zhuǎn yǎn jiān ， gōng shǒu yǐ shì xiāng yì 。
转眼间，攻守已是相易。
In a blink, the battle had switched from offense to defense.
rán ér gǔ mó suī jìng jiè shāo dī ， shí lì què fēn háo yě bù róng zhì yí 。
然而古魔虽境界稍低，实力却分毫也不容质疑。
However, despite being slightly lower in cultivation level, the ancient demon's strength was beyond doubt.
yǎn jiàn yǐ shì zhuǎn shùn jí zhì ， tā de xiōng kǒu yī zhèn mó hú ， jū rán guǐ yì de duō chū le yī zhāng rén de liǎn kǒng 。
眼见已是转瞬即至，他的胸口一阵模糊，居然诡异的多出了一张人的脸孔。
As they approached each other, Lin Xuan’s chest suddenly became hazy as if something strange appeared. A human face materialized before his eyes, with a strikingly handsome appearance.
yǎn ěr kǒu bí ， hái fán wèi yīng jùn de yàng zi 。
眼耳口鼻，还烦为英俊的样子。
The white-faced scholar and the ancient demon had their differences, but now that they shared the same body, there was no reason for them to hinder each other's efforts.
nà bái miàn shū shēng yǔ gǔ mó suī rán hù yǒu xián xì ， dàn cǐ shí liǎng rén gòng yòng yī tǐ ， zì rán méi yǒu hù chě hòu tuǐ de dào lǐ 。
那白面书生与古魔虽然互有嫌隙，但此时两人共用一体，自然没有互扯后腿的道理。
A sinister look flashed in the ancient demon’s eyes as he opened his mouth. A soft "puff" sounded as black-red demonic flames spewed out of his mouth. The shape resembled a lotus flower, but it was much smaller than expected.
yǎn zhōng lì sè shǎn guò 。
眼中厉色闪过。
The lightness technique brushed against the golden glow. This time, there was no thunderous explosion; instead, it behaved like water meeting fire, complementing and countering each other. Both their spiritual lights flickered before vanishing.
zuǐ bā yǐ shì huǎn shí jí de zhāng kāi le 。
嘴巴已似缓实急的张开了。
Their exchange was swift as a rabbit dodging a hawk, with both parties completing one attack in almost the blink of an eye.
“ pū ” de yī shēng qīng xiǎng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， què shì pēn chū yī duǒ hēi hóng sè de mó huǒ 。
“噗”的一声轻响传入耳朵，却是喷出一朵黑红色的魔火。
The battle seemed short but was incredibly perilous.
xíng zhuàng yǔ lián huā chà bu duō ， rán ér tǐ jī què xiǎo le xǔ duō 。
形状与莲花差不多，然而体积却小了许多。
Lin Xuan's eyes widened in astonishment; this was the highest level of combat he had ever encountered since stepping into the cultivation world.
qīng piāo piāo de ， yǔ nà jīn guāng xiāng chù 。
轻飘飘的，与那金光相触。
The Pavilion Master was undoubtedly the top expert in the human realm, and the ancient demon was a high-ranking existence. Their strength far surpassed that of mere cultivators like Dao Hang or Ten Thousand Serpent King.
zhè yī huí ， méi yǒu pī lì bān de jù xiǎng chuán chū ， què rú tóng shuǐ yù shàng le huǒ ， xiāng shēng xiāng kè ， liǎng zhě líng guāng yī zhèn shǎn shuò ， suí hòu tóng shí xiāo shī diào le 。
这一回，没有霹雳般的巨响传出，却如同水遇上了火，相生相克，两者灵光一阵闪烁，随后同时消失掉了。
Lin Xuan's expression darkened as did the ancient demon’s. However, most of his attention was on the Pavilion Master; he was the formidable opponent. As for Lin Xuan, though also at the Separation stage, he was merely a training partner in the eyes of the ancient demon.
zhè yī fān jiāo shǒu ， rú miǎn qǐ gǔ luò ， jī hū zhǎ yǎn jiān shuāng fāng jiù gè zì gōng le yí gè huí hé 。
这一番交手，如免起鹘落，几乎眨眼间双方就各自攻了一个回合。
"Who would have thought that an ordinary mortal could grasp time rules? Fortunately, it's only superficial knowledge..."
