Qin Ming nodded solemnly. It was time to think about how to achieve "rebirth." This was a major event, one that concerned his entire life and would influence his future destiny.
At fifteen or sixteen, this was the golden period. Achieving "rebirth" at this age would yield the greatest benefits, and missing the opportunity would be a huge regret.
But it was difficult. The best individuals from Shuangshu Village didn't achieve "rebirth" until after the age of twenty, and some didn't succeed until they were over thirty.
Even so, out of more than forty households in the village, with a population of over two hundred, the number of "reborn" individuals was fewer than ten.
Lu Ze spoke up, "The sickly kid from the neighboring village succeeded. He's right in his golden period."
Qin Ming had an impression of the sickly kid, who was thin and frail, with a yellowish complexion and a somewhat sickly appearance. His hair was even sparse, the color resembling dry grass.
He was surprised. That weak-looking boy had actually managed to achieve "rebirth" during the golden years.
"When did this happen?"
"About a month ago," Lu Ze informed him. After the sickly kid's rebirth, he had even lifted a four-hundred-pound black donkey in the yard, completely changing from his usual weak state.
"That's really rare." Qin Ming truly didn't expect that so many strong, muscular youths had faced repeated setbacks, yet the sickly kid succeeded in one go.
Lu Ze also felt moved. He was strong and considered a formidable figure among the youth, but he was already twenty-three and still hadn't achieved "rebirth."
"It's said that it has something to do with one of his relatives," Lu Ze shared some insider information.
The sickly kid's relative, who wasn't very close in blood relation, had been traveling for years. Upon returning and seeing the boy, he identified him as a promising candidate.
That relative said that the sickly kid had previously had some health problems and hadn't been able to lock in his vital energy, which made him appear weak. However, his potential was actually quite strong.
The key thing was that this relative brought back a book on a high-level energy cultivation technique, which the sickly kid switched to practicing. The results were remarkable, and he eventually achieved "rebirth."
Qin Ming was lost in thought. Life was indeed unpredictable.
"Later, that relative said that the sickly kid's innate 'foundation' was far sturdier than he had initially guessed. He might go very far."
Lu Ze could hardly believe it. A person who had always looked sick could turn out to be so impressive.
"Although we don't have a high-level energy technique, there are still viable methods. Xiao Qin, I think it's time to change the way you've been training." Lu Ze advised.
From his perspective, Qin Ming's physical condition was strong—stronger than his own—and he had already surpassed ordinary people by a wide margin.
However, despite these great conditions, Qin Ming had yet to achieve "rebirth," which meant the issue likely lay with his training methods, which were not nurturing the power of rebirth, thus hindering his progress.
He was already over sixteen; if this continued, he would really miss the golden period.
Liang Wanqing also advised, "Xiao Qin, why not try practicing your brother Lu's 'Night Meditation Technique'?"
The eternal night covered the world, and the wild was full of danger. Under such circumstances, various public power books were available everywhere to help people improve their physical condition and ensure self-preservation.
Of course, these books were far from high-end and were nowhere near rare secret techniques.
Qin Ming was not a stubborn person. He understood their good intentions and nodded. "I'll give it a serious try."
Lu Ze sighed lightly. He believed Qin Ming had been delayed by his usual "wild training methods," which were nowhere near as effective as the basic "Night Meditation Technique." However, switching to a new practice now would be too rushed.
He thought for a moment. Only high-level energy techniques might be able to help Qin Ming change his current situation in such a short time.
Lu Ze exhaled deeply, "Sigh, even a medium-level secret book would be good. With your condition, if you miss the most precious golden period, it would be such a waste."
However, the books available in this region that could help with "rebirth" were few, such as "Floating Life Energy Cultivation Guide" and "Night Meditation Technique Initial Explanation," all with similar levels.
Qin Ming remained calm, mainly because the movements he had been practicing for years were starting to show results. His body emitted a faint silver ripple of light, different from the past.
His fair face had a healthy rosy glow, and his eyes shone with vitality. "Brother Lu, Sister-in-law, just wait a little longer. I should be able to succeed soon."
Rebirth, based on the foundation of his original physical condition, would cause a surge of vibrant life force, almost as if returning to the womb and reawakening with new strength.
