“ zhè yī cì xìng hǎo yǒu lín dào yǒu chū shǒu xiàng zhù ， fǒu zé wǒ děng hái zhēn dǎ bù yíng zhè xiē jiā huo ， shuō bù dìng zhǐ yǒu wàng fēng ér táo le 。”
“这一次幸好有林道友出手相助，否则我等还真打不赢这些家伙，说不定只有望风而逃了。”
"This time, it's fortunate that Daoist Lin was kind enough to help us. Otherwise, we might not have been able to defeat these fellows. We could only run away in fear."
zào páo lǎo zhě liǎn shàng mǎn shì xīn xǐ ， fēi dào lín xuān shēn cè ， bào quán xíng lǐ 。
皂袍老者脸上满是欣喜，飞到林轩身侧，抱拳行礼。
The robed elder beamed with joy as he flew over to Lin Xuan and bowed respectfully.
“ hē hē ， dào yǒu tài kè qì le ， lín mǒu bù guò jī yuán qiǎo hé lái dào cǐ chù ， yě tán bù chū lì shén me ， néng gòu jiāng zhè xiē shí kuǐ lěi miè chú ， shì dà jiā lián shǒu de jié guǒ ， lín mǒu yí gè rén ， kě bù gǎn jū gōng 。”
“呵呵，道友太客气了，林某不过机缘巧合来到此处，也谈不出力什么，能够将这些石傀儡灭除，是大家联手的结果，林某一个人，可不敢居功。”
"Haha, you're too polite. I merely happened upon this place by chance and couldn't do much. The elimination of those stone puppets was the result of everyone's combined efforts; I wouldn't dare take credit for it alone."
lín xuān de liǎn shàng tóng yàng mǎn shì xiào róng ， yún dàn fēng qīng de kāi kǒu 。
林轩的脸上同样满是笑容，云淡风轻的开口。
Lin Xuan's face also wore a smile as he spoke lightly.
“ dào yǒu hái shì zhè yàng qiān xū ， lái ， wǒ jiè shào liǎng wèi tóng dào gěi nǐ 。”
“道友还是这样谦虚，来，我介绍两位同道给你。”
"Still so modest, Daoist. Let me introduce you to two fellow daoists."
zào páo lǎo zhě huà yīn wèi luò ， lìng wài nà yī nán yī nǚ yǐ fēi guò lái le 。
皂袍老者话音未落，另外那一男一女已飞过来了。
Before the robed elder could finish speaking, another man and woman flew over.
lín xuān mù guāng sǎo guò ， suī rán shén shí bù néng fàng chū ， dàn zhè me jìn de jù lí ， yào gǎn shòu duì fāng de jìng jiè shí lì ， nà yě shì méi yǒu rèn hé nán dù dì 。
林轩目光扫过，虽然神识不能放出，但这么近的距离，要感受对方的境界实力，那也是没有任何难度地。
Lin Xuan swept his gaze across them. Even though his divine sense couldn't be released, at such close range, it was easy for him to gauge their cultivation levels.
cǐ nǚ yī yǎn wàng qù ， dà yuē èr shí zuǒ yòu nián jì ， fēn shén zhōng qī 。
此女一眼望去，大约二十左右年纪，分神中期。
This woman appeared to be in her twenties, with a late-stage Core Formation realm.
dāng rán ， qí zhēn zhèng de nián jì kěn dìng yuǎn yuǎn bù zhǐ ， zhī suǒ yǐ kàn shàng qù páng rú shào nǚ ， shì yīn wèi tā zhù yán yǒu shù ， zhè zài xiū xiān jiè bù xī qí ， nǚ zǐ dà duō rú cǐ 。
当然，其真正的年纪肯定远远不止，之所以看上去彷如少女，是因为她驻颜有数，这在修仙界不稀奇，女子大多如此。
Of course, her true age was far greater; she had managed to maintain her youth through some means, which wasn't uncommon among daoists. She looked no different from a young beauty, both youthful and beautiful, exuding an enchanting aura.
cǐ nǚ kàn shàng qù ， yǔ èr shí chū tóu de jiā rén bié wú èr zhì ， bù jǐn nián qīng ， ér qiě měi lì ， qiǎo xiào qiàn xī ， zhěng gè rén sàn fà chū yī gǔ míng yàn de qì zhì 。
此女看上去，与二十出头的佳人别无二致，不仅年轻，而且美丽，巧笑倩兮，整个人散发出一股明艳的气质。
"This is Daoist Tian Chenxi of Mingxi Pavilion. Although Brother Lin is a hardworking cultivator, his sect's reputation must have reached your ears."
