jié guǒ méi yǒu xuán niàn 。
结果没有悬念。
The outcome was not in doubt.
lín xuān kāi shǐ hái duì tā men yǒu xiē xìng qù ， dàn suí zhe shí jiān de tuī yí ， què jiàn jiàn biàn dé bù nài fán 。
林轩开始还对他们有些兴趣，但随着时间的推移，却渐渐变得不耐烦。
Lin Xuan had initially shown some interest in them, but as time passed, he became increasingly impatient.
bù guò rú cǐ 。
不过如此。
After all, the saying goes: "Seeing is believing." However, this time around, Lin Xuan's impression of them was quite different. Perhaps it wasn't entirely fair to say that the Yin-Yang Demon Corpse was a mere pretender, but with his current strength, even those at the Spirit Dividing realm were no longer a threat or source of trouble.
sú huà shuō ， wén míng bù rú jiàn miàn ， rán ér zhè yī cì ， gěi lín xuān de gǎn jué ， què qià qià xiāng fǎn 。
俗话说，闻名不如见面，然而这一次，给林轩的感觉，却恰恰相反。
With this clear in his mind, Lin Xuan had no intention of wasting any more time here. He stopped holding back and swiftly eliminated the two demons, as he still had important matters to attend to.
shuō yīn yáng mó shī làng dé xū míng ， huò xǔ yǒu xiē tài guò ， dàn fēn shén jí bié de cún zài zài liǎo de ， dōu yǐ hěn nán duì tā zào chéng wēi xié yǔ kùn rǎo le 。
说yīn阳魔尸浪得虚名，或许有些太过，但分神级别的存在再了得，都已很难对他造成威胁与困扰了。
However, this encounter made Lin Xuan slightly more cautious. The Yin-Yang Demon Corpse might not be formidable, but the one pulling its strings was likely a much tougher opponent.
jiāng zhè yì diǎn nòng qīng chǔ ， lín xuān yě jiù wú yì jiāng shí jiān zài zhè lǐ yǔ tā men xiāo mó 。
将这一点弄清楚，林轩也就无意将时间在这里与他们消磨。
The plot to obtain the Cloud Forging Technique would undoubtedly prove far more challenging than anticipated. There might indeed be some unforeseen obstacles along the way. But what if? Abandoning such a task halfway wasn't in his character. He had even single-handedly faced a realm-transcending existence, and he believed that in this world, few could pose a real threat to him.
bù zài liú shǒu ， sān xià wǔ chú èr jiāng liǎng mó miè chú ， zì jǐ hái yǒu zhèng shì yào zuò 。
不再留手，三下五除二将两魔灭除，自己还有正事要做。
Of course, it was always better to be cautious.
zhǐ bù guò zhè yī cì xiāng yù ， ràng lín xuān xīn lǐ ， huò duō huò shǎo duō le jǐ fēn jǐng tì 。
只不过这一次相遇，让林轩心里，或多或少多了几分jǐng惕。
Lin Xuan formed the hand seals, gradually weakening his aura until his figure became almost transparent.
yīn yáng mó shī méi shén me liǎo bù qǐ ， dàn tā men bèi hòu de cāo zòng zhě ， shí lì kǒng pà jiù bú shì nà me hǎo yìng fù 。
yīn阳魔尸没什么了不起，但他们背后的cāo纵者，实力恐怕就不是那么好应付。
Having used the technique of concealing one's presence, his speed would naturally be affected. But Lin Xuan didn't care; he floated lightly towards the destination.
zhè yī cì tú móu yún duàn zhī shù ， xiǎng bì bǐ yù jì de yào kùn nán dé duō ， huò xǔ zhōng jiān hái zhēn huì chū xiàn yī xiē bō zhé ， rán ér yǒu wēi xiǎn yòu rú hé ， bàn tú ér fèi bú shì lín xuān de xìng gé ， lián dù jié qī cún zài zì jǐ yě dān tiāo guò ， tā xiāng xìn fàng yǎn sān jiè ， néng gòu wēi xié dào zì jǐ xìng mìng de cún zài yǐ bù duō 。
这一次图谋云锻之术，想必比预计的要困难得多，或许中间还真会出现一些波折，然而有危险又如何，半途而废不是林轩的xìng格，连渡劫期存在自己也单挑过，他相信放眼三界，能够威胁到自己xìng命的存在已不多。
---
dāng rán xiǎo xīn yī xiē zǒng shì méi cuò 。
当然小心一些总是没错。
Meanwhile, about ten million li away, a towering mountain pierced the clouds. The peculiar shape of this mountain made it resemble a scorpion with its claws outstretched and fangs bared.
