lín xuān yǎn zhōng liú lù chū jǐ fēn bǐ yí ， bù guò dǎo shì tíng xià le shǒu lǐ de dòng zuò ， zhè liǎng gè rén hái yǒu yòng tú ， zì jǐ xū yào cóng tā men kǒu lǐ ， tàn tīng gèng duō guān yú hēi fēng dào de mì mì 。
林轩眼中流露出几分鄙夷，不过倒是停下了手里的动作，这两个人还有用途，自己需要从他们口里，探听更多关于黑风盗的秘密。
Lin Xuan's eyes showed a hint of disdain, but he paused his actions. These two still had some use to him; he needed to extract more information about the Black Wind Bandits from them.
qí zhōng zuì zhǔ yào de yì diǎn ， jiù shì lǎo cháo de wèi zhì 。
其中最主要的一点，就是老巢的位置。
The most crucial piece of information was the location of their lair.
suī rán sōu hún yě kě yǐ dé dào tóng yàng de xiào guǒ ， dàn yǒu shí hòu ， xìn xī yě huì bù quán de ， zǒng zhī ， yǒu zhēn rén dài lù ， kěn dìng yào shěng shí shěng lì 。
虽然搜魂也可以得到同样的效果，但有时候，信息也会不全的，总之，有真人带路，肯定要省时省力。
Although soul searching could yield similar results, sometimes the information might be incomplete. In any case, having a real person guide them would definitely save time and effort.
zhè yì diǎn ， lín xuān rú hé bù xiǎo de ， suǒ yǐ yě jiù bù jí zhe ， jiāng liǎng míng tóu nǎo miè chú 。
这一点，林轩如何不晓得，所以也就不急着，将两名头脑灭除。
Lin Xuan knew this well, so he wasn't in a rush to eliminate these two right away.
“ nǐ men xiǎng huó 。”
“你们想活。”
"Want to live?"
liǎng rén lián lián diǎn tóu ， nà dòng zuò ， jiǎn zhí yǔ xiǎo jī zhuó mǐ chà bu duō ， rú guǒ kě yǐ huó zhe ， shuí yòu xī wàng yǔn luò ， xiū xiān zhě ， qí shí yuǎn bǐ fán rén gèng pà sǐ de 。
两人连连点头，那动作，简直与小鸡啄米差不多，如果可以活着，谁又希望陨落，修仙者，其实远比凡人更怕死的。
The two nodded repeatedly, their actions resembling chickens pecking at rice. Who wouldn’t want to live when given the chance?
“ hǎo ， xiān zài zhè lǐ jiāo chū nǐ men de yī hún yī pò 。”
“好，先在这里交出你们的一魂一魄。”
"Fine, hand over your soul and spirit here."
lín xuān èr huà bù shuō ， jiāng liǎng gè wū hēi mù pái diū guò lái le 。
林轩二话不说，将两个乌黑木牌丢过来了。
Without further ado, Lin Xuan tossed two black wooden tokens over.
“ jìn shén shù 。”
“禁神术。”
"禁神术 (Soul Suppressing Technique)."
liǎng rén xīn zhōng kǒng jù ， zhēn nà yàng zuò ， yǔ xiǎo mìng jiāo dào duì fāng shǒu lǐ yě chà bu duō ， rán ér shì qíng dào le zhè yī bù ， yòu yǒu shén me xuǎn zé 。
两人心中恐惧，真那样做，与小命交到对方手里也差不多，然而事情到了这一步，又有什么选择。
Both men were terrified; doing so would essentially mean handing their lives over to the other. But at this point, what choice did they have?
bù …… hái shì yǒu de 。
不……还是有的。
Not… there was still one.
zhì shǎo ， liǎng rén de fǎn yìng ， jiù wán quán bù tóng 。
至少，两人的反应，就完全不同。
At least, their reactions were different.
