sú huà shuō shèng míng zhī xià wú xū shì ， zhè tiān jué lǎo guài ， guǒ rán yuǎn fēi pǔ tōng de fēn shén qī xiū shì néng gòu bǐ nǐ ， lín xuān xīn zhōng jīng yí ， bù guò biǎo miàn shàng ， shén sè yī jiù shì dàn dàn dì ， shū rén bù shū zhèn jiù shì zhè ge dào lǐ 。3∴３５６８６６８８
俗话说盛名之下无虚士，这天绝老怪，果然远非普通的分神期修士能够比拟，林轩心中惊疑，不过表面上，神sè依旧是淡淡地，输人不输阵就是这个道理。3∴３５６８６６８８
They say a name does not match the person beneath it. This Heavenly Desolate Old Monster was indeed far beyond ordinary Spirit Splitting Realm cultivators, Lin Xuan thought with surprise. However, his expression remained calm, as befitting someone who had lost nothing but face.
bù guǎn zì jǐ duō me jīng è ， yě jué bù néng ràng duì fāng jiāng xū shí kàn chū ， bù jǐn rú cǐ ， lín xuān hěn kuài hái yào hái yǐ yán sè.]
不管自己多么惊愕，也绝不能让对方将虚实看出，不仅如此，林轩很快还要还以颜sè.]
Without any additional movements, Lin Xuan flicked his sleeves and the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster sensed something amiss. His shoulder twitched slightly, and he vanished from sight in a blur of motion. What a wondrous spell! Though not instantaneous teleportation, it was as good as it got.
xiù páo yī fú ， yě bú jiàn duō yú de dòng zuò ， rán ér qián fāng de tiān jué lǎo guài ， què chá jué dào bù tuǒ ， zhǐ jiàn tā jiān tóu wēi wēi yī huǎng ， shēn xíng mó hú ， zhòu rán yǐ cóng yuán dì xiāo shī le 。 hǎo xuán miào de fǎ shù ， bú shì shùn yí ， dàn què shèng sì shùn yí 。
袖袍一拂，也不见多余的动作，然而前方的天绝老怪，却察觉到不妥，只见他肩头微微一晃，身形模糊，骤然已从原地消失了。好玄妙的法术，不是瞬移，但却胜似瞬移。
Spatial Shift Technique!
kōng jiān nuó yí shù ！
空间挪移术！
Lin Xuan's pupils constricted, but even so, the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster couldn't completely dodge his attack. A blackish gleam grazed his shoulder before flying past him.
lín xuān tóng kǒng wēi suō ， dàn jí biàn rú cǐ ， tiān jué lǎo guài yě méi néng wán quán jiāng lín xuān de gōng jī duǒ guò ， zhǐ jué jiān tóu yī rè ， yī hēi sè de lì máng jī hū shì cā zhe tā de shēn tǐ fēi guò qù le 。
林轩瞳孔微缩，但即便如此，天绝老怪也没能完全将林轩的攻击躲过，只觉肩头一热，一黑sè的厉芒几乎是擦着他的身体飞过去了。
Though he missed, some minor injuries were inflicted nonetheless.
méi néng jī zhòng ， dàn duō shǎo hái shì zào chéng le yī xiē cā shāng de xiào guǒ 。
没能击中，但多少还是造成了一些擦伤的效果。
As Lin Xuan’s cultivation improved, the power of the Black Spirit Drill became increasingly mysterious.
suí zhe lín xuān jìng jiè de tí shēng ， zhè mò líng zuān de wēi lì ， yě yuè lái yuè xuán miào le 。
随着林轩境界的提升，这墨灵钻的威力，也越来越玄妙了。
"Little brat!"
