shuō wēi é qí shí nà yě shì xiāng duì lái shuō 。
说巍峨其实那也是相对来说。
To be grand, that is relative.
yī dī jiē xiū shì de jù jū zhī suǒ ， chéng chí yòu néng zhuàng guān dào hé děng dì bù ？
一低阶修士的聚居之所，城池又能壮观到何等地步？
How magnificent could a settlement for low-ranking cultivators truly be?
yóu qí duì yú jīng yàn yuè lì jí wéi fēng fù de lín xuān lái shuō ， zhè yàng guī mó de chéng chí ， gēn běn jiù shì bù zhí yī shěn zhī wù 。
尤其对于经验阅历极为丰富的林轩来说，这样规模的城池，根本就是不值一哂之物。
Especially to Lin Xuan, such a city was hardly worth a glance.
dāng rán ， ruò jiù fán rén de biāo zhǔn kǎo liáng ， yǎn qián de chéng chí ， yòu dà dào le bù kě sī yì de chéng dù 。
当然，若就凡人的标准考量，眼前的城池，又大到了不可思议的程度。
Of course, from the perspective of ordinary people, this city was astonishingly large. Its height exceeded one hundred zhang, constructed with unusually thick green sandstone, making it incredibly sturdy. Under the setting sun, it seemed like a savage giant beast lying quietly on the boundless wilderness.
jǐn jǐn gāo jiù yǒu bǎi zhàng yú ， quán bù shì yòng hòu zhòng yì cháng de qīng gǎng yán xiū jiàn ér chéng dì ， jiān yìng wú bǐ 。
仅仅高就有百丈余，全部是用厚重异常的青岗岩修建而成地，坚硬无比。
Meteor trails occasionally streaked across the sky as night began to fall, but the city remained bustling with cultivators coming and going, giving an impression of constant activity.
zài xī yáng de yìng chèn xià ， fǎng fú yī mán huāng jù shòu ， jìng jìng de pú fú yú nà yí wàng wú yín de huāng yuán lǐ 。
在夕阳的映衬下，仿佛一蛮荒巨兽，静静的匍匐于那一望无垠的荒原里。
However, their cultivation levels were not impressive. Lin Xuan subtly used concealment techniques so that no one could spot him; he was merely observing from the side.
tiān kōng zhōng bù shí yǒu yī dào dào liú xīng huá guò ， suī rán tiān sè yǐ jīng yǒu xiē wǎn le ， dàn cǐ chéng yī jiù bù fá xiū xiān zhě jìn jìn chū chū ， dào yě xiǎn de shì pǒ wèi máng lù 。
天空中不时有一道道流星划过，虽然天色已经有些晚了，但此城依旧不乏修仙者进进出出，倒也显得是颇为忙碌。
After a brief observation, Lin Xuan's body emitted a faint aura as he found an empty area to land. A loud crackling sound filled his ears as he transformed into an emaciated old man, his cultivation level dropping to around the realm of the spirit embryo.
bù guò xiū wèi dōu bù rú hé ， lín xuān shāo shāo shī zhǎn yǐn nì zhī shù ， jiù wú yī rén néng fā xiàn ， tā zài yī páng kuī tàn zhe 。
不过修为都不如何，林轩稍稍施展隐匿之术，就无一人能发现，他在一旁窥探着。
Such actions were necessary; most travelers in Qingmu City were low-ranking cultivators. If he had infiltrated with a fragmentary soul, it would have been too shocking. Lin Xuan came here to gather information, not to attract attention, so concealing his identity and cultivation level was essential.
lín xuān lüè wēi guān chá le piàn kè ， hún shēn líng máng yì qǐ ， zhǎo le yī wú rén zhī dì jiàng luò ， suí hòu shuāng shǒu yī wò ， pī lǐ pā lā de bào xiǎng shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， tā biàn chéng le yí miàn róng kū shòu de lǎo zhě ， xiū wèi yě dà jiàng dào yuán yīng zuǒ yòu 。
林轩略微观察了片刻，浑身灵芒一起，找了一无人之地降落，随后双手一握，噼里啪啦的爆响声传入耳朵，他变成了一面容枯瘦的老者，修为也大降到元婴左右。
With no further delay, Lin Xuan confidently entered the city.
zhī suǒ yǐ rú cǐ zuò ， zì rán shì yǒu yī fān kǎo liáng de 。
之所以如此做，自然是有一番考量的。
The layout of the city did not warrant much description. Various buildings stood in neat rows, arranged in a staggered manner.
