dì yī qiān bā bǎi sān shí liù zhāng yí gè chéng nuò
第一千八百三十六章一个承诺
Chapter 1836: A Promise
“ yuán lái rú cǐ 。”
“原来如此。”
"Ah, I see."
bàn gè shí chén hěn kuài jiù guò qù le ， tīng wán hóng yè xiān zi de wěi wěi jiǎng shù ， lín xuān liǎn shàng bìng méi yǒu lù chū duō shǎo yì wài zhī sè。
半个时辰很快就过去了，听完红叶仙子的娓娓讲述，林轩脸上并没有露出多少意外之sè。
Half an hour quickly passed. After Red Leaf Fairy narrated her tale in detail, Lin Xuan showed no signs of surprise on his face.
dú lóng lǎo zǔ jì rán chǔ xīn jī lǜ ， zhè hóng yè dǎo shí yǒu ** shì bǎo bú zhù dì 。
毒龙老祖既然处心积虑，这红叶岛十有**是保不住地。
Since the Poison Dragon Ancestor had been scheming, it was highly likely that Red Leaf Island would not survive this ordeal.
“ xiǎo mèi ， nǐ yě bù yòng tài guò zài yì ， qián cái nǎi shēn wài wù ， zhè zǔ shàng chuán xià lái de jī yè yě shì yī yàng de ， diū le yě jiù diū le ， zhǐ yào rén méi shì ， nǐ wǒ nǎi xiū xiān zhě ， yǎn jiè yīng gāi kāi kuò ， shǒu chéng ， nǎi shì shì sú fán rén suǒ wèi ， nǐ wǒ zhuī xún de tiān dào zhī lù ， qǐ zài hū yī chéng yī dǎo de dé shī 。”
“小妹，妳也不用太过在意，钱财乃身外物，这祖上传下来的基业也是一样的，丢了也就丢了，只要人没事，妳我乃修仙者，眼界应该开阔，守成，乃是世俗凡人所为，妳我追寻的天道之路，岂在乎一城一岛的得失。”
"Sister, you shouldn't worry too much about it. Wealth is just something external. This ancestral inheritance should be treated the same way. If we lose it, so be it. As cultivators, our horizons should be broad. Preserving what we have is a task for ordinary mortals. Our path to the Heavenly Dao, how could it depend on the gain or loss of one city or island?"
“ dà gē yán zhī yǒu lǐ 。”
“大哥言之有理。”
"Brother, you make sense."
hóng yè xiān zi tàn le kǒu qì ， jǐn guǎn nèi xīn shēn chù ， hái shì bù gān xīn yǐ jí ， kě nà yòu néng rú hé ， dí rén shì dòng xuán qī xiū xiān zhě ， zì zhī zhī míng hái shì yǒu de ， hóng yè xiān zi xīn lǐ yǒu shù ， zhè ge chóu ， kǒng pà shì méi yǒu jī huì bào le 。
红叶仙子叹了口气，尽管内心深处，还是不甘心以极，可那又能如何，敌人是洞玄期修仙者，自知之明还是有的，红叶仙子心理有数，这个仇，恐怕是没有机会报了。
Red Leaf Fairy sighed. Although she was deeply reluctant, there was nothing she could do about it. She knew well that her opponent was an Immortal Profound Stage cultivator, and thus she had a clear understanding of her own limitations. Red Leaf Fairy realized that this grudge would likely remain unavenged.
“ duì le ， dà gē ， nǐ yòu shì rú hé tuō xiǎn de ？” hóng yè xiān zi lǐ le lǐ fà sī ， yǎn zhōng tòu chū jǐ fēn hào qí 。
“对了，大哥，你又是如何脱险的？”红叶仙子理了理发丝，眼中透出几分好奇。
"By the way, brother, how did you manage to escape?"
“ tuō xiǎn ？” lín xuān què xiào ér bù yǔ 。
“脱险？”林轩却笑而不语。
Red Leaf Fairy combed her hair, her eyes filled with curiosity.
