“ lí kāi jiǔ xiān gōng ， jǐn jǐn shì zhè me jiǎn dān de yāo qiú 。”
“离开九仙宫，仅仅是这么简单的要求。”
Leaving the Nine Immortals Palace was simply a matter of such a straightforward request.
lín xuān yǎn zhōng liú lù chū yī sī chà yì zhī sè ， huàn yī míng yuán yīng qī xiū xiān zhě ， yǒu dòng xuán xiū shì rú cǐ xǔ nuò ， zhè dà hǎo jī huì jué bú huì cuò guò 。
林轩眼中流露出一丝诧异之色，换一名元婴期修仙者，有洞玄修士如此许诺，这大好机会绝不会错过。
Lin Xuan's eyes flickered with surprise. For an Inner Alchemy cultivator, if someone promised him such a favor, he would certainly not miss this great opportunity.
kěn dìng huì suǒ yào dān yào huò zhě xiū liàn xīn dé 。
肯定会索要丹药或者修炼心得。
He was sure that they would ask for some medicinal pills or cultivation insights in return.
rán ér xiù cái de liǎn shàng què mǎn shì jué rán zhī sè ：“ bù cuò ， wǎn bèi bié wú suǒ qiú ， qián bèi ruò néng zhù wǒ fū fù lí kāi jiǔ xiān gōng ， nà wǎn bèi jiù gǎn jī bù jìn le 。”
然而秀才的脸上却满是绝然之色：“不错，晚辈别无所求，前辈若能助我夫妇离开九仙宫，那晚辈就感激不尽了。”
However, the scholar’s face was filled with firm resolve: "Indeed, I have nothing else to request. If Senior can help my wife and me leave the Nine Immortals Palace, I will be eternally grateful."
lín xuān lüè yī chén yín ， jiù diǎn diǎn tóu tóng yì ， zì jǐ suī rán méi yǒu jiā rù jiǔ xiān gōng ， dàn zhè diǎn miàn zi ， xiāng xìn gǔ tiān yáng hái shì huì gěi de ， hé kuàng zhǐ shì fàng qū qū liǎng míng yuán yīng xiū shì lí kāi ér yǐ ， shèn zhì dōu yòng bù zhe jīng dòng gōng zhǔ ， gěi hóng yè shuō yī shēng jiù kě yǐ le 。
林轩略一沉吟，就点点头同意，自己虽然没有加入九仙宫，但这点面子，相信谷天扬还是会给的，何况只是放区区两名元婴修士离开而已，甚至都用不着惊动宫主，给红叶说一声就可以了。
Lin Xuan thought for a moment before nodding his agreement. Although he had not joined the Nine Immortals Palace, he believed that Valley Tianyang would still grant him this face-saving gesture. After all, it was just about letting two Inner Alchemy cultivators leave, and there was no need to trouble the palace master; he could simply inform Red Leaf.
“ duō xiè qián bèi dà ēn dà dé 。”
“多谢前辈大恩大德。”
"Thank you for your great kindness."
liǎng rén de liǎn shàng mǎn shì gǎn jī zhī sè ， yì qǐ guì bài xíng lǐ xià qù 。
两人的脸上满是感激之色，一起跪拜行礼下去。
Both of them bowed gratefully in thanks.
“ bù yòng duō lǐ ， duì lín mǒu lái shuō ， zhè zhǐ shì xiǎo shì yí jiàn ér yǐ 。”
“不用多礼，对林某来说，这只是小事一件而已。”
"Do not be so formal. For me, this is merely a small matter."
lín xuān tàn le kǒu qì ， qí shí tā dào yǒu jǐ fēn míng bái zhè duì jiā qī de xīn lǐ ， jīng lì nà me duō jiān nán xiǎn zǔ ， tā men xiàn zài yǐ jīng méi yǒu shén me qiú xiān wèn dào de xīn sī le ， zhǐ xiǎng zhe shuāng sù shuāng qī ， wéi yī de qǐ pàn jiù shì píng ān ér yǐ 。
林轩叹了口气，其实他倒有几分明白这对夹妻的心理，经历那么多艰难险阻，他们现在已经没有什么求仙问道的心思了，只想着双宿双栖，唯一的企盼就是平安而已。
Lin Xuan sighed. He understood their mindset. After enduring so many hardships, they no longer had any aspirations to seek immortality; all they wanted was to live together safely.