“ xiǎo jiā huo ！”
“小家伙！”
The Heavenly Desolate Old Monster roared in anger. How long had it been since he was injured? Although he had let his guard down momentarily, this insignificant creature dared to harm him!
tiān jué lǎo guài bó rán dà nù ， zì jǐ yǐ jīng duō shǎo nián méi yǒu shòu shāng le ？
天绝老怪勃然大怒，自己已经多少年没有受伤了？
Indeed, a mere ant!
suī rán gāng gāng shì yī shí dà yì ， dàn hái shì ràng tā xīn zhōng fèn nù yǐ jí ， qū qū lóu yǐ ， yě gǎn shāng hài zì jǐ de shēn tǐ 。
虽然刚刚是一时大意，但还是让他心中愤怒以极，区区蝼蚁，也敢伤害自己的身体。
In the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster's heart, Lin Xuan wasn't considered an opponent at all.
méi cuò ， jiù shì lóu yǐ ！
没错，就是蝼蚁！
Originally, he should have been beneath his feet, but now, he actually dared to challenge him.
zài tiān jué lǎo guài de xīn zhōng ， gēn běn jiù méi yǒu jiāng lín xuān zhè tóng jiē xiū shì dàng chéng duì shǒu lái zhe 。
在天绝老怪的心中，根本就没有将林轩这同阶修士当成对手来着。
"Little fool who dares not die! You will regret this."
yuán běn duì fāng gāi zài zì jǐ jiǎo xià pú fú ， rú jīn què jū rán zhēn gǎn yǔ zì jǐ fàng duì qǐ lái le 。
原本对方该在自己脚下匍匐，如今却居然真敢与自己放对起来了。
The snarl of the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster echoed in his ears. Then, with a flick of his sleeves, spiritual light flickered, and a golden book appeared before his eyes.
“ bù zhī sǐ huó de xiǎo dōng xī ， nǐ huì hòu huǐ dì 。 shǒu fā ”
“不知死活的小东西，你会后悔地。首发”
"A book as treasure? Could it be that this old fellow practices Confucian cultivation techniques?" Lin Xuan thought to himself.
tiān jué lǎo guài níng xiào de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， suí hòu xiù páo yī fú ， líng guāng shǎn shuò ， yī běn jīn sè de shū cè yìng rù dào le yǎn lián zhōng 。
天绝老怪狞笑的声音传入耳朵，随后袖袍一拂，灵光闪烁，一本金sè的书册映入到了眼帘中。
This duel was crucial for the rise and fall of Cloud Concealing Sect. The entire sect naturally cared deeply about it. Knowing oneself and one's opponent would certainly be beneficial, but gathering such intelligence was nearly impossible!
“ yǐ shū zuò wéi bǎo wù ， nán dào zhè lǎo jiā huǒ ， xiū liàn de shì rú mén de gōng fǎ me ？” lín xuān xīn zhōng àn àn dí gū 。
“以书作为宝物，难道这老家伙，修炼的是儒门的功法么？”林轩心中暗暗嘀咕。
Indeed, the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster had a fearsome reputation, but he was known for his ruthless tactics. Many cultivators who had once crossed paths with him were dead. He kept himself secluded, rarely receiving guests. Thus, despite the entire sect's efforts, they couldn't determine which cultivation technique he practiced.
zhè cì jué dòu ， guān xì dào yún yǐn zōng de xīng shuāi róng rǔ ， zhěng gè zōng mén ， zì rán dōu guān xīn dào jí chù ， ruò néng zuò dào zhī jǐ zhī bǐ ， duì zhè yī zhàn zì rán shì dà yǒu yòng tú ， rán ér shuō qǐ lái qīng sōng ， zhēn xiǎng yào shōu luó qíng bào ， zé jī hū shì bù kě néng wán chéng de rèn wù ！
这次决斗，关系到云隐宗的兴衰荣辱，整个宗门，自然都关心到极处，若能做到知己知彼，对这一战自然是大有用途，然而说起来轻松，真想要收罗情报，则几乎是不可能完成的任务！
Seeing the book, Lin Xuan made an educated guess. While not entirely certain, it was likely correct. After all, among the four major schools of cultivation—Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Magic—the latter often used books as their primary treasures.