In the polluted world, when the body's condition had already become fixed, a second development of the "foundation" would be like a postnatal re-formation, akin to a rebirth in the womb.
Who wouldn't be tempted?
For example, the sickly kid, once frail, after his rebirth, could now lift hundreds of pounds of living creatures and raise them above his head.
This change was truly astonishing, comparable to changing fate.
Imagine, after practicing the "Night Meditation Technique," Lu Ze had already been able to snap green bricks and break wooden training stakes. If he underwent "rebirth," his strength would increase dramatically, and his punches and kicks would be terrifying.
"After clearing away the impurities, I feel different. My body has never been in better condition," Qin Ming said with newfound confidence.
Before Lu Ze and Liang Wanqing could respond, the five-year-old Wen Rui had already begun nodding seriously, his round little face full of anticipation. "Uncle is the best. After Uncle succeeds, let's catch a mountain beast and cook some meat. I... I'm hungry."
The two-year-old Wen Hui, walking unsteadily, toddled over and echoed, though his words were unclear: "Uncle... strong... eat meat."
Qin Ming immediately smiled. "No need to wait. I can satisfy you today."
With that, he took the red squirrel off the hunting spear.
The mutated squirrel's large, black gemstone-like eyes were about to pop out, and it showed an expression of terror.
"Ah, it's alive again. This is even better. The meat is much more tender than when it was frozen," Qin Ming said, examining it.
"This squirrel is so pretty, kind of cute," Wen Rui said, his big eyes flashing. He genuinely liked the fluffy little creature.
"Once it's stewed, it'll be even cuter. I promise you'll enjoy it," Qin Ming smiled.
Wen Rui immediately became conflicted. He was indeed craving meat and hadn't had any in a long time, but seeing the little creature with its red, shiny fur, he couldn't tear his eyes away. He really wanted to get closer and hoped to keep it as a pet.
Xiao Wenhui followed behind his brother, imitating him. His bright eyes reflected the red squirrel's image, and he mumbled indistinctly, "Mouse... cute."
Lu Ze and Liang Wanqing watched the two children and smiled.
Qin Ming approved, saying, "It really is cute and useful. Look, it has so many winter supplies—pine nuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, red dates, and more, easily over a dozen types. It even has mushrooms stored. It's perfect now, squirrel stewed with mushrooms—delicious and nourishing."
"Really... really? But I don't want it to die," Wen Rui said, tugging at his clothes, his little face full of hesitation, though he couldn't help but swallow. "Of course, look, among these mushrooms, there are tiger's paw fungi and sunbird fungi, both well-known mountain delicacies. Now, you're in for a treat. Indeed, choosing mutated creatures means top-tier selections." Qin Ming praised.
The red squirrel became agitated, its fur bristling.
Qin Ming drew a short knife and was about to skin it in the courtyard, figuring that the bloody scene wouldn't be suitable for the two kids to witness.
"Chirp chirp!" The mutated little mountain beast suddenly shrieked, struggling violently, its body tangled in iron wire, which was about to dig into its flesh.
"Uncle, why not... keep it?" Wen Rui stopped him, trying to forget the taste of stewed meat. It seemed like he had made up his mind and was pleading here.
"Such a good ingredient, the meat of mutated creatures is the freshest," Qin Ming smiled, tempting him.
"This time, I'll pass. When Uncle is reborn, we can hunt for big, fierce mutated creatures. I'll wait for Uncle to succeed," Wen Rui said sympathetically, resisting the temptation of food.
The mutated squirrel looked nervously, sometimes glancing at the knife in Qin Ming's hand, and other times chirping at Wen Rui, as if asking for help.
Liang Wanqing was surprised. "This little mountain beast is very intelligent. It seems like it can understand what you're saying. Look at its little face, it's so tense, it's wrinkling."
Qin Ming sheathed his short knife. This small creature had little meat, and it was originally for satisfying the kids' cravings. Since they liked it alive, he decided to keep it.
Lu Ze frowned slightly, saying, "This winter is different from others. There's no extra food to give it."
The mutated squirrel looked eagerly at the bulging beast-hide bag, which was full of its food supplies!