lín xuān shuāng shǒu qiā jué ， qì xī zhú jiàn xuē ruò ， shēn xíng yě jiàn jiàn tòu míng qǐ lái le 。
林轩双手掐诀，气息逐渐削弱，身形也渐渐透明起来了。
The origin of the name "Scorpion Mountain" was undoubtedly related to its appearance.
shī zhǎn le liǎn qì yǐn nì zhī shù ， dùn guāng de sù dù zì rán duō duō shǎo shǎo yě huì shòu yī xiē yǐng xiǎng le ， bù guò lín xuān bù zài hū ， qīng piāo piāo de xiàng qián fāng fēi qù le 。
施展了敛气隐匿之术，遁光的速度自然多多少少也会受一些影响了，不过林轩不在乎，轻飘飘的像前方飞去了。
Atop the mountain, trees and plants grew in abundance, except for an open area several miles wide in the center. The air there was thick with Yin energy, making it stand out starkly against the otherwise bright sky.
……
……
Even though it was noon, the presence of those patches of Yin energy made the entire sky seem dim. Even the sun's light felt less warm.
yǔ cǐ tóng shí ， jù lí cǐ dì yuē shí wàn lǐ ， yī zuò dà shān gāo sǒng rù yún ， rán ér cǐ shān fēng xíng zhuàng qí tè ， yuǎn yuǎn wàng qù ， jìng fǎng fú yī zhāng yá wǔ zhǎo de xiē zi 。
与此同时，距离此地约十万里，一座大山高耸入云，然而此山峰形状奇特，远远望去，竟仿佛一张牙舞爪的蝎子。
Yin Officials and Ghost Beings!
tiān xiē shān de yóu lái ， xiǎng bì yǔ qí xíng zhuàng ， shì xī xī xiāng guān de 。
天蝎山的由来，想必与其形状，是息息相关的。
If any cultivators were present, they would easily recognize the owner of that gray mist.
shān dǐng shàng shù mù zhí wù mào mì yǐ jí ， wéi zài zhōng jiān ， yǒu yī kuài fāng yuán shù lǐ de kòng dì 。
山顶上树木植物茂密以极，唯在中间，有一块方圆数里的空地。
While the ghost path was indeed filled with a pervasive aura of Yin energy, it still differed significantly from pure demonic or beastly ghosts.
ér kòng dì shàng 。 yī tuán tuán huī méng méng de yīn qì 。 nà shì xǐng mù yǐ jí 。
而空地上。一团团灰蒙蒙的yīn气。那是醒目以极。
And apart from the Yin Official underworld, only in the lost realms could one see such pure demonic and beastly ghosts. In the eyes of ordinary cultivators, these creatures were even more mysterious than ancient demons. Their powers were known for their eerie nature.
cǐ kè míng míng shì zhèng wǔ ， rán ér yīn wèi nà jǐ tuán yīn qì ， zhěng gè tiān kōng 。 dōu xiǎn de huì àn yǐ jí ， lián tài yáng fàng chū de guāng ， dōu gǎn jué bú dào shén me rè lì 。
此刻明明是正午，然而因为那几团yīn气，整个天空。都显得晦暗以极，连太阳放出的光，都感觉不到什么热力。
The oppressive presence emitted by those patches of Yin energy wasn't weak, but the most striking was the figure at the forefront.
yīn sī guǐ wù ！
yīn司鬼物！
Although his form was completely obscured by the gray mist and only a faint aura could be felt, Lin Xuan would have recognized him instantly if he had been there. This was an old monster at the realm-transcending stage.
ruò yǒu xiū xiān zhě 。 xiǎng bì yī yǎn jiù néng gòu jiāng huī qì de zhǔ rén rèn chū 。
若有修仙者。想必一眼就能够将灰气的主人认出。
Indeed, it was the realm-transcending stage.
suī rán guǐ dào xiū shì ， yě shì yī pài yīn qì sēn sēn de ， dàn yǔ chún cuì de yāo guǐ xiāng bǐ ， hái shì dà yǒu qū bié dì 。
虽然鬼道修士，也是一派yīn气森森的，但与纯粹的妖鬼相比，还是大有区别地。
Yin Officials, capable of standing toe-to-toe with experts from the Spirit Realm and Demon Realm, naturally included other powerful ghosts at this stage besides the Six Kings of Yin.
