“ lín xiōng suǒ yán bù cuò ， běn gōng zi yě zàn chéng de 。“ xiān mù yī lán de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， cǐ shí cǐ kè ， tā liǎn shàng cóng róng de biǎo qíng yě xiāo nì bú jiàn le 。
“林兄所言不错，本公子也赞成的。“纤幕伊篮的声音传入耳朵，此时此刻，他脸上从容的表情也消匿不见了。
"Brother Lin's words are correct. I agree with them," the voice of Fine Curtain Yi Lan entered his ears. At this moment, the composed expression on his face had vanished.
“ hǎo ， jiù yī dào yǒu suǒ yán 。”
“好，就依道友所言。”
"Very well, let us follow your advice."
jīn hóng chán shī yī biān shuō ， yī biān yǐ xiàng lóu tī fēi lüè ér qù le 。
金泓禅师一边说，一边已像楼梯飞掠而去了。
Golden Stream Zen Master spoke while already flying down the stairs like a bolt from the blue.
lìng wài liǎng rén méi yǒu duō shuō ， dàn bù fǒu jué yě jiù xiāng dāng yú mò rèn le 。
另外两人没有多说，但不否决也就相当于默认了。
The other two did not say much but their lack of objection was tantamount to agreement.
qiě bù shuō zhuī bù zhuī dé shàng hái shì gè wèn tí ， guāng shì nà shén mì dí rén de shí lì ， jiù lìng tā men xīn jīng bù yǐ ， wàn yī shì dòng xuán qī xiū xiān zhě ， zì jǐ shǎ hū hū zhuī shàng qù ， qǐ bù shì jiāng yáng sòng dào hǔ kǒu lǐ ” bǎo wù gù rán lìng rén dòng xīn ， dàn yě yào yǒu mìng xiǎng yòng cái xíng 。
且不说追不追得上还是个问题，光是那神秘敌人的实力，就令他们心惊不已，万一是洞玄期修仙者，自己傻乎乎追上去，岂不是将羊送到虎口里”宝物固然令人动心，但也要有命享用才行。
Whether they could catch up or not was still uncertain. However, the strength of that mysterious enemy left them in awe. If it were a Cave Profound cultivator, chasing after it would be akin to sending a lamb into a tiger's mouth. Precious items might entice one, but one must have the life force to enjoy them.
hé kuàng lín xuān yán zhī yǒu lǐ ， dì sān céng shàng wèi dòng guò ， yě xǔ nà lǐ de bǎo wù gèng duō ， zhǐ yào qǔ dé ， yě suàn shì bù xū cǐ xíng le 。
何况林轩言之有理，第三层尚未动过，也许那里的宝物更多，只要取得，也算是不虚此行了。
Moreover, Brother Lin had spoken sense. The third layer was untouched; perhaps there were more treasures inside. If they could obtain them, their journey wouldn't have been in vain.
xiāng duì qù zhuī de bù què dìng yǔ wēi xiǎn lái shuō ， jì xù sōu suǒ dì sān céng xiǎn rán gèng wéi wěn tuǒ ” zuò wèi lí hé qī xiū xiān zhě ， jīng lì fēng yǔ wú shù ， gāi zěn me xuǎn zé ， zì rán shì yì diǎn jiù tòu 。
相对去追的不确定与危险来说，继续搜索第三层显然更为稳妥”做为离合期修仙者，经历风雨无数，该怎么选择，自然是一点就透。
Compared to the uncertainty and danger of chasing after it, continuing to search for the third level seemed a safer bet. As a Separation Period cultivator who had experienced countless storms, he knew how to make such decisions.
shǒu shì jiàn jīn hóng chán shī dòng shǒu ， sì rén mù guāng xiāng chù ， yě háo bù yóu yù de gēn shàng qù le 。
手是见金泓禅师动手，四人目光相触，也毫不犹豫的跟上去了。
Seeing Golden Stream Zen Master take action, the four exchanged glances and followed without hesitation.
