lín xuān mù guāng zài qián miàn sǎo guò ， suí hòu hún shēn qīng kǔ dà qǐ ， xiàng nà yōu jìng de ** fēi lüè ér
林轩目光在前面扫过，随后浑身青苦大起，像那幽静的**飞掠而
Lin Xuan scanned the area in front of him, and then his body was enveloped by a deep green aura. He moved swiftly like a swift breeze, vanishing into thin air.
qù 。
去。
In just an instant, he stopped before a small, emerald-colored house.
jǐn jǐn qǐng kè de fū ， jiù zài yī jiān cuì lǜ de xiǎo wū qián tíng xià lái le 。
仅仅顷刻的夫，就在一间翠绿的小屋前停下来了。
Lin Xuan did not rush in without caution; instead, he released his divine consciousness to check if Yan Ruyan was indeed meditating inside. The fluctuations of essence energy indicated that she had already started to withdraw her spirit.
lín xuān bìng méi yǒu mào rán chuǎng rù ， ér shì jiāng shén shí fàng chū ， rú yān jiě jiě què shí zài lǐ miàn dǎ zuò ， cóng líng qì bō dòng lái shuō ， yǐ huǎn huǎn yǒu shōu de zhēng zhào chū xiàn le 。
林轩并没有贸然闯入，而是将神识放出，如嫣姐姐确实在里面打坐，从灵气波动来说，已缓缓有收的征兆出现了。
After a moment's hesitation, Lin Xuan stood there. Although they were sworn siblings, rushing into each other’s secluded chambers could be considered rather impulsive.
lüè yī chí yí ， lín xuān jiù zhàn zài zhè lǐ ， liǎng rén suī shì jié bài jiě dì ， dàn mào rán chuǎng rù duì fāng de bì guān zhī suǒ ， duō shǎo hái shì yǒu xiē tài mào shī 。
略一迟疑，林轩就站在这里，两人虽是结拜姐弟，但贸然闯入对方的闭关之所，多少还是有些太冒失。
A cup of tea passed by as fine footsteps sounded. A fragrant breeze wafted through the air, and a pair of snow-white hands pushed aside bamboo curtains, revealing a beautiful young woman.
zhuǎn yǎn guò qù le yī zhǎn chá de fū 。
转眼过去了一盏茶的夫。
With red lips and fair skin, she moved gracefully without any hint of earthly vulgarity.
yǔ xì suì de jiǎo bù shēng xiāng bàn ， yī zhèn zuì rén de xiāng fēng piāo rù bí duān ， xuě bái de sù shǒu xiān kāi zhú lián ， yī wèi měi lì de shào nǚ yìng rù yǎn lián 。
与细碎的脚步声相伴，一阵醉人的香风飘入鼻端，雪白的素手掀开竹帘，一位美丽的少女映入眼帘。
It was clear that it was none other than Dream Ruyan.
zhū chún yáo bí ， xuě jī yù fū ， jǔ shǒu tóu zú bù dài yī sī rén jiān yān huǒ 。
朱唇瑶鼻，雪肌玉肤，举手投足不带一丝人间烟火。
"Lin Xuan, is there something on your mind?" she asked gently.
bú yòng shuō ， zì rán shì mèng rú yān cǐ nǚ 。
不用说，自然是梦如嫣此女。
"Ruyan, have you heard about the Five-Stage Jiao King?" Lin Xuan asked, his expression turning serious.
“ jiě 。” lín xuān jiào dé hěn qīn qiè 。
“姐。”林轩叫得很亲切。
Dream Ruyan sighed. "Yes, he is indeed a Five-Stagedemon race. However, he is far more formidable than one would imagine."