ér chú le yīn sī dì fǔ ， yě wéi yǒu zài shī luò de jiè miàn ， cái néng kàn jiàn chún cuì de yāo guǐ le 。
而除了yīn司地府，也唯有在失落的界面，才能看见纯粹的妖鬼了。
They were called Ghost Sages, their titles be damned. At the realm-transcending stage, such old monsters were rare enough that they could be considered as elusive as a divine dragon. Their appearance on Scorpion Mountain was not due to mere coincidence but for some specific purpose.
zhè xiē jiā huo ， zài yì bān xiū shì de yǎn lǐ ， shèn zhì bǐ gǔ mó hái yào shén mì ， yī shēn shén tōng 。 nà gèng shì yǐ guǐ yì zhù chēng dì 。
这些家伙，在一般修士的眼里，甚至比古魔还要神秘，一身神通。那更是以诡异著称地。
Suddenly, the Ghost Sage opened his eyes.
jǐ tuán yīn qì sàn fà chū lái de wēi yā dōu bù ruò ， rán ér zuì yǐn rén zhǔ mù de ， hái shì zuì qián miàn de nà ge jiā huo 。
几团yīn气散发出来的威压都不弱，然而最引人瞩目的，还是最前面的那个家伙。
Although the entire area was shrouded in Yin energy and his expression was unclear, a glint of sharpness flashed in his eyes, and a surge of anger erupted from them.
suī rán huī méng méng de yīn qì jiāng tā de shēn yǐng wán quán zhē dǎng zhù 。 shēn shàng yě jǐn yǒu ruò yǒu ruò wú de wēi yā sàn fà ér chū 。 rán ér lín xuān ruò zài cǐ chù ， kǒng pà yī yǎn jiù néng gòu rèn chū 。 zhè shì yī dù jié jí bié de lǎo guài wù 。
虽然灰蒙蒙的yīn气将他的身影完全遮挡住。身上也仅有若有若无的威压散发而出。然而林轩若在此处，恐怕一眼就能够认出。这是一渡劫级别的老怪物。
"Lord, what happened?"
méi cuò ， jiù shì dù jié qī 。
没错，就是渡劫期。
From the left lower side, a soft voice entered his ears. If he hadn't been mistaken, it belonged to a woman.
yīn sī guǐ wù ， jì rán néng yǔ líng jiè 、 mó jiè de gāo shǒu fēn tíng kàng lǐ ， chú le yīn sī liù wáng yǐ wài ， zì rán yě yǒu qí tā dù jié jí bié de dà yāo guǐ lái zhe 。
yīn司鬼物，既然能与灵界、魔界的高手分庭抗礼，除了yīn司六王以外，自然也有其他渡劫级别的大妖鬼来着。
"The Lord's Yin-Yang Demon Corpse has fallen," came several low growls from within the black mist, filled with sorrow and anger.
dì wèi yǔ gǔ mó shèng zǔ xiāng chà fǎng fú ， bèi chēng wéi guǐ shèng 。
地位与古魔圣祖相差仿佛，被称为鬼圣。
"What?!"
bù guǎn chēng hào shì shén me ， dù jié jí bié de lǎo guài wù ， fàng yǎn nǎ yī jiè ， dōu kěn dìng bù duō ， shuō shén lóng jiàn shǒu bù jiàn wěi nà yě bù wèi guò ， cǐ shí cǐ kè ， chū xiàn zài tiān xiē shān ， kěn dìng bú shì jī yuán qiǎo hé ， ér shì yǒu suǒ tú 。
不管称号是什么，渡劫级别的老怪物，放眼哪一界，都肯定不多，说神龙见首不见尾那也不为过，此时此刻，出现在天蝎山，肯定不是机缘巧合，而是有所图。
The other ghost beings present were visibly shocked. As trusted attendants of their lord, they knew the strength of the Yin-Yang Demon Corpse; even if they had faced him alone, they would have been hard-pressed to defeat him.
