zhè xiǎn rán shì bù kě néng de 。
这显然是不可能的。
This was clearly impossible.
jiǎ rú zì jǐ zhǐ shì pǔ tōng de fēn shén qī xiū xiān zhě ， jiāo chū zhēn lóng líng xuè hòu ， duì fāng huò xǔ hái huì zūn shǒu chéng nuò 。
假如自己只是普通的分神期修仙者，交出真龙灵血后，对方或许还会遵守承诺。
If he were just an ordinary Spirit Dividing Period cultivator, after handing over the True Dragon's Blood Essence, his opponent might still honor their promise.
dàn zì jǐ de shí lì ， bǐ tóng jiē qiáng dé duō ， yú qíng yú lǐ ， duì fāng dōu bù kě néng yǎng hǔ wéi huàn de 。
但自己的实力，比同阶强得多，于情于理，对方都不可能养虎为患的。
But with his strength far surpassing that of a peer, both emotionally and logically, there was no way his opponent would allow him to become a potential threat in the future.
zhì shǎo yì dì ér chǔ ， lín xuān kěn dìng huì xuǎn zé zhǎn cǎo chú gēn yī tú ， fǒu zé dào shí hòu děng duì fāng jìn jí ， jiù jiāng biàn chéng zì jǐ huǐ zhī wǎn yǐ 。
至少易地而处，林轩肯定会选择斩草除根一途，否则到时候等对方晋级，就将变成自己悔之晚矣。
At least if he were in their position, Lin Xuan would definitely choose to root out the problem entirely; otherwise, when they advanced, it would be too late for regret.
qiān huàn zhēn rén jì néng jìn jiē dào dù jié qī ， yòu qǐ huì bù dǒng qí zhōng de fēn cùn yǔ dào lǐ 。
千幻真人既能进阶到渡劫期，又岂会不懂其中的分寸与道理。
Since Thousand Illusion True Man could advance to the Transcending Tribulation Period, how could he possibly not understand the subtleties and logic involved?
duì fāng jì rán xiàn shēn zhǎo shàng le zì jǐ ， nà jiù shì bù sǐ bù xiū de jié jú 。
对方既然现身找上了自己，那就是不死不休的结局。
Given that his opponent had appeared to challenge him, this was a fight-to-the-death outcome.
gù ér lín xuān cái huì zhè me de bú kè qì 。
故而林轩才会这么的不客气。
Thus, Lin Xuan's behavior was anything but courteous.
qiān huàn zhēn rén de liǎn sè ， dùn shí yīn mái yǐ jí 。
千幻真人的脸色，顿时阴霾以极。
Thousand Illusion True Man's expression turned extremely gloomy.
yī shēng chì hè ， suí hòu biàn jiàn tā yòu shǒu tái qǐ ， yī jiàn bǎo wù cóng yī xiù zhōng fēi le chū qù 。
一声叱喝，随后便见他右手抬起，一件宝物从衣袖中飞了出去。
With a sharp exclamation, he raised his right hand, and a treasure flew out from his sleeve.
shì yī jīn huáng sè de jìng zi ， líng guāng liú zhuǎn ， yào mù yǐ jí 。
是一金黄色的镜子，灵光流转，耀目以极。
It was a golden mirror, radiating with divine light, dazzling to the eyes.
qiān huàn zhēn rén yáng shǒu jiāng tā jì qǐ 。
千幻真人扬手将它祭起。
Thousand Illusion True Man waved his hand to summon it into play.
“ bù hǎo ！”
“不好！”
"Bad move!"
lín xuān xīn zhōng yī shēng dà jiào 。
林轩心中一声大叫。
Lin Xuan shouted in his mind.
xiàng gǔ jìng yī lèi de fǎ bǎo ， píng rì lǐ bìng bù cháng jiàn ， shǔ yú bǐ jiào piān mén de bǎo wù ， dàn yì bān qíng kuàng lái shuō ， wēi lì dōu shì fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， yóu dù jié qī lǎo guài shī zhǎn ， nà gèng shì lìng rén mù xuàn 。
像古镜一类的法宝，平日里并不常见，属于比较偏门的宝物，但一般情况来说，威力都是非同小可，由渡劫期老怪施展，那更是令人目眩。
Ancient mirrors were rare treasures, not commonly seen, but their power was formidable. With an old monster of the Tribulation Transcending Period using it, its effects would be even more dazzling.
