Chapter 18: Visitors from Crimson Cloud City

While Qin Ming was lost in thought, Xu Yueping knocked on his courtyard gate.

"Xiao Qin, come out quickly! Something urgent has happened."

Qin Ming’s heart skipped a beat. Had the news of the mountain patrol group’s annihilation broken so soon?

"We leave in two hours," Xu Yueping told him. People from Crimson Cloud City had arrived and wanted to meet the Rebirth practitioners from the nearby villages.

Xu Yueping lowered his voice. "I heard they are all direct descendants of noble families. They've come to help us sweep the mountains, but also to temper themselves through the experience."

"Is it finally starting?" Qin Ming asked.

Xu Yueping spoke solemnly. "You need to perform well this time. The visitors have significant backgrounds. Try to seize this opportunity to enter Crimson Cloud City."

...

Two hours later, Xu Yueping’s house was bustling with activity.

Old Man Liu was in high spirits. He carried a heavy-backed machete and wore worn-out leather armor along with a polished iron helmet, fully geared for battle.

Qin Ming approached him and asked, "Uncle Liu, what are you doing? Today is just a meeting, not a trip into the mountains."

Old Man Liu replied, "Just getting adjusted in advance."

Yang Yongqing also took the matter seriously, carrying two swords on his back.

"Though things aren't likely to go wrong during the Shallow Night, someone still needs to stay and watch the village. Uncle Liu, your vital energy was damaged and you're getting on in years..." Xu Yueping was interrupted by Old Man Liu before he could finish.

"An old warhorse in the stable still aims for a thousand miles. Besides, I’m currently bursting with energy. I could take on both you and Yang Yongqing alone!" Old Man Liu insisted on coming along, no matter what.

Not everyone was willing to risk it. For instance, the other two Rebirth practitioners in the village stayed behind, and the injured Wang Qinglin had no choice in the matter.

Their destination wasn't far—just a crossroads about seven miles away.

Under the dim light of the night, the surrounding fields were covered in dense forest.

A dozen villages had received the notice. The Rebirth practitioners moved quickly, arriving one after another.

Smaller settlements like Twin Tree Village sent only four people, while larger ones had more than ten. In total, there were fewer than a hundred people.

The party from Crimson Cloud City had arrived earlier. Divided into three teams, they were nearly all armored and equipped with high-quality gear, waiting quietly ahead.

The Rebirth practitioners from the various villages also fell silent, intimidated by the gleaming armor and sharp blades before them, as well as by their awe for the noble elites from the radiant city.

Each of the three teams had its own unique family crest. There were about a dozen people per team, and the three leaders standing at the very front were the most eye-catching.

One of the men stood a staggering three meters tall, clad in dark gold armor. His black hair reached his shoulders, and his eyes were as sharp as knife blades, radiating an intense pressure.

His mount was equally striking: a crimson giant bull whose back was higher than a grown man. In addition to two normal curved horns, it had a third horn pointing forward like a sharp sword.

Seeing the Rebirth practitioners from the villages arrive, the three-meter-tall man did not remain arrogantly on his bull’s back. He dismounted and nodded to everyone. "I am Cao Long," he said.

He gave a brief introduction, explaining that many experts from Crimson Cloud City had come this time. A total of over a dozen families were helping with the mountain sweep, and the young members of their three families were responsible for this specific sector.

"I am from the Wei family. My name is Wei Zhirou," the woman among the three spoke. She wasn't standing next to the giant Cao Long but instead stood atop a large blue stone.

She wore a pure white fox-fur coat, her black hair fluttering in the wind. Her fair, heart-shaped face bore a sweet and radiant smile. Such beauty had a significant impact on the young men from the villages.

To these youths who guarded the mountains and had never traveled far, this noble lady from the radiant city looked like an elegant and refined fairy in white—an image they would find hard to forget even years later.

Wei Zhirou stood gracefully. She was indeed very beautiful. She tucked back a strand of hair caught in the breeze and spoke about the mountain sweep, while also sharing a piece of news.

"The heavy snow has blocked the roads this winter, making it difficult to transport grain from the outside. However, please rest assured. Crimson Cloud City is already using giant beasts to pull grain wagons. They will arrive soon."

This immediately caused a stir, and everyone from the villages looked joyful.

However, some were concerned. With grain being transported this way, would the price become very expensive?

