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Chapter 2435 - A Two-Pronged Strategy
dì liǎng qiān sì bǎi sān shí wǔ zhāng yī jiàn shuāng diāo
第两千四百三十五章一箭双雕
The silver-eyed maiden and the white-haired youth exchanged a glance, agreeing to the terms.
yín tóng shào nǚ yǔ bái fà shào nián duì shì yī yǎn ， dā yìng xià lái 。
银瞳少女与白发少年对视一眼，答应下来。
Following that, the three of them began showcasing their abilities, engaging in a friendly competition.
suí hòu sān rén gè zhǎn shén tōng ， kāi shǐ le qiē cuō 。
随后三人各展神通，开始了切磋。
The outcome left both of them speechless. Although they knew Lin Xuan's strength was formidable and far beyond ordinary cultivators, they never imagined it would be so impressive.
zuì hòu de jié guǒ ， ràng liǎng rén chēng mù jié shé ， suī rán tā men yě zhī dào lín xuān de shí lì fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， yuǎn fēi pǔ tōng xiū shì néng gòu bǐ nǐ ， dàn zuò mèng yě méi yǒu xiǎng dào ， huì biāo hàn dào rú cǐ dì bù 。
最后的结果，让两人瞠目结舌，虽然他们也知道林轩的实力非同小可，远非普通修士能够比拟，但做梦也没有想到，会彪悍到如此地步。
Lin Xuan effortlessly demonstrated several incredible techniques with his dual cultivation body, using powerful treasures that were unimaginably potent. He easily defeated the two Core Formation Realm experts.
fǎ tǐ shuāng xiū ， lín xuān jǔ zhòng ruò qīng de shī zhǎn chū shù zhǒng bù kě sī yì de shén tōng ， dòng yòng le jǐ jiàn wēi lì dà dé nán yǐ xiǎng xiàng de bǎo wù ， qīng yì jiù jiāng liǎng wèi fēn shén qī dà néng jī bài le 。
法体双修，林轩举重若轻的施展出数种不可思议的神通，动用了几件威力大得难以想象的宝物，轻易就将两位分神期大能击败了。
In a normal setting, losing to a junior cultivator would be embarrassing, but for the silver-eyed maiden and the Dragon-named youth, it was both shocking and exhilarating.
dòu fǎ jiào jì ， shū gěi yī hòu xué mò jìn àn lǐ shuō shì hěn diū liǎn de ， rán ér yín tóng shào nǚ yǔ lóng xìng shào nián què yòu jīng yòu xǐ 。
斗法较技，输给一后学末进按理说是很丢脸的，然而银瞳少女与龙姓少年却又惊又喜。
Only by personally experiencing Lin Xuan's power could they gain confidence in his strength.
shén me yǔ yán dōu shì cāng bái dì ， zhǐ yǒu qīn shēn tǐ yàn lín xuān de shí lì ， tā men cái huì yǒu xìn xīn 。
什么语言都是苍白地，只有亲身体验林轩的实力，他们才会有信心。
Powerful! Too powerful!
qiáng ， shí zài tài qiáng dà le ！
强，实在太强大了！
Though they had never fought against the Old Monarch of Heaven’s End, whose reputation wasn’t as resounding as expected, it seemed he wouldn't be much stronger.
suī rán tā men bù céng yǔ tiān jué lǎo guài jiāo guò shǒu ， duì fāng de míng tóu yě wú què shí xiǎng liàng dào jí chù ， dàn xiǎng lái yě bù guò rú cǐ le 。
虽然他们不曾与天绝老怪交过手，对方的名头也无确实响亮到极处，但想来也不过如此了。
After all, the previous demonstration involved two people working together, yet they still couldn't find any counterattack and were easily defeated. Moreover, Lin Xuan's performance was effortless, indicating that if their assumptions were correct, Lin Xiuxian hadn’t used his full strength but merely played around.
bì jìng gāng gāng de qiē cuō ， zì jǐ zhè biān kě shì liǎng rén lián shǒu ， rán ér yī jiù shì sī háo huán shǒu zhī lì yě wú ， qīng sōng yì cháng jiù bèi jī bài le ， ér qiě lín xuān de biǎo xiàn ， gēn běn jiù shì jǔ zhòng ruò qīng ， huàn jù huà shuō ， rú guǒ zì jǐ méi yǒu liào cuò ， lín shī dì gēn běn jiù méi yǒu dòng yòng zhēn zhèng de shí lì ， bù guò shì suí shǒu huī sǎ ér yǐ 。
毕竟刚刚的切磋，自己这边可是两人联手，然而依旧是丝毫还手之力也无，轻松异常就被击败了，而且林轩的表现，根本就是举重若轻，换句话说，如果自己没有料错，林师弟根本就没有动用真正的实力，不过是随手挥洒而已。
While they didn't dare to conclude that Lin Xuan definitely surpassed the Old Monarch of Heaven’s End, it was worth a gamble.
