quán wén zì wú guǎng gào dì liǎng qiān wǔ bǎi sì shí zhāng fēn shén qī shào nǚ
全文字无广告 第两千五百四十章 分神期少女
Chapter 2540: Divisional Spirit Stage Maiden
shān dǐng de jǐng wù yī lǎn wú yú ， wéi yǒu yí gè liáng tíng gū líng líng de chù lì zài nà lǐ ， kě yǐ gōng lái wǎng de yóu rén xiū xī 。 quán wén zì wú guǎng gào
山顶的景物一览无余，唯有一个凉亭孤零零的矗立在那里，可以供来往的游人休息。 全文字无广告
The view from the peak was unobstructed, with only a solitary pavilion standing there to provide rest for visitors.
cǐ kè liáng tíng zhōng yǒu yī miào líng nǚ zǐ ， yī yǎn wàng qù ， bù guò shí ** nián jì ， yī xī xuě bái de gōng zhuāng ， xiān chén bù rǎn ， cǐ nǚ shuō bù shàng duō me de měi lì ， dàn gěi rén de gǎn jué què shì qīng chún yǐ jí ， rán ér yǔ yì bān de shào nǚ jiǒng yì ， tā nà qī hēi rú diǎn xīng de móu zi lǐ ， tòu chū jǐ fēn cāng sāng zhī yì 。
此刻凉亭中有一妙龄女子，一眼望去，不过十**年纪，一夕雪白的宫装，纤尘不染，此女说不上多么的美丽，但给人的感觉却是清纯以极，然而与一般的少女迥异，她那漆黑如点星的眸子里，透出几分沧桑之意。
Inside the pavilion, a young maiden of tender years sat. She appeared no more than ten or so in age, dressed in a pristine white palace robe. Though not particularly beautiful, she exuded an extremely pure and innocent aura. However, her eyes, as dark as star points, revealed a hint ofvicissitudes (worldly experience).
nián qīng bù guò shì biǎo xiàng ér yǐ ， cǐ nǚ bù zhī dào huó le duō shǎo nián jì ， rán ér rén jiā zhù yán yǒu shù ， gù ér bù lùn róng mào shēn cái ， dōu fǎng fú dòu kòu nián huá de shào nǚ 。
年轻不过是表象而已，此女不知道活了多少年纪，然而人家驻颜有术，故而不论容貌身材，都仿佛豆蔻年华的少女。
Youth was merely superficial; this maiden had lived for many years but retained the appearance and physique of a young girl due to her anti-aging techniques.
dùn guāng yī huǎn ， nà zhōng nián dào shì dài zhe lín xuān jiàng luò xià lái 。
遁光一缓，那中年道士带着林轩降落下来。
The light faded slightly as a middle-aged Taoist approached and landed beside Lin Xuan.
kàn jiàn wéi yǒu shào nǚ yī rén zài liáng tíng lǐ miàn ， lüè lüè yǒu xiē jīng è ， dàn hěn kuài jiù bèi gōng jìng suǒ tì dài le ， qiǎng shàng jǐ bù ， dà lǐ cān bài qǐ lái ：“ cān jiàn yè shī zǔ ， dì zǐ fèng mìng ， yǐ jiāng nà fán rén dài lái le 。”
看见唯有少女一人在凉亭里面，略略有些惊愕，但很快就被恭敬所替代了，抢上几步，大礼参拜起来：“参见叶师祖，弟子奉命，已将那凡人带来了。”
Seeing only one maiden in the pavilion, he was somewhat surprised. However, his expression quickly turned to respect as he hurried forward, performing a deep bow: "I greet Master Ye. I have brought the mortal as instructed."
cǐ nǚ huí guò tóu lú ， mù guāng zài lín xuān shēn shàng sǎo guò ， tā de shuāng móu ， hēi rú diǎn qī ， qīng chè míng liàng ， yǒu rú nà gǔ jǐng wú bō de hú shuǐ yī yàng 。
此女回过头颅，目光在林轩身上扫过，她的双眸，黑如点漆，清澈明亮，有如那古井无波的湖水一样。
The maiden turned her head, her eyes sweeping over Lin Xuan. Her gaze was clear and bright, like the calm surface of an ancient well.
