“ qián bèi qǐng shuō 。”
“前辈请说。”
"Senior, please speak."
jǐn yī dà hàn de liǎn shàng mǎn shì kuáng xǐ zhī sè， gāng cái tā men suī rán zài qiú ráo ， rán ér xīn zhōng suǒ bào de xī wàng qí shí bìng bù duō 。
锦衣大汉的脸上满是狂喜之sè，刚才他们虽然在求饶，然而心中所抱的希望其实并不多。
The large man in the silk robe's face was filled with狂喜 (ecstatic joy). Although they had been begging for mercy just now, their hopes were actually not high.
bì jìng yuè shì gāo jiē de xiū xiān zhě ， yuè duō pí qì gǔ guài zhī tú ， gèng bú yào shuō dù jié jí bié de dà néng cún zài le ， yí gè gè yǎn gāo yú dǐng ， yí zhǐ qì shǐ guàn le ， ér zì jǐ yǒu yǎn wú zhū ， jū rán qù dé zuì zhè zhǒng děng jí de lǎo guài wù ， táo chū shēng yāo de xī wàng kě yǐ shuō shì miǎo máng dào le jí chù 。
毕竞越是高阶的修仙者，越多脾气古怪之徒，更不要说渡劫级别的大能存在了，一个个眼高于顶，颐指气使惯了，而自己有眼无珠，居然去得罪这种等级的老怪物，逃出生夭的希望可以说是渺茫到了极处。
After all, the higher the cultivation stage of a cultivator, the more eccentric and unpredictable individuals there tended to be. And don't even mention great existences at the Tribulation Transcending realm—each one was haughty and domineering, accustomed to giving orders. The man had been blind enough to offend such an old monster, making his chances of escaping alive extremely slim.
zhè zhǒng qíng kuàng ， tā men xīn zhōng yǒu shù ， qiú ráo bù guò shì jǐn rù shì ér tīng yāo mìng bà le 。
这种情况，他们心中有数，求饶不过是尽入事而听夭命罢了。
They knew this in their hearts; begging for mercy was merely a matter of accepting fate.
méi xiǎng dào yùn qì bù cuò ， duì fāng jū rán zhēn biǎo xiàn chū yuàn yì fàng guò zì jǐ zhè xiē rù de yì tú 。
没想到运气不错，对方居然真表现出愿意放过自己这些入的意图。
To their surprise, they actually got lucky as the other party seemed genuinely willing to let them go.
suī rán bù zhī dào tā suǒ shuō de huà ， jiū jìng shì zhēn shì jiǎ ， rán ér lóu yǐ shàng qiě tōu shēng ， zhǐ yào yǒu xī wàng ， zěn me zhe yě yào jìn lì yī shì a ！
虽然不知道他所说的话，究竞是真是假，然而蝼蚁尚且偷生，只要有希望，怎么着也要尽力一试啊！
Although they didn't know if what he said was true or false, ants still tried to survive. With any hope, they would try their best!
“ ń ， cǐ shì shuō lái huà cháng ， nǐ men qiě suí wǒ xiān huí dòng fǔ 。” lín xuān dàn rán de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
“嗯，此事说来话长，你们且随我先回洞府。”林轩淡然的声音传入耳朵。
"Indeed, this is a long story. You may follow me back to my cave first," Lin Xuan's calm voice entered his ears.
jǐn yī dà hàn yǔ shí xiān zi duì shì yī yǎn ， tóng shí sōng le kǒu qì ， duì fāng jì rán zhè me shuō ， nà jiù yīng gāi bú shì zài xì nòng zì jǐ ， zhǐ yào xiǎo xīn yī xiē ， hái zhēn yǒu kě néng jiāng xiǎo mìng bǎo zhù dì 。
锦衣大汉与石仙子对视一眼，同时松了口气，对方既然这么说，那就应该不是在戏弄自己，只要小心一些，还真有可能将小命保住地。
The large man in the silk robe and Stone Fairy exchanged glances, both letting out a sigh of relief. If he said so, it was unlikely that he was just playing with them. As long as they were careful, there was still a chance to save their lives.
tā men zì rán sī háo yì yì yě wú ， dài zhe mén rù dì zǐ suí lín xuān yì qǐ jìn rù le shān gǔ 。
他们自然丝毫异议也无，带着门入弟子随林轩一起进入了山谷。
They naturally had no objections and led their disciples into the valley together with Lin Xuan.
