“ bù cuò …… xiǎo zi ， nǐ yīng gāi zhī dào ， dé zuì wǒ men shèng chéng xià chǎng rú hé ， ér qiě nǐ yě táo bù chū lǎo fū shǒu zhǎng xīn de ， hái shì guāi guāi de shù shǒu jiù fù ， kě yǐ shǎo shòu pí ròu zhī kǔ ， fǒu zé …………” lǎo zhě lěng xiào zhe shuō ， shǎo le jǐ fēn fēng dù ， fǎng fú láng ， zhōng yú lù chū xī de liáo yá lái le 。
“不错……小子，你应该知道，得罪我们圣城下场如何，而且你也逃不出老夫手掌心的，还是乖乖的束手就缚，可以少受皮肉之苦，否则…………”老者冷笑着说，少了几分风度，仿佛狼，终于露出牺的獠牙来了。
"Pretty good... Young man, you should know the consequences of offending our Holy City. And you can't escape my clutches either. Just submit and be a good boy; it will save you from physical pain. Otherwise..." The elderly man sneered, his demeanor less refined as he revealed his fangs like a wolf.
lín xuān chén mò le xià qù ， tā yǐ fēi chū dào guì dì de xiū xiān zhě ， duì yú dōng hǎi xiū xiān jiè de shí lì zì rán xīn zhōng yǒu shù 。
林轩沉默了下去，他已非初到贵地的修仙者，对于东海修仙界的实力自然心中有数。
Lin Xuan fell silent. He was no longer the inexperienced cultivator who had just arrived in this place. He knew all too well the power of the cultivation world here.
sān yāo huáng ， liù hǎi wáng 。
三妖皇，六海王。
Three Demon Emperors and six Sea Kings.
zhì yú rén zú zhè biān ， hái yào gèng jiā shén mì ， shèng chéng jiù shì zuì qiáng dà de shì lì 。
至于人族这边，还要更加神秘，圣城就是最强大的势力。
As for the human race, it was even more mysterious, with the Holy City being the most powerful force.
jiù suàn shì dòng xuán qī xiū xiān zhě ， dé zuì le zhè qí zhōng de rèn hé yí gè ， yě chī bù liǎo dōu zhe zǒu ， zì jǐ zhè yī cì ， hái zhēn shì chuǎng xià le dà huò 。
就算是洞玄期修仙者，得罪了这其中的任何一个，也吃不了兜着走，自己这一次，还真是闯下了大祸。
Even a Profound Origin cultivator would face dire consequences if they offended any one of them. This time, he had truly caused a major disaster.
nǎo hǎi zhōng niàn tou shǎn guò ， lín xuān de biǎo qíng ， yuè lái yuè huáng kǒng ， fǎng fú xīn lǐ yǐ jīng bēng kuì le 。
脑海中念头闪过，林轩的表情，越来越惶恐，仿佛心理已经崩溃了。
His mind raced, and Lin Xuan's expression grew increasingly fearful, as though his mental fortitude was crumbling.
“ rú hé ， nǐ hái méi yǒu xiǎng hǎo me ？” lǎo zhě de shēng yīn yuè fā yīn hán le ， dài zhe bù nài fán zhī sè 。
“如何，你还没有想好么？”老者的声音越发阴寒了，带着不耐烦之色。
"How about you? Haven't you made up your mind yet?" The elderly man's voice became even colder, laced with impatience.
“ wǒ shén me ， jìng jiǔ bù chī chī fá jiǔ ， nǐ mò fēi zhēn yào lǎo fū qīn zì dòng shǒu ？”
“我什么，敬酒不吃吃罚酒，你莫非真要老夫亲自动手？”
"Me what? You didn't take the wine offered to you and instead took a sip of punishment. Do you really want me to do it myself?"
“ bú shì ， qián bèi xǐ nù ， wǒ gēn nǐ huí qù jiù zǒu le 。” lín xuān dà gǎn wèi jù de shuō 。
“不是，前辈喜怒，我跟你回去就走了。”林轩大感畏惧的说。
"No, Senior, if you're displeased, just bring me back," Lin Xuan said in great fear.