tū rán ， nà guǐ shèng zhēng kāi le yǎn jīng 。
突然，那鬼圣睁开了眼睛。
"Could it be that fellow has received word?" The woman's voice carried a hint of doubt.
suī rán quán shēn yīn qì liáo rào biǎo qíng kàn bù qīng chǔ ， dàn yǎn móu zhōng yǐn yǐn yǒu jīng máng shǎn guò ， lì qì bó fā ér chū 。
虽然全身yīn气缭绕表情看不清楚，但眼眸中隐隐有jīng芒闪过，戾气勃发而出。
"Hmph, I don't know. According to reason, Old Demon Jia and the others shouldn't have gotten such news so quickly. But who can predict what will happen in the cultivation world? We mustn't be careless."
“ dà rén ， chū shén me shì qíng le ？”
“大人，出什么事情了？”
"The Lord is right. The Confined Immortal Ring treasure that Master Fish has been refining is something the main master specifically requested, and we cannot afford to fail it. Being cautious is always better. Perhaps I should go check on them," the woman suggested.
zuǒ xià shǒu ， yī dòng tīng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， ruò shì méi yǒu nòng cuò ， yīng gāi shì yī nǚ zǐ 。
左下首，一动听的声音传入耳朵，若是没有弄错，应该是一女子。
"Absolutely not. My Yin-Yang Demon Corpse fell just as quickly. Even if he isn't Old Demon Jia, his strength won't differ much from him. Although your cultivation methods are all profound in their own ways, facing such a powerful opponent would still be like sending a meat bao to the dogs—no return. I must go myself," the Ghost Sage said.
“ běn zūn de yīn yáng mó shī ， yǔn luò diào le 。” nà hēi qì zhōng chuán lái jǐ shēng dī hǒu ， shēng yīn tòng xī ér fèn nù 。
“本尊的yīn阳魔尸，陨落掉了。”那黑气中传来几声低吼，声音痛惜而愤怒。
"Lord, if you're going yourself...?" The woman seemed uneasy about this suggestion.
“ shén me ？”
“什么？”
"Enough, no need for further persuasion. I know what needs to be done in such circumstances. This is the safest course of action. As for the Sword Washing Pool here, please take good care of it. You see, the main master spent countless efforts on refining this treasure. Apart from Master Fish, Fire Monarch Li and Ancient Mirror Sage were also invited. The gathering of three top-tier alchemists in this lost realm was precisely to ensure that the Confined Immortal Ring would be refined without any flaws," the Ghost Sage said with a serious tone.
qí tā yīn qì zhōng de guǐ wù ， wú bù dòng róng ， tā men zuò wèi dà rén de qīn xìn ， nà yīn yáng mó shī shí lì rú hé ， zì rán xīn lǐ yǒu shù ， biàn shì tā men yǔ qí dān tiāo ， yě méi yǒu shén me bǎ wò ， néng gòu zhàn ér shèng zhī de 。
其他yīn气中的鬼物，无不动容，他们做为大人的亲信，那yīn阳魔尸实力如何，自然心里有数，便是他们与其单挑，也没有什么把握，能够战而胜之的。
"If it weren't for the coincidence of the Sword Washing Pool opening at the same time as the main master's cultivation of supreme divine techniques, he might have personally overseen everything. Now, given this important task, if anything goes wrong, you can imagine the consequences... The main master's soul essence transformation is something none of you have experienced, but it's a well-known tale," the Ghost Sage continued.
“ nán dào shì nà jiā huo ， dé dào xiāo xī le ？” nà nǚ zǐ de shēng yīn dài zhe jǐ fēn yóu yí zhī sè。
“难道是那家伙，得到消息了？”那女子的声音带着几分犹疑之sè。
"Lord, we will do our utmost to complete your task. While the techniques of these three top-tier alchemists are indeed unparalleled, they were not willing participants. If they don't put their heart into refining this treasure...?"
