zài nà xiáng yún zhī shàng ． zhàn zhe yī wèi shēn chuān huá yǎ gōng zhuāng de nǚ zǐ dà yuē sān shí qī bā nián jì ． suī yǐ bú shì hěn nián qīng le ， dàn qì dù què yōng róng yǐ jí 。[]
在那祥云之上．站着一位身穿华雅宫装的女子大约三十七八年纪．虽已不是很年轻了，但气度却雍容以极。[]
Above the auspicious clouds stood a woman in elegant palace attire, around thirty-seven or eight years old. Although she was no longer young, her bearing exuded an extraordinary grace.
dà bú yòng shuō ． zhèng shì wǔ sè xiān zi lín xuān mù guāng zài cǐ nǚ shēn shàng sǎo guò ． yǎn zhōng yǐn yǐn shǎn guò yī sī yà sè 。
大不用说．正是五色仙子林轩目光在此女身上扫过．眼中隐隐闪过一丝讶色。
Lin Xuan's gaze swept over her, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
qū qū bǎi nián wèi yù tā jū rán yǐ jìn jiē dào lí hé zhōng qī 。
区区百年未遇她居然已进阶到离合中期。
Just a hundred years had passed, yet she had managed to advance to the middle stage of Separation and Union.
bù guò lüè yī sī suǒ , lín xuān yě jiù wèi zhī shì rán le 。
不过略一思索,林轩也就为之释然了。
After a moment’s thought, Lin Xuan felt relieved. The last time he came here, Five-Color Fairy was already at the peak of the early stage of Separation and Union. She wasn't unwilling to break through; it was just that she lacked suitable pills to suppress her inner demons.
shàng cì lái de shí hòu ． wǔ sè jiù yǐ shì lí hé chū qī dǐng fēng ， bìng fēi bù xiǎng tū pò ， zhǐ shì méi yǒu hé shì de zhì yào yòng lái kè zhì xīn mó 。
上次来的时候．五色就已是离合初期顶峰，并非不想突破，只是没有合适的痔药用来克制心魔。
And the three gifts he had given her—such as the Heaven-Inverting Pill—were exactly what could drive away those demons. With such a treasure assisting her, Five-Color Fairy's advancement made perfect sense.
ér zì jǐ sòng yǔ tā de sān jiàn pìn lǐ ， biàn bāo hé le kuí huò tiān chuí zhì zhè yàng de nì tiān zhī wù gāng hǎo kě yǐ qū chú xīn mó ， yǒu le cǐ bǎo fǔ zhù ， wǔ sè jìn jí yě méi shén me hào qí guài de 。
而自己送予她的三件聘礼，便包合了魁惑天垂痔这样的逆天之物刚好可以驱除心魔，有了此宝辅助，五色晋级也没什么好奇怪的。
"Congratulations, Fairy. In a hundred years, not only has your appearance become more enchanting, but your cultivation has also reached unparalleled depths. Given that you have advanced to the middle stage of Separation and Union, ascending to the Spirit Realm is highly possible."
“ gōng xǐ xiān zi ， bǎi nián wèi yù 、 xiān zi bù jǐn fēng cǎi gèng shèng wǎng xī ． ér qiě xiū wèi yě yuè de jīng shēn wú bǐ ． jì yǐ jìn jiē lí hé zhōng qī ， xiǎng bì fēi shēng líng jiè yě shì dà yǒu kě néng dì 。
“恭喜仙子，百年未遇、仙子不仅风采更胜往昔．而且修为也越的精深无比．既已进阶离合中期，想必飞升灵界也是大有可能地。
Lin Xuan bowed respectfully as he spoke these flattering words.
lín xuān bào quán xíng le yī lǐ ． zuǐ shàng shuō chū gōng wéi de yán yǔ 。
林轩抱拳行了一礼．嘴上说出恭维的言语。
"Fellow Daoist Lin, you are too kind. My advancement owes much to your generous gifts. Besides, although I have reached the middle stage, how can I compare with Fellow Daoist who broke through the Separation and Union barrier in just a hundred years?"