lóu tī bìng bù zhǎng ， bù guò bǎi shí jiē zuǒ yòu ， tā men jī hū shì zhuǎn shùn jiān jiù lái dào le dì sān céng de rù kǒu 。
楼梯并不长，不过百十阶左右，他们几乎是转瞬间就来到了第三层的入口。
The stairs were not long; there were only about a hundred steps or so. They arrived at the entrance of the third level almost instantly.
tóng yàng shì yī céng hù zhào yìng rù yǎn lián zhōng 。
同样是一层护罩映入眼帘中。
Again, they saw a protective barrier before their eyes.
rán ér yǔ yǐ qián suǒ jiàn de fáng hù jìn zhì bù tóng ， cǐ hù zhào suī shì guāng mù ， què níng hòu yì cháng ， kàn shàng qù jiù xiàng ruò yǒu shí zhì yī yàng 。
然而与以前所见的防护禁制不同，此护罩虽是光幕，却凝厚异常，看上去就像若有实质一样。
However, unlike previous defensive restrictions, this barrier was thick and substantial, appearing almost tangible.
jǐ rén miàn miàn xiāng qù ， wú bù dà xǐ 。
几人面面相觑，无不大喜。
The four exchanged glances, all delighted.
zhè hù zhào yī jiù shì wán hǎo wú sǔn dì ” duì fāng bìng wèi jìn qù ， huàn jù huà shuō ， lǐ miàn de bǎo wù ， yī jiù shì wán hǎo wú sǔn dì 。
这护罩依旧是完好无损地”对方并未进去，换句话说，里面的宝物，依旧是完好无损地。
This barrier remained intact.
zǒng suàn méi yǒu bái máng huó 。
总算没有白忙活。
The other party had not entered; in other words, the treasures inside were still intact. They hadn't worked in vain.
“ hái děng shén me ， dà jiā yī qí dòng shǒu jiāng jìn zhì pò chú ” rán hòu píng fēn le lǐ miàn de bǎo wù 。” jīn yì de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， yǔ qì yīn 〖 xīng 〗 fèn ér xiǎn de yǒu xiē jí cù 。
“还等什么，大家一齐动手将禁制破除”然后平分了里面的宝物。”金义的声音传入耳朵，语气因〖兴〗奋而显得有些急促。
"Let's get moving. Everyone, let's break through this restriction together and then share the treasures," Golden Yi's voice entered his ears, sounding somewhat agitated with excitement.
“ bù cuò ， yè cháng mèng duō ， wǒ men bù kě bēi zài dān gē 。” xiān mù yī lán tūn le yī kǒu tuò mò ， yě bù zài hé zhè lǎo duì shǒu tái gàng le 。
“不错，夜长梦多，我们不可卑再耽搁。”纤幕伊蓝吞了一口唾沫，也不再和这老对手抬杠了。
"Agreed. Time is of the essence. We can't afford to dawdle any longer," Fine Curtain Yi Lan swallowed a mouthful of saliva and no longer argued with her old rival.
qí tā rén zì rán sī háo yì yì yě wú fēn bié jiāng gè zì de ná shǒu bǎo wù fàng chū ” yī shí jiān líng máng dà zuò ， zhěng gè hù zhào dōu bèi gè sè guāng yùn gěi yān mò diào le ， rán ér zhè céng jìn zhì yuǎn bǐ dà mén nà céng yào jiān gù ， xiǎng yào jiāng qí gōng pò bú shì yī shí bàn huì er néng gòu bàn dào de 。
其他人自然丝毫异议也无分别将各自的拿手宝物放出”一时间灵芒大做，整个护罩都被各色光晕给淹没掉了，然而这层禁制远比大门那层要坚固，想要将其攻破不是一时半会儿能够办到的。
The others naturally had no objections as well, each releasing their prized treasures. In an instant, spiritual light shone brightly, enveloping the entire barrier in multicolored glows. However, this layer's restriction was far more robust than the one at the entrance; breaking it would take some time.