dāng èr dāng jiā hái zài chí yí de yī kè ， shèng shǒu shū shēng yǐ xiān yī bù dòng le ， zhǐ jiàn tā shuāng shǒu shàng xià fēi wǔ ， qí dòng zuò zhī kuài ， lìng rén chēng mù 。
当二当家还在迟疑的一刻，圣手书生已先一步动了，只见他双手上下飞舞，其动作之快，令人瞠目。
While Second Master was hesitating, Sage Hand Scholar had already acted first. He moved his hands swiftly, his movements so fast that it left everyone stunned.
shèng shǒu ， zhè ge wài hào kě bú shì tú yǒu qí biǎo ， ràng zhòng rén bái jiào 。
圣手，这个外号可不是徒有其表，让众人白叫。
The nickname "Sage Hand" wasn’t just for show; he was a natural talent, far quicker in both movement and招式 than his peers.
zhè jiā huo ， běn shì tiān fù yì bǐng de rén wù ， chū zhāo shōu zhāo de sù dù ， dōu yuǎn bǐ tóng jiē xiū shì kuài dé duō 。
这家伙，本是天赋异禀的人物，出招收招的速度，都远比同阶修士快得多。
As he moved, various objects flew through the air—talisman scrolls, lightning beads.
suí zhe tā de dòng zuò ， gè zhǒng wù jiàn màn tiān fēi wǔ ， yǒu fú lù ， yǒu léi zhū 。
随着他的动作，各种物件漫天飞舞，有符箓，有雷珠。
They swarmed like a storm, transforming into various attacks that rained down on Lin Xuan.
pū tiān gài dì ， huàn huà chéng gè zhǒng gōng jī ， yī gǔ nǎo de xiàng zhe lín xuān zá le guò qù 。
铺天盖地，幻化成各种攻击，一股脑的向着林轩砸了过去。
Of course, Sage Hand Scholar didn’t expect to win; after seeing how formidable Lin Xuan was earlier, he knew any ambush would be futile.
zhè jiā huo dāng rán méi xiǎng guò kè dí ， lín xuān gāng cái biāo hàn dào rú cǐ chéng dù ， tā xīn lǐ yǐ rán qīng chǔ ， jiù suàn shì tōu xí ， zì jǐ yě bú huì yǒu rèn hé yíng de jī huì dì 。
这家伙当然没想过克敌，林轩刚才彪悍到如此程度，他心里已然清楚，就算是偷袭，自己也不会有任何赢的机会地。
Such efforts were only self-destructive.
tú láo de nǔ lì ， gèng zhǐ huì zì qǔ qí rǔ ér yǐ 。
徒劳的努力，更只会自取其辱而已。
His goal was simple: just delay long enough and perhaps create an opportunity for escape.
ér zhè me zuò ， mù dì zhǐ yǒu yí gè ， zhǐ yào néng gòu shāo shāo tuō yán ， zì jǐ jiù xīn mǎn yì zú ， shuō bù dìng néng gòu chuàng zào jī huì táo tuō 。
而这么做，目的只有一个，只要能够稍稍拖延，自己就心满意足，说不定能够创造机会逃脱。
Sage Hand Scholar had grown accustomed to a free life. How could he be driven like this? Rather than being a slave, it might be worth taking his chances and fighting; even if he lost, there might still be a chance of escaping.
tā shèng shǒu shū shēng kě shì yī xiǎng xiāo yáo guàn le ， zhè me kě néng gōng rén qū cè ， yǔ qí gěi rén dāng nú pú ， hái bù rú pīn shàng xìng mìng dǔ yī dǔ ， dǎ bù guò ， wèi bì méi yǒu jī huì táo tuō 。
他圣手书生可是一想逍遥惯了，这么可能供人驱策，与其给人当奴仆，还不如拼上性命赌一赌，打不过，未必没有机会逃脱。
Seeing the numerous talismans and lightning beads on Sage Hand Scholar, Lin Xuan showed surprise. High-ranking cultivators generally didn’t do such things, but this guy had his own style.