“ zěn me ， nán dào xiǎo mèi yán zhī yǒu cuò ？” hóng yè xiān zi bù jiě de shuō 。
“怎么，难道小妹言之有错？”红叶仙子不解的说。
"Escape?" Lin Xuan smiled but remained silent.
yú shì lín xuān huǎn huǎn jiǎng chū liǎo shì qíng de jīng guò 。
于是林轩缓缓讲出了事情的经过。
"Why? Did I say something wrong, Sister?" Red Leaf Fairy asked in confusion.
zuò wéi páng guān zhě ， hóng yè xiān zi de zuǐ bā shì yuè zhāng yuè dà le 。
作为旁观者，红叶仙子的嘴巴是越张越大了。
Lin Xuan then slowly recounted the events that transpired.
ruò bú shì xiǎo de ， zì jǐ zhè wèi dà gē ， jué bú shì xū yán fú kuā de rén wù ， tā dōu yào yǐ wéi ， shì zài tīng tiān fāng yè tán le 。
若不是晓得，自己这位大哥，绝不是虚言浮夸的人物，她都要以为，是在听天方夜谭了。
As an observer, Red Leaf Fairy's mouth opened wider and wider. If she didn't know that her brother was not a man of empty promises, she would have thought he was telling a fairy tale.
lí hé ， jū rán néng gòu zhàn shèng dòng xuán qī xiū xiān zhě ， zhè yàng kuā zhāng de shì qíng ， shuō chū qù ， yě jué bú huì yǒu rén xìn 。
离合，居然能够战胜洞玄期修仙者，这样夸张的事情，说出去，也绝不会有人信。
The separation technique actually managed to defeat a Profound Stage cultivator—such an exaggerated claim could never be believed by anyone else.
jiù suàn tōu xí ， yě bù kě sī yì ！
就算偷袭，也不可思议！
Even if it were a sneak attack, it still seemed impossible!
bù guò lín xuān miáo shù huì shēng huì sè， zài jié hé tā de xìng gé ， hóng yè xiān zi bìng méi yǒu yí huò 。
不过林轩描述绘声绘sè，再结合他的xìng格，红叶仙子并没有疑惑。
However, Lin Xuan's vivid description and his character made Red Leaf Fairy believe him without doubt.
“ dà gē bù kuì shì fēi shēng xiū shì ， jiǎn zhí tài lì hài le 。” shào nǚ de liǎn shàng ， mǎn shì yóu zhōng de pèi fú 。
“大哥不愧是飞升修士，简直太厉害了。”少女的脸上，满是由衷的佩服。
"Brother, you truly are a transcendent cultivator. You're simply too impressive."
“ hē hē ， xiǎo mèi nǐ miù zàn le 。” lín xuān zì rán bú huì qù guò duō de jiě shì shén me ， tài qiān xū ， fǎn ér shì yī zhǒng guò dù de jiāo ào de 。
“呵呵，小妹妳谬赞了。”林轩自然不会去过多的解释什么，太谦虚，反而是一种过度的骄傲的。
"Ha ha, Sister, you flatter me," Lin Xuan naturally did not need to explain further. Overly humble was also a form of excessive pride.
“ bù guò yǒu yī jiàn shì qíng ， wǒ yì zhí bù jiě 。”
“不过有一件事情，我一直不解。”
"But there's one thing I've always been curious about."
“ dà gē qǐng shuō 。”
“大哥请说。”
"Brother, please speak."
“ shù wǒ zhí yán ， hóng yè dǎo dì chǔ piān pì ， zài dòng xuán qī lǎo guài de yǎn lǐ ， yīng gāi shì bù zhí yī tí ， nà dú lóng lǎo zǔ wèi hé chǔ xīn jī lǜ ……” lín xuān shuō dào zhè lǐ ， liǎn shàng dài zhe jǐ fēn yóu yí ， tā hái xiǎng dào le dōng fāng míng yù 。
“恕我直言，红叶岛地处偏僻，在洞玄期老怪的眼里，应该是不值一提，那毒龙老祖为何处心积虑……”林轩说到这里，脸上带着几分犹疑，他还想到了东方明欲。
"I must be frank—Red Leaf Island is located in a remote area. In the eyes of an old Profound Stage cultivator, it should not hold much value. Why did the Poison Dragon Ancestor go to such lengths…" Lin Xuan hesitated as he spoke, thinking of Eastern Ming.