“ lín dào yǒu tài kè qì le ， wǔ sè néng gòu jìn jí ， hái duō kuī dào yǒu zèng yǔ de dān shí zhī lì hé kuàng wǔ sè suī rán jìn jí dào le zhōng qī ， yòu rú hé néng yǔ dào yǒu qū qū bǎi nián jiù tū pò lí hé de píng jǐng kě bǐ 。”
“林道友太客气了，五色能够晋级，还多亏道友赠予的丹石之力何况五色虽然晋级到了中期，又如何能与道友区区百年就突破离合的瓶颈可比。”
Unlike last time, Five-Color Fairy was unusually polite, not acting like an elder. After all, in the cultivation world, it's about strength, and Lin Xuan, so young to reach the Separation and Union stage, had good chances of ascending to the Spirit Realm.
yǔ shàng cì bù tóng ， zhè huí wǔ sè xiān zi xiǎn de fēi cháng kè qì ． sī háo bù yǐ zhǎng bèi zì jū bì jìng xiū xiān jiè zhě de shì shí lì 、 lín xuān zhè me nián qīng jiù jìn jiē lí hé ， fēi shēng líng jiè yě shì dà yǒu kě néng de 。
与上次不同，这回五色仙子显得非常客气．丝毫不以长辈自居毕竟修仙界者的是实力、林轩这么年轻就进阶离合，飞升灵界也是大有可能的。
The guests enjoyed themselves as they exchanged pleasantries. Then, together, they flew towards Five-Color Spiritual Mountain.
bīn zhǔ jìn huān ， shuāng fāng yòu hán dèng le jǐ jù ， rán hòu yì qǐ xiàng wǔ sè líng shān fēi qù 。
宾主尽欢，双方又寒瞪了几句，然后一起像五色灵山飞去。
After seating themselves in the grand hall, servants brought them wine and fruit.
zài dà diàn rù zuò yǐ hòu ， zì yǒu shì nǚ sòng shàng jiǔ shuǐ guā guǒ 。
在大殿入座以后，自有侍女送上酒水瓜果。
Five-Color clapped her hands, and a group of female cultivators came up to perform dances. The hospitality was indeed thorough.
wǔ sè pāi le pāi shǒu ， yòu yī duì nǚ xiū shàng lái fān fān qǐ wǔ ． zhè dài kè zhī lǐ suàn shì shí fēn zhōu dào le 。
五色拍了拍手，又一队女修上来翻翻起舞．这待客之礼算是十分周到了。
However, Lin Xuan's face showed some strange emotions; he knew she was here, but where was his beloved Yuan-Yuan?
rán ér lín xuān liǎn shàng què yī sī qí guài zhī sè ， míng zhī dào zì jǐ lái le ， yuàn yuàn què zěn me zōng jì quán wú 。
然而林轩脸上却一丝奇怪之色，明知道自己来了，媛媛却怎么踪迹全无。
With a slight unease, Lin Xuan remained composed, showing no signs of disturbance on his face as Five-Color repeatedly urged him to drink. He drank with equal enthusiasm and exchanged cultivation insights with her.
xīn zhōng lüè yǒu xiē tǎn tè ． bù guò lín xuān jìng lì de fēng yǔ zhè me duō ， qì kěn dìng shì chén dé zhù liǎn shàng sī háo yì sè yě wú 。
心中略有些忐忑．不过林轩径历的风雨这么多，气肯定是沉得住脸上丝毫异色也无。
The Phoenix Dance Nine Heavensdecision-making formula or诀窍 (trick/trade secret) he practiced was a mimicry technique, and since peacocks were distant relatives of phoenixes, their techniques shared some similarities. Five-Color revealed no secrets during this exchange, and Lin Xuan gained much from it.