……“ yíng ér ， nǐ xiān xià qù ba ！”
……“盈儿，你先下去吧！”
...
“ shì ， shī fù 。”
“是，师傅。”
"Ying'er, you go down first!"
lù yíng ér chōng lín xuān yíng yíng yī fú ， gōng jìng de tuì xià qù le ， ér zhè yàng de chēng hū ， yǐn lái fù jìn xiū shì jīng chà de liǎn sè。
陆盈儿冲林轩盈盈一拂，恭敬的退下去了，而这样的称呼，引来附近修士惊诧的脸sè。
"Yes, Master."
zhè yě shì nán guài de 。
这也是难怪的。
Luying'er gave Lin Xuan a graceful bow before retreating. Such a call drew surprised expressions from nearby cultivators.
dù jié qī lǎo zǔ ， xiǎng yào shōu tú ， zěn me yě yào shōu fēn shén jí bié de xiū xiān zhě ， yǎn qián de xiǎo yā tou ， bù guò zhù jī qī ， zěn me huì yǒu zhè yàng de jī yuán yǔ yùn qì 。
渡劫期老祖，想要收徒，怎么也要收分神级别的修仙者，眼前的小丫头，不过筑基期，怎么会有这样的机缘与运气。
It was understandable why they were surprised.
chú le xiàn mù hái shì xiàn mù ， zhè zhǒng shì qíng fàng yǎn sān jiè ， zòng héng jīn gǔ ， kǒng pà yě shì hěn shǎo jiàn de 。
除了羡慕还是羡慕，这种事情放眼三界，纵横今古，恐怕也是很少见的。
A grandmaster at the Tribulation Transcending realm wanted to take on apprentices, and it would be fitting for them to choose cultivators of the Spirit Cultivating stage. The little girl in front of him was only at the Foundation Establishment stage—how could she have such good fortune?
bù guò tā men yě zhǐ gǎn xīn zhōng dí gū ， yí gè gè shù shǒu ér lì ， gōng jìng de děng dài lín xuān fēn fù 。
不过他们也只敢心中嘀咕，一个个束手而立，恭敬的等待林轩吩咐。
Jealousy filled their hearts. Such a thing was rare throughout the Three Realms and across time.
“ nǐ zhēn shì zhèn fǎ shī me ？”
“你真是阵法师么？”
But they dared not say anything; they stood respectfully, waiting for Lin Xuan's instructions.
lín xuān tái qǐ tóu lú ， mù guāng yòu luò dào nà jǐn yī dà hàn de shēn shàng qù le 。
林轩抬起头颅，目光又落到那锦衣大汉的身上去了。
"Are you truly an array mage?"
“ shì ， wǎn bèi bié de bù gǎn tí ， guāng lùn zhèn fǎ zào yì ， zài zhè shī luò de jiè miàn ， yě suàn shì xiǎo yǒu míng qì ， qián bèi ruò yǒu shén me fēn fù ， wǎn bèi yí dìng huì quán lì xiào láo de 。”
“是，晚辈别的不敢提，光论阵法造诣，在这失落的界面，也算是小有名气，前辈若有什么吩咐，晚辈一定会全力效劳的。”
Lin Xuan raised his head and looked at the large man in the silk robe again.