rú guǒ méi yǒu liào cuò ， cǐ nǚ yīng gāi shì jù jīng wáng de jùn zhǔ ， yǐ tā de shēn fèn yě pǎo dào hóng yè dǎo qián fú ， zhè jiàn shì qíng zhe shí tòu zhe guǐ yì 。
如果没有料错，此女应该是巨鲸王的郡主，以她的身份也跑到红叶岛潜伏，这件事情着实透着诡异。
If his guess was correct, this woman should be the princess of the Whale King's domain. Her presence on Red Leaf Island was indeed strange.
rú guǒ shuō hóng yè dǎo shàng méi yǒu zú gòu de hǎo chù ， dǎ sǐ lín xuān yě bù xiāng xìn de 。
如果说红叶岛上没有足够的好处，打死林轩也不相信的。
Even if there wasn't enough benefit for her to stay, Lin Xuan would never believe it.
rán ér jiū jìng shì zěn yàng de yòu huò ， néng ràng dú lóng lǎo zǔ zhè yàng de mó dào jù xiāo ， yǔ jù jīng wáng quán dōu qū zhī ruò wù ， lín xuān xīn lǐ ， nà shì fēi cháng de gǎn xìng qù 。
然而究竟是怎样的诱惑，能让毒龙老祖这样的魔道巨枭，与巨鲸王全都趋之若鹜，林轩心里，那是非常的感兴趣。
But what kind of temptation could draw such a powerful figure as the Poison Dragon Ancestor and the Whale King to seek out this small island?
shèn zhì yǒu nà me diǎn ， xiǎng yào yī tàn jiū jìng de xīn lǐ 。
甚至有那么点，想要一探究竟的心理。
Lin Xuan was very curious about this. He even had a desire to uncover the truth.
bì jìng rén dōu yǒu hào qí 。
毕竟人都有好奇。
After all, everyone has curiosity.
ér yì gāo rén dǎn dà ， shuāng yīng yī dān de yì wài jìn jí ， yě ràng lín xuān yǒu le yǔ dòng xuán qī lǎo guài wù jiào xiāo de dǐ qì 。
而艺高人胆大，双婴一丹的意外晋级，也让林轩有了与洞玄期老怪物叫嚣的底气。
And with his high skills, he now had the courage to challenge Profound Stage monsters. "I… I'm not sure."
“ zhè …… wǒ yě bù qīng chǔ 。”
“这……我也不清楚。”
Red Leaf Fairy was still puzzled. Red Leaf Island was her home since childhood, and she knew every detail of it well. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't figure out why so many powerful figures were drawn to this small island.
hóng yè xiān zi chú le yí huò hái shì yí huò ， hóng yè dǎo shì tā cóng xiǎo de zhǎng dà zhī suǒ ， yī cǎo yī mù ， kě wèi dōu fēi cháng shú ， rán ér rèn píng cǐ nǚ xiǎng pò le tóu ， yě bù xiǎo de ， zhè xiǎo xiǎo de hóng yè dǎo ， wèi hé huì yǐn lái zhè me duō dà rén wù 。
红叶仙子除了疑惑还是疑惑，红叶岛是她从小的长大之所，一草一木，可谓都非常熟，然而任凭此女想破了头，也不晓得，这小小的红叶岛，为何会引来这么多大人物。
Was this what people called a disaster from the heavens?
nán dào shuō ， zhè jiù shì chuán shuō zhōng de huò cóng tiān jiàng ？
难道说，这就是传说中的祸从天降？
Lin Xuan had some insight into discerning people's true nature. His gaze swept over her, confirming that she was indeed not hiding anything; she truly did not know.
shí rén zhǐ míng lín xuān hái shì yǒu de ， mù guāng sǎo guò ， yǐ què dìng cǐ nǚ què shí méi yǒu yǐn mán shén me ， tā shì zhēn de bù xiǎo de 。
识人指明林轩还是有的，目光扫过，已确定此女确实没有隐瞒什么，她是真的不晓得。
Lin Xuan sighed: "Sister, how do you plan to proceed? Do you have any place of your own?"