Qin Ming also noticed how unusually intelligent the little squirrel was.
He took out a portion of acorns from the dried fruit pile. "These nuts need to be processed before eating, or they're slightly toxic and bitter. You can keep them to feed the squirrel."
The red squirrel didn't chirp but just stared at him with wide eyes, breathing heavily.
"Are you not satisfied with being alive? Also, if you bite, I guarantee I'll stew you," Qin Ming warned, locking it in an iron birdcage.
Lu Ze felt it might be better to sell the mutated squirrel, considering its bright, valuable fur. Keeping it would waste food and energy.
But when he saw how delighted the two children were, jumping and laughing, he stopped opposing it.
When they left, Lu Ze took the iron cage and a bunch of acorns, but none of the other dried goods.
Qin Ming didn't say much to him, just handed Liang Wanqing the bag with walnuts and pine nuts, as snacks for the two children.
...
After temporarily escaping the food shortage, Qin Ming began seriously considering the rebirth process.
Lu Ze's words about "wild methods" had indeed stirred something in him.
He vaguely remembered some blurry childhood fragments when someone had told him that these actions had a source but were likely ineffective.
A moment later, he went to the courtyard, deciding to proceed at his own pace. The "wild methods" he had practiced for over ten years felt different now, and there was no reason not to continue.
Qin Ming moved his joints, stretched his muscles, twisted, rotated, turned, and flipped—quick and agile without stiffness.
He suddenly jumped off the ground, as fast as an iron arrow, landing lightly like a swallow, making no sound as he touched the ground.
In stillness and motion, his posture changed—sitting like a crouching tiger, walking like wading through mud, turning naturally with ease.
Next, he spun, and his leg swept like a lightning-fast flash, much like a dragon's tail flicking in mid-air, producing a dull thud.
After some simple warm-ups, Qin Ming began performing more difficult moves.
"Breathing deeply, exhaling old air and inhaling new, bear's energy, falcon's observation..."
He stretched his body, strong and powerful, creating a fierce wind that stirred the snow on the ground, swirling around him.
Soon, he felt familiar sensations. Silver threads faintly swirled through his pores, rippling into waves, forming a light flow on his body.
Gradually, white mist steamed from him.
A warm current flowed through his blood and flesh, like refreshing rain after a long drought, quenching the parched land's thirst.
Qin Ming's movements consumed a lot of energy, yet he didn't feel tired; instead, he felt invigorated.
His body seemed to be cheering, as if starving for a long time, wanting to eat until full, continuously absorbing the silver ripples.
His blood and flesh itched as his body grew stronger. Was this his rebirth?
Qin Ming's body felt hot, and he had an urge to run, to release his abundant energy. Then, he took action.
He raced through the wilderness, like a meteor streaking across the night sky, heading towards the forest area.
In the distance, in the snowy field, a tall, slender woman stood still, her black fur cloak shimmering with a faint dark light, covering her white neck and revealing only her delicate chin, exuding a mysterious, aloof aura.
A raven perched on a thorn bush beside her, speaking human language: "Hmm, his body is naturally reborn, showing unusual signs from the start. It's as if moonlight is falling on its surface, creating layers of shimmering golden ripples."
"I sense this is a rare seed, really rare, to appear in such a remote place," it said, its black feathers gleaming like black gold. With purple eyes, it stared ahead and added, "Isn't your teacher choosing disciples? This young man may be a good fit."
The woman stood on a larger blue stone, the cold wind sweeping past. Her loose cloak clung to her body, barely concealing her stunning figure. Her voice was cold as she replied, "There is someone more suitable than him."
Qin Ming seemed to sense something, tilting his head to look into the distance, his bow and arrow already in hand.
"Sharp instincts," the raven commented. By then, it had already entered the dense forest and spoke to the woman beside it: "Your teacher's path is quite unique. Don't miss out on this one who may thrive."
"Not chosen? That's his regret for not knowing. What could I miss? I already have the best choice," the woman said. The mountain wind howled as her black hair fluttered, partially blocking her white cheek. Dressed in black, she was extraordinarily elegant and aloof. She began to walk forward, saying, "It's more important to explore the mountains now."