“ zài ， zhǔ rén gāng gāng bì guān jié shù ， zhèng zài shuǐ bō dòng zhōng yǐn jiǔ zuò lè ， liǎng wèi mǎ jiā zěn me tū rán huí lái le ？”
“在，主人刚刚闭关结束，正在水波洞中饮酒作乐，两位马家怎么突然回来了？”
"Here, Master just finished his seclusion. He's currently enjoying himself in the Water Ripple Cave by drinking and feasting. Why have you two Ma family members suddenly returned?"
shuō huà de shì yī shēn cái gāo shòu de xiū xiān zhě ， yě shì wǔ rén zhōng xiū wèi zuì gāo de yí gè ， jù lí lí hé ， jī hū zhǐ yǒu yī xiàn le 。
说话的是一身材高瘦的修仙者，也是五人中修为最高的一个，距离离合，几乎只有一线了。
The speaker was a tall and slender cultivator, also the one with the highest cultivation level among the five, only a hair away from entering the Separation stage.
“ zhè ge ， zì rán shì yǒu yào shì de 。” èr dāng jiā hán hú qí cí de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， duì fāng yě bìng méi yǒu xīn yí shén me 。
“这个，自然是有要事的。”二当家含糊其辞的声音传入耳朵，对方也并没有心疑什么。
"Of course, there is important business." The second-in-command's vague voice entered their ears, and the other party did not seem suspicious at all.
zhǐ shì jiǎn dān de xún wèn liǎng jù ， jiù jiāng liǎng rén gěi fàng le jìn qù 。
只是简单的询问两句，就将两人给放了进去。
After asking two simple questions, they allowed them to enter.
èr dāng jiā sōng le kǒu qì ， tā gāng cái hái zhēn pà zhè wǔ gè jiā huo ， kàn chū lín xuān yì róng de pò zhàn lái le ， suī rán míng xiǎo de ， zhè zhǒng kě néng xìng bù dà ， dàn xīn zhōng nán miǎn yí shén yí guǐ a ！
二当家松了口气，他刚才还真怕这五个家伙，看出林轩易容的破绽来了，虽然明晓得，这种可能性不大，但心中难免疑神疑鬼啊！
The second-in-command heaved a sigh of relief. He really feared that these five would spot the flaw in his disguise. Although he knew such a possibility was unlikely, he couldn't help but be paranoid!
hǎo zài dān xīn shì duō yú ， bù guò xīn zhōng de dà shí bìng bú huì yīn cǐ luò dì ， jiē xià lái yào miàn jiàn hēi fēng zūn zhě ， zhè kǎo yàn cái shì zuì dà de 。
好在担心是多余，不过心中的大石并不会因此落地，接下来要面见黑风尊者，这考验才是最大的。
Fortunately, there was no need for worry, but the heavy stone in his heart wouldn't fall completely. The next step was to meet Black Wind Venerable and this test was the biggest.
suī rán lín xuān hěn qiáng ， dàn hēi fēng zūn zhě yě jī hū kě yǐ shuō ， shì bàn zhǐ jiǎo tà rù dòng xuán de rén wù ， hé kuàng zhè lǐ bì jìng shì hēi fēng dào jīng yíng le shù qiān nián de lǎo cháo ， gāo shǒu zhòng duō ， jìn zhì xiàn jǐng bù jì qí shù ， rú guǒ shēn fèn zhēn de bào lù ， jiù suàn liǎng rén néng píng ān táo tuō ， zì jǐ chóng huò 〖 zì 〗 yóu de dà jì kě jiù yòu pào tāng le 。
虽然林轩很强，但黑风尊者也几乎可以说，是半只脚踏入洞玄的人物，何况这里毕竟是黑风盗经营了数千年的老巢，高手众多，禁制陷阱不计其数，如果身份真的暴露，就算两人能平安逃脱，自己重获〖自〗由的大计可就又泡汤了。
Although Lin Xuan was very strong, Black Wind Venerable could almost be considered someone who had one foot in the Void Profound realm. Besides, this place was the Black Wind Bandits' old lair for thousands of years, with many experts and countless禁制traps. If his identity were truly exposed, even if the two of them managed to escape safely, his plan to regain freedom would be ruined.
