The Land of Eternal Night

In the bitter winter, amidst ice and snow, a crimson radiance burst forth in the mountain forest. Butterflies danced across the night sky, and streams of glowing petals fell like rain, exuding a delicate, otherworldly beauty.

The wondrous sight stunned Qin Ming and Xu Yueping, who paused to observe it.

The cold wind howled, causing the branches of the dense forest to shake violently, sweeping up large swathes of snow. The "red butterflies" dancing in the distance were carried along with the wind.

Xu Yueping stared at the night dyed crimson and finally identified what it was.

"A mutated plant is in bloom, surging with the vitality of new life. Nearby beasts, birds of prey, and other creatures—some of them will mutate."

As he spoke, a few "butterflies" were blown closer by the mountain wind. Upon closer inspection, they were glowing petals, falling one after another.

Qin Ming caught a few petals, which reflected a faint red glow onto his fingers.

Xu Yueping went further, grabbing two petals and putting them into his mouth. When such mutated plants bloomed, both their flowers and fruits carried potent life energy, beneficial to the human body.

"Slightly sweet." Qin Ming tasted a few as well, but there were too few petals falling here.

In the distant forest, the petals fell thick and dense, like a blazing crimson cloud, driving back the darkness of the night.

Countless birds took to the sky, chasing after the fiery petals, while cries of apes and roars of tigers echoed from the forest floor as creatures fought over them.

Qin Ming felt an itch to rush forward and claim the petals.

Xu Yueping shook his head to stop him, saying, "Forget it. By the time we get there, it'll be stripped bare. We might even run into dangerous birds or mountain beasts."

The blooming of mutated plants occurred unpredictably, without regard for season or pattern. Once their brief brilliance faded, they withered and died completely.

Qin Ming sighed. "Not only the deep mountains and vast lakes, but even the areas near our settlements hold so many mysteries. I wish I could push through the heavy night fog and explore the boundless world beyond."

Xu Yueping nodded. "It's good to have ambition. It gives you the drive to improve. If you get the chance, visit the distant Chixia City first."

He believed that only there could one glimpse a corner of the world's true magnificence.

"You can also study there," he added.

"Uncle Xu, have you been there?" Qin Ming asked.

The corners of Xu Yueping's eyes bore faint wrinkles. "I've been there. I was shocked, but as I came to terms with reality, I accepted my own mediocrity."

His tone was calm, devoid of the sharpness of youth, leaving only the weariness of middle age.

"You've seen and experienced much, Uncle Xu." Qin Ming could only offer this as comfort.

Xu Yueping smiled bitterly. "Who doesn't have dreams when they're young?"

He left the rest unsaid, unwilling to let his disillusionment dampen Qin Ming's spirit. Reality, after all, had a way of grinding down even the brightest aspirations.

"We haven't seen a single piece of game in miles," Xu Yueping grumbled, hoping to catch something in the wilderness to trade for food and drink in town.

"They've probably all been drawn to the mutated plant," Qin Ming replied.

Normally, this stretch of road required people to travel in groups, as the dark wilderness could harbor any number of dangerous creatures.

"Hey, at least we didn't go empty-handed." After multiple forays into the forest, Xu Yueping finally managed to shoot a muntjac weighing about forty pounds.

The two moved quickly, covering thirteen miles. Yinteng Town was now in sight.

Under the night sky, the faint glow of lanterns shimmered ahead. Buildings loomed in the distance, appearing like a refined painting of peaceful times.

Once they neared the town, there were noticeably more people on the road—hunters returning from the wilderness, traders bringing mountain goods to sell, and beast-drawn carts speeding past with goods.

Xu Yueping, familiar with Yinteng Town, led Qin Ming straight ahead.

The main street was lined with shops, their eaves adorned with red lanterns. People bustled about, creating a lively atmosphere.

The shops displayed a dazzling array of goods—exquisite porcelain, luxurious silks, and fragrant spices from the mountains.

Street vendors sold pancakes, wontons, and other snacks. The smells of food mingled with the cries of hawkers, filling the air with warmth and life.

Compared to this, Qin Ming found Shuangshu Village to be utterly desolate.

Xu Yueping inquired about grain prices and was told they were still exorbitantly high due to supply shortages. The heavy snow had blocked roads, making it difficult to transport grain from afar.

At the center of Yinteng Town, bright lights illuminated the area. Here lay the Fire Spring, though it was in a period of depletion. The pool, spanning eight feet in all directions, still shimmered with rippling light, veiled in mist and radiance.

A silver vine as thick as a barrel grew in the glowing, lava-like Fire Spring, giving the town its name.

Though it looked extraordinary, it was still an ordinary plant, limited in its ability to absorb the Fire Spring's spiritual energy.

Qin Ming noticed movement in the pool—red, jade-like clams, translucent as gemstones, their shells pulsing with fiery light as they opened and closed.

"Fire Clams. This entire pool holds only a few dozen of them. It's said their meat is incredibly delicious and contains potent vitality. I wonder where they're sent and who gets to eat them," Xu Yueping whispered.