zhǐ xiàn yuān yāng bù xiàn xiān ！
只羡鸳鸯不羡仙！
Better to be a pair of swans than an immortal!
qí shí zhè yàng de shēng huó yě bù cuò ， bì jìng xiān dào jiān sè ， zhēn zhèng néng gòu zǒu dào zuì hòu miàn de yòu yǒu jǐ gè 。
其实这样的生活也不错，毕竟仙道艰涩，真正能够走到最后面的又有几个。
Such a life might not be bad after all. After all, the path to immortality was arduous, and few truly made it to the end.
lín xuān de liǎn shàng ， yě lù chū jǐ fēn chàng rán zhī sè ， tā xiǎng niàn yuè ér le 。
林轩的脸上，也露出几分怅然之色，他想念月儿了。
Lin Xuan's face also showed a hint of melancholy as he missed Yue'er.
“ nǐ men xià qù ba ， guān yú lí gōng de shì yí ， lín mǒu zì huì ān pái dì 。” lín xuān dàn dàn de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
“你们下去吧，关于离宫的事宜，林某自会安排地。”林轩淡淡的声音传入耳朵。
"Go down now. I will handle everything regarding your departure," Lin Xuan said with a calm voice.
liǎng rén gōng jìng de xíng le yī lǐ ， jiàn lín xuān de biǎo qíng yǒu xiē luò jì ， dōu bù gǎn zài zhè lǐ dān gē ， shuāng shuāng tuì chū le fáng jiān lǐ 。
两人恭敬的行了一礼，见林轩的表情有些落寂，都不敢在这里耽搁，双双退出了房间里。
The two bowed respectfully and left the room quickly when they saw Lin Xuan looking somewhat despondent.
lín xuān bǎ wán zhuó shǒu zhōng de yù hé ， suí hòu cóng huái zhōng qǔ chū yī zhāng jìn zhì fú zhuàn ，“ pā ” de yī shēng tiē le shàng qù ， suí hòu jiāng cǐ bǎo shōu rù le chǔ wù dài lǐ 。
林轩把玩着手中的玉盒，随后从怀中取出一张禁制符篆，“啪”的一声贴了上去，随后将此宝收入了储物袋里。
Lin Xuan toyed with an jade box in his hand, then took out aprohibition seal talisman from his pocket. He stuck it on the box with a "snap" sound and put it away in his storage bag.
rán hòu qǔ chū yī zhāng kòng bái de chuán yīn fú ” jiāng shén shí chén rù ， jì rán dā yìng le xiù cái fū fù ” lín xuān dāng rán bú huì shí yán de 。
然后取出一张空白的传音符”将神识沉入，既然答应了秀才夫妇”林轩当然不会食言的。
He then took out a blank transmission talisman and sank his spirit into it. Since he had promised the scholar couple, Lin Xuan would not break his word.
suí hòu de jǐ tiān ， lín xuān zú bù chū hù ， gāi bù gāi shǐ yòng jiǔ xiān gōng de chuán sòng zhèn ， zhè ge wèn tí ， zhe shí lìng tā tóu téng ， qí fēng xiǎn yǔ lì bì ， dōu xū yào hǎo hǎo zhēn zhuó 。
随后的几天，林轩足不出户，该不该使用九仙宫的传送阵，这个问题，着实令他头疼，其风险与利弊，都需要好好斟酌。
Over the next few days, Lin Xuan stayed indoors, pondering whether to use the Nine Immortals Palace's teleportation array. The risks and benefits of doing so troubled him greatly.
qí jiān ， méi yǒu wài rén dǎ rǎo ， zhǐ yǒu hóng yè xiān zi ， měi tiān dū huì lái bài fǎng yī cì ， duì yú zhè wèi jié bài dà gē ， hóng yè yǐ dào le gǎn jī bù yǐ de dì bù 。
其间，没有外人打扰，只有红叶仙子，每天都会来拜访一次，对于这位结拜大哥，红叶已到了感激不已的地步。
During this time, no one disturbed them; only Red Leaf Fairy visited daily, showing immense gratitude towards her sworn brother.