shà shí jiān ， lín xuān jìng yǒu yī zhǒng cuò jué ， fǎng fú zì jǐ suǒ yǒu de mì mì ， jiē bèi duì fāng kuī shì dé yì qīng èr chǔ 。
霎时间，林轩竟有一种错觉，仿佛自己所有的秘密，皆被对方窥视得一清二楚。
For a moment, Lin Xuan felt as if all his secrets were laid bare before this woman.
dú xīn shù ？
读心术？
Mind-reading technique?
bú duì ， yào xuán miào dé duō ， suī rán xiào guǒ xiāng chà fǎng fú ， dàn qí xuán miào chéng dù ， gēn běn jiù bú shì yí gè dàng cì de 。
不对，要玄妙得多，虽然效果相差仿佛，但其玄妙程度，根本就不是一个档次的。
No, it was far more subtle and profound. Although its effects seemed similar, the level of subtlety was incomparable.
lín xuān xīn zhōng hài rán yǐ jí 。
林轩心中骇然以极。
Lin Xuan's heart was filled with shock.
rán ér biǎo miàn shàng yī jiù shì fēn háo yì sè bù lù 。
然而表面上依旧是分毫异色不露。
Yet, on the surface, he showed no signs of alarm.
shǐ yòng tiān mó huà yīng ** hòu ， tā hún shēn de fǎ lì yǐ guī wèi xū wú ， kān bǐ hòu qī xiū shì de shén shí yě bù néng fàng chū ， dàn bìng bù yì wèi zhe ， lín xuān jiù zhǐ néng rèn rén zǎi gē 。
使用天魔化婴**后，他浑身的法力已归为虚无，堪比后期修士的神识也不能放出，但并不意味着，林轩就只能任人宰割。
After using the Heaven Demoninfantilization Technique (a cultivation method), his mana had returned to nothingness; even a late-stage cultivator’s divine awareness could not be released. But that did not mean Lin Xuan was at their mercy.
shén shí bù néng lí kāi shēn tǐ ， dàn zì bǎo hái shì méi yǒu wèn tí 。
神识不能离开身体，但自保还是没有问题。
While his divine awareness couldn't leave his body, self-preservation wasn’t an issue.
lín xuān qīng qīng xī le kǒu qì ， yǎn jīng biàn dé wú shén ér mí lí ， bù guò nà zhǐ shì tā mí huò duì fāng de shǒu duàn ér yǐ 。
林轩轻轻吸了口气，眼睛变得无神而迷离，不过那只是他迷惑对方的手段而已。
Lin Xuan took a deep breath, his eyes becoming dazed and unfocused—a mere ruse to confuse the other party.
cǐ nǚ yǎn zhōng yì máng yī shǎn ， suí hòu liǎn xiàn yī sī juàn yì de bì le qǐ lái 。
此女眼中异芒一闪，随后脸现一丝倦意的闭了起来。
A glint appeared in her eyes as she closed them, showing signs of fatigue.
tā bìng méi yǒu fā xiàn shén me bù tuǒ 。
她并没有发现什么不妥。
She did not notice anything amiss.
zhè ge shào nián de róng mào nián jì què rán mǎn zú yāo qiú ， suī rán wǔ yì de shēn qiǎn méi yǒu shì guò ， dàn kěn dìng shì zài tiān dào shuǐ zhǔn yǐ shàng de 。
这个少年的容貌年纪确然满足要求，虽然武艺的深浅没有试过，但肯定是在天道水准以上的。
The young man’s appearance and age met the requirements. Although he had not tested his martial arts skills, they were undoubtedly above the Daoist standard.
“ bù cuò ， nǐ kě yǐ tuì xià le 。” cǐ nǚ dàn dàn de shuō 。
“不错，你可以退下了。”此女淡淡的说。
"Good. You may leave now," the maiden said calmly.
