… yīn wèi luò ， lǎo zhì zhǐ diǎn chū ， zhū qiàn rú de dòng zuò tū rán níng gù 。 shān yōu wēi shì shén mì yì cháng de fǎ shù jìn gù zhù le ， sī háo dòng tán bù dé 。
…音未落，老质指点出，朱倩如的动作突然凝固。删忧微示神秘异常的法术禁锢住了，丝毫动弹不得。
The words had barely fallen from his lips when Master Zhi pointed out, and Zhu Qianru's movements suddenly froze. The spell of suppression cast by Jian You subtly immobilized her, leaving her unable to move a single finger.
“ hē hē xiǎo měi rén ， wǒ zěn me shě de mí sǐ ne ， rú cǐ tiān xiāng guó sè ， qǐ fēi bào zhēn tiān wù ， mí hái shì guāi guāi zuò lǎo fū de dǐng lú 。”
“呵呵小美人，我怎么舍得弥死呢，如此天香国色，岂非暴珍天物，弥还是乖乖做老夫的鼎炉。”
"Haha, little beauty, how could I bear to kill you? Such heavenly fragrance and national color, wouldn't that be a waste of such treasures? You'll still obediently serve as my cauldron."
lǎo mó dé yì de xiào shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ 。 zhū qiàn rú zhǐ jué yī gǔ liáng yì cóng tóu dǐng zhí chuán rù jiǎo dǐ ， yǎn bō zhī zhōng lèi guāng yíng yíng ， zhǐ pàn néng lì kè sǐ qù ， rán ér què dòng bù liǎo yī gēn shǒu zhǐ 。
老魔得意的笑声传入耳朵。朱倩如只觉一股凉意从头顶直传入脚底，眼波之中泪光盈盈，只盼能立刻死去，然而却动不了一根手指。
Master Zhi's smug laughter echoed in Zhu Qianru's ears. She felt a chill run from the top of her head down to her feet, tears welling up in her eyes, wishing for death but unable to move even one finger.
ǎi pàng lǎo zhě yòu jīng yòu nù ， zěn me néng yǎn kàn zhe shī mèi shòu rǔ ， kě shuāng fāng de shí lì chā jù tài dà ， bié shuō jiù rén ， rú jīn tā yǐ shì ní pú sà guò hé ， zì shēn nán bǎo le 。
矮胖老者又惊又怒，怎么能眼看着师妹受辱，可双方的实力差距太大，别说救人，如今他已是泥菩萨过河，自身难保了。
The short and plump elder was both shocked and angry. How could he bear to watch his junior sister humiliated? But their strength gap was too great; not only couldn't he save her, but he himself was struggling to survive.
cuī huā lǎo mó de yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī mǒ lì sè ， tā yě wú yì zài zhè lǐ duō zuò dān gē ， zhèng yù shī là shǒu jiāng sì rén jiǎn chú ， tū rán yī shēng lěng xiào chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
摧花老魔的眼中闪过一抹厉色，他也无意在这里多做耽搁，正欲施辣手将四人剪除，突然一声冷笑传入耳朵。
A sinister glint flashed in the eyes of Flower Withering Demon. He had no intention of lingering here any longer. Just as he was about to deal a decisive blow and eliminate the four people, a cold laugh entered his ears.
nà shēng yīn bù dà ， kě lǎo mó de biǎo qíng què sà rán níng gù 。 bù kě néng ， fù jìn hái yǒu bié de xiū xiān zhě ， jū rán néng jiāng zì jǐ de shén shí mán guò 。 nán dào shì ，
那声音不大，可老魔的表情却飒然凝固。不可能，附近还有别的修仙者，居然能将自己的神识瞒过。难道是，
The voice wasn’t loud, yet Master Zhi's expression froze. Impossible. There were other cultivators nearby; how could they have deceived his spiritual sense? Could it be—
tā sà rán zhuǎn guò shēn tǐ 。
他飒然转过身体。
He turned sharply around.
mù guāng zài fù jìn yóu yí ， liǎn zhǐ zài kàn bú dào fēn háo dé yì ， qǔ ér dài zhī de shì níng zhòng wú bǐ ：“ shén me rén 。 gǎn zài lǎo fū miàn qián zhuāng shén nòng guǐ ？”
目光在附近游移，脸止再看不到分毫得意，取而代之的是凝重无比：“什么人。敢在老夫面前装神弄鬼？”
His gaze swept across the area, no longer showing any trace of smugness but instead an intense seriousness: "Who are you, daring to play tricks in front of this old man?"