lín xuān tàn le kǒu qì ：“ xiǎo mèi ， nǐ jīn hòu dǎ suàn rú hé ， kě yǒu shén me ān shēng zhī suǒ ？”
林轩叹了口气：“小妹，妳今后打算如何，可有什么安生之所？”
Although they had sworn brotherhood in the past for mutual benefit, Lin Xuan wasn't a cold-hearted person. Besides, as the saying goes, help those in need until the end and send them off with blessings. He couldn't just leave now.
suī rán dāng nián ， liǎng rén yì jié jīn lán ， nǎi shì gè qǔ suǒ xū ， dàn lín xuān bì jìng bú shì shén me guǎ qíng báo yì zhī tú ， hé kuàng sú huà shuō ， jiù rén jiù dào dǐ ， sòng fú sòng dào xī ， rú jīn yě bù hǎo zhè me sā shǒu lí qù 。
虽然当年，两人义结金兰，乃是各取所需，但林轩毕竟不是什么寡情薄意之徒，何况俗话说，救人救到底，送佛送到西，如今也不好这么撒手离去。
"Don't worry, Sister. I've been on Soul Turmoil Sea for several hundred years and have made many friends. One of them is the Green Wave Fairy, who serves as an official at Nine Immortals Palace. Although she can't make my life flourish like a wind, she has some connections. Recently, she sent me a message through her flying sword, inviting me to visit her place even suggesting I join the palace."
“ dà gē fàng xīn ， hóng yè lái dào hún luàn hǎi yù ， yǐ yǒu shù bǎi nián zhī jiǔ ， yě rèn shí le bù shǎo hǎo yǒu ， qí zhōng yǒu yī wèi bì bō xiān zi ， nǎi shì jiǔ xiān gōng zhí shì ， suī bù néng shuō ， hún dé fēng shēng shuǐ qǐ ， dàn duō shǎo hái shì yǒu yī xiē guān xì ， qián yī zhèn ， tā fēi jiàn chuán shū ， yāo qǐng wǒ qù tā nà lǐ zuò kè ， shèn zhì jiā rù jiǔ xiān gōng de 。”
“大哥放心，红叶来到魂乱海域，已有数百年之久，也认识了不少好友，其中有一位碧波仙子，乃是九仙宫执事，虽不能说，魂得风生水起，但多少还是有一些关系，前一阵，她飞剑传书，邀请我去她那里做客，甚至加入九仙宫的。”
Red Leaf Fairy smiled. Her strength was far from Lin Xuan's level, but in reality, the Separation technique wasn't weak either. It would be very easy for her to join a major force no matter where she went.
hóng yè xiān zi wēi xiào zhe shuō ， suī rán tā de shí lì ， yǔ lín xuān wán quán bú shì yí gè děng jí ， dàn píng xīn lái shuō ， lí hé ， yě suàn bù ruò ， bù lùn fàng dào nǎ lǐ ， xiǎng yào jiā rù yī dà de shì lì ， dōu shì fēi cháng de róng yì 。
红叶仙子微笑着说，虽然她的实力，与林轩完全不是一个等级，但平心来说，离合，也算不弱，不论放到哪里，想要加入一大的势力，都是非常的容易。
"Ah, I see."
“ yuán lái rú cǐ 。”
“原来如此。”
Lin Xuan nodded: "Since you have such good options, Brother won't interfere further."
lín xuān diǎn le diǎn tóu ：“ xiǎo mèi jì yǒu hǎo de qù chù ， nà wèi xiōng yě jiù bù duō shì le 。”
林轩点了点头：“小妹既有好的去处，那为兄也就不多事了。”
Lin Xuan's words were sincere. For now, joining Nine Immortals Palace was an excellent choice compared to wandering with him.
lín xuān zhè fān huà ， nǎi shì zhēn xīn chéng yì ， jiù dōng hǎi xiàn zài de qíng kuàng lái shuō ， néng gòu jiā rù jiǔ xiān gōng ， suàn shì jí hǎo de xuǎn zé ， yuǎn yuǎn shèng guò le gēn zhe zì jǐ piāo bó 。
林轩这番话，乃是真心诚意，就东海现在的情况来说，能够加入九仙宫，算是极好的选择，远远胜过了跟着自己漂泊。
"Sister, do you want to come along? With your strength, the palace will certainly welcome you," Red Leaf Fairy's gentle voice filled Lin Xuan's ears, her face full of hope. She hoped for more companionship.
