yòu guò piàn kè ， yī kē fǎng fú shān yuè bān jù dà de tóu lú cóng yún zhōng tàn chū 。
又过片刻，一颗仿佛山岳般巨大的头颅从云中探出。
After a while, a massive head that resembled a mountain poked out from the clouds.
yuán lái nà dēng lóng bān de dōng xī ， bù guò shì kuǐ lěi de liǎng kē yǎn zhū 。
原来那灯笼般的东西，不过是傀儡的两颗眼珠。
It turned out that what appeared to be a lantern was merely two eyeballs of the puppet.
jǐn jǐn shì tóu lú jiù dà dào rú cǐ dì bù ， kě xiǎng ér zhī ， nà qū tǐ shì duō me de páng bó ， ruò bú shì qīn yǎn mù dǔ ， lín xuān yě hěn nán xiǎng xiàng ， yuán běn bù guò cùn xǔ dà xiǎo de shì wù ， shì zěn me biàn dà le nà me duō bèi de 。
仅仅是头颅就大到如此地步，可想而知，那躯体是多么的磅礴，若不是亲眼目睹，林轩也很难想象，原本不过寸许大小的事物，是怎么变大了那么多倍的。
The size of just this head was already so enormous; one could only imagine how vast and imposing its body must have been. Lin Xuan found it hard to fathom, even with his own eyes, how such a tiny object had grown into something so much larger.
nà shēng shì ， nà wēi yā ， dàng zhēn yǔ zài bīng hǎi jiè jiàn dào de táo wù huà shēn xiāng chà fǎng fú 。
那声势，那威压，当真与在冰海界见到的梼杌化身相差仿佛。
The grandeur and the pressure were truly comparable to those he had seen in the Ice Sea Realm when facing the avatar of Tiaomu.
bù yòng duō zuò cháng shì le ， jǐn jǐn shì qì shì ， lín xuān jiù néng gòu gǎn jué dào ， cǐ wù de shí lì ， néng kān bǐ dù jié chū qī xiū xiān zhě 。
不用多做尝试了，仅仅是气势，林轩就能够感觉到，此物的实力，能堪比渡劫初期修仙者。
There was no need for further attempts; just from the aura alone, Lin Xuan could sense that this puppet’s strength rivaled that of a cultivator at the early Transcendation stage.
dāng rán ， bǐ zhī zhēn zhèng de zhēn líng gù rán hái yuǎn bù rú ， dàn nà yòu yǒu shén me guān xì ne ？
当然，比之真正的真灵固然还远不如，但那又有什么关系呢？
Of course, it fell far short compared to true True Spirit, but what difference did that make?
rén guì zài zhī zú 。
人贵在知足。
People should be content with what they have. Besides, without reaching a certain level of power, such differences might not even be noticeable.
hé kuàng shí lì ruò bú shì dào le yí dìng chéng dù ， zhè zhōng jiān de chā yì ， huò xǔ yě wèi bì néng gòu kàn chū 。
何况实力若不是到了一定程度，这中间的差异，或许也未必能够看出。
In other words, even an ordinary Spirit Separation cultivator could easily mistake this puppet for a True Spirit.
huàn jù huà shuō ， dòng xuán ， bù …… nǎ pà shì pǔ tōng de fēn shén qī jí bié xiān zhě ， kǒng pà yě dà yǒu kě néng ， huì jiāng cǐ wù cuò rèn wéi zhēn zhèng de zhēn líng de 。
换句话说，洞玄，不……哪怕是普通的分神期级别仙者，恐怕也大有可能，会将此物错认为真正的真灵的。
Since Lin Xuan had already determined the puppet’s strength from its aura and it met his expectations, there was no need to continue trying anything further.
jì rán cóng qì shì ， lín xuān jiù jǐ rán duàn dìng chū cǐ wù de shí lì ， què rán shì fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， dá dào le yù qī de chéng dù ， nà jiē xià lái ， yě jiù méi yǒu bì yào zuò shén me cháng shì le 。
既然从气势，林轩就己然断定出此物的实力，确然是非同小可，达到了预期的程度，那接下来，也就没有必要做什么尝试了。
After all, this puppet required仙石 (spirit stones) as energy; the power was too precious to waste unnecessarily.