suī rán tā men yě bù gǎn jù cǐ pàn duàn ， lín xuān jiù yí dìng shèng guò nà tiān jué lǎo guài ， dàn zhì shǎo zhí de dǔ yī dǔ 。
虽然他们也不敢据此判断，林轩就一定胜过那天绝老怪，但至少值得赌一赌。
After about a cup of tea, the silver-eyed maiden raised her head and bit her lip. "Lin Xiuxian, you need these treasures; there are too many. Even with our accumulated resources, plus my and Dragon's collections, we can only offer one-tenth."
liǎng rén duì lín xuān de tài dù ， míng xiǎn gōng jìng le xǔ duō 。
两人对林轩的态度，明显恭敬了许多。
"One-tenth?" Lin Xuan didn't show any disappointment on his face. "That’s enough. Senior Sister, give me those treasures, the rest will be used as leverage to demand from the Old Monarch of Heaven’s End. Of course, there is an additional condition: in the future, when our sect's cultivators encounter yours, they must retreat and not seek revenge."
“ shī dì ， yī nǐ zhī yì ， ruò shì wǒ men yíng le ， gāi tí shén me tiáo jiàn ne ？”
“师弟，依你之意，若是我们赢了，该提什么条件呢？”
"However, so many treasures might not be enough for them," the Dragon-named youth raised his head as well. Although the strength of the Old Monarch’s sect was much greater than their own, the materials Lin Xuan had listed were too extraordinary—each one rare to find, with hundreds in total. He was certain that the Old Monarch's sect wouldn't be able to gather them all.
lóng xìng shào nián lüè yǒu xiē xīng fèn de shuō ， zhè yàng de biàn huà ， qián yī kè ， tā hái shì xiǎng dōu bù gǎn xiǎng de 。
龙姓少年略有些兴奋的说，这样的变化，前一刻，他还是想都不敢想的。
"Even if they can’t provide them, it doesn’t matter. My accumulated resources can offer a tenth of what I need, and the Old Monarch’s sect might manage to scrape together some."
“ xiān bù jí 。”
“先不急。”
Lin Xuan's smile echoed in their ears. His plan was already set from the start: even small gains were beneficial. He didn't expect to gather all these treasures at once; he would take whatever he could get, ensuring a win-win situation.
lín xuān yī biān shuō ， yī biān shēn chū shǒu lái ， zài yāo jiān yī pāi ， yī yù tóng jiǎn fēi lüè chū lái ， nǐ men kàn kàn ， lǐ miàn de cái liào ， běn zōng néng ná chū duō shǎo ？
林轩一边说，一边伸出手来，在腰间一拍，一玉瞳简飞掠出来，你们看看，里面的材料，本宗能拿出多少？
"Let's propose this demand and set a deadline of two thousand years."
liǎng rén lüè gǎn cuò è ， bù zhī dào lín xuān gù zuǒ yòu ér yán tā shì wèi shén me ， dàn yín tóng shào nǚ hái shì shēn chū sù shǒu ， jiāng nà yù tóng jiē guò lái le 。
两人略感错愕，不知道林轩顾左右而言他是为什么，但银瞳少女还是伸出素手，将那玉瞳接过来了。
"Two thousand years..."
tiē yú é tóu ， jiāng shén shí chén rù 。
贴于额头，将神识沉入。
The silver-eyed maiden was taken aback, her face showing deep thought as she supported her chin. "Brother, you want to achieve a two-pronged strategy. This is brilliant."
lǐ miàn mì mì má má ， luó liè de cái liào zú yǒu shù bǎi zhǒng 。
里面密密麻麻，罗列的材料足有数百种。
"A two-pronged strategy?"
quán bù shì xī yǒu yì cháng zhī wù 。
全部是稀有异常之物。
Before the Dragon-named youth could react, Lin Xuan clapped his hands in amusement. "Indeed, Senior Sister, you are very clever; you understood immediately."
