“ yuán běn ， zhè shí jǐ wèi qián bèi rén yāo shū tú ， hé jiě yě bù guò shì quán yí zhī cè ， rán ér zài yǔ gè dà shì lì qiǎng duó xiān kuàng de zhàn dòu zhōng ， què zhēn de qián xián jǐn qù ， shēng chū le yǒu yì ， zuì hòu gèng jié bài le jīn lán xiōng dì 。”
“原本，这十几位前辈人妖殊途，和解也不过是权宜之策，然而在与各大势力抢夺仙矿的战斗中，却真的前嫌尽去，生出了友谊，最后更结拜了金兰兄弟。”
"Originally, these dozen or so seniors had different paths in life. A reconciliation was merely a temporary solution. However, during the battle to seize immortal minerals from various forces, they truly put aside their grievances and formed friendships, eventually even becoming sworn brothers."
“ shén me ？” lín xuān yī jīng ， bù guò suí jí yě jiù lù chū le shì rán de biǎo qíng ， bié shuō yuǎn gǔ shí qī ， jiù suàn shì xiàn zài ， yě bìng fēi bù kě néng shēng zhè yàng de shì qíng 。
“什么？”林轩一惊，不过随即也就露出了释然的表情，别说远古时期，就算是现在，也并非不可能生这样的事情。
"What?" Lin Xuan was startled but soon revealed a relieved expression. Even if it were an ancient era or now, such things weren't impossible.
suī shuō rén lèi shēn wèi wàn wù zhī zhǎng ， tiān shēng kàn bù qǐ yāo zú ， dàn nà bā wèi ， kě shì jìn rù le huà xíng qī de guài wù 。
虽说人类身为万物之长，天生看不起妖族，但那八位，可是进入了化形期的怪物。
Though humans, as the lords of all living beings, naturally looked down on the demon race, those eight had entered the transformation phase—monsters that could freely change form and possessed formidable strength and great intelligence. In short, these demons were already comparable to human existence.
suǒ wèi huà xíng ， gù míng sī yì ， men bù jǐn néng gòu zì yóu biàn huà ** shēn ， shí lì qiáng hèng ， ér qiě líng zhì dà kāi ， jiǎn dān de shuō ， zhè yàng de yāo guài ， yǐ jīng shì bù xià yú rén lèi de cún zài 。
所谓化形，顾名思义，们不仅能够自由变化**身，实力强横，而且灵智大开，简单的说，这样的妖怪，已经是不下于人类的存在。
Those old monsters from the元婴期 (Yuan Yin Qi) stage, having lived for centuries, were top-tier figures in this world. They wouldn't be bound by mundane views and always acted according to their whims.
ér nà xiē yuán yīng qī de lǎo guài wù huó le jǐ bǎi nián ， zài zhè yī jiè yǐ jīng shì dǐng jiān de cún zài ， zuò shì qíng gèng bú huì shòu shén me shì sú yǎn guāng de shù fù ， zuò shì qíng xiàng lái shì píng zì jǐ de xǐ hào le 。
而那些元婴期的老怪物活了几百年，在这一界已经是顶尖的存在，做事情更不会受什么世俗眼光的束缚，做事情向来是凭自己的喜好了。
Their forming a golden bond with demon transformation-stage creatures wasn't hard to understand. This explained why there were so many statues here, mixed humans and demons, looking so peculiar.
tā men yǔ huà xíng qī de yāo zú yì jié jīn lán ， yě bú shì bù néng gòu lǐ jiě de ， zhè jiù néng jiě shì cǐ dì wèi shén me yǒu rú cǐ duō de diāo xiàng ， qiě rén yāo hùn zá ， kàn qǐ lái nà me guài yì le 。
他们与化形期的妖族义结金兰，也不是不能够理解的，这就能解释此地为什么有如此多的雕像，且人妖混杂，看起来那么怪异了。
If it was an immortal mineral, the treasure inside would surely far exceed that of ordinary ancient cultivators' lairs, making the dangers understandable. Lin Xuan nodded: "Since this is the case, I will cooperate with my daoist friend."
rú guǒ shì xiān kuàng de huà ， lǐ miàn bǎo wù zhī duō ， jué duì yuǎn shèng yì bān de gǔ xiū shì dòng fǔ ， wēi xiǎn chóng chóng yě jiù bù nán lǐ jiě le ， lín xuān diǎn diǎn tóu ：“ jì rú cǐ ， wǒ yǔ dào yǒu hé zuò jiù shì 。”
如果是仙矿的话，里面宝物之多，绝对远胜一般的古修士洞府，危险重重也就不难理解了，林轩点点头：“既如此，我与道友合作就是。”
Mao Mang was overjoyed and said happily, "My daoist friend won't regret today's choice. Then let us work together, splitting the treasures equally?"
mò mǎng dà xǐ ， xīn rán dào ：“ dào yǒu jué bú huì hòu huǐ jīn tiān de xuǎn zé ， nà me jiù ràng wǒ liǎ tōng lì hé zuò ， suǒ de de bǎo wù píng fēn rú hé ？”
莫莽大喜，欣然道：“道友绝不会后悔今天的选择，那么就让我俩通力合作，所得的宝物平分如何？”
"Very well."