“ gé xià jiù zhè diǎn xiū wèi 。 lián zài xià de cáng shēn zhī chù dōu kàn bù pò ， hái gǎn zài zhè lǐ dà yán bù cán me ？” lín xuān tàn le kǒu qì ， huǎn bù cóng jù shí hòu miàn zǒu chū 。
“阁下就这点修为。连在下的藏身之处都看不破，还敢在这里大言不惭么？”林轩叹了口气，缓步从巨石后面走出。
"Your cultivation is so weak that you can't even penetrate my hiding place. How dare you talk big here?" Lin Xuan sighed and slowly stepped out from behind the large rock.
“ yuán yīng zhōng qī ！”
“元婴中期！”
"Advanced Core Formation!"
gǎn yìng dào lín xuān shēn shàng suǒ sàn chū lái de líng lì ， cuī huā lǎo mó de biǎo qíng nán kàn wú bǐ 。 dàn zhè jiā huo 。 chú le tān yín hào sè ， dào yě shì yī hěn lì rén wù 。 bìng méi yǒu jiù cǐ tuì qù ， fǎn ér miàn lù bù shàn de biǎo qíng ：“ dào yǒu duǒ zài yī páng jì yú ， zhè shì hé yì ， mò fēi xiǎng yào duō guǎn xián shì ？”
感应到林轩身上所散出来的灵力，摧花老魔的表情难看无比。但这家伙。除了贪淫好色，倒也是一狠厉人物。并没有就此退去，反而面露不善的表情：“道友躲在一旁觊觎，这是何意，莫非想要多管闲事？”
Flower Withering Demon's expression was ugly as he sensed the spiritual energy emanating from Lin Xuan. But this guy, although greedy and lustful, was also a ruthless one. He didn't retreat but instead showed an unpleasant look: "Friend, you're lurking on the side, what are your intentions? Are you trying to meddle in my affairs?"
“ wǒ duǒ zài yī páng ？” lín xuān yǎ rán shī xiào ：“ zhēn shì zéi hǎn zhuō zéi ， nǐ men dǎ rǎo le lín mǒu qīng xiū ， fǎn ér guài zuì qǐ wǒ zhè zhǔ rén lái le ， shì hé dào lǐ ？”
“我躲在一旁？”林轩哑然失笑：“真是贼喊捉贼，你们打扰了林某清修，反而怪罪起我这主人来了，是何道理？”
"Me lurking on the side?" Lin Xuan laughed dryly. "You’re calling me a thief for catching a thief. You disturbed this old man's seclusion and now blame it on me, the master. What logic is that?"
“ shén me ， zhè lǐ shì dào yǒu de dòng fǔ ？”
“什么，这里是道友的洞府？”
"What, these are your disciples' abode?"
tīng lín xuān zhè me shuō ， cuī huā lǎo mó liǎn shàng bù yóu de lù chū è rán zhī sè ， zhè lǐ líng qì xī bó 。 bié shuō yuán yīng qī xiū xiān zhě 。 jiù suàn shì zhù jī qī xiū shì yě kàn bù zhōng 。 dàn tā yǎn zhū yī zhuǎn ， què yě méi yǒu chuō pò lín xuān de “ huǎng yán ” fǎn ér xiào le qǐ lái ：“ yuán lái rú cǐ ， nà zhēn shì zài xià mǎng zhuàng le ， gěi dào yǒu péi lǐ ， qiě róng wǒ jiāng zhè jǐ gè xiǎo jiā huo zhuā le jiù qù 。”
听林轩这么说，摧花老魔脸上不由得露出愕然之色，这里灵气稀薄。别说元婴期修仙者。就算是筑基期修士也看不中。但他眼珠一转，却也没有戳破林轩的“谎言”反而笑了起来：“原来如此，那真是在下莽撞了，给道友赔礼，且容我将这几个小家伙抓了就去。”
Hearing what Lin Xuan said, the expression of Flower Withering Demon turned to surprise and shock. The area was spiritually thin; even an Advanced Core Formation cultivator wouldn't find it worthwhile. But he quickly changed his mind and didn’t expose Lin Xuan's "lie." Instead, he smiled: "That makes sense. I must have been too hasty. Allow me to apologize and take these little fellows away."