shí jiān rú bái jū guò xì ， bào liè shēng hái zài bù tíng de chuán rù ěr lǐ yīn wèi shì zài xū yú kōng jiān lǐ ， suǒ yǐ méi yǒu bái tiān yǔ hēi yè de jiāo tì ， dàn lín xuān wǔ rén hái shì kě yǐ qīng chǔ de gǎn dào shí guāng de liú shì 。
时间如白驹过隙，爆裂声还在不停的传入耳里因为是在须臾空间里，所以没有白天与黑夜的交替，但林轩五人还是可以清楚的感到时光的流逝。
Time passed quickly like a horse galloping across a field. The explosive sounds continued to enter their ears because they were within the Moment Space, without day and night cycles, but Lin Xuan and his companions could still feel the passage of time clearly.
zhè yī huí ， lín xuān méi yǒu xū yǔ wēi yí ， ér shì zhēn zhèng zài yòng lì gōng jī ， zhǐ jiàn nà hù zhào wài ， jiàn qì rú hóng ， suǒ jì chū de bǎo wù yě zài pīn mìng de zhuàng jī ， gè zhǒng léi huǒ bīng shǐ gèng shì rú tuō jiāng yě mǎ yì bān de fēng yōng ér qù 。
这一回，林轩没有虚与委蛇，而是真正在用力攻击，只见那护罩外，剑气如虹，所祭出的宝物也在拼命的撞击，各种雷火冰矢更是如脱缰野马一般的蜂拥而去。
This time, Lin Xuan didn't play along; he truly attacked with all his might. Outside the barrier, sword energy like a rainbow surged forth, and the treasures launched at it collided fiercely. Various bolts of lightning, fire, and ice rushed forward like wild horses.
tā men zài zhè lǐ ， yǐ zú zú dān gē le xiǎo bàn tiān de gōng fu ， guài bù dé duì fāng huì xuǎn zé fàng qì ， jiù suàn shì dòng xuán qī xiū xiān zhě ， xiǎng yào pò chú zhè hù zhào ” yě bú shì nà me róng yì 。
他们在这里，已足足耽搁了小半天的功夫，怪不得对方会选择放弃，就算是洞玄期修仙者，想要破除这护罩”也不是那么容易。
They had already spent nearly half a day here, no wonder their opponent chose to give up. Even for a Cave Profound cultivator, breaking through this barrier wasn't easy.
suí zhe shí guāng de liú shì ， wǔ rén de liǎn sè kāi shǐ jiàn jiàn fā bái ， yī fù yuán qì shòu sǔn de yàng zi 。
随着时光的流逝，五人的脸色开始渐渐发白，一副元气受损的样子。
As time passed, their faces began to pale, showing signs of depleted energy.
míng quán xiān zi méi tóu yī tiāo ， shēn shǒu yī pāi ， yí gè yù hé qǔ le chū lái ， dǎ kāi hé gài ” lù chū yī lóng yǎn dà xiǎo de dān wán ， cǐ nǚ jiàng qí nà rù zuǐ bā lǐ miàn 。
明泉仙子眉头一挑，伸手一拍，一个玉盒取了出来，打开盒盖”露出一龙眼大小的丹丸，此女将其纳入嘴巴里面。
Clear Spring Fairy raised an eyebrow and reached out with her hand, taking out an jade box. Opening the lid, she revealed a pill as large as a dragon's eye. She put it in her mouth.
xiǎn rán shì bǔ chōng fǎ lì de xiān dān ！
显然是补充法力的仙丹！
Clearly, this was a power-replenishing elixir!
qí yú jǐ rén yě méi yǒu xián zhe shēn wèi lí hé qī xiū xiān zhě ， wài chū xún bǎo yòu zěn me kě néng bù dài huī fù fǎ lì de dān yào 。
其余几人也没有闲着身为离合期修仙者，外出寻宝又怎么可能不带恢复法力的丹药。
The others were not idle either; as Separation Period cultivators, they couldn't possibly venture out without restoring their energy.