bì jìng cǐ kuǐ lěi shì xū yào xiān shí zuò wéi néng yuán de ， jiù dòng lì lái shuō ， shí zài tài bǎo guì le ， rú wú bì yào ， yòu hé bì làng fèi ne ？
毕竟此傀儡是需要仙石作为能源的，就动力来说，实在太宝贵了，如无必要，又何必浪费呢？
The exact duration these nine spirit stones could sustain the puppet's movements or combat capabilities remained a mystery to Lin Xuan. Thus, every bit of spiritual qi was invaluable.
bì jìng zhè jiǔ kuài xiān shí ， jiū jìng néng zhī chēng tā yùn dòng duō jiǔ ， jìn xíng hé zhǒng chéng dù de zhàn dòu ， yù tóng zhōng méi yǒu tí ， lín xuān xīn zhōng yě jiù méi yǒu dǐ ， gù ér měi yī sī yī háo de xiān líng lì ， dōu bǎo guì wú bǐ 。
毕竟这九块仙石，究竟能支撑它运动多久，进行何种程度的战斗，玉瞳中没有提，林轩心中也就没有底，故而每一丝一毫的仙灵力，都宝贵无比。
It would be best not to waste anything.
néng bù làng fèi shì zuì hǎo dì 。
能不浪费是最好地。
"Quickly!"
“ jí ！”
“疾！”
Lin Xuan pointed his finger forward again. With his movement, the giant dragon’s head slowly vanished, and the dense black clouds above gradually dispersed.
lín xuān yòu shì yī zhǐ xiàng qián diǎn qù ， suí zhe tā de dòng zuò ， nà jù dà de lóng shǒu màn màn xiāo shī tóu dǐng nà nóng mì de wū yún yě zhú jiàn sàn qù 。
林轩又是一指像前点去，随着他的动作，那巨大的龙首慢慢消失头顶那浓密的乌云也逐渐散去。
Thunder, lightning, and hurricanes all disappeared without a trace. The sun reappeared in the sky as the clouds parted.
jīng léi 、 shǎn diàn 、 jù fēng ， quán dōu xiāo shī dé wú yǐng wú zōng ， shǒu dé yún kāi jiàn yuè míng ， wēn nuǎn de yáng guāng ， chóng xīn chū xiàn zài tiān jì 。
惊雷、闪电、飓风，全都消失得无影无踪，守得云开见月明，温暖的阳光，重新出现在天际。
Lin Xuan's expression was filled with satisfaction. This puppet could now operate smoothly, and its strength had met his expectations.
lín xuān liǎn shàng de biǎo qíng mǎn yì wú bǐ ， cǐ kuǐ lěi néng gòu yùn zhuàn rú yì ， shí lì yě dá dào le zì jǐ de yù qī 。
林轩脸上的表情满意无比，此傀儡能够运转如意，实力也达到了自己的预期。
Since he had already achieved his purpose for this journey, Lin Xuan did not need to stay any longer in this desolate desert.
jì rán yǐ jīng shí xiàn le cǐ xíng de mù dì lín xuān dāng rán méi yǒu bì yào ， jì xù zài zhè huāng wú rén yān de shā mò dài xià qù 。
既然已经实现了此行的目的林轩当然没有必要，继续在这荒无人烟的沙漠待下去。
Surrounded by a layer of green light, he vanished into the distance at an incredible speed.
hún shēn qīng máng yì qǐ ， pò kōng xiāo shī zài tiān jì 。
浑身青芒一起，破空消失在天际。
---
hěn kuài ， jiù xiāo shī le zōng jì 。
很快，就消失了踪迹。
Soon, all traces of him were gone. The area returned to its utmost tranquility.
yuán dì yòu biàn dé píng jìng yǐ jí 。
原地又变得平静以极。
Lin Xuan was unaware that when his figure disappeared, the yellow sand on the deserted plain suddenly began moving without any wind.