jiàn duì fāng shēn shàng zhǔn bèi le nà me duō léi zhū fú lù ， lín xuān liǎn shàng yě lù chū jǐ fēn yì wài zhī sè ， yì bān gāo jiē xiū shì dōu bú huì zhè me zuò ， zhè jiā huo ， dào yǒu jǐ fēn zì jǐ de fēng gé 。
见对方身上准备了那么多雷珠符箓，林轩脸上也露出几分意外之色，一般高阶修士都不会这么做，这家伙，倒有几分自己的风格。
But Lin Xuan wouldn’t pity him. Trying to escape from him was sheer madness.
bù guò lín xuān dāng rán bú huì hé tā xīng xīng xiāng xī le ， xiǎng cóng zì jǐ miàn qián táo tuō ， zhè zhǒng xíng wéi jiǎn zhí shì bù zhī sǐ huó 。
不过林轩当然不会和他惺惺相惜了，想从自己面前逃脱，这种行为简直是不知死活。
"Quickly!"
“ jí ！”
“疾！”
Lin Xuan pointed a finger forward. The Nine Heavens Bright Moon Ring flashed, sending countless wind blades flying. They gathered in the middle and began swirling, creating a white hurricane that entered his vision.
lín xuān yī zhǐ xiàng qián diǎn qù ， jiǔ tiān míng yuè huán yī shǎn ， wú shù fēng rèn jī zhuó shè chū lái ， suí hòu wǎng zhōng jiān yī jù ， kāi shǐ pán xuán ， yī dào bái méng méng de jù fēng yìng rù le shì xiàn 。
林轩一指向前点去，九天明月环一闪，无数风刃激丵射出来，随后往中间一聚，开始盘旋，一道白蒙蒙的飓风映入了视线。
Though it didn't reach the heavens or touch the ground, its momentum was shocking. Especially considering how many palm-sized wind blades made up this hurricane, one could imagine its power.
suī bù néng shuō lián tiān jiē dì ， dàn shēng shì yě jīng rén yǐ jí ， yóu qí shì xiǎng xiǎng tā shì yóu wú shù bā zhǎng dà xiǎo de fēng rèn zǔ chéng dì ， jiù gèng kě yǐ xiǎng xiàng qí wēi lì 。
虽不能说连天接地，但声势也惊人以极，尤其是想想它是由无数巴掌大小的风刃组成地，就更可以想象其威力。
And its speed was outrageous; even as Sage Hand Scholar used all his abilities to escape, he was still caught after a few flashes.
ér qiě sù dù yě hěn lí pǔ ， shèng shǒu shū shēng yǐ jīng pīn mìng fàng kāi le dùn shù ， kě jǐ gè shǎn shuò ， hái shì bèi zhuī shàng le 。
而且速度也很离谱，圣手书生已经拼命放开了遁术，可几个闪烁，还是被追上了。
Wu…
wū ……
呜……
The wind blades didn’t hesitate, falling directly on him.
fēng rèn yě bú kè qì ， dāng tóu jiù là le xià qù 。
风刃也不客气，当头就落了下去。
"Ahh!"
“ a ！”
“啊！”
A scream echoed. Despite barely managing to release a defensive talisman, it couldn't withstand the overwhelming number of wind blades and was quickly sliced into pieces, turning into scrap metal that fell into the sea.
cǎn jiào shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， zhè yī cì kě shì sī háo xuán niàn yě wú ， shèng shǒu shū shēng suī rán miǎn qiǎng fàng chū le yī jiàn fáng yù de fǎ qì ， kě zài pū tiān gài dì de fēng rèn miàn qián ， néng yǒu shén me xiào guǒ ， xùn sù gěi gē dé qī líng bā luò ， huà wèi pò tóng làn tiě diào rù dào hǎi lǐ le 。
惨叫声传入耳朵，这一次可是丝毫悬念也无，圣手书生虽然勉强放出了一件防御的法器，可在铺天盖地的风刃面前，能有什么效果，迅速给割得七零八落，化为破铜烂铁掉入到海里了。
Sage Hand Scholar's face turned black with regret.
shèng shǒu shū shēng liǎn dōu hēi le 。
圣手书生脸都黑了。
Regret washed over him like a flood.
huǐ hèn rú cháo shuǐ yì bān jiāng tā yān mò 。
悔恨如潮水一般将他淹没。
"Senior, spare me! I made a mistake; I will hand over my soul and spirit."