lín xuān yě qǔ chū yī cuì lǜ yù dī de hú lú ， gū lū gū lū de dà kǒu kāi shǐ hē qǐ líng jiǔ lái le 。
林轩也取出一翠绿欲滴的葫芦，咕噜咕噜的大口开始喝起灵酒来了。
Lin Xuan took out a green-gleaming gourd and began gulping down the spiritual wine. He had paid dearly for it. Although it couldn't compare to a ten-thousand-year-old spirit milk, its speed of replenishing energy far exceeded that of ordinary elixirs. Drinking half a gourd would restore his nearly depleted energy within an hour.
zhè kě shì tā huā le dà jià qián gòu dé ” suī rán wú fǎ yǔ wàn nián líng rǔ xiāng bǐ ， dàn qí huī fù fǎ lì de sù dù yě yuǎn yuǎn shèng guò yì bān de dān yào le ， hē shàng bàn hú ， zài yí gè shí chén nèi yě kě yǐ jiāng bīn lín kū jié de fǎ lì bǔ zú 。
这可是他huā了大价钱购得”虽然无法与万年灵乳相比，但其恢复法力的速度也远远胜过一般的丹药了，喝上半葫，在一个时辰内也可以将濒临枯竭的法力补足。
While refueling their energy, they continued attacking. Their minds were filled with curses. They hoped this time wouldn't disappoint them as well.
yī biān bǔ chōng fǎ lì ， yī biān jì xù gōng jī zhì yú xīn lǐ ， zé pò kǒu dà mà bù yǐ ， dōu shuō hǎo shì duō mó ， dàn yuàn zhè yì huí er ， kě qiān wàn bú yào zài ràng zì jǐ shī wàng le 。
一边补充法力，一边继续攻击至于心里，则破口大骂不已，都说好事多磨，但愿这一回儿，可千万不要再让自己失望了。
Rumbling explosions echoed in their ears. After who knew how long, a startling explosion finally shattered the solid barrier, making it vanish like a bubble.
hōng lōng lóng de bào liè shēng bù tíng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， yòu bù zhī guò le duō jiǔ ， yī shēng lìng rén jīng chà de jù xiǎng guò hòu ， nà jiān shí wú bǐ de guāng zhào zhōng yú huà wèi xū wú ” rú qì pào yì bān de mǐn miè diào le 。
轰隆隆的爆裂声不停传入耳朵，又不知过了多久，一声令人惊诧的巨响过后，那坚实无比的光罩终于化为虚无”如气泡一般的泯灭掉了。
The five were elated and dashed inside.
wǔ rén dà xǐ ， yī jīn dài fēng de lüè le jìn qù 。
五人大喜，衣襟带风的掠了进去。
"What is this?"
“ zhè shì shén me ？”
“这是什么？”
Clear Spring Fairy couldn't help but exclaim when she saw the scene before her eyes, and Lin Xuan and his companions also showed surprise.
kàn qīng chǔ yǎn qián de jǐng wù ， míng quán xiān zi què rěn bú zhù shī shēng jīng hū ， lín xuān sì rén ， yě dōu lù chū è rán zhī sè 。
看清楚眼前的景物，明泉仙子却忍不住失声惊呼，林轩四人，也都露出愕然之色。
This third level was much smaller than they had expected; at most, it covered a hundred feet. Everything in the hall could be seen clearly from where they stood.
zhè dì sān céng miàn jī zhī xiǎo ， hái yuǎn yuǎn chū hū tā men de yù liào ， mǎn dǎ mǎn suàn ， yě jiù bù guò bǎi zhàng ” fàng yǎn wàng qù ， tīng zhōng de jǐng wù ” jī hū kě yǐ yī lǎn wú yú 。
这第三层面积之小，还远远出乎他们的预料，满打满算，也就不过百丈”放眼望去，厅中的景物”几乎可以一览无余。
The walls were spotlessly clean, with warm jade paving the ground, making it look more luxurious than a palace.