yīn wèi guān hū zhe zì jǐ de qiè shēn lì yì ， èr dāng jiā kě yǐ shuō shì shàng xīn wú bǐ 。
因为关乎着自己的切身利益，二当家可以说是上心无比。
Because it concerned his own interests, the second-in-command was extremely anxious.
xiāng bǐ tā de tǎn tè ， lín xuān xiǎn de xiōng yǒu chéng zhú 。
相比他的忐忑，林轩显得胸有成竹。
In contrast to his unease, Lin Xuan appeared confident.
zì jǐ de shí lì zì jǐ qīng chǔ ， bié shuō lí hé de hēi fēng zūn zhě ， jiù suàn shì dòng xuán qī lǎo guài wù ， zhǐ yào méi yǒu xiū liàn líng yǎn mì shù ， kěn dìng yě shì wú fǎ jiāng zì jǐ de xíng jì kàn pò 。
自己的实力自己清楚，别说离合的黑风尊者，就算是洞玄期老怪物，只要没有修炼灵眼秘术，肯定也是无法将自己的行迹看破。
He knew his strength well; not only could he easily avoid detection from a Separation stage like Black Wind Venerable, but even a Void Profound old monster who hadn't mastered the Spirit Eye Secret Technique would be unable to spot him.
tā gēn běn bù dān xīn shén me bào lù 。
他根本不担心什么暴露。
He wasn't worried about exposure at all.
hé kuàng tuì yī wàn bù shuō ， zhēn bào lù le yòu rú hé ， lín mǒu mào míng dǐng tì ， bù guò shì xiǎng yào zhàn dòu gèng qīng sōng yī xiē ， yǐ tā de shí lì ， jí shǐ yìng pèng yìng ， yě yǒu shí zú bǎ wò ， jiāng hēi fēng dào gěi yī yī miè chú ” zhǐ bù guò nà yàng yào duō fèi shǒu jiǎo 。
何况退一万步说，真暴露了又如何，林某冒名顶替，不过是想要战斗更轻松一些，以他的实力，即使硬碰硬，也有十足把握，将黑风盗给一一灭除”只不过那样要多费手脚。
Moreover, if it really came to that and his disguise was exposed, what of it? Lin Xuan's pretense was merely to make battles easier. With his strength, even a direct confrontation with Black Wind Bandits wouldn't pose much difficulty; he had full confidence in eliminating them. However, such an approach would require more effort.
ér yǐ lín xuān de xìng gé ， néng tōu lǎn ， dāng rán yào jǐn liàng shěng shì le 。
而以林轩的性格，能偷懒，当然要尽量省事了。
Given Lin Xuan's nature, he naturally wanted to avoid unnecessary trouble.
liǎng rén xiǎng fǎ bù tóng ， què yě dōu bù dòng shēng sè de zǒu jìn le shuǐ bō dòng 。
两人想法不同，却也都不动声色的走进了水波洞。
With different thoughts but no visible actions, the two entered the Water Ripple Cave.
shuō shì dòng fǔ ， lǐ miàn què kuān bì dé gēn yí gè dà tīng chà bu duō 。
说是洞府，里面却宽敝得跟一个大厅差不多。
Though it was called a cave abode, it was spacious like a grand hall inside.
yí gè qiú xū dà hàn xí dì ér zuò ， zhèng dà kǒu hē jiǔ ， dà kuài chī ròu 。
一个虬须大汉席地而坐，正大口喝酒，大块吃肉。
A burly man with a thick beard sat on the ground and drank heartily. He looked around forty years old, his demeanor formidable as he stared intently at something. An aura of unspoken power radiated from him; needless to say, this man was none other than Black Wind Venerable.
kàn shàng qù ” dà yuē sì shí shàng xià chū tóu ， shén tài wēi měng ， yuán zhēng shuāng mù ， yī gǔ bù nù zì wēi de qì shì mí sàn ér chū ， bú yòng shuō ， zhè jiā huo ， zì rán jiù shì hēi fēng zūn zhě 。
看上去”大约四十上下出头，神态威猛，圆睁双目，一股不怒自威的气势弥散而出，不用说，这家伙，自然就是黑风尊者。
He had once been a notorious bandit, but fate brought him onto the path of cultivation. Although his current strength was impressive, he still couldn't shake off his old habits.
