“ shī shū ， yǎn qián de tiān zhào fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， shì bú shì yǒu shén me yì bǎo yào chū shì le ？”
“师叔，眼前的天兆非同小可，是不是有什么异宝要出世了？”
"Auntie Senior, the celestial omen before our eyes is no trivial matter. Could there be some extraordinary treasure about to emerge?"
yī qīng liàng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， lǐ miàn yǐn yǐn dài zhe jǐ fēn 〖 xīng 〗 fèn zhī sè ， shuō huà de ， shì yī èr shí yú suì de nián qīng rén ， tóng shí tā yě shì zhè qún mó xiū zhōng shí lì zuì dī de yí gè 。? suí mèng xiǎo shuō ?,.com
一清亮的声音传入耳朵，里面隐隐带着几分〖兴〗奋之色，说话的，是一二十余岁的年轻人，同时他也是这群魔修中实力最低的一个。?随夢小說?,.com
A clear voice entered his ears, tinged with a hint of excitement. The speaker was a young man in his twenties and also the weakest among this group of魔修.
“ shào shī zhí ， nǐ tài xīn jí le ， zhè líng yuán gǔ shā jī biàn bù ， shì bú shì yì bǎo chū shì kě hái bù hǎo shuō ， gǎo bù hǎo huì yǒu shén me wēi xiǎn de 。”
“邵师侄，你太心急了，这灵源谷杀机遍布，是不是异宝出世可还不好说，搞不好会有什么危险的。”
"Senior Shaoping, you are too impatient. This Spirit Source Valley is filled with deadly traps; it's uncertain whether any extraordinary treasure will emerge. There might be dangers lurking."
lǎo zhě yī biān shuō ， yī biān fàng chū shén shí ， kě xī yī wú suǒ huò ， zuì wài céng de huàn zhèn què shí bèi tiān dì yuán qì pò chú ， rán ér zài dòng fǔ sì zhōu ， lín xuān hái bù zhì yǒu shù tào zhèn qí ， qū qū yī yuán yīng qī de mó zú ， ruò néng tàn chū xū shí ， nà cái jiào yù le guǐ le 。
老者一边说，一边放出神识，可惜一无所获，最外层的幻阵确实被天地元气破除，然而在洞府四周，林轩还布置有数套阵旗，区区一元婴期的魔族，若能探出虚实，那才叫遇了鬼了。
The old man released his divine sense but found nothing. The outermost layer of the illusory array had indeed been broken by primordial energy, yet Lin Xuan still had several sets of阵旗 around the cave entrance. For a mere婴期魔族 to uncover their true intentions would be sheer luck.
“ shī shū suǒ yán bù cuò ， kě nán dào jiù zài zhè lǐ gàn děng zhe ， cǐ tiān zhào de guī mó rú cǐ páng bó ， yòng bù liǎo duō jiǔ qí tā de jiā huo jiù huì lái zhè lǐ de ， bú shì shī zhí zhǎng bié rén de zhì qì ， miè zì jǐ wēi fēng ， shāo wēi lái yí gè lì hài diǎn de jiā huo ， nà chū shì de yì bǎo kǒng pà jiù zhǐ yǒu gǒng shǒu xiàng ràng le 。” nà nián qīng mó xiū bù yǐ wéi rán de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
“师叔所言不错，可难道就在这里干等着，此天兆的规模如此磅礴，用不了多久其他的家伙就会来这里的，不是师侄涨别人的志气，灭自己威风，稍微来一个厉害点的家伙，那出世的异宝恐怕就只有拱手相让了。”那年轻魔修不以为然的声音传入耳朵。
"Senior Shaoping is right. But can we just wait here? This celestial omen is so grand; other fellows will come soon. It's not that I'm boosting others' morale and deflating my own, but if a stronger opponent emerges, the extraordinary treasure might have to be handed over."
lǎo zhě tīng le ， què tàn le kǒu qì ， zhè fān huà yě yǒu dào lǐ ， běn mén yǐ dào rì bao xī shān de dì bù ， fǒu zé yě bú huì mào xiǎn qián rù líng yuán gǔ 。
老者听了，却叹了口气，这番话也有道理，本门已到日bao西山的地步，否则也不会冒险潜入灵源谷。
The young魔修's words carried no conviction.
lái yí gè lì hài de mó zú ， tā men què shí méi yǒu běn qián yǔ duì fāng xiāng zhēng de 。
来一个厉害的魔族，他们确实没有本钱与对方相争的。
The old man sighed. His words had merit. The sect was on its last legs; otherwise, they wouldn't risk infiltrating the Spirit Source Valley.
