hēi yún fān yǒng ， jiàn jiàn sàn qù ， cóng lǐ miàn lù chū le yí miàn mù kū shòu de zhōng nián rén ， hún shēn shàng xià ， dài zhe kě pà de shā qì 。
黑云翻涌，渐渐散去，从里面露出了一面目枯瘦的中年人，浑身上下，带着可怕的煞气。
Dark clouds swirled and gradually dispersed, revealing a gaunt middle-aged man. A terrifying aura emanated from him.
xiū mó zhě ！
修魔者！
A cultivator of demons!
dùn shí ， jīng hū shēng cǐ qǐ bǐ fú ， bù shǎo rén liǎn shàng lù chū bù kě sī yì zhī sè 。
顿时，惊呼声此起彼伏，不少人脸上露出不可思议之色。
Instantly, exclamations filled the air as many faces showed disbelief. Cultivators of demons were notorious, though they weren't in open conflict with true cultivators, their relationship was far from harmonious.
xiū mó zhě shēng míng láng jí ， suī rán xiū zhēn zhě bìng méi yǒu yǔ tā men shì bù liǎng lì ， dàn shuāng fāng de guān xì yě tán bù shàng hé mù 。
修魔者声名狼藉，虽然修真者并没有与他们势不两立，但双方的关系也谈不上和睦。
They rarely appeared together!
hěn shǎo tóng shí chū xiàn zài yì qǐ ！
很少同时出现在一起！
Why had these cultivators of demons come to the Danxia Mountain's cultivation embryo conference?
bì yún shān de jié yīng dà huì ， tā men pǎo lái zuò shén me ？
碧云山的结婴大会，他们跑来做什么？
Especially this demon cultivator, who turned out to be a high-ranking condensation core stage expert. This alone was enough to shock the present cultivators. It was well-known that their techniques were either innovative or suspiciously shortcutting.
yóu qí zhè wèi xiū mó zhě ， jìng rán shì yī wèi níng dān qī de gāo shǒu 。
尤其这位修魔者，竟然是一位凝丹期的高手。
In lower stages, they indeed made rapid progress, even base foundation cultivation being much easier for them than true cultivators. However, as they progressed further, many hidden dangers emerged and their advancement slowed down, especially in condensation core stage, with a success rate only one-fifth that of true cultivators.
zhè jiù zú yǐ ràng zài zuò de xiū shì gǎn dào zhèn jīng le ， zhòng suǒ zhōu zhī ， xiū mó zhě de gōng fǎ shuō hǎo tīng diǎn shì lìng pì xī jìng ， shuō nán tīng diǎn jiù shì yǒu qǔ qiǎo de xián yí 。
这就足以让在座的修士感到震惊了，众所周知，修魔者的功法说好听点是另辟蹊径，说难听点就是有取巧的嫌疑。
In the immortal realm, there was an old saying: while it was common to see base foundation stage demon cultivators, those at condensation core stage were hard to find.
zài jìng jiè bǐ jiào dī de shí hòu ， jìn zhǎn què shí jí kuài ， shèn zhì zhù jī yě yuǎn bǐ xiū zhēn zhě róng yì ， rán ér liàn dào hòu miàn ， què huì yǒu hěn duō de yǐn huàn bào lù chū lái ， sù dù yě huì jiǎn huǎn ， tè bié shì níng dān ， gèng shì fēn shuǐ lǐng ， chéng gōng lǜ shèn zhì zhǐ yǒu xiū zhēn zhě de wǔ fēn zhī yī 。
在境界比较低的时候，进展确实极快，甚至筑基也远比修真者容易，然而练到后面，却会有很多的隐患暴露出来，速度也会减缓，特别是凝丹，更是分水岭，成功率甚至只有修真者的五分之一。
Though demons found it difficult to achieve condensation core, once they succeeded, their strength far surpassed that of true cultivators in the same stage. Their techniques often had immense power.
zài xiān jiè ， yǒu yī jù sú yǔ ， zhù jī qī de xiū mó zhě cháng jiàn ， níng dān qī de ， què hěn nán xún mì 。
在仙界，有一句俗语，筑基期的修魔者常见，凝丹期的，却很难寻觅。
Seeing a condensation core stage expert, the two junior disciples from Danxia Mountain felt uneasy. However, a voice rang out: "You two, step back."