suī rán bù zhī dào cǐ gǔ jìng de wēi néng shì shén me ， dàn lín xuān kě méi yǒu xīn qíng děng tā shī zhǎn hòu zài qù yī yī liǎo jiě 。
虽然不知道此古镜的威能是什么，但林轩可没有心情等他施展后再去一一了解。
Although he didn't know what this ancient mirror's abilities were, Lin Xuan had no time to wait and see; he needed to strike first.
xiān xià shǒu wéi qiáng ， hòu xià shǒu zāo yāng 。
先下手为强，后下手遭殃。
With a thought, his left hand swung forward.
nǎo hǎi zhōng niàn tou zhuǎn guò ， lín xuān jǐ dòng shǒu le 。
脑海中念头转过，林轩己动手了。
Piercing Life...
yuán běn fàng xià lái de zuǒ shǒu ， měng rán cháo zhe qián fāng huī luò 。
原本放下来的左手，猛然朝着前方挥落。
Sharp rays of light suddenly appeared as the crescent-shaped blade materialized with his movement.
cì mìng ……
刺命……
In that critical moment, Lin Xuan couldn't afford to change or choose another treasure. He used the inverted sea halberd again, initiating an attack.
lì máng zhòu qǐ ， suí zhe tā de dòng zuò ， yuè yá xíng de guāng rèn fú xiàn ér chū 。
厉芒骤起，随着他的动作，月牙形的光刃浮现而出。
After all, this treasure could even cut through the void, making its power formidable.
zài zhè qiān jūn yī fà de guān jiàn shí kè ， lín xuān yǐ lái bù jí qù gēng huàn huò zhě xuǎn zé shén me bǎo wù ， jiāng jiù shǒu zhōng de dào hǎi gē zài yí cì fā dòng de jìn gōng 。
在这千钧一发的关键时刻，林轩已来不及去更换或者选择什么宝物，将就手中的倒海戈再一次发动的进攻。
The crescent-shaped blade flashed and shot towards the mirror's surface with lightning speed.
fǎn zhèng cǐ bǎo lián xū kōng dōu néng zhǎn pò ， wēi néng yě shì fēi tóng xiǎo kě 。
反正此宝连虚空都能斩破，威能也是非同小可。
There was no hesitation; everything passed in a flash.
nà yuè yá xíng de guāng rèn yī shǎn ， jiù fēng chí diàn chè de jī shè dào le jìng zi de biǎo miàn 。
那月牙形的光刃一闪，就风驰电掣的激射到了镜子的表面。
This attack was perfect, seemingly destroying his opponent's treasure.
sī háo chí zhì yě wú ， yī qiè ér guò 。
丝毫迟滞也无，一切而过。
However, Lin Xuan showed no signs of joy. He faced an old monster of the Tribulation Transcending Period; it couldn't be that easy to defeat. Even if his opponent was careless and overconfident, one strike wouldn't seriously damage or destroy their treasure.
zhè yī xià gōng jī tài wán měi le ， fǎng fú yǐ jīng huǐ diào le duì fāng de bǎo wù 。
这一下攻击太完美了，仿佛已经毁掉了对方的宝物。
"Phantom illusion!"
rán ér lín xuān liǎn shàng què fēn háo xǐ sè yě wú ， tā miàn duì de kě shì dù jié jí bié de lǎo guài wù ， zěn me kě néng nà me hǎo duì fù 。 jiù suàn duì fāng dà yì qīng dí ， yě jué bú shì zì jǐ zhè me yī jī ， jiù néng jiāng tā de bǎo wù zhòng chuāng huǐ qù 。
然而林轩脸上却分毫喜色也无，他面对的可是渡劫级别的老怪物，怎么可能那么好对付。就算对方大意轻敌，也绝不是自己这么一击，就能将他的宝物重创毁去。
Lin Xuan's murmured words entered his ears. Before he could finish speaking, the surroundings drastically changed.
