jí biàn yǐ lín xuān de chéng fǔ ， zhòu rán tīng jiàn zhè ge míng zì ， yě bù yóu dà jīng shī sè ， biǎo qíng kuáng biàn qǐ lái le ：“ tiān yá hǎi gé ， yún zhōu xiān zi ？”“ bù cuò ， mò fēi lín xiōng rèn shí ？” jī xuán shēng yī dāi ， biǎo qíng biàn dé yǒu xiē gǔ guài 。
即便以林轩的城府，骤然听见这个名字，也不由大惊失色，表情狂变起来了：“天涯海阁，云州仙子？”“不错，莫非林兄认识？”姬玄生一呆，表情变得有些古怪。
Even with Lin Xuan's composure, he was taken aback by the name. His expression changed dramatically: "Tianya Hai Pavilion, Cloud State Fairy?"
“ dāng rán bù rèn de ， zhǐ bù guò zhòu rán tīng jiàn tiān yá hǎi gé ， gǎn jué yǒu xiē zhèn hàn bà le ， lǒng nán dì chǔ huāng pì ， qī dà zōng mén bú shì dōu bù chā shǒu ma 。 nà wèi yún zhōng xiān zi lái zhè lǐ gàn shén me ？。 lín xuān méi tou yí zhòu ， rú cǐ zhè bān de shuō ， tā yǔ qín yán jiān de jiū gé ， zì rán bú huì shǎ shǎ de dào chù xuān yáng le 。
“当然不认得，只不过骤然听见天涯海阁，感觉有些震撼罢了，陇南地处荒僻，七大宗门不是都不插手吗。那位云中仙子来这里干什么？。林轩眉头一皱，如此这般的说，他与秦妍间的纠葛，自然不会傻傻的到处宣扬了。
"Not bad," Ji Xuansheng replied, his face showing a strange look. "Do you know her, Brother Lin?"
bù guò jīng xǐ zhī hòu ， yí gè yí wèn yòu fú xiàn zài nǎo hǎi zhōng 。
不过惊喜之后，一个疑问又浮现在脑海中。
Of course not, but hearing Tianya Hai Pavilion made him feel somewhat shaken. The region of Longnan was remote, and the Seven Great Sects did not interfere there. Why would that Cloud State Fairy come here?
nà wèi yún zhōu xiān zi zhēn de jiù shì zì jǐ xīn zhōng suǒ xiǎng de gù rén ， huì bú huì jǐn jǐn shì wài hào xiāng tóng ？
那位云州仙子真的就是自己心中所想的故人，会不会仅仅是外号相同？
Lin Xuan frowned as he spoke, knowing that his entanglement with Qin Yan wouldn't be foolishly publicized.
yě nán guài lín xuān huì yǒu cǐ yí huò ， bì jìng jiù jìng jiè lái shuō ， qín yán de tiān zī suī rán yě shì wàn nián nán yù ， dàn zhè me kuài jiù dào yuán yīng qī hái shì yǒu xiē bù kě sī yì 。
也难怪林轩会有此疑惑，毕竟就境界来说，秦妍的天资虽然也是万年难遇，但这么快就到元婴期还是有些不可思议。
But after the initial surprise, a question arose in his mind: Could this Cloud State Fairy really be an old acquaintance? Or was it just a coincidence of names?
hái yǒu nà tiān yá hǎi gé ， zài qī dà zōng mén zhī zhōng 。 shì zuì wèi shén mì de yí gè 。
还有那天涯海阁，在七大宗门之中。是最为神秘的一个。
Indeed, Lin Xuan had reason to doubt. Although Qin Yan's talent was rare, reaching the婴期 stage so quickly still seemed too miraculous. Moreover, Tianya Hai Pavilion was one of the most mysterious sects among the Seven Great Sects.
jù shuō qí zōng mén zài hǎi wài de yī zuò xiān dǎo 。 yán gé lái shuō ， dōu bù shǔ yú yún zhōu de shì lì fàn chóu 。
据说其宗门在海外的一座仙岛。严格来说，都不属于云州的势力范畴。
Legend had it that their sect resided on a mystical island in the ocean. Strictly speaking, they were not part of Cloud State's territory and belonged to overseas sects instead.