kàn shì duǎn cù ， qí shí què xiōng xiǎn dào wú yǐ fù jiā de dì bù 。
看似短促，其实却凶险到无以复加的地步。
Though the ancient demon appeared nonchalant on the surface, his heart was filled with caution. In the realm of cosmological laws, techniques related to time were undoubtedly the most complex and profound. The Pavilion Master’s ability to touch such a domain was truly astonishing; otherwise, he would be a lifeless corpse now.
lín xuān mù dèng kǒu dāi ， zhè shì tā tà rù xiū xiān jiè yǐ lái ， suǒ jiē chù dào de zuì gāo shuǐ píng de zhàn dòu 。
林轩目瞪口呆，这是他踏入修仙界以来，所接触到的最高水平的战斗。
However, this alone wasn't enough to defeat him.
tíng lóu bù kuì shì rén jiè dì yī gāo shǒu ， gǔ mó yě bù kuì shì shàng wèi cún zài 。
亭楼不愧是人界第一高手，古魔也不愧是上位存在。
A sinister smile appeared on his face as he shook his shoulder, elongating his body like a snake. His bone blades flashed with cold light and struck the Pavilion Master’s head.
liǎng zhě de shí lì ， gēn běn jiù bú shì dǎo háng huò zhě wàn jiāo wáng zhī liú de kě bǐ 。
两者的实力，根本就不是祷杭或者万蛟王之流的可比。
The same move was used twice in quick succession.
lín xuān de biǎo qíng ， yīn chén le xià qù 。
林轩的表情，阴沉了下去。
Just moments ago, that attack had been broken by the Pavilion Master.
ér gǔ mó de liǎn sè ， tóng yàng hǎo bù shàng xǔ duō 。
而古魔的脸色，同样好不上许多。
Knowing it wouldn't work, why did he use it again? Had this ancient demon lost his mind?
bù guò tā de zhù yì lì ， shí zhī **， dōu fàng zài wàng tíng lóu ， nà cái shì lìng rén wèi jù de duì shǒu ， zhì yú lín xuān ， suī rán tóng wèi lí hé ， dàn zài tā de yǎn zhōng ， bù guò shì péi liàn bà le 。
不过他的注意力，十之**，都放在望亭楼，那才是令人畏惧的对手，至于林轩，虽然同为离合，但在他的眼中，不过是陪练罢了。
A strange expression appeared on the Pavilion Master's face as Lin Xuan's eyes suddenly flashed with sharp light. His irises glowed with a kaleidoscope of colors, like two precious gems.
“ méi xiǎng dào qū qū yī míng rén jiè de jǐng xiān zhě ， jū rán néng gòu zhǎng wò shí jiān guī zé ， hái hǎo ， zhǐ bù guò shì pí máo bà le ……”
“没想到区区一名人界的井仙者，居然能够掌握时间规则，还好，只不过是皮毛罢了……”
An illusory figure entered Lin Xuan’s vision—very faint but clear enough for him to see that his opponent was approaching from the side.
gǔ mó biǎo miàn suī mǎn bù zài hū ” dàn nèi xīn shēn chù ， què dà wèi jiè jù ” zài tiān dì fǎ zé zhī zhōng ， yǔ shí jiān xiāng guān de mì shù ， jué duì shì zuì wèi xuán ào de yī zhǒng ， wàng tíng lóu jū rán néng gòu chù jí ， zhe shí ràng rén jīng yì ” fǒu zé ， tā xiàn zài yīng gāi shì yī jù bīng lěng de shī tǐ 。
古魔表面虽满不在乎”但内心深处，却大为戒惧”在天地法则之中，与时间相关的秘术，绝对是最为玄奥的一种，望亭楼居然能够触及，着实让人惊异”否则，他现在应该是一具冰冷的尸体。
It was a feint!
bù guò guāng píng zhè ge ， hái dòu bù guò běn mó zǔ 。
不过光凭这个，还斗不过本魔祖。
While it appeared as if he was attacking the Pavilion Master, in reality, the attack was aimed at him.