bù cuò ， tiān jué lǎo guài shì wēi míng yuǎn bō ， rán ér zhè lǎo jiā huǒ ， yě shì yǐ xīn hěn shǒu là zhù chēng de ， yǐ qián yún yóu xiū xiān jiè zhī shí ， céng jīng yǔ tā jiāo guò shǒu de xiū shì ， wú yī huó kǒu ， quán dōu bèi tā sòng qù jiàn jiǔ yōu yán luó ， hòu lái gèng shì shēn jū qiǎn chū ， hěn shǎo jiàn kè ， gù ér yǐ yún yǐn zōng quán zōng zhī lì ， cāng cù zhī jiān ， lián zhè lǎo guài wù xiū liàn de shén me gōng fǎ dōu méi yǒu nòng qīng chǔ 。
不错，天绝老怪是威名远播，然而这老家伙，也是以心狠手辣著称的，以前云游修仙界之时，曾经与他交过手的修士，无一活口，全都被他送去见九幽阎罗，后来更是深居浅出，很少见客，故而以云隐宗全宗之力，仓促之间，连这老怪物修炼的什么功法都没有nòng清楚。
Confucian techniques were intricate and profound, encompassing rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics. The former champion of the Heavenly Cloud Twelve Provinces, Wangting Tower, was a Confucian cultivator. His aura of righteousness was indeed formidable.
cǐ kè lín xuān jiàn tā qǔ chū shū cè ， xīn zhōng zhè cái zuò chū bàn duàn lái le ， suī rán bù gǎn shuō yí dìng méi cuò ， dàn yīng gāi shì ** bù lí shí de ， bì jìng xiū xiān sì dà liú pài ， zhèng mó rú fú ， qí tā sān jiā hěn shǎo yǐ shū zuò wéi běn mìng bǎo wù ， ér rú mén xiū shì zé hěn duō 。
此刻林轩见他取出书册，心中这才做出半断来了，虽然不敢说一定没错，但应该是**不离十的，毕竟修仙四大流派，正魔儒佛，其他三家很少以书作为本命宝物，而儒门修士则很多。
Lin Xuan felt a chill but showed no fear. Opponent or not, he wasn't made of clay or paper.
rú mén gōng fǎ ， xuán miào fán fù ， lǐ 、 lè 、shè、 yù 、 shū 、 shù ， cǐ liù yì wú bù shì bó dà jīng shēn dào jí chù ， xī rì tiān yún shí èr zhōu dì yī gāo shǒu wàng tíng lóu ， jiù shì rú mén xiū shì lái zhe ， qí hào rán zhèng qì de wēi néng ， guǒ rán shì fēi tóng xiǎo kě 。
儒门功法，玄妙繁复，礼、乐、shè、御、书、数，此六艺无不是博大精深到极处，昔日天云十二州第一高手望亭楼，就是儒门修士来着，其浩然正气的威能，果然是非同小可。
"Quickly!"
lín xuān xīn zhōng lǐn rán ， dàn yě bìng wú wèi jù ， duì fāng hěn qiáng ， dàn zì jǐ yě bú shì ní niē zhǐ hú dì 。
林轩心中凛然，但也并无畏惧，对方很强，但自己也不是泥捏纸糊地。
A finger pointed forward, and a spell appeared before vanishing into the air.
“ jí ！”
“疾！”
Suddenly, a clear ringing filled the air as the Nine Palaces Momentary Sword flashed. The surrounding spiritual light brightened, then split into three, revealing hundreds of dazzling sword beams in an instant.
lín xuān yī zhǐ xiàng qián diǎn qù ， yī dào fǎ jué fú xiàn ér chū ， què yòu yī shǎn ， xiāo sàn róng rù shēn qián de kōng qì lǐ miàn 。
林轩一指向前点去，一道法诀浮现而出，却又一闪，消散融入身前的空气里面。
Layer upon layer, like crimson clouds, their sound was terrifying to behold.
dùn shí ， qīng míng shēng dà zuò ， jiǔ gōng xū yú jiàn yī shǎn ， biǎo miàn de líng guāng měng rán míng liàng qǐ lái ， suí hòu yī huà wèi sān ， qǐng kè zhī jiān ， yǐ yǒu shù bǎi dào yào mù de jiàn guāng fú xiàn zài yǎn qián 。
顿时，清鸣声大做，九宫须臾剑一闪，表面的灵光猛然明亮起来，随后一化为三，顷刻之间，已有数百道耀目的剑光浮现在眼前。
The Nine Palaces Momentary Sword wasn't just for show. Those sword beams swirled and formed a red stream, slicing towards the opponent with the force of a whale taking water.
céng céng dié dié ， yóu rú huǒ hóng sè de yún làng yì bān ， shēng zé hài rén dào jí diǎn 。
层层叠叠，犹如火红sè的云làng一般，声责骇人到极点。
"Hmm?"