yǐ lín xuān de xìng gé ， xiàng lái bù zuò kuī běn mǎi mài lái zhe ， tā zhī suǒ yǐ rè xīn de yào yǔ tiān jué lǎo guài jué dòu ， yī lái què shí shì wèi le jiě chú yún yǐn zōng de wēi jī ， dàn chú cǐ yǐ wài ， hái lìng yǒu mù dì 。
以林轩的性格，向来不做亏本买卖来着，他之所以热心的要与天绝老怪决斗，一来确实是为了解除云隐宗的危机，但除此以外，还另有目的。
"What are you discussing?"
lín xuān de jiǔ gōng xū yú jiàn ， hái méi yǒu wán quán liàn zhì wán ， mó jiè zhī lǚ ， shōu huò fēng hòu ， jiāng róng hé huǒ shǔ xìng de cái liào ， yě quán bù còu zú 。
林轩的九宫须臾剑，还没有完全炼制完，魔界之旅，收获丰厚，将融合火属性的材料，也全部凑足。
"Brother Dragon, Lin Xiuxian's plan is excellent. He needs these treasures. If he wins the duel, he can easily obtain some from the Old Monarch’s sect without exerting any effort. Moreover, they won’t be able to gather all of them within two thousand years. To avoid punishment by Star Moon City, their entire sect will have to mobilize and search for the treasures. This will disrupt the entire sect's operations, let alone cultivation."
tóng shí hái huò dé le léi péng líng gǔ ， zhè shì róng hé léi shǔ xìng de zhǔ yuán liào 。
同时还获得了雷鹏灵骨，这是融合雷属性的主原料。
"This is a bloodless method; in two thousand years, the Old Monarch’s sect will weaken significantly. Even if Star Moon City doesn’t intervene, they won't pose a threat to our sect anymore."
rán ér jiǔ gōng xū yú jiàn de shǔ xìng ， gòng yǒu jiǔ zhǒng zhī duō ， xiǎng yào zhǎo qí shèng xià de cái liào ， yī jiù kě yòng nán rú dēng tiān lái xíng róng ， yú shì hū ， lín xuān jiù yǒu yí gè xiǎng fǎ le 。
然而九宫须臾剑的属性，共有九种之多，想要找齐剩下的材料，依旧可用难如登天来形容，于是乎，林轩就有一个想法了。
After hearing the silver-eyed maiden's explanation, the Dragon-named youth was stunned. His Lin Xiuxian seemed too cunning—essentially using their enemies as free labor while weakening them.
guò le yuē yī zhǎn chá de gōng fu ， yín tóng shào nǚ tái qǐ tóu lú ， yǎo le yǎo zuǐ chún ：“ lín shī dì nǐ xū yào zhè xiē bǎo wù ， shù liàng tài duō le ， jí biàn yǐ běn zōng de jī lěi ， zài jiā shàng wǒ yǔ lóng shī dì de shōu cáng ， yě zhǐ néng ná chū shí fēn zhī yī 。”
过了约一盏茶的功夫，银瞳少女抬起头颅，咬了咬嘴唇：“林师弟你需要这些宝物，数量太多了，即便以本宗的积累，再加上我与龙师弟的收藏，也只能拿出十分之一。”
"Senior Sister’s analysis is correct. However, for this plan to succeed, we need an additional condition: if they still can't gather these treasures in two thousand years, I don’t want the entire sect to undergo a mass sacrifice; just the Old Monarch himself will suffice," Lin Xuan said with a smile.
“ shí fēn zhī yī me ？”
“十分之一么？”
"Indeed, that’s good. The Old Monarch won’t give up easily and would surely urge his disciples to find the treasures for Brother Xiuxian." The silver-eyed maiden was pleased. "This way, our sect will weaken more."
lín xuān liǎn shàng bìng wú shī wàng zhī sè ：“ yǐ jīng gòu le ， shī jiě nǐ jiāng nà xiē bǎo wù gěi wǒ ， shèng xià de ， zé zuò wéi tiáo jiàn ， zhǎo tiān jué mén yào hǎo le ， dāng rán ， hái yǒu yí gè fù dài tiáo jiàn ， jiù shì yǐ hòu gāi pài de xiū shì ， jiàn dào běn zōng dì zǐ ， bì xū tuì bì sān shè ， yě zài bù néng zhǎo wǒ men xún chóu 。”
林轩脸上并无失望之色：“已经够了，师姐妳将那些宝物给我，剩下的，则作为条件，找天绝门要好了，当然，还有一个附带条件，就是以后该派的修士，见到本宗弟子，必须退避三舍，也再不能找我们寻仇。”
"Brother Xiuxian, Senior Sister, your plan is excellent, but we need a prerequisite: Lin Xiuxian must win the duel; otherwise, it would be our sect that suffers," the Dragon-named youth sighed. While the plan was brilliant, its execution was challenging.