“ zhè wèi shì tián chén xī tián dào yǒu ， chū shēn míng xī gé ， lín xiōng suī shì kǔ xiū zhě ， dàn qí shī mén dà míng xiǎng bì yě tīng shuō guò 。”
“这位是田晨曦田道友，出身明溪阁，林兄虽是苦修者，但其师门大名想必也听说过。”
"Mingxi Pavilion?"
“ míng xī gé ？”
“明溪阁？”
Lin Xuan couldn't help but be taken aback. He had indeed heard about it.
lín xuān bù yóu de sǒng rán dòng róng ， tā dāng rán yǒu tīng shuō 。
林轩不由得耸然动容，他当然有听说。
While the Lost Plane was known for its first expert, Yama King, human and demon factions were not to be underestimated. It was said that ancient demons had several Saint Ancestors, while human cultivators also boasted old monsters who had weathered countless tribulations. Among them, the Supreme Elder of Mingxi Pavilion was renowned far and wide.
shī luò de jiè miàn ， gù rán yǐ yōu míng àn wáng wèi dì yī gāo shǒu ， dàn rén zú yǔ mó zú de shì lì yě bù kě qīng rǔ ， tīng shuō ， gǔ mó yǒu hǎo jǐ wèi shèng zǔ ， rén lèi xiū shì zhè biān ， yě bù fá dù jié jí bié de lǎo guài wù ， qí zhōng ， míng xī gé de tài shàng zhǎng lǎo ， jiù shēng míng yuǎn bō 。
失落的界面，固然以幽冥暗王为第一高手，但人族与魔族的势力也不可轻辱，听说，古魔有好几位圣祖，人类修士这边，也不乏渡劫级别的老怪物，其中，明溪阁的太上长老，就声名远播。
Regardless of their strength or reputation, they far surpassed the Lesser Sage Empress Lin had encountered last time.
bù lùn shí lì míng qì ， dōu yuǎn fēi shàng cì suǒ jiàn de qīng yán zūn zhě kě bǐ 。
不论实力名气，都远非上次所见的青颜尊者可比。
Although Lin Xuan couldn't say he admired her, he still showed some respect: "May I ask, Fairy Yang Tong, how should we address you?"
lín xuān suī rán shuō bù shàng pèi fú ， dàn cǐ shí cǐ kè ， biǎo miàn shàng hái shì yào lù chū jǐ fēn jìng yǎng de ：“ bù zhī dào yáng tóng xiān zi ， yǔ dào yǒu zěn me chēng hū ？”
林轩虽然说不上佩服，但此时此刻，表面上还是要露出几分敬仰的：“不知道杨彤仙子，与道友怎么称呼？”
"That is my teacher."
“ nà shì jiā shī 。”
“那是家师。”
Tian Chenxi smiled and returned his greeting. While she didn't show any obvious signs of arrogance, the corners of her eyes betrayed a sense of contentment.
tián chén xī xiào zhe huí lǐ ， biǎo miàn shàng ， suī wú bù zhōu zhī chù ， dàn méi shāo yǎn jiǎo ， wú bù liú lù chū yí rán zì dé 。
田晨曦笑着回礼，表面上，虽无不周之处，但眉梢眼角，无不流露出怡然自得。
It was understandable; having such an illustrious master naturally made one proud.
zhè yě shì nán guài de ， yǒu zhè me yī wèi liǎo bù qǐ de shī fù ， yě jiù nán guài cǐ nǚ huì yǒu nà me jǐ fēn dé yì yǔ jiāo ào le 。
这也是难怪的，有这么一位了不起的师傅，也就难怪此女会有那么几分得意与骄傲了。
However, as a member of a prestigious family, her strength likely surpassed that of ordinary late-stage Core Formation cultivators.
bù guò tā jì shì míng mén zǐ dì ， xiāng bì shí lì yě yào shèng guò yì bān de fēn shén zhōng qī 。
不过她既是名门子弟，相必实力也要胜过一般的分神中期。
Lin Xuan's thoughts raced as he turned his gaze to another cultivator beside him. Even with Lin Xuan's extensive knowledge, he was taken aback.