yuán běn yīn wèi lín xuān chū xiàn ér dà xǐ de jǐ míng xuě míng mén xiū shì dùn shí liǎn rú bái zhǐ ， xiǎng xiǎng yě shì ， zì jǐ yǔ zhè shén mì de shào nián fēi qīn fēi gù ， duì fāng zěn me kě néng wèi le zì jǐ ér yǔ tóng jiē xiū shì fān liǎn ne ？
原本因为林轩出现而大喜的几名雪瞑门修士顿时脸如白纸，想想也是，自己与这神秘的少年非亲非故，对方怎么可能为了自己而与同阶修士翻脸呢？
Theseveral Snow Mirage Sect cultivators who had initially rejoiced at Lin Xuan’s appearance now looked pale as paper. After all, they were strangers to this mysterious youth; how could he possibly risk a fight with his peers for their sake?
shì bù guān jǐ ， gāo gāo guà qǐ ， jiù suàn lù jiàn bù píng 。 nán dào hái zhǐ wàng xiū xiān zhě men xīn huái xiá yì ？
事不关己，高高挂起，就算路见不平。难道还指望修仙者们心怀狭义？
Better to stay out of it and mind one's own business. Even if one saw injustice, did one expect cultivators to be narrow-minded?
cháng shēng cái shì zuì zhōng mù dì ， méi yǒu shuí huì wú yuán wú gù de shè zú xiǎn dì ， ér yǔ tóng jiē xiū shì dòng shǒu 。 wú yí shì yī wēi xiǎn xì shù hěn dà de shì 。
长生才是最终目的，没有谁会无缘无故的涉足险地，而与同阶修士动手。无疑是一危险系数很大的事。
Eternal life was the ultimate goal; no one would venture into danger without reason. Engaging in combat with peers was undoubtedly a risky affair.
cuī huā lǎo mó yǐ níng xiào zhe zhuǎn guò tóu lái ， cǐ shí cǐ kè ， tā nǎ lǐ hái gǎn dān gē ， zhèng xiǎng shī zhǎn léi tíng shǒu duàn jiāng jǐ míng xiū shì miè chú ， lín xuān lǎn yáng yáng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ：“ qiě màn ， lín mǒu shén me shí hòu shuō guò yǔn xǔ nǐ zài zhè lǐ shāng rén le 。”
摧花老魔已狞笑着转过头来，此时此刻，他哪里还敢耽搁，正想施展雷霆手段将几名修士灭除，林轩懒洋洋的声音传入耳朵：“且慢，林某什么时候说过允许你在这里伤人了。”
Flower Withering Demon sneered as he turned his head. He dared not dally any longer, about to unleash his wrath when Lin Xuan's lazy voice echoed: "Hold on, when did I say you were allowed to harm them here?"
cǐ huà yī chū 。 jǐ wèi níng dān qī xiū shì miàn miàn xiāng qù ， liǎn shàng de biǎo qíng yòu jīng yòu xǐ ， ér cuī huā lǎo mó de xīn ， què yí bù bù chén rù le gǔ dǐ ， tā huǎn huǎn de zhuǎn guò shēn tǐ ：“ dào yǒu zhè shì hé yì ？”
此话一出。几位凝丹期修士面面相觑，脸上的表情又惊又喜，而摧花老魔的心，却一步步沉入了谷底，他缓缓的转过身体：“道友这是何意？”
This statement caused the Condensation Core cultivators to exchange glances, their faces filled with shock and joy. Flower Withering Demon’s heart sank as he slowly turned around: "What are your intentions, friend?"
“ hé yì ？ dào yǒu nán dào tīng bù dǒng me 。 zhè jǐ gè xiǎo jiā huo de mìng ， zài xià jué dìng bǎo le ？” lín xuān xià bā wēi yáng ， lěng lěng de shuō 。
“何意？道友难道听不懂么。这几个小家伙的命，在下决定保了？”林轩下巴微扬，冷冷的说。
"What intentions? Can't you understand? I've decided to protect these little fellows?" Lin Xuan raised his chin and said coldly.
“ gé xià mò fēi yǔ tā men yǒu jiù ？”
“阁下莫非与他们有旧？”
"Are you familiar with them?"
“ fèi huà ， dāng rán méi yǒu 。”
“废话，当然没有。”
"Huh, of course not."
“ nà nǐ shì xuě míng mén de péng yǒu ？”
“那你是雪瞑门的朋友？”
"Then they're friends from Snow Mirage Sect?"