ér bèi guī shǔ dào le hǎi wài mén pài zhī zhōng 。
而被归属到了海外门派之中。
Tianya Hai Pavilion had been passed down from ancient times; women only could enter, and even with excellent 灵根资质, men would never be accepted.
tiān yá hǎi gé ， yě shì cóng shàng gǔ shí qī chuán chéng xià lái ， jù shuō mén zhōng zhǐ yǒu nǚ xiū ， nán zi biàn shì yǒu zài hǎo de líng gēn zī zhì ， yě bù kě néng bài rù qí zhōng 。
天涯海阁，也是从上古时期传承下来，据说门中只有女修，男子便是有再好的灵根资质，也不可能拜入其中。
The pavilion was filled with beautiful women, and the island contained various treasures. Some rare 灵物 were not found on the mainland either.
lǐ miàn měi nǚ rú yún ， zài jiā shàng suǒ zhàn jù de xiān dǎo yǒu zhe gè zhǒng gè yàng de tiān cái dì bǎo 。 yī xiē líng wù ， shèn zhì shì nèi lù suǒ méi yǒu 。
里面美女如云，再加上所占据的仙岛有着各种各样的天材地宝。一些灵物，甚至是内陆所没有。
With these three elements—beautiful women, medicinal herbs, and treasures—the pavilion naturally attracted many powerful forces.
měi nǚ ， líng yào ， yì bǎo ， zhè sān yàng jiā zài yì qǐ ， zú yǐ yǐn lái wú shù qiáng dà shì lì de jì yú 。
美女，灵药，异宝，这三样加在一起，足以引来无数强大势力的觊觎。
Even Tianya Hai Pavilion, as one of the Seven Great Sects, wasn't immune to such attention.
jí biàn tiān yá hǎi gé gè jū qī dà zōng mén yě yī yàng 。
即便天涯海阁个居七大宗门也一样。
Lin Xuan learned about this battle from a scroll. The entire Cloud State cultivation community was well aware of it. At the time, not only did the eighty-one sects and families involved think conquering the island would be easy, but even those who didn’t participate believed that Tianya Hai Pavilion was doomed to fall.
dān dú yí gè mén pài jiā zú ， qì dìng bú shì duì shǒu ， dàn rú guǒ yǒu hěn duō lián hé ”
单独一个门派家族，弃定不是对手，但如果有很多联合”
However, as they say, things are unpredictable. What was expected to be a fierce battle ended much sooner than anyone imagined. The outcome? The alliance suffered a crushing defeat.
wǔ bǎi nián qián 。 jiù shēng guò zhè yàng de biàn gù 。 yún zhōu nèi lù ， yǐ jí hǎi wài dà dà xiǎo de zōng mén gòng yǒu bā shí yí gè ” zài jiā shàng yī xiē zhù míng de xié è sàn xiū ， jié chéng lián méng ， qián qù gōng dǎ tiān yá hǎi gé ， qiǎng duó líng dì bǎo wù ， zhì yú měi nǚ 。 zì rán shì dàng zuò dǐng lú ， xiū xiān zhě zhī zhōng de hào sè zhī tú ， yī yàng hěn duō 。
五百年前。就生过这样的变故。云州内陆，以及海外大大小的宗门共有八十一个”再加上一些著名的邪恶散修，结成联盟，前去攻打天涯海阁，抢夺灵地宝物，至于美女。自然是当作鼎炉，修仙者之中的好色之徒，一样很多。
In fact, it wasn't just a loss; the entire army was annihilated. Only a few dozen escaped, all of them at the 灵动期 or 基础期 level. No one above the 凝丹期, including old monsters in the 元婴期, survived.
bā shí yī jiā zōng mén lián shǒu ， shēng shì kě xiǎng ér zhī ， shǔ yǐ wàn jì de xiū shì ， qí zhōng yuán yīng hòu qī de dà xiū xiān zhě ， gòng yǒu bā gè ， zài jiā shàng shù shí míng chū qī yǔ zhōng qī de lǎo guài wù ， shí lì yǐ jīng yuǎn yuǎn guò le tiān yá hǎi gé 。
八十一家宗门联手，声势可想而知，数以万计的修士，其中元婴后期的大修仙者，共有八个，再加上数十名初期与中期的老怪物，实力已经远远过了天涯海阁。
This outcome caused quite a stir in Cloud State. Everyone wondered what happened to the fairy island that led to such a disaster.