wǔ sè pín pín quàn jiǔ ， lín xuān yě jiǔ dào bēi gàn ． liǎng rén hái jiāo liú le yī xià xiū liàn xīn dé ， lín xuān xiū liàn de fèng wǔ jiǔ tiān jué běn jiù shì nǐ yāo zhī shù ér kǒng què nǎi fèng huáng yuǎn qīn ． liǎng rén suǒ xué dào yě yǒu jǐ fēn xiāng sì zhī chù ． zhè fān jiāo liú 、 wǔ sè bìng wú cáng sī zhī chù ， lín xuān huò yì liáng duō 。
五色频频劝酒，林轩也酒到杯干．两人还交流了一下修炼心得，林轩修炼的凤舞九天诀本就是拟妖之术而孔雀乃凤凰远亲．两人所学倒也有几分相似之处．这番交流、五色并无藏私之处，林轩获益良多。
On the path to spiritual enlightenment, guidance can help one avoid many detours. Lin Xuan's face lit up with a sincere smile: "Thank you, Fairy. I will always remember your advice."
xiān dào zhī lù ． dé rén zhǐ diǎn běn jiù kě yǐ shǎo zǒu hěn duō wān lù ， lín xuān de liǎn shàng lù chū chéng kěn de xiào róng ：“ duō xiè xiān zi le ， zhǐ diǎn zhī dé ． lín xuān huì míng jì zhe 。”
仙道之路．得人指点本就可以少走很多弯路，林轩的脸上露出诚恳的笑容：“多谢仙子了，指点之德．林轩会铭记着。”
Five-Color smiled: "Fellow Daoist Lin, you are too kind. Openness and honesty in our exchange is the most important thing. Without your gift of the Heaven-Inverting Pill, my advancement would be uncertain. This is merely a small token of appreciation."
“ lín dào yǒu tài kè qì le nǐ wǒ jiāo liú xiū liàn xīn dé ， tǎn chéng běn jiù shì zuì zhòng yào de ． hé kuàng ruò fēi dào yǒu zèng yǔ de mèi huò tiān xuán dān xiāng zhù ． wǔ sè néng fǒu jìn jí shàng shì liǎng shuō ． wǒ zhè me zuò ． bù guò shì shāo shāo tóu táo bào lǐ bà le 。” wǔ sè xiān zi wēi xiào zhe shuō 。
“林道友太客气了你我交流修炼心得，坦诚本就是最重要的．何况若非道友赠与的魅惑天玄丹相助．五色能否晋级尚是两说．我这么做．不过是稍稍投桃报李罢了。”五色仙子微笑着说。
"Hmm," Lin Xuan chuckled as he took a sip from his fruit wine: "I have another question for you, Fairy."
“ hē hē 。” lín xuān xiào le xiào ． duān qǐ shēn qián de guǒ jiǔ hē le yī kǒu ：“ lín mǒu hái yǒu yī shì 、 xiǎng yào qǐng jiào xiān zi 。““ dào yǒu kě shì xiǎng wèn yuàn yuàn me ？
“呵呵。”林轩笑了笑．端起身前的果酒喝了一口：“林某还有一事、想要请教仙子。““道友可是想问媛媛么？
"Are you asking about Yuan-Yuan?"
wǔ sè liǎn shàng lù chū yī sī gǔ guài zhī sè 。
五色脸上露出一丝古怪之色。
Five-Color's face showed a hint of strangeness.
“ yuàn yuàn rú jīn zhèng zài hòu shān jìng xiū 。”
“媛媛如今正在后山静修。”
"She is currently meditating in the back mountain."
“ yuàn yuàn zài hòu shān ． nà tā zěn me bù lái jiàn wǒ ？” lín xuān shì zhēn de yǒu xiē yì wài le ， yuán běn yǐ wéi ài qī chū wài yóu lì ． huò zhě zhèng bì guān tū pò píng jǐng ． méi xiǎng dào dōu bú shì ， zhǐ shì pǔ tōng de jìng xiū ér yǐ ． nà suí shí dōu kě yǐ dǎ duàn ． tā wèi hé bù lái jiàn zì yǐ 。
“媛媛在后山．那她怎么不来见我？”林轩是真的有些意外了，原本以为爱妻出外游历．或者正闭关突破瓶颈．没想到都不是，只是普通的静修而已．那随时都可以打断．她为何不来见自已。
"But why doesn't she come to see me?" Lin Xuan was genuinely surprised. He had thought his wife might be out traveling or deep in seclusion, but it turned out she was just quietly meditating and could have easily interrupted her practice if needed.