At least a secondary-level Fire Spring like this one was needed to nurture Fire Clams. Anything less wouldn't provide sufficient energy.

The busiest shops were clustered around the Fire Spring, including an old weapons shop that saw constant traffic. In the harsh wilderness, everyone wanted a good weapon in hand.

Snowflakes began to drift down from the sky. Xu Yueping led Qin Ming toward a nearby tavern, its entrance adorned with finely crafted hanging lanterns. Inside, sunstones illuminated the space with dazzling light.

Taverns like this thrived at night, but it was still early, and the place was nearly empty.

"Are we your first customers?" Xu Yueping asked with a smile.

A sleepy-looking young waiter nodded politely, clearly reluctant to be serving so early.

"Tell your boss we're looking for Feng Yian," Xu Yueping said.

The waiter, who had been wearing a perfunctory smile, instantly sobered up. "Our boss isn't here, but he left instructions. I'll go fetch Mr. Feng for you."

"This muntjac's meat is tender. It should be worth a few bottles of good wine, right?" Xu Yueping offered the muntjac as payment.

Under normal circumstances, the tavern wouldn't accept such an exchange. But with food in short supply, the young waiter agreed immediately.

"The tavern owner claims to be a Xihuo Luo," Xu Yueping explained to Qin Ming. "Many years ago, his father followed a great master, riding a giant bird here from the west."

Some said the master had traveled the world, while others claimed he'd been killed by Moon Worms while exploring high-level Fire Springs deep in the mountains.

His follower settled here and started the tavern business.

"Mr. Feng should arrive by noon," the waiter reported after a while and prepared to call for entertainment.

Xu Yueping waved him off. "No singing or dancing today. Just bring food and wine. We're here to discuss business."

The tavern's interior was lavishly decorated with crystal lamps, though the sunstones within were small, creating a dim, dreamlike glow.

"Time is still early. Sit here and wait, Qin. I'll visit the old noble," Xu Yueping said softly.

Qin Ming nodded, knowing it was pointless to stop him.

The tavern grew quiet. Qin Ming sipped the amber wine in his glass. It wasn't strong, but he didn't like the taste.

Time passed slowly. Outside, the snow continued to fall. Qin Ming watched the bustling streets, marveling at the liveliness so different from Shuangshu Village.

Xu Yueping returned, brushing snow off his coat. He rubbed his hands together and downed several glasses of wine, muttering, "It's definitely better than what we have back home."

"Uncle Xu, are you alright?" Qin Ming asked.

"I'm fine," Xu Yueping replied. "They received me politely. The butler said they'd arrange for outstanding youths to meet the old noble together."

Qin Ming frowned. "That's a polite refusal."

Xu Yueping sighed. "But you can lift six hundred pounds. Such talent should impress them."

Qin Ming shook his head. "You revealed my abilities, yet they treated you so indifferently. That says everything. They've seen far greater talent in their distant cities."

Xu Yueping's expression darkened as he recalled rumors of the noble's daughter, said to be exceptionally gifted.

"We shouldn't get involved with such mysterious nobles," Qin Ming said gravely.

Xu Yueping sobered up immediately and nodded. "You're right."

At noon, Feng Yian appeared with two patrolmen, braving the snow as they entered the tavern, bringing a chill with them.

"Brother Xu, sorry for making you come all this way and wait so long. We just returned from patrol," Feng Yian said warmly.

Looking at his seemingly sincere face, Qin Ming felt nothing but disgust and the urge to punch his smug beard-covered face.

Xu Yueping forced a smile. "It's no trouble. We didn't wait long."

Feng Yian turned to Qin Ming. "Young Qin, you're quite talented. I hope you'll join our patrol team someday."

He patted Qin Ming's shoulder in a show of camaraderie before calling for a private room.

Once inside, Feng Yian's demeanor shifted.

"Xu, you're making things difficult. Being too serious in life will only make you suffer. Don't forget, you have a family. If a few beasts suddenly charged into your home at night, wouldn't that be… normal?" Feng Yian smirked, lightly slapping Xu Yueping's face.

It was a blatant threat.

"I'll plant the Black Moon as soon as I return," Xu Yueping said quietly.

"You've annoyed me this time. Our captain wasn't pleased either!" Feng Yian added, slapping Xu Yueping's face again, harder.

Fifteen minutes later, Feng Yian emerged smiling.

"Let's go," Xu Yueping said to Qin Ming.

Feng Yian called after them, "Brother Xu finds planting the Black Moon urgent and wants to head back. Young Qin, why don't you stay and have a drink?"

"No need. I'll go with Uncle Xu. The wilderness isn't safe lately, and it's better to travel in pairs," Qin Ming replied.

Outside, Qin Ming noticed the faint handprint on Xu Yueping's face.

"Uncle Xu!" he exclaimed, anger boiling inside him. "They keep committing evil. I believe even the heavens will punish them soon!"