“ nà yī shī zhí zhī yì ， wǒ men yòu gāi rú hé ？” lǎo zhě xiǎn rán bú shì dú duàn zhuān xíng de rén wù ， yòng shāng liáng de yǔ qì kāi kǒu le 。
“那依师侄之意，我们又该如何？”老者显然不是独断专行的人物，用商量的语气开口了。
They indeed lacked the means to compete with a powerful enemy.
“ hái néng rú hé ， jì rán jìn le líng yuán gǔ ， hái hé jù mào fēng xiǎn ne ， sú huà shuō ， bù rù hǔ xué ， yān dé hǔ zi ， zhān qián gù hòu néng chéng shén me dà shì ……”
“还能如何，既然进了灵源谷，还何惧冒风险呢，俗话说，不入虎穴，焉得虎子，瞻前顾后能成什么大事……”
"Then what do you suggest we do?" The old man wasn't one to make unilateral decisions and spoke in a consultative tone.
“ shào shī dì ， nǐ suǒ yán suī rán méi cuò ， dàn wǒ men jǐ rén ruò shì yǔn luò ， běn mén kǒng pà jiù zhēn de yào sàn le ， mào xiǎn ， yě yào kàn zhí bù zhí dé 。” yī nǚ zǐ de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， shì zhàn zài zuǒ shǒu biān de zhōng nián měi fù 。
“邵师弟，你所言虽然没错，但我们几人若是陨落，本门恐怕就真的要散了，冒险，也要看值不值得。”一女子的声音传入耳朵，是站在左手边的中年美妇。
"What else can we do? We've entered the Spirit Source Valley; there's no fear of taking risks. As they say, 'not entering the tiger's den, how can one catch its cub.' To hesitate is to fail."
“ dà jiā jì rán dān xīn ， nà xiǎo dì yuàn yì tàn lù ， bù guò ruò shì jiǎo xìng chéng gōng le ， shī shū nà lì huáng lóng dān ……”
“大家既然担心，那小弟愿意探路，不过若是侥幸成功了，师叔那粒黄龙丹……”
"Senior Shaoping, your words are correct, but if any of us perish here, our sect might truly disintegrate. We should only take such risks if they're worth it," a woman's voice entered his ears. She was the middle-aged beauty standing on his left.
“ shào shī zhí yuàn yì mào cǐ qí xiǎn ， bù lùn chéng gōng yǔ fǒu ， lǎo fū nà lì huáng lóng dān ， dōu guī nǐ suǒ yǒu 。”
“邵师侄愿意冒此奇险，不论成功与否，老夫那粒黄龙丹，都归你所有。”
Since everyone was worried, he volunteered to scout ahead. "But if I succeed, Auntie Senior, what about that Yellow Dragon Pill you have?"
“ hǎo 。”
“好。”
"Senior Shaoping is willing to take such great risks. Regardless of success or failure, my Yellow Dragon Pill will be yours."
nà nián qīng mó zú dà xǐ ， yǒu cǐ líng dān xiāng zhù ， zì jǐ jiù dà yǒu xī wàng jìn jiē dào zhōng qī ， suī rán cǐ xíng yào mào xiē fēng xiǎn ， bù guò xiāng duì yú shōu yì ， tā jué de hái shì zhí de dì 。
那年轻魔族大喜，有此灵丹相助，自己就大有希望进阶到中期，虽然此行要冒些风险，不过相对于收益，他觉得还是值得地。
"Alright."
yú shì tā jì chū yī jiàn fáng yù de bǎo wù ， xiǎo xīn yì yì de xiàng nà líng qì zuì nóng de shān mài fēi qù le 。
于是他祭出一件防御的宝物，小心翼翼的像那灵气最浓的山脉飞去了。
The young魔修's face lit up at the prospect. With this spiritual pill, he had a chance to advance to mid-stage. Although this mission carried some risk, it was worth it compared to the potential gains.
