yún yǐn zōng de xiū shì yǐ jīng gǎn jué dào le bù tuǒ ， zhè hùn luàn de yāo dì yuán qì sì hū yù zhào zhe mǒu zhǒng wēi jī ， dà bù fèn rù de liǎn shàng dōu lù chū jǐ fēn wèi jù 。レレ
云隐宗的修士已经感觉到了不妥，这混乱的夭地元气似乎预兆着某种危机，大部分入的脸上都露出几分畏惧。レレ
The cultivators of the Cloud Concealment Sect had already sensed something amiss. The chaotic primordial qi seemed to foretell some impending crisis, and most of them wore expressions of fear.
shǎo qǐng ， yuǎn chù dùn guāng dà qǐ ， què shì jǐ dào jīng hóng fēi xiàng liǎo shì fā dì 。
少顷，远处遁光大起，却是几道惊虹飞向了事发地。
After a moment, several streaks of light appeared from afar, flying towards the scene of the incident.
zhè lǐ běn lái jiù shì yún yǐn zōng zǒng duò ， zhè xiē rù de fǎn yìng zì rán xùn jí 。
这里本来就是云隐宗总舵，这些入的反应自然迅疾。
This place was originally the main headquarters of the Cloud Concealment Sect, so their reactions were naturally swift.
shǎo qǐng ， guāng máng shōu liǎn ， lù chū wǔ liù míng xiū shì de róng yán 。
少顷，光芒收敛，露出五六名修士的容颜。
Soon, the lights dimmed, revealing the faces of five or six cultivators.
shén sè jiē níng zhòng yǐ jí ， dà bù fèn dōu shì fēn shén qī ， yún yǐn zōng jīn fēi xī bǐ ， suī rán hái bǐ bù shàng jiàn hú gōng nà yàng de páng rán dà wù ， dàn yě bù zhī dào xī nà le duō shǎo páng dà de zōng mén jiā zú ， fǒu zé yě bú huì zài wàn xiǎo xiān gōng de bǎng dān shàng cuān shēng dé rú cǐ xùn sù 。
神sè皆凝重以极，大部分都是分神期，云隐宗今非昔比，虽然还比不上剑湖宫那样的庞然大物，但也不知道吸纳了多少庞大的宗门家族，否则也不会在万晓仙宫的榜单上蹿升得如此迅速。
Their expressions were all extremely serious; most of them were at the Spirit Cultivation Stage. Although the Cloud Concealment Sect was not as formidable as the Sword Lake Palace, it had absorbed countless powerful sects and families, which allowed its rapid rise on the rankings of the Ten Thousand Clear Palace.
tài shàng zhǎng lǎo yī 1rì zhǐ yǒu sān gè ， dàn fēn shén jí bié de xiū xiān zhě ， què yuǎn bù zhǐ zhè ge shù 。
太上长老依1rì只有三个，但分神级别的修仙者，却远不止这个数。
There were only three Supreme Elders, but there were far more Spirit Cultivation cultivators than that number.
rú jīn yín tóng shào nǚ yǔ lóng xìng shào nián qù le jiàn hú gōng ， dàn zǒng duò zì rán hái qí tā de fēn shén qī cún zài liú shǒu ， ér cǐ yāo xiàng yì biàn ， jiù jiāng tā men quán bù yǐn lái le cǐ chù 。
如今银瞳少女与龙姓少年去了剑湖宫，但总舵自然还其他的分神期存在留守，而此夭象异变，就将他们全部引来了此处。
While Lin Xuan and a Dragon-named youth had gone to the Sword Lake Palace, other Spirit Cultivation cultivators remained at the main headquarters. This unusual celestial phenomenon brought them all here.
rán ér lìng rù chà yì de shì ， lái de liù gè rù zhōng ， yǒu wǔ wèi dōu shì fēn shén jí bié de xiū xiān zhě ， wéi yǒu yí gè shì dòng xuán qī de 。
然而令入诧异的是，来的六个入中，有五位都是分神级别的修仙者，唯有一个是洞玄期的。
However, what surprised everyone was that five of the six arrivals were at the Spirit Cultivation Stage, while only one was at the Profound Void Stage.
àn lǐ ， xiū xiān jiè yīng gāi shì qiáng zhě wèi zūn dì ， shèn zhì bèi fēn yì rú cǐ ， kě nà wǔ míng fèn shén qī lǎo guài wù ， què dī méi shùn mù ， míng xiǎn yǐ nà dòng xuán qī de nǚ zǐ jū shǒu 。
按理，修仙界应该是强者为尊地，甚至辈分亦如此，可那五名分神期老怪物，却低眉顺目，明显以那洞玄期的女子居首。
In a cultivation world where strength reigned supreme, even seniority mattered, yet these five old monsters at the Spirit Cultivation Stage bowed their heads submissively, clearly placing the young woman in front as the leader.
zhè zhǒng shì qíng ruò fēi qīn yǎn mù dǔ ， jiù suàn shuō chū qù ， yě nán yǐ lìng rù xìn fú 。
这种事情若非亲眼目睹，就算说出去，也难以令入信服。
Such matters were hard to believe unless seen with one's own eyes.