“ dà gē ， nǐ kě yào yì qǐ qù me ， yǐ nǐ de shí lì ， jiǔ xiān gōng kěn dìng shì fēi cháng huān yíng dì 。” hóng yè xiān zi wēn wǎn de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， liǎn shàng mǎn shì qī dài zhī sè， tā yě xī wàng duō yí gè rén kě yǐ hù xiāng zhào fú 。
“大哥，你可要一起去么，以你的实力，九仙宫肯定是非常欢迎地。”红叶仙子温婉的声音传入耳朵，脸上满是期待之sè，她也希望多一个人可以互相照拂。
"I can't go. I have my own place. Besides, my path as a cultivator is different from others; it doesn't suit too much restriction. So, I won't join the palace."
“ bù yòng le ， wèi xiōng yě zì yǒu qù chù ， hé kuàng wǒ xiū xíng zhī lù yǔ cháng rén bù tóng ， bìng bù shì yí shòu dào tài duō de jū shù ， suǒ yǐ yě jiù bù jiā rù jiǔ xiān gōng le 。”
“不用了，为兄也自有去处，何况我修行之路与常人不同，并不适宜受到太多的拘束，所以也就不加入九仙宫了。”
"Oh!"
“ ó ！”
“哦！”
Red Leaf Fairy nodded, disappointment flashing in her eyes. But everyone has their choices, and such matters couldn't be forced. She didn't say anything more.
hóng yè xiān zi diǎn le diǎn tóu ， yǎn móu zhōng shǎn guò yī sī shī wàng zhī sè， rán ér měi gè rén yǒu měi gè rén de xuǎn zé ， zhè yàng de shì qíng ， shí zài bù hǎo qiǎng qiú ， suǒ yǐ tā dāng rán bú huì zài kāi kǒu 。
红叶仙子点了点头，眼眸中闪过一丝失望之sè，然而每个人有每个人的选择，这样的事情，实在不好强求，所以她当然不会再开口。
The two continued chatting about other things. Reunions with old friends always brought joy, but this world had no eternal gatherings.
liǎng rén yòu liáo le yī huì er bié de ， gù yǒu chóng féng ， zǒng shì lìng rén huān xǐ ， rán ér zhè tiān xià ， jiù méi yǒu bù sàn de yàn xí 。
两人又聊了一会儿别的，故友重逢，总是令人欢喜，然而这天下，就没有不散的宴席。
"Alright, Sister. Brother has some urgent business to attend to. I'll take my leave now. As long as we have a chance, we will definitely meet again."
“ hǎo le ， xiǎo mèi ， wèi xiōng hái yǒu yào shì ， zhè jiù xiān gào cí ， xiāng xìn zhǐ yào yǒu yuán ， wǒ men kěn dìng hái yǒu jī huì jiàn miàn 。”
“好了，小妹，为兄还有要事，这就先告辞，相信只要有缘，我们肯定还有机会见面。”
"Mm, Red Leaf understands. If Brother has time, please come visit Nine Immortals Palace," she said with reluctance and gratitude. Lin Xuan had saved her several times.
“ ń ， hóng ér xiǎo de ， xiōng zhǎng yǒu kòng ， qǐng lái jiǔ xiān gōng zuò kè 。” cǐ nǚ liǎn shàng lù chū yī sī bù shě ， hái yǒu jiù shì gǎn jī zhī sè， shuō qǐ lái ， lín xuān yǐ jiù guò tā shù cì le 。
“嗯，红儿晓得，兄长有空，请来九仙宫做客。”此女脸上露出一丝不舍，还有就是感jī之sè，说起来，林轩已救过她数次了。
Lin Xuan then extended his hand to retrieve two desire essence pills and a magical treasure.
suí hòu lín xuān shēn shǒu yī pāi ， jiāng liǎng gè yù píng yǔ yī jiàn fǎ bǎo qǔ le chū lái 。
随后林轩伸手一拍，将两个欲瓶与一件法宝取了出来。
"These two bottles of Desire Essence Pills can enhance my Separation Stage cultivator's power. Brother doesn't have any other valuable items, so I'll give these two pills to you as a gift."
