“ zhè …… zhè qǐ mǎ shì èr shí wàn nián yǐ shàng de ？”
“这……这起码是二十万年以上的？”
"This... This must be at least two hundred thousand years old?"
tōng yǔ zhēn rén dà jīng shī sè ， jī hū yǐ wéi zì jǐ kàn cuò le ， shí wàn nián de zǐ wǎn cǎo ， zài rén jiè jiù yǐ jīng shì jué jì zhī wù ， zhè èr shí wàn nián de ， lín xuān yòu shì zěn me lái de 。【 quán wén zì yuè dú 】
通羽真人大惊失色，几乎以为自己看错了，十万年的紫菀草，在人界就已经是绝迹之物，这二十万年的，林轩又是怎么来的。【全文字阅读】
True Man Daoist Tongyu was shocked, almost thinking he had misread it. Purple Asterisk Grass that was tens of thousands of years old was already extinct in the mortal world; how did Lin Xuan come by this grass that was two hundred thousand years old?
jiù suàn tā shì lí hé qī ， kě yǒu yī xiē dōng xī ， bìng bú shì jìng jiè gāo jiù kě yǐ ， zhè yàng de líng wù ， gēn běn jiù bù yīng gāi chū xiàn zài rén jiè de 。
就算他是离合期，可有一些东西，并不是境界高就可以，这样的灵物，根本就不应该出现在人界的。
Even if he were at the Separation and Union stage, some things weren't just about having a high realm. Such spiritual herbs shouldn’t even appear in the mortal world.
xīn zhōng jīng yà wú bǐ ， bù guò tōng yǔ bì jìng yōng yǒu shēn chén de xīn jī ， hěn kuài jiù cóng zhèn jīng zhōng xǐng wù ， zì jǐ guǎn nà me duō gàn shén me 。
心中惊讶无比，不过通羽毕竟拥有深沉的心机，很快就从震惊中醒悟，自己管那么多干什么。
He was shocked beyond measure, but True Man Daoist Tongyu had deep scheming. He quickly regained his composure and realized that worrying over such trivial matters wouldn’t help him now.
zhuī gēn jiū dǐ yòu méi yǒu hǎo chù ， guān jiàn shì xiàn zài mèng mèi yǐ qiú de líng cǎo yǐ chū xiàn zài miàn qián le 。
追根究底又没有好处，关键是现在梦寐以求的灵草已出现在面前了。
Rooting out the truth wouldn't bring any benefits; what mattered was that this desired spiritual herb was right in front of them.
yuán běn tā men jìn rù xiū luó zhī mén ， bù guò shì pèng yī pèng yùn qì ， rú jīn zhè yàng de tiān cì liáng jī ， nǎ hái yǒu cuò guò de dào lǐ 。
原本他们进入修罗之门，不过是碰一碰运气，如今这样的天赐良机，哪还有错过的道理。
Originally, their entry into the Netherworld Gate was just a stroke of luck. Now with this divine opportunity, there was no reason to miss it.
jí biàn yǐ tōng yǔ zhēn rén de chéng fǔ ， cǐ shí cǐ kè ， liǎn shàng yě mǎn shì tǎn tè 。
即便以通羽真人的城府，此时此刻，脸上也满是忐忑。
Even with his deep-seated wisdom, True Man Daoist Tongyu’s face showed unease at the moment. After all, this concerned whether he could remove the time poison; how could he not be anxious?
bì jìng zhè guān hū zhe néng fǒu jiě chú shí jiān zhī dú ， tā zěn me néng bù huàn dé huàn shī ne ？
毕竟这关乎着能否解除时间之毒，他怎么能不患得患失呢？
"Brother Lin, I know you have advanced to Separation and Union. The treasures on our persons are now beyond your eyesight, but..."
“ lín xiōng ， wǒ zhī dào nǐ yǐ jìn jiē lí hé ， wǒ sān rén shēn shàng de cái huò ， shí yǒu ** yǐ hěn nán rù nǐ de fǎ yǎn le ， bù guò ……”
“林兄，我知道你已进阶离合，我三人身上的财货，十有**已很难入你的法眼了，不过……”
True Man Daoist Tongyu hesitated before speaking, only for Lin Xuan to interrupt him mid-sentence.
tōng yǔ zhēn rén niè rú zhe kāi kǒu ， rán ér huà yīn wèi luò ， jiù bèi lín xuān cóng zhōng dǎ duàn le 。
通羽真人嗫嚅着开口，然而话音未落，就被林轩从中打断了。
"My friend, where do you get off saying such things? Although the times have changed, we no longer stand at the same level as before. But regardless, there is still a master-student bond between us. As they say, it takes ten years to share a boat and a hundred years to share a pillow. We are fated to meet in past lives; who knows if we will ever see each other again? Master, I call you by your name once more as a token of gratitude for your care towards Xuan'er back in Youzhou."