“ dào yǒu bù yòng luàn cāi le ， shén me xuě míng mén ， lín mǒu tīng dōu méi yǒu tīng shuō guò ， yě bù fàng zài yǎn zhōng 。”
“道友不用乱猜了，什么雪瞑门，林某听都没有听说过，也不放在眼中。”
"I don’t need to guess. What Snow Mirage Sect? This old man has never heard of it and doesn't care about it."
“ nà nǐ wèi hé yào yǔ wǒ zuò duì ， nán dào shuō ” cuī huā lǎo mó de zuǐ jiǎo biān lù chū yī sī gǔ guài zhī sè ：“ nǐ yě kàn shàng le zhè xìng zhū de yā tou ？”
“那你为何要与我作对，难道说”摧花老魔的嘴角边露出一丝古怪之色：“你也看上了这姓朱的丫头？”
"Why are you opposing me then?" Flower Withering Demon’s lips curled into a strange smile: "Did you also fall for that Zhu girl?"
lín xuān bù yóu de yī zhì ， wú yǔ ， zhè lǎo mó zhēn dāng rén rén dōu shì tā zhè yàng hào sè de bái chī 。
林轩不由得一滞，无语，这老魔真当人人都是他这样好色的白痴。
Lin Xuan was momentarily speechless, unable to respond. This old demon really thought everyone was as lustful as him.
lín xuān shàng wèi fǎn bó ， yī jiāo qiào kě rén de shào nǚ yǐ chū xiàn zài le bàn kōng ， zhè cái shì zhēn zhèng de tiān zī guó sè ， zhū qiàn rú suī rán yě shì měi nǚ ， dàn yǔ yuè ér xiāng bǐ ， què yuǎn yuǎn bù jí 。
林轩尚未反驳，一娇俏可人的少女已出现在了半空，这才是真正的天姿国色，朱倩如虽然也是美女，但与月儿相比，却远远不及。
Before Lin Xuan could retort, a charming young lady appeared in mid-air. This was truly heavenly beauty; although Zhu Qianru was beautiful, she couldn’t compare to Yue'er’s grace and charm.
bù guò xiǎo yā tou xiàn zài de dòng zuò ， què yì diǎn yě bù shū nǚ ， qiàn shǒu tái qǐ ， zhǐ zhe lǎo mó de bí jiān jiù mà le qǐ lái ：“ nǐ zhè lǎo bù xiū 。 zhǐ zhī dào ēn jiāng chóu bào de huài jiā huo ， zěn me néng yǐ xiǎo rén zhī xīn ， dù wǒ men jiā shào yé de jūn zǐ zhī fù ， wǒ jiā shào yé shì dà hǎo rén ， zěn me huì qī nán bà nǚ ， zhī suǒ yǐ duō guǎn xián shì ， shì yīn wèi kàn nǐ bù shuǎng ér yǐ ， yī huì er jiāng nǐ chōu hún liàn pò ， ràng nǐ míng bái zuò huài rén shì yào fù chū dài jià de 。”
不过小丫头现在的动作，却一点也不淑女，纤手抬起，指着老魔的鼻尖就骂了起来：“你这老不修。只知道恩将仇报的坏家伙，怎么能以小人之心，度我们家少爷的君子之腹，我家少爷是大好人，怎么会欺男霸女，之所以多管闲事，是因为看你不爽而已，一会儿将你抽魂炼魄，让你明白做坏人是要付出代价的。”
But the little girl's actions now were anything but demure. She raised her delicate hand and pointed at Flower Withering Demon: "You old pervert, a man who repays kindness with malice, how can you think ill of our master? Our master is a good person; he wouldn’t bully men or women. He’s just meddling because he doesn't like you. Soon, I'll extract your soul and make you understand the price for being evil."
lín xuān mù dèng kǒu dāi ， yǔ yuè ér xiāng chǔ le jìn liǎng bǎi nián 。 zhè yā tou zài zì jǐ de xīn mù zhōng ， yí xiàng dōu shì jiāo qiào kě ài ， fēi cháng wēn róu 。 fēi cháng guāi méi xiǎng dào yě huì yǒu zhè me bào lì de yí miàn 。
林轩目瞪口呆，与月儿相处了近两百年。这丫头在自己的心目中，一向都是娇俏可爱，非常温柔。非常乖没想到也会有这么暴力的一面。
Lin Xuan was speechless. Having spent nearly two hundred years with Yue'er, she had always been charming and gentle. He never imagined she would be so violent.
qí shí ， yě nán guài 。
其实，也难怪。
In truth, it wasn’t surprising.
yī lái ， cuī huā lǎo mó suǒ gàn de shì qíng jí shǐ fàng zài xiū xiān jiè ， yě tài guò lí pǔ ， shǔ yú yīng gāi bèi tiān dǎ léi pī de nà zhǒng 。
一来，摧花老魔所干的事情即使放在修仙界，也太过离谱，属于应该被天打雷劈的那种。
Firstly, what Flower Withering Demon did was outrageous even in the cultivation world; he deserved to be struck by lightning.