zhì shǎo biǎo miàn rú cǐ ！
至少表面如此！
The few who managed to escape were too frightened to speak much. The cultivators naturally wouldn't let it go. Since these unfortunate souls had become wandering cultivators, there was no need for courtesy; they were captured and subjected to soul-retrieval techniques.
zhè yī cì tā men shì zài bì děi ， xiǎng yào jiāng xiān dǎo xǐ jié yī kōng 。
这一次他们势在必得，想要将仙岛洗劫一空。
But after searching the minds of those curious cultivators, their jaws dropped in shock. The battle had been far from what anyone expected: Tianya Hai Pavilion hadn't retreated behind its protective array but instead launched a full-scale assault on the invaders.
wéi yī dān xīn de shì 。 qī dà zōng mén ēn yuàn jiū gé ， píng rì lǐ ， suī rán hù xiāng qīng yà bù xiū ， dàn zhè zhǒng guān jiàn shí xuán ， huì fǒu yuán shǒu ， yě shì liǎng shuō 。
唯一担心的是。七大宗门恩怨纠葛，平日里，虽然互相倾轧不休，但这种关键时玄，会否援手，也是两说。
The alliance was stunned but also overjoyed. With the island's defenses so formidable, even breaking through would be costly. To actually come out and fight was sheer madness.
dàn hěn kuài ， nà xiē lì yù xūn xīn de lǎo jiā huǒ jiù fàng xià xīn lái le ， jù tā men pài chū de tàn zi huí bào ， liù dà zōng mén àn bīng bù dòng ， sī háo méi yǒu jì xiàng yuán shǒu 。
但很快，那些利欲熏心的老家伙就放下心来了，据他们派出的探子回报，六大宗门按兵不动，丝毫没有迹象援手。
A few cautious individuals sensed something amiss, but the allure of beauty and treasure quickly overshadowed their concerns. As one of the Seven Great Sects, Tianya Hai Pavilion undoubtedly had formidable strength; among its members were dozens of 元婴期 cultivators.
zhè wú yí shì yī lì hǎo xiāo xī ， xiǎng xiǎng yě bù xī qí 。 tiān yá hǎi gé gū xuán hǎi wài ， yǔ liù dà zōng mén de lái wǎng běn lái jiù shǎo ， yuán bù yuán shǒu dōu zài qíng lǐ zhī zhōng 。
这无疑是一利好消息，想想也不稀奇。天涯海阁孤悬海外，与六大宗门的来往本来就少，援不援手都在情理之中。
From a high-end combat perspective, they were on par with the alliance. However, there were only three in the后期 stage, while the alliance had eight.
fǎng fú yǐ kàn jiàn wú shù de líng yào ， yì bǎo 。 hái yǒu měi nǚ bèi tā men lǎn zài huái zhōng 。
仿佛已看见无数的灵药，异宝。还有美女被他们揽在怀中。
These five extra cultivators could turn the tide and decide the battle's outcome. Moreover, the alliance had far more 凝丹期 and 基础期 cultivators than their opponents.
yú shì ， bā shí yī jiā zōng mén zǔ chéng de lián méng qì shì xiōng xiōng ， shā xiàng le tiān yá hǎi gé ， qí zhōng yī xiē xiǎo de zōng mén jiā zú ， dì zǐ gèng shì mǎn liǎn xīng fèn zhī sè 。
于是，八十一家宗门组成的联盟气势汹汹，杀向了天涯海阁，其中一些小的宗门家族，弟子更是满脸兴奋之色。
Everything seemed certain until they realized something was wrong: Three powerful cultivators, including the sect master of Tianya Hai Pavilion, were respectfully escorting a young woman.
tiān yá hǎi gé de nǚ xiū ， píng shí shì duō me gū ào ， jiù suàn bǐ cǐ jìng jiè xiāng tóng ， bǐ rú shuō dōu shì zhù jī qī ， kě yí gè shì zōng mén de xiū shì ， yí gè shì qī dà shì lì zhī yī de dì zǐ ， shēn fèn yě bù kě tóng rì ér yǔ 。
天涯海阁的女修，平时是多么孤傲，就算彼此境界相同，比如说都是筑基期，可一个是宗门的修士，一个是七大势力之一的弟子，身份也不可同日而语。
She wore a white dress, like a fairy fallen from the heavens. Unfortunately, she had half her face covered by an odd shawl, making it impossible to discern her appearance with their divine sense.
