dì liǎng qiān yì bǎi wǔ shí liù zhāng zhēn xiàng dà bái
第两千一百五十六章真相大白
Chapter 2156: The Truth Revealed
“ yuán běn wǒ bù xiǎo de ， bù guò dāng wǒ zhū duō dì zǐ yǔn luò de yī kè ， zì rán jiù dé dào xiāo xī le 。”
“原本我不晓得，不过当我诸多弟子陨落的一刻，自然就得到消息了。”
"Originally, I didn't know. But when my many disciples fell in battle, the news naturally came to me."
hóng páo lǎo zhě shuō dào zhè lǐ ， wēi wēi tàn le kǒu qì ：“ lǎo fū hái zài xiǎng ， jiū jìng zhāo rě de shì nǎ wèi qiáng dí ， méi xiǎng dào jū rán huì shì nǐ 。”
红袍老者说到这里，微微叹了口气：“老夫还在想，究竟招惹的是哪位强敌，没想到居然会是你。”
The robed elder sighed slightly as he spoke: "I was wondering which powerful enemy had provoked you. Little did I expect it would be you."
“ hěn yì wài me ？”
“很意外么？”
"Surprised?"
“ bù cuò ， lǎo fū xín sī shēng píng jǐn yǔ nǐ jiàn guò yī cì ， wàn bǎo dà huì shàng nǐ cóng wǒ nà lǐ mǎi zǒu dǐng lú ， huā fèi shì duō le xiē ， dàn nà shì nǐ yǔ gǔ lǎo mó xiāng zhēng de yuán gù ， yǔ lǎo fū yǒu hé gān xì ， hé kǔ lái zhǎo wǒ huì qì 。” huǒ yún zūn zhě píng dàn de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr lǐ ， rán ér cóng lǐ miàn kě yǐ tīng chū fèn nù yǔ ào nǎo zhī yì 。
“不错，老夫寻思生平仅与你见过一次，万宝大会上你从我那里买走鼎炉，花费是多了些，但那是你与古老魔相争的缘故，与老夫有何干系，何苦来找我晦气。”火云尊者平淡的声音传入耳里，然而从里面可以听出愤怒与懊恼之意。
"Not at all," the Fire Cloud Sovereign's voice, though calm, carried a hint of anger and frustration.
“ zhǎo nǐ huì qì ？ nǐ dāng lín mǒu shì nà zhǒng yán ér wú xìn de jiā huo ， mǎi le dōng xī yòu hòu huǐ me ， yīn cǐ qiān nù yú nǐ ？”
“找你晦气？你当林某是那种言而无信的家伙，买了东西又后悔么，因此迁怒于你？”
"Finding grievances against me? You think Lin Xuan is someone who regrets his purchases and vents his anger on others?"
“ nán dào bú shì ？”
“难道不是？”
"Is that not the case?"
“ dāng rán bú shì 。”
“当然不是。”
"Certainly not."
shì qíng dào le zhè yī bù ， lín xuān dào yě bù jiè yú yǔ tā màn màn biàn bó ：“ xuán ér ， nǐ chū lái shuō shuō 。”
事情到了这一步，林轩倒也不介于与他慢慢辩驳：“璇儿，你出来说说。”
Lin Xuan did not mind debating with him slowly: "Xuan'er, come out and explain."
guāng huá yì qǐ ， suí hòu biàn huà chéng le yí miàn róng jiāo měi de shào nǚ ， zhèng shì zhèng xuán tīng le lín xuān de fēn fù ， zhè cái chū le tiān jī fǔ 。
光华一起，随后变化成了一面容娇美的少女，正是郑璇听了林轩的吩咐，这才出了天机府。
A beam of light appeared, transforming into a beautiful young girl—Zheng Xuan, as instructed by Lin Xuan, now emerged from the Heaven's Oracle Mansion.