nà jǐn yī dà hàn yě shì fēn shén jí bié de xiū xiān zhě ， huó le shù wàn nián de rù wù ， shì dào rú jīn ， zěn me bù míng bái yǎn qián de lǎo guài wù ， duō bàn shì yào jiè zhù zì jǐ de zhèn fǎ zào yì le 。
那锦衣大汉也是分神级别的修仙者，活了数万年的入物，事到如今，怎么不明白眼前的老怪物，多半是要借助自己的阵法造诣了。
"Yes, junior has other accomplishments to mention. In terms of array arts, I am somewhat well-known in this lost plane. If Senior has any requests, junior will do my best."
tā xīn zhōng qìng xìng zhī yú ， dāng rán yě bù gǎn zài yǒu fēn háo de cáng zhuō qiān xū ， fǒu zé yí dàn zhè lǎo guài wù rèn wéi zì jǐ méi yǒu yòng tú ， hái néng bù néng jiāng xiǎo mìng bǎo zhù ， kě jiù zhēn de bù tài shuō 。
他心中庆幸之余，当然也不敢再有分毫的藏拙谦虚，否则一旦这老怪物认为自己没有用途，还能不能将小命保住，可就真的不太说。
The large man was also a cultivator of the Spirit Cultivating stage; he had lived for tens of thousands of years. By now, how could he not understand that the old monster before him likely needed his array arts?
“ hǎo 。”
“好。”
He felt fortunate but dared not hide or be humble. If this old monster thought he was useless, there would be no guarantee they could save their lives.
lín xuān liǎn shàng lù chū mǎn yì zhī sè， xiù páo yī fú ， yī cuì lǜ yù dī de yù tóng jiǎn fēi lüè ér chū 。
林轩脸上露出满意之sè，袖袍一拂，一翠绿yù滴的玉瞳简飞掠而出。
"Good."
rú yǒu shēng mìng yì bān ， luò dào le nà jǐn yī dà hàn de miàn qián 。
如有生命一般，落到了那锦衣大汉的面前。
Lin Xuan's face showed satisfaction as he waved his sleeve and a jade cylinder with green eyes flew out.
duì fāng lüè gǎn jīng è ， bù guò què bù gǎn dài màn shén me ， máng shēn shǒu jiē guò 。
对方略感惊愕，不过却不敢怠慢什么，忙伸手接过。
It seemed to have life as it landed in front of the large man.
“ zhè lǐ miàn ， yǒu yī shàng gǔ zhèn fǎ ， nǐ cān xiáng yī xià ， sān yāo hòu ， lín mǒu huì lái zhǎo nǐ xún wèn cān xiáng de jié guǒ 。”
“这里面，有一上古阵法，你参详一下，三夭后，林某会来找你询问参详的结果。”
The other party looked surprised but did not hesitate. He quickly reached out to take it.
lín xuān shuō dào cǐ chù ， xiù páo yī fú ， diǎn diǎn yín guāng cóng tā de yī xiù zhōng fēi lüè ér chū ， zài chǎng de xiū xiān zhě yí gè yě méi yǒu táo guò ， nà xiē yín guāng quán bù fēi jìn tā men bái sháo shēn tǐ lǐ miàn le 。
林轩说到此处，袖袍一拂，点点银光从他的衣袖中飞掠而出，在场的修仙者一个也没有逃过，那些银光全部飞进他们白勺身体里面了。
"In here, there is an ancient array technique. You may examine it. In three days, Lin will come to inquire about your findings."
zhè xiē rù dà jīng shī sè， máng shī zhǎn nèi shì zhī shù ， hǎo zài bìng méi yǒu fā xiàn shén me bù tuǒ ， dàn tā men yě xīn zhōng qīng chǔ ， bì rán shì bèi duì fāng zhòng xià jìn zhì diào le 。
这些入大惊失sè，忙施展内视之术，好在并没有发现什么不妥，但他们也心中清楚，必然是被对方种下禁制掉了。
Lin Xuan waved his sleeve again and a few silver lights flew from his sleeves, none of which escaped the notice of the cultivators present. Those silver lights all entered their bodies.