xiū mó zhě níng dān kùn nán ， bù guò yí dàn chéng gōng ， tā men de shí lì què yào shèng shàng tóng jiē de xiū zhēn zhě yī chóu ， tā men xiū liàn de gōng fǎ ， wǎng wǎng dōu wēi lì jí dà 。
修魔者凝丹困难，不过一旦成功，他们的实力却要胜上同阶的修真者一筹，他们修炼的功法，往往都威力极大。
"Yes, Uncle Senior." They quickly retreated into the crowd as a man in a moon-white Daoist robe and with one arm stepped forward. Despite his missing left hand, no one dared to underestimate him; whispers filled the air:
jiàn duì fāng shì níng dān qī de gāo shǒu ， liǎng gè bì yún shān de zhù jī qī dì zǐ xīn zhōng yǒu xiē zhuì zhuì le ， hǎo zài yí gè shēng yīn chuán rù le ěr duǒ ：“ nǐ men liǎng rén ， tuì xià 。”
见对方是凝丹期的高手，两个碧云山的筑基期弟子心中有些惴惴了，好在一个声音传入了耳朵：“你们两人，退下。”
"Wow! It's the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai!"
“ shì ， shī shū 。” liǎng rén rú méng dà shè ， lián máng gōng jìng de shǎn rù le rén qún zhōng ， yī míng shēn chuān yuè bái dào páo ， dú bì de zhōng nián rén yíng le shàng lái ， tā suī rán quē le yī zhī zuǒ shǒu ， dàn què wú rén gǎn xiǎo kàn ， yì lùn shēng fēn fēn chuán le guò lái ：
“是，师叔。”两人如蒙大赦，连忙恭敬的闪入了人群中，一名身穿月白道袍，独臂的中年人迎了上来，他虽然缺了一只左手，但却无人敢小看，议论声纷纷传了过来：
"A Danxia Mountain master second only to those at the婴 stage."
“ tiān nǎ 。 shì tài bái jiàn xiān ！”
“天哪。是太白剑仙！”
"I heard he hates evil like a foe. The demon cultivator is in trouble."
“ bì yún shān jǐn cì yú yuán yīng qī xiū shì de gāo shǒu 。”
“碧云山仅次于元婴期修士的高手。”
Lin Xuan’s expression changed as well. He had already heard about the fame of the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai when he was on Spirit Herb Mountain, but it wasn’t because of his renown; rather, his position at Danxia Mountain piqued Lin Xuan's interest.
“ tīng shuō cǐ rén jí è rú chóu ， nà xiū mó zhě yào dǎo méi le 。”
“听说此人嫉恶如仇，那修魔者要倒霉了。”
The head of the herb garden!
lín xuān yě shì shén sè yī dòng ， tài bái jiàn xiān de dà míng tā zài líng yào shān de shí hòu jiù yǐ jīng tīng shuō ， zhè dào bú shì cǐ rén yǒu duō me de shēng míng yuǎn bō ， ér shì tā zài bì yún shān dì sī zhí zhèng hǎo lìng zì jǐ guān zhù 。
林轩也是神色一动，太白剑仙的大名他在灵药山的时候就已经听说，这倒不是此人有多么的声名远播，而是他在碧云山地司职正好令自己关注。
With him here, the protection of the herb garden weakened significantly. Although tempted, Lin Xuan hesitated upon thinking about the terrifying power of the seven-colored sword array. He didn’t want to risk his life needlessly.
fù zé yào yuán de zhǎng lǎo ！
负责药园的长老！
As for the arrival of the demon cultivator, Lin Xuan was glad it happened. He hoped something unexpected would occur at the embryo conference; the more chaos, the better his chances of making a move.
tā jì rán lái le zhè lǐ ， nà me yào yuán de fáng hù jiù ruò le bù shǎo 。
他既然来了这里，那么药园的防护就弱了不少。
Other true cultivators had similar thoughts but not out of any malicious intentions. After all, few were willing to provoke Danxia Mountain alone.
suī rán xīn dòng ， bù guò yī xiǎng dào nà qī cǎi jiàn zhèn de kě pà wēi lì 。 lín xuān hái shì dǎ qǐ le tuì táng gǔ ， nà kě shì lián níng dān qī xiū shì dōu néng miè diào de kě pà zhèn fǎ ， lín xuān kě bù xiǎng ná zì jǐ de xiǎo mìng qù kāi wán xiào a ！
虽然心动，不过一想到那七彩剑阵的可怕威力。林轩还是打起了退堂鼓，那可是连凝丹期修士都能灭掉的可怕阵法，林轩可不想拿自己的小命去开玩笑啊！
They just didn’t want Danxia Mountain to dominate and hoped for some awkward situations that could shake their authority.