sì bì zhěng jié yì cháng ， dì miàn pù zhe nuǎn yù ， kàn shàng qù bǐ huáng gōng hái yào huá lì 。
四壁整洁异常，地面铺着暖玉，看上去比皇宫还要华丽。
What surprised them even more was that in the center of the third level, there was an altar, and on top of it, a small shrine was placed. It looked exquisite.
lìng tā men de jīng yà de shì ， dì sān céng 〖 zhōng 〗 yāng ， fàng zhe ｌ gè gòng zhuō ， ér zài gòng zhuō zhī shàng ， zé bǎi fàng zhe yī xiǎo qiǎo de shén kān ， kàn shàng qù jīng zhì yì cháng 。
令他们的惊讶的是，第三层〖中〗央，放着ｌ个供桌，而在供桌之上，则摆放着一小巧的神龛，看上去精致异常。
In front of the shrine, incense burners, paper offerings, and other items were present. The sandalwood incense had been burning for countless eons but still emitted faint blue smoke.
ér zài shén kān zhī qián ” xiāng lú zhǐ qián ” yī yīng jù quán ， rú jīn yǐ bù zhī dào guò qù le duō shǎo wàn nián ， kě zhè tán xiāng yī jiù xiàng wài mào zhe liǎo liǎo de qīng yān 。
而在神龛之前”香炉纸钱”一应俱全，如今已不知道过去了多少万年，可这檀香依旧向外冒着了了的青烟。
"..."
“ zhè ……”
“这……”
The five were stunned. They called this the Ancestor Hall, yet it was full of oddities. If they said it was a treasure trove, it would be even more bizarre.
wǔ rén mǎn miàn jīng è ， zhè lǐ shuō shì zǔ shī cí táng ， yòu chōng mǎn le guài yì ， jiǎng chéng cáng bǎo zhī dì bà ， gèng shì guǐ yì yǐ jí 。
五人满面惊愕，这里说是祖师祠堂，又充满了怪异，讲成藏宝之地罢，更是诡异以极。
"Eh? There's something in that shrine," Clear Spring Fairy's exclamation reached his ears; women are indeed more meticulous.
“ yí ， nà shén kān lǐ yǒu dōng xī 。” míng quán xiān zi de jīng hū chuán rù le ěr lǐ ， nǚ rén dào dǐ yào xì xīn yī xiē 。
“咦，那神龛里有东西。”明泉仙子的惊呼传入了耳里，女人到底要细心一些。
"Where?"
“ nǎ lǐ ？”
“哪里？”
The other four were delighted and hurriedly followed her.
qí yú sì rén dà xǐ ， lián máng suí zhī zǒu le guò qù 。
其余四人大喜，连忙随之走了过去。
Sure enough, there was an jade box on the altar, placed right in front of the incense burner. That explained why their view had been blocked earlier.
guǒ rán méi cuò ， zài nà shén kān zhī zhōng bǎi fàng zhe yí gè yù hé ， bǎi fàng dì diǎn ， zhèng duì zhe xiāng lú ， guài shuō bù dé ， gāng cái shì xiàn huì bèi dǎng zhù 。
果然没错，在那神龛之中摆放着一个玉盒，摆放地点，正对着香炉，怪说不得，刚才视线会被挡住。
Golden Stream's hand stretched out with joy.
jīn yì dà xǐ ， jiāng shǒu shēn le guò qù 。
金义大喜，将手伸了过去。
"Wait."
“ qiě màn 。”
“且慢。”
Lin Xuan raised his eyebrows and flicked a finger, sending a beam of light that deflected the other's hand.
lín xuān què méi tóu yī tiāo ， qū zhǐ wēi dàn ， yī dào guāng xiá fēi juǎn ， jiāng duì fāng de shǒu dǎ piān 。
林轩却眉头一挑，屈指微弹，一道光霞飞卷，将对方的手打偏。
"What is your intention?" Golden Stream's expression turned extremely fierce.