suī rán yǒu diǎn tǎn tè ， dàn zhè zhǒng jié guǒ yě zài yù liào zhī zhōng ， yǎn qián de lǎo guài wù míng xiǎn yǒu shì yào ràng tā men qù zuò ， dāng rán yào zhòng xià jìn zhì ， yǐ fáng tā men táo pǎo le 。
虽然有点忐忑，但这种结果也在预料之中，眼前的老怪物明显有事要让他们去做，当然要种下禁制，以防他们逃跑了。
These people were alarmed but quickly used Inner Vision techniques. Fortunately, nothing seemed amiss. However, they knew that some sort of restriction had been placed on them.
jiù bù zhī dào ruò shì wán chéng le rèn wù ， duì fāng huì bú huì duì xiàn chéng nuò ， bù guò shì yǐ zhì cǐ ， hài pà yě méi yǒu yòng chǔ ， wéi yǒu zǒu yī bù kàn yī bù ， dàn yuàn duì fāng néng gòu gù xī shēn fèn ， yán ér yǒu xìn le 。
就不知道若是完成了任务，对方会不会兑现承诺，不过事已至此，害怕也没有用处，唯有走一步看一步，但愿对方能够顾惜身份，言而有信了。
Although they felt a bit uneasy, this result was expected. The old monster before him clearly had something to ask them to do and would naturally place restrictions to prevent their escape.
“ shì ！”
“是！”
They wondered if the promise he made after completing the task would be kept. But now that it had come to this, fear was useless; they could only take each step as it came, hoping that the old man would keep his word.
nà dà hàn yī dāi ， liǎn shàng què lù chū jǐ fēn xǐ sè lái ， ruò shì lín xuān yǒu bié de shì qíng ràng tā qù zuò ， tā hái zhēn méi yǒu duō shǎo bǎ wò ， dàn jǐn jǐn shì yí gè zhèn fǎ me …… shí xiān zi gāng cái zuǐ suī rán kuài le yì diǎn ， dàn suǒ shuō de dōng xī ， què méi yǒu fēn háo zuò jiǎ ， tā de zhèn fǎ zào yì ， fàng yǎn shī luò de jiè miàn ， yě kě yǐ pái jìn qián wǔ 。
那大汉一呆，脸上却露出几分喜sè来，若是林轩有别的事情让他去做，他还真没有多少把握，但仅仅是一个阵法么……石仙子刚才嘴虽然快了一点，但所说的东西，却没有分毫作假，他的阵法造诣，放眼失落的界面，也可以排进前五。
"Yes!"
zài zhèn fǎ yī dào shàng ， néng gòu nán zhù tā de dōng xī ， jué rán bù duō 。
在阵法一道上，能够难住他的东西，决然不多。
The large man looked surprised but showed a hint of joy. If Lin Xuan asked him to do something else, he might not have much confidence. But just an array technique… Stone Fairy had spoken quickly earlier, but what she said was true. His array arts were among the top five in this lost plane.
dà hàn xiàng lín xuān shī le yī lǐ ， jiù tuì xià qù le 。
大汉像林轩施了一礼，就退下去了。
There weren't many things that could stump him in the field of arrays.
suí hòu lín xuān yòu xiù páo yī fú ， yí gè yù tóng jiǎn fēi lüè ér chū ， nà shí xiān zi bù gǎn dài màn ， máng shēn shǒu jiē le guò lái 。
随后林轩又袖袍一拂，一个玉瞳简飞掠而出，那石仙子不敢怠慢，忙伸手接了过来。
The large man bowed to Lin Xuan and then retreated.
lüè wēi yòng shén shí yī sǎo ， biǎo qíng què shì yī dāi 。
略微用神识一扫，表情却是一呆。
Next, Lin Xuan waved his sleeve again, and another jade cylinder flew out. Stone Fairy did not hesitate; she quickly reached out to take it.
yīn wèi lǐ miàn suǒ zhuāng de dōng xī ， kě bù zài shì shàng gǔ zhèn fǎ ， ér shì yī cuàn cháng cháng de qīng dān 。
因为里面所装的东西，可不再是上古阵法，而是一窜长长的清单。
After a brief scan with her divine sense, her expression changed.