cǐ shí ， zhěng zuò xiǎo shān mài fù jìn dōu lǒng zhào zhe nóng nóng de mí wù ， lǐ miàn yǒu shén me gēn běn jiù kàn bù qīng chǔ 。
此时，整座小山脉附近都笼罩着浓浓的迷雾，里面有什么根本就看不清楚。
Thus, he summoned a defensive treasure and cautiously flew towards the most spiritually dense mountain range.
tā de liǎn shàng yě lù chū jǐ fēn kǒng jù dān yōu ， rán ér shì dào lín tóu ， zǒng bù kě néng zài tuì suō ， yǎo le yǎo yá ， xiǎo xīn yì yì de jìn rù le mí wù 。
他的脸上也露出几分恐惧担忧，然而事到临头，总不可能再退缩，咬了咬牙，小心翼翼的进入了迷雾。
Around the small mountain range, thick fog obscured everything. His face showed fear and worry, but at the last moment, there was no turning back. He gritted his teeth and carefully entered the fog.
yī zhǎn chá de gōng fu guò qù le ， què fēn háo fǎn yìng yě wú 。
一盏茶的功夫过去了，却分毫反应也无。
A cup of tea passed, yet no reaction came.
“ shī qǐ ……” lìng yī níng dān qī de mó zú kāi kǒu le 。
“师起……”另一凝丹期的魔族开口了。
"Senior Shaoping..." another魔修 in mid-stage core formation spoke up.
“ shào shī zhí kǒng pà yǐ xiōng duō jí shǎo le 。”
“邵师侄恐怕已凶多吉少了。”
"Poor Senior Shaoping is likely in grave danger."
lǎo zhě tàn le kǒu qì ：“ suàn le ， zhè lǐ de bǎo wù ， fēi wǒ men kě qǔ ， hái shì jǐn zǎo lí kāi zhè lǐ 。”
老者叹了口气：“算了，这里的宝物，非我们可取，还是尽早离开这里。”
The old man sighed: "Forget it. The treasures here are beyond our reach; let's leave as soon as possible."
qí tā rén yě xīn zhōng tǎn tè ， suī rán pǒ wèi bù shě ， dàn zài hǎo de bǎo wù ， yě yào yǒu mìng cái kě yǐ xiǎng yòng de ， zhè ge dào lǐ tā men hái shì xiǎo de ， yǐ jīng yǒu yí gè tóng bàn yǔn luò ， nán dào yào dà jiā yì qǐ péi zàng zài zhè lǐ me ？
其他人也心中忐忑，虽然颇为不舍，但再好的宝物，也要有命才可以享用的，这个道理他们还是晓得，已经有一个同伴陨落，难道要大家一起陪葬在这里么？
The others were also uneasy, though reluctant to part ways. No matter how good the treasure was, they had to survive to enjoy it. One companion had already perished; would they all end up sacrificing themselves?
jǐn kuài lí kāi cái shì cōng míng rén de xuǎn zé 。
尽快离开才是聪明人的选择。
Quickly leaving was the wise choice.
kě xī wéi shí wǎn le 。
可惜为时晚了。
Unfortunately, it was too late.
jiù zài jǐ rén gāng gāng diào tóu de yī kè ， yī lěng bīng bīng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ：“ hēi hēi ， jǐ míng dī jiē xiǎo bèi yě gǎn lái nèi gǔ ， huó dé bù nài fán le 。”
就在几人刚刚掉头的一刻，一冷冰冰的声音传入耳朵：“嘿嘿，几名低阶小辈也敢来内谷，活得不耐烦了。”
As they turned around, a cold voice echoed: "Haha, a few low-ranking juniors dare venture into Inner Valley, do you want to live?"
mó yuán mén zhòng rén dà jīng shī sè ， huí guò tóu lú ， jié guǒ sì zhōu kōng kōng rú yě ， nǎ yǒu shén me rén yǐng qián fú 。
魔猿门众人大惊失色，回过头颅，结果四周空空如也，哪有什么人影潜伏。
The Monkey Demon Sect members were shocked. They turned their heads but saw no one lurking.
