“ yǒu láo gū niáng 。” lín xuān wēi wēi yī xiào ， rán hòu jiù háo bù chí yí de zǒu le jìn qù 。
“有劳姑娘。”林轩微微一笑，然后就毫不迟疑的走了进去。
"Your grace," Lin Xuan smiled slightly and then walked into the room without hesitation.
wàng zhe tā de bèi yǐng ， yè rú xiù lì de róng yán shàng shǎn guò yī sī gǔ guài biǎo qíng ， yīng chún wēi qǐ ， dòng le jǐ dòng ， dàn hái shì méi yǒu chū shēng ， tàn le kǒu qì ， yuán lù tuì le huí qù 。
望着他的背影，叶茹秀丽的容颜上闪过一丝古怪表情，樱唇微启，动了几动，但还是没有出声，叹了口气，原路退了回去。
As he watched his back, Ye Ru's beautiful face flashed with a strange expression. Her lips moved several times but she did not speak, sighing as she retreated along her original path.
huì kè tīng hěn dà ， yuē yǒu yì bǎi píng fāng mǐ ， bù zhì dé gǔ piáo diǎn yǎ ， sì zhōu hái guà zhe jīng měi de bì huà 。
会客厅很大，约有一百平方米，布置得古朴典雅，四周还挂着精美的壁画。
The reception hall was spacious, approximately one hundred square meters, adorned with ancient and elegant decorations. Hanging on the walls were exquisite murals.
lǐ miàn yǒu yí gè shēn chuān hēi páo de zhōng nián rén ， shēn cái wēi wēi yǒu diǎn fú ， dàn què yǒu yī zhǒng bù nù zì wēi de qì dù ， yīng gāi jiù shì yè jiā de jiā zhǔ 。
里面有一个身穿黑袍的中年人，身材微微有点福，但却有一种不怒自威的气度，应该就是叶家的家主。
Inside, there was an elderly man dressed in black robes. He had a slightly plump build but exuded an imposing presence even without being angry. This should be the head of the Ye family.
jiàn dào lín xuān ， tā lì kè mǎn miàn xiào róng de yíng le shàng lái ， shēn shī yī lǐ ， yǒu diǎn qiàn yì de dào ：“ shǔ xià yè qīng chéng ， jiàn guò shǎo zhǔ ， shǔ xià bù biàn chū mén yíng jiē ， hái wàng shǎo zhǔ bú yào guài zuì a ！”
见到林轩，他立刻满面笑容的迎了上来，深施一礼，有点歉意的道：“属下叶青城，见过少主，属下不便出门迎接，还望少主不要怪罪啊！”
Upon seeing Lin Xuan, he immediately greeted him with a warm smile and performed a deep bow, apologetically saying, "Subordinate Ye Qingcheng, meeting you, Young Master. Subordinate was unable to greet at the entrance, so please do not blame me!"
“ dào yǒu kè qì le 。” lín xuān mī le mī yǎn ， gǒng shǒu bào quán ：“ lín mǒu fèng jiā shì zhī mìng lái dào qīng yè shān ， yǒu hé fēn fù ， dào yǒu jǐn guǎn kāi kǒu jiù shì 。”
“道友客气了。”林轩眯了眯眼，拱手抱拳：“林某奉家事之命来到青叶山，有何吩咐，道友尽管开口就是。”
"Friend, it is too polite," Lin Xuan narrowed his eyes and clasped his hands in greeting: "I came here on behalf of family matters. What instructions do you have for me?"
