qián bèi wù huì le ， gāng gāng ruò bú shì nín chū shǒu xiàng zhù ， wǎn bèi děng zǎo yǐ zàng sòng zài yāo qín de lì zhuǎ zhī xià le ， wǎn bèi suī zī zhì yú dùn ， què bìng fēi bù shí hǎo dǎi de jiā huo ， zhī ēn tú bào hái shì dǒng de ， hé kuàng qián bèi jí biàn méi yǒu chū shǒu xiàng zhù ， yuàn yì dào bǎi cǎo mén ān jiā luò hù yě shì wǒ děng róng xìng de ， wǎn bèi gāo xìng hái lái bù jí ， nǎ yǒu kě néng xiāng jù 。”， zhōng nián rén gān xiào de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr lǐ ， biǎo qíng dǎo shì chéng kěn yǐ jí ， bù guò duō bàn shì zhuāng chū lái dì 。
前辈误会了，刚刚若不是您出手相助，晚辈等早已葬送在妖禽的利爪之下了，晚辈虽资质愚钝，却并非不识好歹的家伙，知恩图报还是懂的，何况前辈即便没有出手相助，愿意到百草门安家落户也是我等荣幸的，晚辈高兴还来不及，哪有可能相距。”，中年人干笑的声音传入耳里，表情倒是诚恳以极，不过多半是装出来地。
Senior, you've misunderstood. If not for your timely assistance just now, we would have been devoured by the monster bird's sharp talons long ago. Although I am not particularly bright, I do know how to repay kindness. Besides, even if you didn't help us, it would still be an honor for us to settle in our Hundred Grass Sect. I'm overjoyed; there's no way this could have happened." The middle-aged man chuckled, his expression sincere but likely just a facade.
lín xuān yě bìng bù diǎn pò ， zhuǎn tóu xiàng jǐ míng nián qīng xiū shì wàng qù le ：“ nǐ men ne ？”，“ qián bèi dà jià guāng lín ， wǎn bèi děng bù shèng róng xìng 。”，“ bù cuò ， qián bèi ， wǒ bǎi cǎo mén ， fēng jǐng kě shì hěn měi de 。”
林轩也并不点破，转头像几名年轻修士望去了：“你们呢？”，“前辈大驾光临，晚辈等不胜荣幸。”，“不错，前辈，我百草门，风景可是很美的。”
Lin Xuan did not reveal the truth and turned to look at several young cultivators: "What about you?"
suǒ wèi chū shēng niú dú bù wèi hǔ ， zhè xiē nián qīng rén de xīn zhì ， shàng wèi chéng shú ， nǎ zhī dào rén jiān xiǎn è ， dì yī cì yù jiàn lín xuān zhè yàng de gāo jiē xiū xiān zhě ， duì fāng yòu yǒu jiù mìng zhī ēn ， tā men cóng xīn dǐ ， dāng rán shì yì bǎi gè yuàn yì ， wéi yǒu nà shàng guān yàn de yǎn zhōng ， shǎn guò yī sī chí yí 。
所谓初生牛犊不畏虎，这些年轻人的心智，尚未成熟，哪知道人间险恶，第一次遇见林轩这样的高阶修仙者，对方又有救命之恩，他们从心底，当然是一百个愿意，唯有那上官雁的眼中，闪过一丝迟疑。
"Senior, it is an honor for us that you grace us with your presence," one of them replied.
cǐ nǚ shì bàn yōu bàn xǐ 。
此女是半忧半喜。
"Not bad, Senior. Our Hundred Grass Sect has beautiful scenery."
shī shū de dān xīn ， tā yě xiǎng guò ， bù guò duì yú zhè yàng de gāo jiē xiū xiān zhě ， cǐ nǚ yě shì dà wèi chōng jǐng ， xīn zhōng máo dùn yǐ jí ， bù zhī dào xiǎo mèi de wú xīn zhī yǔ ， jiū jìng huì wèi běn mén dài lái zāi huò hái shì fú qì 。
师叔的担心，她也想过，不过对于这样的高阶修仙者，此女也是大为憧憬，心中矛盾以极，不知道小妹的无心之语，究竟会为本门带来灾祸还是福气。
The phrase 'a calf does not fear a tiger' aptly described these young minds, which were still immature and unaware of the world's dangers. Their first encounter with Lin Xuan, a high-ranking cultivator who had saved their lives, made them eager to join his sect. However, there was a hint of hesitation in Lady Shangguan Yan's eyes.