“ zāo gāo ， yù jiàn gāo shǒu le 。”
“糟糕，遇见高手了。”
"Trouble, we've met an expert."
nà lǎo zhě xīn zhōng “ gē dēng ” yī xià ， biǎo miàn shàng ， què yìng jǐ chū xiào róng ：“ bù zhī shì nǎ wèi qián bèi jià lín cǐ chù ， zài xià mó yuán mén sūn miǎo dāo zhè xiāng yǒu lǐ le 。”
那老者心中“咯噔”一下，表面上，却硬挤出笑容：“不知是哪位前辈驾临此处，在下魔猿门孙渺刀这厢有礼了。”
The old man's heart skipped a beat, yet he forced a smile: "Unknown senior, if you grace us with your presence, this humble sect member, Sun Miao of the Monkey Demon Sect, offers his respects."
“ hēng ， shǎo zài zhè lǐ tào jìn hū ， jì rán yù jiàn běn zūn zhě ， jiù suàn nǐ men mìng bù hǎo ， shí xiàng de guāi guāi zì bào ， hái kě yǐ shǎo shòu xǔ duō kǔ chǔ ， yě miǎn de běn zūn zhě dòng shǒu le 。”
“哼，少在这里套近乎，既然遇见本尊者，就算你们命不好，识相的乖乖自爆，还可以少受许多苦楚，也免得本尊者动手了。”
"Hmph. Don't waste my time. Since you've met me, if you're wise, self-destruct quietly and spare yourself much suffering."
nà jǐ míng mó yuán mén de xiū shì tīng le ， liǎn sè nán kàn yǐ jí ， zì rán bú huì zhào zuò ， lóu yǐ shàng qiě tōu shēng ， nǎ yǒu tīng duì fāng yī jù wēi hè ， jiù shǎ hū hū zì shā de 。
那几名魔猿门的修士听了，脸色难看以极，自然不会照做，蝼蚁尚且偷生，哪有听对方一句威吓，就傻乎乎自杀的。
The Monkey Demon Sect's cultivators' faces turned grim; they wouldn't comply. Even ants try to survive; no one would commit suicide out of fear.
fēn fēn jì chū zì jǐ de bǎo wù 。
纷纷祭出自己的宝物。
They all summoned their treasures.
“ hēng ， bù zhī sǐ huó ， kàn lái nǐ men yào jìng jiǔ bù chī chī fá jiǔ le 。”
“哼，不知死活，看来你们要敬酒不吃吃罚酒了。”
"Hmph. Don't know when to die. Looks like you'll face the consequences."
nà lěng bīng bīng de shēng yīn zài cì chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
那冷冰冰的声音再次传入耳朵。
The cold voice echoed again.
suí hòu kōng qì zhōng chū xiàn le yī dào …… bú duì ， shì yī piàn zǐ sè de diàn hú 。
随后空气中出现了一道……不对，是一片紫色的电弧。
Then, a... no, a patch of purple lightning appeared in the air and descended towards them.
zòng héng jiāo cuò ， cháo zhe tā men zhào le xià lái 。
纵横交错，朝着他们罩了下来。
"Ah!"
“ a ！”
“啊！”
Cries of pain filled the air as they could not even defend themselves. Several Monkey Demon Sect cultivators turned to ashes.
cǎn jiào shēng dà zuò ， sī háo huán shǒu zhī lì yě wú ， jǐ míng mó yuán mén de xiū shì jiù huà wéi huī jìn le 。
惨叫声大做，丝毫还手之力也无，几名魔猿门的修士就化为灰烬了。
A flash of light revealed a goblin-like figure, barely three feet tall, with a fierce expression on his face.
suí hòu guāng yùn yī shǎn ， yī zhū rú mú yàng de jiā huo chū xiàn ， shēn gāo bù zú sān chǐ ， liǎn shàng mǎn shì xiōng hěn zhī sè 。
随后光晕一闪，一侏儒模样的家伙出现，身高不足三尺，脸上满是凶狠之色。
"Hmph. A few trash dare enter Spirit Source Valley; dying in my hands is your good fortune. This celestial omen here is extraordinary; it seems there's an extraordinary treasure about to emerge."
“ hēng ， jǐ míng lā jī ， yě gǎn lái líng yuán gǔ ， sǐ zài běn zūn zhě de shǒu zhōng ， suàn nǐ men yùn qì bù cuò ， cǐ dì de tiān zhào rú cǐ fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， kàn lái zhēn shì yǒu shén me yì bǎo chū shì 。” nà zhū rú de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， liǎn shàng mǎn shì xǐ yuè bù jīn zhī sè 。
“哼，几名垃圾，也敢来灵源谷，死在本尊者的手中，算你们运气不错，此地的天兆如此非同小可，看来真是有什么异宝出世。”那侏儒的声音传入耳朵，脸上满是喜悦不禁之色。
The goblin's voice carried joy as he spoke.