lái wǎng yú qīng mù chéng de ， dà duō shì yī xiē dī jiē xiū xiān zhě ， zì jǐ ruò shì yǐ fēn shén de xiū wèi qián rù ， wèi miǎn tài guò jīng shì hài sú ， lín xuān lái zhè lǐ ， shì dǎ tàn xiāo xī ， kě bú shì xiǎng yào yǐn qǐ bié rén de wéi guān yǔ zhù yì ， gù ér yǐn cáng xiū wèi yǔ shēn fèn kěn dìng shì bì xū 。
来往于青木城的，大多是一些低阶修仙者，自己若是以分神的修为潜入，未免太过惊世骇俗，林轩来这里，是打探消息，可不是想要引起别人的围观与注意，故而隐藏修为与身份肯定是必须。
Lin Xuan waved for a carriage and tossed a middle-grade crystal stone to the driver, saying, "Baibaozhai!"
suí hòu lín xuān yě bù dān gē ， dà yáo dà bǎi de jìn rù le chéng lǐ 。
随后林轩也不耽搁，大摇大摆的进入了城里。
Before he could finish speaking, his figure flashed, and he was already inside the carriage.
chéng zhōng de gé jú yě méi yǒu shén me zhí de miáo shù 。
城中的格局也没有什么值得描述。
His movements were so swift that they resembled those of a ghost.
gè zhǒng gè yàng de jiàn zhù lín cì zhì bǐ ， cuò luò yǒu zhì de duī qì zài nà lǐ 。
各种各样的建筑鳞次栉比，错落有致的堆砌在那里。
The driver was startled but quickly regained his composure when he saw the bright middle-grade crystal stone.
lín xuān zhāo shǒu lán xià yī liàng shòu chē ， suí hòu shǒu yī tái ， jiāng yī kuài zhōng jiē jīng shí diū zài nà jià chē rén de miàn qián ， shuō le jù ：“ bǎi bǎo zhāi ！”
林轩招手拦下一辆兽车，随后手一抬，将一块中阶晶石丢在那驾车人的面前，说了句：“百宝斋！”
"Thank you, Immortal for your generous gift."
huà yīn wèi luò ， shēn xíng yī shǎn 。 rén yǐ lái dào le shòu chē lǐ miàn 。
话音未落，身形一闪。人已来到了兽车里面。
A middle-grade crystal stone could take him a month's hard work to earn, and this customer seemed extremely generous.
dòng zuò zhī kuài 。 xíng rú guǐ mèi yì bān 。
动作之快。形如鬼魅一般。
Lin Xuan pulled on the reins, and the strange creature began to run swiftly.
jià chē zhī rén dà hài ， dàn kàn jiàn nà kuài háo guāng dà fàng de zhōng pǐn jīng shí lì kè yòu xǐ xiào yán kāi 。
驾车之人大骇，但看见那块毫光大放的中品晶石立刻又喜笑颜开。
After about half an hour, the carriage stopped in front of a wooden building. Lin Xuan looked up and saw a large signboard reading "Baibaozhai" in golden characters.
“ shì ， duō xiè xiān shī shǎng cì 。”
“是，多谢仙师赏赐。”
The building was unremarkable from any angle; it appeared to be just another ordinary pawnshop.
yī kuài zhōng pǐn jīng shí 。 tā yí gè yuè de xīn kǔ ， yě wèi bì néng gòu zhuàn zú ， zhè wèi zhǔ gù zhēn shì tài dà fāng le 。
一块中品晶石。他一个月的辛苦，也未必能够赚足，这位主顾真是太大方了。
Could the Image Pearl really come from here?
máng yī lā jiāng shéng 。 nà shì mǎ fēi mǎ de guài wù lì kè fàng kāi sì tí ， bēn pǎo dào yě shì pǒ wèi xùn sù 。
忙一拉缰绳。那似马非马的怪物立刻放开四蹄，奔跑倒也是颇为迅速。
Lin Xuan's doubts lingered, but he believed there was no reason for the woman named Cao to deceive him.
dà yuē guò le xiǎo bàn zhǎn chá de gōng fu ， nà shòu chē jiù tíng le xià lái 。
大约过了小半盏茶的功夫，那兽车就停了下来。
With a calm expression, Lin Xuan walked into Baibaozhai as if strolling through an open courtyard.
lín xuān tái qǐ tóu lú ， guǒ rán kàn jiàn yī zuò mù zhì de jiàn zhù 。
林轩抬起头颅，果然看见一座木制的建筑。
Upon entering, Lin Xuan was slightly surprised by the interior layout. It differed significantly from his expectations of a typical pawnshop.