bù guò shì qíng dào le zhè yī bù ， yǐ bú shì tā men néng gòu kòng zhì le ， bù guǎn jié jú rú hé ， rú jīn dōu zhǐ yǒu yìng zhe tóu pí ， yí bù bù de zǒu xià qù 。
不过事情到了这一步，已不是他们能够控制了，不管结局如何，如今都只有硬着头皮，一步步的走下去。
She was both happy and worried about this development. She understood her senior's concerns but was greatly intrigued by the prospect of such a high-ranking cultivator. The conflict within her was intense; she wondered if her sister's innocent words would bring blessings or misfortune to their sect.
ér lín xuān zhè me zuò ， dāng rán yě yǒu zì jǐ de kǎo lǜ ， tā suī rán bù zhī dào wǔ lóng lěi zào chéng de wēi jī ， bù guò zì jǐ rú jīn zài dōng hǎi ， yǐ jīng shì shù le fēi cháng duō de dí 。
而林轩这么做，当然也有自己的考虑，他虽然不知道五龙垒造成的危机，不过自己如今在东海，已经是树了非常多的敌。
Regardless, things had progressed to a point where they could no longer control them. No matter what happened, they would have to proceed step by step.
suī rán cǐ jiè liáo kuò ， suí biàn zhǎo gè dì fāng yī duǒ ， bèi zhǎo dào de xī wàng yě bù dà ， dàn bù pà yī wàn ， jiù pà wàn yī ， zhè huí ruò bú shì jī yuán qiǎo hé ， zì jǐ shuō bù dìng yǐ rán yǔn luò ， xià yī cì hái yǒu méi yǒu zhè yàng de hǎo yùn qì ， kě jiù shì liǎng shuō 。
虽然此界辽阔，随便找个地方一躲，被找到的希望也不大，但不怕一万，就怕万一，这回若不是机缘巧合，自己说不定已然陨落，下一次还有没有这样的好运气，可就是两说。
Lin Xuan also had his own reasons for this approach. Although he was unaware of the dangers posed by the Five Dragon Fortresses, he knew that in the Eastern Sea, he had made many enemies.
sú huà shuō ， dà yǐn yǐn yú shì ， yǔ qí zhǎo yí gè gū dǎo zuò wèi cáng shēn zhī suǒ ， bù rú duǒ zài yī xiǎo mén pài zhōng yǐn bì xìng gèng qiáng de 。
俗话说，大隐隐于市，与其找一个孤岛做为藏身之所，不如躲在一小门派中隐蔽性更强的。
While the world was vast and finding a secluded island might be difficult, one could not be too careful. If it weren't for good fortune, he might have already perished. The next time, such luck might not be guaranteed.
zhì yú zhè dà huāng hǎi yù dì chǔ piān pì ， líng mài xiāng duì lái shuō yào chà yī xiē ， duì lín xuān ér yán ， wán quán bú shì wèn tí ， shuí ràng tā shì kào fú yòng dān yào xiū liàn dì 。
至于这大荒海域地处偏僻，灵脉相对来说要差一些，对林轩而言，完全不是问题，谁让他是靠服用丹药修炼地。
The saying goes: "A great sage can remain hidden in the midst of the city." Instead of seeking an isolated island as a hiding place, it was better to hide within a small sect where his presence would go unnoticed.
zhè yī cì wài chū ， shōu huò fēi cháng fēng fù ， dàn jiào xùn tóng yàng shì cǎn zhòng dào jí chù ， lín xuān jué dìng ， yào hǎo hǎo bì bì guān zài shuō ， xià yī cì chū lái de shí hòu ， bù shuō néng gòu dǎ yíng dòng xuán qī xiū xiān zhě ， zhì shǎo jué bù néng zài zhè me láng bèi le 。
这一次外出，收获非常丰富，但教训同样是惨重到极处，林轩决定，要好好闭闭关再说，下一次出来的时候，不说能够打赢洞玄期修仙者，至少绝不能再这么狼狈了。
Moreover, this vast sea region had relatively fewer spirit veins compared to other areas. For Lin Xuan, who relied on ingesting pills for cultivation, it posed no problem.
nǎo hǎi zhōng niàn tou zhuǎn guò ， dāng rán ” biǎo miàn shàng ， lín xuān fēn háo yì sè bù lù ， yī fù shì wài gāo rén de fēng dù ， suí zhe zhè xiē xiū xiān zhě ” xiàng dōng miàn fēi lüè ér qù le 。
脑海中念头转过，当然”表面上，林轩分毫异色不露，一副世外高人的风度，随着这些修仙者”像东面飞掠而去了。
This trip yielded rich rewards but also severe lessons. Lin Xuan decided he needed more time in seclusion. The next time he emerged, he would at least not be so humiliated.
sān tiān hòu 。
三天后。
With these thoughts in mind, Lin Xuan maintained his composed demeanor as the other cultivators flew eastward.
