dì liǎng qiān wǔ bǎi sān shí jiǔ zhāng zhēn xiàng dà bái
第两千五百三十九章真相大白
Chapter 2540: The Truth Comes to Light
zhè bù qí guài ！
这不奇怪！
This is not surprising!
suī rán zài chǎng de xiū xiān zhě ， bù shǎo dōu shì cóng xiǎo jiù bài rù zōng pài ， zài piāo miǎo xiān gōng shēng huó le shù wàn nián ， duì qí yǒu zhe jí qiáng de guī shǔ gǎn 。「 yù míng qǐng dà jiā shú zhī 」
虽然在场的修仙者，不少都是从小就拜入宗派，在缥缈仙宫生活了数万年，对其有着极强的归属感。「域名请大家熟知」
Although many of the cultivators present had been initiated into sects since childhood and lived in the Ethereal Immortal Palace for tens of thousands of years, they all had a strong sense of belonging. "The prosperity or decline affects everyone."
yī róng jù róng ， yī sǔn jù sǔn 。
一荣俱荣，一损俱损。
If anyone dared to harm their sect, they would surely unite against them.
ruò yǒu shuí gǎn duì zōng mén bù lì ， tā men bì qún qǐ ér gōng zhī 。
若有谁敢对宗mén不利，他们必群起而攻之。
But what does that matter? One must not forget that every cultivator's goal on the path to immortality is essentially the same: seeking eternal life.
kě nà yòu rú hé ， bú yào wàng le ， měi yī míng xiū xiān zhě ， tà shàng xiān dào zhī lù ， mù dì qí shí dōu shì yī yàng de 。
可那又如何，不要忘了，每一名修仙者，踏上仙道之路，目的其实都是一样的。
Although the path to immortality seems elusive, once one reaches the Spirit Formation Stage, their lifespan becomes incredibly long. If they can advance further to the Tribulation Transcending Stage, they could easily live for over a million years even without becoming an immortal.
xún qiú cháng shēng bù lǎo zhī lù 。
寻求长生不老之路。
Even if they cannot achieve immortality, such benefits have already made them yearn for it.
suī rán cháng shēng zhī dào xū wú ， rán ér xiū wèi dào le fēn shén qī ， běn shēn de shòu yuán yǐ shì zhǎng dé bù kě sī yì ， ruò shì néng gòu gèng jìn yí bù ， chéng wéi dù jié qī xiū xiān zhě ， shòu yuán zhī zhǎng ， gèng shì kě yǐ qīng sōng huó guò shàng bǎi wàn nián de 。
虽然长生之道虚无，然而修为到了分神期，本身的寿元已是长得不可思议，若是能够更进一步，成为渡劫期修仙者，寿元之长，更是可以轻松活过上百万年的。
However, achieving the Spirit Formation Stage is extremely difficult. Describing the slowness of cultivation in words would be inadequate.
jí biàn bù néng chéng xiān ， kě zhè yàng de hǎo chù ， yǐ jīng ràng tā men xīn xiàng wǎng zhī le 。
即便不能成仙，可这样的好处，已经让他们心向往之了。
Cultivators who reach this realm are all prodigies with a firm resolve to follow the path.
rán ér shuō shuō róng yì ， xiū wèi zhēn dào fēn shén qī ， xiū liàn zhī huǎn màn yòng rèn hé yán yǔ ， dōu shì nán yǐ miáo shù 。
然而说说容易，修为真到分神期，修炼之缓慢用任何言语，都是难以描述。
But merely having these two points is not enough; advancing through the Spirit Formation Stage often depends more on opportunities.
néng dào zhè ge jìng jiè de xiū xiān zhě ， nǎ yí gè bú shì tiān zòng zhī cái ， qiě xiàng dào zhī xīn shèn jiān 。
能到这个境界的修仙者，哪一个不是天纵之才，且向道之心甚坚。
And opportunities can be elusive, heavily influenced by luck. In such circumstances, who wouldn't seize the chance to obtain the Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill?
rán ér guāng yǒu zhè liǎng diǎn shì bù gòu de ， fēn shén qī cún zài de xiū liàn jìn jí ， zhòng yào de wǎng wǎng yǐ bú shì jué xīn yǔ yì lì ， ér shì jī yuán 。
然而光有这两点是不够的，分神期存在的修炼晋级，重要的往往已不是决心与毅力，而是机缘。
After all, this pill's power is so remarkable that even if it doesn't help one advance to the Tribulation Transcending Stage, its chances of success are still increased.