“ qián bèi ráo mìng ， xiǎo zi shì yī shí hú tú ， yuàn yì jiāo chū yī hún yī pò 。”
“前辈饶命，小子是一时糊涂，愿意交出一魂一魄。”
"Hmph. It’s too late to regret now. Lin某 gave you an opportunity just now."
“ hēng ， xiàn zài cái hòu huǐ ， nǐ bù xián wǎn le ， lín mǒu gāng gāng ， kě shì gěi guò nǐ jī huì 。”
“哼，现在才后悔，你不嫌晚了，林某刚刚，可是给过你机会。”
Lin Xuan remained expressionless. Since he had chosen this path, there would be no mercy. Sage Hand Scholar's protective aura was instantly broken.
lín xuān miàn wú biǎo qíng ， duì fāng jì rán zuò chū le zhè yàng de xuǎn zé ， nà tā jiù bú huì yǒu shǒu xià liú qíng yī shuō ， shèng shǒu shū shēng de hù tǐ líng guāng zhuǎn shùn jiān jiù bèi tū pò 。
林轩面无表情，对方既然做出了这样的选择，那他就不会有手下留情一说，圣手书生的护体灵光转瞬间就被突破。
A blood mist exploded in the sky as his元婴 (core) didn’t even have a chance to escape.
tiān kōng zhōng bào kāi yī tuán xuè wù ， tā lián yuán yīng dōu méi yǒu jī huì táo tuō 。
天空中爆开一团血雾，他连元婴都没有机会逃脱。
Seeing their comrade fall, Second Master’s face turned pale. Now that only he and the Black Wind Bandits were left alive, he began chattering uncontrollably with his teeth clacking together.
mù dǔ tóng bàn yǔn luò ， èr dāng jiā liǎn dōu bái le ， rú jīn cān yù dǎ jié de hēi fēng dào ， yī jiù huó zhe de zhǐ shèng xià tā yí gè ， gē gē gē ， gē gē gē ， jìng shì yá chǐ bù shòu kòng zhì de dǎ jià lái le 。
目睹同伴陨落，二当家脸都白了，如今参与打劫的黑风盗，依旧活着的只剩下他一个，咯咯咯，咯咯咯，竟是牙齿不受控制的打架来了。
"How, you still don't want to hand over your soul and spirit?"
“ zěn me ， nǐ hái bù yuàn yì jiāo chū yī hún yī pò 。” lín xuān lěng lěng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
“怎么，你还不愿意交出一魂一魄。”林轩冷冷的声音传入耳朵。
Lin Xuan's cold voice echoed in his ears.
èr dāng jiā cǐ shí ， jiǎn zhí gēn lǎo shǔ jiàn le māo chà bu duō ， dǎn zi yǐ bèi xià pò ， jiàn lín xuān yǔ qì bù nài ， chà diǎn bèi xià dé tiào qǐ lái 。
二当家此时，简直跟老鼠见了猫差不多，胆子已被吓破，见林轩语气不耐，差点被吓得跳起来。
Second Master was like a mouse seeing a cat; his fear had paralyzed him. Hearing Lin Xuan’s impatience, he almost jumped out of his skin.