“ shèn hǎo 。”
“甚好。”
The human and demon shook hands as a pledge, both laughing heartily, their demeanor extremely amiable. It seemed that in this moment, they had become sworn brothers. But Lin Xuan knew only too well how much sincerity there was.
yī rén yī yāo jī zhǎng wèi shì ， tóng shí hā hā dà xiào qǐ lái ， shén tài yě xiǎn de qīn rè zhì jí 。 fǎng fú zhè yī shùn jiān ， liǎng rén jiù biàn chéng le zhǎn jī tóu ， shāo huáng zhǐ de xiōng dì ， zhǐ bù guò lǐ miàn jiū jìng yǒu jǐ fēn chéng yì ， kǒng pà jiù zhǐ yǒu dāng shì rén xīn zhōng cái zhī 。
一人一妖击掌为誓，同时哈哈大笑起来，神态也显得亲热至极。仿佛这一瞬间，两人就变成了斩鸡头，烧黄纸的兄弟，只不过里面究竟有几分诚意，恐怕就只有当事人心中才知。
"His胆色 (daredevilry) is commendable," Mao Mang said with a sneer, "but he arrived late and had to use secret methods to enlarge the already shrunk vortex entrance. However, this ancient teleportation array has been destroyed; it's impossible for him to arrive here."
“ shì bù yí chí ， lín xiōng jiù ràng wǒ men yì qǐ dòng shēn xún bǎo 。”
“事不宜迟，林兄就让我们一起动身寻宝。”
"Oh? Where might he go then?"
“ hǎo de 。” lín xuān diǎn diǎn tóu 。 suí jí zhuāng zuò bù jīng yì dì dào ：“ duì le mò xiōng ， xiǎo dì hái yǒu yī shì qiú jiào 。”
“好的。”林轩点点头。随即装作不经意地道：“对了莫兄，小弟还有一事求教。”
"…I don't know," Mao Mang scratched his head. "Maybe sent to a place ten thousand miles away or somewhere perilous. In any case, it’s nine out of ten chances that he won’t survive, and there’s no way he can compete for the treasure."
“ xián dì qǐng jiǎng 。”
“贤弟请讲。”
Mao Mang began laughing triumphantly.
“ chú le wǒ liǎ ， shì fǒu hái yǒu rén jìn rù le nà zǐ sè xuán wō ？” lín xuān shuō zhè huà de shí hòu ， yǎn jīng dīng zhe duì fāng de shuāng móu 。
“除了我俩，是否还有人进入了那紫色漩涡？”林轩说这话的时候，眼睛盯着对方的双眸。
Lin Xuan nodded without saying much. If this was true, it would be perfect. Although Lin Xuan wasn't afraid of Tian Xiaojian, if they fought, he had full confidence in victory. But with his background as a demon overlord, Lin Xuan didn’t want to risk a confrontation unless necessary.
mò mǎng lüè yī chóu chú ， yuán běn tā bìng bù dǎ suàn jiǎng shí huà ， rán ér bù zhī wèi shén me ， zài lín xuān nà kàn shì wēn hé de mù guāng xià jìng gǎn jué wú fǎ sā huǎng a ！
莫莽略一踌躇，原本他并不打算讲实话，然而不知为什么，在林轩那看似温和的目光下竟感觉无法撒谎啊！
However, the snake demon's prediction was correct.
xīn zhōng yī lǐn ， zhēn yǒu xiē xié mén 。 hǎo zài cǐ shì dào yě bù suàn shén me zhòng yào qíng bào ， suǒ yǐ tā lüè yī yóu yù zhī hòu ， biàn jué dìng rú shí huí dá 。
心中一凛，真有些邪门。好在此事倒也不算什么重要情报，所以他略一犹豫之后，便决定如实回答。
Meanwhile, several miles away from Qing Ye Mountain, Tian Xiaojian stood in an icy landscape, having been teleported to the northernmost part of You Zhou due to the destruction of the teleportation array.