bié rén chī ròu ， tā men zǒng yě néng hē diǎn ， tāng 。
别人吃肉，他们总也能喝点，汤。
Despite this, even with one side of her face, she was breathtakingly beautiful, undoubtedly a peerless beauty.
xiǎng xiǎng yǒu jī huì jiāng píng shí xū yào yǎng shì de nǚ xiū dàng zuò dǐng lú ， tā men de liǎn shàng mǎn shì xié è de xīng fèn zhī sè 。
想想有机会将平时需要仰视的女修当作鼎炉，他们的脸上满是邪恶的兴奋之色。
Many disciples were drooling, but they noticed that the old monsters in their ranks were trembling. In their eyes, this wasn't a beautiful woman; it was a terrifying snake.
guān yú cǐ zhàn de miáo shù ， lín xuān shì zài yī běn diǎn jí shàng kàn dào de ， qí shí zhěng gè yún zhōu de xiū xiān jiè ， yě liú chuán shèn guǎng ， dāng shí ， bié shuō nà bā shí yī jiā zōng mén de xiū shì ， yì qì fēng ， yǐ wéi tà píng xiān dǎo ， bù guò shì jǔ shǒu zhī láo ， biàn shì méi yǒu cān jiā cǐ yì de zōng mén jiā zú ， yě yǐ wéi tiān yá hǎi gé ， zài jié nán táo 。
关于此战的描述，林轩是在一本典籍上看到的，其实整个云州的修仙界，也流传甚广，当时，别说那八十一家宗门的修士，意气风，以为踏平仙岛，不过是举手之劳，便是没有参加此役的宗门家族，也以为天涯海阁，在劫难逃。
Even the eight后期 cultivators looked pale.
bì jìng shì lì xiāng chà xuán shū ， zài méi yǒu wài yuán de qíng kuàng xià 。 jiù suàn yǒu hù pài dà zhèn bǎo hù 。 zǒng tán bèi pò yě shì chí zǎo ， dào shí hòu gāi pài de dì zǐ ， chú le jí shǎo shù néng gòu táo tuō ， kǒng pà dà bù fèn dōu miǎn bù liǎo zhàn sǐ huò zhě bèi dàng zuò dǐng lú de bēi cǎn jié jú le 。
毕竟势力相差悬殊，在没有外援的情况下。就算有护派大阵保护。总坛被破也是迟早，到时候该派的弟子，除了极少数能够逃脱，恐怕大部分都免不了战死或者被当做鼎炉的悲惨结局了。
Some clever individuals began to feel uneasy: Could this be true?
rán ér sú huà shuō dé hǎo ， shì shì nán liào 。 yuán běn yǐ wéi yī cháng cǎn liè de dà zhàn ， jìn xíng de shí jiān yuǎn bǐ rén men xiǎng xiàng de duǎn ， zhì yú jié guǒ ” què shì nà bā shí yī jiā lián méng dà bài kuī shū 。
然而俗话说得好，世事难料。原本以为一场惨烈的大战，进行的时间远比人们想象的短，至于结果”却是那八十一家联盟大败亏输。
Just then, a voice like celestial music echoed: "Good, very good. Eighty-one upstart villains and some lowly demons dared to plot against Tianya Hai Pavilion, daring to look at me with such disrespect. Nv Ci'er, my nephew."
bù ， yòng shū lái miáo shù tài qīng miáo dàn xiě le 。
不，用输来描述太轻描淡写了。
"Yes, Aunt," another woman in green robes quickly bowed, her face filled with respect.
zhēn shí de qíng kuàng shì quán jūn fù mò 。 shǔ yǐ wàn jì de xiū shì ， táo huí qù de bù guò jǐ shí gè ér yǐ 。 qiě quán shì líng dòng qī yǔ zhù jī qī de xiǎo zá yú 。 níng dān qī yǐ shàng de xiū xiān zhě ， bāo kuò yuán yīng qī lǎo guài wù ， wú yī táo tuō ， quán bù bèi dǎ dé hún fēi pò sàn le 。
真实的情况是全军覆没。数以万计的修士，逃回去的不过几十个而已。且全是灵动期与筑基期的小杂鱼。凝丹期以上的修仙者，包括元婴期老怪物，无一逃脱，全部被打得魂飞魄散了。
Many recognized this cultivator named Cui Xue, the sect master of Tianya Hai Pavilion and a renowned senior cultivator in Cloud State. If she called him aunt, could this beautiful woman be...