ér lín xuān bù zhī dào de shì , dāng tā de shēn yǐng xiāo shī ， yuán běn kōng wú yì rén de huāng mò ， dì shàng nà tǔ huáng sè de shā lì tū rán wú fēng zì dòng qǐ lái le 。
而林轩不知道的是,当他的身影消失，原本空无一人的荒漠，地上那土黄色的沙粒突然无风自动起来了。
Wu...
wū ……
呜……
Driven by some mysterious force, the sand particles kept shifting until a face appeared in Lin Xuan's vision.
fǎng fú bèi shén me shén mì de lì liàng qū shǐ ， nà shā lì bù tíng de yóu yí ， hěn kuài ， yī zhāng rén liǎn de tú àn chū xiàn zài le shì xiàn lǐ 。
仿佛被什么神秘的力量驱使，那沙粒不停的游移，很快，一张人脸的图案出现在了视线里。
"Turns out it’s spirit stone power. A mere Spirit Separation cultivator possessing such treasures... hehe, heaven doesn't forsake me. Once I break through this final seal..."
“ jū rán shì xiān líng zhī lì xiān shí ， qū qū yī fēn shén qī xiū xiān zhě ， yōng yǒu zhè yàng de bǎo wù ， hēi hēi ， tiān bù wáng wǒ ， dài běn zūn jiāng zhè zuì hòu yī zhòng fēng yìn chōng yù ……”
“居然是仙灵之力仙石，区区一分神期修仙者，拥有这样的宝物，嘿嘿，天不亡我，待本尊将这最后一重封印冲狱……”
The man's voice grew fainter and was replaced by an eerie laughter that entered Lin Xuan's ears.
nà rén liǎn de huà yīn yuè lái yuè dī ， qǔ ér dài zhī de shì lìng rén máo gǔ sǒng rán de xiào shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ lǐ 。
那人脸的话音越来越低，取而代之的是令人毛骨悚然的笑声传入耳朵里。
A gust of wind swept past, erasing the sand-formed face, and the area returned to its calm state as if nothing had happened.
suí hòu yī zhèn fēng chuī guò ， jiāng nà yóu shā lì zǔ chéng de rén miàn mǒ qù sì zhōu yòu biàn dé píng jìng yǐ jí ， fǎng fú shén me * qǐ háng wén zì * yě bù céng fā shēng guò 。
随后一阵风吹过，将那由沙粒组成的人面抹去四周又变得平静以极，仿佛什么*启航文字*也不曾发生过。
Lin Xuan’s strength was undeniable, but he didn't have prophetic abilities. He remained unaware of these events. After a half-day journey, he arrived at his cave dwelling.
lín xuān de shí lì bù yòng tí ， dàn yě méi yǒu wèi bǔ xiān zhī de néng lì ， yú zhè yī qiè , zì rán shì bìng bù qīng chǔ ， jīng guò xiǎo bàn tiān de bá shè jí huí dào le dòng fǔ 。
林轩的实力不用提，但也没有未卜先知的能力，于这一切,自然是并不清楚，经过小半天的跋涉即回到了洞府。
After resting briefly, he rushed to the training hall.
shāo shì xiū xī ， mǎ shàng yòu gǎn wǎng liàn gōng fáng lǐ 。
稍事休息，马上又赶往练功房里。
He truly moved without pause.
dàng zhēn shuō dé shàng shì mǎ bù tíng tí 。
当真说得上是马不停蹄。
However, there was no choice; he still had many treasures to refine, especially adding the essence of域外天金 (foreign celestial gold) and 幻阴魔花 (illusory Yin flower) into his own命宝 (life-prolonging treasure). This was urgent.
dàn zhè yě shì méi yǒu bàn fǎ , tā de shǒu zhōng hái yǒu xǔ duō bǎo wù xū yào liàn huà ， tè bié shì jiāng yù wài tiān jīn yǔ huàn yīn mó huā de jīng huá ， tiān rù zì jǐ de běn mìng bǎo wù ， gèng kě yǐ shuō shì dāng wù zhī jí 。
但这也是没有办法,他的手中还有许多宝物需要炼化，特别是将域外天金与幻阴魔花的精华，添入自己的本命宝物，更可以说是当务之急。
Next, he needed to comprehend the secret techniques for cultivating sword spirits.