“ ń ， jìn lái zuò 。
“嗯，进来坐。
Lin Xuan's eyes widened in surprise. "More formidable? Does that mean he’s at the late Fifth Stage?"
rú yān xiān zi wēi xiào zhe shuō ， bì jìng liǎng rén yě bú shì wài rén ， zì rán wú xū duō zuò kè tào shén
如嫣仙子微笑着说，毕竟两人也不是外人，自然无需多做客套什
Dream Ruyan nodded. "Correct. Lin Xuan, you still underestimate him. The Jiao King is a High-Grade Five-Stagedemon race."
me 。
么。
"High-Grade Five-Stage?" Lin Xuan's expression turned genuinely alarmed. "That means he’s equivalent to someone from our human race at the late Fifth Stage. Such formidable old monsters, why does he remain in this world? I heard that Wangting Lou is the top expert among the Twelve States of Tianyun. Could his strength be even greater?"
zhú wū zhī zhōng bǎi shè jiǎn piáo ， suǒ yǒu de jiā jù yě dōu shì yóu lǜ zhú biān zhī ér chéng de ， kàn shì dān diào le yī xiē ， què bié yǒu qí miào de yùn wèi ér zài lǐ tou 。
竹屋之中摆设简朴，所有的家具也都是由绿竹编织而成的，看似单调了一些，却别有奇妙的韵味儿在里头。
Dream Ruyan sighed softly and said, "Wangting Lou is indeed a match for him. Although he has many conquests and achievements, he still falls short when it comes to overall strength."
mèng rú yān dú jū cǐ gǔ ， yí gè shì nǚ yě wú ， yuǎn lái jiā kè ， yú shì biàn zhǐ yǒu láo dòng tā qīn shǒu wèi lín xuān qī shàng yī bēi líng chá 。
梦如嫣独居此谷，一个侍女也无，远来佳客，于是便只有劳动她亲手为林轩沏上一杯灵茶。
Lin Xuan pondered for a moment before asking, "Ruyan, are there any other Fifth Stage experts among thedemon race besides the Jiao King?"
biǎo miàn shàng ， zhè xì xiǎo de dòng zuò bù suàn shén me ， dàn yǐ mèng rú yān gāo ào de xìng gé ， biàn shì qí yú de lí hé qī lǎo guài jiǎn jià lín yú cǐ ， yě jué bù kě néng xiǎng shòu rú cǐ lǐ yù 。
表面上，这细小的动作不算什么，但以梦如嫣高傲的性格，便是其余的离合期老怪捡驾临于此，也绝不可能享受如此礼遇。
Dream Ruyan explained slowly, "Of course, we cannot overlook the missing Nine-Headed Ancestor. In terms of power and numbers, they can match us."
cóng zhè yì diǎn ， yě kě yǐ kàn chū lín xuān zài tā xīn mù zhōng de dì wèi ， zhuó ěr bù fán 。
从这一点，也可以看出林轩在她心目中的地位，卓尔不凡。
Lin Xuan nodded thoughtfully. The remaining Fifth Stage experts among thedemon race included some middle-stage ones as well, though they were unlikely to cause chaos in Yunzhou.
yǒu shí hòu ， shì jiān de shì qíng dōu tuō bù liǎo yí gè “ yuán ”
有时候，世间的事情都脱不了一个“缘”
"Ruyan, what do you plan to do if the Two Powers attack Yizhou Island?" Lin Xuan asked after a moment's silence.
“ xiē xǔ shí jiān bú jiàn ， dì di de xiū wèi yòu yǒu jìn zhǎn ， wǒ zhè zuò jiě jiě de dōu hěn hào qí ， nán dào nǐ shí shí dōu néng yù jiàn nì tiān de jī yuán ？” mèng rú yān de mù guāng zài lín xuān shēn shàng sǎo guò ， yí bàn wán xiào ， yí bàn hào qí de kāi kǒu le 。
“些许时间不见，弟弟的修为又有进展，我这做姐姐的都很好奇，难道你时时都能遇见逆天的机缘？”梦如嫣的目光在林轩身上扫过，一半玩笑，一半好奇的开口了。
Dream Ruyan smiled slightly. "What do you think?"
