suí zhe shí jiān de tuī yí ， mù míng qián wǎng xīng yuè chéng de xiū xiān zhě ， yě yuè lái yuè duō ， xiū wèi yě shì cēn cī bù qǐ ， cóng chū tà xiān tú de líng dòng qī sàn xiū ， dào yī xiē míng mén dà pài de tài shàng zhǎng lǎo ， bù yī ér zú ， biàn shì fēn shén qī xiū xiān zhě ， shí ér yě néng jiàn dào 。
随着时间的推移，慕名前往星月城的修仙者，也越来越多，修为也是参差不起，从初踏仙途的灵动期散修，到一些名门大派的太上长老，不一而足，便是分神期修仙者，时而也能见到。
Over time, more and more cultivators came to the Star Moon City for its fame. Their cultivation levels varied widely—ranging from ordinary scattered cultivators in the Flexible Spirit Period who had just stepped onto the path of immortality, to senior elders from famous sects. Occasionally, even some Core Formation Stage cultivators could be seen.
zhè tiān qīng chén ， jù lí pāi mài huì zhǐ shèng xià bàn yuè guāng jǐng ， zài gāi chéng xī nán yuē wàn lǐ zhī yuǎn ， liǎng dào dùn guāng bù jǐn bù màn de yìng rù le yǎn lián 。
这天清晨，距离拍卖会只剩下半月光景，在该城西南约万里之远，两道遁光不紧不慢的映入了眼帘。
On that morning, with only half a month left until the auction, two streaks of light slowly appeared on the horizon about ten thousand miles southwest of the city.
dài jù lí shāo jìn ， dùn guāng zhōng de rén yǐng yǐ néng gòu kàn qīng ， zuǒ biān ， shì yī róng mào yīng jùn de bái fà shào nián 。
待距离稍近，遁光中的人影已能够看清，左边，是一容貌英俊的白发少年。
As they drew closer, the figures within the streaks became clear. On the left was a handsome young man with snow-white hair.
méi cuò ， tā de tóu fà ， bǐ tiān kōng zhōng piāo luò de xuě huā ， hái yào gèng jiā jié bái wú xiá 。
没错，他的头发，比天空中飘落的雪花，还要更加洁白无瑕。
Indeed, his hair was as pure and white as falling snowflakes. His face was strikingly handsome, almost to the point of being otherworldly. However, his eyes were filled with an air of沧桑 (weatheredness), and his ears were pointed, giving him a unique appearance. Despite emitting only faint spiritual pressure, he exuded an aura that made it obvious he was a high-ranking cultivator.
miàn kǒng gèng shì yīng jùn yǐ jí ， kě yǐ shuō jìn hū yāo yì 。
面孔更是英俊以极，可以说近乎妖异。
However, pinpointing his exact cultivation stage was difficult for most people. When their consciousness approached within three feet, they would be easily repelled back.
rán ér yǔ zhī xiāng duì de què shì tā de yī shuāng yǎn jīng ， chōng mǎn le cāng sāng de gǎn jué 。
然而与之相对的却是他的一双眼睛，充满了沧桑的感觉。
This effect wasn't solely due to his high cultivation level; it could also be attributed to the special nature of his cultivation technique or the powerful artifacts he might carry.
tā de ěr duǒ ， yě yǔ yì bān rén dà bù xiāng tóng ， jū rán shì jiān jiān de ， nà chōng mǎn le cāng sāng zhī gǎn de yǎn jīng gèng shì yín sè。
他的耳朵，也与一般人大不相同，居然是尖尖的，那充满了沧桑之感的眼睛更是银sè。
In contrast, his companion seemed unremarkable. The only similarity between them was that both were young. The green-robed youth spoke with certainty: "Brother Disciple, you shouldn't doubt this. There is indeed a Core Formation Stage cultivator in residence at Star Moon City, and the senior often visits."