“ yǒu de ， nà liǎng gè lǎo jiā huǒ bìng méi yǒu cǐ dǎn liàng 。 bù guò nà nián jì qīng qīng ， céng jīng yǐn mán xiū wèi de xiǎo zi ， què jǐn suí wǒ zhī hòu ， jìn rù le zǐ sè xuán wō 。”
“有的，那两个老家伙并没有此胆量。不过那年纪轻轻，曾经隐瞒修为的小子，却紧随我之后，进入了紫色漩涡。”
This place was far too distant; even if he rushed back, it would be too late. He had just discovered the existence of Netherworld Cold Iron but had failed.
tián xiǎo jiàn ！
田小剑！
"Damnit!" Tian Xiaojian roared into the sky, his sharp cry echoing like a tidal wave...
lín xuān xīn zhōng yī lǐn ， suī rán yǐ jīng yǐn yuē cāi dào le yì diǎn ， dàn hái shì zhòu le zhòu méi ， zhè wèi jí mó dòng dì shǎo zhǔ ， guǒ rán shì yǒu dǎn yǒu sè de rén wù 。
林轩心中一凛，虽然已经隐约猜到了一点，但还是皱了皱眉，这位极魔洞地少主，果然是有胆有色的人物。
A loud rumbling came from nearby as a mountain collapsed under his power. The strength of a凝聚丹期 (Jing Dan Qi) cultivator was evident!
“ zěn me ， lín xiōng zài dān xīn nà xiǎo zi 。 fàng xīn ， tā yǐ jīng bù zú wèi jù 。”
“怎么，林兄在担心那小子。放心，他已经不足为惧。”
However, Tian Xiaojian's pupils suddenly widened. Misfortune never comes singly; today must be his unlucky day!
“ ó ？” lín xuān liǎn sè píng jìng de zhuǎn guò tóu lái ， kàn bù chū xǐ nù ， dàn dàn de kāi kǒu le ：“ yuàn wén qí xiáng 。”
“哦？”林轩脸色平静的转过头来，看不出喜怒，淡淡的开口了：“愿闻其详。”
Seeing three ugly birds flying towards him, Tian Xiaojian’s expression turned icy.
“ nà xiǎo zi dǎn sè suī rán bù cuò ， dàn xiǎng yào jìn rù xuán wō de shí hòu què yǐ jīng wǎn le yī bù ， wú nài zhī xià ， tā zhǐ néng shǐ yòng mì fǎ ， qiáng xíng jiāng yǐ jīng suō xiǎo de xuán wō kǒu chēng dà ， kě zhè yàng yī lái 。 gǔ chuán sòng zhèn yǐ jīng bèi pò huài ， gēn běn jiù bù kě néng chuán sòng dào zhè lǐ lái 。” mò mǎng de zuǐ jiǎo lù chū yī sī jī cháo ， yǒu xiē xìng zāi lè huò de dào 。
“那小子胆色虽然不错，但想要进入漩涡的时候却已经晚了一步，无奈之下，他只能使用秘法，强行将已经缩小的漩涡口撑大，可这样一来。古传送阵已经被破坏，根本就不可能传送到这里来。”莫莽的嘴角露出一丝讥嘲，有些幸灾乐祸的道。
These birds were covered in no feathers, with bat-like wings stretching several meters long. The most striking feature was their sharp beaks, a meter long, with saw-toothed edges and backward-facing spines. Their appearance alone was terrifying.
“ ó ， nà tā huì pǎo dào nǎ lǐ qù ne ？”
“哦，那他会跑到哪里去呢？”
They were Corpse Bats!
“ zhè …… zài xià yě bù zhī dào 。” mò mǎng náo le náo tóu ：“ huò xǔ bèi chuán sòng dào wàn lǐ zhī yáo ， yě yǒu kě néng bèi sòng dào wēi xiǎn chóng chóng dì dì fāng ， zǒng zhī jiǔ sǐ yì shēng ， néng bù néng huó xià lái dōu yào kàn rén pǐn ， shì wú fǎ yǔ wǒ men qiǎng bǎo 。” shuō dào zhè lǐ ， mò mǎng kāi shǐ dé yì de dà xiào 。
“这……在下也不知道。”莫莽挠了挠头：“或许被传送到万里之遥，也有可能被送到危险重重地地方，总之九死一生，能不能活下来都要看人品，是无法与我们抢宝。”说到这里，莫莽开始得意的大笑。
Not only were they Tier 3 demon beasts but also known for their cruelty and ferocity. Most凝聚丹期 (Jing Dan Qi) cultivators would retreat at the sight of them. Tian Xiaojian had encountered so many in this northern region.
lín xuān diǎn diǎn tóu ， méi yǒu duō shuō shén me 。 jiǎ rú zhēn shì rú cǐ 。 zì rán shì zài hǎo bù guò ， suī rán lín xuān bìng bù pà tián xiǎo jiàn 。 rú guǒ liǎng rén dòu fǎ ， yǒu shí zú bǎ wò shèng tā ， dàn nà xiǎo zi yǒu jí è mó zūn zuò hòu tái ， rú wú bì yào ， lín xuān yě bìng bù xiǎng yǔ tā fān liǎn 。
林轩点点头，没有多说什么。假如真是如此。自然是再好不过，虽然林轩并不怕田小剑。如果两人斗法，有十足把握胜他，但那小子有极恶魔尊做后台，如无必要，林轩也并不想与他翻脸。
It was too late to run now!