“ qián bèi ， nín kàn ， nà jiù shì wǒ men bǎi cǎo mén suǒ zài de yuán guī dǎo le 。”
“前辈，您看，那就是我们百草门所在的元龟岛了。”
Three days later.
yǒu xiē xīng è fèn de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， qīng cuì dòng tīng dào jí chù ， sān tiān de xiāng chǔ ， lín xuān biǎo xiàn dé fēi cháng suí hé ” chú le zhōng nián rén yī jiù shì yī fù bì gōng bì jìng zhī sè ， jǐ gè xiǎo bèi ， fǎn dào shì yǔ tā fēi cháng qīn jìn le 。
有些兴垩奋的声音传入耳朵，清脆动听到极处，三天的相处，林轩表现得非常随和”除了中年人依旧是一副毕恭毕敬之色，几个小辈，反倒是与他非常亲近了。
"Senior, look! That is our Hundred Grass Sect's Yuan Gui Island."
yóu qí shì shàng guān líng ， zhè yā tou xiōng wú chéng fǔ ， què huó pō hào dòng ， xìng gé pǒ duì lín xuān de mào kǒu ， cóng tā de shēn shàng ， lín xuān yǐn yǐn kàn dào jǐ sī yuè ér de yǐng zi ， suǒ wèi ài wū jí wū ， jiā dǐ biàn shì rú cǐ 。
尤其是上官翎，这丫头胸无城府，却活泼好动，性格颇对林轩的冒口，从她的身上，林轩隐隐看到几丝月儿的影子，所谓爱屋及乌，夹抵便是如此。
A clear and lively voice echoed. Over three days of companionship, Lin Xuan had been very amiable, except for the middle-aged man who remained respectful. The younger members were quite close to him.
zhì yú qí jiě ， xìng gé què yòu bù tóng ， suī rán zhǐ bǐ zhè yā tou dà le yī suì ， dàn què fēi cháng de wěn zhòng ， chǔ shì dé tǐ ” zhǐ bù guò xiū wèi dī le xiē ， dàn bù guǎn rú hé ， zhè liǎng jiě mèi shuō shì kě zào zhī cái ， dōu bù wèi guò 。
至于其姐，性格却又不同，虽然只比这丫头大了一岁，但却非常的稳重，处事得体”只不过修为低了些，但不管如何，这两姐妹说是可造之材，都不为过。
Especially Lady Shangguan Ling, who was straightforward and lively, her personality resonating with Lin Xuan's. He could see a faint resemblance to his sister Moer in her. "Love the house, love the cat," as they say.
cǐ shí tīng le xiǎo yā tou de zhā hū ， lín xuān tái qǐ tóu lú ， jiāng shén shí fàng chū ， yí gè jù dà de dǎo yǔ yìng rù le nǎo hǎi zhōng 。
此时听了小丫头的咋呼，林轩抬起头颅，将神识放出，一个巨大的岛屿映入了脑海中。
As for her elder sister, she was quite different. Although only one year older, she was very steady and composed in her actions. However, her cultivation level was low. Nonetheless, these two sisters were indeed promising talents.
shén shí hái bù néng quán bù náng kuò ， kàn lái cǐ dǎo de miàn jī hái zhēn bù xiǎo ， jù tǐ duō dà bù xiǎo de ， dàn fāng yuán qiān lǐ kěn dìng shì yǒu de 。
神识还不能全部囊括，看来此岛的面积还真不小，具体多大不晓得，但方圆千里肯定是有的。
Upon hearing Lady Ling's excited cry, Lin Xuan raised his head and extended his divine sense. A huge island appeared before him.