“ hēng ， běn zūn yě bù xiǎo de ， àn lǐ shuō ， jiǎ lǎo mó tā men ， shì bù yīng gāi zhè me kuài jiù dé dào xiāo xī de ， bù guò xiū xiān jiè de shì qíng ， shuí yòu shuō dé qīng chǔ ， zhe shí dà yì bù dé 。”
“哼，本尊也不晓得，按理说，贾老魔他们，是不应该这么快就得到消息的，不过修仙界的事情，谁又说得清楚，着实大意不得。”
"You needn't worry about that. The main master's plans account for such scenarios, and he has his own methods. Even if they aren't willingly participating, they will surely do their best to refine this treasure. You needn't concern yourselves with the details; your task is merely to guard here and ensure no external interference hinders them," the Ghost Sage explained.
“ dà rén suǒ yán bù cuò ， zhè cì ràng yú dà shī tā men jì liàn de kùn xiān huán fǎ bǎo ， kě shì zhǔ shàng diǎn míng yào yào ， jué bù róng yǒu shī shén me ， xiǎo xīn yī xiē zǒng shì méi cuò ， yào bù wǒ qù kàn kàn hǎo le 。” nà nǚ zǐ rú cǐ zhè bān de shuō 。
“大人所言不错，这次让鱼大师他们祭炼的困仙环法宝，可是主上点名要要，绝不容有失什么，小心一些总是没错，要不我去看看好了。”那女子如此这般的说。
"Understood, we will spare no effort."
“ bù xíng ， běn zūn de yīn yáng mó shī yě shì qǐng kè jiān jí yǔn luò ， nà jiā huo jí biàn bú shì jiǎ lǎo mó ， shí lì kǒng pà yě bú huì xiāng chà tài duō ， nǐ men jǐ gè suǒ xiū liàn de gōng fǎ ， suī rán gè yǒu xuán miào zhī chù ， dàn duì shàng zhè zhǒng děng jí de qiáng zhě ， yī jiù shì ròu bāo zi dǎ gǒu ， yǒu qù wú huí de ， hái shì běn zūn qīn zì zǒu yī tàng hǎo le 。”
“不行，本尊的yīn阳魔尸也是顷刻间即陨落，那家伙即便不是贾老魔，实力恐怕也不会相差太多，你们几个所修炼的功法，虽然各有玄妙之处，但对上这种等级的强者，依旧是肉包子打狗，有去无回的，还是本尊亲自走一趟好了。”
The other ghost beings, though their faces remained indistinct, echoed in unison.
“ dà rén yào qīn zì qù ， kě ……” nà nǚ zǐ fǎng fú xiǎng dào le shén me ， yǒu diǎn bù ān de shuō 。
“大人要亲自去，可……”那女子仿佛想到了什么，有点不安的说。
"Very well, as long as you complete this mission, the main master won't fail us. Guard carefully here; I'm off."
“ xíng le ， bù yòng zài quàn ， běn zūn xīn lǐ yǒu shù ， rú jīn jì yǒu biàn gù ， wéi yǒu zhè me zuò ， cái zuì wèi wěn tuǒ ， zhì yú xǐ jiàn chí zhè biān ， jiù láo fán nǐ men jǐ gè duō duō zhào gù ， yào zhī dào ， wèi le jì liàn zhè jiàn bǎo wù ， zhǔ shàng kě shì huā fèi xīn xuè wú shù ， chú le yú dà shī ， liè huǒ shàng rén yǔ nà gǔ jìng zūn zhě yě dōu yì qǐ qǐng lái le ， shī luò jiè miàn sān dà liàn qì zōng shī qí jù cǐ chù ， jiù shì xiǎng ràng kùn xiān huán fǎ bǎo de liàn zhì ， wàn wú yī shī de 。” nà guǐ shèng yǔ qì níng zhòng de dīng zhǔ ：“ ruò bú shì nà xǐ jiàn chí kāi qǐ de shí jiān yǔ zhǔ shàng xiū liàn wú shàng shén tōng de shí jiān qià hǎo chóng hé ， shí zài shì fēn shēn fá shù ， zhǔ shàng kǒng pà dū huì qīn zì zuò zhèn cǐ chù ， yǐ què bǎo wàn wú yī shī de ， rú jīn jiāng zhè zhòng yào de rèn wù jiāo yǔ nǐ wǒ ， ruò shì yǒu shén me chā cuò ， xià chǎng rú hé ， xiǎng bì yě bù yòng běn zūn duō shuō ， zhǔ shàng huà hún ** de zī wèi ér nǐ men suī rán méi yǒu cháng guò ， dàn kěn dìng shì zǎo yǒu ěr wén le ……”
“行了，不用再劝，本尊心里有数，如今既有变故，唯有这么做，才最为稳妥，至于洗剑池这边，就劳烦你们几个多多照顾，要知道，为了祭炼这件宝物，主上可是花费心血无数，除了鱼大师，烈火上人与那古镜尊者也都一起请来了，失落界面三大炼器宗师齐聚此处，就是想让困仙环法宝的炼制，万无一失的。”那鬼圣语气凝重的叮嘱：“若不是那洗剑池开启的时间与主上修炼无上神通的时间恰好重合，实在是分身乏术，主上恐怕都会亲自坐镇此处，以确保万无一失的，如今将这重要的任务交予你我，若是有什么差错，下场如何，想必也不用本尊多说，主上化魂**的滋味儿你们虽然没有尝过，但肯定是早有耳闻了……”
Before his words had fully faded, the Ghost Sage transformed into a puff of Yin wind and vanished into thin air.