ér jiǔ gōng xū yú jiàn dāng rán bù jǐn jǐn shì hǎo kàn ， suí hòu nà xiē jiàn guāng zòng héng pán xuán ， lián chéng yī huǒ hóng sè de pǐ liàn ， rú zhǎng jīng qǔ shuǐ yì bān ， xiàng zhe duì fāng pī kǎn guò lái 。
而九宫须臾剑当然不仅仅是好看，随后那些剑光纵横盘旋，连成一火红sè的匹练，如长鲸取水一般，向着对方劈砍过来。
The Heavenly Desolate Old Monster felt surprised. While Lin Xuan's abilities were impressive, his use of a life-bound treasure was undoubtedly extraordinary.
“ yí ？”
“咦？”
"Still, relying on this to challenge me shows you're not afraid of death."
tiān jué lǎo guài lüè gǎn jīng yì ， zhè xìng lín xiǎo zi de shén tōng zàn qiě bù tí ， dàn zhè jì chū de běn mìng fǎ bǎo ， xiǎn rán shì pǒ yǒu jǐ fēn bù fán dì 。
天绝老怪略感惊异，这姓林小子的神通暂且不提，但这祭出的本命法宝，显然是颇有几分不凡地。
The Heavenly Desolate Old Monster snorted. As he moved his hands, one after another, the spells appeared and merged into the golden book.
“ bù guò píng zhè ge jiù xiǎng yào tiǎo zhàn yú wǒ ， hái shì yǒu xiē bù zhī sǐ huó 。”
“不过凭这个就想要挑战于我，还是有些不知死活。”
Then, like a fountain, hundreds of runes burst forth from the open pages.
tiān jué lǎo guài lěng hēng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， shuāng shǒu shàng xià fēi wǔ ， suí zhe tā de dòng zuò ， yí gè yòu yí gè de fǎ yìn fú xiàn ér chū ， yī shǎn ， suí hòu jiù róng rù le nà jīn sè de shū cè lǐ miàn 。
天绝老怪冷哼的声音传入耳朵，双手上下飞舞，随着他的动作，一个又一个的法印浮现而出，一闪，随后就融入了那金sè的书册里面。
Lin Xuan saw clearly that they were inscribed with the character "spear".
suí hòu rú quán shuǐ pēn bó ， shù yǐ bǎi jì de fú wén yóu nà fān kāi de shū cè zhōng kuáng yǒng ér chū 。
随后如泉水喷薄，数以百计的符文由那翻开的书册中狂涌而出。
"Go!"
lín xuān kàn de qīng qīng chǔ chǔ ， nà shì zhuàn xiě tǐ de “ máo ” zì 。
林轩看得清清楚楚，那是篆写体的“矛”字。
The Heavenly Desolate Old Monster issued a sharp command. The runes danced in the wind before vanishing, replaced by ancient spears floating before him.
“ qù ！”
“去！”
These spears varied in length but were all razor-sharp. A piercing sound filled the air as the spears converged on the Nine Palaces Momentary Sword.
tiān jué lǎo guài yī shēng qīng chì ， nà xiē fú wén yíng fēng yī shǎn ， suí hòu fēng huà bú jiàn ， qǔ ér dài zhī de shì yī bǐng bǐng gǔ piáo de cháng máo fú xiàn yú miàn qián 。
天绝老怪一声轻叱，那些符文迎风一闪，随后风化不见，取而代之的是一柄柄古朴的长矛浮现于面前。
Soon, they clashed together.
nà xiē cháng máo cháng duǎn bù yī ， dàn wú bù ruì lì yǐ jí ， suí hòu jiān ruì de pò kōng shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， huà wèi yī dào dào lì máng xiàng zhe qián miàn zǎn shè。
那些长矛长短不一，但无不锐利以极，随后尖锐的破空声传入耳朵，化为一道道厉芒向着前面攒shè。
The old monster pointed again, ready to use another technique. But before he could, his face turned pale.
hěn kuài ， jiù yǔ jiǔ gōng xū yú jiàn duǎn bīng xiāng jiē zài yì qǐ le 。
很快，就与九宫须臾剑短兵相接在一起了。
A series of clinking sounds echoed as the spears and sword beams collided, shattering like paper dolls.