“ shì ， shī zǔ ， bù guò dà zhǎng lǎo ne ？” nà zhōng nián dào shì liǎn shàng dài zhe yī sī chí yí zhī sè de kāi kǒu le ， bì jìng tā shì fèng dà zhǎng lǎo de mìng lìng dài fán rén lái cǐ chù ， rú jīn què jiāng qí jiāo gěi yè shī zǔ ， suī rán yě méi yǒu shén me bù tuǒ ， dàn yǔ mìng lìng xiāng bǐ ， zǒng yǒu chā yì ， gù ér yú qíng yú lǐ ， dōu nán miǎn xū yào wèn shàng zhè me yī jù 。
“是，师祖，不过大长老呢？”那中年道士脸上带着一丝迟疑之色的开口了，毕竟他是奉大长老的命令带凡人来此处，如今却将其交给叶师祖，虽然也没有什么不妥，但与命令相比，总有差异，故而于情于理，都难免需要问上这么一句。
"Yes, Master Ye. But what about Elder Grandmaster?" The middle-aged Taoist hesitated as he spoke. He had been ordered by Elder Grandmaster to bring a mortal here, and now handing him over to Master Ye seemed to differ from his instructions. Thus, both emotionally and logically, he felt the need to ask.
“ dà zhǎng lǎo yǒu shì xiān zǒu le ， zěn me ， mò fēi nǐ jìng duì běn zuò xìn bù guò ？” gōng zhuāng shào nǚ xiù méi wēi pín ， shēng yīn yě dài shàng le jǐ fēn hán yì 。
“大长老有事先走了，怎么，莫非你竟对本座信不过？”宫装少女秀眉微颦，声音也带上了几分寒意。
"Elder Grandmaster left for something else earlier. Is there a problem?" The maiden’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as her voice took on a hint of coldness.
“ bù ， shī zǔ wù huì le ， dōu shì dì zǐ de cuò ， tú sūn zhǐ shì suí yì zhè me yī wèn bà le 。”
“不，师祖误会了，都是弟子的错，徒孙只是随意这么一问罢了。”
"No, Master Ye, I misunderstood. It was my mistake. I just asked casually," the middle-aged Taoist said in alarm and with utmost respect.
zhōng nián dào shì dà jīng shī sè ， máng chéng huáng chéng kǒng de shuō 。
中年道士大惊失色，忙诚惶诚恐的说。
"Very well, you may go."
“ hǎo le ， nǐ tuì xià ba ！”
“好了，你退下吧！”
The maiden remained silent. The middle-aged Taoist, relieved like a man pardoned, bowed deeply before leaving the mountain.
gōng zhuāng shào nǚ bù zhì kě fǒu ， nà zhōng nián dào shì rú méng dà shè ， kē le yí gè tóu ， gōng gōng jìng jìng de xià shān qù le 。
宫装少女不置可否，那中年道士如蒙大赦，磕了一个头，恭恭敬敬的下山去了。
Watching his back disappear, the maiden sighed. Their success or failure depended on their cooperation with three mortals. Thus, her attitude toward Lin Xuan was relatively kind.
wàng zhe tā de bèi yǐng xiāo shī ， gōng zhuāng shào nǚ tàn le kǒu qì ， zhè cì néng fǒu qǔ bǎo chéng gōng ， xū yào tā men yǔ sān míng fán rén tōng lì hé zuò ， suǒ yǐ tā de duì lín xuān de tài dù ， hái suàn cí hé 。
望着他的背影消失，宫装少女叹了口气，这次能否取宝成功，需要他们与三名凡人通力合作，所以她的对林轩的态度，还算慈和。
"May I ask your name?"
“ nǐ jiào shén me ？”
“你叫什么？”
"I am Tiantian, Master," replied Lin Xuan, bowing respectfully and appearing extremely obedient. Mortals always showed reverence to cultivators, even Daoist martial artists could not escape this. Lin Xuan portrayed it perfectly, adept at feigning compliance.