“ hē hē ， ràng jiě $$; jiàn xiào le ， xiǎo dì wǒ de yùn qì què shí bù cuò 。” lín xuān náo le náo
“呵呵，让姐$$;见笑了，小弟我的运气确实不错。”林轩挠了挠
Despite her aloof and independent nature, Dream Ruyan was undoubtedly no ordinary Fifth Stage cultivator. The conflict between the Two Powers had been brewing for some time, and this incident with Hui Tong’s death merely served as an excuse to break out.
tóu ， bàn zhēn bàn jiǎ de shuō 。
头，半真半假的说。
"Let me suggest something?" Lin Xuan asked hesitantly.
“ yóu zuǐ huá shé 。” mèng rú yān bái le tā yī yǎn ， zì rán yě bú huì zhēn de qù zhuī wèn shén me ， suī shuō liǎng rén céng yì jié jīn lán ， dàn biàn shì shuāng xiū dào lǚ zhī jiān ， duō shǎo yě huì yǒu yī xiē sī rén de mì mì yǔ kōng jiān 。
“油嘴滑舌。”梦如嫣白了他一眼，自然也不会真的去追问什么，虽说两人曾义结金兰，但便是双修道侣之间，多少也会有一些私人的秘密与空间。
Dream Ruyan nodded. "Go ahead."
lín xuān hē le yī kǒu chá ， bù jǐn kǒu chǐ liú xiāng ， ér qiě zhěng gè dān tián dōu nuǎn yáng yáng 。
林轩喝了一口茶，不仅口齿留香，而且整个丹田都暖洋洋。
Lin Xuan replied, "Ruyan, I’m not sure how to handle such a large-scale conflict between major sects. It would be best if you make your own decisions. If there’s anything I can do, I’ll certainly try my best."
“ xiǎo dì ， rú hé ， cǐ chá kě shì wàn jiāo wáng dāng nián dǎ dǔ shū gěi wǒ jiě jiě de 。
“小弟，如何，此茶可是万蛟王当年打赌输给我姐姐的。
After some thought, Lin Xuan decided it was better not to offer unsolicited advice.
mèng rú
梦如
Dream Ruyan’s gaze softened with approval. "Lin Xuan, you truly understand the art of knowing when to step back and forth. At your young age, you’ve already reached a level comparable to Fifth Stage cultivators. Most would be boasting by now, but you remain humble."
yān wēi xiào zhe kāi kǒu le ， rán ér yǎn móu shēn chù ， què yǐn yǐn shǎn guò yī sī àn rán zhī sè 。
嫣微笑着开口了，然而眼眸深处，却隐隐闪过一丝黯然之色。
"Ruyan, what are your plans if the Two Powers attack Yizhou Island?" Lin Xuan asked again.
dāng nián jiě jiě ruò bù yǔn luò ， rú jīn zhì shǎo yě shì lí hé zhōng qī de jìng jiè le ， yǒu tā zuò zhèn
当年姐姐若不陨落，如今至少也是离合中期的境界了，有她坐镇
Dream Ruyan replied, "We cannot rely solely on our defensive array. Although we have the advantage of terrain and allies, the overall strength of the Ten Thousand Buddha Sect is still far greater than ours."
tiān yá hǎi gé ， nǎ lún dé dào wàn fú zōng de hé shàng rú cǐ xiāo zhāng 。
天涯海阁，哪轮得到万佛宗的和尚如此嚣张。
Lin Xuan frowned. "If that’s the case, how do you plan to counter them? By relying on our defensive array?"
“ wàn jiāo wáng ？”
“万蛟王？”
Dream Ruyan shook her head. "No. Even with our advantages, they are too formidable. Winning would be a hollow victory at best."
lín xuān yī dāi ， suí hòu liǎn shàng de biǎo qíng yě biàn dé níng zhòng qǐ lái ：“ mò fēi shì yāo zú zhōng lí hé qī de lǎo jiā huǒ ？”
林轩一呆，随后脸上的表情也变得凝重起来：“莫非是妖族中离合期的老家伙？”
"Ruyan, what if we lose?" Lin Xuan asked.