ér shé yāo de gū jì bìng méi yǒu cuò 。
而蛇妖的估计并没有错。
Corpse Bats never gave up on their prey until they were dead.
yǔ cǐ tóng shí ， zài jù lí qīng yè shān shù wàn lǐ zhī yáo de mǒu dì 。
与此同时，在距离青叶山数万里之遥的某地。
Tian Xiaojian’s eyes flashed with a fierce light as he shook his shoulder, releasing ghostly mists that enveloped him. He then tapped his storage bag and summoned a bone shield and a blue flying sword.
tián xiǎo jiàn liǎn sè yīn hán dì zhàn zài yī piàn bīng tiān xuě dì zhī zhōng ， huò xǔ shì pò huài le chuán sòng zhèn fǎ de yuán gù ， tā jū rán bèi chuán dào le yōu zhōu jí běi zhī dì 。
田小剑脸色阴寒地站在一片冰天雪地之中，或许是破坏了传送阵法的缘故，他居然被传到了幽州极北之地。
Though he didn't have a soul-bound treasure yet, the Demon Overlord had given him several ancient treasures.
zhè lǐ jù lí qīng yè shān tài yuǎn ， jí shǐ mǎ shàng huí qù yě duō bàn lái bù jí ， hǎo bù róng yì xiàn le yōu míng hán tiě de xiāo xī ， jū rán gōng kuī yī kuì 。
这里距离青叶山太远，即使马上回去也多半来不及，好不容易现了幽冥寒铁的消息，居然功亏一篑。
The Corpse Bats showed no fear, opening their mouths to release green阴火 (Yin Huo) flames. Tian Xiaojian snorted coldly as ghostly mists split into large face-sized clouds that twisted and formed monstrous creatures with wings like lions or tigers in the sky.
“ kě wù ！” tián xiǎo jiàn yǎng tiān nù hǒu ， jiān ruì de xiào shēng rú tóng hǎi cháo nù tāo bān de yuǎn yuǎn chuán kāi ……
“可恶！”田小剑仰天怒吼，尖锐的啸声如同海潮怒涛般的远远传开……
Colored spiritual lights pierced the air; the ground began to shake...
yī zhèn hōng lōng lóng de jù xiǎng chuán lái ， què shì bù yuǎn chù de yī zuò xuě shān bèi tā zhèn dé hōng rán bēng tā ， níng dān qī xiū shì de shí lì kě jiàn yī bān a ！
一阵轰隆隆的巨响传来，却是不远处的一座雪山被他震得轰然崩塌，凝丹期修士的实力可见一斑啊！
While Tian Xiaojian fought the ferocious birds, Lin Xuan and Mao Mang started their treasure hunt.
rán ér tián xiǎo jiàn de tóng kǒng què zhòu rán fàng dà ， fú wú shuāng zhì ， huò bù dān xíng ， nán dào zì jǐ jīn tiān zhēn shì diǎn bèi ， bù yīng gāi chū mén ？
然而田小剑的瞳孔却骤然放大，福无双至，祸不单行，难道自己今天真是点背，不应该出门？
After passing through a rock cave, they entered a narrow passage. Strange symbols were carved on both walls.
kàn zhe nà sān zhǐ xíng mào chǒu lòu dì guài niǎo xiàng zì jǐ fēi le guò lái ， tián xiǎo jiàn de biǎo qíng yīn hán dào le jí diǎn 。
看着那三只形貌丑陋地怪鸟像自己飞了过来，田小剑的表情阴寒到了极点。
Lin Xuan frowned as he examined them—possibly ancient texts or something used for setting up restrictions.
cǐ niǎo hún shēn méi yǒu yǔ máo ， zhǎng zhe biān fú yī yàng de chì bǎng ， yì zhǎn zú yǒu sān sì zhàng zhǎng ， zuì lìng rén yìn xiàng shēn kè de shì de jiān zuǐ ， jū rán yǒu yī mǐ lái zhǎng ， zuǐ ké de biān yuán xíng rú jù chǐ ， hái shēng zhe bù shǎo dào cì ， cóng xíng mào shàng kàn ， jiù xiōng è yǐ jí 。
此鸟浑身没有羽毛，长着蝙蝠一样的翅膀，翼展足有三四丈长，最令人印象深刻的是的尖嘴，居然有一米来长，嘴壳的边缘形如锯齿，还生着不少倒刺，从形貌上看，就凶恶以极。
He released his divine sense.
shī biān niǎo ！
尸蝙鸟！
There was nothing blocking the path; it stretched about a kilometer and was only two meters high, barely allowing two people to pass side by side.