“ ń ， suàn nǐ shí xiàng ， zhè shì zhèng què xuǎn zé ， kě yǐ shǎo shòu xǔ duō pí ròu zhī kǔ 。” dào zhuāng lǎo zhě liǎn shàng lù chū mǎn yì zhī sè ， xīn zhōng zé zài àn xiào tóng bàn gāng gāng yǒu xiē tài guò qǐ rén yōu tiān le ， qū qū lí hé qī xiū xiān zhě ， zěn me gǎn fǎn kàng ne ， zhè bù ， zì jǐ suí biàn chū shēng kǒng hè ， tā jiù guāi guāi de shù shǒu jiù fù 。
“嗯，算你识相，这是正确选择，可以少受许多皮肉之苦。”道装老者脸上露出满意之色，心中则在暗笑同伴刚刚有些太过杞人忧天了，区区离合期修仙者，怎么敢反抗呢，这不，自己随便出声恐吓，他就乖乖的束手就缚。
"Hmm, good, you know your place. That's the right choice; you'll suffer less physical pain." The Daoist elder's face showed satisfaction, but he secretly chuckled at his companion who had been overly worried earlier. A mere Separation Realm cultivator dared to resist? Just by threatening him a bit, Lin Xuan obediently submitted.
“ hǎo ba ， xiàn zài nǐ suí wǒ huí shèng chéng qù ， xiān jiāng chǔ wù dài jiāo gěi wǒ 。” lǎo zhě ào rán de shuō 。
“好吧，现在你随我回圣城去，先将储物袋交给我。”老者傲然的说。
"Alright, now follow me back to the Holy City and hand over your storage bag first."
“ jiāo chū dài wù dài ， wèi …… wèi shén me ？”
“交出待物袋，为……为什么？”
"Why should I give up my storage bag?"
“ nǎ yǒu nà me luó suo ， nán dào lǎo fū hái néng zhàn nǐ pián yi bù chéng me ， nǐ xiàn zài shì rén fàn ， yào hǎo hǎo kàn guǎn ， fǎ bǎo fú zhuàn ， zì rán shì yào jiāo chū lái de ” yào bú shì kàn nǐ xiǎo zi shùn yǎn ， wǒ hái yīng gāi xià jǐ dào jìn zhì lái de 。”
“哪有那么罗嗦，难道老夫还能占你便宜不成么，你现在是人犯，要好好看管，法宝符篆，自然是要交出来的”要不是看你小子顺眼，我还应该下几道禁制来的。”
"There's no need for you to be so verbose. Don't think that old man can take advantage of you. You're a suspect, and we need to properly guard you. Your talismans and treasures must be handed over." If it weren't for liking your looks, I should have set up some more restrictions."
xuān diǎn le diǎn tóu ：“ duō xiè qián bèi zhào fú ” nín xiū wèi tōng tiān ， zài nín lǎo miàn qián ， wǎn bèi nǎ gǎn zuò chéng bù míng zhì de jǔ dòng ne ， bù yòng xià jìn zhì de 。”
轩点了点头：“多谢前辈照拂”您修为通天，在您老面前，晚辈哪敢做成不明智的举动呢，不用下禁制的。”
Lin Xuan nodded: "Thank you, Senior, for your kindness. With such vast cultivation, how could lategeneration dare do anything foolish in front of you? No need to set up any restrictions."
“ ń ， kàn nǐ xiǎo zi yě bú huì nà me shǎ ” nà jiù bú yào luó suo ， xiān jiāng chǔ wù dài jiāo chū lái ba ！” lǎo zhě bèi lín xuān de mǎ pì pāi dé shí fēn shū fú ， tái qǐ tóu ào rán de shuō 。
“嗯，看你小子也不会那么傻”那就不要罗嗦，先将储物袋交出来吧！”老者被林轩的马屁拍得十分舒服，抬起头傲然的说。
"Hmm, you're not so stupid after all." Stop being so wordy and just hand over the storage bag!"