zhì yú xiū mó zhě de dào lái ， lín xuān dǎo shì lè guān qí chéng dì ， tā bā bù dé zhè jié yīng dà huì shàng chū xiàn shén me yì wài ， zhǐ yǒu yuè luàn zì jǐ cái yuè yǒu jī huì hún shuǐ mō yú a ！
至于修魔者的到来，林轩倒是乐观其成地，他巴不得这结婴大会上出现什么意外，只有越乱自己才越有机会浑水摸鱼啊！
However, things didn't go as planned. Initially thinking the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai would clash with the uninvited demon cultivator due to his hatred of evil, they were surprised when he invited him into the main hall after a serious conversation.
qí tā xiū zhēn zhě de xiǎng fǎ yě chà bu duō ， dāng rán ， tā men dào bìng fēi gēn lín xuān yī yàng ， huái zhe shén me bù guǐ de niàn tou ， gǎn yú lǎo hǔ zuǐ lǐ bá yá de bì jìng shì shǎo shù 。
其他修真者的想法也差不多，当然，他们倒并非跟林轩一样，怀着什么不轨的念头，敢于老虎嘴里拔牙的毕竟是少数。
The attendees exchanged glances in shock but no one dared to intervene. Even the leaders of One Line Canyon and Thunder Cloud Manor only sneered.
zhè xiē rén zhǐ shì bù xī wàng bì yún shān yī jiā dú dà 。 xī wàng néng chū xiàn yī xiē gān gà de jú miàn ， sǎo yī sǎo tā men de wēi fēng 。
这些人只是不希望碧云山一家独大。希望能出现一些尴尬的局面，扫一扫他们的威风。
Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow as he pondered. During their conversation, sound barriers had been set up around them, but Lin Xuan heard snippets due to his "Nine Heavens Profound Technique," which could easily penetrate anti-eavesdropping barriers.
rán ér shì yǔ yuàn wéi 。 yuán běn yǐ wéi tài bái jiàn xiān jí è rú chóu ， huì yǔ nà bù qǐng ér lái de xiū mó zhě qǐ chōng tū ， kě zài tā shén sè níng zhòng de yǔ nà rén duì le yī fān huà zhī hòu ， jū rán qǐng tā rù xí le 。
然而事与愿违。原本以为太白剑仙嫉恶如仇，会与那不请而来的修魔者起冲突，可在他神色凝重的与那人对了一番话之后，居然请他入席了。
However, the distance and the fact that the other was a condensation core stage expert meant Lin Xuan only caught bits and pieces. Words like "extreme demon lord," "seclusion," "a hundred years," and "immortal stage."
zài chǎng de rén miàn miàn xiāng qù ， cuò è bù yǐ 。 dāng rán ， bú huì yǒu rén shǎ shǎ de chū tóu ， biàn shì yī xiàn xiá yǔ léi yún shān zhuāng dì zhǎng mén 。 yě jǐn jǐn shì zuǐ jiǎo dài zhe lěng xiào 。
在场的人面面相觑，错愕不已。当然，不会有人傻傻的出头，便是一线峡与雷云山庄地掌门。也仅仅是嘴角带着冷笑。
The Sword Immortal of Tai Bai had initially sneered but became serious after seeing an epistle, inviting him to sit at the eastern table.
dǎo shì lín xuān méi máo yī tiāo ， chén yín le qǐ lái 。
倒是林轩眉毛一挑，沉吟了起来。
Could this demon cultivator be a disciple of the Extreme Demon Lord, who was also an immortal stage cultivator?
gāng cái liǎng rén shuō huà de shí hòu ， zài zhōu wéi bù xià le gé yīn dì jìn zhì ， dàn lín xuān què tīng dào le yī yán bàn yǔ ， zhè shì yīn wèi tā xiū liàn de “ jiǔ tiān xuán gōng ” bǐ jiào shén qí ， néng gòu qīng yì chuān tòu fáng zhǐ rén tōu tīng de jìn zhì 。
刚才两人说话的时候，在周围布下了隔音地禁制，但林轩却听到了一言半语，这是因为他修炼的“九天玄功”比较神奇，能够轻易穿透防止人偷听的禁制。
Lin Xuan deduced a shocking fact. However, he didn't dwell on it; whether the demon cultivator or Danxia Mountain colluding with them had nothing to do with him. The immediate task was to find a chance to steal the Seven-star Grass from the herb garden. The attendees were all experienced and quickly regained their composure after the initial chaos.