jǐn guǎn hún shēn shàng xià ， jǐn yǒu dàn dàn de líng yā sàn fà ér chū ， rán ér nà qì dù què shì fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， ràng rén yī yǎn jiù kě yǐ biàn shí chū ， zhè shì yī wèi liǎo bù qǐ de gāo jiē xiū xiān zhě 。
尽管浑身上下，仅有淡淡的灵压散发而出，然而那气度却是非同小可，让人一眼就可以辨识出，这是一位了不起的高阶修仙者。
"Core Formation? Senior Brother, how do you know?" Lin Xuan was surprised. Many ancient texts only mentioned Core Formation Stage cultivators appearing occasionally, but there were no explicit mentions of their actual presence.
rán ér jù tǐ de jìng jiè jiū jìng shì shén me ， yì bān rén què gēn běn jiù nán yǐ zhuō mō， shén shí yī kào jìn tā shēn qián sān chǐ zhī chù ， jiù huì bèi qīng ér yì jǔ de fǎn tán huí lái le 。
然而具体的境界究竟是什么，一般人却根本就难以捉mō，神识一靠近他身前三尺之处，就会被轻而易举的反弹回来了。
"Haha, brother disciple, you don't know. My master met a Core Formation Stage cultivator by chance—Xuan Bing the Immortal. He is one of the three senior elders here in Star Moon City. What I said was what my master heard directly from Xuan Bing."
yǒu zhè zhǒng xiào guǒ ， kě bù jǐn jǐn shì yīn wèi jìng jiè gāo de yuán gù 。
有这种效果，可不仅仅是因为境界高的缘故。
"Senior Uncle ever met with a Core Formation Stage cultivator? !" Lin Xuan was stunned but quickly recovered, understanding that such news might be unbelievable given the unpredictable nature of the cultivation world. Even among ordinary people, there were instances of lifelong friendships across age gaps; high-ranking cultivators could form close bonds with those far below their level.
bú shì yīn wèi cǐ zi suí shēn xié dài dé yǒu bǎo wù ， jiù shì yīn wèi tā xiū liàn de gōng fǎ tè shū 。
不是因为此子随身携带得有宝物，就是因为他修炼的功法特殊。
However, he still found it strange: "If our sect has a connection to such a powerful being, why didn't we seek help from him when the Heavenly Extinction Sect pressured us? He would have been willing to assist if he was willing."
ér yǔ zhè bái fà shào nián xiāng bǐ ， yǔ tā tóng háng de huǒ bàn jiù xiǎn de píng fán yǐ jí 。
而与这白发少年相比，与他同行的伙伴就显得平凡以极。
"Of course, that would be ideal. But Xuan Bing the Immortal agreed to lower himself because of his connection with my master. If my master were still alive, we could ask for help. However, my master passed away thousands of years ago during a heavenly tribulation. A minor sect like Cloud Concealment Sect can't attract such powerful beings' attention. With my master's passing, our connection faded."
huò zhě shuō bù qǐ yǎn 。
或者说不起眼。
"Ah, I see."
liǎng rén wéi yī de xiāng tóng zhī chù ， dà gài jiù zhǐ yǒu nián qīng ， chú cǐ yǐ wài ， nà qīng páo shào nián méi yǒu rèn hé xiàn yǎn 。
两人唯一的相同之处，大概就只有年轻，除此以外，那青袍少年没有任何县眼。
Lin Xuan sighed; the cultivation world was indeed pragmatic.
rén zhǎng dé …… yě bù néng shuō chǒu ， zhǐ néng shuō fēi cháng de pǔ tōng ， shǔ yú diū jìn rén duī jiù huì bèi xùn sù yí wàng de nà zhǒng 。
人长得……也不能说丑，只能说非常的普通，属于丢进人堆就会被迅速遗忘的那种。
"Thanks to my master's relationship with Xuan Bing the Immortal, we have a deeper understanding of Star Moon City than outsiders. It is always guarded by a Core Formation Stage cultivator due to threats from outside the realm."