guà zhe yī fú dà dà de pái biǎn 。
挂着一幅大大的牌匾。
The hall was bright and spacious, capable of accommodating dozens of people without feeling crowded. At the end of the hall stood a long counter made of precious sandalwood, known for its durability and pleasant aroma that could invigorate one's mind. Such wood was often used by low-ranking cultivators to make small accessories.
shàng shū jǐ gè jīn zì ， bǎi bǎo zhāi ！
上书几个金字，百宝斋！
The cost of such counters was considerable, indicating that Baibaozhai was not an ordinary pawnshop but had some substantial resources.
nà jiàn zhù yě wú shèn chū qí ， wú lùn cóng nǎ ge jiǎo dù kàn ， dōu zhǐ shì yī jiā jí wéi xún cháng dí dàng pù ér yǐ 。
那建筑也无甚出奇，无论从哪个角度看，都只是一家极为寻常的当铺而已。
A young man in a green hat greeted him with a smile: "Welcome, honored guest! What would you like to see? Though we are a pawnshop, our collection is extensive. We can definitely satisfy your needs."
yìng xiàng zhū zhēn chū yú cǐ dì ？
映象珠真出于此地？
The tone of the attendant was exaggerated, but his expression was respectful. Typically, customers at a pawnshop fell into two categories.
lín xuān xīn zhōng bù bù yóu de yǒu diǎn huái yí 。
林轩心中不不由得有点怀疑。
One group consisted of impoverished cultivators who had nothing left and were on the brink of destitution. They brought their family heirlooms or junk to pawn for survival.
bù guò yú qíng yú lǐ ， nà gé xìng nǚ zǐ dōu méi yǒu qī piàn zì jǐ de dào lǐ 。
不过于情于理，那葛姓女子都没有欺骗自己的道理。
The other category comprised wealthy individuals who came not to pawn anything but to chance upon some treasure.
xīn zhōng rú cǐ xiǎng zhe ， lín xuān liǎn shàng bù dòng shēng sè 。 rú xián tíng sàn bù ， zǒu jìn le bǎi bǎo zhāi zhōng 。
心中如此想着，林轩脸上不动声色。如闲庭散步，走进了百宝斋中。
Pawns like these were rare, but it was common for well-off cultivators to visit a pawnshop in hopes of finding something valuable.
yī jìn qí nèi ， lín xuān wēi wēi yí zhèng 。
一进其内，林轩微微一怔。
Lin Xuan belonged to the latter. For such a wealthy customer, Baibaozhai would certainly treat him with due respect.
lǐ miàn de gé jú 。 yǔ zì jǐ suǒ xiǎng xiàng dí dàng pù 。 jié rán bù tóng 。
里面的格局。与自己所想象的当铺。截然不同。
Lin Xuan glanced at the attendant and wasted no time on him: "I am looking for some items. Just call your boss."
dà tīng míng liàng kuān chǎng ， jí shǐ róng nà shù shí rén yě bú huì yǒu fēn háo yōng jǐ zhī chù 。 ér zài dà tīng de jìn tóu ， zé shì yī pái shí yú zhàng zhǎng de guì tái ， jiē shì yòng jí wéi míng guì de tán xiāng mù suǒ zhù 。
大厅明亮宽敞，即使容纳数十人也不会有分毫拥挤之处。而在大厅的尽头，则是一排十余丈长的柜台，皆是用极为名贵的檀香木所铸。
The attendant sucked in his breath sharply. This man's arrogance was alarming; he demanded to see the owner directly. He instinctively wanted to refuse, but as soon as their eyes met, something compelled him to remain silent.
zhè zhǒng mù liào ， bù jǐn jiān yìng yì cháng ， ér qiě sàn fà chū lái de xiāng qì ， néng gòu tí shén xǐng nǎo ， cháng bèi dī jiē xiū shì zuò chéng xiǎo guà jiàn pèi zài shēn shàng 。
这种木料，不仅坚硬异常，而且散发出来的香气，能够提神醒脑，常被低阶修士做成小挂件配在身上。
Instead, the attendant led Lin Xuan to a comfortable seat on the second floor and went out to call the boss.
jià gé zì rán yě shì bù fēi 。
价格自然也是不菲。
Lin Xuan sat quietly in the room, waiting for only a short while before an overweight middle-aged man with a pleasant smile entered.
néng gòu yòng tán xiāng mù dǎ zhì chéng zhè me dà de yí gè guì tái ， kě yǐ kàn chū ， zhè bǎi bǎo zhāi dào yě bú shì pǔ tōng dí dàng pù ， pǒ yǒu nà me jǐ fēn shí lì de 。
能够用檀香木打制成这么大的一个柜台，可以看出，这百宝斋倒也不是普通的当铺，颇有那么几分实力的。
Lin Xuan looked up and saw that this man's appearance and demeanor were indistinguishable from those of a regular shop owner. The only difference was his sharp, intelligent eyes. His cultivation level was also not weak; he was an advanced-stage spirit embryo cultivator, which made him one of the higher-ranking cultivators in Qingmu City.