tā de liǎn shàng ， lù chū yīn chén de xiào róng ， jiān tóu yī dǒu ， shēn tǐ zài cì rú mǎng shé bān lā cháng le ， shǒu zhǒu de gǔ rèn zài ān hán máng shǎn shuò ， pī xiàng le wàng tíng lóu de tóu lú 。
他的脸上，露出阴沉的笑容，肩头一抖，身体再次如蟒蛇般拉长了，手肘的骨刃再安寒芒闪烁，劈向了望亭楼的头颅。
Lin Xuan's nerves tensed. Both of his inner infants opened their eyes simultaneously.
liǎng cì gōng jī ” què shì tóng yàng de zhāo shù 。
两次攻击”却是同样的招数。
He couldn't dodge now; instead, he threw several talismans out.
ér zài qián yī kè ， tā de zhè zhāo cái gāng gāng bèi tíng lóu pò chú 。
而在前一刻，他的这招才刚刚被亭楼破除。
A loud explosion filled the air as dense lightning and fire surrounded them. Lin Xuan had entered the Separation stage, carrying powerful talismans. This attack was equivalent to spending a million crystal stones.
míng zhī dào méi yòng ， què zài yí cì shī zhǎn ， nán dào zhè gǔ mó nǎo dài yǐ shuāi huài 。
明知道没用，却再一次施展，难道这古魔脑袋已摔坏。
As they say, money can buy anything, even life.
tíng lóu liǎn shàng lù chū qí guài zhī sè ， rán ér hái bù děng tā yǒu duō yú de dòng zuò ， lín xuān yǎn zhōng ， què yǐ jīng máng bào shè 。
亭楼脸上露出奇怪之色，然而还不等他有多余的动作，林轩眼中，却已精芒爆射。
The ancient demon was taken aback by Lin Xuan's generous display of power. While the lightning and fire couldn't completely destroy him, their defensive effects were significant enough to buy some time.
tā de yǎn dǐ shēn chù ， jū rán wǔ cǎi liú lí ” jiù rú tóng liǎng kē bǎo shí bān xùn làn měi lì 。
他的眼底深处，居然五彩琉璃”就如同两颗宝石般殉烂美丽。
Taking advantage of this momentary distraction, Lin Xuan regained his composure. In a high-stakes battle, every second counted. He swiftly deployed Nine Heaven Microstep, retreating over twenty feet while dodging the ancient demon's attacks again without success.
yī dào xū yǐng jìn rù lín xuān de shì xiàn lǐ 。
一道虚影进入林轩的视线里。
His face showed signs of anger and confusion.
hěn dàn ！
很淡！
"You're just an ordinary mortal. How could you possibly recognize the Divine Phoenix Immortal?" Lin Xuan was shocked to hear his own technique being exposed.
rán ér lín xuān què miǎn qiǎng kàn qīng chǔ ， duì fāng zhèng cóng cè miàn ， yū huí xiàng zì jǐ jiē jìn 。
然而林轩却勉强看清楚，对方正从侧面，迂回像自己接近。
But upon hearing "Divine Phoenix Immortal," he regained his composure, though his heart raced with excitement beneath the surface.
yuán lái shì shēng dōng jī xī ！
原来是声东击西！
Could this opponent recognize a divine technique from the Phoenix Dance Nine Heavens?
biǎo miàn shàng xiàng wàng tíng lóu chū shǒu ， àn dì lǐ ， què gōng xiàng le zì jǐ 。
表面上像望亭楼出手，暗地里，却攻向了自己。
Birds naturally have excellent eyesight compared to humans. As the king of all birds, the phoenix’s innate advantage was even more pronounced. It was said that the phoenix's eyes could see through any illusion; even perfect invisibility talismans would reveal their true form before it.
lín xuān de shén jīng ， yī xià zi bēng jǐn ， tǐ nèi de liǎng gè yuán yīng ” jī hū shì tóng shí zhēng kāi le yǎn jīng 。
林轩的神经，一下子绷紧，体内的两个元婴”几乎是同时睁开了眼睛。
The effect of the Heavenly Phoenix Eye technique, while not as powerful as a true divine phoenix, was still among the top in spirit eye techniques—ranking third at most.