lín xuān nǎo hǎi zhōng niàn tou zhuǎn guò ， mù guāng què yòu zhuǎn xiàng le páng biān yī míng xiū xiān zhě 。
林轩脑海中念头转过，目光却又转向了旁边一名修仙者。
The figure was a towering giant, over ten feet tall. Such a physique among human cultivators was exceedingly rare; Lin Xuan only reached the man's waist.
jí biàn yǐ lín xuān jiàn shí guǎng bó ， yě bù yóu de yī è 。
即便以林轩见识广博，也不由得一愕。
Not only was this person exceptionally tall, but his appearance was also grotesque. He had a bald head and bare feet, with muscles so developed that if he wasn't mistaken, he wielded some extremely advanced Body Cultivation techniques. His physical strength might rival that of mid-stage cultivators from other races.
nà shì yī míng tiě tǎ bān de dà hàn ， shēn gāo zú yǒu zhàng xǔ ， zhè yàng de shēn cái ， zài rén lèi xiū shì zhōng ， nà shì hǎn jiàn yǐ jí ， lín xuān de shēn gāo ， cái dá dào tā de yāo jì 。
那是一名铁塔般的大汉，身高足有丈许，这样的身材，在人类修士中，那是罕见以极，林轩的身高，才达到他的腰际。
Lin Xuan couldn't help showing surprise on his face.
cǐ rén bù jǐn gāo dé lí pǔ ， xiàng mào yě shì chǒu lòu yǐ jí ， guāng tóu chì zú ， hún shēn de jī ròu fā dá wú bǐ ， rú guǒ méi yǒu liào cuò ， zhè jiā huo yīng gāi shì yī shēn jí wéi gāo míng de liàn tǐ shù ， yě xǔ qí ròu shēn qiáng dù bù xùn yú tóng jiē yāo zú 。
此人不仅高得离谱，相貌也是丑陋以极，光头赤足，浑身的肌肉发达无比，如果没有料错，这家伙应该是一身极为高明的炼体术，也许其肉身强度不逊于同阶妖族。
Body Cultivation was widespread in the cultivation world, but reaching high stages was rare. Describing it as a rarity was fitting.
lín xuān liǎn shàng bù yóu de lù chū jǐ fēn yì wài zhī sè 。
林轩脸上不由得露出几分意外之色。
This wasn't because body cultivation lacked power or that cultivators didn't put effort into it; rather, humans were naturally less gifted compared to demons and other races.
yào zhī dào ， liàn tǐ shù zài xiū xiān jiè liú chuán ， suī rán guǎng fàn yǐ jí ， dàn néng gòu xiū liàn dào gāo jiē de ， què shì xī shǎo yǐ jí ， yòng fèng máo lín jiǎo lái xíng róng ， nà shì yì diǎn yě bù wèi guò 。
要知道，炼体术在修仙界流传，虽然广泛以极，但能够修炼到高阶的，却是稀少以极，用凤毛麟角来形容，那是一点也不为过。
For example, demons had strong bodies from birth, making Body Cultivation more effective. Humans, on the other hand, excelled in intelligence but were weak physically. Although ancient cultivators had created some body cultivation techniques by emulating demons, they only succeeded with those of exceptional talent.
zhè bìng bú shì yīn wèi liàn tǐ shù wēi lì bù zú ， yě bú shì xiū liàn cǐ lèi gōng fǎ de xiū shì bù nǔ lì ， shí zài shì yǔ yāo xiū mó zú xiāng bǐ ， rén lèi xiū shì zài tiān fù shàng chà le yī xiē 。
这并不是因为炼体术威力不足，也不是修炼此类功法的修士不努力，实在是与妖修魔族相比，人类修士在天赋上差了一些。
There were exceptions, like Lin Xuan. His physical strength was no less than any mid-stage demon or even surpassing certain celestial beasts when compared to him.
bǐ rú shuō ， yāo zú ， yī chū shēng jiù yōng yǒu qiáng hèng de ròu qū ， duàn tǐ ， zì rán shì shì bàn ér gōng bèi dì ， ér rén lèi xiū shì què qià qià xiāng fǎn ， tā men de yōu shì ， zài yú cōng míng cái zhì ， zhì yú shēn tǐ ， zé shì hěn róu ruò dì ， suī rán qián bèi gǔ xiū ， mó fǎng yāo zú ， yě chuàng lì le yī xiē yòng yú duàn liàn ròu shēn de gōng fǎ ， dàn chú fēi shì tiān fù yì bǐng de rén wù ， fǒu zé ， dōu shì shì bèi ér gōng bàn le 。
比如说，妖族，一出生就拥有强横的肉躯，锻体，自然是事半而功倍地，而人类修士却恰恰相反，他们的优势，在于聪明才智，至于身体，则是很柔弱地，虽然前辈古修，模仿妖族，也创立了一些用于锻炼肉身的功法，但除非是天赋异禀的人物，否则，都是事倍而功半了。
But unlike Lin Xuan, this giant's success likely stemmed from his extraordinary innate abilities rather than just the cultivation techniques he practiced.