ér jī yuán zhè ge dōng xī ， kě jiù xū wú piāo miǎo le ， yǔ yùn qì yǒu zhe hěn dà de guān xì ， zài zhè zhǒng qíng kuàng xià ， ruò shì yǒu jī huì dé dào piāo miǎo jiǔ xiān dān ， shuí yuàn yì fàng qì ？
而机缘这个东西，可就虚无缥缈了，与运气有着很大的关系，在这种情况下，若是有机会得到飘渺九仙丹，谁愿意放弃？
Compared to the difficulty of cultivating at the Spirit Formation Stage, such an opportunity would make them eager. They would never give up under any circumstances.
bì jìng cǐ dān yào rú cǐ de shén qí ， dé dào tā ， suī rán yī jiù nán yǐ jìn jiē dào dù jié qī ， dàn bù guǎn rú hé ， jī lǜ zǒng shì yào zēng jiā nà me yì diǎn de 。
毕竟此丹yào如此的神奇，得到牠，虽然依旧难以进阶到渡劫期，但不管如何，几率总是要增加那么一点的。
Under these circumstances, unless someone is crazy, who would foolishly leave the Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill for their disciples and sacrifice their own advancement?
ér xiāng duì yú fēn shén qī xiū shì xiū liàn de jiān nán ， zhè yì diǎn jī yuán yǐ zú yǐ ràng tā men qū zhī ruò wù ， wú lùn rú hé ， yě jué bú huì fàng qì de 。
而相对于分神期修士修炼的艰难，这一点机缘已足以让他们趋之若鹜，无论如何，也绝不会放弃的。
No cultivator would be so foolish.
zhè yàng de qíng kuàng xià ， chú fēi nǎo dài yǒu wèn tí ， fǒu zé shuí huì shǎ hū hū de jiāng piāo miǎo jiǔ xiān dān liú gěi mén rén dì zǐ ， wèi tā men ， fàng qì ràng zì jǐ jìn jiē de jī lǜ 。
这样的情况下，除非脑袋有问题，否则谁会傻乎乎的将飘渺九仙丹留给mén人弟子，为他们，放弃让自己进阶的几率。
Thus, Lin Xuan was not surprised by his fellow disciples' responses, as he had made the same choice. He understood the principle of "do unto others what you would have them do to you."
méi yǒu xiū shì huì zhè me shǎ 。
没有修士会这么傻。
"Brother Senior said that there are no more Ethereal Nine Immortals Pills in Spirit Miao Garden?" The bearded man asked.
suǒ yǐ zài zuò shī xiōng dì de huí dá yì diǎn yě bù chū hū líng xū zhēn rén de yì wài ， yīn wèi tā zì jǐ ， yě shì tóng yàng de xuǎn zé ， jǐ zhī bù yù， wù shī yú rén de dào lǐ ， tā qǐ huì bù dǒng de 。
所以在座师兄弟的回答一点也不出乎灵虚真人的意外，因为他自己，也是同样的选择，己之不yù，勿施于人的道理，他岂会不懂的。
Others also showed regretful expressions.
“ zhào shī xiōng zhè me shuō ， nà líng miǎo yuán zhōng ， yǐ jīng méi yǒu piāo miǎo jiǔ xiān dān le ？” qiú xū dà hàn rú cǐ zhè bān de shuō 。
“照师兄这么说，那灵渺园中，已经没有飘渺九仙丹了？”虬须大汉如此这般的说。
"It is not necessarily so," replied True Virtue, surprising everyone.
qí tā rén yě lù chū kě xī de shén sè。
其他人也lù出可惜的神sè。
"Uncertain? How can this be?" Another cultivator's concerned voice echoed.
