Chapter 13 - The Waning of Passion

Xu Yueping remained silent until he left Yinteng Town. He rushed into the dark forest and smashed his fist heavily against a large tree, causing snow to cascade down from its branches. 'If I didn't have a wife and kids, or if I were twenty years younger, I'd have taken Feng Yi'an down with me today, even if it meant death!' He panted heavily, his heart filled with oppression, his arm trembling slightly. He had been humiliated in the private room, and the marks were still on his face, a disgrace he couldn't swallow as a man. Yet, bound by family responsibilities and no longer young, he had no choice but to endure. Clenching his fists, he muttered, 'My passion has been worn away by life.' Qin Ming didn't know how to comfort him, as even his own emotions were in turmoil. 'Uncle Xu, don't let them get to you. Their evil deeds will be punished sooner or later.' After a long time, Xu Yueping finally let out a heavy breath and said, 'Let's go back.' Light snowflakes were still falling from the night sky, and there wasn't much conversation between the two on the road. Qin Ming tried to find topics to alleviate the stifling atmosphere. 'Why haven't they swept the mountains yet?' Xu Yueping replied, 'They are probably still negotiating with the mysterious creatures of the mountains.' Then, his expression turned unpleasant as he mentioned something. The Mountain Patrol Team had a sort of catalyst solution being prepared, which would be sent to Shuangshu Village in three days to be poured into the fire spring. One could easily guess that such a catalyst, beneficial for the germination of the Black Moon, would be harmful to the fire fields. 'Have the other villages agreed?' Qin Ming asked. Xu Yueping sighed, 'Three of the villages have encountered setbacks. Given the continuous decline in fire field production over the past few years, they've also suspected issues with the seeds, but ultimately couldn't withstand the pressure and agreed. Only the neighboring Qingsang Village remains, as the Mountain Patrol Team fears the person who passed on advanced cultivation techniques to the second son, so they haven't dared to press too hard.' 'It's almost mid-month.' Qin Ming looked at the dark sky. He already knew that the people of the Mountain Patrol Team only appeared in the mountains together mid-month and at month-end. At that moment, a giant bull with fiery red fur appeared from an opposite fork in the road, impossible to ignore. Its back was significantly higher than that of an adult man, its thick, long hair gleaming with a red hue. In addition to its normal curved horns, there was a sharp, sword-like horn at the center of its forehead. Clearly, this was a mutated creature. But the most striking feature was the man riding atop it, extraordinarily tall, likely over three meters if standing on the ground, with black hair draping over his shoulders and eyes as sharp as blades that glanced at the two. The fiery red mutated giant bull trampled through the snow with incredible speed, heading towards Yinteng Town. "There are actually people this tall." Qin Ming was astonished. "He walks a different path," Xu Yueping said, watching the distant silhouette. "An early rebirth causing premature physical development?" Qin Ming inquired. According to the experiences summarized by predecessors, the optimal time for physical rebirth is at the age of fifteen or sixteen, as it lays a golden foundation. If it happens too early, it is very easy to become unbalanced, because the body is already in a rapid growth phase at that time. Adding a 'rebirth' to promote it could lead to hormonal disorder, ultimately turning one into a giant. Most critically, such giants often die young, as their bodies mostly spiral out of control after drastic changes. Xu Yueping said, "Only large aristocratic families have the experience of their forebears, and by piling vast resources on such individuals, they can grow." A few giants manage to survive, becoming exceedingly formidable after rising, capable of overcoming ten skilled practitioners with sheer strength. "These individuals walk the path of the Giant Spirit God," Xu Yueping stated, emphasizing that ordinary families simply cannot cultivate them. He speculated that the figure on horseback just now likely came from Chixia City. Discussing the issue of physical rebirth, Qin Ming naturally mentioned the leader of the Mountain Patrol Team, Fu Entao. Xu Yueping turned to him and said, "Little Qin, you’re not thinking of approaching them, are you? Don't do it." Qin Ming shook his head, saying, "Uncle Xu, you overthink it. I'm just a newcomer; what qualifications or strength do I have to face those with a second rebirth?" Xu Yueping breathed a sigh of relief, truly fearing that Qin Ming might recklessly get himself involved. "The initial rebirth is said to be comprehensive, but it actually focuses more on strength, while the second rebirth slightly leans towards flexibility and speed in physical attributes." As they chatted along the way, Qin Ming gradually outlined Fu Entao's areas of expertise and strength levels in his mind. On their return journey, they repeatedly entered the dense forest, not wanting to return empty-handed, hoping to bring back some game for families lacking food. "That was close, even as a reborn, I almost got injured. The wildlife is frequently agitated, indeed it's time for a mountain sweep," Xu Yueping said with lingering fear. A mutated 'thorn leopard' had just launched a surprise attack on him from behind, like a black lightning bolt, impossible to defend against. If it weren't for Qin Ming's intervention, he would have been knocked over. 'This area has just seen the emergence of mutated plants, which is quite dangerous. We shouldn't linger here for long.' The two didn't delay, dragging the mutated thorn leopard along the road. It weighed 450 pounds, with five-inch-long black spikes covering its body from the abdomen to the head. Upon returning to the village, Qin Ming immediately sensed an oppressive and heavy atmosphere, even the children who usually enjoyed chasing each other in the snow were fewer. Xu Yueping distributed the leopard meat to each household before heading home, feeling extremely fatigued, mainly from a psychological level. Qin Ming stood by the bright fire spring, gazing into the wilderness, where the faint silhouettes of distant mountains appeared and disappeared. 