“ shì ， shì ， nà shì yīng gāi de ， qí shí wǎn bèi běn yě dǎ suàn nà me zuò ， ér qiě hái yǒu yī xiē dōng xī ， xiǎng yào xiào jìng qián bèi ne 。” lín xuān diǎn tóu hā yāo de shuō 。
“是，是，那是应该的，其实晚辈本也打算那么做，而且还有一些东西，想要孝敬前辈呢。”林轩点头哈腰的说。
Pleased by Lin Xuan's flattery, the elderly man raised his head arrogantly.
“ xiào jìng wǒ ”“ hēng ， nǐ yī qū qū lí hé ， yǒu shén me dōng xī ， néng ràng běn zūn kàn shàng yǎn le ？”
“孝敬我”“哼，你一区区离合，有什么东西，能让本尊看上眼了？”
"Yes, yes, it should be done. Actually, I was planning on doing this anyway, and there are some things I want to offer you as a token of respect," Lin Xuan said with a bow.
“ qián bèi yán zhī yǒu lǐ ， wǎn bèi shēn jiā yǔ nín xiāng bǐ ， què shí bù zhí yī tí ， dàn gāng cái zài zhè dú lì kōng jiān zhī zhōng què fā xiàn le yī xiē dān yào bǎo wù ， xiāng xìn qián bèi yě yí dìng huì yǒu xìng qù 。”
“前辈言之有理，晚辈身家与您相比，确实不值一提，但刚才在这独立空间之中却发现了一些丹药宝物，相信前辈也一定会有兴趣。”
"Offering me something?" "Hmph, what do you have that could catch my eye?"
“ ó ” gǔ xiū shì yí liú xià lái de ， hǎo ba ， nǐ ná lái ， ràng běn zūn kàn kàn 。”
“哦”古修士遗留下来的，好吧，你拿来，让本尊看看。”
"You're right, compared to your vast cultivation, mine is insignificant. But I found some valuable treasures in this independent space earlier."
“ dāng rán ， bù guò děng dào le shèng chéng yǐ hòu ， hái qǐng qián bèi duō duō zhào fú ， wǎn bèi jiù gǎn jī bù jìn le 。” lín xuān jǐn xiǎo shèn wēi de shuō 。
“当然，不过等到了圣城以后，还请前辈多多照拂，晚辈就感激不尽了。”林轩谨小慎微的说。
"Oh? Leftover from ancient cultivators, alright, show them to me," the elderly man said.
“ nǐ fàng xīn ” nǐ xiǎo zi hěn jī líng ， běn zūn zuì xǐ huān nǐ zhè zhǒng shí shí wù de hòu bèi le ， děng dào le shèng chéng yǐ hòu ， zì rán huì tì nǐ měi yán jǐ jù de 。”
“你放心”你小子很机灵，本尊最喜欢你这种识时务的后辈了，等到了圣城以后，自然会替你美言几句的。”
"Of course, but please be kind to me when we get back to the Holy City." Lin Xuan spoke cautiously.
“ duō xiè qián bèi ， nín de dà ēn dà dé ” wǎn bèi yí dìng huì míng jì zài xīn ， nín jiǎn zhí jiù shì wǒ de zài shēng fù mǔ ……”
“多谢前辈，您的大恩大德”晚辈一定会铭记在心，您简直就是我的再生父母……”
"Don't worry, you're quite clever. I like your practicality. Once in the Holy City, I'll speak well of you."
lín xuān yú cí rú cháo de shuō ， ráo shì zhè huó le shàng wàn nián de lǎo guài wù ” yě tīng dé yī zhèn liǎn hóng ， dàn jǐng tì xīn què wán quán fàng xià le ， duì fāng rú cǐ tān shēng pà sǐ ， nán dào hái gǎn wán shén me xiǎo jì liǎng bù chéng me ？
林轩谀词如潮的说，饶是这活了上万年的老怪物”也听得一阵脸红，但警惕心却完全放下了，对方如此贪生怕死，难道还敢玩什么小伎俩不成么？
"Thank you, Senior for such great kindness," Lin Xuan said, his words dripping with flattery. Even this ancient monster who had lived for tens of thousands of years blushed, but he completely lowered his guard. Could someone so afraid of death still play tricks on him?