“ zhè què shì bù yí dìng de 。” líng xū zhēn rén de huí dá yǒu xiē chū hū dà jiā de yù liào le 。
“这却是不一定的。”灵虚真人的回答有些出乎大家的预料了。
"Ha! There's nothing strange about it. I've already said that the Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill is like a spirit herb, a naturally occurring substance from heaven and earth. Think about it—would a spirit plant regenerate after being harvested?" True Virtue stroked his beard with a smile.
“ bù yí dìng ， cǐ huà zěn me shuō ？” lìng wài yī míng xiū shì guān qiè de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
“不一定，此话怎么说？”另外一名修士关切的声音传入耳朵。
"So you mean..."
“ hēng ， zhè méi shén me hào qí guài de ， wǒ yǐ jīng shuō guò ， piāo miǎo jiǔ xiān dān jiù rú tóng líng yào kuàng shí ， nǎi shì tiān dì zì shēng zhī wù ， gè wèi xiǎng ， líng cǎo ruò shì bèi cǎi zhāi le ， kě huì zì jǐ shēng zhǎng chū lái me ？” líng xū zhēn rén zuò le yí gè fǔ xū wēi xiào de dòng zuò 。
“哼，这没什么好奇怪的，我已经说过，飘渺九仙丹就如同灵yào矿石，乃是天地自生之物，各位想，灵草若是被采摘了，可会自己生长出来么？”灵虚真人做了一个抚须微笑的动作。
"Indeed. Our sect has a long history, founded in ancient times. Since the ancestor took away the Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill, over a million years have passed. Although he did take the spirit herb, he also considered future disciples. He sealed off the entrance to that spatial rift and left behind an array of restraints. One day, when the Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill resurfaces, his left-behind treasure will react."
“ shī xiōng shì shuō ……”
“师兄是说……”
"Ah, I see."
“ bù cuò ， běn mén yuán yuǎn liú cháng ， chuàng lì zì shàng gǔ ， jù lí zǔ shī yé qǔ zǒu piāo miǎo jiǔ xiān dān ， yǐ jīng guò qù le shàng bǎi wàn nián ， dāng nián zǔ shī suī rán qǔ zǒu le líng wù ， dàn yě bìng bú shì bù wèi hòu bèi dì zǐ kǎo lǜ de ， yī lái ， tā shī zhǎn dà shén tōng ， jiāng nà kōng jiān liè fèng de rù kǒu dǔ zhù ， rú hé jìn qù ， zhǐ yǒu běn mén dà zhǎng lǎo cái qīng chǔ ， tóng shí ， zǔ shī yé yě kǎo lǜ dào cǐ líng dān bèi qǔ zǒu hòu ， suí zhe suì yuè de liú shì ， yǒu zhāo yī rì ， hái huì chóng xīn shēng chéng ， suǒ yǐ tā zài nà lǐ ， bù zhì le yí gè jìn zhì ， ruò shì nǎ yī tiān ， piāo miǎo jiǔ xiān dān chóng xīn xiàn shì ， tā suǒ liú xià de fǎ qì ， jiù huì yǒu fǎn yìng de 。”
“不错，本mén源远流长，创立自上古，距离祖师爷取走飘渺九仙丹，已经过去了上百万年，当年祖师虽然取走了灵物，但也并不是不为后辈弟子考虑的，一来，他施展大神通，将那空间裂缝的入口堵住，如何进去，只有本mén大长老才清楚，同时，祖师爷也考虑到此灵丹被取走后，随着岁月的流逝，有朝一日，还会重新生成，所以他在那里，布置了一个禁制，若是哪一天，飘渺九仙丹重新现世，他所留下的法器，就会有反应的。”
The cultivators present all showed excitement. The bearded man spoke again: "So, a new batch of Ethereal Nine Immortals Pills has already appeared. Brother Senior's order to find the mortal Wayfarers is for..."
“ yuán lái rú cǐ 。”
“原来如此。”
"To retrieve the treasures," True Virtue said with a smile.
zài zuò de xiū xiān zhě ， rén rén jiē lù chū xīng fèn zhī sè， hái shì yóu nà qiú xū dà hàn kāi kǒu le ：“ zhè me shuō ， nà xīn de piāo miǎo jiǔ xiān dān ， yǐ jīng chū shì le ， shī xiōng xià lìng xún zhǎo fán rén de tiān dào wǔ zhě shì wèi le ……”
在座的修仙者，人人皆lù出兴奋之sè，还是由那虬须大汉开口了：“这么说，那新的飘渺九仙丹，已经出世了，师兄下令寻找凡人的天道武者是为了……”
"This Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill is an extraordinary spirit herb. To take it requires special methods and cannot be done casually, as per the notes left by our ancestor. The final step involves three Spirit Formation Stage cultivators and three mortal Wayfarers. However, why young and good-looking mortals are required, even I am unsure."