“ dào yǒu shuō nǎ lǐ huà lái ， suī rán shì yì shí yí ， nǐ wǒ rú jīn de dì wèi yǐ jīn fēi xī bǐ ， dàn bù guǎn rú hé ， zǒng shì yǒu yī duàn shī tú zhī yuán de ， sú huà shuō ， shí nián xiū dé tóng chuán dù ， bǎi nián xiū dé gòng zhěn mián ， nǐ wǒ yě suàn qián shì yǒu yuán ， jīn rì yī bié ， bù zhī dào hái yǒu méi yǒu jī huì zài jiàn miàn ， shī fù ， lín mǒu zài zhè yàng jiào nǐ yī cì ， zhè zǐ wǎn cǎo ， jiù suàn zuò tú ér de yì diǎn xīn yì ， xiè xiè nín xī rì zài yōu zhōu zhī shí ， duì xuān ér de zhào gù 。”
“道友说哪里话来，虽然事易时移，你我如今的地位已今非昔比，但不管如何，总是有一段师徒之缘的，俗话说，十年修得同船度，百年修得共枕眠，你我也算前世有缘，今日一别，不知道还有没有机会再见面，师父，林某再这样叫你一次，这紫菀草，就算做徒儿的一点心意，谢谢您昔日在幽州之时，对轩儿的照顾。”
Lin Xuan's words left the three stunned, but his tone and voice were filled with sincerity.
lín xuān zhè fān huà ràng sān rén jīng è ， dàn shēng yīn yǔ qì ， què chōng mǎn le chéng kěn zhī yì 。
林轩这番话让三人惊愕，但声音语气，却充满了诚恳之意。
True Man Daoist Tongyu and the two cultivators exchanged glances. After a long while, he swallowed hard before asking, "Do you mean to give this Purple Asterisk Grass to me?"
tōng yǔ hé lìng liǎng míng xiū xiān zhě miàn miàn xiāng qù 。
通羽和另两名修仙者面面相觑。
It was no wonder True Man Daoist Tongyu reacted so strongly. Although the Purple Asterisk Grass was just an ordinary spiritual herb, one that was two hundred thousand years old was invaluable. Its value could not be measured in crystal stones.
liáng jiǔ 。
良久。
Even for Separation and Union cultivators, it was a precious treasure.
cái tūn le yī kǒu tuò mò ：“ dào yǒu de yì si shì shuō ， jiāng zhè zǐ wǎn cǎo sòng yǔ wǒ ？”
才吞了一口唾沫：“道友的意思是说，将这紫菀草送与我？”
Lin Xuan actually gave it to him like this?
yě nán guài tōng yǔ de fǎn yìng huì dà dào zhè yàng de dì bù 。
也难怪通羽的反应会大到这样的地步。
He wasn't talking about their bond as master and student.
bì jìng zǐ wǎn cǎo suī zhǐ shì pǔ tōng de líng yào ， dàn èr shí wàn nián de ， què fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， qí jià zhí yǐ hěn nán yòng jīng shí lái gū liáng le 。
毕竟紫菀草虽只是普通的灵药，但二十万年的，却非同小可，其价值已很难用晶石来估量了。
Cultivators valued practical benefits. Besides, when he had accepted Lin Xuan into his sect back then, he had seen the "hard spirit root" in him. If they encountered a more advanced cultivator or fell into some restrictions, wouldn’t it be foolish to risk their lives for treasures?
jiù suàn duì lí hé qī xiū xiān zhě ， yě shì yī jí zhēn guì de cái huò 。
就算对离合期修仙者，也是一极珍贵的财货。
Who didn't desire spiritual herbs and treasures, but one also needed life.
lín xuān jū rán jiù zhè yàng sòng gěi zì jǐ le ？
林轩居然就这样送给自己了？
"Yes, Master, I can rest easy now," Lin Xuan said with a sigh of relief.