“ kě zhè me duō bǎo wù ， duì fāng wèi bì néng gòu ná dé chū 。”
“可这么多宝物，对方未必能够拿得出。”
The silver-eyed maiden looked uneasy, but Lin Xuan showed no signs of worry. He knew his techniques well and had faced the Saint Ancestor's incarnation before. Although he hadn’t seen the Old Monarch himself, if he didn't have a good chance, why would he take such a risk?
lóng xìng shào nián yě tái qǐ tóu ， suī rán tiān jué mén de shí lì ， bǐ běn zōng qiáng dé duō ， rán ér lín xuān luó liè chū lái de zhè xiē cái liào ， shí zài tài lí pǔ ， měi yī zhǒng ， dōu shì kě yù ér bù kě qiú ， qiě yī gòng yǒu shù bǎi zhǒng zhī duō ， tā kě yǐ kěn dìng ， tiān jué mén shì yí dìng ná bù chū lái de 。
龙姓少年也抬起头，虽然天绝门的实力，比本宗强得多，然而林轩罗列出来的这些材料，实在太离谱，每一种，都是可遇而不可求，且一共有数百种之多，他可以肯定，天绝门是一定拿不出来的。
Even if he lost, Lin Xuan still had a protective talisman from the Venerable Green Spirit. The rules of Star Moon City were not to be trifled with, but as a渡劫级别的老怪物, the Venerable Green Spirit might mediate and offer leniency. Thus, Lin Xuan was in no danger.
“ ná bù chū lái ， yòu yǒu shén me guān xì ， běn zōng de jī lěi ， dōu néng ná chū qí zhōng de shí fēn zhī yī ， tiān jué mén duō shǎo yě néng còu yī xiē 。”
“拿不出来，又有什么关系，本宗的积累，都能拿出其中的十分之一，天绝门多少也能凑一些。”
Of course, this was his trump card, which he didn’t need to share with his seniors or sister for now.
lín xuān wēi xiào de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， tā de rú yì suàn pán ， cóng yī kāi shǐ ， jiù yǐ jīng dǎ hǎo le ， wén zi tuǐ zài xiǎo yě shì ròu ， lín xuān běn lái jiù méi yǒu shē wàng ， yī cì néng jiāng zhè xiē bǎo wù còu qí ， néng dé dào duō shǎo suàn duō shǎo ， zì jǐ shì wěn zhuàn bù péi dì 。
林轩微笑的声音传入耳朵，他的如意算盘，从一开始，就已经打好了，蚊子腿再小也是肉，林轩本来就没有奢望，一次能将这些宝物凑齐，能得到多少算多少，自己是稳赚不赔地。
So, they agreed on these terms. This was the best choice given their current situation; otherwise, there were no other options for their sect. Arranging the duel wasn't something Lin Xuan needed to worry about; he had established a cave in the Clear and Illusory Realm, where he could rest and prepare.
“ zǒng zhī ， wǒ men xiān tí zhè ge yāo qiú ， bìng dìng yí gè qī xiàn ， ń ， jiù liǎng qiān nián 。”
“总之，我们先提这个要求，并定一个期限，嗯，就两千年。”
...
“ liǎng qiān nián ……”
“两千年……”
A few days later, in Northern Cold Province’s Seven Ling Mountain.
yín tóng shào nǚ yī dāi ， liǎn shàng lù chū ruò yǒu suǒ sī de biǎo qíng lái ， yǐ shǒu zhī hé ， liǎn shàng lù chū jǐ fēn chén yín zhī sè ：“ shī dì shì xiǎng yào yī jiàn shuāng diāo ， cǐ jì dà miào 。”
银瞳少女一呆，脸上露出若有所思的表情来，以手支颌，脸上露出几分沉吟之色：“师弟是想要一箭双雕，此计大妙。”
This was the main headquarters of the Old Monarch's sect. However, the atmosphere was different from usual. Most of the sect disciples were filled with righteous indignation.
“ yī jiàn shuāng diāo ？”
“一箭双雕？”
News had just arrived that a group led by Senior Monk Zhong from their sect had been sent to attack Cloud Hidden Sect in Tian Shuang Province, resulting in heavy losses and almost total annihilation. Even Core Formation Realm Senior Monk Zhong fell in battle.
lóng xìng shào nián hái méi yǒu fǎn yìng guò lái ， lín xuān yǐ jīng fǔ zhǎng xiào le qǐ lái ：“ bù cuò ， shī jiě guǒ rán cōng míng ， yì diǎn jiù tòu 。”
龙姓少年还没有反应过来，林轩已经抚掌笑了起来：“不错，师姐果然聪明，一点就透。”
Initially, Old Monarch's sect disciples dismissed the news as absurd. How could it be possible?