"I am Mu Qing," the last of the three leaders said. Wrapped entirely in a black cloak, even their face was hidden, appearing quite mysterious. Even when speaking, it was impossible to tell if they were male or female, as the voice was rather neutral.

Mu Qing stated bluntly that they were unfamiliar with the mountains and needed local Rebirth practitioners to act as guides.

This was the fundamental reason these three teams were here to meet the village practitioners.

There would be generous rewards for those who joined their operations.

Cao Long mentioned that if one performed exceptionally well, they could receive precious manuals such as Yiqi Arts and Meditation Techniques.

This immediately sparked a heated discussion. Many people had fervent looks in their eyes because the "Rebirth Methods" circulating in this region were relatively low-level.

"What counts as an exceptional performance?" someone couldn't help but ask.

"Providing important information to prevent casualties, hunting unique variants, discovering locations where spiritual matter is nurtured..."

People realized the rewards wouldn't be easy to earn. The noble elites from Crimson Cloud City weren't just here to temper their Rebirth bodies; they also wanted to explore the more mysterious zones within the mountains.

Wei Zhirou added, "If you discover any unusual phenomena in the mountains, inform us immediately. That will also count as providing vital information."

"I know of a fissure in the ground where silver threads once spread. Anyone who accidentally falls in has a hard time surviving, even if they manage to crawl out. Does that count?"

Qin Ming noticed that someone from the neighboring Qingsang Village was the first to speak up.

Clearly, people from nearby villages had also died there.

Old Man Liu slapped his thigh and looked at Qin Ming, his expression suggesting they had been beaten to the punch.

Wei Zhirou nodded and said, "The magnetic fields in the mountains are chaotic. The place you mentioned is likely a small node. If you find another similar location, I will give you a mid-level manual regarding Rebirth."

She explained that these special nodes would likely exist for several years. They intended to search for and map them one by one, leaving a topographical map for the locals to prevent anyone from wandering into dangerous areas in the future.

Cao Long spoke up, "If you find a place where white mist seethes or five-colored hazes radiate in all directions, you must not approach it. Those areas are far more dangerous. Anyone who can provide such a clue will be heavily rewarded with a high-level Yiqi Art."

Hearing this, many people’s breathing became heavy. A manual of that level was too distant and ethereal for them; who wouldn't crave it?

Some realized that the noble training was just a facade, and there was definitely another important purpose. The anomalous scenes in the mountains involved secrets unknown to the locals.

However, the village practitioners remained relatively calm. Even if they understood there were ulterior motives, so what? Those dangerous domains were not places they could set foot in.

Furthermore, regardless of the nobles' motives, they were ultimately helping to sweep the mountains and defend against the threat of mountain variants. That was enough.

Cao Long informed the crowd that the high-level officials of Crimson Cloud City were having one final negotiation with the mysterious beings from the depths of the mountain range. This time it would be held outside the mountains, and there would be a result soon.

The village practitioners whispered among themselves. Although they lived in this region, they had only heard legends of a few high-level beings. Their deepest impression of the mountain depths was one of mystery, the unknown, and fear—a place filled with awe-inspiring mists.

"A negotiation outside the mountains? Will we be able to see it?"

The speaker was a youth from one of the three teams. His face was still a bit boyish; he was a "newborn calf unafraid of tigers," wanting to see what the top-tier variants from the mountain depths looked like.

The three teams had been quiet, but now there was a stir of excitement. They were all young and possessed a strong sense of curiosity and a desire to explore.

Cao Long, who was much taller than an average person and had an imposing, massive build, simply gave a cold glance, and those people immediately went silent.

He didn't scold them but nodded in response. "Perhaps there will be a chance."

Instantly, the area was filled with animated discussion.

Even Qin Ming couldn't remain calm. Aside from his accidental glimpse of the "Moon Bug," he was completely in the dark about other top-tier variants. He also wanted to use this chance to see their true forms.

The tall Wei Zhirou stood on the blue stone, her pure white fox-fur coat fluttering in the breeze, making her look elegant and otherworldly. She shared another piece of news.

"The current situation is quite delicate. You may not know this, but the chaos in the mountains isn't just caused by magnetic disturbances. It’s also because another group of high-level beings has migrated from afar, bringing their families to seize resources within the range."

Upon hearing this, everyone’s expression changed.