tā běn shì jiāng yáng dà dào ， jī yuán qiǎo hé ” zǒu shàng le xiū xiān zhī lù ， suī rán rú jīn shí lì yǐ pǒ wèi le bù qǐ ， què yī jiù gǎi bù liǎo wǎng rì de xí qì 。
他本是江洋大盗，机缘巧合”走上了修仙之路，虽然如今实力已颇为了不起，却依旧改不了往日的习气。
Cultivators could practice without food, and though they might indulge in delicious meals when encountered, Black Wind Venerable drank every meal, never missing a day. Such behavior was rare among cultivators.
xiū xiān zhě dōu kě bì gǔ ， suī rán yù jiàn měi wèi jiā yáo ， yě huì mǎn zú yī xià kǒu fù zhī yù ， dàn xiàng hēi fēng zūn zhě zhè bān ， chú le bì guān xiū liàn ， qí yú shí hòu ， yī rì sān cān ， cóng bù jiàn duàn ， rú cǐ zhè bān de qíng kuàng ， dào yě shǎo jiàn 。
修仙者都可辟谷，虽然遇见美味佳肴，也会满足一下口腹之欲，但像黑风尊者这般，除了闭关修炼，其余时候，一日三餐，从不间断，如此这般的情况，倒也少见。
Moreover, Black Wind Venerable loved alcohol; each meal had to be accompanied by wine, and he would drink an entire large jar. Fortunately, his deep cultivation prevented him from getting drunk easily.
ér qiě hēi fēng zūn zhě shí fēn hǎo jiǔ ， měi dùn shì wú jiǔ bù huān ， bì hē shàng yī dà tán ， hǎo zài tā xiū wèi shēn hòu ” dào yě bù pà zuì jiǔ wù shì le 。
而且黑风尊者十分好酒，每顿是无酒不欢，必喝上一大坛，好在他修为深厚”倒也不怕醉酒误事了。
Hearing footsteps, the slightly tipsy Black Wind Venerable raised his head, showing a trace of surprise: "Brother Second, Third Brother, you weren't out on your usual forays? Why did you return so quickly? How was business? Did you catch any big game?"
tīng jiǎo bù shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， yǐ jīng wēi xūn de hēi fēng zūn zhě tái qǐ tóu lú ， liǎn shàng lù chū jǐ fēn chà yì zhī sè ：“ èr dì ， sān dì ， nǐ men bú shì wài chū yóu yì ” zěn me ， zhè me kuài jiù huí lái le ， mǎi mài zuò dé rú hé ” kě dǎi dào féi yáng le 。”
听脚步声传入耳朵，已经微醺的黑风尊者抬起头颅，脸上露出几分诧异之色：“二弟，三弟，你们不是外出游弋”怎么，这么快就回来了，买卖做得如何”可逮到肥羊了。”
Relieved that Lin Xuan's disguise hadn't been spotted, the second-in-command smiled and said, "Big Brother, we returned to headquarters seeking aid."
jiàn lǎo dà bìng wèi jiāng lín xuān de yì róng kàn chuān ， èr dāng jiā sōng le kǒu qì ” liǎn shàng yě duī qì chū jǐ lǚ xiào yì ：“ dà gē ， wǒ yǔ sān dì huí dào zǒng duò ， nǎi shì qiú yuán lái de 。”
见老大并未将林轩的易容看穿，二当家松了口气”脸上也堆砌出几缕笑意：“大哥，我与三弟回到总舵，乃是求援来的。”
"Aid? Are the targets giving you a hard time?"
“ qiú yuán ， mò fēi diǎn zi zhā shǒu ？”
“求援，莫非点子扎手？”
Black Wind Venerable frowned but his eyes gleamed with excitement. Knowing it was tough, why wouldn't Brothers Second and Third let go of such a big catch? This meant the other party must have brought plenty of wealth.
hēi fēng zūn zhě méi tou yí zhòu ， rán ér móu dǐ shēn chù ， fǎn ér yǒu 〖 xīng 〗 fèn de guāng máng shǎn guò ， míng zhī dào diǎn zi zhā shǒu ， èr dì sān dì hái bù kěn jiāng féi yáng fàng guò ， zhè me shuō ， duì fāng shì dài le jí duō de cái huò 。
黑风尊者眉头一皱，然而眸底深处，反而有〖兴〗奋的光芒闪过，明知道点子扎手，二弟三弟还不肯将肥羊放过，这么说，对方是带了极多的财货。
"Not yet, sit down; we'll drink and talk."