rú cǐ jié guǒ ， zì rán zài yún zhōu yǐn qǐ le xuān rán fū bō ， rén rén dōu hào qí zài nà xiān wū jiū jìng shēng le shén me 。
如此结果，自然在云州引起了轩然夫波，人人都好奇在那仙乌究竟生了什么。
A late-stage cultivator!
rán ér nà xiē jiǎo xìng táo huí lái de rén 。 yě quán bèi xià pò le dǎn ， bù gǎn duō yán 。
然而那些侥幸逃回来的人。也全被吓破了胆，不敢多言。
Cold sweat poured down their faces. Some reckless individuals showed disbelieving expressions.
xiū shì men zì rán bù kěn shàn bà gān xiū ， fǎn zhèng nà xiē kě lián chóng ， rú jīn yě lún luò wèi le sàn xiū 。 tā men nǎ hái yǒu shén me hào kè qì de ， gān cuì zhuō zhù ， rán hòu yī yī shī yǐ shōu hún zhī shù 。
修士们自然不肯善罢甘休，反正那些可怜虫，如今也沦落为了散修。他们哪还有什么好客气的，干脆捉住，然后一一施以收魂之术。
How could such luck happen? Late-stage monsters were mere legends on the mortal world; perhaps it was just a feint by the enemy!
kě sōu hún hòu de jié guǒ ， què ràng nà xiē hào qí xiū shì men táng mù jié shé ， yí gè gè miàn rú tǔ rì o８ shān xún shū shài jī kǒu qí sǎn xiāo guài le ， pīn mìng zhuī wèn ！ xià ， xiāo xī cái jiàn jiàn liú chuán ér yuán lái nà chǎng dà zhàn de shí hòu ， tiān yá hǎi gé gēn běn jiù méi yǒu guī suō zài hù pài dà zhèn hòu fáng shǒu 。 ér shì qīng cháo ér chū ， yíng jī rù qīn zhě 。
可搜魂后的结果，却让那些好奇修士们膛目结舌，一个个面如土日o８姗旬书晒讥口齐伞萧怪了，拼命追问！下，消息才渐渐流传而原来那场大战的时候，天涯海阁根本就没有龟缩在护派大阵后防守。而是倾巢而出，迎击入侵者。
Everyone had hopes of survival, but the old monsters could feel the profound power within the woman's body—only a late-stage cultivator could possess such strength.
lián méng xiū shì dà gǎn è rán ， dàn xīn zhōng què yě huān xǐ dào le jí diǎn ， bì jìng xiān dǎo jìn zhì chóng chóng 。 duì fāng yǎng zhàng zhèn fǎ zhī lì ， tā men jí shǐ néng gōng pò ， yě huì fù chū jù dà dài jià de 。
联盟修士大感愕然，但心中却也欢喜到了极点，毕竟仙岛禁制重重。对方仰仗阵法之利，他们即使能攻破，也会付出巨大代价的。
Despite the difference in cultivation stages, saying "a hair’s breadth makes a mile" was true. Late-stage cultivators could harness the primordial energy of the universe, making them incomparably stronger than their counterparts.
duì fāng jū rán gǎn qián chū yíng dí ， jiǎn zhí shì shǎ dào le wú yǐ fù jiā de jìng dì 。
对方居然敢前出迎敌，简直是傻到了无以复加的境地。
The path to immortality was arduous, and the eight cultivation stages were clearly defined. While some 元婴期 cultivators might defeat late-stage ones with extraordinary techniques or powerful treasures, it was still a dream for most.
dāng rán ， yě yǒu shǎo shù wěn zhòng xiǎo xīn zhī rén ， yǐn yǐn gǎn dào bù tuǒ 。 dàn miàn duì měi nǚ yǔ bǎo wù de yòu huò ， yě hěn kuài pāo zhū nǎo hòu 。 zuò wèi qī dà zōng mén zhī yī ， tiān yá hǎi gé wú yí yōng yǒu jí qiáng de shí lì ， suī rán quán shì nǚ zǐ 。 dàn qí zhōng yě yǒu shù shí wèi yuán yīng qī xiū shì 。
当然，也有少数稳重小心之人，隐隐感到不妥。但面对美女与宝物的诱惑，也很快抛诸脑后。做为七大宗门之一，天涯海阁无疑拥有极强的实力，虽然全是女子。但其中也有数十位元婴期修士。
However, defeating a late-stage cultivator was impossible for an后期 cultivator. Such records didn’t exist in history.