Wei Zhirou continued, "With the addition of this new group of high-level beings, many dangerous species are being oppressed and forced to expand toward the outskirts, squeezing the survival space of those living outside the mountains."

Xu Yueping asked, "Does that mean the outer forest areas, which had briefly quieted down, will become extremely dangerous in the future?"

"It’s no big deal. Who gave them permission to expand? We’ll just drive them back. Our mountain sweep is intended to solve this very problem." Although Mu Qing’s voice was neutral, their words were domineering.

The village practitioners secretly breathed a sigh of relief. That figure wrapped in a black cloak had boosted their confidence.

Mu Qing said loudly, "They have trespassed into territory they shouldn't have stepped in and forgotten their past pain. We will forcefully wake them up and make them understand that the dominance of the two-legged human-beasts in this region has never faded..."

Initially, people’s hearts raced and their morale soared. Even though the term "two-legged human-beasts" felt strange, they only felt a slight oddness. However, as Mu Qing continued the passionate speech, a fluffy golden tail slipped out from behind the black cloak. Many people suddenly lost their composure.

What kind of species was this?!

"Mu Qing," Cao Long reminded.

Wei Zhirou said, "Mu Qing is human."

The members of the three teams behind them remained calm, seemingly already aware of Mu Qing’s condition.

Qin Ming was dazed, staring at the figure in front of him.

Old Man Liu whispered, "Perhaps they chose a divine path. It's hard to tell if they are still human or what state they are in now."

This was another different choice Qin Ming had seen, following Cao Long’s "Giant Spirit God" path.

Cao Long said, "Now, we will select suitable companions to accompany us during the sweep and act as our guides. But rest assured, your safety will be guaranteed."

He emphasized that it wasn't mandatory; those who were unwilling could leave on their own now.

At the same time, Cao Long, Wei Zhirou, and Mu Qing reiterated that the rewards during the sweep—including spiritual matter and high-level Yiqi Arts—were very generous, and they would not be stingy.

The practitioners present had already made their choice by not staying behind in their villages, so no one left now.

Qin Ming naturally followed the crowd, not wanting to stand out.

Wei Zhirou smiled at Cao Long and Mu Qing. To the onlookers, her smile was radiant and beautiful, possessing a transcendent sweetness. She waved the register in her hand toward the two of them, wanting to make the first selection.

"One person per turn. You go first," Cao Long said, letting her choose. Mu Qing had no objection.

Wei Zhirou nodded with a smile. "Then I won't be modest. Our Wei family is very interested in recruiting youths with a Golden Foundation."

"Who isn't!" Mu Qing said, then whispered to Cao Long, negotiating which of them would pick next.

Wei Zhirou looked at the register, her dark brows furrowing slightly as she faced the difficulty of choice. Finally, she called out two names. "Who is Zhou Wubing, and who is Qin Ming?"

"You can only take one at a time," Mu Qing reminded her.

Wei Zhirou smiled. "I know. I just want to take a look."

Zhou Wubing stepped forward. He was half a head taller than the average person, and his body was exceptionally sturdy and powerful.

He hadn't originally been named this. Because he was weak and sickly as a child, his parents had renamed him Zhou Wubing, meaning "without illness." However, it wasn't until a distant relative returned that he was cured and underwent Rebirth during his golden years.

Qin Ming was surprised. Er Bingzi’s temperament had completely transformed. In the past, he had been gaunt and sallow, with yellowish hair like autumn weeds. Now, his black hair was thick, and his vitality was extraordinarily vigorous.

Qin Ming stepped out and stood there calmly, slightly taller than Er Bingzi.

"Both are Golden Foundations. I want to invite you both," Wei Zhirou said, smiling as she looked at them.

Er Bingzi was no longer the person he used to be. Although he was momentarily dazzled by the radiant smile of this ethereal noble lady, he quickly regained his composure.

At that moment, a young man stepped out from the woods and hurried to Wei Zhirou’s side to whisper to her.

Only then did people realize that the visitors from the three families weren't just the three teams of green youths; there were others as well.

"Zhou Wubing used to be weak and sickly, but after Rebirth, his strength has actually been growing steadily? And he was taught by Xu Kong?" Wei Zhirou was surprised. After a low-voiced conversation with the young man, she looked up, her beautiful eyes falling on Er Bingzi. She smiled and waved at him, choosing him.