lín xuān lái dào yún zhōu ， suī rán yǐ guò qù le shí yú nián zhī jiǔ ， dàn duì yú cǐ dì yāo zú shí lì de fēn bù ， yī jiù měng měng dǒng dǒng 。
林轩来到云州，虽然已过去了十余年之久，但对于此地妖族实力的分布，依旧懵懵懂懂。
Dream Ruyan continued, "If the worst comes to pass and we lose, our sect will be expelled from the Seven Major Sects. If we’re unlucky, it could even cut off our lineage and traditions."
jiù xiū xiān jiè de yì bān qíng kuàng lái shuō ， rén zú yǔ yāo zú yì bān dōu shì shì jūn lì dí 。
就修仙界的一般情况来说，人族与妖族一般都是势均力敌。
Lin Xuan smiled wryly. "Ruyan, your strategy is sound. But how do you plan to face such a formidable enemy? As they say, courage wins in narrow passages. Overthinking can lead us to miss opportunities."
rán ér zài yún zhōu ， rén zú xiū shì què xiǎn de yào qiáng shì yī xiē 。
然而在云州，人族修士却显得要强势一些。
Dream Ruyan frowned slightly as she tapped her fingers on the table, deep in thought.
lí yào gōng 、 lì hún gǔ 、 tiān yá hǎi gé ， qī dà zōng mén wú bù wēi míng yuǎn bō ， biàn shì bié de mén pài yě bù fá yuán yīng hòu qī de dà xiū xiān zhě 。
离药宫、厉魂谷、天涯海阁，七大宗门无不威名远播，便是别的门派也不乏元婴后期的大修仙者。
Lin Xuan understood that Dream Ruyan had another plan but was keeping it secret.
rán ér yāo zú gāo shǒu lín xuān zhī dào de què liáo liáo wú jǐ le 。
然而妖族高手林轩知道的却寥寥无几了。
"Ruyan, you have something planned," Lin Xuan said with a hint of amusement. "Why are you still keeping it from me?"
mǎn dǎ mǎn suàn ， yě zhǐ yǒu jiǔ tóu lǎo zǔ yí gè ， ér qiě hái yǔn luò zài wú dìng hé 。
满打满算，也只有九头老祖一个，而且还陨落在无定河。
"You naughty boy, always so slick-tongued." Dream Ruyan adjusted her hair and smiled playfully.
cóng zhè yì diǎn kàn ， yāo zú yīng gāi hěn ruò xiǎo 。
从这一点看，妖族应该很弱小。
Lin Xuan continued, "We must rely on both our strength and alliances."
dàn jiǎ rú zhēn rú cǐ de huà ， tā men zǎo jiù yīng gāi lún wéi rén zú de fù yōng ， ér bú shì xiàng xiàn zài yī yàng ， néng bǎo chí dú lì ， shèn zhì yǐn suì yǔ rén zú fēn tíng kàng lǐ 。
但假如真如此的话，他们早就应该沦为人族的附庸，而不是像现在一样，能保持独立，甚至隐穗与人族分庭抗礼。
PS: The refining process is at its most critical stage, with only a few votes separating us.
Lin Xuan scanned the area in front of him, and then his body was enveloped by a deep green aura. He moved swiftly like a swift breeze, vanishing into thin air.
In just an instant, he stopped before a small, emerald-colored house.
Lin Xuan did not rush in without caution; instead, he released his divine consciousness to check if Yan Ruyan was indeed meditating inside. The fluctuations of essence energy indicated that she had already started to withdraw her spirit.
After a moment's hesitation, Lin Xuan stood there. Although they were sworn siblings, rushing into each other’s secluded chambers could be considered rather impulsive.
A cup of tea passed by as fine footsteps sounded. A fragrant breeze wafted through the air, and a pair of snow-white hands pushed aside bamboo curtains, revealing a beautiful young woman.
With red lips and fair skin, she moved gracefully without any hint of earthly vulgarity.
It was clear that it was none other than Dream Ruyan.