duǒ yǐ jīng lái bù jí ， tā jiāng zhuāi zài shǒu lǐ de jǐ zhāng fú zhuàn rēng le chū qù 。
躲已经来不及，他将拽在手里的几张符篆扔了出去。
However, Lin Xuan’s shallow cultivation meant he only grasped a fraction of its power.
hōng lōng lóng de bào liè shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， sì zhōu dùn shí bù mǎn le mì jí de léi huǒ 。
轰隆隆的爆裂声传入耳朵，四周顿时布满了密集的雷火。
But that wasn't what alarmed him; what shocked him was how this opponent could recognize the Divine Phoenix Immortal.
lín xuān rú jīn kě zǒu jìn jiē lí hé ， shēn shàng suǒ xié dài de fú zhuàn fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， zhè yī cì chū shǒu ” jiù xiāng dāng yú jiāng bǎi wàn jīng shí zá le chū qù 。
林轩如今可走进阶离合，身上所携带的符篆非同小可，这一次出手”就相当于将百万晶石砸了出去。
Indeed, the senior had ascended to the higher realm, but as the founder of the Divine Phoenix Sect, it was already over a million years ago. If it were just about recognizing techniques, it would be understandable. But from the ancient demon’s tone, this woman was still alive and well.
sú huà shuō ， yǒu qián néng shǐ guǐ tuī mò ， zhè jīn zi ” zì rán yě shì néng gòu zá sǐ rén de 。
俗话说，有钱能使鬼推磨，这金子”自然也是能够砸死人的。
A million-year-old monster could either have ingested some miraculous fruit to extend her lifespan or reached an unprecedented state of cultivation.
lín xuān chū shǒu rú cǐ kuò chuò ， gǔ mó yě bù yóu de hài rán shī sè ” nà xiē léi huǒ gù rán wú fǎ jiāng qí miè chú ， dàn shāo shāo dú dǎng de wēi lì ， hái shì lì suǒ néng jí 。
林轩出手如此阔绰，古魔也不由得骇然失色”那些雷火固然无法将其灭除，但稍稍独挡的威力，还是力所能及。
Lin Xuan's heart raced with shock, but he kept a poker face. His intention wasn't to negotiate; it was merely to distract the ancient demon.
zhè shāo yī dān gē ， lín xuān yǐ huǎn guò le shǒu lái ， gāo shǒu xiàng zhēng ， běn lái jiù zhǐ zài yī xiàn ， zhǐ jiàn tā shēn xíng wēi shǎn ， yǐ jiāng jiǔ tiān wēi bù shī zhǎn kāi 。
这稍一耽搁，林轩已缓过了手来，高手相争，本来就只在一线，只见他身形微闪，已将九天微步施展开。
He signaled to the Pavilion Master, and they both launched their attacks simultaneously.
xiàng hòu piāo chū èr shí yú zhàng lái fēi gǔ mó de gōng jī ， zài yí cì méi yǒu xiào guǒ ， tā de liǎn shàng ， yǐn yǐn fàn chū nù sè ， bù guò jīng yí bù dìng de chéng fèn gèng duō 。
向后飘出二十余丈来飞古魔的攻击，再一次没有效果，他的脸上，隐隐泛出怒色，不过惊疑不定的成分更多。
Lin Xuan flicked his sleeves, and the Nine Heaven Bright Moon Ring flew out, swirling around him as hundreds of illusory images appeared beside him.