“ huí xiān zi ， xiǎo rén xìng tián ， míng jiào xiǎo jiàn 。”
“回仙子，小人姓田，名叫小剑。”
"You are Mr. Tian, I see. As a mortal, you should be straightforward. We found you because our sect is undertaking a significant matter and needs your help from the mortals and Daoist martial artists. Of course, we will not make you work in vain. If you assist us wholeheartedly, there will be countless benefits for you."
lín xuān bào quán xíng le yī lǐ ， biǎo xiàn dé guāi qiǎo yǐ jí ， fán rén miàn duì xiū xiān zhě ， zǒng shì chéng huáng chéng kǒng de ， biàn shì tiān dào wǔ zhě ， yě bù néng miǎn sú ， ér lín xuān jiāng zhè yī qiè biǎo xiàn dé qià dào hǎo chù ， xū yǔ wēi yí ， běn lái jiù shì lín xuān zuì wèi ná shǒu zhī wù 。
林轩抱拳行了一礼，表现得乖巧以极，凡人面对修仙者，总是诚惶诚恐的，便是天道武者，也不能免俗，而林轩将这一切表现得恰到好处，虚与委蛇，本来就是林轩最为拿手之物。
"You do not have a spirit root, so you cannot ascend to immortality. However, with our sect’s power, we can bestow upon you elixirs and medicines that will extend your lifespan by several decades," the maiden's clear voice said, filled with sincerity.
“ yuán lái shì tián gōng zi ， běn xiān zi míng rén bù shuō àn huà ， zhè cì zhǎo dào nǐ ， shì yīn wèi běn mén zuò yī jiàn dà shì ， xū yào jiè zhù nǐ men fán rén tiān dào wǔ zhě de lì liàng ， dāng rán ， bú huì ràng nǐ bái máng huó ， zhǐ yào nǐ jìn xīn jié lì de xiāng zhù wǒ men ， dào shí hòu huì yǒu nǐ shù zhī bù jìn de hǎo chù 。”
“原来是田公子，本仙子明人不说暗话，这次找到你，是因为本门做一件大事，需要借助你们凡人天道武者的力量，当然，不会让你白忙活，只要你尽心竭力的相助我们，到时候会有你数之不尽的好处。”
If Lin Xuan were truly a mortal Daoist martial artist, he would have been tempted by such conditions.
“ nǐ méi yǒu líng gēn ， zhù dìng wú fǎ tà shàng xiān tú ， dàn yǐ běn mén de lì liàng ， cì yǔ nǐ líng dān miào yào ， ràng nǐ shòu yuán fān shàng yī fān ， huó shàng liǎng bǎi yú suì ， hái shì méi yǒu duō dà wèn tí de 。” cǐ nǚ qīng cuì yì cháng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， lǐ miàn chōng mǎn le chéng kěn zhī sè 。
“你没有灵根，注定无法踏上仙途，但以本门的力量，赐予你灵丹妙药，让你寿元翻上一翻，活上两百余岁，还是没有多大问题的。”此女清脆异常的声音传入耳朵，里面充满了诚恳之色。
After all, the goal of cultivators on the path to immortality was longevity. Mortals dared not dream of such things, but doubling their lifespan would be hard to resist.
lín xuān ruò zhēn shì fán rén de tiān dào wǔ zhě ， tīng le cǐ tiáo jiàn kǒng pà yě huì pēng rán xīn dòng 。
林轩若真是凡人的天道武者，听了此条件恐怕也会怦然心动。
Lin Xuan’s face showed intense joy: "Thank you, Master. I will do anything you command."
bì jìng xiū shì tà shàng xiān dào zhī lù ， zài xīng fēng xuè yǔ de xiū xiān jiè pīn bó ， mù dì bù yě jiù shì wèi le cháng shēng me ？
毕竟修士踏上仙道之路，在腥风血雨的修仙界拼搏，目的不也就是为了长生么？
In his heart, however, Lin Xuan sneered. Extending a mortal's lifespan by several decades might exist in the world, but its value was undoubtedly beyond divine level. Given the power of the First Sect of the Ethereal Immortal Palace, he had no doubt it could be offered. But giving such an item as a reward to a mere mortal? He found that hard to believe.