“ qián bèi xǐ nù ， qián bèi xǐ nù ， wǒ zhè jiù zhào zuò 。”
“前辈喜怒，前辈喜怒，我这就照做。”
"Senior, I will do as you say."
hǎo sǐ bù rú lài huó zhe ， èr dāng jiā dǎo shì bǐ shèng shǒu shū shēng xiǎng dé tòu chè ， huà yīn wèi luò ， jiù jí hǒu hǒu de jiāng hún pò jiāo chū ， méi yǒu fēn háo dān gē 。
好死不如赖活着，二当家倒是比圣手书生想得透彻，话音未落，就急吼吼的将魂魄交出，没有分毫耽搁。
Better dead than alive, Second Master understood the situation better than Sage Hand Scholar. Without hesitation, he quickly handed over his soul and spirit.
qí shí jiù jìng jiè lái shuō ， tā bǐ lín xuān hái gāo yì diǎn ， bù guò duì fāng de shí lì bǎi zài nà lǐ ， èr dāng jiā yě méi jué de zhè me jiào yǒu hé bù tuǒ ， tā xiàn zài dōu huái yí ， duì fāng gēn běn bú shì lí hé ， ér shì mǒu gè bàn zhū chī hǔ de lǎo guài wù ， zhǐ shì bù gǎn suí biàn dòng wèn bà le 。
其实就境界来说，他比林轩还高一点，不过对方的实力摆在那里，二当家也没觉得这么叫有何不妥，他现在都怀疑，对方根本不是离合，而是某个扮猪吃虎的老怪物，只是不敢随便动问罢了。
Though he was a higher cultivator in terms of realm, he didn’t mind this. He now suspected that Lin Xuan might be some old monster feigning weakness, but he dared not ask directly.
lín xuān jǐ dào fǎ jué dǎ chū ， jìn shén shù méi yǒu fēn háo bō zhé ， lín xuān liǎn shàng lù chū mǎn yì zhī sè ， gāng cái yǐ pī lì shǒu duàn jiāng lìng yí gè tóu mù miè chú ， yě suàn shì shā jī gěi hóu kàn 。
林轩几道法诀打出，禁神术没有分毫波折，林轩脸上露出满意之色，刚才以霹雳手段将另一个头目灭除，也算是杀鸡给猴看。
Several spells were cast, and the Soul Suppressing Technique proceeded smoothly. Lin Xuan’s face showed satisfaction; eliminating another leader with such force was like a warning to others.
jiù mù qián lái shuō ， yīng gāi shì dá dào le xiào guǒ ， duì fāng jí shǐ yǒu shén me xiǎo xīn sī ， yě gāi shōu qǐ lái le 。
就目前来说，应该是达到了效果，对方即使有什么小心思，也该收起来了。
For now, it seemed effective. Any hidden intentions of his opponents should be put aside.
“ zǒu ba ！”
“走吧！”
"Let's go!"
lín xuān dài zhe èr dāng jiā huí dào le líng zhōu ， bǎi cǎo mén de dì zǐ ， bù zhī hé shí ， zǎo yǐ yǒng dào jiǎ bǎn shàng le ， tā men mù dǔ le lín xuān wán shèng de yí mù ， chú le pèi fú hái shì pèi fú ， rú guǒ zì jǐ yǒu zhāo yī rì yě néng zhè yàng jiù hǎo le 。
林轩带着二当家回到了灵舟，百草门的弟子，不知何时，早已涌到甲板上了，他们目睹了林轩完胜的一幕，除了佩服还是佩服，如果自己有朝一日也能这样就好了。
Lin Xuan led Second Master back to the Spirit Boat. The disciples from Hundred Grass Sect had already gathered on deck, awestruck by Lin Xuan’s victory. They admired him deeply and wished they could achieve such power one day.