zhěng gè rén méi yǒu rèn hé de tè diǎn ， lián sàn fà chū lái de fǎ lì yě hěn píng dàn ， yǔ bái fà shào nián yuè xíng xiǎn rán wán quán bù qǐ yǎn 。
整个人没有任何的特点，连散发出来的法力也很平淡，与白发少年月行显然完全不起眼。
"Outside the realm? What does that mean?" Lin Xuan was surprised; even his vast knowledge couldn't help but show surprise: "Could it be ancient demons? That name sounds strange."
rán ér piān piān liǎng rén ， què shì yǐ nà píng fán shào nián wéi zhǔ 。
然而偏偏两人，却是以那平凡少年为主。
"Not… not ancient demons, I can’t say for sure. But he is definitely not a demon or yin-spirit being from the demon realm or spirit world. He's… something terrifying."
bú yòng shuō ， tā men zì rán shì cóng tiān shuāng jùn yuǎn dào ér lái de lín xuān yǔ lóng xìng shào nián 。
不用说，他们自然是从天霜郡远道而来的林轩与龙姓少年。
That was obvious!
yuán běn ， yín tóng shào nǚ yě xiǎng tóng háng ， bù guò kǎo lǜ dào zōng mén hái xū yào liú xià yī rén zuò zhèn ， yǐ fáng bù cè ， gù ér zuì hòu shāng liáng de jié guǒ ， shì ràng lóng xìng shào nián yǔ lín xuān tóng lái cǐ chù 。
原本，银瞳少女也想同行，不过考虑到宗门还需要留下一人坐镇，以防不测，故而最后商量的结果，是让龙姓少年与林轩同来此处。
Lin Xuan grimaced; anything that could attract the attention of Core Formation Stage cultivators must be extremely dangerous. However, based on his companion’s words, it didn’t seem to belong to any of the known realms—spirit, yin-spirit, demon, or human. Could there be other realms beyond these?
suī rán lù tú jí yuǎn ， bù guò yǐ liǎng rén de shēn fèn ， zì rán bù quē jīng shí ， dòng yòng le shù cì chuán sòng zhèn ， bìng zài yī rì qián ， lái dào le jù lí xīng yuè chéng shù shí wàn lǐ yuǎn de yī xiǎo zhèn ， suí hòu de lù tú ， liǎng rén gǎi yòng dùn guāng gǎn lù ， kàn shì bù jǐn bù màn ， qí shí sù dù què shì kuài dào le jí diǎn ， rú jīn jù lí xīng yuè chéng ， zhǐ shèng xià wàn lǐ zhī yuǎn 。
虽然路途极远，不过以两人的身份，自然不缺晶石，动用了数次传送阵，并在一日前，来到了距离星月城数十万里远的一小镇，随后的路途，两人改用遁光赶路，看似不紧不慢，其实速度却是快到了极点，如今距离星月城，只剩下万里之远。
Lin Xuan was curious but couldn't get much more information from his companion. He decided not to overthink and instead chatted about other topics.
zhè yī lù shàng ， kě yǐ shuō shì píng jìng yǐ jí ， huò xǔ shì jìng wèi xīng yuè chéng de yuán gù ， yì bān lái shuō ， hěn shǎo yǒu xiū shì zài zhè fù jìn nào shì 。
这一路上，可以说是平静以极，或许是敬畏星月城的缘故，一般来说，很少有修士在这附近闹事。
Soon, a magnificent city came into view.
ér liǎng rén yī biān xiàng qián gǎn lù ， yī biān hái xìng qù àng rán de xián liáo zhe shén me 。
而两人一边向前赶路，一边还兴趣盎然的闲聊着什么。
"Is this Star Moon City?"