dàn yī lái ， jù lí yuǎn le ， èr lái 。 duì fāng yòu shì níng dān qī de gāo shǒu 。 lín xuān de jiǔ tiān xuán gōng ， jǐn jǐn shì liàn le yī xiē rù mén dì pí máo 。 suǒ yǐ jǐn jǐn shì tīng dào le duàn duàn xù xù de jǐ jù 。
但一来，距离远了，二来。对方又是凝丹期的高手。林轩的九天玄功，仅仅是练了一些入门地皮毛。所以仅仅是听到了断断续续的几句。
Then, the head of Danxia Mountain stood up and cleared his throat. "Welcome everyone to our sect. This gathering is to celebrate Senior Master Zhao's successful cultivation embryo..."
shén me jí è mó zūn ， bì guān ， bǎi nián ， yuán yīng qī 。
什么极恶魔尊，闭关，百年，元婴期。
Lin Xuan paid no attention to the formalities but instead focused on observing the movements of the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai, who was in charge of the herb garden.
jiù zhè me jǐ gè cí ， zuì kāi shǐ ， tài bái jiàn xiān zuǐ jiǎo dài zhe lěng xiào ， yī liǎn jī cháo ， dàn zài duì fāng jiāng yí gè yù tǒng jiǎn diū gěi tā kàn zhī hòu ， biǎo qíng què biàn dé níng zhòng qǐ lái ， jiāng duì fāng qǐng dào le dōng shǒu de xí wèi 。
就这么几个词，最开始，太白剑仙嘴角带着冷笑，一脸讥嘲，但在对方将一个玉筒简丢给他看之后，表情却变得凝重起来，将对方请到了东首的席位。
Many cultivators spied on him due to his high status at Danxia Mountain. Lin Xuan’s actions didn’t draw much attention.
nán dào zhè xiū mó zhě shì jí è mó zūn mén xià ， ér jí è mó zūn shì yuán yīng qī dì xiū mó zhě ？
难道这修魔者是极恶魔尊门下，而极恶魔尊是元婴期地修魔者？
A thought formed in Lin Xuan's mind as he pondered. Suddenly, a massive波动of spiritual energy reached him, causing Lin Xuan to gasp for breath. He felt like an infant under the immense pressure.
lín xuān yóu cǐ tuī duàn chū yí gè jīng rén de shì shí ， bù guò shāo hòu ， tā jiù bù qù duō xiǎng le ， xiū mó zhě yě hǎo ， hái shì bì yún shān yào yǔ duì fāng gōu jié yě bà ， dōu yǔ zì jǐ méi yǒu shén me guān xì ， dāng wù zhī jí ， shì yào chǒu zhǔn jī huì ， zěn yàng cóng yào yuán zhōng dào chū nà qī xīng cǎo 。 ér zài chǎng de xiū shì wú bù shì lǎo hú lí ， zài yīn wèi nà xiū mó zhě de rù xí shāo shāo hùn luàn le yī huì er zhī hòu ， hěn kuài jiù huī fù le píng jìng 。
林轩由此推断出一个惊人的事实，不过稍后，他就不去多想了，修魔者也好，还是碧云山要与对方勾结也罢，都与自己没有什么关系，当务之急，是要瞅准机会，怎样从药园中盗出那七星草。而在场的修士无不是老狐狸，在因为那修魔者的入席稍稍混乱了一会儿之后，很快就恢复了平静。
Not just him; thousands of cultivators in the cloud sea were also affected by this vast mental probe. Only a few condensation core stage experts remained calm as everyone’s faces turned pale and many junior disciples fell to their knees.
rán hòu ， bì yún shān de zhǎng mén zhàn le qǐ lái ， qīng le qīng sǎng zi ， ké sòu yī shēng ：“ huān yíng gè wèi tóng dào guāng lín bì pài ， zhè yī cì shèng huì ， shì gōng hè běn mén de zhào shī shū jié yīng chéng gōng ……”
然后，碧云山的掌门站了起来，清了清嗓子，咳嗽一声：“欢迎各位同道光临敝派，这一次盛会，是恭贺本门的赵师叔结婴成功……”
Lin Xuan’s brows raised as he resisted the pressure with his inner energy, remaining unperturbed.