bú yào jiāng shén me shī tú zhī yì 。
不要将什么师徒之谊。
"Thank you."
xiū xiān zhě jiǎng jiū de shì shí jì lì yì ， hé kuàng zì jǐ dāng nián shōu lín xuān rù mén ， hái bú shì kàn zhòng de tā de “ kǔ líng gēn ”， suī bù néng shuō huái yǒu è yì ， dàn què shí yǒu zì jǐ de suàn jì yǔ mù dì 。
修仙者讲究的是实际利益，何况自己当年收林轩入门，还不是看中的他的“苦灵根”，虽不能说怀有恶意，但确实有自己的算计与目的。
He didn't say much more. But those few words made his gratitude feel even more genuine.
lín xuān de cōng míng tā xīn zhōng yǒu shù ， zì jǐ de chóu móu tā shí yǒu ** zǎo yǐ qīng chǔ ， shuō chuān le ， dāng nián de shī tú zhī yì ， yě bù guò shì hù xiāng lì yòng ér yǐ 。
林轩的聪明他心中有数，自己的筹谋他十有**早已清楚，说穿了，当年的师徒之谊，也不过是互相利用而已。
"There's no need to thank me. I mentioned earlier that this is just a token of my student’s gratitude. Additionally, I have one last piece of advice for you."
tā jū rán hái kěn zài jiào zì jǐ yī shēng shī fù ， ér qiě zèng yǔ zǐ wǎn cǎo zhè yàng de bǎo wù 。
他居然还肯再叫自己一声师父，而且赠予紫菀草这样的宝物。
"My friend, please speak," True Man Daoist Tongyu said without any airs, knowing the time was ripe.
tōng yǔ zhēn rén duō lì fēng yǔ ， shuō dé shàng lǎo jiān jù huá de rén wù ， dàn cǐ shí cǐ kè ， yě bù yóu de bèi gǎn dòng le ， bì jìng rén xīn dōu shì ròu zhǎng de 。
通羽真人多历风雨，说得上老奸巨猾的人物，但此时此刻，也不由得被感动了，毕竟人心都是肉长的。
"Since you already have the spiritual herbs, there's no need to stay in the Netherworld Gate anymore. Although your cultivation is high, this place is fraught with danger. It would be unwise to risk one’s life for treasures."
“ duō …… duō xiè 。”
“多……多谢。”
"Thank you for your kind advice. Even if you didn’t say it, I was planning on finding a secluded place and waiting quietly until the time of the Netherworld Gate ends before being automatically released."
tā bìng méi yǒu shuō yī dà duī gǎn xiè zhī yǔ ， dàn jiù shì zhè me pǔ shí de jǐ gè zì ， què yuè fā de ràng rén gǎn jué dào zhēn shí 。
他并没有说一大堆感谢之语，但就是这么朴实的几个字，却越发的让人感觉到真实。
True Man Daoist Tongyu spoke sincerely. His words were not just empty talk; they reflected his true feelings. Three against one could barely hold their own against a late-stage Inner Core cultivator, let alone higher-ranked cultivators or traps.
“ bú yòng shuō zhè xiē ， lín mǒu gāng cái yǐ jiǎng guò ， zhè bù guò shì tú ér de yì diǎn xīn yì ， lìng wài ， wǒ hái yào zài fèng quàn shī fù yī cì 。”
“不用说这些，林某刚才已讲过，这不过是徒儿的一点心意，另外，我还要再奉劝师父一次。”
Who didn’t desire spiritual herbs and treasures? But life was necessary to enjoy them.
“ dào yǒu qǐng shuō 。”
“道友请说。”
"Indeed, Master, I can rest easy now. My last request is..."
cǐ shí cǐ kè ， lín xuān suī rán yǐ wǎn bèi zì jū ， dàn tōng yǔ zhēn rén gèng dǒng de shěn shí duó shì ， yì diǎn yě bù bǎi zhǎng bèi de jià zi 。
此时此刻，林轩虽然以晚辈自居，但通羽真人更懂得审时度势，一点也不摆长辈的架子。
"My friend Lin, please speak your mind. If there’s anything within my power, I will not hesitate," True Man Daoist Tongyu said with great enthusiasm.