cǐ xiōng qín bù jǐn shì sān jí yāo shòu ， ér qiě xiàng lái yǐ cán rěn xiōng měng zhù chēng ， yì bān de níng dān qī xiū shì yù jiàn liǎo wú bù tuì bì ， méi xiǎng dào zì jǐ què zài zhè jí běi zhī dì yù jiàn le zhè me duō 。
此凶禽不仅是三级妖兽，而且向来以残忍凶猛著称，一般的凝丹期修士遇见了无不退避，没想到自己却在这极北之地遇见了这么多。
"Is this really the only way?" Lin Xuan smiled wryly as he turned back. "This passage doesn't seem to have any hidden surprises."
pǎo yǐ jīng lái bù jí le ！
跑已经来不及了！
"It's indeed just one path," said Mao Mang with a grim face, taking out an jade tube. "My daoist friend can see for yourself."
shī biān niǎo dīng zhōng le liè wù xiàng lái shì bù sǐ bù xiū 。
尸蝙鸟盯中了猎物向来是不死不休。
Lin Xuan channeled his power into his right hand, wrapped in green light, and accepted the jade tube.
tián xiǎo jiàn yǎn zhōng lì máng shǎn guò ， jiān tóu yī dǒu ， wú shù guǐ wù yǒng chū ， jiāng tā shēn tǐ bāo guǒ ， tóng shí zài chǔ wù dài shàng yī pāi ， yí miàn yóu bái gǔ liàn zhì chéng de dùn pái yǔ yī bǐng lán méng méng de fēi jiàn tóng shí bèi tā jì le qǐ lái 。
田小剑眼中厉芒闪过，肩头一抖，无数鬼雾涌出，将他身体包裹，同时在储物袋上一拍，一面由白骨炼制成的盾牌与一柄蓝蒙蒙的飞剑同时被他祭了起来。
Clearly, Lin Xuan didn't fully trust him. Mao Mang showed no dissatisfaction; though they had shaken hands as a pledge, only he knew how much sincerity there was. If Lin Xuan truly considered him a confidant, it would be strange indeed.
suī rán hái méi yǒu běn mìng fǎ bǎo ， dàn jí è mó zūn què cì yǔ le tā shù jiàn gǔ bǎo 。
虽然还没有本命法宝，但极恶魔尊却赐予了他数件古宝。
He injected his divine sense into the tube, and a map appeared in his mind with red lines marking paths. Lin Xuan quickly found their location; there were no other routes.
shī biān niǎo háo wú jù sè ， zhāng kāi kǒu ， tǔ chū yī lǚ lǚ lǜ sè dì yīn huǒ ， tián xiǎo jiàn lěng hēng yī shēng ， jiān tóu yī yáo ， cóng hēi yún zhōng lì kè fēn chū wú shù liǎn pén dà xiǎo de guǐ wù 。
尸蝙鸟毫无惧色，张开口，吐出一缕缕绿色地阴火，田小剑冷哼一声，肩头一摇，从黑云中立刻分出无数脸盆大小的鬼雾。
As for Mao Mang's possible deception, Lin Xuan wasn't overly concerned. He had seen similar maps from the two old fellows Liuyehu, and though it was complex, he could recognize any alterations or fakes.
rán hòu nà xiē guǐ wù niǔ dòng biàn xíng ， hěn kuài ， wú shù xíng rú shī hǔ 。 què bèi shēng shuāng chì de guài wù zài tiān kōng zhōng chéng xíng ， nù hǒu zhe xiàng shī biān niǎo pū qù 。
然后那些鬼雾扭动变形，很快，无数形如狮虎。却背生双翅的怪物在天空中成型，怒吼着像尸蝙鸟扑去。
Besides, this treasure hunt was fraught with danger. With Mao Mang’s cultivation level, he seemed to have no shortage of strength. If he were to turn hostile, it would likely be after finding the treasure.
gè sè líng guāng chuān kōng ， dà dì kāi shǐ zhèn dòng ……
各色灵光穿空，大地开始震动……
Still, Lin Xuan kept a secret move. As Mao Mang surveyed the passage, Lin Xuan quietly took out an empty jade tube and copied the map inside.