yǔ tiān dì tóng shòu ， fán rén shì bù gǎn yǒu cǐ shē qiú ， dàn ruò shì yǒu shòu yuán fān bèi de jī huì bǎi zài yǎn qián ， shuí huì bái bái cuò guò 。
与天地同寿，凡人是不敢有此奢求，但若是有寿元翻倍的机会摆在眼前，谁会白白错过。
Breaking promises for personal gain and betraying trust were trivial matters for cultivators. To them, the goal was profit; lying to a mortal was nothing significant.
lín xuān liǎn shàng yě lù chū kuáng xǐ zhī sè ：“ duō xiè xiān zi ， dàn yǒu fēn fù ， tián mǒu yí dìng fù tāng dǎo huǒ 。”
林轩脸上也露出狂喜之色：“多谢仙子，但有吩咐，田某一定赴汤蹈火。”
Unfortunately, mortals did not know the value of such longevity-boosting elixirs, so they believed without hesitation. Lin Xuan’s performance was flawless, causing a smile to appear on the maiden's face.
zuǐ shàng zhè yàng shuō ， lín xuān nèi xīn shēn chù ， què mǎn shì lěng xiào zhī sè 。
嘴上这样说，林轩内心深处，却满是冷笑之色。
"Alright, let's go. We need to meet with others and work together to retrieve the treasure."
ràng fán rén de shòu yuán fān shàng yī fān ， shì jiān huò xǔ huì yǒu zhè yàng de bǎo wù ， rán ér jià zhí zhī dà jué duì shì kān chēng nì tiān jí bié de ， yǐ piāo miǎo xiān gōng běn jiè dì yī zōng mén de shí lì ， néng gòu ná chū lái lín xuān yě bù huái yí ， rán ér huì jiāng qí sòng gěi yī fán rén zuò chóu láo ， dǎ sǐ lín xuān yě bù xìn 。
让凡人的寿元翻上一翻，世间或许会有这样的宝物，然而价值之大绝对是堪称逆天级别的，以缥缈仙宫本界第一宗门的实力，能够拿出来林轩也不怀疑，然而会将其送给一凡人做酬劳，打死林轩也不信。
As she spoke, she waved her sleeve, enveloping the boat in a burst of divine light while an invigorating fragrance spread around them. A painted pleasure barge appeared before their eyes.
shí yán ér féi ， bèi xìn qì yì ， duì xiū xiān zhě lái shuō ， méi shén me liǎo bù qǐ ， tā men yǎn zhōng kàn zhòng de shì lì yì ， duì yī fán rén sā sā huǎng gēn běn jiù méi yǒu shén me liǎo bù qǐ 。
食言而肥，背信弃义，对修仙者来说，没什么了不起，他们眼中看中的是利益，对一凡人撒撒谎根本就没有什么了不起。
Though long and narrow, it was elegantly decorated despite its modest size.
kě xī fán rén bù zhī dào zhè zhǒng zēng jiā shòu yuán de dān yào de jià zhí ， suǒ yǐ miàn duì zhè yàng yán yǔ ， yě shēn xìn bù yí ， ér lín xuān de biǎo xiàn ， wú xiè kě jī ， nà gōng zhuāng shào nǚ de liǎn shàng ， lù chū wēi xiào zhī sè 。
可惜凡人不知道这种增加寿元的丹药的价值，所以面对这样言语，也深信不疑，而林轩的表现，无懈可击，那宫装少女的脸上，露出微笑之色。
"Let’s go!"
“ hǎo le ， zǒu ba ， wǒ men hái yào yǔ jǐ gè rén huì hé ， tóng xīn xié lì ， cái yǒu kě néng qǔ zǒu bǎo wù 。”
“好了，走吧，我们还要与几个人汇合，同心协力，才有可能取走宝物。”
The maiden moved gracefully to the front of the boat as she shook her shoulders slightly, appearing on the deck.
cǐ nǚ yī biān shuō ， yī biān xiù páo yī fú ， shà shí jiān ， líng guāng dà zuò ， tóng shí yī gǔ qìn rén xīn pí de xiāng qì mí sàn ér chū ， yī sōu huà fǎng chū xiàn zài yǎn qián le 。
此女一边说，一边袖袍一拂，霎时间，灵光大做，同时一股沁人心脾的香气弥散而出，一艘画舫出现在眼前了。
Seeing the distance between Lin Xuan and the boat, he took a deep breath and used the light techniques from the Hundred Spirit True Explanation to leap onto the deck like a bird.