“ hēi ， shì bú shì yì bǎo kě bù hǎo shuō ， zhè yàng de tiān shēng yì xiàng ， ruò shì yǒu xiū shì zài zhè lǐ xiū liàn shén me mì shù ， huò zhě jiāng píng jǐng tū pò ， yī yàng yǒu kě néng yǐn lái de 。”
“嘿，是不是异宝可不好说，这样的天生异象，若是有修士在这里修炼什么秘术，或者将瓶颈突破，一样有可能引来的。”
"Hey, whether or not it's a treasure is uncertain. Such natural anomalies can be triggered by cultivators practicing secret techniques or breaking through their bottlenecks."
yòu yī shēng yīn piāo piāo miǎo miǎo de chuán zì tiān jì ， nà zhū rú tóng kǒng wēi suō ， xún shēng zhuǎn guò tóu lú ， jiù kàn jiàn yī shēn chuān bái yī ， fǎng fú shì jiā gōng zi de mó zú lái dào le zhè lǐ 。
又一声音飘飘渺渺的传自天际，那侏儒瞳孔微缩，循声转过头颅，就看见一身穿白衣，仿佛世家公子的魔族来到了这里。
Another voice drifted from the sky. The goblin's pupils constricted and turned his head to see a魔族 wearing white robes, resembling a nobleman.
“ xuè lǎo mó ， nǐ yě lái le ？”
“血老魔，你也来了？”
"Old Blood Demon, you're here too?"
zhū rú de liǎn sè nán kàn yǐ jí ， sú huà shuō ， rén bù kě mào xiàng ， hǎi shuǐ bù kě dǒu liáng ， yǎn qián de jiā huo ， kàn shàng qù xiàng yī wán fēng zǐ dì ， qí shí què shì yī xīn hěn shǒu là de lǎo mó 。
侏儒的脸色难看以极，俗话说，人不可貌相，海水不可斗量，眼前的家伙，看上去像一纨锋子弟，其实却是一心狠手辣的老魔。
The goblin's face fell. As they say, one cannot judge by appearance; the guy looked like a playboy but was actually a ruthless old demon.
ér qiě yǔ zì jǐ yī yàng ， dōu shì dòng xuán zhōng qī de mó zú xiū xiān zhě 。
而且与自己一样，都是洞玄中期的魔族修仙者。
And he was also a mid-stage洞玄期魔修, just like himself.
tā jì rán lái dào cǐ chù ， nà zhè chū shì de bǎo wù zì jǐ jiù bié xiǎng yí gè rén dú tūn diào le 。
他既然来到此处，那这出世的宝物自己就别想一个人独吞掉了。
Since he had arrived, this treasure couldn't be claimed alone.
zhū rú yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī mǒ lì sè ， rán ér zuǐ shàng ， què shuō chū shì ruò de yán yǔ lái le ：“ xuè lǎo mó ， nǐ jì rán lái dào cǐ dì ， nà wǒ men liǎng rén ， yì qǐ lián shǒu rú hé ？”
侏儒眼中闪过一抹厉色，然而嘴上，却说出示弱的言语来了：“血老魔，你既然来到此地，那我们两人，一起联手如何？”
A fierce look flashed in his eyes, yet he spoke weakly: "Old Blood Demon, since you've come here, let's join forces?"
“ hǎo ， lǎo fū yě zhèng yǒu cǐ yì 。” nà xīn lái de mó zú diǎn le diǎn tóu ， tā men liǎ shí lì xiāng chà fǎng fú ， nán yǐ fēn chū shèng fù ， ruò shì zài zhè lǐ dān gē jiǔ le ， huì yǒu gèng duō de rén gǎn dào cǐ chù ， nà jiù yuè fā de má fán 。
“好，老夫也正有此意。”那新来的魔族点了点头，他们俩实力相差仿佛，难以分出胜负，若是在这里耽搁久了，会有更多的人赶到此处，那就越发的麻烦。
"Good idea. This is exactly what I intended," the new arrival nodded. Their powers were similar, making it hard to determine a winner. If they lingered too long, more people might arrive, causing even greater trouble.