“ dà rén fàng xīn ， zhǔ shàng qīn zì jiāo dài de rèn wù ， wǒ děng yòu zěn gǎn yǒu fēn háo dài màn ne ， zhǐ shì sān dà liàn qì zōng shī de jì yì gù rán shì yì liú ， rán ér jiāng tā men qǐng dào cǐ chù ， tā men bì jìng bú shì xīn gān qíng yuàn de ， wàn yī liàn zhì bìng bù yòng xīn ， gù yì chū cuò ……”
“大人放心，主上亲自交代的任务，我等又怎敢有分毫怠慢呢，只是三大炼器宗师的技艺固然是一流，然而将他们请到此处，他们毕竟不是心甘情愿的，万一炼制并不用心，故意出错……”
P.S.: Fellow cultivators, my recommendation votes aren't coming in strong enough! Huan Yu knows updates have been sparse recently, but with the Spring Festival, I've been busy as a bee. You know what I mean. I'm doing my best to maintain this pace; please give me your recommendation votes!
The outcome was not in doubt.
Lin Xuan had initially shown some interest in them, but as time passed, he became increasingly impatient.
After all, the saying goes: "Seeing is believing." However, this time around, Lin Xuan's impression of them was quite different. Perhaps it wasn't entirely fair to say that the Yin-Yang Demon Corpse was a mere pretender, but with his current strength, even those at the Spirit Dividing realm were no longer a threat or source of trouble.
With this clear in his mind, Lin Xuan had no intention of wasting any more time here. He stopped holding back and swiftly eliminated the two demons, as he still had important matters to attend to.
However, this encounter made Lin Xuan slightly more cautious. The Yin-Yang Demon Corpse might not be formidable, but the one pulling its strings was likely a much tougher opponent.
The plot to obtain the Cloud Forging Technique would undoubtedly prove far more challenging than anticipated. There might indeed be some unforeseen obstacles along the way. But what if? Abandoning such a task halfway wasn't in his character. He had even single-handedly faced a realm-transcending existence, and he believed that in this world, few could pose a real threat to him.
Of course, it was always better to be cautious.
Lin Xuan formed the hand seals, gradually weakening his aura until his figure became almost transparent.
Having used the technique of concealing one's presence, his speed would naturally be affected. But Lin Xuan didn't care; he floated lightly towards the destination.
---
Meanwhile, about ten million li away, a towering mountain pierced the clouds. The peculiar shape of this mountain made it resemble a scorpion with its claws outstretched and fangs bared.
The origin of the name "Scorpion Mountain" was undoubtedly related to its appearance.
Atop the mountain, trees and plants grew in abundance, except for an open area several miles wide in the center. The air there was thick with Yin energy, making it stand out starkly against the otherwise bright sky.
Even though it was noon, the presence of those patches of Yin energy made the entire sky seem dim. Even the sun's light felt less warm.
Yin Officials and Ghost Beings!
If any cultivators were present, they would easily recognize the owner of that gray mist.
While the ghost path was indeed filled with a pervasive aura of Yin energy, it still differed significantly from pure demonic or beastly ghosts.