jiù zhè yàng ， bàn yuè de shí jiān yī huǎng ér guò 。
就这样，半月的时间一晃而过。
Half a month passed in a flash.
lín xuān zǒng bù néng yì zhí zài zhè lǐ dān gē ” qián miàn jì rán zhǐ yǒu liǎng tiáo lù ， nà jiù suàn shì dāo shān huǒ hǎi ， zì jǐ yě bì xū zuò chū yí gè jué zé ， pó pó mā mā bú shì lín xuān de xìng gé 。
林轩总不能一直在这里耽搁”前面既然只有两条路，那就算是刀山火海，自己也必须做出一个抉择，婆婆妈妈不是林轩的性格。
Lin Xuan could not remain here indefinitely. With only two paths ahead, he had to make a decision, regardless of the risks. He was not one to dawdle.
yú shì zhè yī rì ， tā zài cì zhǎo shàng le jiǔ xiān gōng zhǔ 。
于是这一日，他再次找上了九仙宫主。
So, on this day, he sought out the palace master again.
“ kàn lái dào yǒu xiǎng hǎo le 。” duì yú lín xuān de dào lái ， gǔ tiān yáng bìng méi yǒu shén me yì wài zhī sè 。
“看来道友想好了。”对于林轩的到来，谷天扬并没有什么意外之色。
"Seems like you've made up your mind," Valley Tianyang said without any surprise at Lin Xuan's arrival.
“ bù cuò ， kǒng pà hái yào má fán dào yǒu ， lín mǒu dǎ suàn jiè guì gōng de chuán sòng zhèn yī yòng 。” lín xuān xīn píng qì hé de kāi kǒu 。
“不错，恐怕还要麻烦道友，林某打算借贵宫的传送阵一用。”林轩心平气和的开口。
"Yes, I fear it will be troublesome for you once more. I plan to use your teleportation array."
“ zhè zhōng jiān de wēi xiǎn ” dào yǒu jiù bù dān xīn me ？”
“这中间的危险”道友就不担心么？”
"The risks involved—do you not worry?"
“ zěn me kě néng bù dān xīn ， bù guò nǐ wǒ zuò wéi xiū xiān zhě ， nǎ yī tiān yòu bú shì zài yǔ wēi xiǎn dǎ jiāo dào ne ？” lín xuān huǎn huǎn de shuō 。
“怎么可能不担心，不过你我作为修仙者，哪一天又不是在与危险打交道呢？”林轩缓缓的说。
"How could I not? But as cultivators, we deal with danger every day, don't we?" Lin Xuan said slowly.
“ ń ， dào yǒu yán zhī yǒu lǐ ， jì rán nǐ jué dìng hǎo le ， nà lǎo fū yě jiù bù xiāng quàn ， zhǐ shì gé jiè chuán sòng zhèn fēi tóng xiǎo kě ” ér qiě yóu yú chén fēng yǐ jiǔ de yuán gù ， zài cì qǐ yòng ， zhì shǎo xū yào sān yuè de gōng fu 。”
“嗯，道友言之有理，既然你决定好了，那老夫也就不相劝，只是隔界传送阵非同小可”而且由于尘封已久的缘故，再次启用，至少需要三月的功夫。”
"Indeed, that makes sense. Since you have decided, I will not persuade you further. However, the interdimensional teleportation array is no small matter; it requires at least three months to activate again."
“ zhè lín mǒu xiǎo de ， nà jiù má fán dào yǒu ， zhèng hǎo lín mǒu yě yǒu yī xiē shì qíng ” xū yào chǔ lǐ ， nà wǒ sān yuè yǐ hòu ， zài lái jiǔ xiān gōng 。”
“这林某晓得，那就麻烦道友，正好林某也有一些事情”需要处理，那我三月以后，再来九仙宫。”
"I understand. Then please trouble yourself. I also need to handle some matters. I will come back in three months."