tā de zhè fān tài dù ， lì kè yíng dé le yè qīng chéng de hǎo gǎn ， dāng shōu dào tōng yǔ zhēn rén de chuán yīn fú ， dé zhī guò lái xié zhù zì jǐ de jiāng shì běn mén shǎo zhǔ ， yè qīng chéng yě xià le yī tiào ， suī rán biǎo miàn shàng ， yè jiā yǐ jīng dú zì kāi zōng lì hù ， rán ér àn dì lǐ ， tā men yǔ líng yào shān yī rán yǒu zhe qiān sī wàn lǚ de lián xì ， kě yǐ suàn shì gāi pài de wài wéi shì lì ， lín xuān jì shì shǎo zhǔ ， nà kě yǐ shuō shì tā de dǐng tóu shàng sī 。
他的这番态度，立刻赢得了叶青城的好感，当收到通羽真人的传音符，得知过来协助自己的将是本门少主，叶青城也吓了一跳，虽然表面上，叶家已经独自开宗立户，然而暗地里，他们与灵药山依然有着千丝万缕的联系，可以算是该派的外围势力，林轩既是少主，那可以说是他的顶头上司。
His attitude immediately won Ye Qingcheng's favor. Upon receiving the transmission talisman from True Immortal Tongyu, he learned that the young master would be assisting him. Ye Qingcheng was startled; although the Ye family had established their own sect, they still maintained secret ties with Lingyao Mountain, making them an external force of the sect. As the young master, Lin Xuan could be considered his direct superior.
hé kuàng yǒu chuán yán shuō ， zhè wèi shǎo zhǔ nián jì jí qīng ， què yǐ jīn dān dà chéng ， tōng cháng zhè yàng de tiān cái ， wú bù yǎn gāo yú dǐng ， bié shuō zhǐ wàng tā bàn shì ， yí gè nòng bù hǎo ， fǎn ér huì gěi zì jǐ tiān luàn bù shǎo ， bù guò xiàn zài kàn lái …… zhǎng mén rén guǒ rán shì zì yǒu ān pái 。
何况有传言说，这位少主年纪极轻，却已金丹大成，通常这样的天才，无不眼高于顶，别说指望他办事，一个弄不好，反而会给自己添乱不少，不过现在看来……掌门人果然是自有安排。
Moreover, there were rumors that this young master was exceptionally young but already a Golden Core cultivator. Such geniuses invariably looked down on others, and it would be difficult to expect him to handle matters well. However, now it seemed... the sect leader indeed had his own plans.
yè qīng chéng yā yì zhe xīn zhōng de xǐ yuè ， gōng jìng de dào ：“ xiè shǎo zhǔ ， nà lǎo fū jiù zhí yán le ， shì qíng shì zhè yàng de ， qián bù jiǔ ， shǔ xià dé dào le yī fèn cáng bǎo tú ……”
叶青城压抑着心中的喜悦，恭敬的道：“谢少主，那老夫就直言了，事情是这样的，前不久，属下得到了一份藏宝图……”
Ye Qingcheng suppressed his joy and respectfully said, "Thank you, Young Master. I will come straight to the point. The matter is that not long ago, I obtained a treasure map..."
“ cáng bǎo tú ？” lín xuān xīn zhōng yī tiào ， suī rán tōu tīng le tián xiǎo jiàn de tán huà ， yǐ ràng tā duō shǎo yù liào dào yì diǎn ， dàn shì dào lín tóu 。 hái shì xǐ yuè fēi cháng ， bù guò biǎo miàn shàng ， yī jiù shì yī fù dàn rán de shén sè ：“ shì gù xiū shì de yí zhǐ me ？”
“藏宝图？”林轩心中一跳，虽然偷听了田小剑的谈话，已让他多少预料到一点，但事到临头。还是喜悦非常，不过表面上，依旧是一副淡然的神色：“是故修士的遗址么？”
"A treasure map?" Lin Xuan's heart skipped a beat. Although he had overheard Tiao Xiaojian's conversation, he still expected it. But now, with the matter at hand, his excitement was evident. However, on the surface, he maintained a calm demeanor: "Is this an old cultivator's site?"
“ bù ， shì yuǎn gǔ shí dài de fèi qì kuàng cáng 。”
“不，是远古时代的废弃矿藏。”
"No, it is a deserted mine from ancient times."