ēn jiāng chóu bào dào rú cǐ dì bù ， ràng yuè ér yě yǒu xiē yì fèn tián yīng le 。
恩将仇报到如此地步，让月儿也有些义愤填膺了。
Secondly, this old demon brought up a sensitive topic, saying that their master had taken an interest in Zhu. Although Lin Xuan knew it was nonsense, Yue'er’s heart still harbored some resentment.
èr lái ， zhè lǎo mó nǎ hú bù kāi tí nǎ hú ， jū rán shuō shào yé kàn zhòng le nà xìng zhū de yā tou ， suī rán míng zhī shì hú shuō ， dàn bù zhī wèi shén me ， yuè ér xīn zhōng hái shì yǒu xiē fèn fèn de 。
二来，这老魔哪壶不开提哪壶，居然说少爷看中了那姓朱的丫头，虽然明知是胡说，但不知为什么，月儿心中还是有些忿忿的。
Hmph. I’m prettier than you.
hēng 。 zì jǐ yào piào liàng dé duō 。
哼。自己要漂亮得多。
The master isn’t like that.
shào yé cái bú shì nà zhǒng rén ne 。
少爷才不是那种人呢。
Without waiting for Lin Xuan to speak, the little girl stepped forward and berated Flower Withering Demon harshly.
yú shì bù děng lín xuān shuō huà ， xiǎo yā tou jiù xiān tiào chū lái jiāng cuī huā lǎo mó yí tòng chòu mà 。
于是不等林轩说话，小丫头就先跳出来将摧花老魔一通臭骂。
Looking at Yue'er's stunning beauty, the old demon’s eyes were filled with admiration before a hint of pity showed. He was just a wraith after all.
ér kàn zhe yuè ér jué sè de róng yán 。 lǎo mó de yǎn zhōng mǎn shì jīng yàn 。 suí hòu yòu liú lù chū kě xī ， jǐn jǐn shì yīn hún ér yǐ 。
而看着月儿绝色的容颜。老魔的眼中满是惊艳。随后又流露出可惜，仅仅是阴魂而已。
He took a deep breath, forcing his gaze away from Yue'er’s charming face to focus on their opponent: "Do you really want to provoke me?"
tā xī le kǒu qì ， qiǎng pò zì jǐ cóng yuè ér de qiào liǎn shàng jiàng shì xiàn nuó qù ， yǎn qián hái yǒu dà dí ：“ dào yǒu zhēn de yào yǔ lǎo fū guò bù qù ？”
他吸了口气，强迫自己从月儿的俏脸上将视线挪去，眼前还有大敌：“道友真的要与老夫过不去？”
"Can’t you guess? Do you think I’m here for fun, joking around with you?" Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow and sneered.
“ nǐ shuō ne ， mò fēi yǐ wéi zài xià chī bǎo le méi shì ， yǔ nǐ zài zhè ér shuō xiào bù chéng ？” lín xuān méi tóu yī tiāo ， lěng xiào zhe dào 。
“你说呢，莫非以为在下吃饱了没事，与你在这儿说笑不成？”林轩眉头一挑，冷笑着道。
"Fine. Since you have a friend's backing, I'll give you the courtesy of letting them go."