ér jiù zài cǐ kè ， yī qīng yī xiǎo mào de huǒ jì yǐ mǎn liǎn xī xiào de yíng shàng lái le ：“ huān yíng kè rén guāng gù ， qǐng wèn nín xiǎng yào kàn diǎn shén me ， běn diàn suī shì dàng pù ， dàn bǎo wù yě shì yī yīng jù quán ， jué duì néng ràng nín mǎn yì ér guī 。”
而就在此刻，一青衣小帽的伙计已满脸嬉笑的迎上来了：“欢迎客人光顾，请问您想要看点什么，本店虽是当铺，但宝物也是一应俱全，绝对能让您满意而归。”
Initially, the man had a kind expression but changed abruptly upon seeing Lin Xuan, showing surprise and suspicion, along with a hint of fear. However, his demeanor quickly turned into respect as he approached Lin Xuan and bowed deeply: "Junior wishes to pay respects to Senior. I do not know why you have come here, but if there is anything within my power, I will certainly do my best."
zhè huǒ jì de kǒu qì dà dé lí pǔ ， hǎo zài biǎo qíng hái shì pǒ wèi gōng jìng de ， tōng cháng ， guāng gù dàng pù gù kè de yǒu liǎng zhǒng 。
这伙计的口气大得离谱，好在表情还是颇为恭敬的，通常，光顾当铺顾客的有两种。
"Can you discern the cultivation level of this body?"
yī shì qióng kùn liáo dǎo de xiū xiān zhě 。
一是穷困潦倒的修仙者。
Lin Xuan was surprised by the outcome. Although his concealment technique was slightly inferior to that of his true form due to the nature of his cultivation method, it was not something ordinary cultivators could see through.
shēn wú cháng wù ， yòng yī jù jià jiǎn dān de huà yǔ miáo shù ， jiù shì gēn běn hùn bù xià qù le ， fǒu zé ， yě bú huì jiāng yī xiē zǔ chuán de bǎo wù ， huò zhě pò làn lā jī ná dào dàng pù 。
身无长物，用一句价简单的话语描述，就是根本混不下去了，否则，也不会将一些祖传的宝物，或者破烂垃圾拿到当铺。
A mere spirit embryo cultivator had managed to perceive his concealment technique; wasn't this too extraordinary?
dì èr zhǒng zé shì shēn jiā fù zú ， lái dàng pù zì rán yě bú shì wèi le diǎn dàng shén me shì wù ， ér shì pèng yùn qì ， kàn néng fǒu táo huàn dào shén me bǎo bèi de 。
第二种则是身家富足，来当铺自然也不是为了典当什么事物，而是碰运气，看能否淘换到什么宝贝的。
Surprised and wary, Lin Xuan's expression darkened.
yào xiǎo de ， xiàng dàng pù zhè zhǒng shēng yì ， nà shì hǎi nà bǎi chuān ， líng qì 、 dān yào 、 fǎ bǎo ， líng huā líng mù ， yāo shòu cái liào ， nà shì wú suǒ bù bāo 。
要晓得，像当铺这种生意，那是海纳百川，灵器、丹药、法宝，灵花灵木，妖兽材料，那是无所不包。
"Senior, please calm down. I would never harm you. As a naturally xuanqing body, I can discern your concealment," the shop owner hurriedly explained.
To be grand, that is relative.
How magnificent could a settlement for low-ranking cultivators truly be?
Especially to Lin Xuan, such a city was hardly worth a glance.
Of course, from the perspective of ordinary people, this city was astonishingly large. Its height exceeded one hundred zhang, constructed with unusually thick green sandstone, making it incredibly sturdy. Under the setting sun, it seemed like a savage giant beast lying quietly on the boundless wilderness.
Meteor trails occasionally streaked across the sky as night began to fall, but the city remained bustling with cultivators coming and going, giving an impression of constant activity.
However, their cultivation levels were not impressive. Lin Xuan subtly used concealment techniques so that no one could spot him; he was merely observing from the side.