dāng rán ， qí zhōng yě yǒu lì wài zhě ， bǐ rú shuō lín xuān ， qí ròu shēn qiáng dù ， jiù bù xùn sè yú rèn hé tóng jiē yāo zú ， shèn zhì nà xiē tiān dì líng shòu ， yǔ lín xuān xiāng bǐ ， yě yào xùn sè yī chóu 。
当然，其中也有例外者，比如说林轩，其肉身强度，就不逊色于任何同阶妖族，甚至那些天地灵兽，与林轩相比，也要逊色一筹。
The robed elder continued introducing them: "This is Daoist Yin, known as the Iron Tower Sage. He has mastered Body Cultivation to a high degree, capable of withstanding attacks from mid-stage cultivators with his physical body alone. Even for an advanced cultivator like me, encountering him would only result in running away."
dàn lín xuān bù tóng ， chú le tā xiū liàn de fèng wǔ jiǔ tiān jué jí wéi xuán miào yǐ wài ， zài qí dān tián qì hǎi ， hái yǒu lán sè xīng hǎi ， suǒ yǐ ， lín xuān kě yǐ tiān tiān fēng yǔ wú zǔ de fú yòng tí chún hòu de qí lín guǒ 。
但林轩不同，除了他修炼的凤舞九天诀极为玄妙以外，在其丹田气海，还有蓝色星海，所以，林轩可以天天风雨无阻的服用提纯后的麒麟果。
"Haha, you flatter me. Although I have some strength, how could I compare to such advanced existences? My reputation is just hearsay and not reliable."
yī tiān liǎng tiān ， xiào guǒ yě xǔ kàn bù chū ， dàn jiān chí gè jǐ qiān nián ， lín xuān de ròu shēn qiáng dù ， zì rán jiù lìng rén tàn wéi guān zhǐ le 。
一天两天，效果也许看不出，但坚持个几千年，林轩的肉身强度，自然就令人叹为观止了。
The giant waved his hands vigorously, his deep voice refuting the praise.
rán ér tā néng gòu zhè me zuò ， qí tā rén què shì xiǎng dōu bù yòng xiǎng de ， yǎn qián de dà hàn néng gòu yǐ kào liàn tǐ shù ， chéng wéi yī fēn shén zhōng qī de xiū xiān zhě ， xiǎng bì shì yǒu guò rén zhī chù ， huò zhě shuō ， tiān fù yì bǐng le 。
然而他能够这么做，其他人却是想都不用想的，眼前的大汉能够倚靠炼体术，成为一分神中期的修仙者，想必是有过人之处，或者说，天赋异禀了。
Though he appeared rough, he was actually a man of subtlety beneath that exterior. His humility and politeness were vastly different from his appearance. Hence the saying: "One cannot judge a book by its cover; one cannot measure the sea with a dipper."
lín xuān nǎo hǎi zhōng niàn tou zhuǎn guò ， yī biān zào páo lǎo zhě jiè shào de shēng yīn yǐ chuán rù ěr duǒ ：“ zhè wèi shì yīn dào yǒu ， wài hào tiě tǎ zūn zhě ， yī shēn liàn tǐ shù ， dào le chū shén rù huà de dì bù ， shèn zhì néng yǐ ròu shēn ， yìng káng tóng jiē xiū shì de fǎ bǎo ， biàn shì lǎo fū zhè yàng de hòu qī xiū xiān zhě ， yù shàng le ， yě zhǐ yǒu wàng fēng ér táo yī tú 。”
林轩脑海中念头转过，一边皂袍老者介绍的声音已传入耳朵：“这位是殷道友，外号铁塔尊者，一身炼体术，到了出神入化的地步，甚至能以肉身，硬扛同阶修士的法宝，便是老夫这样的后期修仙者，遇上了，也只有望风而逃一途。”
After the robed elder's introduction, they briefly chatted before gathering to discuss their next move.