suí hòu lǎo guài wù yòu yī zhǐ xiàng qián diǎn qù ， xiǎng yào shǐ yòng bié de zhāo shù ， kě xià yī kè ， hái méi yǒu děng tā jiāng xīn zhāo yòng chū lái ， jiù liǎn sè dà biàn 。
随后老怪物又一指向前点去，想要使用别的招数，可下一刻，还没有等他将新招用出来，就脸sè大变。
What a joke! Lin Xuan's life-bound treasure had been refined with countless treasures, its sharpness reaching an incredible degree. It wasn't something trivial that could be blocked by such a technique.
zhǐ wén dīng dīng dāng dāng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr biān ， nà xiē cháng máo yǔ jiàn guāng pǔ yī jiē chù ， jiù fǎng fú ní sù zhǐ hú ， qǐng kè jiān bīng xiāo wǎ jiě diào le 。
只闻叮叮当当的声音传入耳边，那些长矛与剑光浦一接触，就仿佛泥塑纸糊，顷刻间冰消瓦解掉了。
This time, it was because the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster underestimated him and missed his chance.
kāi wán xiào ， lín xuān zhè běn mìng bǎo tè ， kě shì yòng liǎo wú shù xīn xuè liàn zhì chū lái de ， suǒ huā de qí zhēn yì bǎo gèng shì bù jì qí shù ， qí fēng lì chéng dù ， yǐ dào yī bù kě sī yì de dì bù ， qǐ shì duì fāng suí biàn shǐ yòng yī ā māo ā gǒu de zhāo shù jiù néng dǎng zhù dì ， zhè yī cì ， shì tiān jué lǎo guài tài guò qīng dí ， yú shì ràng lín xuān zhuā zhù le shí jī 。
开玩笑，林轩这本命宝特，可是用了无数心血炼制出来的，所huā的奇珍异宝更是不计其数，其锋利程度，已到一不可思议的地步，岂是对方随便使用一阿猫阿狗的招数就能挡住地，这一次，是天绝老怪太过轻敌，于是让林轩抓住了时机。
"Ha!"
“ hē ！”
“喝！”
Lin Xuan’s right hand flicked repeatedly, pouring his spiritual energy like a flood into his life-bound treasure. The Nine Palaces Momentary Sword formed a line, speeding up to slash at the old monster's three feet away.
lín xuān yòu shǒu lián diǎn ， hún shēn de fǎ lì rú jué dī zhī shuǐ yì bān ， zhù rù zì jǐ de běn mìng fǎ bǎo lǐ miàn ， jiǔ gōng xū yú jiàn lián chéng yī xiàn ， sù dù yuè fā de jìn jí ， hěn kuài jiù pī cì dào tiān jué lǎo guài shēn qián de sān chǐ zhī dì 。
林轩右手连点，浑身的法力如决堤之水一般，注入自己的本命法宝里面，九宫须臾剑连成一线，速度越发的晋级，很快就劈刺到天绝老怪身前的三尺之地。
Caught off guard, he couldn't even summon his defense treasure in time.
biàn qǐ cāng chǔ ， duì fāng lián fáng yù fǎ bǎo dōu lái bù jí jì chū 。
变起仓储，对方连防御法宝都来不及祭出。
This was the difference between victory and defeat. He had underestimated Lin Xuan, reaping what he sowed by immediately putting himself on the defensive.
zhè jiù shì chā zhī háo lí miù yǐ qiān lǐ de xiào guǒ ， shuí ràng tā yào duì lín xuān xīn cún qīng shì ne ， yú shì bào yìng lái le ， cái yī chū shǒu ， jiù jiāng zì jǐ xiàn rù bèi dòng 。
这就是差之毫厘谬以千里的效果，谁让他要对林轩心存轻视呢，于是报应来了，才一出手，就将自己陷入被动。
The old monster frowned as a golden aura burst from his body, forming an impenetrable shield.
lǎo guài wù méi tou yí zhòu ， zhè shí hòu duǒ yě lái bù jí ， cóng tā de shēn tǐ lǐ ， měng rán pēn shè chū huáng jīn sè de jìn qì ， lián chéng yī tǐ ， suí hòu xíng chéng le yī bǎo hù mó 。
老怪物眉头一皱，这时候躲也来不及，从他的身体里，猛然喷shè出黄金sè的劲气，连成一体，随后形成了一保护膜。
"Hmph! The power of righteousness is indeed formidable, but do you think this can block my treasure?"