cóng gāo duān zhàn lì lái shuō ， dǎo shì yǔ lián méng chà bu duō 。 kě xī hòu qī cún zài jǐn yǒu sān gè 。 ér zhè biān de dà xiū xiān zhě ， zé yǒu bā rén zhī duō 。
从高端战力来说，倒是与联盟差不多。可惜后期存在仅有三个。而这边的大修仙者，则有八人之多。
Several old monsters began to lose heart, and the celestial music continued: "Since they want to die, let's not be merciful. No captives; all souls will be extracted and their bodies destroyed. Those who dare attack Tianya Hai Pavilion must accept eternal damnation."
zhè duō chū lái de wǔ rén ， jiù zú yǐ niǔ zhuǎn qián kūn ， jué ān shèng fù 。
这多出来的五人，就足以扭转乾坤，决安胜负。
"Yes, Aunt," Cui Xue bowed respectfully before retreating to give orders to her disciples.
hé kuàng lián méng cān zhàn de níng dān qī ， zhù jī qī xiū shì de rén shù ， yuǎn yuǎn zài duì fāng zhī shàng de 。
何况联盟参战的凝丹期，筑基期修士的人数，远远在对方之上的。
The ensuing battle was one-sided. Eight powerful cultivators attacked the masked woman, but in mere moments, she used strange techniques to freeze them into ice sculptures and shatter them. With no chance of escape for even 元婴期 cultivators, the alliance's hopes were crushed.
yī qiè dōu méi yǒu xuán niàn ， kě hěn kuài ， tā men jiù xiàn bù tuǒ ， yǐ tiān yá hǎi gé zōng zhǔ wèi de sān míng dà xiū shì ， jū rán bì gōng bì jìng de cù yōng zhe yī nián qīng de nǚ zǐ 。
一切都没有悬念，可很快，他们就现不妥，以天涯海阁宗主为的三名大修士，居然毕恭毕敬的簇拥着一年轻的女子。
With those who were stronger already dead, the remaining old monsters knew fleeing was their only option. However, it was too late; the Tianya Hai Pavilion women had joined the battle, and the outcome was clear: one side fought with unshakable resolve while the other panicked to escape.
Even with Lin Xuan's composure, he was taken aback by the name. His expression changed dramatically: "Tianya Hai Pavilion, Cloud State Fairy?"
"Not bad," Ji Xuansheng replied, his face showing a strange look. "Do you know her, Brother Lin?"
Of course not, but hearing Tianya Hai Pavilion made him feel somewhat shaken. The region of Longnan was remote, and the Seven Great Sects did not interfere there. Why would that Cloud State Fairy come here?
Lin Xuan frowned as he spoke, knowing that his entanglement with Qin Yan wouldn't be foolishly publicized.
But after the initial surprise, a question arose in his mind: Could this Cloud State Fairy really be an old acquaintance? Or was it just a coincidence of names?
Indeed, Lin Xuan had reason to doubt. Although Qin Yan's talent was rare, reaching the婴期 stage so quickly still seemed too miraculous. Moreover, Tianya Hai Pavilion was one of the most mysterious sects among the Seven Great Sects.
Legend had it that their sect resided on a mystical island in the ocean. Strictly speaking, they were not part of Cloud State's territory and belonged to overseas sects instead.
Tianya Hai Pavilion had been passed down from ancient times; women only could enter, and even with excellent 灵根资质, men would never be accepted.
The pavilion was filled with beautiful women, and the island contained various treasures. Some rare 灵物 were not found on the mainland either.
With these three elements—beautiful women, medicinal herbs, and treasures—the pavilion naturally attracted many powerful forces.
Even Tianya Hai Pavilion, as one of the Seven Great Sects, wasn't immune to such attention.
Lin Xuan learned about this battle from a scroll. The entire Cloud State cultivation community was well aware of it. At the time, not only did the eighty-one sects and families involved think conquering the island would be easy, but even those who didn’t participate believed that Tianya Hai Pavilion was doomed to fall.