zhǎng qī bā zhàng yǒu yú ， jiù tǐ jī lái shuō ， bìng bù shèn dà ， rán ér què jīng zhì xiǎo qiǎo ， zhuāng shì yě pǒ wèi háo huá 。
长七八丈有余，就体积来说，并不甚大，然而却精致小巧，装饰也颇为豪华。
A smile appeared at the corner of the maiden’s lips. The mortal’s martial arts were trivial in her eyes, but their execution was graceful. Unfortunately, he remained just a mere mortal.
“ zǒu ba ！”
“走吧！”
"We need to travel for several hours. You may choose a room to rest first."
cǐ nǚ lián bù qīng yí ， jiān tóu wēi wēi yī dǒu ， jiù yǐ chū xiàn zài le huà fǎng de chuán tóu 。
此女莲步轻移，肩头微微一抖，就已出现在了画舫的船头。
"I am honored by your words, Master. I will go below," Lin Xuan bowed and turned toward the cabin.
lín xuān jiàn huà fǎng lí zì jǐ ， yuē yǒu wǔ liù zhàng de yàng zi ， dāng jí xī le kǒu qì ， shī zhǎn bǎi líng zhēn jiě zhōng de shēn fǎ ， qīng qīng yī yuè ， yě rú tóng fēi niǎo yì bān de shàng le chuán tóu 。
林轩见画舫离自己，约有五六丈的样子，当即吸了口气，施展百灵真解中的身法，轻轻一跃，也如同飞鸟一般的上了船头。
The maiden raised her hand, casting a spell on the front of the boat. The barge was instantly enveloped in divine light, flying swiftly forward with remarkable stability. They had traveled countless miles over several hours.
cǐ nǚ zuǐ jiǎo biān lù chū yī sī xiào róng ， qū qū fán rén de wǔ gōng ， tā zì rán bù fàng zài yǎn lǐ ， bù guò yóu zhè fán rén shī zhǎn chū lái ， dào yě xiāo sǎ yǐ jí ， kě xī ， tā zhōng guī zhǐ shì yī fán rén ér yǐ 。
此女嘴角边露出一丝笑容，区区凡人的武功，她自然不放在眼里，不过由这凡人施展出来，倒也潇洒以极，可惜，他终归只是一凡人而已。
By noon, their speed slowed down significantly. After some time, an uninhabited island came into view.
Chapter 2540: Divisional Spirit Stage Maiden
The view from the peak was unobstructed, with only a solitary pavilion standing there to provide rest for visitors.
Inside the pavilion, a young maiden of tender years sat. She appeared no more than ten or so in age, dressed in a pristine white palace robe. Though not particularly beautiful, she exuded an extremely pure and innocent aura. However, her eyes, as dark as star points, revealed a hint ofvicissitudes (worldly experience).
Youth was merely superficial; this maiden had lived for many years but retained the appearance and physique of a young girl due to her anti-aging techniques.
The light faded slightly as a middle-aged Taoist approached and landed beside Lin Xuan.
Seeing only one maiden in the pavilion, he was somewhat surprised. However, his expression quickly turned to respect as he hurried forward, performing a deep bow: "I greet Master Ye. I have brought the mortal as instructed."
"Oh?"
The maiden turned her head, her eyes sweeping over Lin Xuan. Her gaze was clear and bright, like the calm surface of an ancient well.
For a moment, Lin Xuan felt as if all his secrets were laid bare before this woman.
Mind-reading technique?
No, it was far more subtle and profound. Although its effects seemed similar, the level of subtlety was incomparable.
Lin Xuan's heart was filled with shock.
Yet, on the surface, he showed no signs of alarm.
After using the Heaven Demoninfantilization Technique (a cultivation method), his mana had returned to nothingness; even a late-stage cultivator’s divine awareness could not be released. But that did not mean Lin Xuan was at their mercy.
While his divine awareness couldn't leave his body, self-preservation wasn’t an issue.