“ líng yào sān wèi jì yǐ dào shǒu ， jiù méi yǒu bì yào jì xù zài xiū luó zhī mén zhōng liú xià qù ， yuán yīng xiū wèi gù rán bù dī ， dàn zhè lǐ gèng shì bù bù jīng jí ， wèi le bǎo wù ér diū diào xiǎo mìng shí shǔ bù zhì 。”
“灵药三位既已到手，就没有必要继续在修罗之门中留下去，元婴修为固然不低，但这里更是步步荆棘，为了宝物而丢掉小命实属不智。”
"I thank you for that. Actually, it's nothing much. I just hope you can give me a copy of the elixir formula to cure the Jade Net Bee venom."
“ duō xiè dào yǒu liáng yán ， qí shí jí biàn nǐ bù shuō ， lǎo xiǔ yě zhǔn bèi xún yī yǐn mì zhī suǒ ， jìng jìng de děng xiū luó zhī mén de shí jiān jié shù ， rán hòu bèi zì dòng chuán shuō chū qù de 。”
“多谢道友良言，其实即便你不说，老朽也准备寻一隐秘之所，静静的等修罗之门的时间结束，然后被自动传说出去的。”
"It is but a small matter; there’s no problem at all."
tōng yǔ zhēn rén shēng yīn chéng kěn de shuō ， tā zhè fān huà dāng rán bú shì xū yǔ wēi yí ， ér shì zì jǐ de zhēn shí gǎn chù ， sān rén lián hé ， hái dí bù guò yī yuán yīng hòu qī de dà xiū xiān zhě ， rú guǒ yù jiàn gèng gāo jí bié de xiū shì ， huò zhě xiàn rù shén me jìn zhì ， nà qǐ bù shì zhǐ yǒu shù shǒu shēn sǐ 。
通羽真人声音诚恳的说，他这番话当然不是虚与委蛇，而是自己的真实感触，三人联合，还敌不过一元婴后期的大修仙者，如果遇见更高级别的修士，或者陷入什么禁制，那岂不是只有束手身死。
True Man Daoist Tongyu heaved a sigh of relief. He had initially thought Lin Xuan was going to ask for something difficult, only for it to turn out that he just wanted a copy of an elixir formula. He stretched his hand and tapped his waist, revealing a greenish jade tube.
líng yào ， fǎ bǎo ， shuí bù shē wàng ， dàn yě yào yǒu mìng ， cái néng gòu xiǎng 。
灵药，法宝，谁不奢望，但也要有命，才能够享。
Then True Man Daoist Tongyu sank his divine sense into the tube.
“ ń ， shī fù néng zhè me xiǎng ， nà wǒ yě jiù fàng xīn le ， tú ér hái yǒu yī bù qíng zhī qǐng ……”
“嗯，师父能这么想，那我也就放心了，徒儿还有一不情之请……”
After a short while, he raised his head and respectfully handed over the jade tube.
“ lín xiōng ， qǐng jǐn guǎn shuō ， zhǐ yào zài xià néng gòu bàn dào de ， jiù jué bú huì tuī cí 。” tōng yǔ zhēn rén háo qì wàn zhàng de shuō 。
“林兄，请尽管说，只要在下能够办到的，就绝不会推辞。”通羽真人豪气万丈的说。
Lin Xuan took it with one hand, not even looking at it before putting it in his pocket.
“ rú cǐ duō xiè le ， qí shí yě méi shén me ， zhǐ xī wàng shī fù jiāng néng jiě yù luó fēng zhī dú de dān fāng ， gěi wǒ fù zhì yī fèn ， zài xià jiù gǎn jī bù jìn le 。”
“如此多谢了，其实也没什么，只希望师父将能解玉罗蜂之毒的丹方，给我复制一份，在下就感激不尽了。”
"Thank you, Master. Please take care. I bid you farewell."