“ nǐ men liǎ zài shuō shén me ？”
“你们俩在说什么？”
Their sect might not be a top-tier force in the Dragon’s Lair, but they were still far superior to Cloud Hidden Sect. Although this expedition only involved a small portion of their forces, the outcome should have been certain—crushing Cloud Hidden Sect like a泰山压顶.
“ lóng shī dì ， lín shī dì de dǎ suàn miào jí ， yī lái ， tā xū yào zhè xiē bǎo wù ， ruò shì jué dòu yíng le ， bù fèi rèn hé lì qì ， jiù kě yǐ cóng tiān jué mén nà lǐ dé dào yī xiē ， ér qiě duì fāng kěn dìng còu bù qí ， zài dìng yí gè qī xiàn ， duì fāng wèi le bù shòu xīng yuè chéng de chéng fá ， wèi lái de liǎng qiān nián ， bì dìng jǐn chū quán zōng zhī lì ， sì chù xún fǎng ， rú cǐ yī lái ， zhěng gè zōng mén de yùn zuò dū huì bèi dǎ luàn ， gèng bú yào tán shén me xiū liàn 。”
“龙师弟，林师弟的打算妙极，一来，他需要这些宝物，若是决斗赢了，不费任何力气，就可以从天绝门那里得到一些，而且对方肯定凑不齐，再定一个期限，对方为了不受星月城的惩罚，未来的两千年，必定尽出全宗之力，四处寻访，如此一来，整个宗门的运作都会被打乱，更不要谈什么修炼。”
However, reality was vastly different; Cloud Hidden Sect remained unscathed while their disciples suffered significant defeats.
“ zhè gēn běn jiù shì shā rén bù jiàn xuè de fāng fǎ ， liǎng qiān nián de shí jiān ， tiān jué mén bì dìng shuāi ruò xià qù ， jí shǐ xīng yuè chéng bù chū shǒu chéng fá ， tā men yě zài duì běn mén xíng bù chéng wēi xié 。”
“这根本就是杀人不见血的方法，两千年的时间，天绝门必定衰弱下去，即使星月城不出手惩罚，他们也再对本门形不成威胁。”
Anger and frustration filled them. This result was unacceptable to any Old Monarch's sect cultivator. After all, they had the reputed First Transcendent of this realm as their senior elder, raising their status significantly. They couldn't tolerate being humiliated by a mere Cloud Hidden Sect.
tīng wán yín tóng shào nǚ de jiě shì ， lóng xìng shào nián mù dèng kǒu dāi ， zì jǐ zhè wèi lín shī dì ， wèi miǎn yě tài fù hēi le yì diǎn ， gēn běn jiù shì shā rén bù jiàn xuè a ！
听完银瞳少女的解释，龙姓少年目瞪口呆，自己这位林师弟，未免也太腹黑了一点，根本就是杀人不见血啊！
Old Monarch’s sect disciples were furious, calling for revenge and vowing to eliminate Cloud Hidden Sect with all their might.
ràng dí rén gěi zì jǐ zuò kǔ lì ， ér qiě hái néng gòu dá dào xuē ruò de mù dì 。
让敌人给自己做苦力，而且还能够达到削弱的目的。
However, while lower-ranking cultivators raged, the higher-ranking elders remained more cautious.
“ shī jiě fēn xī dé bù cuò ， bù guò wèi le dá dào yù dìng de xiào guǒ ， hái xū yào jiā shàng yī tiáo ， jiù shì liǎng qiān nián hòu ， duì fāng ruò shì hái còu bù qí zhè xiē bǎo wù ， wǒ yě bú yào tā men quán zōng bīng jiě ， tiān jué lǎo guài yí gè rén jiù kě yǐ le 。” lín xuān wēi xiào zhe shuō 。
“师姐分析得不错，不过为了达到预定的效果，还需要加上一条，就是两千年后，对方若是还凑不齐这些宝物，我也不要他们全宗兵解，天绝老怪一个人就可以了。”林轩微笑着说。
As Lin Xuan had predicted, killing one thousand could result in losing eight hundred. They couldn't afford such risks. Initially, they didn’t take Cloud Hidden Sect seriously, but now it seemed much stronger than expected, causing a significant setback.