lín xuān yī biān shuō ， yī biān shēn shǒu yī pāi ， líng guāng yī shǎn ， yí gè jīng měi yì cháng de yù hé fú xiàn le chū lái 。
林轩一边说，一边伸手一拍，灵光一闪，一个精美异常的玉盒浮现了出来。
Lin Xuan reached out and snapped his fingers, causing a flash of light. A beautifully crafted jade box appeared.
zhǎng kuān dōu bù guò bàn chǐ ， hé gài shàng de fú diāo jīng měi yǐ jí ， chōng mǎn le hóng huāng gǔ piáo de qì xī ， biǎo miàn hái tiē zhe jǐ zhāng jìn zhì fú zhuàn ， yī kàn jiù fēi tóng xiǎo kě 。
长宽都不过半尺，盒盖上的浮雕精美以极，充满了洪荒古朴的气息，表面还贴着几张禁制符篆，一看就非同小可。
It was no more than half a foot in length and width, with exquisite carvings on the lid that exuded an ancient and primitive aura. Several restriction talismans were affixed to its surface, indicating its non-trivial nature.
“ zhè shì shén xǐ ？”
“这是什喜？”
"What is this?"
lǎo kàn jiàn le cǐ wù ， yě dà wèi xīn dòng ， dàn biǎo miàn shàng ， hái yào wéi chí “ qián bèi gāo rén ” de fēng dù ， zhuāng zuò bù jīng yì de shuō 。
老看见了此物，也大为心动，但表面上，还要维持“前辈高人”的风度，装作不经意的说。
The elderly man's eyes lit up at the sight but maintained his composure, pretending not to notice as he said casually, "Hehe, let Senior open it and find out."
“ hēi hēi ， qián bèi zì jǐ dǎ kāi kàn kàn ， jiù xiǎo de le 。” lín xuān mèi xiào zhe shuō ， yī fù gù zuò shén mì de tǎo hǎo zhī sè 。
“嘿嘿，前辈自己打开看看，就晓得了。”林轩媚笑着说，一副故作神秘的讨好之色。
"You young man, you have so many excuses. Fine, I'll see what treasure you're offering me."
“ nǐ xiǎo zi ， hái nà me duō huāhuā cháng zi ， yě bà ， wǒ dào yào kàn kàn ， nǐ xiào jìng běn zūn de ， jiū jìng shì shén me bǎo wù 。”
“你小子，还那么多huāhuā肠子，也罢，我倒要看看，你孝敬本尊的，究竟是什么宝物。”
Rolling up his sleeves, the elderly man waved his hand, and a flash of light enveloped the jade box, which he then picked up to examine.
lǎo zhě xiù páo yī fú ， guāng xiá shǎn guò ， jiù jiāng nà yù hé juǎn guò lái le ， rán hòu ná zài shǒu zhōng diān le diān 。
老者袖袍一拂，光霞闪过，就将那玉盒卷过来了，然后拿在手中掂了掂。
As a Profound Origin cultivator, he had experienced more than enough trials and tribulations to match Lin Xuan's. He would be cautious about any tricks this young man might play.
zuò wéi dòng xuán qī xiū xiān zhě ， tā jīng lì de xīng fēng xuè yǔ ， zì rán bú huì bǐ lín xuān shǎo dào nǎ ér qù ， shèn zhì hái gèng duō yī xiē ， zuò shì qíng yě huì sān sī ér xíng ， bù guò yǎn qián zhè xiǎo zi ， dǎn xiǎo rú shǔ ， zì rán shì bù kě néng wán chū huā yàng lái de 。
作为洞玄期修仙者，他经历的腥风血雨，自然不会比林轩少到哪儿去，甚至还更多一些，做事情也会三思而行，不过眼前这小子，胆小如鼠，自然是不可能玩出huā样来的。
Moreover, even if a Separation Realm cultivator had ulterior motives, what could they do? So, he was confident that the jade box hadn't been tampered with. With a flick of his fingers, he removed two restriction talismans and opened the lid to reveal a stack of ancient talismans.