“ zhè zhǐ shì xiǎo shì yī zhuāng ér yǐ ， wán quán méi yǒu wèn tí 。”
“这只是小事一桩而已，完全没有问题。”
Before he could finish speaking, Lin Xuan’s entire body was enveloped in a green glow as he flew away towards the distance. Only the three of them remained where they were.
tōng yǔ zhēn rén sōng le kǒu qì ， kāi shǐ hái yǐ wéi lín xuān yào chū shén me nán tí ， yuán lái bù guò shì fù zhì dān fāng ér yǐ ， tā shēn chū shǒu lái ， zài yāo jiān yī pāi ， yī cuì lǜ yù dī de yù tǒng jiǎn jiù chū xiàn zài le miàn qián 。
通羽真人松了口气，开始还以为林轩要出什么难题，原来不过是复制丹方而已，他伸出手来，在腰间一拍，一翠绿欲滴的玉筒简就出现在了面前。
After a long while, the monk and the old woman finally exhaled in relief.
suí hòu tōng yǔ zhēn rén jiāng shén shí chén rù lǐ miàn 。
随后通羽真人将神识沉入里面。
Although Lin Xuan had already concealed his spiritual pressure to an extent that it could not be felt, such close proximity with a Separation and Union cultivator still affected him.
shǎo qǐng ， tā tái qǐ tóu lú ， jiāng yù tǒng jiǎn gōng gōng jìng jìng de dì guò qù le 。
少顷，他抬起头颅，将玉筒简恭恭敬敬的递过去了。
They didn’t dare breathe, as if they were frogs under a snake’s gaze. This had nothing to do with whether Lin Xuan was hostile or not; it was just the natural reaction of lower-stage beings towards higher-stage cultivators.
lín xuān shēn shǒu jiē guò ， kàn yě bù kàn ， jiù suí shǒu fàng rù huái zhōng 。
林轩伸手接过，看也不看，就随手放入怀中。
Like how dogs trembled in fear before tigers, both reactions stemmed from the same principle.
“ duō xiè shī fù ， hái qǐng hǎo hǎo bǎo zhòng ， zài xià gào cí le 。”
“多谢师父，还请好好保重，在下告辞了。”
"True Man Daoist Tongyu, this Lin... Lin senior, really used to be your student?"
huà yīn wèi luò ， lín xuān jiù hún shēn qīng máng dà qǐ ， xiàng zhe yuǎn chù fēi lüè ér qù ， zhǐ shèng xià sān rén hái liú zài yuán dì 。
话音未落，林轩就浑身青芒大起，向着远处飞掠而去，只剩下三人还留在原地。
Despite witnessing everything that had happened, the old woman still found it hard to believe and asked dryly.
liáng jiǔ 。
良久。
"Yes, Lady Long has already seen him. But now Lin Xuan is at Separation and Union; what right do I have to call myself his master."
hé shàng yǔ nà lǎo yù cái tóng shí sōng le kǒu qì 。
和尚与那老妪才同时松了口气。
True Man Daoist Tongyu said with a self-deprecating smile. His mood was mixed—grateful for Lin Xuan’s help but also envious of the former student who had become an elder.
lín xuān suī rán yǐ jiāng líng yā shōu liǎn dé yī sī yě wú ， dàn zhè me jìn jù lí jiē chù lí hé qī xiū xiān zhě ， duō shǎo hái shì yào shòu tā yī xiē yǐng xiǎng de 。
林轩虽然已将灵压收敛得一丝也无，但这么近距离接触离合期修仙者，多少还是要受他一些影响的。
This wasn’t about having a broad heart; it was just human nature.
liǎng rén lián dà qì dōu bù gǎn chū ， jiù fǎng fú qīng wā bèi shé gěi dīng shàng le 。
两人连大气都不敢出，就仿佛青蛙被蛇给盯上了。
"Lin Xuan, Lin Xuan..." The old monk frowned and muttered to himself.
zhè yǔ lín xuān yǒu méi yǒu dí yì háo wú guān xì ， chún cuì shì dī jiē cún zài miàn duì gāo jiē xiū shì de yī zhǒng zì rán fǎn yìng ér yǐ 。
这与林轩有没有敌意毫无关系，纯粹是低阶存在面对高阶修士的一种自然反应而已。
"Master Lingzhong, what are you doing? Did you find something wrong?" True Man Daoist Tongyu was surprised, opening his mouth in surprise.
jiù rú tóng xiǎo gǒu miàn duì lǎo hǔ ， kěn dìng huì xià dé hún shēn fā dǒu ， liǎng zhě dào lǐ shì yī yàng de 。
就如同小狗面对老虎，肯定会吓得浑身发抖，两者道理是一样的。
The white-robed old woman’s expression mirrored his.