“ ń ， zhè tiáo bù cuò ， tiān jué lǎo guài kěn dìng bù gān xīn jiù sǐ ， wèi le qiú dé shēng jī ， kěn dìng huì pīn mìng dū cù quán zōng de dì zǐ wèi shī dì xún zhǎo bǎo wù 。” yín tóng shào nǚ gāo xìng de shuō ：“ zhè yàng ， gāi mén pài yě jiù gèng róng yì shuāi luò le 。”
“嗯，这条不错，天绝老怪肯定不甘心就死，为了求得生机，肯定会拼命督促全宗的弟子为师弟寻找宝物。”银瞳少女高兴的说：“这样，该门派也就更容易衰落了。”
This was problematic. While their sect might still be stronger overall and victory possible, excessive casualties would not be worth it.
“ shī dì ， shī jiě ， nǐ men liǎ dǎ suàn bù cuò ， bù guò xiǎng yào shí xiàn ， dé yǒu yí gè qián tí ， jiù shì lín shī dì néng yíng le jué dòu ， fǒu zé dǎo méi de jiù bú shì tiān jué mén ， ér shì wǒ men yún yǐn zōng le 。” lóng xìng shào nián tàn le kǒu qì ， jì móu gù rán shì miào jí ， rán ér xiǎng yào shí xiàn bìng bù róng yì 。
“师弟，师姐，你们俩打算不错，不过想要实现，得有一个前提，就是林师弟能赢了决斗，否则倒霉的就不是天绝门，而是我们云隐宗了。”龙姓少年叹了口气，计谋固然是妙极，然而想要实现并不容易。
However, with the enmity between both sides, there was no chance of reconciliation. What should they do?
yín tóng shào nǚ tīng le ， biǎo qíng yǒu xiē tǎn tè ， lín xuān què sī háo jǐn zhāng yě wú ， zì jǐ de shén tōng zì jǐ qīng chǔ ， shèng zǔ huà shēn zì jǐ yě huì guò ， suī rán méi yǒu jiàn guò nà tiān jué lǎo guài ， dàn ruò méi yǒu jǐ fēn bǎ wò ， tā yòu zěn me gǎn zhè me zuò ？
银瞳少女听了，表情有些忐忑，林轩却丝毫紧张也无，自己的神通自己清楚，圣祖化身自己也会过，虽然没有见过那天绝老怪，但若没有几分把握，他又怎么敢这么做？
They wanted to weaken Cloud Hidden Sect without significantly damaging their own strength. This was a difficult task, leaving the elders scratching their heads.
hé kuàng tuì yī wàn bù ， jiù suàn zì jǐ shū le ， lín xuān yě hái yǒu yī hù shēn fú ， qīng líng zūn zhě de chéng nuò ， bù cuò ， xīng yuè chéng de guī zé shì bù róng tiǎo xìn de ， dàn nà shì duì dī jiē xiū xiān zhě lái shuō ， qīng líng zūn zhě yě shì dù jié jí bié de lǎo guài wù ， ruò tā chū miàn zuò hé shì lǎo ， duì fāng wèi bì bú huì wǎng kāi yí miàn de ， suǒ yǐ lín xuān jìn tuì zì rú ， gēn běn jiù méi yǒu hòu gù zhī yōu shén me 。
何况退一万步，就算自己输了，林轩也还有一护身符，青灵尊者的承诺，不错，星月城的规则是不容挑衅的，但那是对低阶修仙者来说，青灵尊者也是渡劫级别的老怪物，若他出面做和事老，对方未必不会网开一面的，所以林轩进退自如，根本就没有后顾之忧什么。
At this moment, an unexpected guest arrived, presenting a business card.
dāng rán ， zhè yī shā shǒu jiǎn ， nǎi shì zì jǐ de dǐ pái ， jí biàn shì shī xiōng shī jiě ， xiàn zài yě méi yǒu bì yào yǔ tā men shuō 。
当然，这一杀手锏，乃是自己的底牌，即便是师兄师姐，现在也没有必要与他们说。
The patrol disciple was shocked and quickly informed the sect leader. Upon seeing the content of the card, the sect leader hesitated before taking it to the frigid pond within the sect’s domain.
yú shì ， shì qíng jiù zhè yàng dìng le xià lái ， bì jìng zhè yǐ shì rú jīn zuì hǎo de xuǎn zé ， chú cǐ yǐ wài ， yún yǐn zōng yě méi yǒu bié de chū lù ， ān pái jué dòu de shì qíng ， zì rán bù xū yào lín xuān cāo xīn ， tā zài míng qīng huàn jìng kāi pì le yī zuò dòng fǔ ， zhǐ xū yào yǎng jīng xù ruì jiù kě yǐ le 。
于是，事情就这样定了下来，毕竟这已是如今最好的选择，除此以外，云隐宗也没有别的出路，安排决斗的事情，自然不需要林轩操心，他在明清幻境开辟了一座洞府，只需要养精蓄锐就可以了。
This area belonged to their sect; it was a restricted zone where the Old Monarch practiced in seclusion. Even as the sect leader, he wouldn’t dare enter without an invitation.