jī hū rén rén xīn zhōng dōu zhè yàng xiǎng ， dāng rán tā men yě xiǎo de ， zhè bù guò shì shē wàng ， bǎi cǎo mén jǐ bǎi dì zǐ zhī zhōng ， yě zhǐ yǒu shàng guān jiě mèi fú yuán shēn hòu ， bèi lín xuān shōu wèi le jì míng dì zǐ ， xiān dào néng zǒu duō yuǎn bù hǎo shuō ， dàn lí hé hái shì dà yǒu xī wàng de 。
几乎人人心中都这样想，当然他们也晓得，这不过是奢望，百草门几百弟子之中，也只有上官姐妹福缘深厚，被林轩收为了记名弟子，仙道能走多远不好说，但离合还是大有希望的。
Everyone felt this way, but they knew it was a distant dream. Among the hundreds of disciples, only Sister Shangguan and her sister were fortunate enough to be recognized as unofficial apprentices by Lin Xuan. Their chances in cultivation were uncertain, but becoming a Separation and Union cultivator was still hopeful.
zhì yú tā men ， néng gòu jié dān jiù bù cuò ， xiǎng chéng wéi lín qián bèi yī yàng de gāo shǒu ， gēn běn jiù shì zuò mèng 。
至于他们，能够结丹就不错，想成为林前辈一样的高手，根本就是做梦。
As for them, becoming Dan Field cultivators would already be an achievement; dreaming of becoming a Senior Lin’s master was just wishful thinking!
zhè ge shì shí hěn cán kù ， bù guò xiū xiān jiè zhōng de gāo jiē xiū shì jiù bǐ lì lái shuō ， què shí shì bù zhí yī tí de 。
这个事实很残酷，不过修仙界中的高阶修士就比例来说，确实是不值一提的。
This reality was harsh, but the proportion of high-ranking cultivators in the world of cultivation was indeed negligible.
èr dāng jiā cǐ shí cǐ kè ， nǎ hái yǒu yì diǎn shēn wèi shàng wèi zhě de qì dù ， dī méi shùn mù ， shēng pà zì jǐ zuò cuò le shén me ， bèi lín xuān gěi chōu hún liàn pò 。
二当家此时此刻，哪还有一点身为上位者的气度，低眉顺目，生怕自己做错了什么，被林轩给抽魂炼魄。
Second Master now had no air of superiority left; he bowed his head and trembled with fear, worried that any mistake might lead to his soul being extracted.
“ zhè fù jìn yǒu méi yǒu shén me huāng dǎo ？” zhèng xiǎo xīn cì hòu zhe ， nà shà xīng de shēng yīn què chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
“这附近有没有什么荒岛？”正小心伺候着，那煞星的声音却传入耳朵。
"Is there a nearby uninhabited island?" Just as Second Master was serving him, Sage Hand Scholar’s voice rang out.
“ huāng dǎo ？” èr dāng jiā yī è ， yī shí piàn kè yě bù zhī dào gāi zěn me shuō 。
“荒岛？”二当家一愕，一时片刻也不知道该怎么说。
"Uninhabited island?"
“ qián bèi yào shén me tiáo jiàn de ？”
“前辈要什么条件的？”
Second Master was taken aback. He didn’t know how to respond immediately.
“ yǒu méi yǒu líng mài méi yǒu guān xì ， zhǐ yào wèi zhì huāng pì jiù kě yǐ 。”
“有没有灵脉没有关系，只要位置荒僻就可以。”
"What conditions do you need?"
lín xuān yǐ jīng dǎ suàn qiǎng hēi fēng dào de lǎo cháo zuò zǒng duò ， bù guò zài zhè zhī qián ， hái shì yào xiān jiāng bǎi cǎo mén zhòng rén ān zhì yī xià de 。
林轩已经打算抢黑风盗的老巢做总舵，不过在这之前，还是要先将百草门众人安置一下的。
"It doesn't matter if it has a灵脉 (spirit vein), just make sure the location is remote."
zǒng bù néng dài zhe zhè xiē cài niǎo xiū xiān zhě ， bì jìng lǎo cháo de hǎi dào gèng duō ， hēi fēng zūn zhě gèng bú shì ruò zhě ， lín xuān yě dān xīn ， zì jǐ yǒu zhào gù bù guò lái de shí kè ， zǒng zhī jiāng tā men zhǎo yí gè dì diǎn ān zhì jiào wéi wěn tuǒ 。
总不能带着这些菜鸟修仙者，毕竟老巢的海盗更多，黑风尊者更不是弱者，林轩也担心，自己有照顾不过来的时刻，总之将他们找一个地点安置较为稳妥。
Lin Xuan planned to take over the Black Wind Bandits' lair as his main base, but first, he needed to settle everyone from Hundred Grass Sect.