“ tōng yǔ dào yǒu ， zhè wèi lín …… lín qián bèi xī rì ， zhēn de shì nǐ de tú dì ？”
“通羽道友，这位林……林前辈昔日，真的是你的徒弟？”
"Do the two of you not think that name Lin Xuan sounds familiar?" The monk said unexpectedly.
jǐn guǎn gāng cái suǒ fā shēng de yí mù ， liǎng rén qīn yǎn mù dǔ ， rán ér nà lǎo yù hái shì gǎn jué yǒu xiē bù kě sī yì ， rěn bú zhù gān bā bā de kāi kǒu le 。
尽管刚才所发生的一幕，两人亲眼目睹，然而那老妪还是感觉有些不可思议，忍不住干巴巴的开口了。
"Familiar?"
“ bù cuò ， lóng fū rén gāng cái bù dōu yǐ jīng kàn jiàn ， zhǐ bù guò lín xuān rú jīn yǐ jìn jiē dào le lí hé ， wǒ hái yǒu shén me zī gé ， zuò tā de shī fù 。”
“不错，龙夫人刚才不都已经看见，只不过林轩如今已进阶到了离合，我还有什么资格，做他的师父。”
True Man Daoist Tongyu, despite his deep scheming, found himself momentarily confused. However, the old woman’s face showed a thoughtful look.
tōng yǔ zhēn rén zì cháo de shuō ， cǐ shí cǐ kè ， tā de xīn qíng yě shì mán fù zá de ， duì lín xuān chū shǒu xiàng zhù ， tā shì hěn gǎn jī ， kě xī rì de tú ér ， yī yuè chéng wéi qián bèi ， yě nán miǎn huì yǒng qǐ xiē xǔ xiàn mù yǔ jí dù 。
通羽真人自嘲的说，此时此刻，他的心情也是蛮复杂的，对林轩出手相助，他是很感激，可昔日的徒儿，一跃成为前辈，也难免会涌起些许羡慕与嫉妒。
"Lady Long, have you also remembered something?"
zhè bìng bú shì xīn xiōng gòu bù gòu guǎng kuò ， ér shì rén zhī cháng qíng lái zhe 。
这并不是心胸够不够广阔，而是人之常情来着。
Afterword: The next 1000 words are free for everyone to read.
“ lín xuān ， lín xuān ……” nà lǎo sēng què shuāng méi wēi zhòu ， nán nán de zì yǔ qǐ lái le 。
“林轩，林轩……”那老僧却双眉微皱，喃喃的自语起来了。
This is the second update of today; I originally planned to write 5000 words but saw Ziluolang's comment in the book review section and decided to add an extra 1000 words.
“ míng zhōng dà shī ， nǐ zhè shì gàn shén me ， mò fēi fā xiàn le shén me bù tuǒ ？” tōng yǔ zhēn rén yī lèng ， yǒu diǎn yì wài de kāi kǒu le 。
“鸣钟大师，你这是干什么，莫非发现了什么不妥？” 通羽真人一愣，有点意外的开口了。
Also, a heartfelt confession: Yes, I do have a co-cultivation partner now, but don't worry, my Raindrops are safe. My main focus is still on *A Hundred Refinements to Immortality*. After all, co-cultivation requires spending money, and how can I not work hard?
ér nà wèi bái yī lǎo fù de biǎo qíng yě chà bu duō 。
而那位白衣老妇的表情也差不多。
However, I am a slow writer; it takes me about 8 hours to write 5000 words when my state isn't good. During the last burst of writing, I even had to work overtime until late at night.
“ liǎng wèi bù jué dé lín xuān zhè ge míng zì hěn shú ？” hé shàng chū rén yì liào de shuō 。
“两位不觉得林轩这个名字很熟？”和尚出人意料的说。
I'm not lazy; I just write slowly. Remember that during the last Nanning Writing Conference, everyone talked about their speeds. Some people can write 6000 words in less than two hours, while it takes me around seven or eight hours for 5000 words when my state isn't good.
“ shú ？”
“熟？”
*The Refinement of a Hundred Battles* has been doing well; not only have I lost votes, but even the recommendation list is hard to get into. I rely on this for my living and now need to support a family. Honestly, how can I not be anxious? But I really can't write fast. Sigh.
tōng yǔ zhēn rén suī rán yōng yǒu jí shēn de chéng fǔ ， dàn yī shí piàn kè ， yě yǒu xiē mí hū ， fǎn dào shì nà lǎo yù ， liǎn shàng lù chū le ruò yǒu suǒ sī de shén sè 。
通羽真人虽然拥有极深的城府，但一时片刻，也有些迷糊，反倒是那老妪，脸上露出了若有所思的神色。
I won’t say more; I know it’s my problem and feel guilty about everyone's support. In any case, I will work hard and strive to improve myself so that one day I can write faster.