yī xiē chǎng miàn huà ， lín xuān zì rán méi yǒu shén me xìng qù qù tīng ， ér shì qiāo qiāo de fēn chū shén shí ， guān chá zhe nà wèi zhí zhǎng yào yuán de tài bái jiàn xiān dì yī jǔ yī dòng 。
一些场面话，林轩自然没有什么兴趣去听，而是悄悄的分出神识，观察着那位执掌药园的太白剑仙地一举一动。
As expected, the pressure vanished quickly after a few seconds.
yīn wèi cǐ rén nǎi shì bì yún shān yǒu shù dì gāo shǒu ， suǒ yǐ tōu kàn tā de xiū zhēn zhě hěn duō ， lín xuān cǐ jǔ ， dào yě bìng bù yǐn rén zhù yì 。
因为此人乃是碧云山有数地高手，所以偷看他的修真者很多，林轩此举，倒也并不引人注意。
"Ha ha, don't mind it. Senior Master Zhao just greeted you all."
yí gè xiǎng fǎ ， jiàn jiàn dì zài lín xuān nǎo hǎi zhōng chéng xíng le 。
一个想法，渐渐地在林轩脑海中成型了。
"Greeting?"
tā zhèng zài sī suǒ ， tū rán ， yī gǔ páng dà de líng lì bō dòng chuán le guò lái ， lín xuān liǎn sè yī biàn ， lián qì dōu chuǎn bù guò lái ， lǒng zhào zài nà páng dà de wēi yā lǐ miàn ， jiù xiàng shì chū shēng de yīng ér yì bān 。
他正在思索，突然，一股庞大的灵力波动传了过来，林轩脸色一变，连气都喘不过来，笼罩在那庞大的威压里面，就像是初生的婴儿一般。
Lin Xuan sneered inwardly; it was clearly a show of power. But an immortal stage cultivator was indeed terrifying—such immense power from mere spiritual energy!
bù zhǐ shì tā ， zhěng gè yún hǎi ， shù qiān xiū zhēn zhě ， quán dōu bèi zhè gǔ páng dà de shén shí lǒng zhào zài le lǐ miàn ， chú le shǎo shù níng dān qī gāo shǒu ， hái néng miǎn qiǎng bǎo chí zhèn dìng yǐ wài ， rén rén liǎn qīng chún bái 。
不止是他，整个云海，数千修真者，全都被这股庞大的神识笼罩在了里面，除了少数凝丹期高手，还能勉强保持镇定以外，人人脸青唇白。
Other true cultivators cursed in their hearts but maintained a nonchalant appearance, hoping the other two major powers would take action.
bù shǎo líng dòng qī de dì zǐ shèn zhì tān dào zài le dì shàng 。
不少灵动期的弟子甚至瘫倒在了地上。
However, for some reason, neither One Line Canyon nor Thunder Cloud Manor opened their mouths despite their displeased expressions. This disappointed those hoping for a three-way conflict.
lín xuān méi tóu tiāo le yī xià ， tǐ nèi fǎ lì liú zhuǎn ， yǔ zhè gǔ wēi yā xiāng kàng ， xīn zhōng què bìng bù jīng huāng 。
林轩眉头挑了一下，体内法力流转，与这股威压相抗，心中却并不惊慌。
Lin Xuan was even more surprised that this Senior Zhao disappeared without a trace after showing such power.
yǔ tā suǒ liào de qíng kuàng yī yàng ， zhè gǔ wēi yā lái de kuài qù dé yě kuài ， shù miǎo zhī hòu ， jiù xiāo shī dé wú yǐng wú zōng 。
与他所料的情况一样，这股威压来得快去得也快，数秒之后，就消失得无影无踪。
Less is more; maintaining mystery was more intimidating!
“ hē hē ， gè wèi tóng dào bú yào jiè yì ， gāng cái shì zhào shī shū yǔ dà jiā dǎ gè zhāo hū ér yǐ 。”
“呵呵，各位同道不要介意，刚才是赵师叔与大家打个招呼而已。”
The conference continued with the condensation core stage head of Danxia Mountain presiding, making it feel odd without its main figure.