dāng duàn bù duàn ， fǎn shòu qí luàn ， zuò wéi dòng xuán qī lǎo mó ， zhè diǎn pò lì hái shì yǒu de 。
当断不断，反受其乱，作为洞玄期老魔，这点魄力还是有的。
A decisive moment was better than being indecisive and suffering consequences.
liǎng rén dá chéng lián shǒu zhī yì ， yě bù dān gē ， gè zhǎn shén tōng ， xiàng nà shān mài pū guò qù le 。
两人达成联手之议，也不耽搁，各展神通，像那山脉扑过去了。
With that settled, both displayed their abilities and rushed towards the mountain range.
dòng fǔ nèi ， lín xuān jiāng zhè yī qiè gǎn shòu dé qīng qīng chǔ chǔ ， wèn tí shì ， cǐ shí cǐ kè ， tā chōng jī píng jǐng zhèng dào le zuì guān jiàn de shí kè ， gēn běn jiù dòng tán bù dòng 。
洞府内，林轩将这一切感受得清清楚楚，问题是，此时此刻，他冲击瓶颈正到了最关键的时刻，根本就动弹不动。
Inside the cave, Lin Xuan felt everything clearly. The problem was, he was at a critical moment of breaking through his bottleneck; any movement would undo all his efforts.
yī dòng ， zé qián gōng jìn qì ， suǒ yǒu de nǔ lì ， dōu jiāng fù zhū dōng liú 。
一动，则前功尽弃，所有的努力，都将付诸东流。
Fortunately, there were only two mid-stage ancient demons. His set阵法 could handle them.
hǎo zài zhǐ shì liǎng míng dòng xuán qī gǔ mó ， zì jǐ ān pái xià de zhèn fǎ zú yǐ yìng fù 。
好在只是两名洞玄期古魔，自己安排下的阵法足以应付。
However, Lin Xuan's face showed no joy. He wasn't afraid of such cultivation levels, but this was just the beginning. The celestial omens from breaking through the bottleneck were far greater than expected; more formidable opponents might follow—perhaps even a分神期 ancient monster!
kě lín xuān liǎn shàng bìng méi yǒu shén me xīn xǐ zhī sè ， tā zì rán bú huì hài pà zhè děng xiū wèi de gǔ mó ， rán ér zhè bù guò shì kāi shǐ ， chōng jī píng jǐng suǒ dài lái de yì zhào bǐ xiǎng xiàng de dà dé duō ， jiē xià lái kǒng pà huì yǒu gèng lì hài de jiā huo 。
可林轩脸上并没有什么欣喜之色，他自然不会害怕这等修为的古魔，然而这不过是开始，冲击瓶颈所带来的异兆比想象的大得多，接下来恐怕会有更厉害的家伙。
With time as their buffer, they all had a chance to arrive here. Could he advance to 分神期 before that happened?
"Auntie Senior, the celestial omen before our eyes is no trivial matter. Could there be some extraordinary treasure about to emerge?"
A clear voice entered his ears, tinged with a hint of excitement. The speaker was a young man in his twenties and also the weakest among this group of魔修.
"Senior Shaoping, you are too impatient. This Spirit Source Valley is filled with deadly traps; it's uncertain whether any extraordinary treasure will emerge. There might be dangers lurking."
The old man released his divine sense but found nothing. The outermost layer of the illusory array had indeed been broken by primordial energy, yet Lin Xuan still had several sets of阵旗 around the cave entrance. For a mere婴期魔族 to uncover their true intentions would be sheer luck.
"Senior Shaoping is right. But can we just wait here? This celestial omen is so grand; other fellows will come soon. It's not that I'm boosting others' morale and deflating my own, but if a stronger opponent emerges, the extraordinary treasure might have to be handed over."
The young魔修's words carried no conviction.
The old man sighed. His words had merit. The sect was on its last legs; otherwise, they wouldn't risk infiltrating the Spirit Source Valley.
They indeed lacked the means to compete with a powerful enemy.
"Then what do you suggest we do?" The old man wasn't one to make unilateral decisions and spoke in a consultative tone.
"What else can we do? We've entered the Spirit Source Valley; there's no fear of taking risks. As they say, 'not entering the tiger's den, how can one catch its cub.' To hesitate is to fail."