“ fèi kuàng ？”
“废矿？”
"Abandoned mines?"
“ shì dì 。 suī rán shì yǐ jīng huāng fèi dì kuàng cáng 。 dàn lǐ miàn yī rán yǒu bù shǎo yì bǎo 。” yè qīng chéng yǎn lù kuáng rè dì dào 。
“是地。虽然是已经荒废地矿藏。但里面依然有不少异宝。”叶青城眼露狂热地道。
"It refers to a mine that has been abandoned. Despite its desolation, there are still many precious treasures within," Ye Qingcheng said with intense enthusiasm.
“ ó 。 nà dào yǒu wèi hé bù àn tú xún zhǎo 。” lín xuān zhǎ le zhǎ yǎn 。 míng zhī gù wèn dì kāi kǒu le 。 tā kě bù xiǎng ràng duì fāng zhī dào 。 zì jǐ wú yì jiān yǐ jīng tīng shuō le zhè ge qíng bào 。
“哦。那道友为何不按图寻找。”林轩眨了眨眼。明知故问地开口了。他可不想让对方知道。自己无意间已经听说了这个情报。
"Oh, then why don't you follow the map to find them?" Lin Xuan blinked and asked knowingly. He did not want Ye Qingcheng to know he had already heard about this information by chance.
“ āi ！” yè qīng chéng tàn le kǒu qì ：“ shǎo zhǔ nín yǒu suǒ bù zhī 。 dāng shí xiàn cáng bǎo tú dì 。 hái yǒu liǔ jiā dì rén wù 。 gù ér cáng bǎo tú bèi fēn wéi le liǎng fèn 。 hé zài yì qǐ cái néng xún zhǎo 。”
“唉！”叶青城叹了口气：“少主您有所不知。当时现藏宝图地。还有柳家地人物。故而藏宝图被分为了两份。合在一起才能寻找。”
"Ah!" Ye Qingcheng sighed: "Young Master, you do not know. At that time, there were also characters from the Li family who discovered the treasure map. Therefore, it was divided into two parts and could only be used together."
“ ó 。 nà dào yǒu xī wàng wǒ gěi nǐ tí gōng shén me bāng zhù 。 cóng liǔ jiā qù tōu qǔ nà fèn cáng bǎo tú ？”
“哦。那道友希望我给你提供什么帮助。从柳家去偷取那份藏宝图？”
"Oh, then what help does my friend need? To steal the other half of the treasure map from the Li family?"
“ bù 。” yè qīng chéng yáo le yáo tóu ：“ shǔ xià zěn gǎn ràng shǎo zhǔ yǐ qiān jīn zhī qū 。 qù xíng rú cǐ mào xiǎn zhī shì 。 nà liǔ jiā zhuāng yuán dì xiǎn è chéng dù bǐ wǒ yè jiā yóu shèng sān fēn 。 hé kuàng yǒu liǎng wèi níng dān qī gāo shǒu zuò zhèn 。 bù lùn míng tōu hái shì àn qiǎng 。 dōu shí fēn bù yì 。 hé kuàng nà bàn fèn cáng bǎo tú shuō bù dìng bèi tā men xià le jìn zhì 。 yí dàn luò rù tā rén zhī shǒu 。 jiù yǒu kě néng zì dòng huǐ qù 。”
“不。”叶青城摇了摇头：“属下怎敢让少主以千金之躯。去行如此冒险之事。那柳家庄园地险恶程度比我叶家尤胜三分。何况有两位凝丹期高手坐镇。不论明偷还是暗抢。都十分不易。何况那半份藏宝图说不定被他们下了禁制。一旦落入他人之手。就有可能自动毁去。”
"No," Ye Qingcheng shook his head: "How dare I ask Young Master to risk your precious body for such a perilous mission. The Li family's manor is even more treacherous than our own, and with two Condensation Core experts guarding it, whether we steal or rob in secret, it will be extremely difficult. Moreover, that half of the treasure map might have been enchanted by them, potentially self-destructing if it falls into others' hands."