'In three days, the catalyst liquid will be delivered to pour into the fire spring. You're really not giving anyone any time,' he muttered to himself. He walked towards the wilderness, preparing to head into the mountains. 'Let's scout the path first.' It was still early night, and he wasn't planning any radical actions. Most importantly, there were still two days until the middle of the month. 'Do you insist on driving people to a dead end? Ignoring next year's famine, disregarding the lives of others.' Qin Ming strode into the forest. This time, he didn't carry a hunting fork, as after his complete physical renewal, he no longer needed it. Instead, he only brought a bow and arrows and a chopping knife. He knew the location of the Mountain Patrol Team's base, walking resolutely in a certain direction. The wind was very strong, and the snow was still falling, an environment in the mountains that worked in his favor, able to erase the traces he left behind. Each Mountain Patrol Team was responsible for an area covering six to eight villages. Fu Entao and Feng Yi'an's resting place wasn't far ahead and didn't require delving deep into the mountains. Upon discovering mutated beasts along the way, Qin Ming did his best to avoid them, not wishing for complications. After traversing a large expanse of forest and crossing several mountain bodies, he neared his destination. A faint red glow emanated from a mountain peak, where there was a small fire spring, barely reaching the first level, not as bright as the one in Shuangshu Village, but good enough for a Mountain Patrol Team base. Previously, it had been occupied by a powerful mutated creature, which Fu Entao led people to encircle and kill years ago. Deep in the mountains, there were high-level fire springs, with excellent environments, and mysterious beings residing there looked down on the dim fire springs of the outer areas. Qin Ming observed from an adjacent mountain peak. Across, where the fire haze flowed, several wooden houses were built on a flat area, and there were figures moving about. Usually, only two or three members of the Mountain Patrol Team would be seen in the area. When they acted together, it was merely to search for mutated plants or spiritual creatures, seeking a second life. "They have raised a keen-scented mutated beast," Qin Ming frowned. There was a large golden mastiff, its size rivaling that of a tiger. Then he showed a hint of anger, for he discovered a snow ape with gleaming fur, clearly a domesticated aberration, soaking in a hot spring. Some villagers had been attacked by snow apes, with some suffering broken ribs and others nearly having their arms ripped off. Qin Ming quietly watched the peak for a long time before silently disappearing into the night. He emerged from the forest, gazing afar at Shuangshu Village. Under the night sky, the village entrance shimmered with fiery hues, and the nearby houses seemed edged with gold, their outlines dimly visible, some homes emitting curling smoke. It was a scene of gentle beauty, but upon entering the village, Qin Ming heard sobbing. "Uncle Qian didn't make it; he just passed away moments ago, alas!" Many villagers stood at the Qian family's doorstep, some couldn't help but sigh. "Old Qian was advanced in age, nearly had his neck torn by that snow ape, barely holding on until now." Qin Ming listened quietly, without a word; this was the third person to die in this incident. Xu Yueping and Old Man Liu were also present, their faces heavy with grief. They knew the truth and harbored immense hatred for Feng Yi'an and his group. The next day, during Uncle Qian's funeral, members of the Mountain Patrol Team appeared at the village entrance. Feng Yi'an sighed as he stepped forward, handing over a muntjac to the Qian family. Watching him put on a show of sympathy and comfort the Qian family, even the oldest, Old Man Liu, felt repulsed, turning his face away. The Qian family, unaware of the truth, was still grateful to him. Qin Ming silently clenched his fists, a muntjac for a human life? The hidden truth was bloody; Uncle Qian's life was far too undervalued. A tall man in armor spoke up, "Both the blood bear and the rampaging snow ape have been killed by us, so everyone can safely hunt in the mountains now." Qin Ming knew him; his name was Shao Chengfeng. Once, while venturing into the mountains, Qin Ming and Yang Yongqing had encountered him on the road. At the time, he thought Shao Chengfeng's late-night patrols were responsible and arduous. Now, seeing this man speak lies with open eyes, taking credit for others' deeds after committing evil, was truly despicable. Subsequently, the members of the Mountain Patrol Team found Xu Yueping. They were not there to console the villagers but to personally observe the situation of the Black Moon's seeds. "Brother Xu, thank you for your hard work." This time, Feng Yi'an was very satisfied and patted Xu Yueping on the shoulder. Qin Ming also stood by the side of the Fire Spring, feeling that although he was smiling, there was no kindness in it. Xu Yueping was expressionless, recalling the humiliation he suffered in Yinteng Town; both his face and heart felt a sting. Shao Chengfeng laughed and said, "Last time, I misjudged. I didn't expect Brother Qin to be a newcomer who laid a golden foundation. After the mountain-sweeping operation starts, we will likely fight side by side. Why not join our Mountain Patrol Team directly and become one of us in advance?" Qin Ming immediately declined, even though the other's smile gradually faded, he pretended not to see it. Shortly after, the members of the Mountain Patrol Team left. "There's no need to test; we already know that kid harbors hostility towards us. Once the mountain-sweeping begins, find a chance to get rid of him!" "Don't waste it; the Fire Spring in the Blood Bamboo Forest is about to extinguish. Just use him to scout the path." The few of them chatted casually as they disappeared into the wilderness. That day, Qin Ming was diligently sharpening his chopping knife in the courtyard. Thanks to: Snake Skin Second Generation Machine, Manmanmanzi, Xunfang, Why is it so hard to find a good book, Will you marry me when your hair reaches your waist, and several others for their support as alliance leaders!