“ huàn shù ！”
“幻术！”
The desert remained a desert, but everything had transformed significantly. The sky grew darker, and gray-brown fog spread around, obscuring distant scenery.
lín xuān nán ne de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， huà yīn wèi luò ， sì zhōu de huán jìng yǐ zhòu rán dà biàn le 。
林轩喃呢的声音传入耳朵，话音未落，四周的环境已骤然大变了。
No... not just that; this fog seemed to suppress his divine sense as well. How powerful this illusion was, leaving Lin Xuan unsure of where he truly was.
huāng mò hái shì huāng mò ， dàn suǒ yǒu de jǐng zhì yǐ dà bù xiāng tóng ， tiān sè yīn chén le xǔ duō ， sì zhōu mí màn qǐ le huī hè sè de mí wù ， ràng shāo yuǎn chù de jǐng zhì dōu kàn bù qīng chǔ 。
荒漠还是荒漠，但所有的景致已大不相同，天色阴沉了许多，四周弥漫起了灰褐色的迷雾，让稍远处的景致都看不清楚。
Woo...
bù …… bú duì ， bù jǐn yú cǐ ， nà mí wù duì shén shí ， sì hū dōu yǒu yī xiē yā zhì de xiào guǒ ， hǎo lì hài de huàn shù ， ràng lín xuān bù zhī dào ， jiū jìng shēn zài hé chù 。
不……不对，不仅于此，那迷雾对神识，似乎都有一些压制的效果，好厉害的幻术，让林轩不知道，究竟身在何处。
The mountain breeze blew from an unknown direction, accompanied by the swirling fog, as if countless demons and monsters lurked within.
wū ……，
呜……，
"Hmph, playing games? "
shān fēng chuī guò ， nà fēng yě bù zhī dào shì cóng nǎ ge fāng xiàng guā lái de ， bàn suí zhe tā ， zhōu wéi de wù qì kāi shǐ fān yǒng ， fǎng fú yǒu wú shù yāo mó guǐ guài cáng shēn yú qí zhōng 。
山风吹过，那风也不知道是从哪个方向刮来的，伴随着它，周围的雾气开始翻涌，仿佛有无数妖魔鬼怪藏身于其中。
Lin Xuan frowned but showed no signs of fear or trepidation. He flicked his sleeves, and a beam of light about the size of his arm shot out in front of him.
“ hēng ， gù nòng shén me xuán xū ？”
“哼，故弄什么玄虚？”
Though it was a casual strike, given Lin Xuan's current strength, its power was considerable.
lín xuān de méi tóu zhòu zài yì qǐ ， dàn què bìng méi yǒu biǎo xiàn chū duō shǎo hài pà wèi jù ， xiù páo yī fú ， dùn shí cóng tā de yī xiù zhōng fēi shè chū yī dào ér bì cū de guāng zhù ， cháo zhe qián fāng sǎn shè guò qù le 。
林轩的眉头皱在一起，但却并没有表现出多少害怕畏惧，袖袍一拂，顿时从他的衣袖中飞射出一道儿臂粗的光柱，朝着前方散射过去了。
His goal was to startle the opponent, hoping to discern the true nature of this illusion from their reaction.
suī shì suí shǒu yī jī ， dàn yǐ lín xuān rú jīn de shí lì ， wēi néng nà yě shì bù xiǎo dì 。
虽是随手一击，但以林轩如今的实力，威能那也是不小地。
Unfortunately, despite his good intentions, his plan failed. The light beam, powerful as it was, seemed to vanish into thin air without causing any disturbance.
lín xuān de mù dì shì dǎ cǎo jīng shé ， xī wàng néng jiè tā kàn chū zhè huàn shù jiū jìng yǒu hé xuán ào zhī chù 。
林轩的目的是打草惊蛇，希望能借它看出这幻术究竟有何玄奥之处。
Lin Xuan's expression darkened.
kě xī dǎ suàn bù cuò ， zuì zhōng què luò kōng diào le 。
可惜打算不错，最终却落空掉了。
With a cold snort, he flicked his sleeves again, but this time, several sword lights about a foot long emerged, swirling around him.
nà guāng zhù wēi lì bù sú ， què rú ní niú rù hǎi ！ bān ， gēn běn méi yǒu xiān qǐ bàn fēn bō lán 。
那光柱威力不俗，却如泥牛入海！般，根本没有掀起半分波澜。
The Nine Palaces Musty Sword had considerable power. After refining the complete version of the treasure, even Lin Xuan's empty-handed sword lights became much sharper.