“ hēng ， hào rán zhèng qì de wēi lì què rán fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， bù guò zhè yàng ， yǐ wéi jiù néng dǎng zhù lín mǒu de bǎo wù ？”
“哼，浩然正气的威力确然非同小可，不过这样，以为就能挡住林某的宝物？”
Lin Xuan's cold laughter echoed. As if to prove his point, a tearing sound filled the air as the golden shield was torn apart like cloth. The Nine Palaces Momentary Sword flew forward, surrounding the old monster.
lín xuān lěng xiào de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， fǎng fú yìn zhèng tā suǒ shuō ， xià yī kè ， cī lā shēng dà zuò ， nà jīn sè de bǎo hù mó ， fǎng fú bù jǐn yì bān de bèi sī pò ， jiǔ gōng xū yú jiàn fēi dào le miàn qián ， wéi zhe lǎo guài wù yī zhèn zǎn shè。
林轩冷笑的声音传入耳朵，仿佛印证他所说，下一刻，刺啦声大做，那金sè的保护膜，仿佛布锦一般的被撕破，九宫须臾剑飞到了面前，围着老怪物一阵攒shè。
If it were an ordinary cultivator, such an attack would have left them with countless holes. But the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster, known as the first to survive the Tribulation in the Nai Long World, couldn't possibly fall so easily.
ruò shì pǔ tōng de xiū xiān zhě ， zhè yī jī ， kǒng pà yǐ bèi cì chéng le fēng wō ， rán ér tiān jué lǎo guài hào chēng nài lóng jiè dù jié qī xià dì yī rén ， ruò shì zhè yàng jiù yǔn luò ， wèi miǎn yě tài gǎo xiào le 。
若是普通的修仙者，这一击，恐怕已被刺成了蜂窝，然而天绝老怪号称鼐龙界渡劫期下第一人，若是这样就陨落，未免也太搞笑了。
Even Lin Xuan himself wouldn’t believe such a thing existed.
bié shuō páng guān zhě bù xìn ， jiù suàn lín xuān zì jǐ ， yě jué jì bù xiāng xìn ， shì jiè shàng yǒu zhè bān hǎo shì de 。
别说旁观者不信，就算林轩自己，也决计不相信，世界上有这般好事的。
Indeed, despite the Nine Palaces Momentary Sword's sharpness, it failed to pierce through. An ancient suit of armor appeared and blocked his attack with great difficulty.
guǒ rán ， jiǔ gōng xū yú jiàn suī fēng lì yǐ jí ， què bìng méi yǒu néng gòu tòu shēn ér guò ， yī jiàn gǔ piáo de zhàn jiǎ fú xiàn ér chū ， yìng shēng shēng jiāng lín xuān de gōng jī dǎng zhù 。
果然，九宫须臾剑虽锋利以极，却并没有能够透身而过，一件古朴的战甲浮现而出，硬生生将林轩的攻击挡住。
The material of this armor was unknown, but its defense was truly formidable.
They say a name does not match the person beneath it. This Heavenly Desolate Old Monster was indeed far beyond ordinary Spirit Splitting Realm cultivators, Lin Xuan thought with surprise. However, his expression remained calm, as befitting someone who had lost nothing but face.
Without any additional movements, Lin Xuan flicked his sleeves and the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster sensed something amiss. His shoulder twitched slightly, and he vanished from sight in a blur of motion. What a wondrous spell! Though not instantaneous teleportation, it was as good as it got.
Spatial Shift Technique!
Lin Xuan's pupils constricted, but even so, the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster couldn't completely dodge his attack. A blackish gleam grazed his shoulder before flying past him.
Though he missed, some minor injuries were inflicted nonetheless.
As Lin Xuan’s cultivation improved, the power of the Black Spirit Drill became increasingly mysterious.
"Little brat!"
The Heavenly Desolate Old Monster roared in anger. How long had it been since he was injured? Although he had let his guard down momentarily, this insignificant creature dared to harm him!
Indeed, a mere ant!
In the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster's heart, Lin Xuan wasn't considered an opponent at all.
Originally, he should have been beneath his feet, but now, he actually dared to challenge him.