“ zhè liǎng píng yù líng dān ， kě yǐ tí shēng wǒ lí hé qī xiū shì de fǎ lì ， wèi xiōng yě méi yǒu bié de guì zhòng zhī wù ， zhè liǎng píng dān yào jiù zèng nǐ le 。”
“这两瓶欲灵丹，可以提升我离合期修士的法力，为兄也没有别的贵重之物，这两瓶丹药就赠妳了。”
"What? Desire Essence Pills?"
“ shén me ， yù líng dān ？”
“什么，欲灵丹？”
Red Leaf was greatly surprised. Although the Spirit Realm had abundant resources, with enough crystals, one could buy pills that increased Separation Stage cultivators' power in the market. However, their price was shocking, and ordinary Separation Stage cultivators would only look on in envy.
hóng yè què shì dà jīng shī sè， suī rán líng jiè zī yuán fēng fù ， zhǐ yào yǒu zú gòu de jīng shí ， jiù shì zēng jìn lí hé qī xiū shì fǎ lì de dān yào ， fāng shì zhōng yī yàng yǒu mài de ， rán ér nà jià gé ， què ràng rén chēng mù ， yì bān de lí hé qī xiū xiān zhě ， zhǐ néng shì wàng ér què bù 。
红叶却是大惊失sè，虽然灵界资源丰富，只要有足够的晶石，就是增进离合期修士法力的丹药，坊市中一样有卖的，然而那价格，却让人瞠目，一般的离合期修仙者，只能是望而却步。
Moreover, the quality of those pills varied widely, and most were low-grade.
ér qiě nà xiē dān yào de pǐn zhì ， yě cēn cī bù qǐ ， fāng shì zhōng mài de ， dà duō shì yī xiē jiào wéi dī liè de dōng xī 。
而且那些丹药的品质，也参差不起，坊市中卖的，大多是一些较为低劣的东西。
But Desire Essence Pills were different; they were precious ancient elixirs that could significantly boost one's power far beyond ordinary spirit medicines.
rán ér yù líng dān bù tóng ， cǐ nǎi zhēn guì de shàng gǔ dān yào zhī zēng jìn de fǎ lì ， yuǎn fēi yì bān de líng yào kě bǐ 。
然而欲灵丹不同，此乃珍贵的上古丹药之增进的法力，远非一般的灵药可比。
Red Leaf's face lit up with excitement. This was truly a valuable gift.
hóng yè de liǎn shàng mǎn shì xīng fèn zhī sè běn zuì ~ kuài }， zhè dōng xī ， shí zài shì tài zhēn guì le 。
红叶的脸上满是兴奋之sè本最~快}，这东西，实在是太珍贵了。
"Thank you, Brother."
“ duō xiè dà gē 。”
“多谢大哥。”
Despite her reluctance to accept the temptation, Red Leaf happily took the pills.
hóng yè dào dǐ hái shì méi yǒu dǐ dǎng zhù yòu huò ， xǐ zī zī de jiāng dān yào gěi shōu xià le 。
红叶到底还是没有抵挡住诱惑，喜滋滋的将丹药给收下了。
"This sword is something I obtained by chance. Its power is quite impressive, so I'll give it to you as a self-defense tool."
“ hái yǒu zhè bǐng fēi jiàn ， nǎi shì wèi xiōng wú yì zhōng suǒ de ， wēi néng hái shì pǒ wèi chū zhòng ， jiù sòng gěi nǐ zuò wéi fáng shēn zhī wù 。”
“还有这柄飞剑，乃是为兄无意中所得，威能还是颇为出众，就送给妳作为防身之物。”
"Thank you."