zuò nán cháo běi ， yóu yì diǎn tuī huà ， dà tǐ shì yī wū guī xíng zhuàng de 。
坐南朝北，由一点推划，大体是一乌龟形状的。
His divine sense could not fully encompass it, but the size of this island seemed considerable—certainly over a thousand miles in circumference.
yuán guī dǎo ， zhè míng zì qǔ dé yě què rán bù cuò 。
元龟岛，这名字取得也确然不错。
Facing north from south, its shape resembled that of a turtle.
bù guò hěn kuài ， lín xuān jiù méi tóu yī tiāo “ xiàng shì fā xiàn le shén me ， chén yín bù yǔ qǐ lái le 。
不过很快，林轩就眉头一挑“像是发现了什么，沉吟不语起来了。
The name Yuan Gui Island was indeed fitting.
“ qián bèi ， zěn me le ？” shàng guān yàn lái dào le shēn cè ， cǐ nǚ xiū wèi bù zhí yī tí ， bù guò dòng chá lì ， dǎo shì mǐn ruì wú bǐ 。
“前辈，怎么了？”上官雁来到了身侧，此女修为不值一提，不过洞察力，倒是敏锐无比。
However, Lin Xuan's brows furrowed as he seemed to have discovered something. He remained silent for a moment.
“ nà shì guì mén zǒng duò ， bù guò rú jīn kě bù tài píng ， yǒu yī huǒ xiū shì zhèng zài dǎo shàng tiǎo xìn ， yǔ guì mén chōng tū 。” lín xuān dàn dàn de shuō 。
“那是贵门总舵，不过如今可不太平，有一伙修士正在岛上挑衅，与贵门冲突。”林轩淡淡的说。
"Senior, what is it?" Lady Shangguan Yan approached him. Although her cultivation level was low, she had keen insight.
“ shén me ？”
“什么？”
"That is the main sect of your Hundred Grass Sect, but things are not peaceful here. A group of cultivators is provocatively challenging you on this island," Lin Xuan said calmly.
zhòng xiū shì dà jīng shī sè ， tā men xiū wèi tài dī ， shén shí yě fù gài bù liǎo zhè me yuǎn de jù lí ， bù guò duì lín xuān de huà ， zì rán méi yǒu huái yí ， dāng jí fēn fēn jiā sù xiàng zhe qián fāng fēi qù 。
众修士大惊失色，他们修为太低，神识也覆盖不了这么远的距离，不过对林轩的话，自然没有怀疑，当即纷纷加速向着前方飞去。
"What?"
hěn kuài ， dǎo yǔ jiù yuè lái yuè qīng xī ， lián yù yù cōng cōng de shù mù yě yìng rù le yǎn lián lǐ 。
很快，岛屿就越来越清晰，连郁郁葱葱的树木也映入了眼帘里。
The other cultivators were alarmed. Their low cultivation levels meant their divine sense could not cover such a vast distance. But they had no doubt about Lin Xuan's words and sped forward to investigate.
lín xuān bìng méi yǒu dǎ suàn mǎ shàng xiàn shēn chū lái ， ér shì shōu liǎn qì xī duǒ zài rén cóng de hòu miàn 。
林轩并没有打算马上现身出来，而是收敛气息躲在人丛的后面。
Soon, the island became clearer, with lush trees in sight.
tiān kōng shàng ， liǎng huǒ xiū shì yáo yáo duì zhì 。
天空上，两伙修士遥遥对峙。
Lin Xuan did not plan to reveal himself immediately but instead concealed his aura behind the crowd.
zuǒ biān de ， míng xiǎn shì bǎi cǎo mén xiū shì ， nán nǚ lǎo yòu bù yī ér zú ， dà yuē yǒu liǎng sān bǎi rén zhī duō ， lǐng tóu de shì yī shēn cái fēng yú de gōng zhuāng měi fù ， dà yuē sān shí chū tóu de yàng zi ， zī sè bù sú ， yǔ shàng guān jiě mèi pǒ yǒu jǐ fēn xiāng sì zhī chù 。
左边的，明显是百草门修士，男女老幼不一而足，大约有两三百人之多，领头的是一身材丰腴的宫装美妇，大约三十出头的样子，姿色不俗，与上官姐妹颇有几分相似之处。
Above them, two groups of cultivators stood facing each other.
tā yě shì bǎi cǎo mén zhōng xiū wèi zuì gāo de yí gè ， níng dān chū qī de xiū xiān zhě 。
她也是百草门中修为最高的一个，凝丹初期的修仙者。
On one side were members from the Hundred Grass Sect, including men, women, and elders. There were about two hundred people, led by a plump woman in a palace-style robe, around thirty years old, with an attractive appearance that resembled Lady Shangguan's sisters.