“ dāng rán shì wèi le qǔ bǎo de xū yào le 。”
“当然是为了取宝的需要了。”
"Ah, I see."
líng xū zhēn rén wēi xiào zhe shuō ：“ zhè piāo miǎo jiǔ xiān dān nǎi shì liǎo bù qǐ de líng wù ， xiǎng yào qǔ zǒu tā yě bié yǒu yī fān jiǎng jiū ， bìng bú shì suí suí biàn biàn jiù kě yǐ zuò dào de ， jù zǔ shī yé liú xià de bǐ jì ， zuì hòu yī bù qǔ bǎo de guò chéng zhōng ， xū yào sān míng fèn shén hòu qī yǐ shàng de xiū shì ， yǔ sān míng fán rén de tiān dào wǔ zhě xiāng pèi hé ， bù guò wèi shén me fán rén wǔ zhě bù jǐn yào nián qīng hái yào xiàng mào chū zhòng ， zhè yì diǎn ， jiù lián lǎo fū ， yě bù qīng chǔ 。”
灵虚真人微笑着说：“这飘渺九仙丹乃是了不起的灵物，想要取走牠也别有一番讲究，并不是随随便便就可以做到的，据祖师爷留下的笔记，最后一步取宝的过程中，需要三名分神后期以上的修士，与三名凡人的天道武者相配合，不过为什么凡人武者不仅要年轻还要相貌出众，这一点，就连老夫，也不清楚。”
With all secrets revealed, everyone was now excited. Although only three cultivators were needed for the treasure hunt, since Brother Senior had openly shared this information, they expected a decent amount of Ethereal Nine Immortals Pills. The elders would feast, and their share would be enough to make them happy.
“ yuán lái rú cǐ 。”
“原来如此。”
Now that everything was ready except for the final push, if the intelligence was correct, finding those two mortal Wayfarers would allow them to retrieve the treasure smoothly.
huà shuō dào zhè yī bù ， suǒ yǒu de mì mì ， zhōng yú quán bù yì diǎn yì diǎn de jiě kāi le 。
话说到这一步，所有的秘密，终于全部一点一点的解开了。
...
zài zuò de xiū shì ， liǎn shàng wú bù lù chū xīng fèn zhī sè， suī rán qǔ bǎo de xiū shì ， zhǐ yǒu sān gè ， dàn shī xiōng jì rán jiāng zhè ge mì mì tǎn rán xiāng gào ， nà zhè cì de piāo miǎo jiǔ xiān dān xiǎng bì bù shǎo ， dà zhǎng lǎo tā men chī ròu， zì jǐ zhè xiē rén ， duō duō shǎo shǎo ， zǒng yě yǒu yì diǎn tāng hē ， gù ér rén rén de xīn qíng dōu bù cuò 。
在座的修士，脸上无不lù出兴奋之sè，虽然取宝的修士，只有三个，但师兄既然将这个秘密坦然相告，那这次的飘渺九仙丹想必不少，大长老他们吃ròu，自己这些人，多多少少，总也有一点汤喝，故而人人的心情都不错。
Lin Xuan did not know about all this.
rú jīn shì wàn shì jù bèi ， zhǐ qiàn dōng fēng ， ruò shì qíng bào méi cuò ， zài zhǎo dào nà liǎng gè fán rén de tiān dào wǔ zhě jiù kě yǐ shùn lì qǔ bǎo le 。
如今是万事俱备，只欠东风，若是情报没错，再找到那两个凡人的天道武者就可以顺利取宝了。
Time passed like a white horse passing through a gap. Another month had gone by, and Lin Xuan still found himself bored in Drifting Cloud Valley.