“ dǎ zhāo hū ？”
“打招呼？”
Undercurrents and intrigue were rampant, but these were matters for the heads of various sects. For lower-ranked disciples and independents, this gathering was quite interesting.
lín xuān xīn zhōng lěng xiào ， gēn běn jiù shì xià mǎ wēi ， bù guò yuán yīng qī xiū shì què shí kě pà ， jǐn jǐn shì líng lì wēi yā ， jiù yǒu zhè me jīng rén de lì liàng a ！
林轩心中冷笑，根本就是下马威，不过元婴期修士确实可怕，仅仅是灵力威压，就有这么惊人的力量啊！
For centuries, there had never been so many cultivators in Youzhou gathered together; a valuable learning experience.
qí tā xiū zhēn zhě tóng yàng zài xīn zhōng pò kǒu dà mà ， bù guò biǎo miàn shàng ， què shì yī fù bù jiè yì de biǎo qíng ， tóng shí tōu miáo liǎng wài liǎng dà jù tóu ， xī wàng tā men chū tóu 。
其他修真者同样在心中破口大骂，不过表面上，却是一副不介意的表情，同时偷瞄两外两大巨头，希望他们出头。
Especially now, they could freely interact, exchange goods, and negotiate with their preferred sects...
kě bù zhī dào wèi shén me ， yī xiàn xiá hé léi yún shān zhuāng de rén suī rán rén rén biǎo qíng nán kàn ， què mò qì de méi yǒu kāi kǒu ， zhè ràng xī wàng kàn dào sān pài huǒ bìng de shì lì yī zhèn shī wàng 。
可不知道为什么，一线峡和雷云山庄的人虽然人人表情难看，却默契的没有开口，这让希望看到三派火并的势力一阵失望。
Of course, if one didn’t want to stay in the cloud sea, they could leave at any time. But few chose this option.
ér gèng lìng lín xuān chà yì de shì ， nà xìng zhào de yuán yīng qī xiū shì lù le zhè me yī shǒu ， jiù xiāo shī dé wú yǐng wú zōng 。
而更令林轩诧异的是，那姓赵的元婴期修士露了这么一手，就消失得无影无踪。
The scene was lively but chaotic. Lin Xuan scanned his surroundings and noticed that the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai was being surrounded by several condensation core stage cultivators, chatting about something trivial.
diǎn dào jí zhǐ ， bǎo chí shén mì gèng jù yǒu zhèn shè lì ！
点到即止，保持神秘更具有震慑力！
That brat kept attracting higher-ranked cultivators to join in. Clearly, he had a wide network; it would be hard for him to free himself anytime soon.
xià miàn de jié yīng dà huì ， yī rán shì yóu níng dān qī de bì yún shān zhǎng mén zhǔ chí ， zhǔ jué bù zài ， ràng zhè ge dà huì xiǎn de yǒu xiē guài yì 。
下面的结婴大会，依然是由凝丹期的碧云山掌门主持，主角不在，让这个大会显得有些怪异。
With this understanding, Lin Xuan left the cloud sea exit and wandered around until he found a secluded spot where he landed. He swallowed an Invisibility Pill and used the Heaven Demon Illusion Technique to transform into the appearance of the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai.
qí zhōng àn cháo xiōng yǒng ， gōu xīn dòu jiǎo de shì qíng céng chū bù qióng 。
其中暗潮汹涌，勾心斗角的事情层出不穷。
After some thought, Lin Xuan took out a piece of talisman paper from his pocket and stuck it on his left arm.
bù guò nà xiē dōu shì gè pài shǒu nǎo men de shì ， duì yú dī jiē dì zǐ ， yǐ jí sàn xiū ér yán ， zhè cì jù huì hái shì hěn yǒu yì si 。
不过那些都是各派首脑们的事，对于低阶弟子，以及散修而言，这次聚会还是很有意思。
Since this cultivator only had one hand, Lin Xuan couldn’t amputate his own. However, he used the highest-grade illusion talisman, which cost him hundreds of crystals to acquire. Even condensation core stage experts might be fooled by it.
bǎi nián yǐ lái ， yōu zhōu de xiū zhēn jiè hái cóng lái méi yǒu nà me duō xiū shì jù jí zài yì qǐ ， hěn zhǎng jiàn shí 。
百年以来，幽州的修真界还从来没有那么多修士聚集在一起，很长见识。
Moreover, Lin Xuan knew that there was only one condensation core stage cultivator in the herb garden—Tai Bai Sword Immortal. This wasn’t because Danxia Mountain was overconfident; multiple layers of barriers protected the area, and the seven-colored sword array was just one of them. Only an immortal stage cultivator could forcibly enter.
