Night Without End-Chapter 19 - 12 Yinteng Town

The harsh winter season, with ice and snow covering the land, yet within the mountains, there exists a spectacle of red glow bursting forth, butterflies dancing in the night sky, as a shower of luminous rain falls down, creating an elegantly otherworldly beauty.

This miraculous scene left Qin Ming and Xu Yueping utterly astonished, both of them stopping in their tracks to gaze in awe.

The howling cold wind blew violently, causing the branches in the dense forest to shake fiercely, sweeping up large swathes of snow, and the "Red Butterflies" dancing in the distance were carried along with the strong winds.

Xu Yueping stared at the night dyed red, eventually identifying what it was.

"A Mutated Plant is in 'full bloom', bursting forth with robust rebirth force. Nearby wild beasts and Raptors, among others, a few are about to mutate."

As he spoke, the fluttering "butterflies" got closer, a few carried over by the mountain wind. Upon closer inspection, they were in fact petals shining with light.

Qin Ming casually caught a few, his fingers glowing faintly red in their reflection.

Xu Yueping went even further, stuffing two petals into his mouth and eating them directly. After such Mutated Plants bloom, whether it's the flower or the fruit, they all carry a strong scent of rebirth, beneficial to the human body.

"Slightly sweet." Qin Ming also tasted a few petals, lamenting that too few had fallen here.

In the distance, the forest was densely packed with petals, like burning Chixia, dispelling the darkness of the night.

A myriad of birds flew into the night sky, chasing after those bright red petals, while on the ground, the forest resounded with the cries and howls of animals competing for them.

Qin Ming was eager to break through and get into the action.

Xu Yueping shook his head and stopped him, saying: "Forget it, by the time we get there, the place will be barren, and who knows, we might even encounter dangerous Raptors, Mountain Monsters, and the like."

The "blooming" of Mutated Plants doesn't follow any season or pattern; it's hard to actively seek them out. And after their splendid bloom, they wither, dying completely.

Qin Ming sighed, "Not to mention the deep forests and great swamps, even near where we live there are many mysteries. I really want to cut through the thick night fog and venture deep into the vast world to have a look."

Xu Yueping nodded and said, "It's good to have aspirations, as that's what provides the motivation for progress. When you get the chance, you should visit Chixia City."

He believed that only after getting there could one truly glimpse a corner of the real world.

He added, "You could go there to study."

"Has Uncle Xu been there?" Qin Ming looked at him.

The corners of Xu Yueping's eyes were now slightly wrinkled as he said: "Been there, I was astounded, gradually came to understand reality, and after adjusting my mindset, I admitted to my own mediocrity."

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His tone was calm, lacking the sharpness of youth, leaving only the vicissitudes of middle age.

"Uncle Xu has endured and witnessed much." That's all Qin Ming could say to console him.

Xu Yueping gave a bitter smile: "Who doesn't have some dreams when young?"

He had more to say, but it felt too defeatist and grim; he didn't want to affect Qin Ming, keeping it to himself, knowing that many things would eventually be worn away by reality.

"Not even a single prey encountered in over ten miles." Xu Yueping was dissatisfied, hoping to hunt something in the wilderness to barter for food and drink in town.

"They must've been attracted by the Mutated Plant." Qin Ming suggested.

On an ordinary day, this path would require people to travel in groups, as in the dark outdoors, any kind of creature might appear.

"Heh, at least we're not leaving empty-handed." After several trips into the dense forest, Xu Yueping finally shot a deer, weighing around forty pounds.

The two traveled quickly, covering thirteen miles, with Yinteng Town now in sight.

Under the night sky, the lights ahead were hazy, and the buildings were faintly discernible, appearing as if they were part of a meticulously crafted painting from a peaceful era.

As they neared the town, the number of pedestrians on the road visibly increased; there were hunters leaving, others coming to sell mountain goods, and beast carts quickly passing by laden with cargo.

Xu Yueping, well-acquainted with Yinteng Town, led Qin Ming straight forward.

On both sides of the main street were numerous shops, under the eaves red lanterns hung, people bustling about, creating a lively atmosphere.

The stores were filled with a dazzling array of items, including exquisite porcelain, luxurious silk, and spices that are special products from the mountains.

There were even more tempting snacks such as pancakes and dumplings by the roadside, as the scent of various foods wafted through the air, accompanied by the cries of vendors, full of life's hustle and bustle.

Compared to this place, Qin Ming felt Shuangshu Village was truly too quiet.

Xu Yueping inquired about the grain prices, only to be told they were still at exorbitantly high levels due to undersupply; the heavy snow made it difficult for grain from distant places to be transported.

The center of Yinteng Town was brightly lit. Fire Spring was located here, and although in a period of depletion, the eight-zhang-square pond still shimmered with undulating light, the mist of dawn hanging in the air.

A silver vine, thick as a water bucket, took root in the pool, glowing like magma. This was the origin of the name Yinteng Town.

It looked extraordinary, yet it was still a common plant, with limited ability to absorb the Spiritual essence of Fire Spring.

Qin Ming discovered living creatures in the pool, which were a type of bright red shellfish, translucent like jade, their shells opening and closing allowing the light of dawn to flow.

"Fire Shell, there are only a few dozen in such a large pool. It's said to taste incredibly delicious and contains powerful active substances. I wonder who will ultimately get to enjoy them."

Xu Yueping murmured softly. Fire Shells at least needed to be bred in Second Level Fire Springs like the one in the town, otherwise there wouldn't be enough Spiritual essence to sustain them.

The busiest shops were all located near Fire Spring, like the long-established Weapons shop which saw many people coming and going. In the harsh wilderness, everyone wanted to have a reliable weapon at hand.

Flakes of snow began to flutter from the sky, and Xu Yueping led Qin Ming towards an adjacent bar, its entrance adorned with many exquisitely crafted hanging lamps, its interior illuminated by Sun Stones, casting a splendid glow.

Business at the bar was better late at night, and it was still early; there were hardly any people there.

"We're not the first customers, are we?" Xu Yueping asked with a smile.

A young bartender nodded yes as a formality. He still hadn't fully woken up and was reluctant to provide service so early.