Lin Xuan took a deep breath, his eyes becoming dazed and unfocused—a mere ruse to confuse the other party.
A glint appeared in her eyes as she closed them, showing signs of fatigue.
She did not notice anything amiss.
The young man’s appearance and age met the requirements. Although he had not tested his martial arts skills, they were undoubtedly above the Daoist standard.
"Good. You may leave now," the maiden said calmly.
"Yes, Master Ye. But what about Elder Grandmaster?" The middle-aged Taoist hesitated as he spoke. He had been ordered by Elder Grandmaster to bring a mortal here, and now handing him over to Master Ye seemed to differ from his instructions. Thus, both emotionally and logically, he felt the need to ask.
"Elder Grandmaster left for something else earlier. Is there a problem?" The maiden’s eyebrows furrowed slightly as her voice took on a hint of coldness.
"No, Master Ye, I misunderstood. It was my mistake. I just asked casually," the middle-aged Taoist said in alarm and with utmost respect.
"Very well, you may go."
The maiden remained silent. The middle-aged Taoist, relieved like a man pardoned, bowed deeply before leaving the mountain.
Watching his back disappear, the maiden sighed. Their success or failure depended on their cooperation with three mortals. Thus, her attitude toward Lin Xuan was relatively kind.
"May I ask your name?"
"I am Tiantian, Master," replied Lin Xuan, bowing respectfully and appearing extremely obedient. Mortals always showed reverence to cultivators, even Daoist martial artists could not escape this. Lin Xuan portrayed it perfectly, adept at feigning compliance.
"You are Mr. Tian, I see. As a mortal, you should be straightforward. We found you because our sect is undertaking a significant matter and needs your help from the mortals and Daoist martial artists. Of course, we will not make you work in vain. If you assist us wholeheartedly, there will be countless benefits for you."
"You do not have a spirit root, so you cannot ascend to immortality. However, with our sect’s power, we can bestow upon you elixirs and medicines that will extend your lifespan by several decades," the maiden's clear voice said, filled with sincerity.
If Lin Xuan were truly a mortal Daoist martial artist, he would have been tempted by such conditions.
After all, the goal of cultivators on the path to immortality was longevity. Mortals dared not dream of such things, but doubling their lifespan would be hard to resist.
Lin Xuan’s face showed intense joy: "Thank you, Master. I will do anything you command."
In his heart, however, Lin Xuan sneered. Extending a mortal's lifespan by several decades might exist in the world, but its value was undoubtedly beyond divine level. Given the power of the First Sect of the Ethereal Immortal Palace, he had no doubt it could be offered. But giving such an item as a reward to a mere mortal? He found that hard to believe.
Breaking promises for personal gain and betraying trust were trivial matters for cultivators. To them, the goal was profit; lying to a mortal was nothing significant.
Unfortunately, mortals did not know the value of such longevity-boosting elixirs, so they believed without hesitation. Lin Xuan’s performance was flawless, causing a smile to appear on the maiden's face.
"Alright, let's go. We need to meet with others and work together to retrieve the treasure."
As she spoke, she waved her sleeve, enveloping the boat in a burst of divine light while an invigorating fragrance spread around them. A painted pleasure barge appeared before their eyes.
Though long and narrow, it was elegantly decorated despite its modest size.
"Let’s go!"
The maiden moved gracefully to the front of the boat as she shook her shoulders slightly, appearing on the deck.
Seeing the distance between Lin Xuan and the boat, he took a deep breath and used the light techniques from the Hundred Spirit True Explanation to leap onto the deck like a bird.
A smile appeared at the corner of the maiden’s lips. The mortal’s martial arts were trivial in her eyes, but their execution was graceful. Unfortunately, he remained just a mere mortal.
"We need to travel for several hours. You may choose a room to rest first."
"I am honored by your words, Master. I will go below," Lin Xuan bowed and turned toward the cabin.
The maiden raised her hand, casting a spell on the front of the boat. The barge was instantly enveloped in divine light, flying swiftly forward with remarkable stability. They had traveled countless miles over several hours.
By noon, their speed slowed down significantly. After some time, an uninhabited island came into view.