“ zhè …… wǔ sè tàn le kǒu qì ：“ jǐ jù huà wàng shēn yě hěn nán jiǎng qīng chǔ ． dào yǒu zì yǐ qù kàn kàn jiù zhī dào le nán dào yuàn yuàn chū le shén me wèn tí ， kě kàn wǔ sè de biǎo qíng yòu bù tài xiàng de yàng zi 、 lín xuān ， xīn zhōng yí huò ， shēng yīn bù yóu de yě dī chén xià lái le ：“ hǎo ． yǒu láo xiān zi dài lù 。．
“这……五色叹了口气：“几句话妄身也很难讲清楚．道友自已去看看就知道了难道媛媛出了什么问题，可看五色的表情又不太像的样子、林轩，心中疑惑，声音不由得也低沉下来了：“好．有劳仙子带路。．
"Ah...," Five-Color sighed: "It's hard for me to explain in a few words. You will understand when you see for yourself."
“ wàng shēn jiù bù qù le ， dào yǒu zì jǐ qián wǎng jí kě ． yán tú de jìn zhì wǒ dōu yǐ jīng guān wǔ sè shuō dào zhè lǐ ， xiù páo yī fú ． líng guāng shí guò ． yī yù tǒng jiǎn jiù lái dào le lín xuān de shēn qián ：“ yuàn yuàn dòng fǔ de lù jìng wǒ yǐ kè zài lǐ miàn 。， lín xuān liǎn shàng shǎn guò yī sī yīn lì shǐ sè 、 yǐ jiāng shén shí zhù rù yù tǒng ， hěn kuài jiù tái qǐ tóu chōng wǔ sè xiān hū bào le bào quán ， huà wèi yī dào jīng hóng ， fēi chū dà diàn 。
“妄身就不去了，道友自己前往即可．沿途的禁制我都已经关五色说到这里，袖袍一拂．灵光时过．一玉筒简就来到了林轩的身前：“媛媛洞府的路径我已刻在里面。，林轩脸上闪过一丝阴厉史色、已将神识注入玉筒，很快就抬起头冲五色仙乎抱了抱拳，化为一道惊虹，飞出大殿。
Lin Xuan nodded and asked: "May I ask Fairy to lead the way?"
“ āi ， yuàn yuàn nà kǔ mìng y tóu 。” wǔ sè xiān zi tàn le kǒu qì ． liǎn wáng shǎn guò jǐ fēn xīn téng zhī yì 。
“唉，媛媛那苦命y头。”五色仙子叹了口气．脸王闪过几分心疼之意。
"I won't go with you; just head there on your own. The barriers along the way are already deactivated," Five-Color said, waving her sleeves. A jade cylinder appeared before him.
zài shuō lìng yī biān 、 lín xuān fēng chí diàn chè chū dà diàn ， zhèng yào fēi wǎng yuàn yuàn de dòng fǔ ， bái guāng shǎn shuò ． yuè ér què yǐ cóng tiān jī fǔ lǐ chū lái le 。
再说另一边、林轩风驰电掣出大殿，正要飞往媛媛的洞府，白光闪烁．月儿却已从天机府里出来了。
Lin Xuan injected his spirit into it and soon returned a bow to Five-Color: "Thank you." He transformed into a streak of light and left the grand hall.
liǎn shàng xiàn chū jǐ fēn chóu chú ， yī fù yù yán yòu zhǐ de shén sè 。
脸上现出几分踌躇，一副欲言又止的神色。
"Yuan-Yuan is such an unfortunate soul," Five-Color sighed, showing concern on her face.