hé kuàng tuì yī wàn bù shuō ， qū qū yī míng lí hé ， jiù suàn jū xīn pǒ cè ， yòu néng jiāng zì jǐ zěn me yàng ne ？
何况退一万步说，区区一名离合，就算居心叵测，又能将自己怎么样呢？
"What...?"
suǒ yǐ tā hěn fàng xīn ， zhǐ shì yòng shén shí lüè yī chá kàn ， zhè yù hé méi yǒu zuò shǒu jiǎo ， jiù háo bù yóu yù de chě xià le nà liǎng zhāng jìn zhì fú ， rán hòu qū zhǐ wēi dàn ， nà hé gài “ pā ” de yī shēng dǎ kāi ， lù chū hòu hòu yī dié de fú zhuàn lái “ zhè shì ……”
所以他很放心，只是用神识略一查看，这玉盒没有做手脚，就毫不犹豫的扯下了那两张禁制符，然后屈指微弹，那盒盖“啪”的一声打开，露出厚厚一叠的符篆来“这是……”
The elderly man's expression turned suspicious. Could these be leftover ancient talismans? He had expected them to be precious medicinal pills or other treasures but wasn't disappointed. Ancient talismans were incredibly powerful, and they would still be useful for him.
lǎo zhě liǎn shàng lù chū jǐ fēn hú yí ， nán dào shì gǔ xiū shì yí liú xià lái de fú zhuàn ， yuán běn tā hái yǐ wéi shì dān yào huò zhě bié de bǎo wù ， bù guò yě bù shī wàng ， yī xiē shàng gǔ fú zhuàn ， wēi lì dà dào bù kě sī yì de dì bù ， duì zì jǐ lái shuō ， tóng yàng dà yǒu yòng chǔ 。
老者脸上露出几分狐疑，难道是古修士遗留下来的符篆，原本他还以为是丹药或者别的宝物，不过也不失望，一些上古符篆，威力大到不可思议的地步，对自己来说，同样大有用处。
Lost in thought, the elderly man didn't notice Lin Xuan's faint mockery on his face as he retracted his hand into his sleeve. Just as he was about to inspect the talismans, a sudden cry startled them both: "Eh? What is that?"
nǎo hǎi zhōng niàn tou zhuǎn guò ， lǎo zhě bìng méi yǒu zhù yì dào lín xuān liǎn shàng nà yī sī ruò yǒu ruò wú de jī fěng ， shǒu yě lóng dào le xiù zhōng ， lǎo zhě zhèng yù qù chá kàn fú zhuàn 。
脑海中念头转过，老者并没有注意到林轩脸上那一丝若有若无的讥讽，手也笼到了袖中，老者正欲去查看符篆。
Without thinking, the elderly man turned his head.
tū rán yī jīng hū shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， lǐ miàn chōng mǎn le zhèn hàn yǔ jīng kǒng ：“ yí ， nà shì shén me ？”
突然一惊呼声传入耳朵，里面充满了震撼与惊恐：“咦，那是什么？”
Boom!
lǎo zhě xún shēng bù jí sī suǒ ， tiáo jiàn fǎn shè bān de zhuǎn guò tóu lú 。
老者循声不及思索，条件反射般的转过头颅。
The thick stack of ancient talismans in the jade box suddenly ignited without wind, sending countless ice spears and lightning flames that enveloped the elderly man. These were high-grade talismans Lin Xuan had purchased from the market at a hefty price, their power formidable indeed.
pēng ！
嘭！
With such close proximity, the elderly man couldn't evade them in time. Realizing he was tricked, he roared as protective energy surged around him, forming a shield to protect him. Although the spirit energy barrier was one of the most basic spells among the Five Elements, it was still quite sturdy for a Profound Origin cultivator.