lín xuān de liǎn sè yǒu xiē nán kàn 。
林轩的脸色有些难看。
This wasn't surprising; after all, sword energy relied on the support of treasures.
lěng hēng yī shēng hòu ， yòu shì xiù páo yī fú ， zhè yī cì jī shè chū lái de bú shì guāng zhù ， ér shì yī dào dào chǐ xǔ zhǎng de jiàn guāng yú yóu ér chū ， zài qí shēn cè pán xuán fēi wǔ 。
冷哼一声后，又是袖袍一拂，这一次激射出来的不是光柱，而是一道道尺许长的剑光鱼游而出，在其身侧盘旋飞舞。
He didn't blindly attack with these sword lights but intended to observe before deciding. He didn’t want to expose his weaknesses first and then find the illusion's flaws later.
jiǔ gōng xū yú jiàn wēi lì bù sú ， jì liàn chū wán zhěng bǎn de bǎo wù yǐ hòu ， lián dài lín xuān kōng shǒu shī zhǎn de jiàn guāng ， yě tóng yàng xī lì le xǔ duō 。
九宫须臾剑威力不俗，祭炼出完整版的宝物以后，连带林轩空手施展的剑光，也同样犀利了许多。
If striking first was ineffective, he would try a counterattack instead.
zhè bù xī jì , jiàn qì yuán běn yě jiù shì yī tuō yú fǎ bǎo dì 。
这不稀寄,剑气原本也就是依托于法宝地。
With this thought in mind, Lin Xuan suddenly heard a strange cackling voice: "Youngster, do you think you can break my secret technique? Try out the power of my Ten Thousand Corpse Great Array."
zhè yī cì ， lín xuān méi yǒu máng mù ràng tā gōng jī ， ér shì zhǔn bèi kàn qīng chǔ hòu zài zuò dìng duó tā kě bù xiǎng méi néng jiāng huàn shù de pò zhàn zhǎo chū ， zì jǐ què xiān lù chū kōng dāng lái le 。
这一次，林轩没有盲目让它攻击，而是准备看清楚后再做定夺他可不想没能将幻术的破绽找出，自己却先露出空当来了。
The voice was arrogant and elusive, making it impossible to pinpoint its source.
xiān xià shǒu wéi qiáng bù hǎo shǐ nà jiù shì shì hòu fā zhì rén yòu rú hé 。
先下手为强不好使那就试试后发制人又如何。
Lin Xuan sighed, giving up on finding his opponent's form. He first resolved to deal with the immediate danger before making a decision.
lín xuān rú cǐ zhè bān de xiǎng zhe 。
林轩如此这般的想着。
After all, what he had said about the Ten Thousand Corpse Great Array couldn't be mere empty threats.
nǎo hǎi zhōng niàn tou shàng wèi zhuǎn guò ， tū rán yǒu gā gā gā de guài xiào shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ：“ xiǎo jiā huo ， xiǎng pò chú lǎo fū de mì shù ， xiān shì shì wǒ zhè wàn shī dà zhèn wēi lì rú hé 。”
脑海中念头尚未转过，突然有嘎嘎嘎的怪笑声传入耳朵：“小家伙，想破除老夫的秘术，先试试我这万尸大阵威力如何。”
Indeed, as soon as that thought crossed his mind, the surroundings changed again.
nà shēng yīn xiāo zhāng bá hù ， piān piān què shì fēi cháng piāo hū ， gēn běn jiù nòng bù qīng chǔ shēng zài hé chù 。
那声音嚣张跋扈，偏偏却是非常飘忽，根本就弄不清楚声在何处。
The fog became denser and was accompanied by gusts of cold wind. Within moments, a vast fog sea formed within a hundred miles, spreading rapidly in all directions.
lín xuān tàn le kǒu qì ， fàng qì xún zhǎo duì fāng de shēn yǐng ， xiān jiāng yǎn qián de wēi jī jiě jué le zài zuò dìng duó 。
林轩叹了口气，放弃寻找对方的身影，先将眼前的危机解决了再做定夺。
Inside the fog sea, figures could be seen moving, and from time to time, monstrous roars echoed, as if many monsters were hiding there.