“ cān jiàn shī zǔ 。”
“参见师祖。”
"Salutations to my senior."
shào nǚ chōng zhe lín xuān yíng yíng yī fú ， liǎn shàng mǎn shì gōng jìng zhī sè 。
少女冲着林轩盈盈一拂，脸上满是恭敬之色。
The girl bowed gracefully before Lin Xuan with great respect on her face.
“ shén me ， tā jiào nǐ shī zǔ ？”
“什么，她叫你师祖？”
"What? She calls you her senior?"
huǒ yún zūn zhě zé jīng dāi le 。
火云尊者则惊呆了。
Fire Cloud Sovereign was stunned.
“ bù cuò ， nǐ xiàn zài zǒng yīng gāi xiǎo de ， lín mǒu wèi hé zhǎo nǐ huì qì ， qū qū wǔ qiān wàn zhōng pǐn jīng shí ， lín mǒu bú shì fù bù qǐ ， zhǐ shì nǐ zhuā le lín mǒu de mén rén dì zǐ ， huí guò tóu zài jiāng tā mài gěi wǒ ， lín mǒu ruò bù zhǎo huí chǎng zi ， qǐ néng yàn dé xià zhè kǒu qì 。” lín xuān lěng rán de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ lǐ 。
“不错，你现在总应该晓得，林某为何找你晦气，区区五千万中品晶石，林某不是付不起，只是你抓了林某的门人弟子，回过头再将她卖给我，林某若不找回场子，岂能咽得下这口气。”林轩冷然的声音传入耳朵里。
"Yes. You should now understand why I sought grievances against you. Five million middle-grade crystal stones are not beyond me, but since you captured one of my disciples and then sold her back to me, if I do not reclaim what is mine, how can I bear the humiliation," Lin Xuan's cold voice echoed in his ears.
“ yuán lái rú cǐ 。” huǒ yún zūn zhě liǎn shàng de biǎo qíng mù rán yǐ jí ：“ dōu shuō shì shí biàn huà wú cháng ， méi xiǎng dào shì jiè shàng huì yǒu zhè yàng de qiǎo shì ， bù cuò ， cǐ shì ruò huàn zuò shì wǒ ， tóng yàng huì zhǎo chǎng zi 。”
“原来如此。”火云尊者脸上的表情木然以极：“都说事实变化无常，没想到世界上会有这样的巧事，不错，此事若换做是我，同样会找场子。”
"Ah, so that’s it." The Fire Cloud Sovereign's expression turned blank. "They say fortune changes unexpectedly. Who would have thought such a coincidence could happen. Indeed, if this were me, I would seek grievances as well."
“ dào yǒu míng bái zài hǎo bù guò 。” lín xuān diǎn le diǎn tóu de shuō 。
“道友明白再好不过。”林轩点了点头的说。
"It is good to see you understand," Lin Xuan nodded.
“ shì qíng dào le zhè yī bù ， zài xià jiù suàn yuàn yì fú shū ， tuì huí nà wǔ qiān wàn zhōng pǐn jīng shí ， bìng jǐ yǔ bǔ cháng ， wǒ xiǎng yǐ dào yǒu de xìng gé ， yīng gāi yě bú huì jiē shòu de 。”
“事情到了这一步，在下就算愿意服输，退回那五千万中品晶石，并给予补偿，我想以道友的性格，应该也不会接受的。”
"At this point, even if I concede and return those five million middle-grade crystal stones with compensation, I doubt your character would accept it."
“ nǐ dào dǒng wǒ 。”
“你倒懂我。”
"You know me well."
lín xuān xiào le ：“ hé kuàng gé xià kǒng pà yě bù dǎ suàn zhè me zuò ， wǒ tīng shuō ， dào yǒu shì nìng wéi yù suì ， bù wéi wǎ quán de zhǔ ér ， cóng lái bú huì dī tóu fú shū ， fǒu zé yě bú huì gǎo chū nà me dà de yī fān zhèn zhàng lái le 。”
林轩笑了：“何况阁下恐怕也不打算这么做，我听说，道友是宁为玉碎，不为瓦全的主儿，从来不会低头服输，否则也不会搞出那么大的一番阵仗来了。”
Lin Xuan smiled. "Besides, you probably don't intend to do so. I heard that you are宁为玉碎,不为瓦全—preferring to break like jade rather than survive as pottery. You never bow down or surrender."