“ méi yǒu wèn tí ” gǔ mǒu huì zài zhè lǐ gōng hòu 。” gǔ tiān yáng háo shuǎng de shuō 。
“没有问题”谷某会在这里恭候。”谷天扬豪爽的说。
"Of course," said Valley Tianyang generously. "I will wait for you here."
“ jì rú cǐ ， nà lín mǒu gào cí le ， gōng zhǔ bǎo zhòng 。”
“既如此，那林某告辞了，宫主保重。”
With that, Lin Xuan's body was enveloped in a green glow as he flew away.
lín xuān huà yīn wèi luò ， hún shēn yǐ shì qīng máng dà qǐ ， suí hòu xiàng zhe yuǎn fāng fēi lüè ér qù 。
林轩话音未落，浑身已是青芒大起，随后向着远方飞掠而去。
Half a month later, Lin Xuan arrived at the small island where the煞 yang宗 resided. Without any fuss, Master煞 yang welcomed him to the main hall of their headquarters.
bàn gè yuè hòu ， lín xuān lái dào le shā yáng zōng suǒ zài de xiǎo dǎo ， méi yǒu fēn háo bō zhé ， shā yáng zhēn rén jiù jiāng tā yíng hòu dào le zǒng duò de dà diàn zhōng 。
半个月后，林轩来到了煞阳宗所在的小岛，没有分毫波折，煞阳真人就将他迎候到了总舵的大殿中。
"The time we agreed upon has come. The puppet devices—how are your preparations?" Lin Xuan got straight to the point without wasting any time.
“ wǒ men yuē dìng de qī xiàn yǐ jīng dào le ， kuǐ lěi qì wù ， bù zhī dào dào yǒu zhǔn bèi dé rú hé ？” lín xuān méi yǒu duō yú de xīn qíng dān gē ， zhí jiē kāi mén jiàn shān de kāi kǒu le 。
“我们约定的期限已经到了，傀儡器物，不知道道友准备得如何？”林轩没有多余的心情耽搁，直接开门见山的开口了。
"Master, I have not been negligent in this matter. For the past month, I ordered all disciples to collect puppet treasures with no expense spared," the old demon Master said.
“ zhǔ rén míng jiàn ， zhè yí yuè yǐ lái ， lǎo nú sī háo bù gǎn xiè dài ， mìng lìng běn zōng suǒ yǒu dì zǐ ， pīn mìng shōu jí kuǐ lěi bǎo wù ， kě yǐ shuō ， shì bù xī xuè běn le ………”
“主人明鉴，这一月以来，老奴丝毫不敢懈怠，命令本宗所有弟子，拼命收集傀儡宝物，可以说，是不惜血本了………”
"Enough of that boasting. Show me the puppets first, and then we can discuss your efforts."
“ xíng le ， bù yòng zì chuī zì léi ， xiān jiāng kuǐ lěi ná gěi lín mǒu guò mù ， dào shí hòu ， nǐ jǐn méi jìn lì ， lín mǒu xīn zhōng zì rán huì yǒu yí gè píng pàn de 。” lín xuān biǎo qíng kàn bù chū xǐ nù 。
“行了，不用自吹自擂，先将傀儡拿给林某过目，到时候，你尽没尽力，林某心中自然会有一个评判的。”林轩表情看不出喜怒。
The old demon Master smiled bitterly. He had once been a formidable figure who could shake the world with just one step. How did he end up in this predicament? But there was no choice; when under someone else's roof, one must bow down.
“ shì 。”
“是。”
Banishing Soul Technique—just one thought from you and I would be unable to live or die.
shā yáng lǎo mó xīn zhōng kǔ xiào bù yǐ ， xiǎng dāng nián ， zì jǐ yě shì duō yī duò jiǎo ， sì fāng zhèn chàn de rén wù ， hé shí xiǎng guò ， huì luò dào jīn tiān zhè zhòng dì bù ， dàn méi yǒu bàn fǎ ， rén zài wū yán xià ， bù dé bù dī tóu a ！
煞阳老魔心中苦笑不已，想当年，自己也是多一跺脚，四方震颤的人物，何时想过，会落到今天这种地步，但没有办法，人在屋檐下，不得不低头啊！
Since Lin Xuan had given his instructions, the old demon Master dared not prolong the conversation. The puppets were ready. He flicked his sleeves, and a few storage bags appeared with white light flashing inside them.