“ shì ma ， kàn lái dào yǒu zì jǐ jiù shì zhè me zuò 。” lín xuān sì xiào fēi xiào de shuō 。
“是吗，看来道友自己就是这么做。”林轩似笑非笑的说。
"Is that so? It seems you did this yourself," Lin Xuan said with a hint of amusement.
“ hē hē ， bèi shǎo zhǔ cāi zhōng le ， shǔ xià zhè yàng yě shì wèi le yǐ fáng wàn yī 。” yè qīng chéng lüè lù yī sī gān gà dì dào 。
“呵呵，被少主猜中了，属下这样也是为了以防万一。”叶青城略露一丝尴尬地道。
"Haha, Young Master guessed correctly. I did this to prepare for any contingencies," Ye Qingcheng admitted awkwardly.
“ bù yòng guǎi wān mò jiǎo 。 dào yǒu jiū jìng rú hé dǎ suàn ， xū yào wǒ zuò shén me ， zhí shuō 。” duì yú yōu míng hán tiě ， lín xuān zhì zài bì děi ， cǐ kè ， zì rán shì xiǎn chū yī fù háo shuǎng de biǎo qíng lái le 。
“不用拐弯抹角。道友究竟如何打算，需要我做什么，直说。”对于幽冥寒铁，林轩志在必得，此刻，自然是显出一副豪爽的表情来了。
"There's no need for roundabout talk. What exactly do you plan to do and what help do you need? Just say it," Lin Xuan adopted a straightforward expression, as he was determined to obtain the Yimeng Cold Iron.
“ shǎo zhǔ kuài rén kuài yǔ ， nà shǔ xià yě jiù bú kè qì 。” yè qīng chéng mō le mō hú xū ：“ shǔ xià yǔ liǔ jiā gè dé le bàn fēn cáng bǎo tú yǐ hòu ， jì rán wú fǎ dú tūn ， nà jiù xiāng yuē hé lì xún bǎo 。 dào shí hòu yī rén yí bàn ， píng fēn 。”
“少主快人快语，那属下也就不客气。”叶青城摸了摸胡须：“属下与柳家各得了半分藏宝图以后，既然无法独吞，那就相约合力寻宝。到时候一人一半，平分。”
"Young Master is direct, so I will not be coy," Ye Qingcheng stroked his beard: "After obtaining half of the treasure map with my family, since we cannot take it alone, we agreed to work together. When we find the treasures, each of us will get half."
“ ń 。” lín xuān diǎn le diǎn tóu ， bìng wèi jiē kǒu 。
“嗯。”林轩点了点头，并未接口。
"Hmm," Lin Xuan nodded but did not respond.
yè qīng chéng jiē zhe wǎng xià shuō ：“ yīn wèi xún bǎo xū yào zuò xiē zhǔn bèi ， gù ér wǒ men méi yǒu lì kè xíng dòng ， nǎ zhī dào zhè yī dān gē ， què duō chū shì duān lái le 。”
叶青城接着往下说：“因为寻宝需要做些准备，故而我们没有立刻行动，哪知道这一耽搁，却多出事端来了。”
Ye Qingcheng continued: "Since we need preparations for the search, we delayed our actions. However, this delay led to complications."
“ shì yīn wèi liǔ jiā duō le yī wèi níng dān qī gāo shǒu 。”
“是因为柳家多了一位凝丹期高手。”
"Because the Li family gained a Condensation Core expert."