And apart from the Yin Official underworld, only in the lost realms could one see such pure demonic and beastly ghosts. In the eyes of ordinary cultivators, these creatures were even more mysterious than ancient demons. Their powers were known for their eerie nature.
The oppressive presence emitted by those patches of Yin energy wasn't weak, but the most striking was the figure at the forefront.
Although his form was completely obscured by the gray mist and only a faint aura could be felt, Lin Xuan would have recognized him instantly if he had been there. This was an old monster at the realm-transcending stage.
Indeed, it was the realm-transcending stage.
Yin Officials, capable of standing toe-to-toe with experts from the Spirit Realm and Demon Realm, naturally included other powerful ghosts at this stage besides the Six Kings of Yin.
They were called Ghost Sages, their titles be damned. At the realm-transcending stage, such old monsters were rare enough that they could be considered as elusive as a divine dragon. Their appearance on Scorpion Mountain was not due to mere coincidence but for some specific purpose.
Suddenly, the Ghost Sage opened his eyes.
Although the entire area was shrouded in Yin energy and his expression was unclear, a glint of sharpness flashed in his eyes, and a surge of anger erupted from them.
"Lord, what happened?"
From the left lower side, a soft voice entered his ears. If he hadn't been mistaken, it belonged to a woman.
"The Lord's Yin-Yang Demon Corpse has fallen," came several low growls from within the black mist, filled with sorrow and anger.
"What?!"
The other ghost beings present were visibly shocked. As trusted attendants of their lord, they knew the strength of the Yin-Yang Demon Corpse; even if they had faced him alone, they would have been hard-pressed to defeat him.
"Could it be that fellow has received word?" The woman's voice carried a hint of doubt.
"Hmph, I don't know. According to reason, Old Demon Jia and the others shouldn't have gotten such news so quickly. But who can predict what will happen in the cultivation world? We mustn't be careless."
"The Lord is right. The Confined Immortal Ring treasure that Master Fish has been refining is something the main master specifically requested, and we cannot afford to fail it. Being cautious is always better. Perhaps I should go check on them," the woman suggested.
"Absolutely not. My Yin-Yang Demon Corpse fell just as quickly. Even if he isn't Old Demon Jia, his strength won't differ much from him. Although your cultivation methods are all profound in their own ways, facing such a powerful opponent would still be like sending a meat bao to the dogs—no return. I must go myself," the Ghost Sage said.
"Lord, if you're going yourself...?" The woman seemed uneasy about this suggestion.
"Enough, no need for further persuasion. I know what needs to be done in such circumstances. This is the safest course of action. As for the Sword Washing Pool here, please take good care of it. You see, the main master spent countless efforts on refining this treasure. Apart from Master Fish, Fire Monarch Li and Ancient Mirror Sage were also invited. The gathering of three top-tier alchemists in this lost realm was precisely to ensure that the Confined Immortal Ring would be refined without any flaws," the Ghost Sage said with a serious tone.
"If it weren't for the coincidence of the Sword Washing Pool opening at the same time as the main master's cultivation of supreme divine techniques, he might have personally overseen everything. Now, given this important task, if anything goes wrong, you can imagine the consequences... The main master's soul essence transformation is something none of you have experienced, but it's a well-known tale," the Ghost Sage continued.
"Lord, we will do our utmost to complete your task. While the techniques of these three top-tier alchemists are indeed unparalleled, they were not willing participants. If they don't put their heart into refining this treasure...?"
"You needn't worry about that. The main master's plans account for such scenarios, and he has his own methods. Even if they aren't willingly participating, they will surely do their best to refine this treasure. You needn't concern yourselves with the details; your task is merely to guard here and ensure no external interference hinders them," the Ghost Sage explained.
"Understood, we will spare no effort."
The other ghost beings, though their faces remained indistinct, echoed in unison.
"Very well, as long as you complete this mission, the main master won't fail us. Guard carefully here; I'm off."
Before his words had fully faded, the Ghost Sage transformed into a puff of Yin wind and vanished into thin air.
P.S.: Fellow cultivators, my recommendation votes aren't coming in strong enough! Huan Yu knows updates have been sparse recently, but with the Spring Festival, I've been busy as a bee. You know what I mean. I'm doing my best to maintain this pace; please give me your recommendation votes!