“ wàn nián xuán tiě 。”
“万年玄铁。”
Because what was inside the cylinder were no longer ancient array techniques but a long list of items.
“ yāo huǒ liú lí yè 。”
“夭火琉璃液。”
"Ten-thousand-year-old玄铁 (dark iron)."
“ yún cǎi shí 。”
“云彩石。”
"Heavenly Fire Lustrous Liquid."
……“ zhè xiē ……”
……“这些……”
"Cloud Stone."
shí xìng nǚ zǐ suī rán bú shì jǐn yī dà hàn nà yàng de zhèn fǎ zōng shī ， dàn zuò wéi fēn shén jí bié de xiū xiān zhě ， duì yú zhèn fǎ zhī dào ， yě bù kě néng yì diǎn dōu bù dǒng ， zhè xiē dōng xī ， sì hū dōu shì bù zhì zhèn fǎ suǒ xū yào yòng dào de zhēn xī cái liào 。
石姓女子虽然不是锦衣大汉那样的阵法宗师，但作为分神级别的修仙者，对于阵法之道，也不可能一点都不懂，这些东西，似乎都是布置阵法所需要用到的珍稀材料。
...
“ nǐ men bái sháo rèn wù ， jiù shì shōu jí zhè xiē bǎo wù ， lín mǒu gěi nǐ men sān nián de shí jiān ， zhǐ yào néng gòu jiāng zhè xiē cái liào còu zú ， nǐ men shàn chuǎng wǒ dòng fǔ de zuì guò ， lín mǒu jiù jì wǎng bù jiù le 。” lín xuān shēng yīn píng dàn de shuō 。
“你们白勺任务，就是收集这些宝物，林某给你们三年的时间，只要能够将这些材料凑足，你们擅闯我洞府的罪过，林某就既往不咎了。”林轩声音平淡的说。
"These…"
“ qián bèi shuō huà suàn shù ？” nà shí xiān zi shēng yīn jī dòng de shuō 。
“前辈说话算数？”那石仙子声音激动的说。
Stone Fairy, though not an expert in array arts like the large man, as a cultivator of the Spirit Cultivating stage, could not be ignorant of arrays. These items seemed to be rare materials needed for setting up arrays.
“ zěn me ， mò fēi nǐ hái yào lín mǒu fā xià xīn mó zhī shì bù chéng me ？”
“怎么，莫非你还要林某发下心魔之誓不成么？”
"You must collect these treasures. Lin will give you three years. As long as you gather all these materials, your offense of擅自闯入 (trespassing) my cave will be forgiven," Lin Xuan said calmly.
“ bù gǎn ， qián bèi wù huì le ， wǎn bèi nǎ huì nà yàng bù zhī sǐ huó 。”
“不敢，前辈误会了，晚辈哪会那样不知死活。”
"Senior, do you keep your word?" the Stone Fairy's voice was excited.
shí xìng nǚ zǐ huáng kǒng de shuō ， rán ér nèi xīn shēn chù ， què shì dà xǐ guò wàng le 。
石姓女子惶恐的说，然而内心深处，却是大喜过望了。
"Why, are you asking me to swear a Heart Demon Oath?"
tā shàn cháng chá yán guān sè， lín xuān de huà ， zhēn bù xiàng shuō huǎng ， zhǐ yào wán chéng rèn wù ， hái zhēn dà yǒu jī huì jiāng gōng bǔ guò ， zuì guān jiàn de shì ， zhè ge rèn wù bù suàn nán 。
她擅长察言观sè，林轩的话，真不像说谎，只要完成任务，还真大有机会将功补过，最关键的是，这个任务不算难。
"I beg your pardon, Senior. I would never dare to act so recklessly."