“ tiān fèng shén mù ， nǐ bù guò shì yī xià jiè xiū shì ， zěn me kě néng rèn shí xuán fèng xiān zi ？”
“天凤神目，你不过是一下界修士，怎么可能认识玄凤仙子？”
The spiritual light shone brightly, giving off an imposing aura. This was just the beginning; once infused with cosmic energy, it seemed almost tangible.
tīng duì fāng jiāng zì jǐ de shén tōng jiào pò ， lín xuān hài rán yǐ jí ， bù guò tīng jiàn xuán fèng xiān zi de míng zì ， xīn zhōng fǎn ér lěng jìng xià lái le 。
听对方将自己的神通叫破，林轩骇然以极，不过听见玄凤仙子的名字，心中反而冷静下来了。
"Quickly!"
dāng rán ， zhè zhǐ shì biǎo miàn ér yǐ ， nèi xīn dǐ bù ， què rú tóng hǎi miàn bèi xiān qǐ le shí jí dà fēng 。
当然，这只是表面而已，内心底部，却如同海面被掀起了十级大风。
Lin Xuan pointed his finger forward. The Nine Heaven Bright Moon Ring trembled, and so did the hundreds of ring shadows that gathered together like a stream, shooting towards their opponent at incredible speed.
duì fāng néng gòu rèn chū fèng wǔ jiǔ tiān jué zhōng de shén tōng ？
对方能够认出凤舞九天诀中的神通？
The Pavilion Master wasn't idle either. He wrote eighteen types of weapons in flowing script—calligraphy that looked like cursive writing.
fēi qín yǔ rén lèi xiāng bǐ ， běn lái jiù yōng yǒu jí hǎo de yǎn lì 。
飞禽与人类相比，本来就拥有极好的眼力。
Eighteen golden characters appeared as if by magic, and the weapons materialized before him.
fèng huáng zuò wèi bǎi niǎo zhī wáng ， zhè tiān fù de yōu shì gèng bù bì tí 。
凤凰做为百鸟之王，这天赋的优势更不必提。
The techniques used by the Pavilion Master seemed like divine inspiration.
jù shuō fèng huáng de shuāng mù ， néng gòu kàn tòu yī qiè huàn shù ， jiù suàn shì wán měi de yǐn shēn fú ， zài xī miàn qián yě zhǐ néng yuán xíng bì lù 。
据说凤凰的双目，能够看透一切幻术，就算是完美的隐身符，在牺面前也只能原形毕露。
The ancient demon’s expression changed dramatically after their exchange; he now had a clear understanding of both opponents' strengths. The Pavilion Master was formidable, but even the Separation stage cultivator in front of him couldn’t be taken lightly. He didn't know what connection they might have at this level, but his strength far exceeded that of ordinary peers.
In a blink, the battle had switched from offense to defense.
However, despite being slightly lower in cultivation level, the ancient demon's strength was beyond doubt.
As they approached each other, Lin Xuan’s chest suddenly became hazy as if something strange appeared. A human face materialized before his eyes, with a strikingly handsome appearance.
The white-faced scholar and the ancient demon had their differences, but now that they shared the same body, there was no reason for them to hinder each other's efforts.
A sinister look flashed in the ancient demon’s eyes as he opened his mouth. A soft "puff" sounded as black-red demonic flames spewed out of his mouth. The shape resembled a lotus flower, but it was much smaller than expected.
The lightness technique brushed against the golden glow. This time, there was no thunderous explosion; instead, it behaved like water meeting fire, complementing and countering each other. Both their spiritual lights flickered before vanishing.
Their exchange was swift as a rabbit dodging a hawk, with both parties completing one attack in almost the blink of an eye.
The battle seemed short but was incredibly perilous.
Lin Xuan's eyes widened in astonishment; this was the highest level of combat he had ever encountered since stepping into the cultivation world.
The Pavilion Master was undoubtedly the top expert in the human realm, and the ancient demon was a high-ranking existence. Their strength far surpassed that of mere cultivators like Dao Hang or Ten Thousand Serpent King.
Lin Xuan's expression darkened as did the ancient demon’s. However, most of his attention was on the Pavilion Master; he was the formidable opponent. As for Lin Xuan, though also at the Separation stage, he was merely a training partner in the eyes of the ancient demon.
"Who would have thought that an ordinary mortal could grasp time rules? Fortunately, it's only superficial knowledge..."
Though the ancient demon appeared nonchalant on the surface, his heart was filled with caution. In the realm of cosmological laws, techniques related to time were undoubtedly the most complex and profound. The Pavilion Master’s ability to touch such a domain was truly astonishing; otherwise, he would be a lifeless corpse now.