After a brief observation, Lin Xuan's body emitted a faint aura as he found an empty area to land. A loud crackling sound filled his ears as he transformed into an emaciated old man, his cultivation level dropping to around the realm of the spirit embryo.
Such actions were necessary; most travelers in Qingmu City were low-ranking cultivators. If he had infiltrated with a fragmentary soul, it would have been too shocking. Lin Xuan came here to gather information, not to attract attention, so concealing his identity and cultivation level was essential.
With no further delay, Lin Xuan confidently entered the city.
The layout of the city did not warrant much description. Various buildings stood in neat rows, arranged in a staggered manner.
Lin Xuan waved for a carriage and tossed a middle-grade crystal stone to the driver, saying, "Baibaozhai!"
Before he could finish speaking, his figure flashed, and he was already inside the carriage.
His movements were so swift that they resembled those of a ghost.
The driver was startled but quickly regained his composure when he saw the bright middle-grade crystal stone.
"Thank you, Immortal for your generous gift."
A middle-grade crystal stone could take him a month's hard work to earn, and this customer seemed extremely generous.
Lin Xuan pulled on the reins, and the strange creature began to run swiftly.
After about half an hour, the carriage stopped in front of a wooden building. Lin Xuan looked up and saw a large signboard reading "Baibaozhai" in golden characters.
The building was unremarkable from any angle; it appeared to be just another ordinary pawnshop.
Could the Image Pearl really come from here?
Lin Xuan's doubts lingered, but he believed there was no reason for the woman named Cao to deceive him.
With a calm expression, Lin Xuan walked into Baibaozhai as if strolling through an open courtyard.
Upon entering, Lin Xuan was slightly surprised by the interior layout. It differed significantly from his expectations of a typical pawnshop.
The hall was bright and spacious, capable of accommodating dozens of people without feeling crowded. At the end of the hall stood a long counter made of precious sandalwood, known for its durability and pleasant aroma that could invigorate one's mind. Such wood was often used by low-ranking cultivators to make small accessories.
The cost of such counters was considerable, indicating that Baibaozhai was not an ordinary pawnshop but had some substantial resources.
A young man in a green hat greeted him with a smile: "Welcome, honored guest! What would you like to see? Though we are a pawnshop, our collection is extensive. We can definitely satisfy your needs."
The tone of the attendant was exaggerated, but his expression was respectful. Typically, customers at a pawnshop fell into two categories.
One group consisted of impoverished cultivators who had nothing left and were on the brink of destitution. They brought their family heirlooms or junk to pawn for survival.
The other category comprised wealthy individuals who came not to pawn anything but to chance upon some treasure.
Pawns like these were rare, but it was common for well-off cultivators to visit a pawnshop in hopes of finding something valuable.
Lin Xuan belonged to the latter. For such a wealthy customer, Baibaozhai would certainly treat him with due respect.
Lin Xuan glanced at the attendant and wasted no time on him: "I am looking for some items. Just call your boss."
The attendant sucked in his breath sharply. This man's arrogance was alarming; he demanded to see the owner directly. He instinctively wanted to refuse, but as soon as their eyes met, something compelled him to remain silent.
Instead, the attendant led Lin Xuan to a comfortable seat on the second floor and went out to call the boss.
Lin Xuan sat quietly in the room, waiting for only a short while before an overweight middle-aged man with a pleasant smile entered.
Lin Xuan looked up and saw that this man's appearance and demeanor were indistinguishable from those of a regular shop owner. The only difference was his sharp, intelligent eyes. His cultivation level was also not weak; he was an advanced-stage spirit embryo cultivator, which made him one of the higher-ranking cultivators in Qingmu City.
Initially, the man had a kind expression but changed abruptly upon seeing Lin Xuan, showing surprise and suspicion, along with a hint of fear. However, his demeanor quickly turned into respect as he approached Lin Xuan and bowed deeply: "Junior wishes to pay respects to Senior. I do not know why you have come here, but if there is anything within my power, I will certainly do my best."
"Can you discern the cultivation level of this body?"
Lin Xuan was surprised by the outcome. Although his concealment technique was slightly inferior to that of his true form due to the nature of his cultivation method, it was not something ordinary cultivators could see through.
A mere spirit embryo cultivator had managed to perceive his concealment technique; wasn't this too extraordinary?
Surprised and wary, Lin Xuan's expression darkened.
"Senior, please calm down. I would never harm you. As a naturally xuanqing body, I can discern your concealment," the shop owner hurriedly explained.