jìn hún shù ， zhǐ yào duì fāng yuàn yì ， yí gè niàn tou ， jiù kě yǐ ràng zì jǐ qiú shēng bù néng ， qiú sǐ bù dé de 。
禁魂术，只要对方愿意，一个念头，就可以让自己求生不能，求死不得的。
Lin Xuan reached out and picked up one at random, sinking his spirit into it...
lín xuān jì yǒu fēn fù ， tā yě bù gǎn jì xù luó suo ， dōng xī zǎo jiù zhǔn bèi hǎo le ， zhǐ jiàn tā xiù páo yī fú ， bái guāng shǎn guò ， jǐ gè chǔ wù dài jiù chū xiàn zài shēn pīn le 。
林轩既有吩咐，他也不敢继续罗嗦，东西早就准备好了，只见他袖袍一拂，白光闪过，几个储物袋就出现在身拼了。
After a moment, Lin Xuan raised his head, then picked up another, repeating the process.
lín xuān shēn chū shǒu lái ， suí yì ná qǐ yí gè ， jiāng shén shí chén rén ……“……
林轩伸出手来，随意拿起一个，将神识沉人……“……
The old demon Master stood nervously by, waiting. When Lin Xuan left last time, he had not specified how many puppets were needed. Because there was no target, he had worked hard without rest for a month, ordering all disciples to abandon their cultivation and other tasks to focus solely on collecting puppets.
piàn kè hòu ， lín xuān tái qǐ tóu ， yòu ná qǐ dì èr gè ， rú fǎ páo zhì de jiāng shén shí chén rù 。
片刻后，林轩抬起头，又拿起第二个，如法炮制的将神识沉入。
They spared no expense—both openly and secretly...
ér shā yáng lǎo mó zé zài yī páng zhàn zhàn jīng jīng de děng zhe ， lín xuān shàng cì lí kāi de shí hòu ， gēn běn jiù méi yǒu shuō xū yào shōu jí duō shǎo ， zhèng yīn wèi méi yǒu yí gè mù biāo ， suǒ yǐ tā fǎn ér bù gǎn xiè dài ， zhè yí gè yuè lái ， bù xiū bù mián ， quán zōng de dì zǐ ， zài tā de yán lìng xià ， yě fàng qì le xiū liàn yǔ qí tā yī qiè shì wù ， suǒ yǒu de rén shǒu ， dōu tóu rù dào shōu jí kuǐ lěi shàng le 。
而煞阳老魔则在一旁战战兢兢的等着，林轩上次离开的时候，根本就没有说需要收集多少，正因为没有一个目标，所以他反而不敢懈怠，这一个月来，不休不眠，全宗的弟子，在他的严令下，也放弃了修炼与其他一切事务，所有的人手，都投入到收集傀儡上了。
Indeed, the results were impressive: over a thousand Inner Alchemy puppets, including more than a hundred at the Separation stage, even three late-stage Separation puppets.
bù xī xuè běn ， míng qiāng àn ne ……”
不惜血本，明枪暗呢……”
In just one month, such an achievement was comparable to what the Nine Immortals Palace could offer. The煞 yang宗 had paid a heavy price; their accumulated crystals and treasures were nearly depleted.
dāng rán ， shōu huò yě shì shí fēn fēng fù ， yuán yīng qī de kuǐ lěi zú yǒu shàng qiān zhī duō ， qí zhōng hái yǒu bǎi yú gè lí hé jí bié de ， shèn zhì bāo kuò sān míng lí hé hòu qī de kuǐ lěi 。
当然，收获也是十分丰富，元婴期的傀儡足有上千之多，其中还有百余个离合级别的，甚至包括三名离合后期的傀儡。
But despite this, the old demon Master still felt anxious. He had no bargaining power with Lin Xuan. The feeling of being at his mercy was extremely unpleasant. He hoped that his efforts would be recognized and appreciated by the other party.