“ zhè …… dāng rán shì yǒu de 。”
“这……当然是有的。”
He couldn’t bring these novice cultivators along; there were more pirates at their old nest, and Black Wind Master wasn't weak either. Lin Xuan was worried about not being able to take care of everything.
míng bái le lín xuān de yì tú ， èr dāng jiā lì kè háo bù chí yí de dài lù ， chū mài xī rì de tóng huǒ suàn shén me ， dào zéi nán dào hái néng zhǐ wàng tā men xiāng hù zhī jiān háo qì gàn yún me ， shuō chuān le ， gēn běn jiù shì yī qún jiàn lì wàng yì de jiā huo ， zhè zhǒng shí kè ， dāng rán shì wèi zì jǐ de xiǎo mìng zhuó xiǎng le 。！~！
明白了林轩的意图，二当家立刻毫不迟疑的带路，出卖昔日的同伙算什么，盗贼难道还能指望他们相互之间豪气干云么，说穿了，根本就是一群见利忘义的家伙，这种时刻，当然是为自己的小命着想了。！~！
"Of course."
Understanding Lin Xuan's intentions, Second Master immediately led the way without hesitation. Selling out his former comrades meant nothing; thieves couldn’t expect loyalty from each other. In truth, they were all self-serving opportunists who only cared for their own lives at such moments!
Lin Xuan's eyes showed a hint of disdain, but he paused his actions. These two still had some use to him; he needed to extract more information about the Black Wind Bandits from them.
The most crucial piece of information was the location of their lair.
Although soul searching could yield similar results, sometimes the information might be incomplete. In any case, having a real person guide them would definitely save time and effort.
Lin Xuan knew this well, so he wasn't in a rush to eliminate these two right away.
"Want to live?"
"Yes!"
The two nodded repeatedly, their actions resembling chickens pecking at rice. Who wouldn’t want to live when given the chance?
"Fine, hand over your soul and spirit here."
Without further ado, Lin Xuan tossed two black wooden tokens over.
"禁神术 (Soul Suppressing Technique)."
Both men were terrified; doing so would essentially mean handing their lives over to the other. But at this point, what choice did they have?
Not… there was still one.
At least, their reactions were different.
While Second Master was hesitating, Sage Hand Scholar had already acted first. He moved his hands swiftly, his movements so fast that it left everyone stunned.
The nickname "Sage Hand" wasn’t just for show; he was a natural talent, far quicker in both movement and招式 than his peers.
As he moved, various objects flew through the air—talisman scrolls, lightning beads.
They swarmed like a storm, transforming into various attacks that rained down on Lin Xuan.
Of course, Sage Hand Scholar didn’t expect to win; after seeing how formidable Lin Xuan was earlier, he knew any ambush would be futile.
Such efforts were only self-destructive.
His goal was simple: just delay long enough and perhaps create an opportunity for escape.
Sage Hand Scholar had grown accustomed to a free life. How could he be driven like this? Rather than being a slave, it might be worth taking his chances and fighting; even if he lost, there might still be a chance of escaping.
Seeing the numerous talismans and lightning beads on Sage Hand Scholar, Lin Xuan showed surprise. High-ranking cultivators generally didn’t do such things, but this guy had his own style.
But Lin Xuan wouldn’t pity him. Trying to escape from him was sheer madness.
"Quickly!"