“ bù cuò ， bù guǎn shì jī yuán qiǎo hé ， hái shì yīn cuò yáng chā ， zhè jiàn shì qíng yě méi yǒu shuí duì shuí cuò ， xiū xiān jiè ruò ròu qiáng shí ， nǐ shā wǒ dì zǐ ， huǒ mǒu qǐ huì ràng nǐ huó zhe lí kāi de 。” hóng páo lǎo zhě è hěn hěn de shuō 。
“不错，不管是机缘巧合，还是阴错阳差，这件事情也没有谁对谁错，修仙界弱肉强食，你杀我弟子，火某岂会让你活着离开的。”红袍老者恶狠狠的说。
"True. Whether by chance or fate, this matter has no right or wrong. In the cultivation world, the weak perish and the strong survive. You killed my disciple; I cannot let you leave alive," the robed elder said viciously.
“ nǐ bàn dé dào me ？” lín xuān liǎn shàng shǎn guò yī sī jī cháo 。
“你办得到么？”林轩脸上闪过一丝讥嘲。
"Can you do that?" A trace of mockery flashed across Lin Xuan's face.
“ bù cuò ， huǒ mǒu suī rán shì dòng xuán hòu qī ， dàn shí lì bù jí nǐ ， ruò shì wǒ duì shàng pàng shòu shuāng zi mó ， wú lùn rú hé ， dǎ bù guò ， gèng bú yào shuō ， duì fāng lián zǐ luó wén shī chóng dōu fàng chū ， què yī jiù bèi nǐ shōu fú 。” huǒ yún zūn zhě shí fēn tǎn rán de shuō 。
“不错，火某虽然是洞玄后期，但实力不及你，若是我对上胖瘦双子魔，无论如何，打不过，更不要说，对方连紫罗纹尸虫都放出，却依旧被你收服。”火云尊者十分坦然的说。
"I know I am late-stage Profound Abyss, but my strength is inferior to yours. Even if I faced the twin fat and thin demons, I would not stand a chance, let alone when they released even the purple lotus纹尸虫and still lost," Fire Cloud Sovereign said frankly.
“ qí shí lín mǒu hái yǒu xiē hào qí ， nǐ yǔ tiān shī mén yīng gāi méi yǒu jiāo qíng ， nà pàng shòu shuāng zi mó wèi hé ……”
“其实林某还有些好奇，你与天尸门应该没有交情，那胖瘦双子魔为何……”
"Actually, I was curious as to why the twin fat and thin demons had no connection with your sect."
“ hēng ， nǐ lái zhī qián ， xiǎng bì hěn shì diào chá le yī fān wǒ ， zuò zú le gōng kè ， dàn yǒu yī xiē shì qíng ， bìng bú shì wài miàn néng gòu huò dé qíng bào de ， bǐ rú shuō huǒ mǒu nǎi shì pàng shòu shuāng zi mó de biǎo gē 。”“ yuán lái rú cǐ 。”
“哼，你来之前，想必很是调查了一番我，做足了功课，但有一些事情，并不是外面能够获得情报的，比如说火某乃是胖瘦双子魔的表哥。”“原来如此。”
"Hmph. You must have thoroughly investigated me before coming here, doing extensive homework. But some things cannot be gleaned from the outside—such as my being the cousin of the twin fat and thin demons," Fire Cloud Sovereign said.