“ lóng shī xiōng ， zhè xīng yuè chéng ， zhēn de yǒu dù jié qī qián bèi zuò zhèn me ， suī rán diǎn jí shàng duō yǒu jì zǎi ， bù guò dà bù fèn ， dōu shì yǔ yān bù xiáng de chuán yán ， shì zhēn shì jiǎ ， lín mǒu xīn zhōng ， kě hái yǒu jǐ fēn yí huò。”
“龙师兄，这星月城，真的有渡劫期前辈坐镇么，虽然典籍上多有记载，不过大部分，都是语焉不详的传言，是真是假，林某心中，可还有几分疑huò。”
Lin Xuan hovered in the air, looking at the massive walls several miles away, showing signs of awe on his face.
ruò lùn shí lì ， lín xuān shì yuǎn shèng yún yǐn zōng de liǎng wèi tài shàng zhǎng lǎo ， bǐ lóng xìng shào nián ， shèng guò bù zhǐ yī chóu ， dàn ruò shuō duì zhè yī jiè de jiàn shí ， lín xuān zé pāi mǎ nán jí ， bì jìng tā shì fēi shēng xiū shì ， lái cǐ jiè bù guò qiān nián ， dà bù fèn shí jiān ， hái zài bì guān ， ér duì fāng bù tóng ， nǎi shì tǔ shēng tǔ zhǎng de xiū xiān zhě ， ér qiě huó le yǒu jìn shí wàn nián ， ěr rú mù rǎn ， duì cǐ jiè de rèn shí ， zì rán yuǎn yuǎn shèng guò le lín xuān 。
若论实力，林轩是远胜云隐宗的两位太上长老，比龙姓少年，胜过不止一筹，但若说对这一界的见识，林轩则拍马难及，毕竟他是飞升修士，来此界不过千年，大部分时间，还在闭关，而对方不同，乃是土生土长的修仙者，而且活了有近十万年，耳濡目染，对此界的认识，自然远远胜过了林轩。
While the scale of the city wasn't impressive, it was truly like a fortress made of copper and iron. The walls weren’t built from huge stones but were crafted from refined copper and玄铁 (a type of steel), materials used in forging magical treasures. Even though spirit realm resources were much richer than those on the human world, using such precious materials to build a city seemed extravagant. However, this method made the city incredibly durable.
“ zhè yì diǎn ， shī dì bù yòng huái yí ， xīng yuè chéng shì kěn dìng yǒu dù jié qī dà néng dì ， ér qiě ， suí shí dōu hái yǒu yī wèi dà néng de běn tǐ zuò zhèn zài zhè lǐ 。” lóng xìng shào nián tàn le kǒu qì ， kěn dìng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ lǐ 。
“这一点，师弟不用怀疑，星月城是肯定有渡劫期大能地，而且，随时都还有一位大能的本体坐镇在这里。”龙姓少年叹了口气，肯定的声音传入耳朵里。
Unlike stone walls, these could be adorned with various arrays and surrounded by prohibitions, making it nearly indestructible. Considering that a Core Formation Stage cultivator resided here, breaking through would be extremely difficult.
“ shén me ， dù jié qī qián bèi de běn tǐ ， shī xiōng shì zěn me zhī dào dì ？” lín xuān xīn zhōng bù yóu de dà gǎn jīng qí ， biàn shì zhū duō diǎn jí ， yě jǐn jǐn shì tí dào dù jié qī qián bèi de huà shēn ， ǒu ěr huì chū xiàn zài cǐ chù ， zhì yú běn tǐ huì bú huì lái xīng yuè chéng ， zé méi yǒu zhī yán piàn yǔ de miáo shù 。
“什么，渡劫期前辈的本体，师兄是怎么知道地？”林轩心中不由得大感惊奇，便是诸多典籍，也仅仅是提到渡劫期前辈的化身，偶尔会出现在此处，至于本体会不会来星月城，则没有只言片语的描述。
Like other cultivation sites, Star Moon City had anti-air restrictions around it. Lin Xuan and his companion landed in the outskirts and soon arrived at the city gates.