suí hòu hái yào cān wù xiū liàn jiàn líng huà xū de mì shù 。
随后还要参悟修炼剑灵化虚的秘术。
The Nine Palaces Momentary Sword had been a hard-won achievement for Lin Xuan, and now he had the opportunity to infuse it with two more incredible secrets. His eagerness was palpable.
jiǔ gōng xū yú jiàn kě shì lín xuān fèi jǐn xīn kǔ ， hǎo bù róng yì cái liàn huà ér chéng de ， rú jīn yǒu jī huì zài ràng tā zēng tiān shàng liǎng zhǒng bù kě sī yì de mì shù ， lín xuān de xīn qíng ， nà zì rán shì pǒ wèi jí qiè de 。
九宫须臾剑可是林轩费尽辛苦，好不容易才炼化而成的，如今有机会再让它增添上两种不可思议的秘术，林轩的心情，那自然是颇为急切的。
Of course, despite his urgency, Lin Xuan did not let his guard down.
dāng rán ， jí guī jí ， lín xuān què bù gǎn yǒu fēn háo de dà yì 。
当然，急归急，林轩却不敢有分毫的大意。
Even the foreign celestial gold and illusory Yin flower were coveted by even Immortal Kings and Demon Lords, indicating their immense value. Lin Xuan considered himself fortunate to have obtained them, but he couldn't afford any mistakes this time.
yù wài tiān jīn yǔ huàn yīn mó huā zhè liǎng zhǒng cái liào ， jí biàn sàn xiān yāo wáng ， yě huì yǎn rè ， zú yǐ kàn chū ， qí bǎo guì dào hé zhǒng chéng dù ， zì jǐ yě suàn shì yǒu nì tiān de yùn qì ， cái néng yǒu suǒ de ， rán ér zhè yī cì róng hé ， ruò shì chū xiàn le chā cuò ， kě bù huì yǒu dì èr cì jī huì de 。
域外天金与幻阴魔花这两种材料，即便散仙妖王，也会眼热，足以看出，其宝贵到何种程度，自己也算是有逆天的运气，才能有所得，然而这一次融合，若是出现了差错，可不会有第二次机会的。
Thus, he was meticulous in every step of the process.
rú cǐ yī lái ， lín xuān zì rán bù gǎn mǎ hǔ ， shèn zhì kě yǐ shuō ， shì xiǎo xīn yì yì dào jí chù 。
如此一来，林轩自然不敢马虎，甚至可以说，是小心翼翼到极处。
There was no need for further elaboration; Lin Xuan focused on refining his treasures while handling various miscellaneous tasks. Unlike closing a life-and-death gate, he was extremely busy and rarely left his cave dwelling.
jiē xià lái de shì qíng bù yòng duō shuō ， lín xuān jiù shì liàn bǎo dǎ zuò 。
接下来的事情不用多说，林轩就是炼宝打坐。
---
tóng shí chǔ lǐ gè zhǒng gè yàng de zá wù ， yǔ bì shēng sǐ guān lüè yǒu bù tóng ， bìng bú shì kū zuò zài mǒu chù ， zhěng gè rén xiǎn de shì fēi cháng de máng lù ， dàn yě jī hū méi yǒu shí jiān lí kāi dòng fǔ 。
同时处理各种各样的杂务，与闭生死关略有不同，并不是枯坐在某处，整个人显得是非常的忙碌，但也几乎没有时间离开洞府。
Over the course of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, year after year passed without any unexpected incidents. Meanwhile, the Cloud Concealment Sect saw rapid growth with three other factions submitting to it, whether voluntarily or not. The sect's influence expanded significantly.