ér yǔ tā men duì zhì de xiū shì rén shù yào shāo shǎo yī xiē ， dàn yě yǒu bǎi yú rén de yàng zi 。
而与他们对峙的修士人数要稍少一些，但也有百余人的样子。
She was the highest-ranking cultivator in their sect, at the early stage of condensing essence.
lǐng tóu de shì yī shēn chuān hóng yī de nán zi ， bù jǐn yī fú ， cǐ rén lián tóu fà dōu shì hóng sè ， zhǎng dé bù néng suàn chǒu ， dàn què mò míng qí miào de ， ràng rén jué de yǒu xiē bù shū fú 。
领头的是一身穿红衣的男子，不仅衣服，此人连头发都是红色，长得不能算丑，但却莫名其妙的，让人觉得有些不舒服。
The opposing group had fewer members—about one hundred. Leading them was a man wearing red robes; even his hair was red. He wasn't ugly but somehow made people feel uncomfortable.
xiū wèi bù zhí yī tí ” zhù jī hòu qī ， dà yuē èr shí ** suì de yàng zi ， bù guò zài qí shēn hòu ， hái yǒu sān míng lǎo zhě ， dōu shì níng dān qī xiū xiān zhě 。
修为不值一提”筑基后期，大约二十**岁的样子，不过在其身后，还有三名老者，都是凝丹期修仙者。
His cultivation level was low, at late foundation establishment stage, around twenty years old. Behind him were three elders, all at the condensing essence stage.
“ mù yǔ xiān zi ， běn shǎo zhǔ de lái yì ” yǐ jīng jiǎng dé hěn qīng chǔ ， mí ruò shì jiāng liǎng gè nǚ ér jià gěi wǒ ， yǐ hòu wǒ tiān huǒ zōng yǔ mí bǎi cǎo mén yě jiù tóng qì lián zhī ， hù xiāng zhào fú ， nǐ hái kě yǐ chéng wéi běn shǎo zhǔ de yuè mǔ ， yǒu shén me bù hǎo ne ， hé bì zhí mí bù wù ， nǐ nán dào zhēn xiǎng yào bǎi cǎo mén zài zhè dà huāng chú míng ， lái gè yù shí jù fén cái gān xīn ？”， nà nán zi lǎn yáng yáng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， bìng bù jí yán lì sè ， bù guò lǐ miàn de wēi xié zhī yì ， shǎ guā dōu kě yǐ tīng qīng chǔ 。
“暮雨仙子，本少主的来意”已经讲得很清楚，弥若是将两个女儿嫁给我，以后我天火宗与猕百草门也就同气连枝，互相照拂，你还可以成为本少主的岳母，有什么不好呢，何必执迷不悟，你难道真想要百草门在这大荒除名，来个玉石俱焚才甘心？”，那男子懒洋洋的声音传入耳朵，并不疾言厉色，不过里面的威胁之意，傻瓜都可以听清楚。
"Rainy Mist Fairy, my intentions are clear," the man said lazily. "If you marry my two daughters, our Heavenly Fire Sect and your Hundred Grass Sect will be closely aligned, mutually supporting each other. You can even become my mother-in-law. What's not to like? Why insist on being stubborn? Do you really want the Hundred Grass Sect to be eradicated from this vast sea?"
“ gǔ dào yǒu ， nǐ yòu hé bì qiǎng rén suǒ nán ne ， qiáng niǔ de guā bù tián ， wǒ de liǎng gè nǚ ér shuō guò ， bù yuàn yì zuò nǐ de shuāng xiū bàn lǚ 。”， gōng zhuāng nǚ zǐ míng xiǎn rěn zhe nù qì ， bì jìng tiān huǒ zōng yǔ bǎi cǎo mén gēn běn jiù bú shì yí gè děng jí ， dé zuì bù qǐ 。
“古道友，你又何必强人所难呢，强扭的瓜不甜，我的两个女儿说过，不愿意做你的双修伴侣。”，宫装女子明显忍着怒气，毕竟天火宗与百草门根本就不是一个等级，得罪不起。
The woman in the palace robe clearly held back her anger, as the Heavenly Fire Sect was far above their level and could not afford to offend them.