bì jìng duì fāng kǒu zhōng de wàn shī dà zhèn jué bú huì shì xū yán dòng hè 。
毕竟对方口中的万尸大阵绝不会是虚言恫吓。
Although the fog obscured his vision, making it hard to see clearly, the cold winds and the opponent's words revealed what was inside.
zhè ge niàn tou shàng wèi zhuǎn guò ， sì zhōu de jǐng wù guǒ rán fā shēng biàn huà le 。
这个念头尚未转过，四周的景物果然发生变化了。
Moreover, he didn't need to guess; the answer soon revealed itself.
wù qì biàn dé gèng jiā nóng zhòng ， hái jiā zá zhe zhèn zhèn yīn fēng ， zhuǎn shùn jiān ， fāng yuán bǎi lǐ ， jiù xíng chéng le yī dà piàn de wù hǎi ， wù qì hái zài xiàng zhe sì zhōu xùn sù màn yán 。
雾气变得更加浓重，还夹杂着阵阵阴风，转瞬间，方圆百里，就形成了一大片的雾海，雾气还在像着四周迅速蔓延。
The direction of the cold wind changed, dispersing the fog in front. The monstrous figures revealed their true forms: they were numerous, with copper-plated bodies and emaciated flesh, each emitting an aura equivalent to a Core Formation cultivator. The leading corpse king was at the Spirit Dividing level.
ér wù hǎi jù liè fān yǒng ， lǐ miàn yǐn yǐn yǒu rén tóu cuán dòng ,“ áo 。” bù shí yǒu guài hǒu shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， fǎng fú lǐ miàn yǐn cáng zhāo shù liàng zhòng duō de guài wù 。
而雾海剧烈翻涌，里面隐隐有人头攒动,“嗷。”不时有怪吼声传入耳朵，仿佛里面隐藏着数量众多的怪物。
Although this wasn't terrifying on its own, what was truly alarming was the sheer number of these corpses, extending endlessly in all directions.
suī rán wù hǎi zhē dǎng le shì xiàn kàn bù qīng chǔ ， dàn cóng nà yīn fēng shī qì ， hái yǒu duì fāng gāng gāng suǒ shuō de yán yǔ ， shì shén me dōng xī ， yě bù nán cāi cè 。
虽然雾海遮挡了视线看不清楚，但从那阴风尸气，还有对方刚刚所说的言语，是什么东西，也不难猜测。
Lin Xuan's expression darkened further.
hé kuàng gēn běn bù xū yào lín xuān xiā zhuō mō ， mí dǐ hěn kuài jiù zì jǐ jiē xiǎo le 。
何况根本不需要林轩瞎捉摸，谜底很快就自己揭晓了。
Moreover, he had some doubts about his opponent, who claimed to be Thousand Illusion Old Devil. He had seen him use illusions along the way; were these horrifying corpse figures real or just an illusion?
zhǐ jiàn yīn fēng fāng xiàng yī gǎi ， jiāng qián miàn de wù qì chuī sàn ， guài wù men lù chū le zhēn yán ， jìng shì jìng shì yī zhī zhī shēn pī tóng jiǎ ， qiān biě wú ròu de liàn shī 。
只见阴风方向一改，将前面的雾气吹散，怪物们露出了真颜，竟是竟是一只只身披铜甲，千瘪无肉的炼尸。
Uncertain!
bié kàn xíng mào chǒu lòu yǐ jí ， měi yī jù sàn fà chū lái de líng yā zhì shǎo dōu yǒu yuán yīng sī ， wéi shǒu de shī wáng gèng shì fēn shén jí 。
别看形貌丑陋以极，每一具散发出来的灵压至少都有元婴斯，为首的尸王更是分神级。
There was no time for Lin Xuan to hesitate.
rú guǒ jǐn jǐn shì zhè yàng hái bù zú jù ， guān jiàn shì zhè xiē liàn shī de shù liàng duō dào lí pǔ ， yǐng yǐng chuò chuò gēn běn jiù bù zhī dào yán shēn xiàng hé chù 。
如果仅仅是这样还不足惧，关键是这些炼尸的数量多到离谱，影影绰绰根本就不知道延伸像何处。
Those corpses, though clumsy in appearance, moved swiftly and roared as they charged forward.
lín xuān de liǎn sè yǒu xiē nán kàn le 。
林轩的脸色有些难看了。
Damned it, he would have to try and decide later!