“ yuè ér ， zěn me le ” lín xuān méi tóu wēi zhòu ， yǒu diǎn yì wài de kāi kǒu 。
“月儿，怎么了”林轩眉头微皱，有点意外的开口。
Meanwhile, Lin Xuan flew out of the grand hall at great speed. Just as he was about to head for Yuan-Yuan's cave, a white light flashed, and Mo'er emerged from the Heavenly Mechanism Mansion.
“ shào yé 、 nǐ hé yuàn yuàn jiě yǒu huà yào shuō 、 xiǎo bì hái shì bù qù le 。
“少爷、你和媛媛姐有话要说、小婢还是不去了。
She looked hesitant, as if she wanted to speak but couldn't find the words.
“ a ，．
“啊，．
"Mo'er, what is it?" Lin Xuan frowned, surprised by her appearance.
．
．
"Master, you have something to say with Sister Yuan-Yuan. I should stay here."
lín xuān yī dāi ． liǎn shàng yě bù yóu de shǎn guò jǐ fēn xiū kuì zhī sè ． píng xīn lái shuō ， zì jǐ shì yǒu xiē tài huā xīn le 。
林轩一呆．脸上也不由得闪过几分羞愧之色．平心来说，自己是有些太花心了。
"Oh,"
kě shì yǐ zhì cǐ ． yòu néng rú hé ：“ yuè ér ． duì bù qǐ 。”
可事已至此．又能如何：“月儿．对不起。”
Lin Xuan was taken aback and felt a bit ashamed. Still, he knew what had happened couldn't be undone: "Mo'er, I'm sorry."
“ xiǎo bì bìng méi yǒu guài shào yé de yì si ． zhǐ shì nǐ hé yuàn yuàn jiě bǎi nián wèi jiàn le ． zǒng yǒu tī jǐ de huà ér yào shuō ． xiǎo bì hái shì zài zhè lǐ děng hǎo yī xiē de 。” yuè ér liǎn shàng lù chū tián měi de xiào róng ． bù guò cóng tā yǎn dǐ shēn chù ． lín xuān hái shì kàn dào jǐ fēn shī luò 。
“小婢并没有怪少爷的意思．只是你和媛媛姐百年未见了．总有体己的话儿要说．小婢还是在这里等好一些的。”月儿脸上露出甜美的笑容．不过从她眼底深处．林轩还是看到几分失落。
Mo'er smiled sweetly but looked slightly disappointed from the depths of her eyes.
lín xuān tàn le kǒu qì ：“ yuè ér ． duì bù qǐ 。“ suí hòu qīng qīng de gé xiǎo yā tou bào le bào ． cái xiàng hòu shān fēi qù 。
林轩叹了口气：“月儿．对不起。“随后轻轻的格小丫头抱了抱．才像后山飞去。
"Master, I have no grudge against you. You and Sister Yuan-Yuan haven't seen each other in a hundred years; there's much to say. It would be better if I stayed here," she said with a smile.
wǔ sè líng shān suī gāo dà wēi é ． mián yán shù shí lǐ ． dàn yǐ lín xuān de dùn shù ． hái shì hěn kuài jiù lái dào le ài qī de dòng fǔ ． zhè shì yī hěn qīng yōu de shān gǔ 、 wài miàn lǒng zhào zhe dàn dàn de bó wù 。
五色灵山虽高大巍峨．绵延数十里．但以林轩的遁术．还是很快就来到了爱妻的洞府．这是一很清幽的山谷、外面笼罩着淡淡的薄雾。
Lin Xuan sighed: "Mo'er, I'm sorry." He gently hugged the little girl before flying towards the back mountain.
lín xuān dùn guāng gāng gāng là xià ． bó wù yī zhèn fān yǒng ． suí hòu biàn yǒu dòng tīng de nǚ shēng miǎo miǎo “ dà jūn ． nǐ lái le ． dàn qǐng huí ba ． wèi qī xiàn zài shì bú huì jiàn nǐ de 。、
林轩遁光刚刚落下．薄雾一阵翻涌．随后便有动听的女声渺渺“大君．你来了．但请回吧．为妻现在是不会见你的。、
Despite its grandeur and vastness, Five-Color Spiritual Mountain was quickly reached by Lin Xuan's swift flight. It was a tranquil valley shrouded in light mist.