“ hē hē ， shī dì yǒu suǒ bù zhī ， jiā shī jī yuán qiǎo hé ， céng jié shí guò yī wèi dù jié qī dà néng ， xuán bīng shàng rén ， ér duì fāng jiù shì xīng yuè chéng sān wèi tài shàng zhǎng lǎo zhī yī ， gāng cái wǒ suǒ shuō ， shì jiā shī qīn kǒu tīng xuán bīng shàng rén suǒ shù 。”
“呵呵，师弟有所不知，家师机缘巧合，曾结识过一位渡劫期大能，玄冰上人，而对方就是星月城三位太上长老之一，刚才我所说，是家师亲口听玄冰上人所述。”
Despite some law enforcers guarding the entrance, they didn’t hide their cultivation levels, so no one tried to make things difficult for them. They were welcomed with respect into the city.
“ shén me ， shī shū céng jīng jié shí guò dù jié qī dà néng ？”
“什么，师叔曾经结识过渡劫期大能？”
Even Core Formation Stage cultivators in Star Moon City were respected. The buildings within the city were numerous and varied, even floating in mid-air. Such sights could only be seen in the cultivation world.
lín xuān yī dāi ， bù guò hěn kuài yòu wèi zhī shì huái ， suī rán zhè ge xiāo xī ， tīng shàng qù yǒu xiē bù kě sī yì ， bù guò xiū xiān jiè de shì qíng ， shuí yòu shuō dé qīng chǔ ， fán rén zhī zhōng ， hái yǒu wàng nián jiāo yī shuō ， xiū xiān jiè ， yǒu shí hòu jī yuán qiǎo hé ， gāo jiē xiū shì yī yàng yǒu kě néng yǔ bǐ zì jǐ xiū wèi dī dé duō de xiū shì ， jié wèi hǎo yǒu 。
林轩一呆，不过很快又为之释怀，虽然这个消息，听上去有些不可思议，不过修仙界的事情，谁又说得清楚，凡人之中，还有忘年交一说，修仙界，有时候机缘巧合，高阶修士一样有可能与比自己修为低得多的修士，结为好友。
"Brother Disciple Lin, let's go find a place to stay. We still have several days until the battle; you need to rest and recharge," said his companion with a pleasant smile.
bù guò lín xuān yòu yǒu xiē qí guài ：“ jì rán běn mén ， hái yǔ zhè me yī wèi dà néng cún yǒu xiāng huǒ qíng ， zhè cì tiān jué mén kǔ kǔ xiàng bī ， wèi shén me bù xiàng qí qiú zhù ， duì fāng zhǐ yào yuàn yì bāng máng huà jiě ， yīng gāi shì qīng sōng yì cháng 。”
不过林轩又有些奇怪：“既然本门，还与这么一位大能存有香火情，这次天绝门苦苦相逼，为什么不像其求助，对方只要愿意帮忙化解，应该是轻松异常。”
"I'll leave it to Senior Brother."
“ rú néng nà yàng dāng rán hǎo le ， dàn xuán bīng shàng rén yuàn yì zhé jié xià jiāo ， shì yīn wèi yǔ shī zūn yǒu yuán ， ruò shì shī zūn hái huó zhe ， dāng rán kě yǐ xiàng qí qiú zhù ， dàn yú xiōng de shī zūn zǎo zài shù wàn nián ， jiù bīng jiě yú tiān jié zhī xià ， xiǎo xiǎo de yún yǐn zōng ， zěn me néng rù nà zhǒng dà néng de fǎ yǎn ， suí zhe shī zūn bīng jiě ， yuán běn de nà diǎn xiāng huǒ zhī qíng ， yě yān xiāo yún sàn 。
“如能那样当然好了，但玄冰上人愿意折节下交，是因为与师尊有缘，若是师尊还活着，当然可以像其求助，但愚兄的师尊早在数万年，就兵解于天劫之下，小小的云隐宗，怎么能入那种大能的法眼，随着师尊兵解，原本的那点香火之情，也烟消云散。
Lin Xuan had no objections and followed him inside.