“ dào yǒu zhè shì hé yì ？”
“道友这是何意？”
But Lin Xuan ignored him: "Why are you in such a hurry? You act so rashly when doing things. Don't you find this jade box suspicious?"
jīn yì de biǎo qíng dùn shí zhēng níng yǐ jí ” lín xuān què shì ruò wú dǔ ：“ dào yǒu huāng shén me ， zuò shì qíng dōu mǎng mǎng zhuàng zhuàng de ， nǐ bù jué dé zhè yù hé yǒu xiē qí guài me ？”
金义的表情顿时狰狞以极”林轩却视若无睹：“道友慌什么，做事情都莽莽撞撞的，你不觉得这玉盒有些奇怪么？”
"Strange?" Golden Stream was taken aback.
“ qí guài ？” jīn yì yī dāi 。
“奇怪？”金义一呆。
"Yes," Fine Curtain Yi Lan interjected, "Brother Lin is right. Look at it; the shrine faces the incense burner, accepting offerings, and it's placed in a small shrine. What is a shrine? I believe all of you know its purpose—it’s used to place statues or spirit tablets of deities and ancestors. Emotionally and logically, it wouldn't be used for storing treasures, especially with an incense burner nearby."
“ bù cuò 。” xiān mù yī lán què cóng páng chā kǒu le ：“ lín xiōng suǒ yán ， dà wèi yǒu lǐ ” zhū wèi kàn ” zhè yù hé zhèng duì zhe xiāng lú ， nǎi shì jiē shòu gòng fèng ， ér qiě yòu bǎi fàng zài shén kān zhī zhōng ” shén kān shì shén me ， wǒ xiǎng zhū wèi dào yǒu dōu xīn lǐ qīng chǔ ， zhè dōng xī ， nǎi shì fàng zhì shén fó sù xiàng hé zǔ zōng líng pái de xiǎo gé ， yú qíng yú lǐ ， dōu bú huì yòng lái fàng zhì bǎo wù ， gèng hé kuàng ， páng biān hái yǒu qián zhǐ xiāng lú ……”
“不错。”纤幕伊蓝却从旁插口了：“林兄所言，大为有理”诸位看”这玉盒正对着香炉，乃是接受供奉，而且又摆放在神龛之中”神龛是什么，我想诸位道友都心里清楚，这东西，乃是放置神佛塑像和祖宗灵牌的小阁，于情于理，都不会用来放置宝物，更何况，旁边还有钱纸香炉……”
Clear Spring Fairy and Golden Stream's expressions turned serious upon hearing this; indeed, something was amiss.
míng quán xiān zi yǔ jīn hóng xiān zi tīng le ” liǎn shàng yě dōu lù chū níng zhòng zhī sè ， cǐ shì què shí yǒu diǎn guǐ yì de 。
明泉仙子与金泓仙子听了”脸上也都露出凝重之色，此事确实有点诡异的。
But Golden Stream shook his head dismissively: "You two are overthinking it. Perhaps the Dan Yue Sect is playing tricks to deceive us."
jīn yì què bù yǐ wéi rán de yáo le yáo tóu ：“ liǎng wèi duō lǜ le ， yě xǔ shì dān yuè zōng de rén zài gù nòng xuán xū ， gǎo chū zhè yī tào lái mí huò wǒ men ér yǐ 。”
金义却不以为然的摇了摇头：“两位多虑了，也许是丹月宗的人在故弄玄虚，搞出这一套来迷惑我们而已。”
"Your words might be right, but being cautious can't hurt," he retorted.