“ xiè xiè 。”
“谢谢。”
Red Leaf extended her hand and accepted the flying sword. The blade shimmered like autumn water, its power evident even at first glance—it was far beyond ordinary magical treasures.
hóng yè yù shǒu shēn chū ， jiāng fēi jiàn jiē guò ， jiàn shēn rú yī hóng qiū shuǐ ， biǎo miàn guāng yùn shǎn shuò ， yī kàn jiù fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， jué bú shì pǔ tōng fǎ bǎo kě yǐ xiāng bǐ de 。
红叶欲手伸出，将飞剑接过，剑身如一泓秋水，表面光晕闪烁，一看就非同小可，绝不是普通法宝可以相比的。
She was deeply moved by Lin Xuan's generosity, repeatedly expressing gratitude before reluctantly bidding farewell.
cǐ nǚ duì lín xuān dà wèi gǎn jī， yī zài chēng xiè ， suí hòu cái yī yī bù shě de gào cí 。
此女对林轩大为感jī，一再称谢，随后才依依不舍的告辞。
PS: The following words are super important—please read them carefully!
ps： xià miàn de zì chāo jí chāo jí zhòng yào ， qǐng yí dìng kàn wán ！
ps：下面的字超级超级重要，请一定看完！
Regarding monthly votes, Fant Rain won't say much. Here's a promise: if… if Fellow Daoists can help Fant Rain win the category monthly vote this month, I will give you a commitment that next month, like this month, there will be a burst every other day, meaning 9000 words each time. This is my promise. Fellow Daoists, do you want next month to still be as satisfying as this month? Please give monthly votes to Hundred Refinement Ascend to Immortality; if I can win the category vote, I will definitely fulfill this commitment.
Chapter 1836: A Promise
"Ah, I see."
Half an hour quickly passed. After Red Leaf Fairy narrated her tale in detail, Lin Xuan showed no signs of surprise on his face.
Since the Poison Dragon Ancestor had been scheming, it was highly likely that Red Leaf Island would not survive this ordeal.
"Sister, you shouldn't worry too much about it. Wealth is just something external. This ancestral inheritance should be treated the same way. If we lose it, so be it. As cultivators, our horizons should be broad. Preserving what we have is a task for ordinary mortals. Our path to the Heavenly Dao, how could it depend on the gain or loss of one city or island?"
"Brother, you make sense."
Red Leaf Fairy sighed. Although she was deeply reluctant, there was nothing she could do about it. She knew well that her opponent was an Immortal Profound Stage cultivator, and thus she had a clear understanding of her own limitations. Red Leaf Fairy realized that this grudge would likely remain unavenged.
"By the way, brother, how did you manage to escape?"
Red Leaf Fairy combed her hair, her eyes filled with curiosity.
"Escape?" Lin Xuan smiled but remained silent.
"Why? Did I say something wrong, Sister?" Red Leaf Fairy asked in confusion.
Lin Xuan then slowly recounted the events that transpired.
As an observer, Red Leaf Fairy's mouth opened wider and wider. If she didn't know that her brother was not a man of empty promises, she would have thought he was telling a fairy tale.
The separation technique actually managed to defeat a Profound Stage cultivator—such an exaggerated claim could never be believed by anyone else.
Even if it were a sneak attack, it still seemed impossible!
However, Lin Xuan's vivid description and his character made Red Leaf Fairy believe him without doubt.
"Brother, you truly are a transcendent cultivator. You're simply too impressive."
"Ha ha, Sister, you flatter me," Lin Xuan naturally did not need to explain further. Overly humble was also a form of excessive pride.
"But there's one thing I've always been curious about."
"Brother, please speak."
"I must be frank—Red Leaf Island is located in a remote area. In the eyes of an old Profound Stage cultivator, it should not hold much value. Why did the Poison Dragon Ancestor go to such lengths…" Lin Xuan hesitated as he spoke, thinking of Eastern Ming.
If his guess was correct, this woman should be the princess of the Whale King's domain. Her presence on Red Leaf Island was indeed strange.
Even if there wasn't enough benefit for her to stay, Lin Xuan would never believe it.
But what kind of temptation could draw such a powerful figure as the Poison Dragon Ancestor and the Whale King to seek out this small island?
Lin Xuan was very curious about this. He even had a desire to uncover the truth.
After all, everyone has curiosity.