“ shì de 。” yè qīng chéng tàn le kǒu qì ：“ yuán běn wǒ liǎng jiā shì jūn lì dí ， kě xiàn zài lì liàng píng héng què bèi dǎ pò ， cáng bǎo tú hái zài wǒ shǒu lǐ shí nà liǔ lǎo pǐ fū zì rán bù gǎn qīng jǔ wàng dòng ， kě yí dàn zhǎo dào bǎo wù 。 tā men shí lì zhàn yōu 。 jiù nán bǎo ……”
“是的。”叶青城叹了口气：“原本我两家势均力敌，可现在力量平衡却被打破，藏宝图还在我手里时那柳老匹夫自然不敢轻举妄动，可一旦找到宝物。他们实力占优。就难保……”
"Yes," Ye Qingcheng sighed: "Originally, both families were evenly matched in strength, but now the balance has been disrupted. While that old man from the Li family did not dare act rashly when he had the treasure map, once they find the treasures and their power exceeds ours, it is hard to say..."
lín xuān mō le mō xià bā ， cǐ shì dào yě zài qíng lǐ zhī zhōng 。 xiū zhēn wéi lì shì tú ， yī qiè yǐ shí lì shuō huà ， shā rén qiǎng bǎo zhī shì ， kě yǐ shuō cóng shàng gǔ shí qī ， jiù cóng wèi xiū zhǐ ， yè qīng chéng suǒ lǜ ， dào yě shì dà yǒu kě néng dī ！
林轩摸了摸下巴，此事倒也在情理之中。修真唯利是图，一切以实力说话，杀人抢宝之事，可以说从上古时期，就从未休止，叶青城所虑，倒也是大有可能滴！
Lin Xuan stroked his chin; this was indeed reasonable. Cultivators always sought profit, and strength spoke louder than anything else. Such killings and thefts had never ceased since ancient times, so Ye Qingcheng's concerns were quite plausible!
“ dào yǒu suǒ lǜ shèn shì ， kě liǔ jiā nán dào huì yǎn zhēng zhēng de kàn zhe nǐ men zhǎo xún bāng shǒu ， zhè me zuò bú huì héng shēng zhī jié ？” lín xuān chén yín zhe shuō chū le zì jǐ de yí huò 。
“道友所虑甚是，可柳家难道会眼睁睁的看着你们找寻帮手，这么做不会横生枝节？”林轩沉吟着说出了自己的疑惑。
"Your worries are valid," Lin Xuan said thoughtfully: "But would the Li family sit idly by while you seek help? This might lead to complications."
“ shǎo zhǔ guǒ rán cōng míng jué dǐng ， wǒ liǎng jiā dé dào cáng bǎo tú zhī shí ， què shí yǒu yuē dìng ， bù néng jiāng cǐ xiāo xī tòu lù gěi rèn hé rén ， ó ， shǎo zhǔ shù zuì ， shǔ xià zhè me zuò bìng fēi duì shī mén bù zhōng ， jǐn jǐn shì fū yǎn liǔ jiā ér yǐ 。” yè qīng chéng yī biān shuō ， yī biān yòu jiě shì qǐ lái ， bìng tōu tōu de dǎ liàng lín xuān 。
“少主果然聪明绝顶，我两家得到藏宝图之时，确实有约定，不能将此消息透露给任何人，哦，少主恕罪，属下这么做并非对师门不忠，仅仅是敷衍柳家而已。”叶青城一边说，一边又解释起来，并偷偷的打量林轩。
"Young Master is indeed incredibly astute. When we obtained the treasure map, there was an agreement not to reveal this information to anyone," Ye Qingcheng explained, adding, "Young Master, forgive me for saying so, but I did this merely as a formality towards the Li family and nothing more."
“ hē hē ， dào yǒu bù yòng biǎo míng xīn jì ， shī zūn céng duì zài xià yán dào ， yè jiā duì wǒ líng yào shān de zhōng xīn jué wú kě yí 。” lín xuān miàn bù gǎi sè de sā huǎng dào ， yè jiā zhōng bù zhōng xīn guān zì jǐ pì shì ， guān jiàn shì yào xiǎng bàn fǎ jiāng yōu míng hán tiě nòng dào shǒu 。
“呵呵，道友不用表明心迹，师尊曾对在下言道，叶家对我灵药山的忠心绝无可疑。”林轩面不改色的撒谎道，叶家忠不忠心关自己屁事，关键是要想办法将幽冥寒铁弄到手。
"Haha, you don't need to explain your intentions. My master once told me that the loyalty of the Ye family towards Lingyao Mountain is beyond doubt," Lin Xuan lied with a straight face. The loyalty of the Ye family was not his concern; he just needed to find a way to obtain the Yimeng Cold Iron.