“ dào yǒu suǒ yán huò xǔ yǒu lǐ ， dàn xiǎo xīn yī xiē zǒng bú huì yǒu wèn tí 。”
“道友所言或许有理，但小心一些总不会有问题。”
"Humph! Being careful all the time, what good does that do? If we had listened to me and entered this largest building first, these treasures wouldn't have been taken by others. Learning from our mistakes, now you want us to be careful? That's absurd!"
“ hēng ， xiǎo xīn ， yòu shì xiǎo xīn ， jǐng xiǎo shèn wēi de néng chéng dé le shén me dà shì ， rú guǒ gāng cái tīng jīn mǒu de ， xiān lái zhè dòng zuì dà de jiàn zhù ， bǎo wù yě bú huì bèi bié rén nòng zǒu le ， chī yī qiàn ， zhǎng yī zhì ” xiàn zài hái tí xiǎo xīn ， qǐ bù shì huá tiān xià zhī dà jī ？”
“哼，小心，又是小心，警小慎微的能成得了什么大事，如果刚才听金某的，先来这栋最大的建筑，宝物也不会被别人弄走了，吃一堑，长一智”现在还提小心，岂不是滑天下之大稽？”
"Golden Friend, if you say such things, are you blaming Brother Lin? Everyone agreed with my suggestion."
“ jīn dào yǒu ， nǐ zhè yàng shuō ， kě shì zài guài lín mǒu ， wǒ tí chū de jiàn yì ， dà jiā kě yě dōu tóng yì 。”
“金道友，你这样说，可是在怪林某，我提出的建议，大家可也都同意。”
"Humph! Think what you will, but I believe that being timid won't get anything done. If we had listened to me and entered the largest building first, these treasures wouldn't have been taken by others. Now, it's too late to be careful; isn't that ridiculous?"
"Brother Lin's words are correct. I agree with them," the voice of Fine Curtain Yi Lan entered his ears. At this moment, the composed expression on his face had vanished.
"Very well, let us follow your advice."
Golden Stream Zen Master spoke while already flying down the stairs like a bolt from the blue.
The other two did not say much but their lack of objection was tantamount to agreement.
Whether they could catch up or not was still uncertain. However, the strength of that mysterious enemy left them in awe. If it were a Cave Profound cultivator, chasing after it would be akin to sending a lamb into a tiger's mouth. Precious items might entice one, but one must have the life force to enjoy them.
Moreover, Brother Lin had spoken sense. The third layer was untouched; perhaps there were more treasures inside. If they could obtain them, their journey wouldn't have been in vain.
Compared to the uncertainty and danger of chasing after it, continuing to search for the third level seemed a safer bet. As a Separation Period cultivator who had experienced countless storms, he knew how to make such decisions.
Seeing Golden Stream Zen Master take action, the four exchanged glances and followed without hesitation.
The stairs were not long; there were only about a hundred steps or so. They arrived at the entrance of the third level almost instantly.
Again, they saw a protective barrier before their eyes.
However, unlike previous defensive restrictions, this barrier was thick and substantial, appearing almost tangible.
The four exchanged glances, all delighted.
This barrier remained intact.
The other party had not entered; in other words, the treasures inside were still intact. They hadn't worked in vain.
"Let's get moving. Everyone, let's break through this restriction together and then share the treasures," Golden Yi's voice entered his ears, sounding somewhat agitated with excitement.
"Agreed. Time is of the essence. We can't afford to dawdle any longer," Fine Curtain Yi Lan swallowed a mouthful of saliva and no longer argued with her old rival.
The others naturally had no objections as well, each releasing their prized treasures. In an instant, spiritual light shone brightly, enveloping the entire barrier in multicolored glows. However, this layer's restriction was far more robust than the one at the entrance; breaking it would take some time.
Time passed quickly like a horse galloping across a field. The explosive sounds continued to enter their ears because they were within the Moment Space, without day and night cycles, but Lin Xuan and his companions could still feel the passage of time clearly.