yí yuè zhī zhōng ， néng yǒu zhè yàng de shōu huò ， jiǔ xiān gōng yě bù guò rú cǐ le ， ér shā yáng zōng wèi cǐ fù chū de dài jià yě shí fēn cǎn zhòng ， zōng nèi shù wàn nián jī zǎn de jīng shí cái huò jī hū bèi xiāo hào yī kōng 。
一月之中，能有这样的收获，九仙宫也不过如此了，而煞阳宗为此付出的代价也十分惨重，宗内数万年积攒的晶石财货几乎被消耗一空。
There were seven storage bags filled with puppets. After checking each one thoroughly, it took about an hour for Lin Xuan to finish.
dàn jí biàn rú cǐ ， shā yáng lǎo mó hái shì xīn zhōng tǎn tè ， bì jìng zì jǐ gēn běn jiù méi yǒu yǔ lín xuān tán pàn de zī běn shén me ， mìng yùn zài duì yòu shǒu zhōng de gǎn jué shí zài bù shuǎng yǐ jí ， dàn yuàn zhè cì de nǔ lì néng gòu dé dào duì fāng de rèn kě mǎn yì 。
但即便如此，煞阳老魔还是心中忐忑，毕竟自己根本就没有与林轩谈判的资本什么，命运在对右手中的感觉实在不爽以极，但愿这次的努力能够得到对方的认可满意。
Not long, but the old demon Master waited anxiously. He carefully observed Lin Xuan's expression without any success; there was no sign of joy or anger on his face. The feeling of waiting seemed unbearable.
zhuāng kuǐ lěi de chǔ wù dài ， zú yǒu qī gè zhī duō ， lín xuān yī yī jiǎn chá wán bì ， dà gài huā le yī dùn fàn de shí jiān zuǒ yòu 。
装傀儡的储物袋，足有七个之多，林轩一一检查完毕，大概huā了一顿饭的时间左右。
Finally, Lin Xuan said: "Not bad. It seems you did not waste my time and have indeed collected diligently."
bìng bù suàn zhǎng ， rán ér shā yáng lǎo mó què děng dé shí fēn nán shòu ， tā xiǎo xīn guān chá lín xuān de liǎn sè ， què méi yǒu fēn háo shōu huò ， duì fāng gēn běn jiù xǐ nù bù xíng yú sè ， zhè dù rì rú nián de gǎn jué ， shí zài shì tài nán áo le 。
并不算长，然而煞阳老魔却等得十分难受，他小心观察林轩的脸色，却没有分毫收获，对方根本就喜怒不形于色，这度日如年的感觉，实在是太难熬了。
Lin Xuan's satisfied look confirmed the old demon Master's relief. He could finally breathe a sigh of relief: "Master, I dared not neglect your instructions. To be honest, to obtain these puppets, our煞 yang宗 has exhausted all its resources; we are now penniless."
Leaving the Nine Immortals Palace was simply a matter of such a straightforward request.
Lin Xuan's eyes flickered with surprise. For an Inner Alchemy cultivator, if someone promised him such a favor, he would certainly not miss this great opportunity.
He was sure that they would ask for some medicinal pills or cultivation insights in return.
However, the scholar’s face was filled with firm resolve: "Indeed, I have nothing else to request. If Senior can help my wife and me leave the Nine Immortals Palace, I will be eternally grateful."
"Very well."
Lin Xuan thought for a moment before nodding his agreement. Although he had not joined the Nine Immortals Palace, he believed that Valley Tianyang would still grant him this face-saving gesture. After all, it was just about letting two Inner Alchemy cultivators leave, and there was no need to trouble the palace master; he could simply inform Red Leaf.
"Thank you for your great kindness."
Both of them bowed gratefully in thanks.
"Do not be so formal. For me, this is merely a small matter."
Lin Xuan sighed. He understood their mindset. After enduring so many hardships, they no longer had any aspirations to seek immortality; all they wanted was to live together safely.
Better to be a pair of swans than an immortal!
Such a life might not be bad after all. After all, the path to immortality was arduous, and few truly made it to the end.
Lin Xuan's face also showed a hint of melancholy as he missed Yue'er.
"Go down now. I will handle everything regarding your departure," Lin Xuan said with a calm voice.