yǐ lín xuān de chéng fǔ ， liǎn shàng yě lù chū dà wèi chà yì zhī sè ， yuán lái huǒ yún zūn zhě yǔ shuāng zi mó shì qīn qī a ， zhè sān gè lǎo jiā huǒ ， dōu shì huó le shù wàn nián de cún zài le ， tā men shì sú jiān de xuè yuán ， bié shuō wài miàn bù qīng chǔ ， biàn shì tiān shī mén xiū shì zhī dào zhè yī céng guān xì de ， kǒng pà yě méi yǒu jǐ gè 。
以林轩的城府，脸上也露出大为诧异之色，原来火云尊者与双子魔是亲戚啊，这三个老家伙，都是活了数万年的存在了，他们世俗间的血缘，别说外面不清楚，便是天尸门修士知道这一层关系的，恐怕也没有几个。
"Ah, so that’s how it is." Lin Xuan's expression showed great surprise. The three old fellows were all beings who had lived for tens of thousands of years; even if outsiders didn't know this relationship, few within the Sect of Corpse would be aware.
“ yuán lái rú cǐ ， wǒ jiù shuō ， shuāng mó zěn me huì tū rán chū xiàn yú cǐ ne ， kàn lái shì nǐ shòu yuán jiāng jìn ， zhǔn bèi dù yuán qì zhī jié de shí hòu ， fēi jiàn chuán shū ， qǐng liǎng wèi biǎo dì qián lái bāng nǐ hù fǎ le 。” lín xuān kě shì hěn cōng míng de rén wù ， sān yán liǎng yǔ ， jiù jiāng zhè zhōng jiān de yuán wěi nòng qīng chǔ 。
“原来如此，我就说，双魔怎么会突然出现于此呢，看来是你寿元将近，准备渡元气之劫的时候，飞剑传书，请两位表弟前来帮你护法了。”林轩可是很聪明的人物，三言两语，就将这中间的原委弄清楚。
"So that’s why the twin demons appeared here suddenly. It seems you are nearing your lifespan and called on your two cousins to help protect you as you prepare to pass through the元气劫," Lin Xuan was a smart man; he quickly pieced together the situation with a few words.
“ bù cuò ， yǐ lǎo fū de shí lì ， yòu zhǔn bèi le jǐ jiàn shàng hǎo de bǎo wù ， yuán běn dù guò zhè cì tiān jié jué méi yǒu wèn tí ， qǐng liǎng wèi biǎo dì ， yě shì yǐ fáng wàn yī ， pà yǒu qiáng dí lái xí ， nǎ xiǎo de ……”
“不错，以老夫的实力，又准备了几件上好的宝物，原本度过这次天劫绝没有问题，请两位表弟，也是以防万一，怕有强敌来袭，哪晓得……”
"Indeed, given my strength and prepared treasures, I had no doubt of passing this heavenly calamity. Invoking the help of my two cousins was merely an insurance measure in case of stronger enemies. But who would have thought…"
“ hēng ， nǎ xiǎo de ， yī yǔ chéng chèn ， lín mǒu zhēn lái le cǐ dì ， nǐ liǎng wèi biǎo dì dǎng bú zhù ， fǎn ér yǔn luò zài le wǒ de shǒu lǐ 。” lín xuān jiē kǒu de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
“哼，哪晓得，一语成谶，林某真来了此地，你两位表弟挡不住，反而陨落在了我的手里。”林轩接口的声音传入耳朵。
"Hmph, but who would have thought that your arrival would fulfill the prophecy. Your two cousins couldn't stop you; instead, they fell to me," Lin Xuan's voice interrupted.