“ wèi hé ？” lín xuān yǒu diǎn chà yì de kāi kǒu le ：“ mò fēi chū le shén me shì qíng me ？”
“为何？”林轩有点诧异的开口了：“莫非出了什么事情么？”
As his figure landed, the mist swirled, and soon a melodious female voice echoed: "Great King, you are here. Please return. I won't see you now."
“ bù ． yuàn yuàn hěn hǎo 、 zhǐ shì wǒ xià hóng yuàn ． zài fēi shēng líng jiè yǐ qián ， bú huì zài yǔ fū jūn jiàn miàn 。．
“不．媛媛很好、只是我下宏愿．在飞升灵界以前，不会再与夫君见面。．
"Why?" Lin Xuan was surprised to ask.
“ a ？” lín xuān mù dèng kǒu dāi ． bù zhī dào ài qī wèi hé shuō chū zhè me yī fān huà lái 。
“啊？”林轩目瞪口呆．不知道爱妻为何说出这么一番话来。
"Nothing is wrong; Yuan-Yuan is fine. But I made a vow that before ascending to the Spirit Realm, we will not meet again," she said.
bù guò què méi yǒu kāi kǒu ， yīn wèi tā zhī dào yuàn yuàn kěn dìng huì xiàng zì jǐ jiě shì yuán yóu 。
不过却没有开口，因为他知道媛媛肯定会像自己解释缘由。
"Oh?" Lin Xuan was stunned by his wife's words.
“ fū jūn 、 nǐ bú yào wù huì ． yuàn yuàn zhè me zuò ． shì wèi le wǒ men néng gòu zǎo yì diǎn zhǎng xiàng sī shǒu 、 nǐ yě qīng chǔ ， yīn wèi hùn dùn yāo qì de yuán gù ， wǒ men bù dé bù zàn shí fēn lí ， zhí dào yǒu yī fāng jìn jiē dào dòng xuán qī 。”
“夫君、你不要误会．媛媛这么做．是为了我们能够早一点长相厮守、你也清楚，因为混沌妖气的缘故，我们不得不暂时分离，直到有一方进阶到洞玄期。”
But he didn't speak further, knowing Yuan-Yuan would explain her reasons.
“ fū jūn rén zhōng zhī lóng 、 yuàn yuàn guǒ rán méi yǒu kàn cuò ． nǐ zhè me kuài jiù jìn jiē dào le lí hé jiē xià lái yě yí dìng kě yǐ shùn lì fēi shēng dào líng jiè qù de ， kě qiè shēn què tuō hòu tuǐ le 。。
“夫君人中之龙、媛媛果然没有看错．你这么快就进阶到了离合接下来也一定可以顺利飞升到灵界去的，可妾身却拖后腿了。。
"Fellow Daoist, don't misunderstand me. This is for us to be together sooner. You know, due to the chaotic demon energy, we must temporarily separate until one of us reaches the Cave Profound Realm."
“ shǎ y tóu ， mèi hú shuō bā dào shén me ． nǐ bú shì shuō zhǐ yào yǒu yī fāng jìn jiē dòng xuán jí kě ． nǐ jiù suàn xiū liàn shāo wēi màn shàng yì diǎn yě méi yǒu guān xì de ” lín xuān tàn le kǒu qì ． tā yòu rú hé bù zhī dào ài qī de pí qì ， xiàng lái dōu shì jiāo ào yǐ jí 。
“傻y头，妹胡说八道什么．你不是说只要有一方进阶洞玄即可．你就算修炼稍微慢上一点也没有关系的”林轩叹了口气．他又如何不知道爱妻的脾气，像来都是骄傲以极。
"Master, you are a dragon among men; I was right about you. You will surely ascend to the Spirit Realm smoothly. But poor me, lagging behind," she said with a pained expression.