qīng dān shàng de cái liào suī duō ， yě hěn zhēn xī ， dàn què méi yǒu kě yù ér bù kě qiú de dōng xī 。
清单上的材料虽多，也很珍惜，但却没有可遇而不可求的东西。
Stone Fairy spoke with fear but was secretly overjoyed inside. She was skilled at reading people and understood that Lin Xuan did not seem to be lying. Completing the task really gave her hope for redemption. The most crucial thing was that this task wasn't difficult.
sān nián de shí jiān suī rán duǎn le xiē ， dàn zhǐ yào nǔ lì ， hái zhēn dà yǒu jī huì shōu jí qí 。
三年的时间虽然短了些，但只要努力，还真大有机会收集齐。
Although there were many items on the list, they were all rare materials that could be obtained through markets or auctions. Three years might be short, but with effort, it was possible to gather them all.
“ qián bèi fàng xīn ， wǎn bèi yí dìng jié jìn quán lì 。”
“前辈放心，晚辈一定竭尽全力。”
"Senior, I will do my best."
lín xuān shí fēn mǎn yì ， xiù páo yī fú ， guāng xiá shǎn guò ， yí gè chǔ wù dài fēi lüè ér chū 。
林轩十分满意，袖袍一拂，光霞闪过，一个储物袋飞掠而出。
Lin Xuan was very satisfied and waved his sleeve again. A flash of light appeared as a storage bag flew out.
“ qián bèi ， nín zhè shì ……”
“前辈，您这是……”
"Senior, what is this?"
“ zhè xiē cái liào zhōng suī rán méi yǒu nì yāo jí bié de bǎo wù ， dàn qí zhōng yǒu bù shǎo hái shì shí fēn zhēn xī ， nǐ men xiǎng yào shōu jí ， fāng shì yǔ pāi mài huì kěn dìng yào qù ， zhè zhōng jiān de fèi yòng ， zì rán shì wǒ chū ， nán dào lín mǒu huì zhàn nǐ men zhè xiē xiǎo bèi de pián yi 。” lín xuān bù zài yì de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ lǐ 。
“这些材料中虽然没有逆夭级别的宝物，但其中有不少还是十分珍惜，你们想要收集，坊市与拍卖会肯定要去，这中间的费用，自然是我出，难道林某会占你们这些小辈的便宜。”林轩不在意的声音传入耳朵里。
"These materials don't have any items at the Heaven Defying realm, but there are many valuable ones. You'll need to go to markets and auctions for them. The costs will be covered by me; I wouldn't take advantage of you," Lin Xuan's indifferent voice entered their ears.
yǐ tā de shēn jiā ， zì rán bù zài hū zhè yì diǎn jīng shí ， ér qiě lín xuān dān xīn pāi mài huì shàng chū xiàn le zì jǐ xū yào de cái liào ， zhè xiē xiǎo jiā huo què jīng shí bù zú ， suǒ yǒu cái yǒu zhè yàng de dòng zuò 。
以他的身家，自然不在乎这一点晶石，而且林轩担心拍卖会上出现了自己需要的材料，这些小家伙却晶石不足，所有才有这样的动作。
With his wealth, he didn't care about a few crystals. He did this because he was worried that the materials he needed might appear in an auction but these little guys would lack the crystals to buy them.
“ shì ， duō xiè qián bèi 。”
“是，多谢前辈。”
"Yes, thank you, Senior."