“ bù cuò ， rú cǐ jié guǒ ， què shí shì huǒ mǒu méi yǒu xiǎng dào de ， liǎng wèi biǎo dì suī shì dòng xuán zhōng qī ， dàn shàn cháng lián shǒu zhī shù ， jiù suàn tóng shí duì shàng liǎng míng hòu qī xiū xiān zhě ， yě fēn háo dà ài yě wú ， méi xiǎng dào bāng nǐ zhè xiǎo zi què shì rú cǐ nì tiān de rén wù ， jū rán píng yì jǐ zhī lì ， jiāng wǒ biǎo dì gěi hài le 。”
“不错，如此结果，确实是火某没有想到的，两位表弟虽是洞玄中期，但擅长联手之术，就算同时对上两名后期修仙者，也分毫大碍也无，没想到帮你这小子却是如此逆天的人物，居然凭一己之力，将我表弟给害了。”
"True, this outcome was unforeseen by me. My two cousins are mid-stage Profound Abyss and skilled in teamwork. Even facing two late-stage cultivators simultaneously, they could handle it. But helping your brat has proven so extraordinary that he managed to harm my cousin with his own strength," the Fire Cloud Sovereign said.
“ hēng ， huà bú yào shuō dé nà me nán tīng ， shì tā men jì bù rú rén ， hé kuàng pàng shòu shuāng zi mó wú è bù zuò ， lín mǒu cǐ jǔ chuán chū qù ， hái bù xiǎo de ， huì yǒu duō shǎo xiū xiān zhě ， pāi shǒu chēng kuài ， shuō wǒ zài tì tiān xíng dào ne 。” lín xuān mǎn hán jī fěng de fǎn bó 。
“哼，话不要说得那么难听，是他们技不如人，何况胖瘦双子魔无恶不作，林某此举传出去，还不晓得，会有多少修仙者，拍手称快，说我在替天行道呢。”林轩满含讥讽的反驳。
"Hmph, don't say such harsh words. They were simply outmatched. Moreover, the twin fat and thin demons are notorious for their wickedness. If I am known for this, many cultivators will cheer me on as a righteous champion," Lin Xuan retorted sarcastically.
“ xìng lín de ， shǎo zài zhè lǐ dé le pián yi hái mài guāi ， nǐ yǐ wéi jīn tiān ， zì jǐ néng huó zhe lí kāi zhè lǐ me ？” huǒ yún zūn zhě yì zhí dōu píng xīn jìng qì ， cǐ shí cǐ kè ， què fǎng fú bèi lín xuān de yán yǔ jī nù le 。
“姓林的，少在这里得了便宜还卖乖，你以为今天，自己能活着离开这里么？”火云尊者一直都平心静气，此时此刻，却仿佛被林轩的言语激怒了。
"Lin, you should not take advantage of your victory here. Do you think you can leave alive today?" The Fire Cloud Sovereign, who had remained calm until now, seemed to be provoked by Lin Xuan's words.
“ nǐ dǎ bù guò wǒ 。” lín xuān dàn dàn de shuō 。
“你打不过我。”林轩淡淡的说。
"I cannot defeat you."
“ wǒ xiǎo de ， kě nǐ nán dào méi yǒu kàn kàn tóu dǐng shàng me ？”
“我晓得，可你难道没有看看头顶上么？”
"You know that, but have you looked up above?"
“ tóu dǐng shàng ？” lín xuān bìng méi yǒu tái yǎn ， yīn wèi tā zǎo jiù fā xiàn ， ér qiě yě duì cǐ ， zuò le cāi cè ：“ nǐ shì shuō ， nà xiē jié yún me ， kàn lái nǐ shì xiǎng yào yǔ lín mǒu tóng guī yú jìn ， jiè tiān jié zhī wēi ， lái miè shā lín mǒu ？”
“头顶上？”林轩并没有抬眼，因为他早就发现，而且也对此，做了猜测：“你是说，那些劫云么，看来你是想要与林某同归于尽，借天劫之威，来灭杀林某？”
"Up there?" Lin Xuan did not lift his eyes; he had already noticed and guessed: "You mean those heavenly calamities? You want to perish with me, using the power of the heavenly calamity to eliminate me?"