yè qīng chéng tīng le ， què shén sè qīng sōng xià lái ， jì xù shuō chū zì jǐ de dǎ suàn ：“ yāo yuē wài rén dāng rán bù xíng ， xiān bù shuō liǔ jiā huì yǒu shén me bié dì fǎn yìng ， zhì shǎo nà bàn fēn cáng bǎo tú tā men jiù kěn dìng bú huì ná chū lái ， bù guò jiǎ rú wǒ qǐng de bāng shǒu běn jiù shì yè jiā zǐ dì ne ， nà liǔ jiā zì rán wú huà kě shuō ， zhǎo bú dào jiè kǒu 。”
叶青城听了，却神色轻松下来，继续说出自己的打算：“邀约外人当然不行，先不说柳家会有什么别地反应，至少那半分藏宝图他们就肯定不会拿出来，不过假如我请的帮手本就是叶家子弟呢，那柳家自然无话可说，找不到借口。”
Ye Qingcheng's expression relaxed, and he continued: "Inviting outsiders would be impossible. Not only might the Li family have other reactions, but they definitely wouldn't share that half of the treasure map with us. However, if I can get help from someone within our own family, then the Li family will have no reason to object."
“ wǒ shén me shí hòu chéng le yè jiā zǐ dì ？” lín xuān biǎo qíng yī jiāng ， jí biàn yǐ tā de chéng fǔ ， yě bù zhī dào yǎn qián dì lǎo hú lí shì zài zuò zhe shén me dǎ suàn le 。
“我什么时候成了叶家子弟？”林轩表情一僵，即便以他的城府，也不知道眼前地老狐狸是在做着什么打算了。
"When did I become a Ye family member?" Lin Xuan's expression froze; even with his deep-seated cunning, he was unsure what the old fox intended.
“ shǎo zhǔ yǒu suǒ bù zhī ， shǔ xià yuán běn yǒu gè biǎo dì ， nǎi shì wǒ gū gū de ér zi ， tiān shēng cōng yǐng ， xiū dào de sù dù jué bù zài wǒ zhī xià ， kě xī wài chū yún yóu ， liǎo wú yīn xùn ， fǒu zé wǒ yè jiā qǐ huì jù tā liǔ jiā ， zǎo jiù yǒu liǎng gè níng dān qī gāo shǒu le a ！” yè qīng chéng de liǎn shàng lù chū yī sī wǎn xī de biǎo qíng 。
“少主有所不知，属下原本有个表弟，乃是我姑姑的儿子，天生聪颖，修道的速度绝不在我之下，可惜外出云游，了无音讯，否则我叶家岂会惧他柳家，早就有两个凝丹期高手了啊！”叶青城的脸上露出一丝惋惜的表情。
"Your grace does not know. Originally, I had a cousin, my aunt's son, who was exceptionally intelligent and could match me in cultivation speed," Ye Qingcheng said with a touch of regret: "Unfortunately, he went on a cloud pilgrimage and disappeared without a trace. Otherwise, how could the Ye family fear the Li family? We would already have two Condensation Core experts!"
“ nǐ de yì si shì ràng wǒ bàn tā ？”
“你的意思是让我扮他？”
"Your meaning is that I should impersonate him?"