Lin Xuan pointed a finger forward. The Nine Heavens Bright Moon Ring flashed, sending countless wind blades flying. They gathered in the middle and began swirling, creating a white hurricane that entered his vision.
Though it didn't reach the heavens or touch the ground, its momentum was shocking. Especially considering how many palm-sized wind blades made up this hurricane, one could imagine its power.
And its speed was outrageous; even as Sage Hand Scholar used all his abilities to escape, he was still caught after a few flashes.
Wu…
The wind blades didn’t hesitate, falling directly on him.
"Ahh!"
A scream echoed. Despite barely managing to release a defensive talisman, it couldn't withstand the overwhelming number of wind blades and was quickly sliced into pieces, turning into scrap metal that fell into the sea.
Sage Hand Scholar's face turned black with regret.
Regret washed over him like a flood.
"Senior, spare me! I made a mistake; I will hand over my soul and spirit."
"Hmph. It’s too late to regret now. Lin某 gave you an opportunity just now."
Lin Xuan remained expressionless. Since he had chosen this path, there would be no mercy. Sage Hand Scholar's protective aura was instantly broken.
A blood mist exploded in the sky as his元婴 (core) didn’t even have a chance to escape.
Seeing their comrade fall, Second Master’s face turned pale. Now that only he and the Black Wind Bandits were left alive, he began chattering uncontrollably with his teeth clacking together.
"How, you still don't want to hand over your soul and spirit?"
Lin Xuan's cold voice echoed in his ears.
Second Master was like a mouse seeing a cat; his fear had paralyzed him. Hearing Lin Xuan’s impatience, he almost jumped out of his skin.
"Senior, I will do as you say."
Better dead than alive, Second Master understood the situation better than Sage Hand Scholar. Without hesitation, he quickly handed over his soul and spirit.
Though he was a higher cultivator in terms of realm, he didn’t mind this. He now suspected that Lin Xuan might be some old monster feigning weakness, but he dared not ask directly.
Several spells were cast, and the Soul Suppressing Technique proceeded smoothly. Lin Xuan’s face showed satisfaction; eliminating another leader with such force was like a warning to others.
For now, it seemed effective. Any hidden intentions of his opponents should be put aside.
"Let's go!"
Lin Xuan led Second Master back to the Spirit Boat. The disciples from Hundred Grass Sect had already gathered on deck, awestruck by Lin Xuan’s victory. They admired him deeply and wished they could achieve such power one day.
Everyone felt this way, but they knew it was a distant dream. Among the hundreds of disciples, only Sister Shangguan and her sister were fortunate enough to be recognized as unofficial apprentices by Lin Xuan. Their chances in cultivation were uncertain, but becoming a Separation and Union cultivator was still hopeful.
As for them, becoming Dan Field cultivators would already be an achievement; dreaming of becoming a Senior Lin’s master was just wishful thinking!
This reality was harsh, but the proportion of high-ranking cultivators in the world of cultivation was indeed negligible.
Second Master now had no air of superiority left; he bowed his head and trembled with fear, worried that any mistake might lead to his soul being extracted.
"Is there a nearby uninhabited island?" Just as Second Master was serving him, Sage Hand Scholar’s voice rang out.
"Uninhabited island?"
Second Master was taken aback. He didn’t know how to respond immediately.
"What conditions do you need?"
"It doesn't matter if it has a灵脉 (spirit vein), just make sure the location is remote."
Lin Xuan planned to take over the Black Wind Bandits' lair as his main base, but first, he needed to settle everyone from Hundred Grass Sect.
He couldn’t bring these novice cultivators along; there were more pirates at their old nest, and Black Wind Master wasn't weak either. Lin Xuan was worried about not being able to take care of everything.
"Of course."
Understanding Lin Xuan's intentions, Second Master immediately led the way without hesitation. Selling out his former comrades meant nothing; thieves couldn’t expect loyalty from each other. In truth, they were all self-serving opportunists who only cared for their own lives at such moments!