……
……
However, this situation was special, and this matter required reporting to the Venerable Senior Uncle for final approval.
shù rì hòu ， běi liáng jùn qī líng shān 。
数日后，北凉郡七玲山。
Soon, he passed through multiple barriers and arrived at the depths of the frigid pond, where he handed over the card to the Old Monarch.
zhè lǐ shì tiān jué mén zǒng duò 。
这里是天绝门总舵。
Postscript: Is Lin Xuan's two-pronged strategy very cunning? Please give me some recommendations! Thank you!
rán ér qì fēn què yǔ wǎng cháng bù tóng ， zōng nèi dì zi ， shí yǒu ** dōu lù chū yì fèn tián yīng zhī sè 。
然而气氛却与往常不同，宗内弟子，十有**都露出义愤填膺之色。
#C
Chapter 2435 - A Two-Pronged Strategy
The silver-eyed maiden and the white-haired youth exchanged a glance, agreeing to the terms.
Following that, the three of them began showcasing their abilities, engaging in a friendly competition.
The outcome left both of them speechless. Although they knew Lin Xuan's strength was formidable and far beyond ordinary cultivators, they never imagined it would be so impressive.
Lin Xuan effortlessly demonstrated several incredible techniques with his dual cultivation body, using powerful treasures that were unimaginably potent. He easily defeated the two Core Formation Realm experts.
In a normal setting, losing to a junior cultivator would be embarrassing, but for the silver-eyed maiden and the Dragon-named youth, it was both shocking and exhilarating.
Only by personally experiencing Lin Xuan's power could they gain confidence in his strength.
Powerful! Too powerful!
Though they had never fought against the Old Monarch of Heaven’s End, whose reputation wasn’t as resounding as expected, it seemed he wouldn't be much stronger.
After all, the previous demonstration involved two people working together, yet they still couldn't find any counterattack and were easily defeated. Moreover, Lin Xuan's performance was effortless, indicating that if their assumptions were correct, Lin Xiuxian hadn’t used his full strength but merely played around.
While they didn't dare to conclude that Lin Xuan definitely surpassed the Old Monarch of Heaven’s End, it was worth a gamble.
After about a cup of tea, the silver-eyed maiden raised her head and bit her lip. "Lin Xiuxian, you need these treasures; there are too many. Even with our accumulated resources, plus my and Dragon's collections, we can only offer one-tenth."
"One-tenth?" Lin Xuan didn't show any disappointment on his face. "That’s enough. Senior Sister, give me those treasures, the rest will be used as leverage to demand from the Old Monarch of Heaven’s End. Of course, there is an additional condition: in the future, when our sect's cultivators encounter yours, they must retreat and not seek revenge."
"However, so many treasures might not be enough for them," the Dragon-named youth raised his head as well. Although the strength of the Old Monarch’s sect was much greater than their own, the materials Lin Xuan had listed were too extraordinary—each one rare to find, with hundreds in total. He was certain that the Old Monarch's sect wouldn't be able to gather them all.
"Even if they can’t provide them, it doesn’t matter. My accumulated resources can offer a tenth of what I need, and the Old Monarch’s sect might manage to scrape together some."
Lin Xuan's smile echoed in their ears. His plan was already set from the start: even small gains were beneficial. He didn't expect to gather all these treasures at once; he would take whatever he could get, ensuring a win-win situation.
"Let's propose this demand and set a deadline of two thousand years."
"Two thousand years..."
The silver-eyed maiden was taken aback, her face showing deep thought as she supported her chin. "Brother, you want to achieve a two-pronged strategy. This is brilliant."
"A two-pronged strategy?"
Before the Dragon-named youth could react, Lin Xuan clapped his hands in amusement. "Indeed, Senior Sister, you are very clever; you understood immediately."
"What are you discussing?"
"Brother Dragon, Lin Xiuxian's plan is excellent. He needs these treasures. If he wins the duel, he can easily obtain some from the Old Monarch’s sect without exerting any effort. Moreover, they won’t be able to gather all of them within two thousand years. To avoid punishment by Star Moon City, their entire sect will have to mobilize and search for the treasures. This will disrupt the entire sect's operations, let alone cultivation."