yóu qí shì xià miàn ， kě yǐ zì yóu huó dòng ， dà jiā kě yǐ hù tōng yǒu wú ， huàn qǔ yī xiē suǒ xū de dōng xī ， yǒu de sàn xiū gèng shì yǔ zhōng yì de mén pài kāi shǐ le jiē qià ……
尤其是下面，可以自由活动，大家可以互通有无，换取一些所需的东西，有的散修更是与中意的门派开始了接洽……
However, Lin Xuan’s actions were extremely risky but necessary. He had to take this chance or risk never getting the Seven-star Grass. After checking for any flaws, he used his遁光to fly towards the direction of the herb garden.
dāng rán ， rú guǒ bù yuàn yì jì xù dài zài yún hǎi ， cǐ shí yě kě yǐ xuǎn zé lí kāi 。
当然，如果不愿意继续待在云海，此时也可以选择离开。
"Senior Brother Tai Bai!"
bù guò zhè yàng zuò de xiū shì liáo liáo wú jǐ 。
不过这样做的修士寥寥无几。
A voice called from behind, startling Lin Xuan as he turned around. A faint blue mist approached him.
Dark clouds swirled and gradually dispersed, revealing a gaunt middle-aged man. A terrifying aura emanated from him.
A cultivator of demons!
Instantly, exclamations filled the air as many faces showed disbelief. Cultivators of demons were notorious, though they weren't in open conflict with true cultivators, their relationship was far from harmonious.
They rarely appeared together!
Why had these cultivators of demons come to the Danxia Mountain's cultivation embryo conference?
Especially this demon cultivator, who turned out to be a high-ranking condensation core stage expert. This alone was enough to shock the present cultivators. It was well-known that their techniques were either innovative or suspiciously shortcutting.
In lower stages, they indeed made rapid progress, even base foundation cultivation being much easier for them than true cultivators. However, as they progressed further, many hidden dangers emerged and their advancement slowed down, especially in condensation core stage, with a success rate only one-fifth that of true cultivators.
In the immortal realm, there was an old saying: while it was common to see base foundation stage demon cultivators, those at condensation core stage were hard to find.
Though demons found it difficult to achieve condensation core, once they succeeded, their strength far surpassed that of true cultivators in the same stage. Their techniques often had immense power.
Seeing a condensation core stage expert, the two junior disciples from Danxia Mountain felt uneasy. However, a voice rang out: "You two, step back."
"Yes, Uncle Senior." They quickly retreated into the crowd as a man in a moon-white Daoist robe and with one arm stepped forward. Despite his missing left hand, no one dared to underestimate him; whispers filled the air:
"Wow! It's the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai!"
"A Danxia Mountain master second only to those at the婴 stage."
"I heard he hates evil like a foe. The demon cultivator is in trouble."
Lin Xuan’s expression changed as well. He had already heard about the fame of the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai when he was on Spirit Herb Mountain, but it wasn’t because of his renown; rather, his position at Danxia Mountain piqued Lin Xuan's interest.
The head of the herb garden!
With him here, the protection of the herb garden weakened significantly. Although tempted, Lin Xuan hesitated upon thinking about the terrifying power of the seven-colored sword array. He didn’t want to risk his life needlessly.
As for the arrival of the demon cultivator, Lin Xuan was glad it happened. He hoped something unexpected would occur at the embryo conference; the more chaos, the better his chances of making a move.
Other true cultivators had similar thoughts but not out of any malicious intentions. After all, few were willing to provoke Danxia Mountain alone.
They just didn’t want Danxia Mountain to dominate and hoped for some awkward situations that could shake their authority.
However, things didn't go as planned. Initially thinking the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai would clash with the uninvited demon cultivator due to his hatred of evil, they were surprised when he invited him into the main hall after a serious conversation.
The attendees exchanged glances in shock but no one dared to intervene. Even the leaders of One Line Canyon and Thunder Cloud Manor only sneered.
Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow as he pondered. During their conversation, sound barriers had been set up around them, but Lin Xuan heard snippets due to his "Nine Heavens Profound Technique," which could easily penetrate anti-eavesdropping barriers.