“ bù cuò ， liǔ jiā rén céng jīng jiàn guò wǒ biǎo dì ， zhǐ yào nǐ yǐ tā de róng mào chū xiàn ， duì fāng zì rán bú huì huái yí ， zhè yàng ， yǒu le shǎo zhǔ de bāng máng ， wǒ men liǎng jiā de shí lì ， jiù chóng xīn shì jūn lì dí ， bù yòng dān xīn duì fāng shēng chū fēi fèn dì xīn lǐ 。”
“不错，柳家人曾经见过我表弟，只要你以他的容貌出现，对方自然不会怀疑，这样，有了少主的帮忙，我们两家的实力，就重新势均力敌，不用担心对方生出非分地心理。”
"Yes, people from the Li family have seen my cousin. If you appear as his likeness, they will not suspect anything," Ye Qingcheng said: "With Young Master's help, our combined strength will be equal again, and we won't need to worry about any unfounded thoughts."
“ ń ， zhè què shí shì yí gè bàn fǎ ， bù guò nǐ ràng wǒ rú hé jiǎ bàn tā ？” lín xuān yī jiù méi tóu shēn suǒ ， jiù tā zì jǐ ér yán ， suī rán yǒu tiān mó nǐ róng shù ， kě cǐ mì fǎ suī rán shén qí ， wú nài què yǒu shí xiào de xiàn zhì ， zuì duō yí gè shí chén ér yǐ ， zhè me duǎn de shí jiān nèi ， bù kě néng wán chéng xún bǎo zhī lǚ 。
“嗯，这确实是一个办法，不过你让我如何假扮他？”林轩依旧眉头深锁，就他自己而言，虽然有天魔拟容术，可此秘法虽然神奇，无奈却有时效的限制，最多一个时辰而已，这么短的时间内，不可能完成寻宝之旅。
"Hmm, this is indeed a solution. But how can I impersonate him?" Lin Xuan still frowned; even with the Heavenly Demon Illusion Technique, it was limited in duration, only an hour at most. There was no way he could complete the treasure hunt within such a short time frame.
"Your grace," Lin Xuan smiled slightly and then walked into the room without hesitation.
As he watched his back, Ye Ru's beautiful face flashed with a strange expression. Her lips moved several times but she did not speak, sighing as she retreated along her original path.
The reception hall was spacious, approximately one hundred square meters, adorned with ancient and elegant decorations. Hanging on the walls were exquisite murals.
Inside, there was an elderly man dressed in black robes. He had a slightly plump build but exuded an imposing presence even without being angry. This should be the head of the Ye family.
Upon seeing Lin Xuan, he immediately greeted him with a warm smile and performed a deep bow, apologetically saying, "Subordinate Ye Qingcheng, meeting you, Young Master. Subordinate was unable to greet at the entrance, so please do not blame me!"
"Friend, it is too polite," Lin Xuan narrowed his eyes and clasped his hands in greeting: "I came here on behalf of family matters. What instructions do you have for me?"
His attitude immediately won Ye Qingcheng's favor. Upon receiving the transmission talisman from True Immortal Tongyu, he learned that the young master would be assisting him. Ye Qingcheng was startled; although the Ye family had established their own sect, they still maintained secret ties with Lingyao Mountain, making them an external force of the sect. As the young master, Lin Xuan could be considered his direct superior.
Moreover, there were rumors that this young master was exceptionally young but already a Golden Core cultivator. Such geniuses invariably looked down on others, and it would be difficult to expect him to handle matters well. However, now it seemed... the sect leader indeed had his own plans.
Ye Qingcheng suppressed his joy and respectfully said, "Thank you, Young Master. I will come straight to the point. The matter is that not long ago, I obtained a treasure map..."
"A treasure map?" Lin Xuan's heart skipped a beat. Although he had overheard Tiao Xiaojian's conversation, he still expected it. But now, with the matter at hand, his excitement was evident. However, on the surface, he maintained a calm demeanor: "Is this an old cultivator's site?"
"No, it is a deserted mine from ancient times."
"Abandoned mines?"
"It refers to a mine that has been abandoned. Despite its desolation, there are still many precious treasures within," Ye Qingcheng said with intense enthusiasm.