chūn xià qiū dōng ， suì yuè hán shǔ ， yī nián yòu yī nián jiù zhè yàng guò qù le 。
春夏秋冬，岁月寒暑，一年又一年就这样过去了。
In a world where the strong prey on the weak, as the Cloud Concealment Sect grew stronger, it naturally sought more benefits and resources.
méi yǒu rén * qīng yì ěr yǎ * lái dǎ rǎo lín xuān ， ér zài zhè duàn shí jiān ， yún yǐn zōng yě huò dé le jí wéi gāo sù de fā zhǎn ， sān pài guī fú ， bù guǎn shì bú shì chū yú zì yuàn ， yún yǐn zōng de shì lì ， dōu shì huò dé le jí dà de kuò zhǎn 。
没有人*清逸尔雅*来打扰林轩，而在这段时间，云隐宗也获得了极为高速的发展，三派归服，不管是不是出于自愿，云隐宗的势力，都是获得了极大的扩展。
Facing this sudden giant, many nearby sects and families submitted out of fear, but some powerful factions were unwilling to give up their precious spirit veins and resources without a fight.
ér xiū xiān jiè yuán běn jiù shì ruò ròu qiáng shí ， yún yǐn zōng qiáng dà yǐ hòu ， zì rán huì móu qiú gèng duō de hǎo chù yǔ zī yuán 。
而修仙界原本就是弱肉强食，云隐宗强大以后，自然会谋求更多的好处与资源。
What could be said then? In the world of cultivation, strength always spoke louder than words. A bloody storm swept through the entire Frosty Region as various factions clashed.
miàn duì zhè tū rán mào chū lái de páng rán dà wù ， bù shǎo lín jìn de zōng mén jiā zú wàng fēng guī fú ， bù guò yě yǒu yī xiē qiáng dà de mén pài ， bù yuàn yì bái bái jiāo chū zuò yōng de líng mài yǔ zī yuán 。
面对这突然冒出来的庞然大物，不少临近的宗门家族望风归服，不过也有一些强大的门派，不愿意白白交出坐拥的灵脉与资源。
However, the Cloud Concealment Sect was one of the five major sects in this region. Centuries ago, they defeated the Old Fiend and gained significant development. With three additional factions supporting them, coupled with Lin Xuan's fearsome reputation, it was clear that no other sect could match their power.
nà hái yǒu shén me hǎo shuō ， tán bù tuǒ ， xiū xiān jiè xiàng lái dōu shì yǐ shí lì shuō huà de ， yī shí jiān ， xīng fēng xuè yǔ ， zài zhěng gè tiān shuāng jùn de xiū xiān jiè guā le qǐ lái 。
那还有什么好说，谈不妥，修仙界向来都是以实力说话的，一时间，腥风血雨，在整个天霜郡的修仙界刮了起来。
While not unstoppable, the Cloud Concealment Sect’s expansion was rapid.
rán ér yún yǐn zōng běn jiù shì gāi jùn wǔ dà zōng mén zhī yī ， shù bǎi nián qián ， dǎ bài tiān jué lǎo guài ， gèng shì ràng yún yǐn zōng huò dé le jí dà de fā zhǎn ， rú jīn yòu yǒu sān pài zuò wéi fǔ zhù ， zài jiā shàng lín xuān míng shēng zài wài ， ràng rén wén fēng sàng dǎn ， nǎ shì nà xiē mén pài kě yǐ bǐ jiān 。
然而云隐宗本就是该郡五大宗门之一，数百年前，打败天绝老怪，更是让云隐宗获得了极大的发展，如今又有三派作为辅助，再加上林轩名声在外，让人闻风丧胆，哪是那些门派可以比肩。
With better spirit veins and more resources, the sect’s growth was imminent.
suī tán bù shàng shì rú pò zhú ， dàn yún yǐn zōng de kuò zhāng sù dù què yě jí kuài 。
虽谈不上势如破竹，但云隐宗的扩张速度却也极快。
Meanwhile, regarding Lin Xuan’s avatar, he continued his relentless pursuit of the image pearl's whereabouts, heading to Qingmu City without pause.