“ yuán lái rú cǐ 。”
“原来如此。”
His companion seemed familiar with the city, having visited before.
lín xuān tàn le kǒu qì ， xiū xiān jiè jiù shì zhè me de xiàn shí 。
林轩叹了口气，修仙界就是这么的现实。
Soon, a small but elegant building came into view. Several maids stood outside to welcome them. They greeted them respectfully: "Greetings, seniors. Welcome to Star Moon City. As Core Formation Stage cultivators, you are eligible for these accommodations. Please choose your preferred pavilion."
“ bù guò yīn wèi jiā shī yǔ xuán bīng shàng rén jiāo hǎo de yuán gù ， běn mén duì xīng yuè chéng ， dǎo shì yuǎn bǐ wài jiè liǎo jiě dé duō ， gāi chéng suí shí yǒu yī wèi dù jié qī dà néng zuò zhèn ， jù shuō shì yīn wèi tiān wài mó tóu 。”
“不过因为家师与玄冰上人交好的缘故，本门对星月城，倒是远比外界了解得多，该城随时有一位渡劫期大能坐镇，据说是因为天外魔头。”
"Only Core Formation Stage cultivators can stay here?" Lin Xuan asked with interest.
“ tiān wài mó tóu ， nà shì shén me ？” lín xuān yī dāi ， yǐ tā jiàn wén guǎng bó ， liǎn shàng yě bù yóu de lù chū jǐ fēn è rán zhī sè：“ nán dào shì gǔ mó ， zhè ge jiào fǎ kě yǒu xiē qí guài le 。”
“天外魔头，那是什么？”林轩一呆，以他见闻广博，脸上也不由得lù出几分愕然之sè：“难道是古魔，这个叫法可有些奇怪了。”
"That's correct. Core Formation Stage cultivators can stay free of charge. Other cultivators must pay in spirit stones to even enter," explained the leading maid with a smile.
“ bù … bú shì gǔ mó ， jù tǐ shì shén me ， wǒ yě shuō bù qīng chǔ ， bù guò duì fāng bìng fēi mó jiè zhī wù ， dāng rán ， gèng bú shì líng jiè huò zhě yīn sī jiè de cún zài le ， zǒng rén ……” shì hěn kě pà de dōng xī jiù shì le 。”
“不…不是古魔，具体是什么，我也说不清楚，不过对方并非魔界之物，当然，更不是灵界或者yīn司界的存在了，总人……”是很可怕的东西就是了。”
Lin Xuan nodded, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the numerous pavilions—over a hundred! So many Core Formation Stage cultivators had come here?
zhè bù fèi huà ！
这不废话！
The Netherworld Realm was indeed one of the top realms in the spirit world. In another realm, it might be difficult to find so many Core Formation Stage cultivators.
lín xuān piē le piě zuǐ ， huì ràng dù jié qī dà néng dōu zhòng shì de dōng xī ， dāng rán kě pà yǐ jí ， bù guò tīng duì fāng de huà yǔ ， jìng bù xiàng sān jiè de zhī wù ， nán dào chú le líng jiè ，yīn sī jiè ， mó jiè ， rén jiè hái yǒu xiān jiè zhī wài ， jū rán hái yǒu qí tā de jiè miàn cún zài 。
林轩撇了撇嘴，会让渡劫期大能都重视的东西，当然可怕以极，不过听对方的话语，竟不像三界的之物，难道除了灵界，yīn司界，魔界，人界还有仙界之外，居然还有其他的界面存在。
But Lin Xuan kept his expression neutral as he scanned the area and picked a quiet pavilion: "I'll stay there."
lín xuān chú le hào qí hái shì hào qí ， bù guò cóng lóng xìng shào nián de zuǐ lǐ ， xiǎn rán yě wèn bù chū shén me dōng xī ， lín xuān yě jiù bù zài qù fèi xīn sī suǒ ， gǎi ér yǔ duì fāng xián liáo qǐ le yī xiē bié de 。
林轩除了好奇还是好奇，不过从龙姓少年的嘴里，显然也问不出什么东西，林轩也就不再去费心思索，改而与对方闲聊起了一些别的。
"Fine, I’ll take the one next to it," said his companion with a smile.
hěn kuài ， yī zuò xióng wěi de chéng chí jiù yìng rù yǎn lián 。
很快，一座雄伟的城池就映入眼帘。
"These are your residence令符 (tokens). If you need anything, just ask."
