Chapter 5 - A New Beginning

Qin Ming nodded solemnly, recognizing the importance of contemplating how to achieve his "new beginning." This was a serious matter, one that affected a lifetime and could alter the course of destiny. Ages fifteen or sixteen were considered the golden years for this transformation, offering the most benefits; missing this window would be quite regrettable. However, it was extraordinarily challenging. The exceptional ones in Twin Tree Village generally attained "new beginnings" only after the age of twenty, some even beyond thirty. Even so, out of over forty households in the village, totaling more than two hundred individuals, barely ten had experienced a "new beginning." Lu Ze spoke up, "Sick Boy from the neighboring village succeeded, right in the golden period." Qin Ming remembered Sick Boy — frail and slender, his complexion sallow, almost sickly, with sparse and straw-colored hair. He was genuinely surprised that the boy, who did not appear robust, had managed a "new beginning" at the prime age. "When did this happen?" "Almost a month ago," Lu Ze informed him. After acquiring his new beginning, Sick Boy managed to lift the four-hundred-pound black donkey from his yard, transforming from weak to strong in an instant. "That's truly astonishing." Qin Ming couldn't have imagined that while many boys as sturdy as oxen failed repeatedly, Sick Boy succeeded in one fell swoop. Lu Ze felt a twinge of introspection. Though strong and athletically gifted himself, at twenty-three, he had yet to achieve a "new beginning." "Rumor has it, it’s connected to one of his relatives," Lu Ze whispered some insider knowledge. The relative, not closely related but known for traveling extensively, returned and recognized Sick Boy as exceptional potential. That relative claimed Sick Boy previously had some energy and spirit leakage issues causing his chronic illness, but his potential was truly outstanding. The most crucial factor was that this relative brought back an advanced mind-energy technique for Sick Boy to practice, and the results were pronounced, ultimately leading to his “new beginning.” Qin Ming was lost in thought; indeed, life’s encounters are unpredictable. "Afterward, that person mentioned that Sick Boy's innate foundation was even more profound than initially assumed, suggesting that he might reach great heights." Lu Ze hadn’t expected that someone who always appeared sickly could become so formidable. "Although we don’t have high-level mind-energy techniques, there’s still a viable path. Little Qin, perhaps it's time to switch up your unconventional training methods," Lu Ze suggested. In his view, Qin Ming's physical condition was exceptionally strong, surpassing that of an average person by a significant margin. However, with such favorable conditions, Qin Ming still hadn't experienced a "new beginning." The issue likely lay in his training methods that failed to cultivate this transformative power, unable to propel him forward. He was already past sixteen; continuing this way risked missing the golden years altogether. Liang Wanqing also advised, "Little Qin, why not start practicing Lu Ze’s 'Night Meditation Technique: Basic Explanation' instead?" Under the eternal night enveloping the world, venturing outdoors was perilous. In such an environment, many public strength manuals had been distributed to help everyone improve their physique for self-preservation. Of course, these books were basic, far from rare and treasured secret manuals. Qin Ming, not a narrow-minded person, understood their well-meaning advice. He nodded and said, "I'll give it a serious try." Lu Ze sighed softly, thinking that Qin Ming’s time was wasted on the unconventional methods he practiced, not as effective as the elementary "Night Meditation Technique: Basic Explanation" he himself studied. Yet switching now seemed too late. He pondered that perhaps only advanced mind-energy techniques could quickly help Qin Ming alter his current state. Lu Ze exhaled a breath of relief, saying, "Even a mid-level secret manual would do. If someone with your attributes misses the golden period, it would be a tremendous loss." Nevertheless, the only widespread books in this region that facilitated "new beginnings" were the likes of the "Ephemeral Technique: Introductory Guide" and "Night Meditation Technique: Basic Explanation," all of similar caliber. Qin Ming wasn’t anxious, mainly because the actions he’d practiced for years were showing progress. A