“ bù máng ， nǐ men liǎ zuò xià ， zán xiōng dì sān gè ， biān hē biān shuō 。”
“不忙，你们俩坐下，咱兄弟三个，边喝边说。”
"Thank you, Big Brother."
xiè dà gē 。”
谢大哥。”
The second-in-command bowed in gratitude, and Lin Xuan sat down. The three then drank and chatted.
èr dāng jiā bào quán xíng le yī lǐ ， lín xuān yě shùn shì zuò le xià qù 。
二当家抱拳行了一礼，林轩也顺势坐了下去。
"Big Brother, it's like this..."
suí hòu sān rén tuī bēi huàn zhǎn ， biān hē biān liáo le qǐ lái 。
随后三人推杯换盏，边喝边聊了起来。
Lin Xuan spoke while filling Black Wind Venerable's bowl with wine. His goal was simple: to poison the wine. Compared to other cultivators, Lin Xuan had countless treasures, including many types of pills—especially toxic ones for weakening opponents.
“ dà gē ， shì qíng shì zhè yàng de ……”
“大哥，事情是这样的……”
The toxins were extremely potent, and given his nature, he wouldn't carry useless items.
shuō huà de shì lín xuān ， yī biān shuō yī biān jiāng hēi fēng zūn zhě de jiǔ wǎn dào mǎn ， tā de mù dì ， shuō chuān le bù zhí yī tí ， jiù shì zài jiǔ zhōng xià dú 。
说话的是林轩，一边说一边将黑风尊者的酒碗倒满，他的目的，说穿了不值一提，就是在酒中下毒。
While this method seemed straightforward, it would have few flaws.
yǔ bié de xiū xiān zhě xiāng bǐ ， lín xuān shēn shàng de bǎo wù bù jì qí shù ， gè zhǒng lèi xíng de dān yào yóu qí zhòng duō ， chú le zēng jìn fǎ lì ， tí shēng xiū wèi de líng dān ， dú yào dāng rán yě huì yǒu yì diǎn 。
与别的修仙者相比，林轩身上的宝物不计其数，各种类型的丹药尤其众多，除了增进法力，提升修为的灵丹，毒药当然也会有一点。
Even with divine powers, poisoning would weaken one's strength. As a peak Separation stage cultivator, Black Wind Venerable had first-rate experience; poisoning him at any other time would be nearly impossible.
ér qiě dú xìng jí qí měng è ， yǐ lín xuān de xìng gé ， yòu zhè me kě néng zài shēn shàng dài wú yòng de lā jī ne ？
而且毒性极其猛恶，以林轩的性格，又这么可能在身上带无用的垃圾呢？
However, even the mightiest tiger could nap. His calculations were meticulous, but he never expected his two brothers who had known each other for millennia to conspire against him.
zhè ge fāng fǎ tīng qǐ lái jiǎn dān ， dàn jué duì bú huì yǒu duō shǎo pò zhàn 。
这个方法听起来简单，但绝对不会有多少破绽。
But Lin Xuan didn't poison immediately. It was too easy to spot, so better not do it at all or have absolute certainty first.
rèn nǐ xiū wèi tōng tiān ， zhōng le dú shí lì yě huì dǎ gè zhé kòu duì bàn 。
任你修为通天，中了毒实力也会打个折扣对半。
Feigning being Third寨主, Lin Xuan drank and ate with Big Brother while weaving a story...
zuò wéi lí hé qī diān fēng de rén wù ， hēi fēng zūn zhě ， yuè lì jīng yàn zì rán yě shì yì liú de ， huàn yí gè shí jiān gěi tā xià dú ， jī hū shì bù kě néng wán chéng de rèn wù 。
作为离合期巅峰的人物，黑风尊者，阅历经验自然也是一流的，换一个时间给他下毒，几乎是不可能完成的任务。
He and Second Brother had been out on an expedition when they discovered a group of treasure-seekers. The other party had plenty of valuable items but their strength was formidable as well. With only the two of them, it wasn't certain they could handle it; so, he sent his subordinates to watch while he and Second Brother returned for reinforcements.