yù hé zhōng de nà hòu hòu yī dié fú zhuàn ， tū rán wú fēng zì rán ， wú shù bīng zhuī léi huǒ chū xiàn ， jiāng lǎo zhě de shēn xíng bāo guǒ ， zhè xiē dōu zǒu chū fā qián ， lín xuān huā dà jià qián cóng fāng shì gòu lái de fú zhuàn ， wēi lì fēi tóng xiǎo kě 。
玉盒中的那厚厚一叠符篆，突然无风自燃，无数冰锥雷火出现，将老者的身形包裹，这些都走出发前，林轩huā大价钱从坊市购来的符篆，威力非同小可。
Rumbling explosions filled his ears, but this wasn't the end. Lin Xuan had never expected that dozens of high-grade talismans could kill an ancient monster. His actions were solely to buy himself some time for his next attack.
rú cǐ duǎn de jù lí ， lǎo zhě gēn běn lái bù jí duǒ bì ， zhè cái xǐng wù ， zì jǐ shàng dàng le ， yī shēng bào hē ， hù tǐ gāng qì píng kōng ér qǐ ， yī céng hù zhào jiāng tā bāo guǒ ， líng lì hù dùn suī rán shì wǔ xíng zhōng zuì jī chǔ de fǎ shù ， bù guò shēn wèi dòng xuán qī xiū xiān zhě ， shī zhǎn chū lái hái shì fēi cháng jiān gù 。
如此短的距离，老者根本来不及躲避，这才醒悟，自己上当了，一声暴喝，护体罡气凭空而起，一层护罩将他包裹，灵力护盾虽然是五行中最基础的法术，不过身为洞玄期修仙者，施展出来还是非常坚固。
An old monster? Even though he didn't want to engage in conflict, a cornered rabbit would bite. My fate is in my hands; I can't tolerate being at the mercy of others. Going to the Holy City was out of the question—once there, surrounded by experts, I'd be like fish on a chopping board, subject to anyone's whim.
hōng lōng lóng de bào liè shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， zhè zì rán bú shì jié shù ， lín xuān gēn běn jiù méi yǒu shē wàng guò ， jǐ shí zhāng gāo jiē fú ， jiù néng miè shā yī dòng xuán qī lǎo guài wù ， suǒ zuò de zhè yī qiè ， mù dì zhǐ yǒu yí gè ， wèi zì jǐ jiē xià lái de gōng jī ， zhēng qǔ yì diǎn shí jiān ér yǐ 。
轰隆隆的爆裂声传入耳朵，这自然不是结束，林轩根本就没有奢望过，几十张高阶符，就能灭杀一洞玄期老怪物，所做的这一切，目的只有一个，为自己接下来的攻击，争取一点时间而已。
Thus, when the elderly man said they were going back to the Holy City, Lin Xuan had already harbored murderous intent. All his pretenses and performances were merely preparations for this sudden assault.
"Pretty good... Young man, you should know the consequences of offending our Holy City. And you can't escape my clutches either. Just submit and be a good boy; it will save you from physical pain. Otherwise..." The elderly man sneered, his demeanor less refined as he revealed his fangs like a wolf.
Lin Xuan fell silent. He was no longer the inexperienced cultivator who had just arrived in this place. He knew all too well the power of the cultivation world here.
Three Demon Emperors and six Sea Kings.
As for the human race, it was even more mysterious, with the Holy City being the most powerful force.
Even a Profound Origin cultivator would face dire consequences if they offended any one of them. This time, he had truly caused a major disaster.
His mind raced, and Lin Xuan's expression grew increasingly fearful, as though his mental fortitude was crumbling.
"How about you? Haven't you made up your mind yet?" The elderly man's voice became even colder, laced with impatience.
"I... I..."
"Me what? You didn't take the wine offered to you and instead took a sip of punishment. Do you really want me to do it myself?"
"No, Senior, if you're displeased, just bring me back," Lin Xuan said in great fear.
"Hmm, good, you know your place. That's the right choice; you'll suffer less physical pain." The Daoist elder's face showed satisfaction, but he secretly chuckled at his companion who had been overly worried earlier. A mere Separation Realm cultivator dared to resist? Just by threatening him a bit, Lin Xuan obediently submitted.
"Alright, now follow me back to the Holy City and hand over your storage bag first."
"Why should I give up my storage bag?"