ér dāng tián xiǎo jiàn yǔ xiōng qín shā dé tiān hūn dì àn dì shí hòu ， lín xuān hé nà mò mǎng yě kāi shǐ le xún bǎo 。
而当田小剑与凶禽杀得天昏地暗地时候，林轩和那莫莽也开始了寻宝。
They hesitated at the entrance for a moment before entering side by side, each unwilling to take the lead, thus choosing this point in unison.
chuān guò yán dòng yǐ hòu ， liǎng rén jìn rù le yī tiáo xiá cháng de tōng dào 。
穿过岩洞以后，两人进入了一条狭长的通道。
To be safe, Lin Xuan activated his Nine Heavens Spirit Shield. Mao Mang growled as black scales covered him.
zài liǎng biān de qiáng bì shàng ， kè yǒu bù shǎo gǔ guài de fú wén 。
在两边的墙壁上，刻有不少古怪的符文。
Unknown dangers were the greatest threat. Knowing that the immortal mineral's owner was a group of元婴期 (Yuan Yin Qi) cultivators and demon transformation-stage creatures, Lin Xuan couldn't afford to be careless.
lín xuān zhòu méi dǎ liàng le jǐ yǎn 。 jì xiàng shì shàng gǔ shí qī de wén zì ， yě yǒu kě néng shì bù xià jìn zhì suǒ yòng de dōng xī 。
林轩皱眉打量了几眼。既像是上古时期的文字，也有可能是布下禁制所用的东西。
They walked cautiously, their speed slow but unwilling to linger in this unknown danger zone. Their divine senses fully extended while spiritual energy circulated through their meridians, ready to cast spells at the first sign of danger.
lín xuān fàng chū shén shí 。
林轩放出神识。
"Ah?" Lin Xuan stopped suddenly, bending down to pick up an object from the ground.
zhè lǐ bìng méi yǒu zǔ dǎng zhī wù ， zhěng gè tōng dào yì lǎn wú yí ， zhǎng yuē yǒu qiān mǐ ， gāo què bù zú liǎng zhàng ， zuì duō róng liǎng rén bìng xíng tōng guò ér yǐ 。
这里并没有阻挡之物，整个通道一览无遗，长约有千米，高却不足两丈，最多容两人并行通过而已。
This item was about the size of a fist and looked like common gold in secular society, but it was covered with gray dust. It must have been here for some time.
“ zhēn dì zhǐ yǒu zhè yī tiáo lù ma ？” lín xuān kǔ xiào zhe huí tóu ：“ zhěng gè tōng dào zěn me kàn dōu bù xiàng shì méi yǒu huā yàng 。”
“真地只有这一条路吗？”林轩苦笑着回头：“整个通道怎么看都不像是没有花样。”
"Thousand-year copper essence!" Lin Xuan immediately recognized what he held.
“ què shí zhǐ yǒu zhè yī tiáo 。” yāo xiū mò mǎng dì liǎn sè yě bù hǎo ， yī biān shuō ， yī biān ná chū yí gè yù tǒng 。 dào yǒu kàn kàn jiù zhī dào 。
“确实只有这一条。”妖修莫莽地脸色也不好，一边说，一边拿出一个玉筒。道友看看就知道。
In the cultivation world, this material was famous. For crafting ordinary power artifacts, thousand-year copper essence was widely used.
lín xuān jiāng fǎ lì yùn dào yòu shǒu shàng ， bāo guǒ zài yī céng qīng guāng zhōng ， jiē guò duì fāng dì yù tǒng 。
林轩将法力运到右手上，包裹在一层青光中，接过对方地玉筒。
Many middle-tier forces'凝聚丹期 (Jing Dan Qi) cultivators spent decades searching in harsh environments to find such a large piece. Occasionally, small amounts appeared at auctions, but they were worth nearly ten thousand crystal stones.
duì yú lín xuān zhè xiǎo xīn ， míng xiǎn bù xiāng xìn zì jǐ de jǔ dòng 。 mò mǎng méi yǒu sī háo bù mǎn dì biǎo shì ， liǎng rén suī rán jī zhǎng wèi shì ， dàn yǒu jǐ fēn chéng yì ， zhǐ yǒu zì jǐ qīng chǔ ， jiǎ rú lín xuān zhēn jiāng zì jǐ shì zuò xīn fù ， nà cái zhēn shì qí le guài le 。 jiāng shén shí zhù rù 。
对于林轩这小心，明显不相信自己的举动。莫莽没有丝毫不满地表示，两人虽然击掌为誓，但有几分诚意，只有自己清楚，假如林轩真将自己视作心腹，那才真是奇了怪了。将神识注入。
Enough for a newly condensed cultivator to go broke.
yī fù dì tú yìng rù nǎo hǎi zhōng ， shàng miàn yòng hóng xiàn biāo zhe yī xiē dào lù ， lín xuān hěn kuài zhǎo dào le liǎng rén suǒ zài de wèi zhì ， què shí méi yǒu bié de lù xiàn kě zǒu 。
一副地图映入脑海中，上面用红线标着一些道路，林轩很快找到了两人所在的位置，确实没有别的路线可走。
However, it was casually discarded here. Lin Xuan wasn't surprised; after all, this was an immortal mineral. Compared to other extraordinary materials inside, copper essence was insignificant.