"Lin Xuan, is there something on your mind?" she asked gently.
"Ruyan, have you heard about the Five-Stage Jiao King?" Lin Xuan asked, his expression turning serious.
Dream Ruyan sighed. "Yes, he is indeed a Five-Stagedemon race. However, he is far more formidable than one would imagine."
Lin Xuan's eyes widened in surprise. "More formidable? Does that mean he’s at the late Fifth Stage?"
Dream Ruyan nodded. "Correct. Lin Xuan, you still underestimate him. The Jiao King is a High-Grade Five-Stagedemon race."
"High-Grade Five-Stage?" Lin Xuan's expression turned genuinely alarmed. "That means he’s equivalent to someone from our human race at the late Fifth Stage. Such formidable old monsters, why does he remain in this world? I heard that Wangting Lou is the top expert among the Twelve States of Tianyun. Could his strength be even greater?"
Dream Ruyan sighed softly and said, "Wangting Lou is indeed a match for him. Although he has many conquests and achievements, he still falls short when it comes to overall strength."
Lin Xuan pondered for a moment before asking, "Ruyan, are there any other Fifth Stage experts among thedemon race besides the Jiao King?"
Dream Ruyan explained slowly, "Of course, we cannot overlook the missing Nine-Headed Ancestor. In terms of power and numbers, they can match us."
Lin Xuan nodded thoughtfully. The remaining Fifth Stage experts among thedemon race included some middle-stage ones as well, though they were unlikely to cause chaos in Yunzhou.
"Ruyan, what do you plan to do if the Two Powers attack Yizhou Island?" Lin Xuan asked after a moment's silence.
Dream Ruyan smiled slightly. "What do you think?"
Despite her aloof and independent nature, Dream Ruyan was undoubtedly no ordinary Fifth Stage cultivator. The conflict between the Two Powers had been brewing for some time, and this incident with Hui Tong’s death merely served as an excuse to break out.
"Let me suggest something?" Lin Xuan asked hesitantly.
Dream Ruyan nodded. "Go ahead."
Lin Xuan replied, "Ruyan, I’m not sure how to handle such a large-scale conflict between major sects. It would be best if you make your own decisions. If there’s anything I can do, I’ll certainly try my best."
After some thought, Lin Xuan decided it was better not to offer unsolicited advice.
Dream Ruyan’s gaze softened with approval. "Lin Xuan, you truly understand the art of knowing when to step back and forth. At your young age, you’ve already reached a level comparable to Fifth Stage cultivators. Most would be boasting by now, but you remain humble."
"Ruyan, what are your plans if the Two Powers attack Yizhou Island?" Lin Xuan asked again.
Dream Ruyan replied, "We cannot rely solely on our defensive array. Although we have the advantage of terrain and allies, the overall strength of the Ten Thousand Buddha Sect is still far greater than ours."
Lin Xuan frowned. "If that’s the case, how do you plan to counter them? By relying on our defensive array?"
Dream Ruyan shook her head. "No. Even with our advantages, they are too formidable. Winning would be a hollow victory at best."
"Ruyan, what if we lose?" Lin Xuan asked.
Dream Ruyan continued, "If the worst comes to pass and we lose, our sect will be expelled from the Seven Major Sects. If we’re unlucky, it could even cut off our lineage and traditions."
Lin Xuan smiled wryly. "Ruyan, your strategy is sound. But how do you plan to face such a formidable enemy? As they say, courage wins in narrow passages. Overthinking can lead us to miss opportunities."
Dream Ruyan frowned slightly as she tapped her fingers on the table, deep in thought.
Lin Xuan understood that Dream Ruyan had another plan but was keeping it secret.
"Ruyan, you have something planned," Lin Xuan said with a hint of amusement. "Why are you still keeping it from me?"
"You naughty boy, always so slick-tongued." Dream Ruyan adjusted her hair and smiled playfully.
Lin Xuan continued, "We must rely on both our strength and alliances."
PS: The refining process is at its most critical stage, with only a few votes separating us.