“ fū jūn ， nǐ wù huì yuàn yuàn le ， wǒ suī rán hǎo qiáng ， dàn yòu zhè me kě néng jí dù zì jǐ de zhàng fū ． fū jūn xiū liàn xùn ． ān shēn shì dǎ xīn yǎn lǐ gāo xìng de ． zhǐ shì ……”
“夫君，你误会媛媛了，我虽然好强，但又这么可能嫉妒自己的丈夫．夫君修炼迅．安身是打心眼里高兴的．只是……”
"Stupid girl, stop talking nonsense. You said that as long as one of us reaches the Cave Profound Realm, it doesn't matter if my cultivation is slower," Lin Xuan sighed. He knew his wife's stubbornness and pride well.
“ zhǐ shì shén me ……” lín xuān tīng dé xīn jí shàng huǒ ． zhè yā tou yǒu shì jiù míng shuō ， tiān tā xià lái yě yǒu zì jǐ chēng zhe ， zhè yàng tūn tūn tǔ tǔ ， kuài jiāng rén gěi jí sǐ le 。
“只是什么……”林轩听得心急上火．这丫头有事就明说，天塌下来也有自己撑着，这样吞吞吐吐，快将人给急死了。
"Fellow Daoist, you misunderstood me. Although I am proud, I could never envy you. I am genuinely happy about your swift progress. But..."
"What else..." Lin Xuan was impatient. She should just come out with it; he would support her no matter what. This hesitation was driving him crazy.
Above the auspicious clouds stood a woman in elegant palace attire, around thirty-seven or eight years old. Although she was no longer young, her bearing exuded an extraordinary grace.
Lin Xuan's gaze swept over her, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
Just a hundred years had passed, yet she had managed to advance to the middle stage of Separation and Union.
After a moment’s thought, Lin Xuan felt relieved. The last time he came here, Five-Color Fairy was already at the peak of the early stage of Separation and Union. She wasn't unwilling to break through; it was just that she lacked suitable pills to suppress her inner demons.
And the three gifts he had given her—such as the Heaven-Inverting Pill—were exactly what could drive away those demons. With such a treasure assisting her, Five-Color Fairy's advancement made perfect sense.
"Congratulations, Fairy. In a hundred years, not only has your appearance become more enchanting, but your cultivation has also reached unparalleled depths. Given that you have advanced to the middle stage of Separation and Union, ascending to the Spirit Realm is highly possible."
Lin Xuan bowed respectfully as he spoke these flattering words.
"Fellow Daoist Lin, you are too kind. My advancement owes much to your generous gifts. Besides, although I have reached the middle stage, how can I compare with Fellow Daoist who broke through the Separation and Union barrier in just a hundred years?"
Unlike last time, Five-Color Fairy was unusually polite, not acting like an elder. After all, in the cultivation world, it's about strength, and Lin Xuan, so young to reach the Separation and Union stage, had good chances of ascending to the Spirit Realm.
The guests enjoyed themselves as they exchanged pleasantries. Then, together, they flew towards Five-Color Spiritual Mountain.
After seating themselves in the grand hall, servants brought them wine and fruit.
Five-Color clapped her hands, and a group of female cultivators came up to perform dances. The hospitality was indeed thorough.
However, Lin Xuan's face showed some strange emotions; he knew she was here, but where was his beloved Yuan-Yuan?
With a slight unease, Lin Xuan remained composed, showing no signs of disturbance on his face as Five-Color repeatedly urged him to drink. He drank with equal enthusiasm and exchanged cultivation insights with her.
The Phoenix Dance Nine Heavensdecision-making formula or诀窍 (trick/trade secret) he practiced was a mimicry technique, and since peacocks were distant relatives of phoenixes, their techniques shared some similarities. Five-Color revealed no secrets during this exchange, and Lin Xuan gained much from it.