rán ér lǎo hǔ dōu yǒu dǎ dǔn de yī kè ， tā qiān suàn wàn suàn ， yòu zěn me huì xiǎng dào xiāng jiāo qiān nián de liǎng gè xiōng dì ， huì lián hé qǐ lái suàn jì zì jǐ 。
然而老虎都有打盹的一刻，他千算万算，又怎么会想到相交千年的两个兄弟，会联合起来算计自己。
With Lin Xuan's experience, fabricating such a story was effortless. Though not perfect, it would be hard to spot any flaws in the short term.
bù guò lín xuān bìng méi yǒu yī kāi shǐ jiù xià dú ， xiāng duì lái shuō ， nà bǐ jiào róng yì bào lù ， yào me bù zuò ， yào zuò jiù yào yǒu jué duì de bǎ wò 。
不过林轩并没有一开始就下毒，相对来说，那比较容易暴露，要么不做，要做就要有绝对的把握。
Moreover, Black Wind Venerable didn't suspect anything as Lin Xuan continued to urge him to drink. By now, he had consumed two jars and felt somewhat dizzy.
lín xuān fǎng fú zhēn de shì sān zhài zhǔ ， yī biān yǔ dà gē tuī bēi huàn zhǎn de dà chī dà hē ， yī biān kāi shǐ xū yǔ wēi yí de biān zào qǐ gù shì le ……”
林轩仿佛真的是三寨主，一边与大哥推杯换盏的大吃大喝，一边开始虚与委蛇的编造起故事了……”
"Big Brother has such an impressive capacity; here, brother, I'll raise another cup for you."
tā yǔ èr gē wài chū yóu lì ， zěn me fā xiàn le yī qún xún bǎo xiū shì ， duì fāng dài yǒu dà liàng de bǎo wù ， kě xī shí lì yě hěn zhā shǒu ， zhì shǎo píng tā men liǎng gè ， méi yǒu shí zú de bǎ wò ， yú shì ràng xiǎo de men dīng zhe ， tā yǔ èr gē zé huí lái bān jiù bīng le 。
他与二哥外出游历，怎么发现了一群寻宝修士，对方带有大量的宝物，可惜实力也很扎手，至少凭他们两个，没有十足的把握，于是让小的们盯着，他与二哥则回来搬救兵了。
Lin Xuan refilled Black Wind Venerable's bowl while a pill slipped out of his sleeve.
yǐ lín xuān de chéng fǔ yuè lì ， biān zhè me yí gè gù shì qīng sōng yǐ jí ， suī rán bù néng shuō dī shuǐ bù lòu ， dàn duǎn shí jiān ， zhì shǎo shì hěn nán kàn chū pò zhàn 。
以林轩的城府阅历，编这么一个故事轻松以极，虽然不能说滴水不漏，但短时间，至少是很难看出破绽。
This pill was snow white, only slightly larger than a grain of rice, inconspicuous.
hé kuàng hēi fēng zūn zhě yà gēn ér jiù méi yǒu huái yí guò ， lín xuān rè qíng de quàn jiǔ zhe ， cǐ shí ， tā yǐ jīng hē xià qù liǎng tán ， nǎo dài yǒu xiē yūn hū hū 。
何况黑风尊者压根儿就没有怀疑过，林轩热情的劝酒着，此时，他已经喝下去两坛，脑袋有些晕乎乎。
It dissolved silently in the wine without making a sound.
“ dà gē zhēn shì hǎi liàng ， lái ， xiōng dì zài jìng nǐ yī wǎn 。”
“大哥真是海量，来，兄弟再敬你一碗。”
Black Wind Venerable remained unaware. After several rounds of drinking, he felt particularly relaxed and couldn't have anticipated his brother poisoning him; after all, he had never mastered the Spirit Eye Secret Technique to see through Lin Xuan's true form.
lín xuān yòu gěi hēi fēng zūn zhě mǎn shàng ， yī lì dān yào què cóng yī xiù zhōng huá luò chū lái 。
林轩又给黑风尊者满上，一粒丹药却从衣袖中滑落出来。
Taking the sea bowl from Lin Xuan, he drank it down without hesitation: "That was refreshing! Really refreshing."
cǐ dān chéng xuě bái sè ， jǐn bǐ mǐ lì dà nà me yì diǎn ， háo bù qǐ yǎn 。
此丹呈雪白色，仅比米粒大那么一点，毫不起眼。
"Yes, quite refreshing. I didn't expect the mighty Black Wind Venerable to be such a mere drinker and eater. Looks like I underestimated you earlier."