zhì yú duì fāng shì fǒu yǒu zuò wěi 。 lín xuān dào bìng bù dān xīn ， tā céng jīng zài liǔ yè liǎng gè lǎo jiā huǒ shǒu zhōng kàn guò tóng yàng de dì tú ， suī rán yóu yú pǒ wèi fù zá ， bù gǎn shuō néng gòu yuán yàng huì chū ， dàn duì fāng yǒu méi yǒu gǎi dòng ， zuò jiǎ hái shì rèn dì chū lái de 。
至于对方是否有作伪。林轩倒并不担心，他曾经在柳叶两个老家伙手中看过同样的地图，虽然由于颇为复杂，不敢说能够原样绘出，但对方有没有改动，作假还是认地出来的。
Lin Xuan silently stored the item in his storage bag.
hé kuàng cǐ cì xún bǎo ， wēi xiǎn chóng chóng ， píng zhè mò mǎng de xiū wèi ， què shí lì yǒu bù dài 。 duì fāng jiù suàn yào fān liǎn ， yīng gāi yě shì zhǎo dào bǎo wù yǐ hòu 。
何况此次寻宝，危险重重，凭这莫莽的修为，确实力有不殆。对方就算要翻脸，应该也是找到宝物以后。
Mao Mang's eyes flashed with envy as he pursed his lips but said nothing. Though tempted, he wouldn’t risk a conflict over such minor copper essence.
dāng rán ， lín xuān yě liú yī shǒu ， chèn zhe mò mǎng fàng chū shén shí dǎ liàng tōng dào de shí hòu ， lín xuān qiāo qiāo cóng chǔ wù dài zhōng qǔ chū yí gè kòng bái yù tǒng ， jiāng cáng bǎo tú fù zhì qí zhōng 。
当然，林轩也留一手，趁着莫莽放出神识打量通道的时候，林轩悄悄从储物袋中取出一个空白玉筒，将藏宝图复制其中。
They continued forward for several steps when another piece of copper essence appeared. Lin Xuan bent down to pick it up, showing no joy but a slight frown, his expression thoughtful.
"Originally, these dozen or so seniors had different paths in life. A reconciliation was merely a temporary solution. However, during the battle to seize immortal minerals from various forces, they truly put aside their grievances and formed friendships, eventually even becoming sworn brothers."
"What?" Lin Xuan was startled but soon revealed a relieved expression. Even if it were an ancient era or now, such things weren't impossible.
Though humans, as the lords of all living beings, naturally looked down on the demon race, those eight had entered the transformation phase—monsters that could freely change form and possessed formidable strength and great intelligence. In short, these demons were already comparable to human existence.
Those old monsters from the元婴期 (Yuan Yin Qi) stage, having lived for centuries, were top-tier figures in this world. They wouldn't be bound by mundane views and always acted according to their whims.
Their forming a golden bond with demon transformation-stage creatures wasn't hard to understand. This explained why there were so many statues here, mixed humans and demons, looking so peculiar.
If it was an immortal mineral, the treasure inside would surely far exceed that of ordinary ancient cultivators' lairs, making the dangers understandable. Lin Xuan nodded: "Since this is the case, I will cooperate with my daoist friend."
Mao Mang was overjoyed and said happily, "My daoist friend won't regret today's choice. Then let us work together, splitting the treasures equally?"
"Very well."
The human and demon shook hands as a pledge, both laughing heartily, their demeanor extremely amiable. It seemed that in this moment, they had become sworn brothers. But Lin Xuan knew only too well how much sincerity there was.
"His胆色 (daredevilry) is commendable," Mao Mang said with a sneer, "but he arrived late and had to use secret methods to enlarge the already shrunk vortex entrance. However, this ancient teleportation array has been destroyed; it's impossible for him to arrive here."
"Oh? Where might he go then?"
"…I don't know," Mao Mang scratched his head. "Maybe sent to a place ten thousand miles away or somewhere perilous. In any case, it’s nine out of ten chances that he won’t survive, and there’s no way he can compete for the treasure."
Mao Mang began laughing triumphantly.
Lin Xuan nodded without saying much. If this was true, it would be perfect. Although Lin Xuan wasn't afraid of Tian Xiaojian, if they fought, he had full confidence in victory. But with his background as a demon overlord, Lin Xuan didn’t want to risk a confrontation unless necessary.
However, the snake demon's prediction was correct.
Meanwhile, several miles away from Qing Ye Mountain, Tian Xiaojian stood in an icy landscape, having been teleported to the northernmost part of You Zhou due to the destruction of the teleportation array.
This place was far too distant; even if he rushed back, it would be too late. He had just discovered the existence of Netherworld Cold Iron but had failed.
"Damnit!" Tian Xiaojian roared into the sky, his sharp cry echoing like a tidal wave...
A loud rumbling came from nearby as a mountain collapsed under his power. The strength of a凝聚丹期 (Jing Dan Qi) cultivator was evident!