“ zhè jiù shì xīng yuè chéng ？”
“这就是星月城？”
The maid handed him two jade pendants that could break the prohibitions of their pavilions. "Brother Disciple Lin, rest well. I'll handle the battle arrangements and inform you as soon as there's news."
lín xuān xuán fú zài bàn kōng ， wàng zhāo shù shí lǐ wài de jù dà chéng qiáng ， liǎn shàng lù chū yī sī zhèn hàn zhī sè。
林轩悬浮在半空，望着数十里外的巨大城墙，脸上lù出一丝震撼之sè。
"Thank you, Senior Brother." Lin Xuan smiled and bowed.
qí shí yào shuō chéng chí de guī mó ， yǎn qián de xīng yuè chéng bìng bù chū zhòng ， rán ér tā què zhēn zhèng kě yòng tóng qiáng tiě bì lái xíng róng 。
其实要说城池的规模，眼前的星月城并不出众，然而它却真正可用铜墙铁壁来形容。
"Don't mention it. If not for your efforts, Cloud Concealment Sect would have collapsed like a tree without its leaves. I can only do menial tasks," his companion said with a bitter smile. (To be continued)！。
Over time, more and more cultivators came to the Star Moon City for its fame. Their cultivation levels varied widely—ranging from ordinary scattered cultivators in the Flexible Spirit Period who had just stepped onto the path of immortality, to senior elders from famous sects. Occasionally, even some Core Formation Stage cultivators could be seen.
On that morning, with only half a month left until the auction, two streaks of light slowly appeared on the horizon about ten thousand miles southwest of the city.
As they drew closer, the figures within the streaks became clear. On the left was a handsome young man with snow-white hair.
Indeed, his hair was as pure and white as falling snowflakes. His face was strikingly handsome, almost to the point of being otherworldly. However, his eyes were filled with an air of沧桑 (weatheredness), and his ears were pointed, giving him a unique appearance. Despite emitting only faint spiritual pressure, he exuded an aura that made it obvious he was a high-ranking cultivator.
However, pinpointing his exact cultivation stage was difficult for most people. When their consciousness approached within three feet, they would be easily repelled back.
This effect wasn't solely due to his high cultivation level; it could also be attributed to the special nature of his cultivation technique or the powerful artifacts he might carry.
In contrast, his companion seemed unremarkable. The only similarity between them was that both were young. The green-robed youth spoke with certainty: "Brother Disciple, you shouldn't doubt this. There is indeed a Core Formation Stage cultivator in residence at Star Moon City, and the senior often visits."
"Core Formation? Senior Brother, how do you know?" Lin Xuan was surprised. Many ancient texts only mentioned Core Formation Stage cultivators appearing occasionally, but there were no explicit mentions of their actual presence.
"Haha, brother disciple, you don't know. My master met a Core Formation Stage cultivator by chance—Xuan Bing the Immortal. He is one of the three senior elders here in Star Moon City. What I said was what my master heard directly from Xuan Bing."
"Senior Uncle ever met with a Core Formation Stage cultivator? !" Lin Xuan was stunned but quickly recovered, understanding that such news might be unbelievable given the unpredictable nature of the cultivation world. Even among ordinary people, there were instances of lifelong friendships across age gaps; high-ranking cultivators could form close bonds with those far below their level.
However, he still found it strange: "If our sect has a connection to such a powerful being, why didn't we seek help from him when the Heavenly Extinction Sect pressured us? He would have been willing to assist if he was willing."
"Of course, that would be ideal. But Xuan Bing the Immortal agreed to lower himself because of his connection with my master. If my master were still alive, we could ask for help. However, my master passed away thousands of years ago during a heavenly tribulation. A minor sect like Cloud Concealment Sect can't attract such powerful beings' attention. With my master's passing, our connection faded."