“ hē hē ， dào yǒu miù zàn le ， zài xià suī rán yǒu jǐ fēn shì shí lì ， dàn yòu nǎ néng yǔ liǎng wèi zhè yàng de hòu qī cún zài xiāng bǐ ， zài xià de xiē xǔ xū míng ， bù guò shì yǐ é chuán é ， zuò bù dé zhǔn de 。”
“呵呵，道友谬赞了，在下虽然有几分是实力，但又哪能与两位这样的后期存在相比，在下的些许虚名，不过是以讹传讹，做不得准的。”
Upon inquiry, their experiences mirrored Lin Xuan's. By chance, they entered this desert and couldn't find a way out. Forced to wander aimlessly in the vast sands, they had encountered dangers from native desert monsters, though not as formidable as those at mid-stage transformation.
nà dà hàn lián lián bǎi shǒu ， wèng shēng wèng qì de fǎn bó 。
那大汉连连摆手，瓮声瓮气的反驳。
The woman faced a venomous snake, while the robed elder met a mouse. The bald giant's encounter was even more bizarre—a monster that had transformed into a cactus.
cǐ rén biǎo miàn cū lǔ ， qí shí què shì yī cū zhōng yǒu xì de rén wù ， qiān xū yǒu lǐ ， yǔ wài biǎo nà shì dà bù yí yàng ， suǒ yǐ cái yǒu nà jù sú huà ， rén bù kě mào xiàng ， hǎi shuǐ bù néng dòu liàng ， yǐ mào qǔ rén ， zuì shì yú chǔn bù guò 。
此人表面粗鲁，其实却是一粗中有细的人物，谦虚有礼，与外表那是大不一样，所以才有那句俗话，人不可貌相，海水不能斗量，以貌取人，最是愚蠢不过。
While all things could be cultivated, plants with spiritual intelligence were rare indeed.
zào páo lǎo zhě jiè shào zhī hòu ， tā men jǐ rén ， duǎn zàn de hán xuān le piàn kè ， suí hòu biàn còu zài yì qǐ ， shāng liáng jiē xià lái gāi zěn me bàn le 。
皂袍老者介绍之后，他们几人，短暂的寒暄了片刻，随后便凑在一起，商量接下来该怎么办了。
Despite encountering different creatures, they were all defeated by three mid-stage cultivators who followed Lin Xuan's example—extracting the souls and spirits of their foes after defeating them.
yī wèn ， zhè jǐ wèi de jīng lì yě wú zì jǐ chà bu duō ， jī yuán qiǎo hé ， jìn rù le zhè shā mò ， rán hòu jiù chū bù qù le ， bù dé yǐ ， zhǐ hǎo rú méi tóu cāng yíng yì bān ， zài shā mò zhōng xián guàng 。
一问，这几位的经历也无自己差不多，机缘巧合，进入了这沙漠，然后就出不去了，不得已，只好如没头苍蝇一般，在沙漠中闲逛。
Interestingly, as natives of this desert, they had a clear understanding of the Nightmare Desert. Although their memories didn't reveal how to leave, they described the ruins of the palace well enough for them to arrive here out of desperation.
rán ér tā men yě yù jiàn le wēi xiǎn ， bèi shā mò zhōng tǔ shēng tǔ zhǎng de guài wù gōng jī ， bù guò bú shì xiē zi ， cóng tā men lái de miáo shù lái kàn ， yě yuǎn méi yǒu nà huà xíng qī de xiē guài lì hài 。
然而他们也遇见了危险，被沙漠中土生土长的怪物攻击，不过不是蝎子，从他们来的描述来看，也远没有那化形期的蝎怪厉害。
Their goal was twofold: seeking an exit and fulfilling Lin Xuan's promise from the Lesser Sage Empress. With such a handcrafted bracelet at stake, there was no hesitation in their decision.
"This time, it's fortunate that Daoist Lin was kind enough to help us. Otherwise, we might not have been able to defeat these fellows. We could only run away in fear."
The robed elder beamed with joy as he flew over to Lin Xuan and bowed respectfully.
"Haha, you're too polite. I merely happened upon this place by chance and couldn't do much. The elimination of those stone puppets was the result of everyone's combined efforts; I wouldn't dare take credit for it alone."
Lin Xuan's face also wore a smile as he spoke lightly.
"Still so modest, Daoist. Let me introduce you to two fellow daoists."
Before the robed elder could finish speaking, another man and woman flew over.
Lin Xuan swept his gaze across them. Even though his divine sense couldn't be released, at such close range, it was easy for him to gauge their cultivation levels.