luò rù jiǔ zhōng ， sī háo shēng xiǎng yě wú ， jiù zhè me wú shēng wú xī de róng huà diào le 。
落入酒中，丝毫声响也无，就这么无声无息的融化掉了。
Seeing the wine go down, Lin Xuan no longer felt the need for pretense. Now was the time to speak his mind; after all, they were fish on a chopping board.
hēi fēng zūn zhě tóng yàng shì sī háo chá jué yě wú ， cǐ shí jiǔ guò sān xún ， zhèng shì xīn qíng zuì chàng kuài de yī kè ， zěn me huì yù liào dào xiōng dì xià dú ， bì jìng tā cóng wèi xiū liàn líng yǎn mì shù ， kàn bù qīng lín xuān de zhēn miàn mù 。
黑风尊者同样是丝毫察觉也无，此时酒过三巡，正是心情最畅快的一刻，怎么会预料到兄弟下毒，毕竟他从未修炼灵眼秘术，看不清林轩的真面目。
"What did you say?"
cóng lín xuān shǒu zhōng jiàng hǎi wǎn jiē guò ， èr huà bù shuō jiù yī kǒu gàn le ：“ tòng kuài ， zhēn shì tòng kuài 。”
从林轩手中将海碗接过，二话不说就一口干了：“痛快，真是痛快。”
Black Wind Venerable raised his head in surprise, still dazed from drinking too much. His thoughts were sluggish today, making him think much slower than usual.
“ shì hěn tòng kuài ， xiǎng bú dào táng táng hēi fēng zūn zhě ， jū rán shì zhè me yī jiǔ náng fàn dài de rén wù ， kàn lái lín mǒu xiān qián ， hái shì gāo kàn nǐ le 。”
“是很痛快，想不到堂堂黑风尊者，居然是这么一酒囊饭袋的人物，看来林某先前，还是高看你了。”
Lin Xuan sighed and didn't waste words. Raising his right hand, he shot out a white sword of light.
jiàn duì fāng jiǔ shuǐ rù dù ， lín xuān yě bù zhǔn bèi jì xù zài zhè ér xū yǔ wēi yí ， zhè shí hòu ， gāi shuō shén me shuō shén me ， fǎn zhèng duì fāng dōu shì zhēn bǎn shàng de yú le 。
见对方酒水入肚，林轩也不准备继续在这儿虚与委蛇，这时候，该说什么说什么，反正对方都是砧板上的鱼了。
Though no treasure was summoned, this move had been prepared for some time and its power was significant!~!
"Here, Master just finished his seclusion. He's currently enjoying himself in the Water Ripple Cave by drinking and feasting. Why have you two Ma family members suddenly returned?"
The speaker was a tall and slender cultivator, also the one with the highest cultivation level among the five, only a hair away from entering the Separation stage.
"Of course, there is important business." The second-in-command's vague voice entered their ears, and the other party did not seem suspicious at all.
After asking two simple questions, they allowed them to enter.
The second-in-command heaved a sigh of relief. He really feared that these five would spot the flaw in his disguise. Although he knew such a possibility was unlikely, he couldn't help but be paranoid!
Fortunately, there was no need for worry, but the heavy stone in his heart wouldn't fall completely. The next step was to meet Black Wind Venerable and this test was the biggest.
Although Lin Xuan was very strong, Black Wind Venerable could almost be considered someone who had one foot in the Void Profound realm. Besides, this place was the Black Wind Bandits' old lair for thousands of years, with many experts and countless禁制traps. If his identity were truly exposed, even if the two of them managed to escape safely, his plan to regain freedom would be ruined.
Because it concerned his own interests, the second-in-command was extremely anxious.
In contrast to his unease, Lin Xuan appeared confident.
He knew his strength well; not only could he easily avoid detection from a Separation stage like Black Wind Venerable, but even a Void Profound old monster who hadn't mastered the Spirit Eye Secret Technique would be unable to spot him.
He wasn't worried about exposure at all.
Moreover, if it really came to that and his disguise was exposed, what of it? Lin Xuan's pretense was merely to make battles easier. With his strength, even a direct confrontation with Black Wind Bandits wouldn't pose much difficulty; he had full confidence in eliminating them. However, such an approach would require more effort.
Given Lin Xuan's nature, he naturally wanted to avoid unnecessary trouble.