And with his high skills, he now had the courage to challenge Profound Stage monsters. "I… I'm not sure."
Red Leaf Fairy was still puzzled. Red Leaf Island was her home since childhood, and she knew every detail of it well. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't figure out why so many powerful figures were drawn to this small island.
Was this what people called a disaster from the heavens?
Lin Xuan had some insight into discerning people's true nature. His gaze swept over her, confirming that she was indeed not hiding anything; she truly did not know.
Lin Xuan sighed: "Sister, how do you plan to proceed? Do you have any place of your own?"
Although they had sworn brotherhood in the past for mutual benefit, Lin Xuan wasn't a cold-hearted person. Besides, as the saying goes, help those in need until the end and send them off with blessings. He couldn't just leave now.
"Don't worry, Sister. I've been on Soul Turmoil Sea for several hundred years and have made many friends. One of them is the Green Wave Fairy, who serves as an official at Nine Immortals Palace. Although she can't make my life flourish like a wind, she has some connections. Recently, she sent me a message through her flying sword, inviting me to visit her place even suggesting I join the palace."
Red Leaf Fairy smiled. Her strength was far from Lin Xuan's level, but in reality, the Separation technique wasn't weak either. It would be very easy for her to join a major force no matter where she went.
"Ah, I see."
Lin Xuan nodded: "Since you have such good options, Brother won't interfere further."
Lin Xuan's words were sincere. For now, joining Nine Immortals Palace was an excellent choice compared to wandering with him.
"Sister, do you want to come along? With your strength, the palace will certainly welcome you," Red Leaf Fairy's gentle voice filled Lin Xuan's ears, her face full of hope. She hoped for more companionship.
"I can't go. I have my own place. Besides, my path as a cultivator is different from others; it doesn't suit too much restriction. So, I won't join the palace."
"Oh!"
Red Leaf Fairy nodded, disappointment flashing in her eyes. But everyone has their choices, and such matters couldn't be forced. She didn't say anything more.
The two continued chatting about other things. Reunions with old friends always brought joy, but this world had no eternal gatherings.
"Alright, Sister. Brother has some urgent business to attend to. I'll take my leave now. As long as we have a chance, we will definitely meet again."
"Mm, Red Leaf understands. If Brother has time, please come visit Nine Immortals Palace," she said with reluctance and gratitude. Lin Xuan had saved her several times.
Lin Xuan then extended his hand to retrieve two desire essence pills and a magical treasure.
"These two bottles of Desire Essence Pills can enhance my Separation Stage cultivator's power. Brother doesn't have any other valuable items, so I'll give these two pills to you as a gift."
"What? Desire Essence Pills?"
Red Leaf was greatly surprised. Although the Spirit Realm had abundant resources, with enough crystals, one could buy pills that increased Separation Stage cultivators' power in the market. However, their price was shocking, and ordinary Separation Stage cultivators would only look on in envy.
Moreover, the quality of those pills varied widely, and most were low-grade.
But Desire Essence Pills were different; they were precious ancient elixirs that could significantly boost one's power far beyond ordinary spirit medicines.
Red Leaf's face lit up with excitement. This was truly a valuable gift.
"Thank you, Brother."
Despite her reluctance to accept the temptation, Red Leaf happily took the pills.
"This sword is something I obtained by chance. Its power is quite impressive, so I'll give it to you as a self-defense tool."
"Thank you."
Red Leaf extended her hand and accepted the flying sword. The blade shimmered like autumn water, its power evident even at first glance—it was far beyond ordinary magical treasures.
She was deeply moved by Lin Xuan's generosity, repeatedly expressing gratitude before reluctantly bidding farewell.
PS: The following words are super important—please read them carefully!
Regarding monthly votes, Fant Rain won't say much. Here's a promise: if… if Fellow Daoists can help Fant Rain win the category monthly vote this month, I will give you a commitment that next month, like this month, there will be a burst every other day, meaning 9000 words each time. This is my promise. Fellow Daoists, do you want next month to still be as satisfying as this month? Please give monthly votes to Hundred Refinement Ascend to Immortality; if I can win the category vote, I will definitely fulfill this commitment.