“ qiáng niǔ de guā bù tián ， hēi hēi ， xiū xiān jiè kě shì qiáng zhě wèi zūn ， běn shǎo zhǔ xiān lǐ hòu bīng ， mí jì rán bù shí tái jǔ ， nà jiù bú yào guài wǒ dòng shǒu le 。”， hóng fā nán zi de liǎn shàng shǎn guò yī sī shā qì ， qū qū yí gè bǎi cǎo mén yě gǎn wǔ nì zì jǐ 。
“强扭的瓜不甜，嘿嘿，修仙界可是强者为尊，本少主先礼后兵，弥既然不识抬举，那就不要怪我动手了。”，红发男子的脸上闪过一丝杀气，区区一个百草门也敢忤逆自己。
"Friend Ancient, why force me into something I don't want? Forced marriages are never sweet," she said, trying to keep calm.
“ shǎo zhǔ ， děng děng ， nǐ kàn ， nà shì shén me ？” hòu miàn yī bái fà lǎo zhě què zhuǎn guò le tóu lú 。
“少主，等等，你看，那是什么？”后面一白发老者却转过了头颅。
"Forceful marriages aren't sweet. Hahaha, in the cultivation world, might makes right. I extend courtesy first but will have no choice but to act if you refuse," the red-haired man's face showed a hint of murderous intent. How dare a mere Hundred Grass Sect defy him?
hóng fā nán zi tīng le ” yī dāi ， yě gēn zhe jiāng mù guāng nuó yí guò lái 。
红发男子听了”一呆，也跟着将目光挪移过来。
"Master, wait! Look, what is that?" one white-haired elder turned his head.
shí yú dào dùn guāng yìng rù yǎn lián ， chú le nà zhōng nián nán zi yǐ wài ， shàng guān jiě mèi yóu qí xiǎn yǎn ， fǎn dào shì lín xuān shōu liǎn qì xī ， duǒ zài rén cóng lǐ ， tā men yī shí piàn kè ， méi yǒu fā xiàn zōng jì 。
十余道遁光映入眼帘，除了那中年男子以外，上官姐妹尤其显眼，反倒是林轩收敛气息，躲在人丛里，他们一时片刻，没有发现踪迹。
The red-haired man froze and followed suit.
nà wèi shǎo zhǔ bù yóu de kuáng xǐ ， yuán běn hái dān xīn liǎng nǚ duǒ qǐ lái zhǎo bú dào zōng jì ， méi xiǎng dào tā men què zì tóu luó wǎng de lái dào zhè lǐ 。（ wèi wán dài xù ）！~！
那位少主不由得狂喜，原本还担心两女躲起来找不到踪迹，没想到他们却自投罗网的来到这里。（未完待续）！~！
A dozen streaks of light appeared, with Lady Shangguan sisters standing out prominently. Lin Xuan had concealed himself among the crowd, so they did not notice him for a moment.
The young master could not contain his joy. He had initially worried that the two girls might hide and be hard to find but was pleasantly surprised to see them here, having come of their own accord.
Senior, you've misunderstood. If not for your timely assistance just now, we would have been devoured by the monster bird's sharp talons long ago. Although I am not particularly bright, I do know how to repay kindness. Besides, even if you didn't help us, it would still be an honor for us to settle in our Hundred Grass Sect. I'm overjoyed; there's no way this could have happened." The middle-aged man chuckled, his expression sincere but likely just a facade.
Lin Xuan did not reveal the truth and turned to look at several young cultivators: "What about you?"
"Senior, it is an honor for us that you grace us with your presence," one of them replied.
"Not bad, Senior. Our Hundred Grass Sect has beautiful scenery."
The phrase 'a calf does not fear a tiger' aptly described these young minds, which were still immature and unaware of the world's dangers. Their first encounter with Lin Xuan, a high-ranking cultivator who had saved their lives, made them eager to join his sect. However, there was a hint of hesitation in Lady Shangguan Yan's eyes.
She was both happy and worried about this development. She understood her senior's concerns but was greatly intrigued by the prospect of such a high-ranking cultivator. The conflict within her was intense; she wondered if her sister's innocent words would bring blessings or misfortune to their sect.
Regardless, things had progressed to a point where they could no longer control them. No matter what happened, they would have to proceed step by step.