“ bù cuò ， ruò shì píng shí ， huǒ mǒu què shí dǎ nǐ bù guò ， rán ér shí shī qiǎo hé ， yuán qì zhī jié piān piān zài zhè yī kè lái lín liǎo ， nán dào wǒ jiù bù néng jiǎ jiè zhè tiān dì fǎ zé ……”
“不错，若是平时，火某确实打你不过，然而实施巧合，元气之劫偏偏在这一刻来临了，难道我就不能假借这天地法则……”
"Correct. Normally, I could not defeat you, but this coincidence—my heavenly calamity just happened at this moment. Can't I take advantage of these cosmic laws…"
“ kě yǐ ， nǐ ruò yuàn yì ， dāng rán kě yǐ jiǎ jiè de 。” lín xuān wēi xiào de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， jiāng duì fāng de huà dǎ duàn le 。
“可以，你若愿意，当然可以假借的。”林轩微笑的声音传入耳朵，将对方的话打断了。
"You can if you wish," Lin Xuan's smile cut off his words.
“ zěn me ， nǐ bù pà me ？” huǒ yún zūn zhě yǒu xiē yì wài le 。
“怎么，你不怕么？”火云尊者有些意外了。
"Why are you not afraid?" The Fire Cloud Sovereign was surprised.
“ pà ？” lín xuān xiào le ：“ rú cǐ shì nǐ cǐ kè yào jìn jiē fēn shén ， nà yàng de tiān jié suí zhī jiàng luò ， lín mǒu huì dà jīng shī sè ， kǒng pà què rán hěn nán táo tuō ， bù guò xiàn zài me ……”
“怕？”林轩笑了：“如此是你此刻要进阶分神，那样的天劫随之降落，林某会大惊失色，恐怕确然很难逃脱，不过现在么……”
"Fear?" Lin Xuan laughed: "If now is your time to advance to the Spirit Separation realm, such a heavenly calamity will descend. I would be in shock and likely unable to escape. But now…"
“ xiàn zài rú hé ？”
“现在如何？”
"How now?"
“ bù guò shì qū qū zēng jiā dòng xuán hòu qī xiū shì shòu mìng de yuán qì zhī jié ér yǐ ， yǐ lín mǒu de shí lì ， nǐ què dìng ， tā néng gòu miè shā wǒ ？”
“不过是区区增加洞玄后期修士寿命的元气之劫而已，以林某的实力，你确定，它能够灭杀我？”
"Just another heavenly calamity for late-stage Profound Abyss cultivators. With my strength, can you really kill me with it?"
lín xuān lěng xiào zhe shuō ， rú jīn dòng xuán qī cún zài néng gòu wēi xié dào tā de hái zhēn bù duō 。
林轩冷笑着说，如今洞玄期存在能够威胁到他的还真不多。
Lin Xuan said coldly; few beings at the Profound Abyss stage could threaten him.
“ xiǎo jiā huo ， nǐ bú yào tài xiāo zhāng le ， wǒ zhī dào ， nǐ de shí lì yuǎn yuǎn shèng guò tóng jiē xiū xiān zhě ， fǒu zé yě bù néng jiāng wǒ liǎng míng biǎo dì miè shā le ， kě nà yòu rú hé ， nǐ jiù zhēn yǐ wéi ， zì jǐ néng gòu héng sǎo dòng xuán jí bié de yī qiè me ， liǎng míng biǎo dì wèi wǒ ér sǐ ， huǒ mǒu yě wú liǎn dú huó ， nǐ cāi duì le ， wǒ què shí xiǎng tuō zhe nǐ yì qǐ qù yīn cáo dì fǔ ， zhè tiān jié ， shì wǒ bù xī dà hào yuán qì ， chóng xīn yǐn lái de ， bǐ wǒ yuán xiān yào dù de nà yuán qì zhī jié ， wēi lì yào dà dé duō 。”
“小家伙，你不要太嚣张了，我知道，你的实力远远胜过同阶修仙者，否则也不能将我两名表弟灭杀了，可那又如何，你就真以为，自己能够横扫洞玄级别的一切么，两名表弟为我而死，火某也无脸独活，你猜对了，我确实想拖着你一起去阴曹地府，这天劫，是我不惜大耗元气，重新引来的，比我原先要渡的那元气之劫，威力要大得多。”
"Little fellow, don't be so arrogant. I know your power far exceeds that of other same-level cultivators, otherwise, you couldn't have killed my two cousins. But what if? Do you really think you can sweep away everything in the late-stage Profound Abyss realm alone? My two cousins died for me; I cannot live alone. You guessed right—I want to drag you down to hell with me. This heavenly calamity is one I deliberately invoked, using more of my essence than I originally intended, making it much stronger."