However, this alone wasn't enough to defeat him.
A sinister smile appeared on his face as he shook his shoulder, elongating his body like a snake. His bone blades flashed with cold light and struck the Pavilion Master’s head.
The same move was used twice in quick succession.
Just moments ago, that attack had been broken by the Pavilion Master.
Knowing it wouldn't work, why did he use it again? Had this ancient demon lost his mind?
A strange expression appeared on the Pavilion Master's face as Lin Xuan's eyes suddenly flashed with sharp light. His irises glowed with a kaleidoscope of colors, like two precious gems.
An illusory figure entered Lin Xuan’s vision—very faint but clear enough for him to see that his opponent was approaching from the side.
It was a feint!
While it appeared as if he was attacking the Pavilion Master, in reality, the attack was aimed at him.
Lin Xuan's nerves tensed. Both of his inner infants opened their eyes simultaneously.
He couldn't dodge now; instead, he threw several talismans out.
A loud explosion filled the air as dense lightning and fire surrounded them. Lin Xuan had entered the Separation stage, carrying powerful talismans. This attack was equivalent to spending a million crystal stones.
As they say, money can buy anything, even life.
The ancient demon was taken aback by Lin Xuan's generous display of power. While the lightning and fire couldn't completely destroy him, their defensive effects were significant enough to buy some time.
Taking advantage of this momentary distraction, Lin Xuan regained his composure. In a high-stakes battle, every second counted. He swiftly deployed Nine Heaven Microstep, retreating over twenty feet while dodging the ancient demon's attacks again without success.
His face showed signs of anger and confusion.
"You're just an ordinary mortal. How could you possibly recognize the Divine Phoenix Immortal?" Lin Xuan was shocked to hear his own technique being exposed.
But upon hearing "Divine Phoenix Immortal," he regained his composure, though his heart raced with excitement beneath the surface.
Could this opponent recognize a divine technique from the Phoenix Dance Nine Heavens?
Birds naturally have excellent eyesight compared to humans. As the king of all birds, the phoenix’s innate advantage was even more pronounced. It was said that the phoenix's eyes could see through any illusion; even perfect invisibility talismans would reveal their true form before it.
The effect of the Heavenly Phoenix Eye technique, while not as powerful as a true divine phoenix, was still among the top in spirit eye techniques—ranking third at most.
However, Lin Xuan’s shallow cultivation meant he only grasped a fraction of its power.
But that wasn't what alarmed him; what shocked him was how this opponent could recognize the Divine Phoenix Immortal.
Indeed, the senior had ascended to the higher realm, but as the founder of the Divine Phoenix Sect, it was already over a million years ago. If it were just about recognizing techniques, it would be understandable. But from the ancient demon’s tone, this woman was still alive and well.
A million-year-old monster could either have ingested some miraculous fruit to extend her lifespan or reached an unprecedented state of cultivation.
Lin Xuan's heart raced with shock, but he kept a poker face. His intention wasn't to negotiate; it was merely to distract the ancient demon.
He signaled to the Pavilion Master, and they both launched their attacks simultaneously.
Lin Xuan flicked his sleeves, and the Nine Heaven Bright Moon Ring flew out, swirling around him as hundreds of illusory images appeared beside him.
The spiritual light shone brightly, giving off an imposing aura. This was just the beginning; once infused with cosmic energy, it seemed almost tangible.
"Quickly!"
Lin Xuan pointed his finger forward. The Nine Heaven Bright Moon Ring trembled, and so did the hundreds of ring shadows that gathered together like a stream, shooting towards their opponent at incredible speed.
The Pavilion Master wasn't idle either. He wrote eighteen types of weapons in flowing script—calligraphy that looked like cursive writing.
Eighteen golden characters appeared as if by magic, and the weapons materialized before him.
The techniques used by the Pavilion Master seemed like divine inspiration.
The ancient demon’s expression changed dramatically after their exchange; he now had a clear understanding of both opponents' strengths. The Pavilion Master was formidable, but even the Separation stage cultivator in front of him couldn’t be taken lightly. He didn't know what connection they might have at this level, but his strength far exceeded that of ordinary peers.