“ lóng fū rén ， mò fēi nǐ yě xiǎng qǐ le shén me ？”
“龙夫人，莫非妳也想起了什么？”
I will aim for 6000 words a day, but please give me time. Improving speed isn't something that happens overnight; we have to take it step by step. But I will really try my best.
PS： yǐ xià zì shù miǎn fèi ， qǐng fàng xīn yuè dú 。
PS：以下字数免费，请放心阅读。
I said all this not to complain but to show that I am committed and will work hard. Thank you, Tinglei, Nylong, Ziluolang, Shuanggong, Qingqing, and everyone who supports me. I will do my best; please continue to support me and *The Refinement of a Hundred Battles*.
"This... This must be at least two hundred thousand years old?"
True Man Daoist Tongyu was shocked, almost thinking he had misread it. Purple Asterisk Grass that was tens of thousands of years old was already extinct in the mortal world; how did Lin Xuan come by this grass that was two hundred thousand years old?
Even if he were at the Separation and Union stage, some things weren't just about having a high realm. Such spiritual herbs shouldn’t even appear in the mortal world.
He was shocked beyond measure, but True Man Daoist Tongyu had deep scheming. He quickly regained his composure and realized that worrying over such trivial matters wouldn’t help him now.
Rooting out the truth wouldn't bring any benefits; what mattered was that this desired spiritual herb was right in front of them.
Originally, their entry into the Netherworld Gate was just a stroke of luck. Now with this divine opportunity, there was no reason to miss it.
Even with his deep-seated wisdom, True Man Daoist Tongyu’s face showed unease at the moment. After all, this concerned whether he could remove the time poison; how could he not be anxious?
"Brother Lin, I know you have advanced to Separation and Union. The treasures on our persons are now beyond your eyesight, but..."
True Man Daoist Tongyu hesitated before speaking, only for Lin Xuan to interrupt him mid-sentence.
"My friend, where do you get off saying such things? Although the times have changed, we no longer stand at the same level as before. But regardless, there is still a master-student bond between us. As they say, it takes ten years to share a boat and a hundred years to share a pillow. We are fated to meet in past lives; who knows if we will ever see each other again? Master, I call you by your name once more as a token of gratitude for your care towards Xuan'er back in Youzhou."
Lin Xuan's words left the three stunned, but his tone and voice were filled with sincerity.
True Man Daoist Tongyu and the two cultivators exchanged glances. After a long while, he swallowed hard before asking, "Do you mean to give this Purple Asterisk Grass to me?"
It was no wonder True Man Daoist Tongyu reacted so strongly. Although the Purple Asterisk Grass was just an ordinary spiritual herb, one that was two hundred thousand years old was invaluable. Its value could not be measured in crystal stones.
Even for Separation and Union cultivators, it was a precious treasure.
Lin Xuan actually gave it to him like this?
He wasn't talking about their bond as master and student.
Cultivators valued practical benefits. Besides, when he had accepted Lin Xuan into his sect back then, he had seen the "hard spirit root" in him. If they encountered a more advanced cultivator or fell into some restrictions, wouldn’t it be foolish to risk their lives for treasures?
Who didn't desire spiritual herbs and treasures, but one also needed life.
"Yes, Master, I can rest easy now," Lin Xuan said with a sigh of relief.
"Thank you."
He didn't say much more. But those few words made his gratitude feel even more genuine.
"There's no need to thank me. I mentioned earlier that this is just a token of my student’s gratitude. Additionally, I have one last piece of advice for you."
"My friend, please speak," True Man Daoist Tongyu said without any airs, knowing the time was ripe.
"Since you already have the spiritual herbs, there's no need to stay in the Netherworld Gate anymore. Although your cultivation is high, this place is fraught with danger. It would be unwise to risk one’s life for treasures."
"Thank you for your kind advice. Even if you didn’t say it, I was planning on finding a secluded place and waiting quietly until the time of the Netherworld Gate ends before being automatically released."