“ hǎo ， jì rán yǒu dào yǒu zuò bǎo ， wǒ jiù gěi nǐ miàn zi 。 fàng tā men lí qù 。”
“好，既然有道友作保，我就给你面子。放他们离去。”
Flower Withering Demon’s expression changed rapidly but soon said something that surprised everyone: he wasn’t foolish; his opponent was an Advanced Core Formation cultivator, and even the wraith girl had late-stage Condensation Core cultivation. With Snow Mirage Sect's people involved, a fight would be hopeless for him, possibly ending in a severe defeat.
cuī huā lǎo mó de shén sè biàn huàn gè 。 bù tíng 。 dàn shǎo qǐng zhī hòu ， què shuō chū ràng rén dà wèi yì wài de yán yǔ 。
摧花老魔的神色变幻个。不停。但少顷之后，却说出让人大为意外的言语。
Actually, Flower Withering Demon overestimated himself somewhat, not knowing Lin Xuan’s true strength.
tā bú shì bái chī ， duì fāng kě shì yuán yīng zhōng qī de xiū shì ， biàn shì nà yīn hún shào nǚ ， yě yǒu níng dān hòu qī xiū wèi ， zài jiā shàng xuě míng mén de jǐ rén ， yí dàn dǎ qǐ lái ， zì jǐ bù jǐn háo wú shèng suàn ， shèn zhì hái yǒu kě néng luò gè cǎn bài zhòng shāng de jié jú 。
他不是白痴，对方可是元婴中期的修士，便是那阴魂少女，也有凝丹后期修为，再加上雪瞑门的几人，一旦打起来，自己不仅毫无胜算，甚至还有可能落个惨败重伤的结局。
He couldn’t gain what he wanted but lost something valuable. Although he didn't say it aloud, his heart was filled with resentment as he transformed into a streak of light and flew towards the sky.
qí shí 。 rú cǐ gū jì ， cuī huā lǎo mó yě zì shì shèn gāo le xiē ， bì jìng tā bù zhī dào lín xuān de shí lì 。
其实。如此估计，摧花老魔也自视甚高了些，毕竟他不知道林轩的实力。
Sizzle…
tōu jī bù chéng shí bǎ mǐ ， lǎo mó zuǐ shàng bù shuō ， xīn zhōng què hèn hèn bù yǐ ， bì jìng fàng jǐ rén huí qù ， zì jǐ hé xuě míng mén jiù yǐ sī pò liǎn páng 。
偷鸡不成蚀把米，老魔嘴上不说，心中却恨恨不已，毕竟放几人回去，自己和雪瞑门就已撕破脸庞。
A piercing sound entered their ears as a green sword energy slashed at him.
rán ér xiàn zài zhè zhǒng qíng kuàng ， tā bié wú xuǎn zé ， zhǐ néng huà wèi yī dào jīng hóng ， fēi xiàng tiān kōng 。
然而现在这种情况，他别无选择，只能化为一道惊虹，飞向天空。
Flower Withering Demon roared in anger, raising his hand to send out a shield that blocked the sword energy. He stared at Lin Xuan and said with deliberate words: "What are your intentions? I’ve already given you enough face; why do you still want to provoke me?"
The words had barely fallen from his lips when Master Zhi pointed out, and Zhu Qianru's movements suddenly froze. The spell of suppression cast by Jian You subtly immobilized her, leaving her unable to move a single finger.
"Haha, little beauty, how could I bear to kill you? Such heavenly fragrance and national color, wouldn't that be a waste of such treasures? You'll still obediently serve as my cauldron."
Master Zhi's smug laughter echoed in Zhu Qianru's ears. She felt a chill run from the top of her head down to her feet, tears welling up in her eyes, wishing for death but unable to move even one finger.
The short and plump elder was both shocked and angry. How could he bear to watch his junior sister humiliated? But their strength gap was too great; not only couldn't he save her, but he himself was struggling to survive.
A sinister glint flashed in the eyes of Flower Withering Demon. He had no intention of lingering here any longer. Just as he was about to deal a decisive blow and eliminate the four people, a cold laugh entered his ears.
The voice wasn’t loud, yet Master Zhi's expression froze. Impossible. There were other cultivators nearby; how could they have deceived his spiritual sense? Could it be—
He turned sharply around.
His gaze swept across the area, no longer showing any trace of smugness but instead an intense seriousness: "Who are you, daring to play tricks in front of this old man?"
"Your cultivation is so weak that you can't even penetrate my hiding place. How dare you talk big here?" Lin Xuan sighed and slowly stepped out from behind the large rock.
"Advanced Core Formation!"
Flower Withering Demon's expression was ugly as he sensed the spiritual energy emanating from Lin Xuan. But this guy, although greedy and lustful, was also a ruthless one. He didn't retreat but instead showed an unpleasant look: "Friend, you're lurking on the side, what are your intentions? Are you trying to meddle in my affairs?"