"Yes."
The two bowed respectfully and left the room quickly when they saw Lin Xuan looking somewhat despondent.
Lin Xuan toyed with an jade box in his hand, then took out aprohibition seal talisman from his pocket. He stuck it on the box with a "snap" sound and put it away in his storage bag.
He then took out a blank transmission talisman and sank his spirit into it. Since he had promised the scholar couple, Lin Xuan would not break his word.
Over the next few days, Lin Xuan stayed indoors, pondering whether to use the Nine Immortals Palace's teleportation array. The risks and benefits of doing so troubled him greatly.
During this time, no one disturbed them; only Red Leaf Fairy visited daily, showing immense gratitude towards her sworn brother.
Half a month passed in a flash.
Lin Xuan could not remain here indefinitely. With only two paths ahead, he had to make a decision, regardless of the risks. He was not one to dawdle.
So, on this day, he sought out the palace master again.
"Seems like you've made up your mind," Valley Tianyang said without any surprise at Lin Xuan's arrival.
"Yes, I fear it will be troublesome for you once more. I plan to use your teleportation array."
"The risks involved—do you not worry?"
"How could I not? But as cultivators, we deal with danger every day, don't we?" Lin Xuan said slowly.
"Indeed, that makes sense. Since you have decided, I will not persuade you further. However, the interdimensional teleportation array is no small matter; it requires at least three months to activate again."
"I understand. Then please trouble yourself. I also need to handle some matters. I will come back in three months."
"Of course," said Valley Tianyang generously. "I will wait for you here."
With that, Lin Xuan's body was enveloped in a green glow as he flew away.
Half a month later, Lin Xuan arrived at the small island where the煞 yang宗 resided. Without any fuss, Master煞 yang welcomed him to the main hall of their headquarters.
"The time we agreed upon has come. The puppet devices—how are your preparations?" Lin Xuan got straight to the point without wasting any time.
"Master, I have not been negligent in this matter. For the past month, I ordered all disciples to collect puppet treasures with no expense spared," the old demon Master said.
"Enough of that boasting. Show me the puppets first, and then we can discuss your efforts."
The old demon Master smiled bitterly. He had once been a formidable figure who could shake the world with just one step. How did he end up in this predicament? But there was no choice; when under someone else's roof, one must bow down.
Banishing Soul Technique—just one thought from you and I would be unable to live or die.
Since Lin Xuan had given his instructions, the old demon Master dared not prolong the conversation. The puppets were ready. He flicked his sleeves, and a few storage bags appeared with white light flashing inside them.
Lin Xuan reached out and picked up one at random, sinking his spirit into it...
After a moment, Lin Xuan raised his head, then picked up another, repeating the process.
The old demon Master stood nervously by, waiting. When Lin Xuan left last time, he had not specified how many puppets were needed. Because there was no target, he had worked hard without rest for a month, ordering all disciples to abandon their cultivation and other tasks to focus solely on collecting puppets.
They spared no expense—both openly and secretly...
Indeed, the results were impressive: over a thousand Inner Alchemy puppets, including more than a hundred at the Separation stage, even three late-stage Separation puppets.
In just one month, such an achievement was comparable to what the Nine Immortals Palace could offer. The煞 yang宗 had paid a heavy price; their accumulated crystals and treasures were nearly depleted.
But despite this, the old demon Master still felt anxious. He had no bargaining power with Lin Xuan. The feeling of being at his mercy was extremely unpleasant. He hoped that his efforts would be recognized and appreciated by the other party.
There were seven storage bags filled with puppets. After checking each one thoroughly, it took about an hour for Lin Xuan to finish.
Not long, but the old demon Master waited anxiously. He carefully observed Lin Xuan's expression without any success; there was no sign of joy or anger on his face. The feeling of waiting seemed unbearable.
Finally, Lin Xuan said: "Not bad. It seems you did not waste my time and have indeed collected diligently."
Lin Xuan's satisfied look confirmed the old demon Master's relief. He could finally breathe a sigh of relief: "Master, I dared not neglect your instructions. To be honest, to obtain these puppets, our煞 yang宗 has exhausted all its resources; we are now penniless."