……
……
While the benefits of using the Heaven Demon Transformation technique allowed him to infiltrate the Ethereal Immortal Palace smoothly, he also lost his cultivation power, making it difficult to gather information.
ér zhè yī qiè ， lín xuān bìng bù xiǎo de 。
而这一切，林轩并不晓得。
To avoid accidentally causing trouble, Lin Xuan could only wait patiently.
shí guāng rú bái jū guò xì ， zhuǎn yǎn yòu shì yuè yú ， lín xuān yī jiù shì bǎi wú liáo lài de dài zài yǐn xiá gǔ lǐ 。
时光如白驹过隙，转眼又是月余，林轩依旧是百无聊赖的待在隐侠谷里。
...
fán shì yǒu lì jiù yǒu bì ， shī zhǎn le tiān mó huà yīng ** gù rán ràng lín xuān shùn lì qián rù le piāo miǎo xiān gōng lǐ ， dàn yě yīn cǐ shī qù le yī shēn fǎ lì ， nán yǐ qù dǎ tàn xiāo xī 。
凡事有利就有弊，施展了天魔化婴**固然让林轩顺利潜入了缥缈仙宫里，但也因此失去了一身法力，难以去打探消息。
Birdsong filled the air as sunlight filtered through the clouds. A new day began.
wèi le bù nòng qiǎo chéng zhuō ， lín xuān zhǐ néng yǐ bù biàn yīng wàn biàn ， jiǎn dān de shuō ， jiù shì guāi guāi de zài nǎ lǐ děng dài le 。
为了不nòng巧成拙，林轩只能以不变应万变，简单的说，就是乖乖的在哪里等待了。
Lin Xuan strolled aimlessly in the valley.
……
……
Suddenly, a streak of light flew from afar.
xiǎo niǎo de jiào shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， yáng guāng tòu guò yún céng sǎ luò ， zhuǎn yǎn yòu shì xīn de yī tiān kāi shǐ le 。
小鸟的叫声传入耳朵，阳光透过云层洒落，转眼又是新的一天开始了。
Although Lin Xuan couldn't release his divine sense to detect it, his eyesight was still exceptional. What could this be?
lín xuān zhèng bǎi wú liáo lài de shān gǔ zhōng màn bù 。
林轩正百无聊赖的山谷中漫步。
In the past month, there had been no progress. Seeing a cultivator arrive here made him quite hopeful.
tū rán ， yī dào jīng hóng cóng yuǎn chù fēi lüè lái le 。
突然，一道惊虹从远处飞掠来了。
The light faded as an elderly Daoist in a Daoist robe landed before him.
lín xuān suī bù néng fàng chū shén shí tàn cè ， dàn yǎn lì yī jiù shì fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， lái zhě xiū wèi bù ruò ， huì yǒu shén me shì ne ？
林轩虽不能放出神识探测，但眼力依旧是非同小可，来者修为不弱，会有什么事呢？
"Salute Senior Uncle."
zhè yí gè yuè lái ， bàn diǎn jìn zhǎn yě wú ， yǎn jiàn yǒu xiū shì lái dào cǐ chù ， lín xuān xīn zhōng shì pǒ wéi qī dài de 。
这一个月来，半点进展也无，眼见有修士来到此处，林轩心中是颇为期待的。
Snow Ling noticed the visitor too; she was at least an Infant Stage cultivator and couldn't be unaware of it. She flew out from her den as well.
guāng máng shōu liǎn ， là xià yī shēn chuān dào páo ， yuè sān shí chū tóu de zhōng nián dào shì lái 。
光芒收敛，落下一身穿道袍，越三十出头的中年道士来。
"Cloud Nephew, I came here on behalf of the Great Elder to take this mortal away."
“ cān jiàn shī shū 。”
“参见师叔。”
The elderly Daoist said while waving his sleeves, causing a flicker of spirit light that revealed a small talisman.
lín xuān zhè “ fán rén ” dōu zhù yì dào le lái zhě ， xuě líng hǎo dǎi yě shì yuán yīng qī ， zěn me kě néng bù xiǎo de ， yě máng cóng dòng fǔ zhōng fēi lái le 。
林轩这“凡人”都注意到了来者，雪玲好歹也是元婴期，怎么可能不晓得，也忙从dòng府中飞来了。
"The Great Elder?"