ér zhàn yǒu le gèng hǎo de líng mài ， yōng yǒu le gèng duō de zī yuán ， gāi pài de zhuàng dà fā zhǎn ， yě jiāng shì zhǐ rì kě dài 。
而占有了更好的灵脉，拥有了更多的资源，该派的壮大发展，也将是指日可待。
Qingmu City would have been unknown to Lin Xuan if not for his leisurely interest in various ancient texts. As a cultivator, he had an excellent memory. Without this knowledge, it wouldn't have mattered much.
běn tǐ zhè biān de qíng kuàng zàn qiě bù tí ， bìng méi yǒu chū xiàn shén me yì liào zhī wài de biàn gù chā yì ， qiě shuō lín xuān de huà shēn ， wèi le zhuī chá yìng xiàng zhū de xiāo xī ， yī lù yě shì mǎ bù tíng tí ， xiàng qīng mù chéng gǎn qù 。
本体这边的情况暂且不提，并没有出现什么意料之外的变故差异，且说林轩的化身，为了追查映象珠的消息，一路也是马不停蹄，像青木城赶去。
But since Lin Xuan happened to know the location, and at such a vast distance, it was insignificant for him.
qīng mù chéng ， ruò bú shì lín xuān xián xiá zhī yú ， xǐ huān biàn yuè gè zhǒng gè yàng de diǎn jí ， ér xiū xiān zhě ， yòu yǒu zhe guò mù bù wàng de néng lì ， lín xuān kǒng pà hái zhēn bù xiǎo de ， qīng mù chéng wèi yú hé chù 。
青木城，若不是林轩闲暇之余，喜欢遍阅各种各样的典籍，而修仙者，又有着过目不忘的能力，林轩恐怕还真不晓得，青木城位于何处。
Despite being inferior to the main body, the avatar’s speed still allowed instantaneous travel over thousands of miles.
suī rán tā jù lí cǐ dì ， yáo yáo bù guò shù shí wàn lǐ ， dàn jǐn jǐn shì dī jiē xiū shì de jù jū zhī suǒ ， bù lùn miàn jī ， hái shì guī mó ， dōu bìng bù chū zhòng ， duì yú lín xuān zhè yàng de cún zài lái shuō ， bù guò shì fú yún bà le 。
虽然它距离此地，遥遥不过数十万里，但仅仅是低阶修士的聚居之所，不论面积，还是规模，都并不出众，对于林轩这样的存在来说，不过是浮云罢了。
Lin Xuan didn’t need to rush; after all, so much time had passed that a day or two difference wouldn't matter. So he didn't push himself to the limit. Nevertheless, just two days later, he arrived at a majestic city.
After a while, a massive head that resembled a mountain poked out from the clouds.
It turned out that what appeared to be a lantern was merely two eyeballs of the puppet.
The size of just this head was already so enormous; one could only imagine how vast and imposing its body must have been. Lin Xuan found it hard to fathom, even with his own eyes, how such a tiny object had grown into something so much larger.
The grandeur and the pressure were truly comparable to those he had seen in the Ice Sea Realm when facing the avatar of Tiaomu.
There was no need for further attempts; just from the aura alone, Lin Xuan could sense that this puppet’s strength rivaled that of a cultivator at the early Transcendation stage.
Of course, it fell far short compared to true True Spirit, but what difference did that make?
People should be content with what they have. Besides, without reaching a certain level of power, such differences might not even be noticeable.
In other words, even an ordinary Spirit Separation cultivator could easily mistake this puppet for a True Spirit.
Since Lin Xuan had already determined the puppet’s strength from its aura and it met his expectations, there was no need to continue trying anything further.
After all, this puppet required仙石 (spirit stones) as energy; the power was too precious to waste unnecessarily.
The exact duration these nine spirit stones could sustain the puppet's movements or combat capabilities remained a mystery to Lin Xuan. Thus, every bit of spiritual qi was invaluable.
It would be best not to waste anything.
"Quickly!"
Lin Xuan pointed his finger forward again. With his movement, the giant dragon’s head slowly vanished, and the dense black clouds above gradually dispersed.