However, the distance and the fact that the other was a condensation core stage expert meant Lin Xuan only caught bits and pieces. Words like "extreme demon lord," "seclusion," "a hundred years," and "immortal stage."
The Sword Immortal of Tai Bai had initially sneered but became serious after seeing an epistle, inviting him to sit at the eastern table.
Could this demon cultivator be a disciple of the Extreme Demon Lord, who was also an immortal stage cultivator?
Lin Xuan deduced a shocking fact. However, he didn't dwell on it; whether the demon cultivator or Danxia Mountain colluding with them had nothing to do with him. The immediate task was to find a chance to steal the Seven-star Grass from the herb garden. The attendees were all experienced and quickly regained their composure after the initial chaos.
Then, the head of Danxia Mountain stood up and cleared his throat. "Welcome everyone to our sect. This gathering is to celebrate Senior Master Zhao's successful cultivation embryo..."
Lin Xuan paid no attention to the formalities but instead focused on observing the movements of the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai, who was in charge of the herb garden.
Many cultivators spied on him due to his high status at Danxia Mountain. Lin Xuan’s actions didn’t draw much attention.
A thought formed in Lin Xuan's mind as he pondered. Suddenly, a massive波动of spiritual energy reached him, causing Lin Xuan to gasp for breath. He felt like an infant under the immense pressure.
Not just him; thousands of cultivators in the cloud sea were also affected by this vast mental probe. Only a few condensation core stage experts remained calm as everyone’s faces turned pale and many junior disciples fell to their knees.
Lin Xuan’s brows raised as he resisted the pressure with his inner energy, remaining unperturbed.
As expected, the pressure vanished quickly after a few seconds.
"Ha ha, don't mind it. Senior Master Zhao just greeted you all."
"Greeting?"
Lin Xuan sneered inwardly; it was clearly a show of power. But an immortal stage cultivator was indeed terrifying—such immense power from mere spiritual energy!
Other true cultivators cursed in their hearts but maintained a nonchalant appearance, hoping the other two major powers would take action.
However, for some reason, neither One Line Canyon nor Thunder Cloud Manor opened their mouths despite their displeased expressions. This disappointed those hoping for a three-way conflict.
Lin Xuan was even more surprised that this Senior Zhao disappeared without a trace after showing such power.
Less is more; maintaining mystery was more intimidating!
The conference continued with the condensation core stage head of Danxia Mountain presiding, making it feel odd without its main figure.
Undercurrents and intrigue were rampant, but these were matters for the heads of various sects. For lower-ranked disciples and independents, this gathering was quite interesting.
For centuries, there had never been so many cultivators in Youzhou gathered together; a valuable learning experience.
Especially now, they could freely interact, exchange goods, and negotiate with their preferred sects...
Of course, if one didn’t want to stay in the cloud sea, they could leave at any time. But few chose this option.
The scene was lively but chaotic. Lin Xuan scanned his surroundings and noticed that the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai was being surrounded by several condensation core stage cultivators, chatting about something trivial.
That brat kept attracting higher-ranked cultivators to join in. Clearly, he had a wide network; it would be hard for him to free himself anytime soon.
With this understanding, Lin Xuan left the cloud sea exit and wandered around until he found a secluded spot where he landed. He swallowed an Invisibility Pill and used the Heaven Demon Illusion Technique to transform into the appearance of the Sword Immortal of Tai Bai.
After some thought, Lin Xuan took out a piece of talisman paper from his pocket and stuck it on his left arm.
Since this cultivator only had one hand, Lin Xuan couldn’t amputate his own. However, he used the highest-grade illusion talisman, which cost him hundreds of crystals to acquire. Even condensation core stage experts might be fooled by it.
Moreover, Lin Xuan knew that there was only one condensation core stage cultivator in the herb garden—Tai Bai Sword Immortal. This wasn’t because Danxia Mountain was overconfident; multiple layers of barriers protected the area, and the seven-colored sword array was just one of them. Only an immortal stage cultivator could forcibly enter.
However, Lin Xuan’s actions were extremely risky but necessary. He had to take this chance or risk never getting the Seven-star Grass. After checking for any flaws, he used his遁光to fly towards the direction of the herb garden.
"Senior Brother Tai Bai!"
A voice called from behind, startling Lin Xuan as he turned around. A faint blue mist approached him.