This woman appeared to be in her twenties, with a late-stage Core Formation realm.
Of course, her true age was far greater; she had managed to maintain her youth through some means, which wasn't uncommon among daoists. She looked no different from a young beauty, both youthful and beautiful, exuding an enchanting aura.
"This is Daoist Tian Chenxi of Mingxi Pavilion. Although Brother Lin is a hardworking cultivator, his sect's reputation must have reached your ears."
"Mingxi Pavilion?"
Lin Xuan couldn't help but be taken aback. He had indeed heard about it.
While the Lost Plane was known for its first expert, Yama King, human and demon factions were not to be underestimated. It was said that ancient demons had several Saint Ancestors, while human cultivators also boasted old monsters who had weathered countless tribulations. Among them, the Supreme Elder of Mingxi Pavilion was renowned far and wide.
Regardless of their strength or reputation, they far surpassed the Lesser Sage Empress Lin had encountered last time.
Although Lin Xuan couldn't say he admired her, he still showed some respect: "May I ask, Fairy Yang Tong, how should we address you?"
"That is my teacher."
Tian Chenxi smiled and returned his greeting. While she didn't show any obvious signs of arrogance, the corners of her eyes betrayed a sense of contentment.
It was understandable; having such an illustrious master naturally made one proud.
However, as a member of a prestigious family, her strength likely surpassed that of ordinary late-stage Core Formation cultivators.
Lin Xuan's thoughts raced as he turned his gaze to another cultivator beside him. Even with Lin Xuan's extensive knowledge, he was taken aback.
The figure was a towering giant, over ten feet tall. Such a physique among human cultivators was exceedingly rare; Lin Xuan only reached the man's waist.
Not only was this person exceptionally tall, but his appearance was also grotesque. He had a bald head and bare feet, with muscles so developed that if he wasn't mistaken, he wielded some extremely advanced Body Cultivation techniques. His physical strength might rival that of mid-stage cultivators from other races.
Lin Xuan couldn't help showing surprise on his face.
Body Cultivation was widespread in the cultivation world, but reaching high stages was rare. Describing it as a rarity was fitting.
This wasn't because body cultivation lacked power or that cultivators didn't put effort into it; rather, humans were naturally less gifted compared to demons and other races.
For example, demons had strong bodies from birth, making Body Cultivation more effective. Humans, on the other hand, excelled in intelligence but were weak physically. Although ancient cultivators had created some body cultivation techniques by emulating demons, they only succeeded with those of exceptional talent.
There were exceptions, like Lin Xuan. His physical strength was no less than any mid-stage demon or even surpassing certain celestial beasts when compared to him.
But unlike Lin Xuan, this giant's success likely stemmed from his extraordinary innate abilities rather than just the cultivation techniques he practiced.
The robed elder continued introducing them: "This is Daoist Yin, known as the Iron Tower Sage. He has mastered Body Cultivation to a high degree, capable of withstanding attacks from mid-stage cultivators with his physical body alone. Even for an advanced cultivator like me, encountering him would only result in running away."
"Haha, you flatter me. Although I have some strength, how could I compare to such advanced existences? My reputation is just hearsay and not reliable."
The giant waved his hands vigorously, his deep voice refuting the praise.
Though he appeared rough, he was actually a man of subtlety beneath that exterior. His humility and politeness were vastly different from his appearance. Hence the saying: "One cannot judge a book by its cover; one cannot measure the sea with a dipper."
After the robed elder's introduction, they briefly chatted before gathering to discuss their next move.
Upon inquiry, their experiences mirrored Lin Xuan's. By chance, they entered this desert and couldn't find a way out. Forced to wander aimlessly in the vast sands, they had encountered dangers from native desert monsters, though not as formidable as those at mid-stage transformation.
The woman faced a venomous snake, while the robed elder met a mouse. The bald giant's encounter was even more bizarre—a monster that had transformed into a cactus.
While all things could be cultivated, plants with spiritual intelligence were rare indeed.
Despite encountering different creatures, they were all defeated by three mid-stage cultivators who followed Lin Xuan's example—extracting the souls and spirits of their foes after defeating them.
Interestingly, as natives of this desert, they had a clear understanding of the Nightmare Desert. Although their memories didn't reveal how to leave, they described the ruins of the palace well enough for them to arrive here out of desperation.
Their goal was twofold: seeking an exit and fulfilling Lin Xuan's promise from the Lesser Sage Empress. With such a handcrafted bracelet at stake, there was no hesitation in their decision.