On the path to spiritual enlightenment, guidance can help one avoid many detours. Lin Xuan's face lit up with a sincere smile: "Thank you, Fairy. I will always remember your advice."
Five-Color smiled: "Fellow Daoist Lin, you are too kind. Openness and honesty in our exchange is the most important thing. Without your gift of the Heaven-Inverting Pill, my advancement would be uncertain. This is merely a small token of appreciation."
"Hmm," Lin Xuan chuckled as he took a sip from his fruit wine: "I have another question for you, Fairy."
"Are you asking about Yuan-Yuan?"
Five-Color's face showed a hint of strangeness.
"Yes."
"She is currently meditating in the back mountain."
"But why doesn't she come to see me?" Lin Xuan was genuinely surprised. He had thought his wife might be out traveling or deep in seclusion, but it turned out she was just quietly meditating and could have easily interrupted her practice if needed.
"Ah...," Five-Color sighed: "It's hard for me to explain in a few words. You will understand when you see for yourself."
Lin Xuan nodded and asked: "May I ask Fairy to lead the way?"
"I won't go with you; just head there on your own. The barriers along the way are already deactivated," Five-Color said, waving her sleeves. A jade cylinder appeared before him.
Lin Xuan injected his spirit into it and soon returned a bow to Five-Color: "Thank you." He transformed into a streak of light and left the grand hall.
"Yuan-Yuan is such an unfortunate soul," Five-Color sighed, showing concern on her face.
Meanwhile, Lin Xuan flew out of the grand hall at great speed. Just as he was about to head for Yuan-Yuan's cave, a white light flashed, and Mo'er emerged from the Heavenly Mechanism Mansion.
She looked hesitant, as if she wanted to speak but couldn't find the words.
"Mo'er, what is it?" Lin Xuan frowned, surprised by her appearance.
"Master, you have something to say with Sister Yuan-Yuan. I should stay here."
"Oh,"
Lin Xuan was taken aback and felt a bit ashamed. Still, he knew what had happened couldn't be undone: "Mo'er, I'm sorry."
Mo'er smiled sweetly but looked slightly disappointed from the depths of her eyes.
"Master, I have no grudge against you. You and Sister Yuan-Yuan haven't seen each other in a hundred years; there's much to say. It would be better if I stayed here," she said with a smile.
Lin Xuan sighed: "Mo'er, I'm sorry." He gently hugged the little girl before flying towards the back mountain.
Despite its grandeur and vastness, Five-Color Spiritual Mountain was quickly reached by Lin Xuan's swift flight. It was a tranquil valley shrouded in light mist.
As his figure landed, the mist swirled, and soon a melodious female voice echoed: "Great King, you are here. Please return. I won't see you now."
"Why?" Lin Xuan was surprised to ask.
"Nothing is wrong; Yuan-Yuan is fine. But I made a vow that before ascending to the Spirit Realm, we will not meet again," she said.
"Oh?" Lin Xuan was stunned by his wife's words.
But he didn't speak further, knowing Yuan-Yuan would explain her reasons.
"Fellow Daoist, don't misunderstand me. This is for us to be together sooner. You know, due to the chaotic demon energy, we must temporarily separate until one of us reaches the Cave Profound Realm."
"Master, you are a dragon among men; I was right about you. You will surely ascend to the Spirit Realm smoothly. But poor me, lagging behind," she said with a pained expression.
"Stupid girl, stop talking nonsense. You said that as long as one of us reaches the Cave Profound Realm, it doesn't matter if my cultivation is slower," Lin Xuan sighed. He knew his wife's stubbornness and pride well.
"Fellow Daoist, you misunderstood me. Although I am proud, I could never envy you. I am genuinely happy about your swift progress. But..."
"What else..." Lin Xuan was impatient. She should just come out with it; he would support her no matter what. This hesitation was driving him crazy.