“ nà yòu rú hé ， wǒ bù xiāng xìn ， nǐ jiù suàn pīn shàng xiǎo mìng ， hái néng gòu yǐn lái fēn shén jí bié de tiān jié bù chéng me ？” lín xuān xiān shì liǎn sè yī biàn ， suí hòu yòu zhèn dìng xià lái ， cǐ shí cǐ kè ， tā jué bú huì ràng bié rén dòng yáo zì jǐ xīn zhì de 。
“那又如何，我不相信，你就算拼上小命，还能够引来分神级别的天劫不成么？”林轩先是脸色一变，随后又镇定下来，此时此刻，他绝不会让别人动摇自己心智的。
"So what if that's the case? I don't believe you can summon a Spirit Separation-level heavenly calamity even by risking your life," Lin Xuan's expression changed but quickly returned to calm. He would not let anyone shake his resolve.
PS： dì èr gèng ， jīn tiān huì 9000 bào fā de ， qiú yuè piào 。（ wèi wán dài xù ）
PS：第二更，今天会9000爆发的，求月票。（未完待续）
PS: Second update for today; 9000 words will be posted, please vote for monthly tickets. (To be continued)
Chapter 2156: The Truth Revealed
"Originally, I didn't know. But when my many disciples fell in battle, the news naturally came to me."
The robed elder sighed slightly as he spoke: "I was wondering which powerful enemy had provoked you. Little did I expect it would be you."
"Surprised?"
"Not at all," the Fire Cloud Sovereign's voice, though calm, carried a hint of anger and frustration.
"Finding grievances against me? You think Lin Xuan is someone who regrets his purchases and vents his anger on others?"
"Is that not the case?"
"Certainly not."
Lin Xuan did not mind debating with him slowly: "Xuan'er, come out and explain."
"Yes."
A beam of light appeared, transforming into a beautiful young girl—Zheng Xuan, as instructed by Lin Xuan, now emerged from the Heaven's Oracle Mansion.
"Salutations to my senior."
The girl bowed gracefully before Lin Xuan with great respect on her face.
"What? She calls you her senior?"
Fire Cloud Sovereign was stunned.
"Yes. You should now understand why I sought grievances against you. Five million middle-grade crystal stones are not beyond me, but since you captured one of my disciples and then sold her back to me, if I do not reclaim what is mine, how can I bear the humiliation," Lin Xuan's cold voice echoed in his ears.
"Ah, so that’s it." The Fire Cloud Sovereign's expression turned blank. "They say fortune changes unexpectedly. Who would have thought such a coincidence could happen. Indeed, if this were me, I would seek grievances as well."
"It is good to see you understand," Lin Xuan nodded.
"At this point, even if I concede and return those five million middle-grade crystal stones with compensation, I doubt your character would accept it."
"You know me well."
Lin Xuan smiled. "Besides, you probably don't intend to do so. I heard that you are宁为玉碎,不为瓦全—preferring to break like jade rather than survive as pottery. You never bow down or surrender."