“ yún shī zhí ， wǒ jīn tiān lái cǐ ， shì fèng dà zhǎng lǎo zhī mìng dài zhè fán rén zǒu de 。”
“云师侄，我今天来此，是奉大长老之命带这凡人走的。”
Snow Ling was alarmed and released her divine sense. The talisman seemed correct, so she dared not obstruct it.
nà zhōng nián dào shì yī biān shuō ， yī biān xiù páo yī fú ， líng guāng shǎn guò ， yī xiǎo qiǎo de lìng fú cóng lǐ miàn fēi chū 。
那中年道士一边说，一边袖袍一拂，灵光闪过，一小巧的令符从里面飞出。
This woman sighed. After spending the past month with Lin Xuan, she had grown fond of him but could do little to help since she was just an Infant Stage cultivator.
“ dà zhǎng lǎo ？”
“大长老？”
"Sir, take good care of yourself."
xuě líng dà jīng shī sè， jiāng shén shí fàng chū ， zhè lìng pái bìng wú chā cuò ， yú shì tā zì rán bù gǎn zǔ lán le 。
雪玲大惊失sè，将神识放出，这令牌并无差错，于是她自然不敢阻拦了。
"Thank you, fairy."
cǐ nv wēi wēi tàn xī ， zhè yí yuè de zhāo xī xiāng chǔ ， ràng tā duì lín xuān dà yǒu hǎo gǎn ， kě xī zì jǐ rén qīng yán wēi ， yě shì bāng bù shàng shén me máng dì 。
此nv微微叹息，这一月的朝夕相处，让她对林轩大有好感，可惜自己人轻言微，也是帮不上什么忙地。
Lin Xuan bowed. She treated him well, and he reciprocated politely.
“ gōng zi cǐ qù ， hǎo hǎo bǎo zhòng zì jǐ 。”
“公子此去，好好保重自己。”
"Alright, the Great Elder is in a hurry; don't delay here."
“ duō xiè xiān zi 。”
“多谢仙子。”
The elderly Daoist sounded impatient as he enveloped Lin Xuan with his spiritual light and flew off towards the distance.
lín xuān gǒng le gǒng shǒu ， cǐ nv dài zì jǐ zhe shí bù cuò ， tóu táo bào lǐ ， tā yě shí fēn de kè qì 。
林轩拱了拱手，此nv待自己着实不错，投桃报李，他也十分的客气。
As an Alchemy Formation cultivator, his speed was not slow. After a cup of tea's time, he brought Lin Xuan to the top of a mountain.
“ hǎo le ， dà zhǎng lǎo cuī dé jí ， bú yào zài zhè lǐ dān gē 。”
“好了，大长老催得急，不要在这里耽搁。”
This mountain was several thousand feet high, covered in green vegetation, but its peak was quite spacious and flat.
Chapter 2540: The Truth Comes to Light
This is not surprising!
Although many of the cultivators present had been initiated into sects since childhood and lived in the Ethereal Immortal Palace for tens of thousands of years, they all had a strong sense of belonging. "The prosperity or decline affects everyone."
If anyone dared to harm their sect, they would surely unite against them.
But what does that matter? One must not forget that every cultivator's goal on the path to immortality is essentially the same: seeking eternal life.
Although the path to immortality seems elusive, once one reaches the Spirit Formation Stage, their lifespan becomes incredibly long. If they can advance further to the Tribulation Transcending Stage, they could easily live for over a million years even without becoming an immortal.
Even if they cannot achieve immortality, such benefits have already made them yearn for it.
However, achieving the Spirit Formation Stage is extremely difficult. Describing the slowness of cultivation in words would be inadequate.
Cultivators who reach this realm are all prodigies with a firm resolve to follow the path.
But merely having these two points is not enough; advancing through the Spirit Formation Stage often depends more on opportunities.
And opportunities can be elusive, heavily influenced by luck. In such circumstances, who wouldn't seize the chance to obtain the Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill?
After all, this pill's power is so remarkable that even if it doesn't help one advance to the Tribulation Transcending Stage, its chances of success are still increased.
Compared to the difficulty of cultivating at the Spirit Formation Stage, such an opportunity would make them eager. They would never give up under any circumstances.