luminescence shimmered across his skin; silver ripples though faint, became tangible, unlike in the past. With a healthy flush on his handsome face and bright, spirited eyes, he declared, "Lu Ze, Sister-in-law, just give me some time, and I think I can make it." A new beginning burgeons with life force, as if returning to the mother’s womb, anew reproducing a flourishing new energy. In the polluting haze of the mundane, bodily conditions harden; should one’s innate potential develop again, it would resemble a post-fetal transformation. Who wouldn’t be tempted by that possibility? Take Sick Boy for instance, his body initially timid and weak, now able to hoist several hundred pounds of weight overhead, firmly transforming his destiny. Imagine Lu Ze, already capable of breaking green bricks and splitting wooden practice dummies through the "Night Meditation Technique: Basic Explanation." Experiencing a "new beginning," a significant rise in strength could elevate his martial prowess to terrifying levels. "All illnesses have vanished, and my body’s never felt better," Qin Ming expressed confidently. Before Lu Ze and Liang Wanqing could say anything, five-year-old Wen Rui nodded earnestly, his cheeks rosy with anticipation, chiming in brightly, "Uncle is the greatest! Once Uncle succeeds, he’ll bring down mountain beasts to cook. I... I'm craving it." Two-year-old Wen Hui waddled up close, parroting his brother with his unclear lisp, "Uncle... great, eat meat." Qin Ming chuckled instantly, responding, "No need to wait; I can satisfy you today." He then took down the red squirrel hanging on the hunting fork. The mutated red squirrel's eyes like black gemstones widened with apparent fear. "Hey, it's alive again. All the better, the meat will be much fresher than when frozen." Qin Ming said, examining it carefully. "This squirrel is so pretty and kind of cute," Wen Rui fluttered his big eyes, genuinely fond of the fluffy little creature. "It’ll be even cuter cooked and stewed, you'll see." Qin Ming quipped. Wen Rui hesitated, clearly he missed having meat, but seeing this vibrant red-furred creature, he hesitated, desiring to keep it as a pet. Little Wen Hui followed suit, chanting, "Mouse... cute," while watching his brother intently. Lu Ze and Liang Wanqing burst into laughter at the children's reactions. Qin Ming obliged, noting, "Indeed, it’s both adorable and industrious. Look, it’s gathered so much for winter — pine nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, red dates, and more, more than ten varieties, even mushrooms. Excellent, squirrel stew with mushrooms, delicious and invigorating." "Really? But I don't want it to die." Wen Rui twisted a piece of his clothing, conflicted but not forgetting to swallow a mouthful of saliva. "Indeed. Among these mushrooms, there are tiger paw mushrooms and banyan mushrooms, both celebrated delicacies. You’re in for a treat. Truly, the mutated creatures’ choices are always premium." Qin Ming praised. The red squirrel bristled, its fur standing on end in anger. Qin Ming withdrew a small knife, preparing to skin it in the courtyard – the sight of blood inappropriate for the children. "Squeak! Squeak!" The mutated little mountain beast squealed in panic, fettered by the wire that nearly bit into its flesh. "Uncle, maybe... let's keep it," Wen Rui interposed, trying to forget about the appeal of stew, determinedly pleading. "Such valuable ingredients, the meat of mutated creatures is supreme." Qin Ming teased with a grin. "Not this time. Once you succeed, surely you’ll hunt bigger, more ferocious mutated creatures — I'll wait for your success." With a burgeoning sense of compassion, Wen Rui steeled himself against the temptation. The mutated squirrel looked on pensively between Qin Ming's blade and Wen Rui, seemingly pleading for help. Liang Wanqing remarked in surprise, "This little creature is unusually perceptive. It seems to understand what’s being discussed, look how its little face is creased with tension." Qin Ming sheathed his knife, deciding to keep the little creature alive since there wasn't much meat on it anyway; it was meant to be a treat for the kids. Lu Ze furrowed his brow slightly, noting, "This winter won't be like previous ones. We can't spare extra food for it." The mutated squirrel eyed its treasure stash longingly from the bulging skin bag — it was all it had left. Qin Ming realized this small beast was surprisingly intelligent. He selected some acorns from the