daughter of the Huang family.

Putting aside other factors, one aspect alone reveals a lot: even today, they may still have living gods sleeping in the Jade Capital.

"Yi Jian, Qian Cheng, Yin Tian, ​​Jingjiepai, Wei Shouzhen... should be in the first rank."

Even among the eldest daughters of the Huang family, these people were being discussed.

"Qin Ming has great potential, but his current cultivation level is still a bit low. I don't know if he can catch up. Is it reliable that he mainly cultivates the path of rebirth and secondarily cultivates the path of immortality? I'm afraid he will waste decades and still find it difficult to break through the Grandmaster level."

No secrets stay hidden forever; some conversations and discussions circulated within small circles.

Even the Lu family, the Heavenly Venerables, had heard about it. Some insiders were saying, "The Huang family only has a few legitimate daughters who meet the highest standards and are worthy of a saint. Currently, they are planning to arrange for one of their prospective legitimate daughters to be chosen by the next best candidate?"

Clearly, the so-called legitimate daughter of the Huang family not only needs to be outstanding in appearance, but also needs to have extraordinary cultivation. Otherwise, how could she be worthy of those top geniuses?
Lu Jingli, the eldest daughter of the Lu family, had a subtle expression on her face and said, "Huang family, if we don't use our eldest daughter to win them over, but instead have the family send me to get close to that Qin Ming, wouldn't that make us seem... inferior to others?"

……

After two days of sightseeing, Qin Ming and his companions finally felt tired and slightly exhausted, so they checked into an inn with a blessed land and gardens.

"Who?!" Qin Ming looked up abruptly, startled. He had just checked in and entered the courtyard with its mountains and water when he felt someone getting close behind him.

The moment he turned around, he immediately saw an old man with silver hair grinning at him. It was the same old man who had asked him last time if he wanted to avoid struggling for five hundred years.

Qin Ming was unaware of his identity, and did not know that he was the Earth Immortal Ancestor of Taixu.

"Greetings, senior!" he immediately bowed.

The silver-haired old man smiled and said, "What have you thought about? Let's make a decision today."

Immediately afterwards, Qin Ming saw a beautiful woman descending with a shower of celestial light. Her eyes were incredibly deep. Although she looked charming and very young, he could sense that she was actually an Earth Immortal.

Qin Ming was shocked and couldn't calm down. He thought to himself, "She's here. She's really here. The 'woman who has been striving for five hundred years less,' the fairy sister of the seventh realm!" He questioned his life. What did he do to deserve such high regard?
(End of this chapter)