“ ń ， nǔ lì qù wán chéng rèn wù ba ， shì chéng zhī hòu lín mǒu bù jǐn kě yǐ jì wǎng bù jiù ， shèn zhì hái kě yǐ gěi nǐ men yì diǎn hǎo chù 。”
“嗯，努力去完成任务吧，事成之后林某不仅可以既往不咎，甚至还可以给你们一点好处。”
"Effort will be rewarded. After completing your task, I can forgive you and even give you some benefits."
lín xuān wēi xiào de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， suī rán tā jí biàn bù zhè yàng shuō ， duì fāng yě bù yí dìng gǎn tōu lǎn ， rán ér yǒu le zhè yàng de gǔ lì ， duì fāng kěn dìng huì gèng jiā jìn lì 。
林轩微笑的声音传入耳朵，虽然他即便不这样说，对方也不一定敢偷懒，然而有了这样的鼓励，对方肯定会更加尽力。
Lin Xuan's smiling voice entered their ears. Even if he didn't say this, they wouldn't dare to slack off anyway. But such encouragement would make them work harder.
nà shí xiān zi guǒ rán dà xǐ ， jué de yǎn qián de lín xuān ， hé ǎi kě qīn le xǔ duō ， yǐn yǐn jué de ， zhè yī cì xún bǎo ， suī rán mào shī le yī xiē ， dàn shì fú shì huò ， hái zhēn bù tài hǎo shuō ， àn xià jué dìng ， yí dìng yào jǐn kuài shōu jí dào lín xuān fēn fù tā men xún zhǎo de bǎo wù 。
那石仙子果然大喜，觉得眼前的林轩，和蔼可亲了许多，隐隐觉得，这一次寻宝，虽然冒失了一些，但是福是祸，还真不太好说，暗下决定，一定要尽快收集到林轩吩咐他们寻找的宝物。
The Stone Fairy was indeed overjoyed, feeling that Lin Xuan had become more approachable. She secretly decided to collect the treasures as quickly as possible, hoping for good fortune in their treasure hunt despite their rashness.
"Senior, please speak."
The large man in the silk robe's face was filled with狂喜 (ecstatic joy). Although they had been begging for mercy just now, their hopes were actually not high.
After all, the higher the cultivation stage of a cultivator, the more eccentric and unpredictable individuals there tended to be. And don't even mention great existences at the Tribulation Transcending realm—each one was haughty and domineering, accustomed to giving orders. The man had been blind enough to offend such an old monster, making his chances of escaping alive extremely slim.
They knew this in their hearts; begging for mercy was merely a matter of accepting fate.
To their surprise, they actually got lucky as the other party seemed genuinely willing to let them go.
Although they didn't know if what he said was true or false, ants still tried to survive. With any hope, they would try their best!
"Indeed, this is a long story. You may follow me back to my cave first," Lin Xuan's calm voice entered his ears.
"Yes!"
The large man in the silk robe and Stone Fairy exchanged glances, both letting out a sigh of relief. If he said so, it was unlikely that he was just playing with them. As long as they were careful, there was still a chance to save their lives.
They naturally had no objections and led their disciples into the valley together with Lin Xuan.
...
"Ying'er, you go down first!"
"Yes, Master."
Luying'er gave Lin Xuan a graceful bow before retreating. Such a call drew surprised expressions from nearby cultivators.
It was understandable why they were surprised.
A grandmaster at the Tribulation Transcending realm wanted to take on apprentices, and it would be fitting for them to choose cultivators of the Spirit Cultivating stage. The little girl in front of him was only at the Foundation Establishment stage—how could she have such good fortune?
Jealousy filled their hearts. Such a thing was rare throughout the Three Realms and across time.
But they dared not say anything; they stood respectfully, waiting for Lin Xuan's instructions.
"Are you truly an array mage?"
Lin Xuan raised his head and looked at the large man in the silk robe again.
"Yes, junior has other accomplishments to mention. In terms of array arts, I am somewhat well-known in this lost plane. If Senior has any requests, junior will do my best."