"Little fool who dares not die! You will regret this."
The snarl of the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster echoed in his ears. Then, with a flick of his sleeves, spiritual light flickered, and a golden book appeared before his eyes.
"A book as treasure? Could it be that this old fellow practices Confucian cultivation techniques?" Lin Xuan thought to himself.
This duel was crucial for the rise and fall of Cloud Concealing Sect. The entire sect naturally cared deeply about it. Knowing oneself and one's opponent would certainly be beneficial, but gathering such intelligence was nearly impossible!
Indeed, the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster had a fearsome reputation, but he was known for his ruthless tactics. Many cultivators who had once crossed paths with him were dead. He kept himself secluded, rarely receiving guests. Thus, despite the entire sect's efforts, they couldn't determine which cultivation technique he practiced.
Seeing the book, Lin Xuan made an educated guess. While not entirely certain, it was likely correct. After all, among the four major schools of cultivation—Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and Magic—the latter often used books as their primary treasures.
Confucian techniques were intricate and profound, encompassing rites, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics. The former champion of the Heavenly Cloud Twelve Provinces, Wangting Tower, was a Confucian cultivator. His aura of righteousness was indeed formidable.
Lin Xuan felt a chill but showed no fear. Opponent or not, he wasn't made of clay or paper.
"Quickly!"
A finger pointed forward, and a spell appeared before vanishing into the air.
Suddenly, a clear ringing filled the air as the Nine Palaces Momentary Sword flashed. The surrounding spiritual light brightened, then split into three, revealing hundreds of dazzling sword beams in an instant.
Layer upon layer, like crimson clouds, their sound was terrifying to behold.
The Nine Palaces Momentary Sword wasn't just for show. Those sword beams swirled and formed a red stream, slicing towards the opponent with the force of a whale taking water.
"Hmm?"
The Heavenly Desolate Old Monster felt surprised. While Lin Xuan's abilities were impressive, his use of a life-bound treasure was undoubtedly extraordinary.
"Still, relying on this to challenge me shows you're not afraid of death."
The Heavenly Desolate Old Monster snorted. As he moved his hands, one after another, the spells appeared and merged into the golden book.
Then, like a fountain, hundreds of runes burst forth from the open pages.
Lin Xuan saw clearly that they were inscribed with the character "spear".
"Go!"
The Heavenly Desolate Old Monster issued a sharp command. The runes danced in the wind before vanishing, replaced by ancient spears floating before him.
These spears varied in length but were all razor-sharp. A piercing sound filled the air as the spears converged on the Nine Palaces Momentary Sword.
Soon, they clashed together.
The old monster pointed again, ready to use another technique. But before he could, his face turned pale.
A series of clinking sounds echoed as the spears and sword beams collided, shattering like paper dolls.
What a joke! Lin Xuan's life-bound treasure had been refined with countless treasures, its sharpness reaching an incredible degree. It wasn't something trivial that could be blocked by such a technique.
This time, it was because the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster underestimated him and missed his chance.
"Ha!"
Lin Xuan’s right hand flicked repeatedly, pouring his spiritual energy like a flood into his life-bound treasure. The Nine Palaces Momentary Sword formed a line, speeding up to slash at the old monster's three feet away.
Caught off guard, he couldn't even summon his defense treasure in time.
This was the difference between victory and defeat. He had underestimated Lin Xuan, reaping what he sowed by immediately putting himself on the defensive.
The old monster frowned as a golden aura burst from his body, forming an impenetrable shield.
"Hmph! The power of righteousness is indeed formidable, but do you think this can block my treasure?"
Lin Xuan's cold laughter echoed. As if to prove his point, a tearing sound filled the air as the golden shield was torn apart like cloth. The Nine Palaces Momentary Sword flew forward, surrounding the old monster.
If it were an ordinary cultivator, such an attack would have left them with countless holes. But the Heavenly Desolate Old Monster, known as the first to survive the Tribulation in the Nai Long World, couldn't possibly fall so easily.
Even Lin Xuan himself wouldn’t believe such a thing existed.
Indeed, despite the Nine Palaces Momentary Sword's sharpness, it failed to pierce through. An ancient suit of armor appeared and blocked his attack with great difficulty.
The material of this armor was unknown, but its defense was truly formidable.