Lin Xuan also had his own reasons for this approach. Although he was unaware of the dangers posed by the Five Dragon Fortresses, he knew that in the Eastern Sea, he had made many enemies.
While the world was vast and finding a secluded island might be difficult, one could not be too careful. If it weren't for good fortune, he might have already perished. The next time, such luck might not be guaranteed.
The saying goes: "A great sage can remain hidden in the midst of the city." Instead of seeking an isolated island as a hiding place, it was better to hide within a small sect where his presence would go unnoticed.
Moreover, this vast sea region had relatively fewer spirit veins compared to other areas. For Lin Xuan, who relied on ingesting pills for cultivation, it posed no problem.
This trip yielded rich rewards but also severe lessons. Lin Xuan decided he needed more time in seclusion. The next time he emerged, he would at least not be so humiliated.
With these thoughts in mind, Lin Xuan maintained his composed demeanor as the other cultivators flew eastward.
Three days later.
"Senior, look! That is our Hundred Grass Sect's Yuan Gui Island."
A clear and lively voice echoed. Over three days of companionship, Lin Xuan had been very amiable, except for the middle-aged man who remained respectful. The younger members were quite close to him.
Especially Lady Shangguan Ling, who was straightforward and lively, her personality resonating with Lin Xuan's. He could see a faint resemblance to his sister Moer in her. "Love the house, love the cat," as they say.
As for her elder sister, she was quite different. Although only one year older, she was very steady and composed in her actions. However, her cultivation level was low. Nonetheless, these two sisters were indeed promising talents.
Upon hearing Lady Ling's excited cry, Lin Xuan raised his head and extended his divine sense. A huge island appeared before him.
His divine sense could not fully encompass it, but the size of this island seemed considerable—certainly over a thousand miles in circumference.
Facing north from south, its shape resembled that of a turtle.
The name Yuan Gui Island was indeed fitting.
However, Lin Xuan's brows furrowed as he seemed to have discovered something. He remained silent for a moment.
"Senior, what is it?" Lady Shangguan Yan approached him. Although her cultivation level was low, she had keen insight.
"That is the main sect of your Hundred Grass Sect, but things are not peaceful here. A group of cultivators is provocatively challenging you on this island," Lin Xuan said calmly.
"What?"
The other cultivators were alarmed. Their low cultivation levels meant their divine sense could not cover such a vast distance. But they had no doubt about Lin Xuan's words and sped forward to investigate.
Soon, the island became clearer, with lush trees in sight.
Lin Xuan did not plan to reveal himself immediately but instead concealed his aura behind the crowd.
Above them, two groups of cultivators stood facing each other.
On one side were members from the Hundred Grass Sect, including men, women, and elders. There were about two hundred people, led by a plump woman in a palace-style robe, around thirty years old, with an attractive appearance that resembled Lady Shangguan's sisters.
She was the highest-ranking cultivator in their sect, at the early stage of condensing essence.
The opposing group had fewer members—about one hundred. Leading them was a man wearing red robes; even his hair was red. He wasn't ugly but somehow made people feel uncomfortable.
His cultivation level was low, at late foundation establishment stage, around twenty years old. Behind him were three elders, all at the condensing essence stage.
"Rainy Mist Fairy, my intentions are clear," the man said lazily. "If you marry my two daughters, our Heavenly Fire Sect and your Hundred Grass Sect will be closely aligned, mutually supporting each other. You can even become my mother-in-law. What's not to like? Why insist on being stubborn? Do you really want the Hundred Grass Sect to be eradicated from this vast sea?"
The woman in the palace robe clearly held back her anger, as the Heavenly Fire Sect was far above their level and could not afford to offend them.
"Friend Ancient, why force me into something I don't want? Forced marriages are never sweet," she said, trying to keep calm.
"Forceful marriages aren't sweet. Hahaha, in the cultivation world, might makes right. I extend courtesy first but will have no choice but to act if you refuse," the red-haired man's face showed a hint of murderous intent. How dare a mere Hundred Grass Sect defy him?
"Master, wait! Look, what is that?" one white-haired elder turned his head.
The red-haired man froze and followed suit.
A dozen streaks of light appeared, with Lady Shangguan sisters standing out prominently. Lin Xuan had concealed himself among the crowd, so they did not notice him for a moment.
The young master could not contain his joy. He had initially worried that the two girls might hide and be hard to find but was pleasantly surprised to see them here, having come of their own accord.