"True. Whether by chance or fate, this matter has no right or wrong. In the cultivation world, the weak perish and the strong survive. You killed my disciple; I cannot let you leave alive," the robed elder said viciously.
"Can you do that?" A trace of mockery flashed across Lin Xuan's face.
"I know I am late-stage Profound Abyss, but my strength is inferior to yours. Even if I faced the twin fat and thin demons, I would not stand a chance, let alone when they released even the purple lotus纹尸虫and still lost," Fire Cloud Sovereign said frankly.
"Actually, I was curious as to why the twin fat and thin demons had no connection with your sect."
"Hmph. You must have thoroughly investigated me before coming here, doing extensive homework. But some things cannot be gleaned from the outside—such as my being the cousin of the twin fat and thin demons," Fire Cloud Sovereign said.
"Ah, so that’s how it is." Lin Xuan's expression showed great surprise. The three old fellows were all beings who had lived for tens of thousands of years; even if outsiders didn't know this relationship, few within the Sect of Corpse would be aware.
"So that’s why the twin demons appeared here suddenly. It seems you are nearing your lifespan and called on your two cousins to help protect you as you prepare to pass through the元气劫," Lin Xuan was a smart man; he quickly pieced together the situation with a few words.
"Indeed, given my strength and prepared treasures, I had no doubt of passing this heavenly calamity. Invoking the help of my two cousins was merely an insurance measure in case of stronger enemies. But who would have thought…"
"Hmph, but who would have thought that your arrival would fulfill the prophecy. Your two cousins couldn't stop you; instead, they fell to me," Lin Xuan's voice interrupted.
"True, this outcome was unforeseen by me. My two cousins are mid-stage Profound Abyss and skilled in teamwork. Even facing two late-stage cultivators simultaneously, they could handle it. But helping your brat has proven so extraordinary that he managed to harm my cousin with his own strength," the Fire Cloud Sovereign said.
"Hmph, don't say such harsh words. They were simply outmatched. Moreover, the twin fat and thin demons are notorious for their wickedness. If I am known for this, many cultivators will cheer me on as a righteous champion," Lin Xuan retorted sarcastically.
"Lin, you should not take advantage of your victory here. Do you think you can leave alive today?" The Fire Cloud Sovereign, who had remained calm until now, seemed to be provoked by Lin Xuan's words.
"I cannot defeat you."
"You know that, but have you looked up above?"
"Up there?" Lin Xuan did not lift his eyes; he had already noticed and guessed: "You mean those heavenly calamities? You want to perish with me, using the power of the heavenly calamity to eliminate me?"
"Correct. Normally, I could not defeat you, but this coincidence—my heavenly calamity just happened at this moment. Can't I take advantage of these cosmic laws…"
"You can if you wish," Lin Xuan's smile cut off his words.
"Why are you not afraid?" The Fire Cloud Sovereign was surprised.
"Fear?" Lin Xuan laughed: "If now is your time to advance to the Spirit Separation realm, such a heavenly calamity will descend. I would be in shock and likely unable to escape. But now…"
"How now?"
"Just another heavenly calamity for late-stage Profound Abyss cultivators. With my strength, can you really kill me with it?"
Lin Xuan said coldly; few beings at the Profound Abyss stage could threaten him.
"Little fellow, don't be so arrogant. I know your power far exceeds that of other same-level cultivators, otherwise, you couldn't have killed my two cousins. But what if? Do you really think you can sweep away everything in the late-stage Profound Abyss realm alone? My two cousins died for me; I cannot live alone. You guessed right—I want to drag you down to hell with me. This heavenly calamity is one I deliberately invoked, using more of my essence than I originally intended, making it much stronger."
"So what if that's the case? I don't believe you can summon a Spirit Separation-level heavenly calamity even by risking your life," Lin Xuan's expression changed but quickly returned to calm. He would not let anyone shake his resolve.
PS: Second update for today; 9000 words will be posted, please vote for monthly tickets. (To be continued)