This time, Lin Xuan didn't play along; he truly attacked with all his might. Outside the barrier, sword energy like a rainbow surged forth, and the treasures launched at it collided fiercely. Various bolts of lightning, fire, and ice rushed forward like wild horses.
They had already spent nearly half a day here, no wonder their opponent chose to give up. Even for a Cave Profound cultivator, breaking through this barrier wasn't easy.
As time passed, their faces began to pale, showing signs of depleted energy.
Clear Spring Fairy raised an eyebrow and reached out with her hand, taking out an jade box. Opening the lid, she revealed a pill as large as a dragon's eye. She put it in her mouth.
Clearly, this was a power-replenishing elixir!
The others were not idle either; as Separation Period cultivators, they couldn't possibly venture out without restoring their energy.
Lin Xuan took out a green-gleaming gourd and began gulping down the spiritual wine. He had paid dearly for it. Although it couldn't compare to a ten-thousand-year-old spirit milk, its speed of replenishing energy far exceeded that of ordinary elixirs. Drinking half a gourd would restore his nearly depleted energy within an hour.
While refueling their energy, they continued attacking. Their minds were filled with curses. They hoped this time wouldn't disappoint them as well.
Rumbling explosions echoed in their ears. After who knew how long, a startling explosion finally shattered the solid barrier, making it vanish like a bubble.
The five were elated and dashed inside.
"What is this?"
Clear Spring Fairy couldn't help but exclaim when she saw the scene before her eyes, and Lin Xuan and his companions also showed surprise.
This third level was much smaller than they had expected; at most, it covered a hundred feet. Everything in the hall could be seen clearly from where they stood.
The walls were spotlessly clean, with warm jade paving the ground, making it look more luxurious than a palace.
What surprised them even more was that in the center of the third level, there was an altar, and on top of it, a small shrine was placed. It looked exquisite.
In front of the shrine, incense burners, paper offerings, and other items were present. The sandalwood incense had been burning for countless eons but still emitted faint blue smoke.
"..."
The five were stunned. They called this the Ancestor Hall, yet it was full of oddities. If they said it was a treasure trove, it would be even more bizarre.
"Eh? There's something in that shrine," Clear Spring Fairy's exclamation reached his ears; women are indeed more meticulous.
"Where?"
The other four were delighted and hurriedly followed her.
Sure enough, there was an jade box on the altar, placed right in front of the incense burner. That explained why their view had been blocked earlier.
Golden Stream's hand stretched out with joy.
"Wait."
Lin Xuan raised his eyebrows and flicked a finger, sending a beam of light that deflected the other's hand.
"What is your intention?" Golden Stream's expression turned extremely fierce.
But Lin Xuan ignored him: "Why are you in such a hurry? You act so rashly when doing things. Don't you find this jade box suspicious?"
"Strange?" Golden Stream was taken aback.
"Yes," Fine Curtain Yi Lan interjected, "Brother Lin is right. Look at it; the shrine faces the incense burner, accepting offerings, and it's placed in a small shrine. What is a shrine? I believe all of you know its purpose—it’s used to place statues or spirit tablets of deities and ancestors. Emotionally and logically, it wouldn't be used for storing treasures, especially with an incense burner nearby."
Clear Spring Fairy and Golden Stream's expressions turned serious upon hearing this; indeed, something was amiss.
But Golden Stream shook his head dismissively: "You two are overthinking it. Perhaps the Dan Yue Sect is playing tricks to deceive us."
"Your words might be right, but being cautious can't hurt," he retorted.
"Humph! Being careful all the time, what good does that do? If we had listened to me and entered this largest building first, these treasures wouldn't have been taken by others. Learning from our mistakes, now you want us to be careful? That's absurd!"
"Golden Friend, if you say such things, are you blaming Brother Lin? Everyone agreed with my suggestion."
"Humph! Think what you will, but I believe that being timid won't get anything done. If we had listened to me and entered the largest building first, these treasures wouldn't have been taken by others. Now, it's too late to be careful; isn't that ridiculous?"