"There's no need for you to be so verbose. Don't think that old man can take advantage of you. You're a suspect, and we need to properly guard you. Your talismans and treasures must be handed over." If it weren't for liking your looks, I should have set up some more restrictions."
Lin Xuan nodded: "Thank you, Senior, for your kindness. With such vast cultivation, how could lategeneration dare do anything foolish in front of you? No need to set up any restrictions."
"Hmm, you're not so stupid after all." Stop being so wordy and just hand over the storage bag!"
Pleased by Lin Xuan's flattery, the elderly man raised his head arrogantly.
"Yes, yes, it should be done. Actually, I was planning on doing this anyway, and there are some things I want to offer you as a token of respect," Lin Xuan said with a bow.
"Offering me something?" "Hmph, what do you have that could catch my eye?"
"You're right, compared to your vast cultivation, mine is insignificant. But I found some valuable treasures in this independent space earlier."
"Oh? Leftover from ancient cultivators, alright, show them to me," the elderly man said.
"Of course, but please be kind to me when we get back to the Holy City." Lin Xuan spoke cautiously.
"Don't worry, you're quite clever. I like your practicality. Once in the Holy City, I'll speak well of you."
"Thank you, Senior for such great kindness," Lin Xuan said, his words dripping with flattery. Even this ancient monster who had lived for tens of thousands of years blushed, but he completely lowered his guard. Could someone so afraid of death still play tricks on him?
Lin Xuan reached out and snapped his fingers, causing a flash of light. A beautifully crafted jade box appeared.
It was no more than half a foot in length and width, with exquisite carvings on the lid that exuded an ancient and primitive aura. Several restriction talismans were affixed to its surface, indicating its non-trivial nature.
"What is this?"
The elderly man's eyes lit up at the sight but maintained his composure, pretending not to notice as he said casually, "Hehe, let Senior open it and find out."
"You young man, you have so many excuses. Fine, I'll see what treasure you're offering me."
Rolling up his sleeves, the elderly man waved his hand, and a flash of light enveloped the jade box, which he then picked up to examine.
As a Profound Origin cultivator, he had experienced more than enough trials and tribulations to match Lin Xuan's. He would be cautious about any tricks this young man might play.
Moreover, even if a Separation Realm cultivator had ulterior motives, what could they do? So, he was confident that the jade box hadn't been tampered with. With a flick of his fingers, he removed two restriction talismans and opened the lid to reveal a stack of ancient talismans.
"What...?"
The elderly man's expression turned suspicious. Could these be leftover ancient talismans? He had expected them to be precious medicinal pills or other treasures but wasn't disappointed. Ancient talismans were incredibly powerful, and they would still be useful for him.
Lost in thought, the elderly man didn't notice Lin Xuan's faint mockery on his face as he retracted his hand into his sleeve. Just as he was about to inspect the talismans, a sudden cry startled them both: "Eh? What is that?"
Without thinking, the elderly man turned his head.
Boom!
The thick stack of ancient talismans in the jade box suddenly ignited without wind, sending countless ice spears and lightning flames that enveloped the elderly man. These were high-grade talismans Lin Xuan had purchased from the market at a hefty price, their power formidable indeed.
With such close proximity, the elderly man couldn't evade them in time. Realizing he was tricked, he roared as protective energy surged around him, forming a shield to protect him. Although the spirit energy barrier was one of the most basic spells among the Five Elements, it was still quite sturdy for a Profound Origin cultivator.
Rumbling explosions filled his ears, but this wasn't the end. Lin Xuan had never expected that dozens of high-grade talismans could kill an ancient monster. His actions were solely to buy himself some time for his next attack.
An old monster? Even though he didn't want to engage in conflict, a cornered rabbit would bite. My fate is in my hands; I can't tolerate being at the mercy of others. Going to the Holy City was out of the question—once there, surrounded by experts, I'd be like fish on a chopping board, subject to anyone's whim.
Thus, when the elderly man said they were going back to the Holy City, Lin Xuan had already harbored murderous intent. All his pretenses and performances were merely preparations for this sudden assault.