"Me lurking on the side?" Lin Xuan laughed dryly. "You’re calling me a thief for catching a thief. You disturbed this old man's seclusion and now blame it on me, the master. What logic is that?"
"What, these are your disciples' abode?"
Hearing what Lin Xuan said, the expression of Flower Withering Demon turned to surprise and shock. The area was spiritually thin; even an Advanced Core Formation cultivator wouldn't find it worthwhile. But he quickly changed his mind and didn’t expose Lin Xuan's "lie." Instead, he smiled: "That makes sense. I must have been too hasty. Allow me to apologize and take these little fellows away."
Theseveral Snow Mirage Sect cultivators who had initially rejoiced at Lin Xuan’s appearance now looked pale as paper. After all, they were strangers to this mysterious youth; how could he possibly risk a fight with his peers for their sake?
Better to stay out of it and mind one's own business. Even if one saw injustice, did one expect cultivators to be narrow-minded?
Eternal life was the ultimate goal; no one would venture into danger without reason. Engaging in combat with peers was undoubtedly a risky affair.
Flower Withering Demon sneered as he turned his head. He dared not dally any longer, about to unleash his wrath when Lin Xuan's lazy voice echoed: "Hold on, when did I say you were allowed to harm them here?"
This statement caused the Condensation Core cultivators to exchange glances, their faces filled with shock and joy. Flower Withering Demon’s heart sank as he slowly turned around: "What are your intentions, friend?"
"What intentions? Can't you understand? I've decided to protect these little fellows?" Lin Xuan raised his chin and said coldly.
"Are you familiar with them?"
"Huh, of course not."
"Then they're friends from Snow Mirage Sect?"
"I don’t need to guess. What Snow Mirage Sect? This old man has never heard of it and doesn't care about it."
"Why are you opposing me then?" Flower Withering Demon’s lips curled into a strange smile: "Did you also fall for that Zhu girl?"
Lin Xuan was momentarily speechless, unable to respond. This old demon really thought everyone was as lustful as him.
Before Lin Xuan could retort, a charming young lady appeared in mid-air. This was truly heavenly beauty; although Zhu Qianru was beautiful, she couldn’t compare to Yue'er’s grace and charm.
But the little girl's actions now were anything but demure. She raised her delicate hand and pointed at Flower Withering Demon: "You old pervert, a man who repays kindness with malice, how can you think ill of our master? Our master is a good person; he wouldn’t bully men or women. He’s just meddling because he doesn't like you. Soon, I'll extract your soul and make you understand the price for being evil."
Lin Xuan was speechless. Having spent nearly two hundred years with Yue'er, she had always been charming and gentle. He never imagined she would be so violent.
In truth, it wasn’t surprising.
Firstly, what Flower Withering Demon did was outrageous even in the cultivation world; he deserved to be struck by lightning.
Secondly, this old demon brought up a sensitive topic, saying that their master had taken an interest in Zhu. Although Lin Xuan knew it was nonsense, Yue'er’s heart still harbored some resentment.
Hmph. I’m prettier than you.
The master isn’t like that.
Without waiting for Lin Xuan to speak, the little girl stepped forward and berated Flower Withering Demon harshly.
Looking at Yue'er's stunning beauty, the old demon’s eyes were filled with admiration before a hint of pity showed. He was just a wraith after all.
He took a deep breath, forcing his gaze away from Yue'er’s charming face to focus on their opponent: "Do you really want to provoke me?"
"Can’t you guess? Do you think I’m here for fun, joking around with you?" Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow and sneered.
"Fine. Since you have a friend's backing, I'll give you the courtesy of letting them go."
Flower Withering Demon’s expression changed rapidly but soon said something that surprised everyone: he wasn’t foolish; his opponent was an Advanced Core Formation cultivator, and even the wraith girl had late-stage Condensation Core cultivation. With Snow Mirage Sect's people involved, a fight would be hopeless for him, possibly ending in a severe defeat.
Actually, Flower Withering Demon overestimated himself somewhat, not knowing Lin Xuan’s true strength.
He couldn’t gain what he wanted but lost something valuable. Although he didn't say it aloud, his heart was filled with resentment as he transformed into a streak of light and flew towards the sky.
Sizzle…
A piercing sound entered their ears as a green sword energy slashed at him.
Flower Withering Demon roared in anger, raising his hand to send out a shield that blocked the sword energy. He stared at Lin Xuan and said with deliberate words: "What are your intentions? I’ve already given you enough face; why do you still want to provoke me?"