ér qiě tā xīn zhōng hái yǒu xiē yí huò ， duì fāng hào chēng qiān huàn lǎo mó ， zhè yī lù shàng yě jiàn tā shàn shǐ huàn shù ， nà yǎn qián zhè xiē xíng mào kě bù de liàn shī jiū jìng shì zhēn de hái shì jiǎ de 。
而且他心中还有些疑惑，对方号称千幻老魔，这一路上也见他擅使幻术，那眼前这些形貌可怖的炼尸究竟是真的还是假的。
Lin Xuan's eyes flashed with determination. Without hesitation, his right hand swung forward.
bù qīng chǔ ！
不清楚！
As he moved, the sword lights swirling around him suddenly grew larger, doubling in size, and shot towards the front.
yě méi yǒu duō yú de shí jiān qù gěi lín xuān màn màn yóu yù le 。
也没有多余的时间去给林轩慢慢犹豫了。
The corpses didn't sit idly by; they leaped into the air, spewing toxic mists and corpse qi as they met the sword lights head-on.
nà xiē liàn shī kàn shì bèn zhuō ， dòng zuò kě shì yì diǎn yě bù màn de ， yǐ jīng áo áo jiào zhe chōng shàng lái le 。
那些炼尸看似笨拙，动作可是一点也不慢的，已经嗷嗷叫着冲上来了。
It seemed these weren’t illusions after all.
kě wù ， zhǐ yǒu shì shì zài zuò dìng duó ！
可恶，只有试试再做定夺！
Lin Xuan’s thoughts raced. The toxic mists and corpse qi clashed with the sword lights.
lín xuān yǎn zhōng jīng máng shǎn guò ， bù zài chí yí ， yòu shǒu xiàng qián huī qù 。
林轩眼中精芒闪过，不再迟疑，右手向前挥去。
Despite their sharpness, the sword lights couldn't withstand so many toxins; several were quickly destroyed.
suí zhe tā de dòng zuò ， nà xiē pán xuán zài shēn qián de jiàn guāng dùn shí yíng fēng yī shǎn ， tǐ jī bào zhǎng le bèi xǔ ， cháo zhe qián fāng pī cì guò qù 。
随着他的动作，那些盘旋在身前的剑光顿时迎风一闪，体积暴涨了倍许，朝着前方劈刺过去。
However, there were numerous sword lights, and those that weakened but didn't break managed to slice through the corpse qi and enter the clusters of corpses.
This was clearly impossible.
If he were just an ordinary Spirit Dividing Period cultivator, after handing over the True Dragon's Blood Essence, his opponent might still honor their promise.
But with his strength far surpassing that of a peer, both emotionally and logically, there was no way his opponent would allow him to become a potential threat in the future.
At least if he were in their position, Lin Xuan would definitely choose to root out the problem entirely; otherwise, when they advanced, it would be too late for regret.
Since Thousand Illusion True Man could advance to the Transcending Tribulation Period, how could he possibly not understand the subtleties and logic involved?
Given that his opponent had appeared to challenge him, this was a fight-to-the-death outcome.
Thus, Lin Xuan's behavior was anything but courteous.
Thousand Illusion True Man's expression turned extremely gloomy.
"Die!"
With a sharp exclamation, he raised his right hand, and a treasure flew out from his sleeve.
It was a golden mirror, radiating with divine light, dazzling to the eyes.
Thousand Illusion True Man waved his hand to summon it into play.
"Bad move!"
Lin Xuan shouted in his mind.
Ancient mirrors were rare treasures, not commonly seen, but their power was formidable. With an old monster of the Tribulation Transcending Period using it, its effects would be even more dazzling.
Although he didn't know what this ancient mirror's abilities were, Lin Xuan had no time to wait and see; he needed to strike first.
With a thought, his left hand swung forward.
Piercing Life...
Sharp rays of light suddenly appeared as the crescent-shaped blade materialized with his movement.
In that critical moment, Lin Xuan couldn't afford to change or choose another treasure. He used the inverted sea halberd again, initiating an attack.
After all, this treasure could even cut through the void, making its power formidable.
The crescent-shaped blade flashed and shot towards the mirror's surface with lightning speed.
There was no hesitation; everything passed in a flash.