With different thoughts but no visible actions, the two entered the Water Ripple Cave.
Though it was called a cave abode, it was spacious like a grand hall inside.
A burly man with a thick beard sat on the ground and drank heartily. He looked around forty years old, his demeanor formidable as he stared intently at something. An aura of unspoken power radiated from him; needless to say, this man was none other than Black Wind Venerable.
He had once been a notorious bandit, but fate brought him onto the path of cultivation. Although his current strength was impressive, he still couldn't shake off his old habits.
Cultivators could practice without food, and though they might indulge in delicious meals when encountered, Black Wind Venerable drank every meal, never missing a day. Such behavior was rare among cultivators.
Moreover, Black Wind Venerable loved alcohol; each meal had to be accompanied by wine, and he would drink an entire large jar. Fortunately, his deep cultivation prevented him from getting drunk easily.
Hearing footsteps, the slightly tipsy Black Wind Venerable raised his head, showing a trace of surprise: "Brother Second, Third Brother, you weren't out on your usual forays? Why did you return so quickly? How was business? Did you catch any big game?"
Relieved that Lin Xuan's disguise hadn't been spotted, the second-in-command smiled and said, "Big Brother, we returned to headquarters seeking aid."
"Aid? Are the targets giving you a hard time?"
Black Wind Venerable frowned but his eyes gleamed with excitement. Knowing it was tough, why wouldn't Brothers Second and Third let go of such a big catch? This meant the other party must have brought plenty of wealth.
"Not yet, sit down; we'll drink and talk."
"Thank you, Big Brother."
The second-in-command bowed in gratitude, and Lin Xuan sat down. The three then drank and chatted.
"Big Brother, it's like this..."
Lin Xuan spoke while filling Black Wind Venerable's bowl with wine. His goal was simple: to poison the wine. Compared to other cultivators, Lin Xuan had countless treasures, including many types of pills—especially toxic ones for weakening opponents.
The toxins were extremely potent, and given his nature, he wouldn't carry useless items.
While this method seemed straightforward, it would have few flaws.
Even with divine powers, poisoning would weaken one's strength. As a peak Separation stage cultivator, Black Wind Venerable had first-rate experience; poisoning him at any other time would be nearly impossible.
However, even the mightiest tiger could nap. His calculations were meticulous, but he never expected his two brothers who had known each other for millennia to conspire against him.
But Lin Xuan didn't poison immediately. It was too easy to spot, so better not do it at all or have absolute certainty first.
Feigning being Third寨主, Lin Xuan drank and ate with Big Brother while weaving a story...
He and Second Brother had been out on an expedition when they discovered a group of treasure-seekers. The other party had plenty of valuable items but their strength was formidable as well. With only the two of them, it wasn't certain they could handle it; so, he sent his subordinates to watch while he and Second Brother returned for reinforcements.
With Lin Xuan's experience, fabricating such a story was effortless. Though not perfect, it would be hard to spot any flaws in the short term.
Moreover, Black Wind Venerable didn't suspect anything as Lin Xuan continued to urge him to drink. By now, he had consumed two jars and felt somewhat dizzy.
"Big Brother has such an impressive capacity; here, brother, I'll raise another cup for you."
Lin Xuan refilled Black Wind Venerable's bowl while a pill slipped out of his sleeve.
This pill was snow white, only slightly larger than a grain of rice, inconspicuous.
It dissolved silently in the wine without making a sound.
Black Wind Venerable remained unaware. After several rounds of drinking, he felt particularly relaxed and couldn't have anticipated his brother poisoning him; after all, he had never mastered the Spirit Eye Secret Technique to see through Lin Xuan's true form.
Taking the sea bowl from Lin Xuan, he drank it down without hesitation: "That was refreshing! Really refreshing."
"Yes, quite refreshing. I didn't expect the mighty Black Wind Venerable to be such a mere drinker and eater. Looks like I underestimated you earlier."
Seeing the wine go down, Lin Xuan no longer felt the need for pretense. Now was the time to speak his mind; after all, they were fish on a chopping board.
"What did you say?"
Black Wind Venerable raised his head in surprise, still dazed from drinking too much. His thoughts were sluggish today, making him think much slower than usual.
Lin Xuan sighed and didn't waste words. Raising his right hand, he shot out a white sword of light.
Though no treasure was summoned, this move had been prepared for some time and its power was significant!~!