Thunder, lightning, and hurricanes all disappeared without a trace. The sun reappeared in the sky as the clouds parted.
Lin Xuan's expression was filled with satisfaction. This puppet could now operate smoothly, and its strength had met his expectations.
Since he had already achieved his purpose for this journey, Lin Xuan did not need to stay any longer in this desolate desert.
Surrounded by a layer of green light, he vanished into the distance at an incredible speed.
---
Soon, all traces of him were gone. The area returned to its utmost tranquility.
Lin Xuan was unaware that when his figure disappeared, the yellow sand on the deserted plain suddenly began moving without any wind.
Wu...
Driven by some mysterious force, the sand particles kept shifting until a face appeared in Lin Xuan's vision.
"Turns out it’s spirit stone power. A mere Spirit Separation cultivator possessing such treasures... hehe, heaven doesn't forsake me. Once I break through this final seal..."
The man's voice grew fainter and was replaced by an eerie laughter that entered Lin Xuan's ears.
A gust of wind swept past, erasing the sand-formed face, and the area returned to its calm state as if nothing had happened.
Lin Xuan’s strength was undeniable, but he didn't have prophetic abilities. He remained unaware of these events. After a half-day journey, he arrived at his cave dwelling.
After resting briefly, he rushed to the training hall.
He truly moved without pause.
However, there was no choice; he still had many treasures to refine, especially adding the essence of域外天金 (foreign celestial gold) and 幻阴魔花 (illusory Yin flower) into his own命宝 (life-prolonging treasure). This was urgent.
Next, he needed to comprehend the secret techniques for cultivating sword spirits.
The Nine Palaces Momentary Sword had been a hard-won achievement for Lin Xuan, and now he had the opportunity to infuse it with two more incredible secrets. His eagerness was palpable.
Of course, despite his urgency, Lin Xuan did not let his guard down.
Even the foreign celestial gold and illusory Yin flower were coveted by even Immortal Kings and Demon Lords, indicating their immense value. Lin Xuan considered himself fortunate to have obtained them, but he couldn't afford any mistakes this time.
Thus, he was meticulous in every step of the process.
There was no need for further elaboration; Lin Xuan focused on refining his treasures while handling various miscellaneous tasks. Unlike closing a life-and-death gate, he was extremely busy and rarely left his cave dwelling.
---
Over the course of spring, summer, autumn, and winter, year after year passed without any unexpected incidents. Meanwhile, the Cloud Concealment Sect saw rapid growth with three other factions submitting to it, whether voluntarily or not. The sect's influence expanded significantly.
In a world where the strong prey on the weak, as the Cloud Concealment Sect grew stronger, it naturally sought more benefits and resources.
Facing this sudden giant, many nearby sects and families submitted out of fear, but some powerful factions were unwilling to give up their precious spirit veins and resources without a fight.
What could be said then? In the world of cultivation, strength always spoke louder than words. A bloody storm swept through the entire Frosty Region as various factions clashed.
However, the Cloud Concealment Sect was one of the five major sects in this region. Centuries ago, they defeated the Old Fiend and gained significant development. With three additional factions supporting them, coupled with Lin Xuan's fearsome reputation, it was clear that no other sect could match their power.
While not unstoppable, the Cloud Concealment Sect’s expansion was rapid.
With better spirit veins and more resources, the sect’s growth was imminent.
Meanwhile, regarding Lin Xuan’s avatar, he continued his relentless pursuit of the image pearl's whereabouts, heading to Qingmu City without pause.
Qingmu City would have been unknown to Lin Xuan if not for his leisurely interest in various ancient texts. As a cultivator, he had an excellent memory. Without this knowledge, it wouldn't have mattered much.
But since Lin Xuan happened to know the location, and at such a vast distance, it was insignificant for him.
Despite being inferior to the main body, the avatar’s speed still allowed instantaneous travel over thousands of miles.
Lin Xuan didn’t need to rush; after all, so much time had passed that a day or two difference wouldn't matter. So he didn't push himself to the limit. Nevertheless, just two days later, he arrived at a majestic city.