This attack was perfect, seemingly destroying his opponent's treasure.
However, Lin Xuan showed no signs of joy. He faced an old monster of the Tribulation Transcending Period; it couldn't be that easy to defeat. Even if his opponent was careless and overconfident, one strike wouldn't seriously damage or destroy their treasure.
"Phantom illusion!"
Lin Xuan's murmured words entered his ears. Before he could finish speaking, the surroundings drastically changed.
The desert remained a desert, but everything had transformed significantly. The sky grew darker, and gray-brown fog spread around, obscuring distant scenery.
No... not just that; this fog seemed to suppress his divine sense as well. How powerful this illusion was, leaving Lin Xuan unsure of where he truly was.
Woo...
The mountain breeze blew from an unknown direction, accompanied by the swirling fog, as if countless demons and monsters lurked within.
"Hmph, playing games? "
Lin Xuan frowned but showed no signs of fear or trepidation. He flicked his sleeves, and a beam of light about the size of his arm shot out in front of him.
Though it was a casual strike, given Lin Xuan's current strength, its power was considerable.
His goal was to startle the opponent, hoping to discern the true nature of this illusion from their reaction.
Unfortunately, despite his good intentions, his plan failed. The light beam, powerful as it was, seemed to vanish into thin air without causing any disturbance.
Lin Xuan's expression darkened.
With a cold snort, he flicked his sleeves again, but this time, several sword lights about a foot long emerged, swirling around him.
The Nine Palaces Musty Sword had considerable power. After refining the complete version of the treasure, even Lin Xuan's empty-handed sword lights became much sharper.
This wasn't surprising; after all, sword energy relied on the support of treasures.
He didn't blindly attack with these sword lights but intended to observe before deciding. He didn’t want to expose his weaknesses first and then find the illusion's flaws later.
If striking first was ineffective, he would try a counterattack instead.
With this thought in mind, Lin Xuan suddenly heard a strange cackling voice: "Youngster, do you think you can break my secret technique? Try out the power of my Ten Thousand Corpse Great Array."
The voice was arrogant and elusive, making it impossible to pinpoint its source.
Lin Xuan sighed, giving up on finding his opponent's form. He first resolved to deal with the immediate danger before making a decision.
After all, what he had said about the Ten Thousand Corpse Great Array couldn't be mere empty threats.
Indeed, as soon as that thought crossed his mind, the surroundings changed again.
The fog became denser and was accompanied by gusts of cold wind. Within moments, a vast fog sea formed within a hundred miles, spreading rapidly in all directions.
Inside the fog sea, figures could be seen moving, and from time to time, monstrous roars echoed, as if many monsters were hiding there.
Although the fog obscured his vision, making it hard to see clearly, the cold winds and the opponent's words revealed what was inside.
Moreover, he didn't need to guess; the answer soon revealed itself.
The direction of the cold wind changed, dispersing the fog in front. The monstrous figures revealed their true forms: they were numerous, with copper-plated bodies and emaciated flesh, each emitting an aura equivalent to a Core Formation cultivator. The leading corpse king was at the Spirit Dividing level.
Although this wasn't terrifying on its own, what was truly alarming was the sheer number of these corpses, extending endlessly in all directions.
Lin Xuan's expression darkened further.
Moreover, he had some doubts about his opponent, who claimed to be Thousand Illusion Old Devil. He had seen him use illusions along the way; were these horrifying corpse figures real or just an illusion?
Uncertain!
There was no time for Lin Xuan to hesitate.
Those corpses, though clumsy in appearance, moved swiftly and roared as they charged forward.
Damned it, he would have to try and decide later!
Lin Xuan's eyes flashed with determination. Without hesitation, his right hand swung forward.
As he moved, the sword lights swirling around him suddenly grew larger, doubling in size, and shot towards the front.
The corpses didn't sit idly by; they leaped into the air, spewing toxic mists and corpse qi as they met the sword lights head-on.
It seemed these weren’t illusions after all.
Lin Xuan’s thoughts raced. The toxic mists and corpse qi clashed with the sword lights.
Despite their sharpness, the sword lights couldn't withstand so many toxins; several were quickly destroyed.
However, there were numerous sword lights, and those that weakened but didn't break managed to slice through the corpse qi and enter the clusters of corpses.