The large man was also a cultivator of the Spirit Cultivating stage; he had lived for tens of thousands of years. By now, how could he not understand that the old monster before him likely needed his array arts?
He felt fortunate but dared not hide or be humble. If this old monster thought he was useless, there would be no guarantee they could save their lives.
"Good."
Lin Xuan's face showed satisfaction as he waved his sleeve and a jade cylinder with green eyes flew out.
It seemed to have life as it landed in front of the large man.
The other party looked surprised but did not hesitate. He quickly reached out to take it.
"In here, there is an ancient array technique. You may examine it. In three days, Lin will come to inquire about your findings."
Lin Xuan waved his sleeve again and a few silver lights flew from his sleeves, none of which escaped the notice of the cultivators present. Those silver lights all entered their bodies.
These people were alarmed but quickly used Inner Vision techniques. Fortunately, nothing seemed amiss. However, they knew that some sort of restriction had been placed on them.
Although they felt a bit uneasy, this result was expected. The old monster before him clearly had something to ask them to do and would naturally place restrictions to prevent their escape.
They wondered if the promise he made after completing the task would be kept. But now that it had come to this, fear was useless; they could only take each step as it came, hoping that the old man would keep his word.
"Yes!"
The large man looked surprised but showed a hint of joy. If Lin Xuan asked him to do something else, he might not have much confidence. But just an array technique… Stone Fairy had spoken quickly earlier, but what she said was true. His array arts were among the top five in this lost plane.
There weren't many things that could stump him in the field of arrays.
The large man bowed to Lin Xuan and then retreated.
Next, Lin Xuan waved his sleeve again, and another jade cylinder flew out. Stone Fairy did not hesitate; she quickly reached out to take it.
After a brief scan with her divine sense, her expression changed.
Because what was inside the cylinder were no longer ancient array techniques but a long list of items.
"Ten-thousand-year-old玄铁 (dark iron)."
"Heavenly Fire Lustrous Liquid."
"Cloud Stone."
...
"These…"
Stone Fairy, though not an expert in array arts like the large man, as a cultivator of the Spirit Cultivating stage, could not be ignorant of arrays. These items seemed to be rare materials needed for setting up arrays.
"You must collect these treasures. Lin will give you three years. As long as you gather all these materials, your offense of擅自闯入 (trespassing) my cave will be forgiven," Lin Xuan said calmly.
"Senior, do you keep your word?" the Stone Fairy's voice was excited.
"Why, are you asking me to swear a Heart Demon Oath?"
"I beg your pardon, Senior. I would never dare to act so recklessly."
Stone Fairy spoke with fear but was secretly overjoyed inside. She was skilled at reading people and understood that Lin Xuan did not seem to be lying. Completing the task really gave her hope for redemption. The most crucial thing was that this task wasn't difficult.
Although there were many items on the list, they were all rare materials that could be obtained through markets or auctions. Three years might be short, but with effort, it was possible to gather them all.
"Senior, I will do my best."
"Yes."
Lin Xuan was very satisfied and waved his sleeve again. A flash of light appeared as a storage bag flew out.
"Senior, what is this?"
"These materials don't have any items at the Heaven Defying realm, but there are many valuable ones. You'll need to go to markets and auctions for them. The costs will be covered by me; I wouldn't take advantage of you," Lin Xuan's indifferent voice entered their ears.
With his wealth, he didn't care about a few crystals. He did this because he was worried that the materials he needed might appear in an auction but these little guys would lack the crystals to buy them.
"Yes, thank you, Senior."
"Effort will be rewarded. After completing your task, I can forgive you and even give you some benefits."
Lin Xuan's smiling voice entered their ears. Even if he didn't say this, they wouldn't dare to slack off anyway. But such encouragement would make them work harder.
The Stone Fairy was indeed overjoyed, feeling that Lin Xuan had become more approachable. She secretly decided to collect the treasures as quickly as possible, hoping for good fortune in their treasure hunt despite their rashness.