"Oh, then why don't you follow the map to find them?" Lin Xuan blinked and asked knowingly. He did not want Ye Qingcheng to know he had already heard about this information by chance.
"Ah!" Ye Qingcheng sighed: "Young Master, you do not know. At that time, there were also characters from the Li family who discovered the treasure map. Therefore, it was divided into two parts and could only be used together."
"Oh, then what help does my friend need? To steal the other half of the treasure map from the Li family?"
"No," Ye Qingcheng shook his head: "How dare I ask Young Master to risk your precious body for such a perilous mission. The Li family's manor is even more treacherous than our own, and with two Condensation Core experts guarding it, whether we steal or rob in secret, it will be extremely difficult. Moreover, that half of the treasure map might have been enchanted by them, potentially self-destructing if it falls into others' hands."
"Is that so? It seems you did this yourself," Lin Xuan said with a hint of amusement.
"Haha, Young Master guessed correctly. I did this to prepare for any contingencies," Ye Qingcheng admitted awkwardly.
"There's no need for roundabout talk. What exactly do you plan to do and what help do you need? Just say it," Lin Xuan adopted a straightforward expression, as he was determined to obtain the Yimeng Cold Iron.
"Young Master is direct, so I will not be coy," Ye Qingcheng stroked his beard: "After obtaining half of the treasure map with my family, since we cannot take it alone, we agreed to work together. When we find the treasures, each of us will get half."
"Hmm," Lin Xuan nodded but did not respond.
Ye Qingcheng continued: "Since we need preparations for the search, we delayed our actions. However, this delay led to complications."
"Because the Li family gained a Condensation Core expert."
"Yes," Ye Qingcheng sighed: "Originally, both families were evenly matched in strength, but now the balance has been disrupted. While that old man from the Li family did not dare act rashly when he had the treasure map, once they find the treasures and their power exceeds ours, it is hard to say..."
Lin Xuan stroked his chin; this was indeed reasonable. Cultivators always sought profit, and strength spoke louder than anything else. Such killings and thefts had never ceased since ancient times, so Ye Qingcheng's concerns were quite plausible!
"Your worries are valid," Lin Xuan said thoughtfully: "But would the Li family sit idly by while you seek help? This might lead to complications."
"Young Master is indeed incredibly astute. When we obtained the treasure map, there was an agreement not to reveal this information to anyone," Ye Qingcheng explained, adding, "Young Master, forgive me for saying so, but I did this merely as a formality towards the Li family and nothing more."
"Haha, you don't need to explain your intentions. My master once told me that the loyalty of the Ye family towards Lingyao Mountain is beyond doubt," Lin Xuan lied with a straight face. The loyalty of the Ye family was not his concern; he just needed to find a way to obtain the Yimeng Cold Iron.
Ye Qingcheng's expression relaxed, and he continued: "Inviting outsiders would be impossible. Not only might the Li family have other reactions, but they definitely wouldn't share that half of the treasure map with us. However, if I can get help from someone within our own family, then the Li family will have no reason to object."
"When did I become a Ye family member?" Lin Xuan's expression froze; even with his deep-seated cunning, he was unsure what the old fox intended.
"Your grace does not know. Originally, I had a cousin, my aunt's son, who was exceptionally intelligent and could match me in cultivation speed," Ye Qingcheng said with a touch of regret: "Unfortunately, he went on a cloud pilgrimage and disappeared without a trace. Otherwise, how could the Ye family fear the Li family? We would already have two Condensation Core experts!"
"Your meaning is that I should impersonate him?"
"Yes, people from the Li family have seen my cousin. If you appear as his likeness, they will not suspect anything," Ye Qingcheng said: "With Young Master's help, our combined strength will be equal again, and we won't need to worry about any unfounded thoughts."
"Hmm, this is indeed a solution. But how can I impersonate him?" Lin Xuan still frowned; even with the Heavenly Demon Illusion Technique, it was limited in duration, only an hour at most. There was no way he could complete the treasure hunt within such a short time frame.