However, as they say, things are unpredictable. What was expected to be a fierce battle ended much sooner than anyone imagined. The outcome? The alliance suffered a crushing defeat.
In fact, it wasn't just a loss; the entire army was annihilated. Only a few dozen escaped, all of them at the 灵动期 or 基础期 level. No one above the 凝丹期, including old monsters in the 元婴期, survived.
This outcome caused quite a stir in Cloud State. Everyone wondered what happened to the fairy island that led to such a disaster.
The few who managed to escape were too frightened to speak much. The cultivators naturally wouldn't let it go. Since these unfortunate souls had become wandering cultivators, there was no need for courtesy; they were captured and subjected to soul-retrieval techniques.
But after searching the minds of those curious cultivators, their jaws dropped in shock. The battle had been far from what anyone expected: Tianya Hai Pavilion hadn't retreated behind its protective array but instead launched a full-scale assault on the invaders.
The alliance was stunned but also overjoyed. With the island's defenses so formidable, even breaking through would be costly. To actually come out and fight was sheer madness.
A few cautious individuals sensed something amiss, but the allure of beauty and treasure quickly overshadowed their concerns. As one of the Seven Great Sects, Tianya Hai Pavilion undoubtedly had formidable strength; among its members were dozens of 元婴期 cultivators.
From a high-end combat perspective, they were on par with the alliance. However, there were only three in the后期 stage, while the alliance had eight.
These five extra cultivators could turn the tide and decide the battle's outcome. Moreover, the alliance had far more 凝丹期 and 基础期 cultivators than their opponents.
Everything seemed certain until they realized something was wrong: Three powerful cultivators, including the sect master of Tianya Hai Pavilion, were respectfully escorting a young woman.
She wore a white dress, like a fairy fallen from the heavens. Unfortunately, she had half her face covered by an odd shawl, making it impossible to discern her appearance with their divine sense.
Despite this, even with one side of her face, she was breathtakingly beautiful, undoubtedly a peerless beauty.
Many disciples were drooling, but they noticed that the old monsters in their ranks were trembling. In their eyes, this wasn't a beautiful woman; it was a terrifying snake.
Even the eight后期 cultivators looked pale.
Some clever individuals began to feel uneasy: Could this be true?
Just then, a voice like celestial music echoed: "Good, very good. Eighty-one upstart villains and some lowly demons dared to plot against Tianya Hai Pavilion, daring to look at me with such disrespect. Nv Ci'er, my nephew."
"Yes, Aunt," another woman in green robes quickly bowed, her face filled with respect.
Many recognized this cultivator named Cui Xue, the sect master of Tianya Hai Pavilion and a renowned senior cultivator in Cloud State. If she called him aunt, could this beautiful woman be...
A late-stage cultivator!
Cold sweat poured down their faces. Some reckless individuals showed disbelieving expressions.
How could such luck happen? Late-stage monsters were mere legends on the mortal world; perhaps it was just a feint by the enemy!
Everyone had hopes of survival, but the old monsters could feel the profound power within the woman's body—only a late-stage cultivator could possess such strength.
Despite the difference in cultivation stages, saying "a hair’s breadth makes a mile" was true. Late-stage cultivators could harness the primordial energy of the universe, making them incomparably stronger than their counterparts.
The path to immortality was arduous, and the eight cultivation stages were clearly defined. While some 元婴期 cultivators might defeat late-stage ones with extraordinary techniques or powerful treasures, it was still a dream for most.
However, defeating a late-stage cultivator was impossible for an后期 cultivator. Such records didn’t exist in history.
Several old monsters began to lose heart, and the celestial music continued: "Since they want to die, let's not be merciful. No captives; all souls will be extracted and their bodies destroyed. Those who dare attack Tianya Hai Pavilion must accept eternal damnation."
"Yes, Aunt," Cui Xue bowed respectfully before retreating to give orders to her disciples.
The ensuing battle was one-sided. Eight powerful cultivators attacked the masked woman, but in mere moments, she used strange techniques to freeze them into ice sculptures and shatter them. With no chance of escape for even 元婴期 cultivators, the alliance's hopes were crushed.
With those who were stronger already dead, the remaining old monsters knew fleeing was their only option. However, it was too late; the Tianya Hai Pavilion women had joined the battle, and the outcome was clear: one side fought with unshakable resolve while the other panicked to escape.