Under these circumstances, unless someone is crazy, who would foolishly leave the Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill for their disciples and sacrifice their own advancement?
No cultivator would be so foolish.
Thus, Lin Xuan was not surprised by his fellow disciples' responses, as he had made the same choice. He understood the principle of "do unto others what you would have them do to you."
"Brother Senior said that there are no more Ethereal Nine Immortals Pills in Spirit Miao Garden?" The bearded man asked.
Others also showed regretful expressions.
"It is not necessarily so," replied True Virtue, surprising everyone.
"Uncertain? How can this be?" Another cultivator's concerned voice echoed.
"Ha! There's nothing strange about it. I've already said that the Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill is like a spirit herb, a naturally occurring substance from heaven and earth. Think about it—would a spirit plant regenerate after being harvested?" True Virtue stroked his beard with a smile.
"So you mean..."
"Indeed. Our sect has a long history, founded in ancient times. Since the ancestor took away the Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill, over a million years have passed. Although he did take the spirit herb, he also considered future disciples. He sealed off the entrance to that spatial rift and left behind an array of restraints. One day, when the Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill resurfaces, his left-behind treasure will react."
"Ah, I see."
The cultivators present all showed excitement. The bearded man spoke again: "So, a new batch of Ethereal Nine Immortals Pills has already appeared. Brother Senior's order to find the mortal Wayfarers is for..."
"To retrieve the treasures," True Virtue said with a smile.
"This Ethereal Nine Immortals Pill is an extraordinary spirit herb. To take it requires special methods and cannot be done casually, as per the notes left by our ancestor. The final step involves three Spirit Formation Stage cultivators and three mortal Wayfarers. However, why young and good-looking mortals are required, even I am unsure."
"Ah, I see."
With all secrets revealed, everyone was now excited. Although only three cultivators were needed for the treasure hunt, since Brother Senior had openly shared this information, they expected a decent amount of Ethereal Nine Immortals Pills. The elders would feast, and their share would be enough to make them happy.
Now that everything was ready except for the final push, if the intelligence was correct, finding those two mortal Wayfarers would allow them to retrieve the treasure smoothly.
...
Lin Xuan did not know about all this.
Time passed like a white horse passing through a gap. Another month had gone by, and Lin Xuan still found himself bored in Drifting Cloud Valley.
While the benefits of using the Heaven Demon Transformation technique allowed him to infiltrate the Ethereal Immortal Palace smoothly, he also lost his cultivation power, making it difficult to gather information.
To avoid accidentally causing trouble, Lin Xuan could only wait patiently.
...
Birdsong filled the air as sunlight filtered through the clouds. A new day began.
Lin Xuan strolled aimlessly in the valley.
Suddenly, a streak of light flew from afar.
Although Lin Xuan couldn't release his divine sense to detect it, his eyesight was still exceptional. What could this be?
In the past month, there had been no progress. Seeing a cultivator arrive here made him quite hopeful.
The light faded as an elderly Daoist in a Daoist robe landed before him.
"Salute Senior Uncle."
Snow Ling noticed the visitor too; she was at least an Infant Stage cultivator and couldn't be unaware of it. She flew out from her den as well.
"Cloud Nephew, I came here on behalf of the Great Elder to take this mortal away."
The elderly Daoist said while waving his sleeves, causing a flicker of spirit light that revealed a small talisman.
"The Great Elder?"
Snow Ling was alarmed and released her divine sense. The talisman seemed correct, so she dared not obstruct it.
This woman sighed. After spending the past month with Lin Xuan, she had grown fond of him but could do little to help since she was just an Infant Stage cultivator.
"Sir, take good care of yourself."
"Thank you, fairy."
Lin Xuan bowed. She treated him well, and he reciprocated politely.
"Alright, the Great Elder is in a hurry; don't delay here."
The elderly Daoist sounded impatient as he enveloped Lin Xuan with his spiritual light and flew off towards the distance.
As an Alchemy Formation cultivator, his speed was not slow. After a cup of tea's time, he brought Lin Xuan to the top of a mountain.
This mountain was several thousand feet high, covered in green vegetation, but its peak was quite spacious and flat.