True Man Daoist Tongyu spoke sincerely. His words were not just empty talk; they reflected his true feelings. Three against one could barely hold their own against a late-stage Inner Core cultivator, let alone higher-ranked cultivators or traps.
Who didn’t desire spiritual herbs and treasures? But life was necessary to enjoy them.
"Indeed, Master, I can rest easy now. My last request is..."
"My friend Lin, please speak your mind. If there’s anything within my power, I will not hesitate," True Man Daoist Tongyu said with great enthusiasm.
"I thank you for that. Actually, it's nothing much. I just hope you can give me a copy of the elixir formula to cure the Jade Net Bee venom."
"It is but a small matter; there’s no problem at all."
True Man Daoist Tongyu heaved a sigh of relief. He had initially thought Lin Xuan was going to ask for something difficult, only for it to turn out that he just wanted a copy of an elixir formula. He stretched his hand and tapped his waist, revealing a greenish jade tube.
Then True Man Daoist Tongyu sank his divine sense into the tube.
After a short while, he raised his head and respectfully handed over the jade tube.
Lin Xuan took it with one hand, not even looking at it before putting it in his pocket.
"Thank you, Master. Please take care. I bid you farewell."
Before he could finish speaking, Lin Xuan’s entire body was enveloped in a green glow as he flew away towards the distance. Only the three of them remained where they were.
After a long while, the monk and the old woman finally exhaled in relief.
Although Lin Xuan had already concealed his spiritual pressure to an extent that it could not be felt, such close proximity with a Separation and Union cultivator still affected him.
They didn’t dare breathe, as if they were frogs under a snake’s gaze. This had nothing to do with whether Lin Xuan was hostile or not; it was just the natural reaction of lower-stage beings towards higher-stage cultivators.
Like how dogs trembled in fear before tigers, both reactions stemmed from the same principle.
"True Man Daoist Tongyu, this Lin... Lin senior, really used to be your student?"
Despite witnessing everything that had happened, the old woman still found it hard to believe and asked dryly.
"Yes, Lady Long has already seen him. But now Lin Xuan is at Separation and Union; what right do I have to call myself his master."
True Man Daoist Tongyu said with a self-deprecating smile. His mood was mixed—grateful for Lin Xuan’s help but also envious of the former student who had become an elder.
This wasn’t about having a broad heart; it was just human nature.
"Lin Xuan, Lin Xuan..." The old monk frowned and muttered to himself.
"Master Lingzhong, what are you doing? Did you find something wrong?" True Man Daoist Tongyu was surprised, opening his mouth in surprise.
The white-robed old woman’s expression mirrored his.
"Do the two of you not think that name Lin Xuan sounds familiar?" The monk said unexpectedly.
"Familiar?"
True Man Daoist Tongyu, despite his deep scheming, found himself momentarily confused. However, the old woman’s face showed a thoughtful look.
"Lady Long, have you also remembered something?"
Afterword: The next 1000 words are free for everyone to read.
This is the second update of today; I originally planned to write 5000 words but saw Ziluolang's comment in the book review section and decided to add an extra 1000 words.
Also, a heartfelt confession: Yes, I do have a co-cultivation partner now, but don't worry, my Raindrops are safe. My main focus is still on *A Hundred Refinements to Immortality*. After all, co-cultivation requires spending money, and how can I not work hard?
However, I am a slow writer; it takes me about 8 hours to write 5000 words when my state isn't good. During the last burst of writing, I even had to work overtime until late at night.
I'm not lazy; I just write slowly. Remember that during the last Nanning Writing Conference, everyone talked about their speeds. Some people can write 6000 words in less than two hours, while it takes me around seven or eight hours for 5000 words when my state isn't good.
*The Refinement of a Hundred Battles* has been doing well; not only have I lost votes, but even the recommendation list is hard to get into. I rely on this for my living and now need to support a family. Honestly, how can I not be anxious? But I really can't write fast. Sigh.
I won’t say more; I know it’s my problem and feel guilty about everyone's support. In any case, I will work hard and strive to improve myself so that one day I can write faster.
I will aim for 6000 words a day, but please give me time. Improving speed isn't something that happens overnight; we have to take it step by step. But I will really try my best.
I said all this not to complain but to show that I am committed and will work hard. Thank you, Tinglei, Nylong, Ziluolang, Shuanggong, Qingqing, and everyone who supports me. I will do my best; please continue to support me and *The Refinement of a Hundred Battles*.