pile of nuts, saying, "These need processing before they can be consumed safely; otherwise, they’re slightly toxic and bitter. These will do nicely to feed the squirrel." The red squirrel said nothing, keeping its round eyes on him and breathing heavily. "Surviving isn’t enough for satisfaction? Also, bite me and you’ll end up in the stew." Qin Ming warned, securing it inside a birdcage. Lu Ze considered suggesting selling the squirrel, its radiant red fur valuable, but he saw the children bouncing with joy and refrained from objecting. Before departing, Lu Ze took the cage and a bunch of acorns, leaving the other goods behind. Qin Ming forcefully handed the bag of walnuts and pine nuts to Liang Wanqing, meant as snacks for the kids. ... Relieved of the immediate hunger crisis, Qin Ming turned his focus earnestly to the matter of obtaining a "new beginning." Lu Ze's comment about the "unorthodox methods" wasting his time did leave an impression. He faintly recalled snippets from his childhood when someone had warned him those actions may have origins, but might ultimately be unachievable. A moment later, he moved to the courtyard, adhering to his own rhythm, the years of "unconventional methods" had now shown signs of progress; no reason to deviate. Qin Ming stretched his joints, flexing and twisting, rotating and flipping with seamless grace. He suddenly leaped from the ground, swift like an iron arrow, and landed silently, almost weightlessly. With seamless transitions between stillness and motion, he crouched like a tiger, paced with purpose as though wading through mud, moving smoothly with ease. He then spun around, his leg swinging like lightning, the force mimicking a dragon's tail, creating a low, thudding sound in the air. After warming up with simple exercises, Qin Ming advanced to performing high-intensity moves. "Exhaling and breathing, expelling old air and taking in new, stretching like a bear, shifting like an owl..." With motions broad and vigorous, wind gusted around him, whipping snow up from the ground, swirling in an animated dance. Quickly, he regained that familiar sensation, threads of silvery light weaving faintly from his pores, rippling across his skin like a subtle luminescence. Gradually, white mist whirled around him. A warm surge coursed through his flesh, reminiscent of rain nourishing parched earth, his being ravenously absorbing every drop. Though exhausted by these moves, Qin Ming felt no fatigue; instead, he was invigorated. His body seemed to rejoice, as though starving for a time, now reveling in the abundance of silver ripples enveloping him. His muscles itched, newfound energy coursed through him — could this be the onset of a new beginning? His body felt hot and restless, compelled to run and unleash pent-up energy, a feeling he promptly acted upon. He sprinted into the wilds, like a shooting star traversing the night sky, venturing near the forest edges. In the distant snowfield, a tall, slender woman stood poised, her black fur cloak radiating a faint ebony gleam, shielding her neck except for a delicate chin, shrouded in mysterious elegance. A raven perched on a thorn bush beside her, speaking with human-like clarity: "Interesting, an autonomous new beginning, with initial phenomena resembling moonlight shimmering across the body in exquisite golden ripples." "I sense exceptional potential here, remarkable to find in such secluded surroundings." Its black feathers gleamed like metallic obsidian, violet eyes fixed ahead. "Isn’t your teacher searching for a final disciple? Perhaps this young man could be the one." Standing on a large stone slab and buffeted by the mountain winds, the woman's cloak clung to contours one could only term breathtaking — though her voice remained coldly detached: "There's someone better suited." Qin Ming, sensing something, turned toward the distant view, bow and arrow ready in hand. "His instincts are remarkably keen," the raven assessed, now ensconced in the thickets. "Your teacher’s method is quite unique; don’t discount a seed that may flourish into something extraordinary." "That he wasn’t chosen is a loss unbeknownst to him — what have I to miss? I already have the ideal candidate," as the mountain winds roared, her flawless black hair surged, a veil over her luminous cheek, wearing a striking black attire that fluttered majestically — an charm of elegance encased in icy allure. Proceeding forward, she decreed, "The current priority is exploring the mountains."