"This is a bloodless method; in two thousand years, the Old Monarch’s sect will weaken significantly. Even if Star Moon City doesn’t intervene, they won't pose a threat to our sect anymore."
After hearing the silver-eyed maiden's explanation, the Dragon-named youth was stunned. His Lin Xiuxian seemed too cunning—essentially using their enemies as free labor while weakening them.
"Senior Sister’s analysis is correct. However, for this plan to succeed, we need an additional condition: if they still can't gather these treasures in two thousand years, I don’t want the entire sect to undergo a mass sacrifice; just the Old Monarch himself will suffice," Lin Xuan said with a smile.
"Indeed, that’s good. The Old Monarch won’t give up easily and would surely urge his disciples to find the treasures for Brother Xiuxian." The silver-eyed maiden was pleased. "This way, our sect will weaken more."
"Brother Xiuxian, Senior Sister, your plan is excellent, but we need a prerequisite: Lin Xiuxian must win the duel; otherwise, it would be our sect that suffers," the Dragon-named youth sighed. While the plan was brilliant, its execution was challenging.
The silver-eyed maiden looked uneasy, but Lin Xuan showed no signs of worry. He knew his techniques well and had faced the Saint Ancestor's incarnation before. Although he hadn’t seen the Old Monarch himself, if he didn't have a good chance, why would he take such a risk?
Even if he lost, Lin Xuan still had a protective talisman from the Venerable Green Spirit. The rules of Star Moon City were not to be trifled with, but as a渡劫级别的老怪物, the Venerable Green Spirit might mediate and offer leniency. Thus, Lin Xuan was in no danger.
Of course, this was his trump card, which he didn’t need to share with his seniors or sister for now.
So, they agreed on these terms. This was the best choice given their current situation; otherwise, there were no other options for their sect. Arranging the duel wasn't something Lin Xuan needed to worry about; he had established a cave in the Clear and Illusory Realm, where he could rest and prepare.
...
A few days later, in Northern Cold Province’s Seven Ling Mountain.
This was the main headquarters of the Old Monarch's sect. However, the atmosphere was different from usual. Most of the sect disciples were filled with righteous indignation.
News had just arrived that a group led by Senior Monk Zhong from their sect had been sent to attack Cloud Hidden Sect in Tian Shuang Province, resulting in heavy losses and almost total annihilation. Even Core Formation Realm Senior Monk Zhong fell in battle.
Initially, Old Monarch's sect disciples dismissed the news as absurd. How could it be possible?
Their sect might not be a top-tier force in the Dragon’s Lair, but they were still far superior to Cloud Hidden Sect. Although this expedition only involved a small portion of their forces, the outcome should have been certain—crushing Cloud Hidden Sect like a泰山压顶.
However, reality was vastly different; Cloud Hidden Sect remained unscathed while their disciples suffered significant defeats.
Anger and frustration filled them. This result was unacceptable to any Old Monarch's sect cultivator. After all, they had the reputed First Transcendent of this realm as their senior elder, raising their status significantly. They couldn't tolerate being humiliated by a mere Cloud Hidden Sect.
Old Monarch’s sect disciples were furious, calling for revenge and vowing to eliminate Cloud Hidden Sect with all their might.
However, while lower-ranking cultivators raged, the higher-ranking elders remained more cautious.
As Lin Xuan had predicted, killing one thousand could result in losing eight hundred. They couldn't afford such risks. Initially, they didn’t take Cloud Hidden Sect seriously, but now it seemed much stronger than expected, causing a significant setback.
This was problematic. While their sect might still be stronger overall and victory possible, excessive casualties would not be worth it.
However, with the enmity between both sides, there was no chance of reconciliation. What should they do?
They wanted to weaken Cloud Hidden Sect without significantly damaging their own strength. This was a difficult task, leaving the elders scratching their heads.
At this moment, an unexpected guest arrived, presenting a business card.
The patrol disciple was shocked and quickly informed the sect leader. Upon seeing the content of the card, the sect leader hesitated before taking it to the frigid pond within the sect’s domain.
This area belonged to their sect; it was a restricted zone where the Old Monarch practiced in seclusion. Even as the sect leader, he wouldn’t dare enter without an invitation.
However, this situation was special, and this matter required reporting to the Venerable Senior Uncle for final approval.
Soon, he passed through multiple barriers and arrived at the depths of the frigid pond, where he handed over the card to the Old Monarch.
Postscript: Is Lin Xuan's two-pronged strategy very cunning? Please give me some recommendations! Thank you!
#C