"Senior Shaoping, your words are correct, but if any of us perish here, our sect might truly disintegrate. We should only take such risks if they're worth it," a woman's voice entered his ears. She was the middle-aged beauty standing on his left.
Since everyone was worried, he volunteered to scout ahead. "But if I succeed, Auntie Senior, what about that Yellow Dragon Pill you have?"
"Senior Shaoping is willing to take such great risks. Regardless of success or failure, my Yellow Dragon Pill will be yours."
"Alright."
The young魔修's face lit up at the prospect. With this spiritual pill, he had a chance to advance to mid-stage. Although this mission carried some risk, it was worth it compared to the potential gains.
Thus, he summoned a defensive treasure and cautiously flew towards the most spiritually dense mountain range.
Around the small mountain range, thick fog obscured everything. His face showed fear and worry, but at the last moment, there was no turning back. He gritted his teeth and carefully entered the fog.
A cup of tea passed, yet no reaction came.
"Senior Shaoping..." another魔修 in mid-stage core formation spoke up.
"Poor Senior Shaoping is likely in grave danger."
The old man sighed: "Forget it. The treasures here are beyond our reach; let's leave as soon as possible."
"Yes!"
The others were also uneasy, though reluctant to part ways. No matter how good the treasure was, they had to survive to enjoy it. One companion had already perished; would they all end up sacrificing themselves?
Quickly leaving was the wise choice.
Unfortunately, it was too late.
As they turned around, a cold voice echoed: "Haha, a few low-ranking juniors dare venture into Inner Valley, do you want to live?"
The Monkey Demon Sect members were shocked. They turned their heads but saw no one lurking.
"Trouble, we've met an expert."
The old man's heart skipped a beat, yet he forced a smile: "Unknown senior, if you grace us with your presence, this humble sect member, Sun Miao of the Monkey Demon Sect, offers his respects."
"Hmph. Don't waste my time. Since you've met me, if you're wise, self-destruct quietly and spare yourself much suffering."
The Monkey Demon Sect's cultivators' faces turned grim; they wouldn't comply. Even ants try to survive; no one would commit suicide out of fear.
They all summoned their treasures.
"Hmph. Don't know when to die. Looks like you'll face the consequences."
The cold voice echoed again.
Then, a... no, a patch of purple lightning appeared in the air and descended towards them.
"Ah!"
Cries of pain filled the air as they could not even defend themselves. Several Monkey Demon Sect cultivators turned to ashes.
A flash of light revealed a goblin-like figure, barely three feet tall, with a fierce expression on his face.
"Hmph. A few trash dare enter Spirit Source Valley; dying in my hands is your good fortune. This celestial omen here is extraordinary; it seems there's an extraordinary treasure about to emerge."
The goblin's voice carried joy as he spoke.
"Hey, whether or not it's a treasure is uncertain. Such natural anomalies can be triggered by cultivators practicing secret techniques or breaking through their bottlenecks."
Another voice drifted from the sky. The goblin's pupils constricted and turned his head to see a魔族 wearing white robes, resembling a nobleman.
"Old Blood Demon, you're here too?"
The goblin's face fell. As they say, one cannot judge by appearance; the guy looked like a playboy but was actually a ruthless old demon.
And he was also a mid-stage洞玄期魔修, just like himself.
Since he had arrived, this treasure couldn't be claimed alone.
A fierce look flashed in his eyes, yet he spoke weakly: "Old Blood Demon, since you've come here, let's join forces?"
"Good idea. This is exactly what I intended," the new arrival nodded. Their powers were similar, making it hard to determine a winner. If they lingered too long, more people might arrive, causing even greater trouble.
A decisive moment was better than being indecisive and suffering consequences.
With that settled, both displayed their abilities and rushed towards the mountain range.
Inside the cave, Lin Xuan felt everything clearly. The problem was, he was at a critical moment of breaking through his bottleneck; any movement would undo all his efforts.
Fortunately, there were only two mid-stage ancient demons. His set阵法 could handle them.
However, Lin Xuan's face showed no joy. He wasn't afraid of such cultivation levels, but this was just the beginning. The celestial omens from breaking through the bottleneck were far greater than expected; more formidable opponents might follow—perhaps even a分神期 ancient monster!
With time as their buffer, they all had a chance to arrive here. Could he advance to 分神期 before that happened?