However, Tian Xiaojian's pupils suddenly widened. Misfortune never comes singly; today must be his unlucky day!
Seeing three ugly birds flying towards him, Tian Xiaojian’s expression turned icy.
These birds were covered in no feathers, with bat-like wings stretching several meters long. The most striking feature was their sharp beaks, a meter long, with saw-toothed edges and backward-facing spines. Their appearance alone was terrifying.
They were Corpse Bats!
Not only were they Tier 3 demon beasts but also known for their cruelty and ferocity. Most凝聚丹期 (Jing Dan Qi) cultivators would retreat at the sight of them. Tian Xiaojian had encountered so many in this northern region.
It was too late to run now!
Corpse Bats never gave up on their prey until they were dead.
Tian Xiaojian’s eyes flashed with a fierce light as he shook his shoulder, releasing ghostly mists that enveloped him. He then tapped his storage bag and summoned a bone shield and a blue flying sword.
Though he didn't have a soul-bound treasure yet, the Demon Overlord had given him several ancient treasures.
The Corpse Bats showed no fear, opening their mouths to release green阴火 (Yin Huo) flames. Tian Xiaojian snorted coldly as ghostly mists split into large face-sized clouds that twisted and formed monstrous creatures with wings like lions or tigers in the sky.
Colored spiritual lights pierced the air; the ground began to shake...
While Tian Xiaojian fought the ferocious birds, Lin Xuan and Mao Mang started their treasure hunt.
After passing through a rock cave, they entered a narrow passage. Strange symbols were carved on both walls.
Lin Xuan frowned as he examined them—possibly ancient texts or something used for setting up restrictions.
He released his divine sense.
There was nothing blocking the path; it stretched about a kilometer and was only two meters high, barely allowing two people to pass side by side.
"Is this really the only way?" Lin Xuan smiled wryly as he turned back. "This passage doesn't seem to have any hidden surprises."
"It's indeed just one path," said Mao Mang with a grim face, taking out an jade tube. "My daoist friend can see for yourself."
Lin Xuan channeled his power into his right hand, wrapped in green light, and accepted the jade tube.
Clearly, Lin Xuan didn't fully trust him. Mao Mang showed no dissatisfaction; though they had shaken hands as a pledge, only he knew how much sincerity there was. If Lin Xuan truly considered him a confidant, it would be strange indeed.
He injected his divine sense into the tube, and a map appeared in his mind with red lines marking paths. Lin Xuan quickly found their location; there were no other routes.
As for Mao Mang's possible deception, Lin Xuan wasn't overly concerned. He had seen similar maps from the two old fellows Liuyehu, and though it was complex, he could recognize any alterations or fakes.
Besides, this treasure hunt was fraught with danger. With Mao Mang’s cultivation level, he seemed to have no shortage of strength. If he were to turn hostile, it would likely be after finding the treasure.
Still, Lin Xuan kept a secret move. As Mao Mang surveyed the passage, Lin Xuan quietly took out an empty jade tube and copied the map inside.
They hesitated at the entrance for a moment before entering side by side, each unwilling to take the lead, thus choosing this point in unison.
To be safe, Lin Xuan activated his Nine Heavens Spirit Shield. Mao Mang growled as black scales covered him.
Unknown dangers were the greatest threat. Knowing that the immortal mineral's owner was a group of元婴期 (Yuan Yin Qi) cultivators and demon transformation-stage creatures, Lin Xuan couldn't afford to be careless.
They walked cautiously, their speed slow but unwilling to linger in this unknown danger zone. Their divine senses fully extended while spiritual energy circulated through their meridians, ready to cast spells at the first sign of danger.
"Ah?" Lin Xuan stopped suddenly, bending down to pick up an object from the ground.
This item was about the size of a fist and looked like common gold in secular society, but it was covered with gray dust. It must have been here for some time.
"Thousand-year copper essence!" Lin Xuan immediately recognized what he held.
In the cultivation world, this material was famous. For crafting ordinary power artifacts, thousand-year copper essence was widely used.
Many middle-tier forces'凝聚丹期 (Jing Dan Qi) cultivators spent decades searching in harsh environments to find such a large piece. Occasionally, small amounts appeared at auctions, but they were worth nearly ten thousand crystal stones.
Enough for a newly condensed cultivator to go broke.
However, it was casually discarded here. Lin Xuan wasn't surprised; after all, this was an immortal mineral. Compared to other extraordinary materials inside, copper essence was insignificant.
Lin Xuan silently stored the item in his storage bag.
Mao Mang's eyes flashed with envy as he pursed his lips but said nothing. Though tempted, he wouldn’t risk a conflict over such minor copper essence.
They continued forward for several steps when another piece of copper essence appeared. Lin Xuan bent down to pick it up, showing no joy but a slight frown, his expression thoughtful.