"Ah, I see."
Lin Xuan sighed; the cultivation world was indeed pragmatic.
"Thanks to my master's relationship with Xuan Bing the Immortal, we have a deeper understanding of Star Moon City than outsiders. It is always guarded by a Core Formation Stage cultivator due to threats from outside the realm."
"Outside the realm? What does that mean?" Lin Xuan was surprised; even his vast knowledge couldn't help but show surprise: "Could it be ancient demons? That name sounds strange."
"Not… not ancient demons, I can’t say for sure. But he is definitely not a demon or yin-spirit being from the demon realm or spirit world. He's… something terrifying."
That was obvious!
Lin Xuan grimaced; anything that could attract the attention of Core Formation Stage cultivators must be extremely dangerous. However, based on his companion’s words, it didn’t seem to belong to any of the known realms—spirit, yin-spirit, demon, or human. Could there be other realms beyond these?
Lin Xuan was curious but couldn't get much more information from his companion. He decided not to overthink and instead chatted about other topics.
Soon, a magnificent city came into view.
"Is this Star Moon City?"
Lin Xuan hovered in the air, looking at the massive walls several miles away, showing signs of awe on his face.
While the scale of the city wasn't impressive, it was truly like a fortress made of copper and iron. The walls weren’t built from huge stones but were crafted from refined copper and玄铁 (a type of steel), materials used in forging magical treasures. Even though spirit realm resources were much richer than those on the human world, using such precious materials to build a city seemed extravagant. However, this method made the city incredibly durable.
Unlike stone walls, these could be adorned with various arrays and surrounded by prohibitions, making it nearly indestructible. Considering that a Core Formation Stage cultivator resided here, breaking through would be extremely difficult.
Like other cultivation sites, Star Moon City had anti-air restrictions around it. Lin Xuan and his companion landed in the outskirts and soon arrived at the city gates.
Despite some law enforcers guarding the entrance, they didn’t hide their cultivation levels, so no one tried to make things difficult for them. They were welcomed with respect into the city.
Even Core Formation Stage cultivators in Star Moon City were respected. The buildings within the city were numerous and varied, even floating in mid-air. Such sights could only be seen in the cultivation world.
"Brother Disciple Lin, let's go find a place to stay. We still have several days until the battle; you need to rest and recharge," said his companion with a pleasant smile.
"I'll leave it to Senior Brother."
Lin Xuan had no objections and followed him inside.
His companion seemed familiar with the city, having visited before.
Soon, a small but elegant building came into view. Several maids stood outside to welcome them. They greeted them respectfully: "Greetings, seniors. Welcome to Star Moon City. As Core Formation Stage cultivators, you are eligible for these accommodations. Please choose your preferred pavilion."
"Only Core Formation Stage cultivators can stay here?" Lin Xuan asked with interest.
"That's correct. Core Formation Stage cultivators can stay free of charge. Other cultivators must pay in spirit stones to even enter," explained the leading maid with a smile.
Lin Xuan nodded, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed the numerous pavilions—over a hundred! So many Core Formation Stage cultivators had come here?
The Netherworld Realm was indeed one of the top realms in the spirit world. In another realm, it might be difficult to find so many Core Formation Stage cultivators.
But Lin Xuan kept his expression neutral as he scanned the area and picked a quiet pavilion: "I'll stay there."
"Fine, I’ll take the one next to it," said his companion with a smile.
"These are your residence令符 (tokens). If you need anything, just ask."
The maid handed him two jade pendants that could break the prohibitions of their pavilions. "Brother Disciple Lin, rest well. I'll handle the battle arrangements and inform you as soon as there's news."
"Thank you, Senior Brother." Lin Xuan smiled and bowed.
"Don't mention it. If not for your efforts, Cloud Concealment Sect would have collapsed like a tree without its leaves. I can only do menial tasks," his companion said with a bitter smile. (To be continued)！。