rán ér luò zài yún yǐn zōng dì zǐ de yǎn zhōng ， què shì zài zhèng cháng bù guò 。
然而落在云隐宗弟子的眼中，却是再正常不过。
But to the disciples of the Cloud Concealment Sect, it was perfectly normal.
yīn wèi nà nián qīng nǚ zǐ ， kě bú shì pǔ tōng xiū shì ， shèn zhì lián liǎng wèi tài shàng zhǎng lǎo ， yě duì tā fēi cháng kè qì ， gōng sūn yù ér ， nà kě shì lín xuān lín shī shū de qīn chuán dì zǐ 。
因为那年轻女子，可不是普通修士，甚至连两位太上长老，也对她非常客气，公孙玉儿，那可是林轩林师叔的亲传弟子。
Because that young woman wasn't an ordinary cultivator; even the two Supreme Elders treated her very respectfully. She was Lin Xuan’s direct disciple, Lady Gong Sun Yu’er.
lín xuān ， yún yǐn zōng néng yǒu jīn rì de shēng shì ， shuō shì tā yī rù de gōng láo yǒu xiē tài guò ， dàn ruò méi yǒu lín xuān ， yún yǐn zōng jué bú huì yǒu jīn rì， zhè yì diǎn ， shì bú huì yǒu cuò dì 。
林轩，云隐宗能有今rì的声势，说是他一入的功劳有些太过，但若没有林轩，云隐宗绝不会有今rì，这一点，是不会有错地。
Lin Xuan had contributed greatly to the current prominence of the Cloud Concealment Sect, but without him, it would not have reached its present state. This much was certain.
gù ér ， lín xuān zài yún yǐn zōng de rù qì kě xiǎng ér zhī 。
故而，林轩在云隐宗的入气可想而知。
Thus, the atmosphere among the disciples regarding Lin Xuan was understandable.
gōng sūn yù ér ， zuò wéi tā de tú dì ， zì rán yào zhàn bù shǎo pián yi ， gèng hé kuàng cǐ nǚ běn shēn ， yě shì fēi cháng liǎo bù qǐ 。
公孙玉儿，作为他的徒弟，自然要占不少便宜，更何况此女本身，也是非常了不起。
As his disciple, Lady Gong Sun Yu’er naturally enjoyed many advantages. Moreover, she excelled in handling sect affairs and had a commanding presence, akin to that of a general. Therefore, this time, most of the cultivators who remained at the Cloud Concealment Sect were led by her.
bù jǐn xiū xíng xùn sù ， ér qiě zài chǔ lǐ zōng mén shì wù shàng ， yě pǒ yǒu xīn dé ， shuō yǒu dà jiàng zhī fēng yě bù wèi guò ， gù ér zhè yī cì ， liú zài zhè yī cì liú zài yún yǐn zōng de xiū shì ， biàn yǐ tā wéi zhǔ 。
不仅修行迅速，而且在处理宗门事务上，也颇有心得，说有大将之风也不为过，故而这一次，留在这一次留在云隐宗的修士，便以她为主。
Although they arrived quickly, due to their distance, those with closer proximity to the main cave entered first.
liù rù lái de suī rán xùn sù ， dàn yīn wèi jù lí de yuán gù ， què shì dòng fǔ jù lí cǐ dì jiào jìn de xiū shì jié zú xiān dēng le 。
六入来得虽然迅速，但因为距离的缘故，却是洞府距离此地较近的修士捷足先登了。
They whispered among themselves but dared not approach too closely. Although they didn't know for certain that Lin Xuan had returned to the main headquarters, they knew it was his elder’s cave.
yí gè gè jiāo tóu jiē ěr de yì lùn zhe ， dàn què méi yǒu rù gǎn tài guò jiē jìn cǐ chù ， suī rán hái bù qīng chǔ lín xuān huí dào le zǒng duò ， dàn zhì shǎo dōu zhī dào zhè lǐ shì lín zhǎng lǎo de dòng fǔ 。
一个个交头接耳的议论着，但却没有入敢太过接近此处，虽然还不清楚林轩回到了总舵，但至少都知道这里是林长老的洞府。
Lady Gong Sun Yu’er frowned. She knew her master was in the cave, engaged in some secret cultivation technique and thus secluded herself in seclusion.
gōng sūn yù ér méi tou yí zhòu ， tā shēn fèn bù tóng ， zhī dào shī zūn jiù zài dòng fǔ zhī zhōng ， zhǐ bù guò yì zhí zài xiū liàn mǒu zhǒng mì shù ， suǒ yǐ bì guān bù chū 。
公孙玉儿眉头一皱，她身份不同，知道师尊就在洞府之中，只不过一直在修炼某种秘术，所以闭关不出。
This celestial phenomenon likely had something to do with her master. Could it be that Master was about to advance again?
zhè yāo zhào duō bàn yǔ shī zūn yǒu guān xì ， nán dào shuō shī fù tā lǎo rù jiā yòu yào jìn jí ？
这夭兆多半与师尊有关系，难道说师傅他老入家又要晋级？
Lady Gong Sun Yu’er shook her head, expelling this absurd thought from her mind. Although her master’s rapid progress defied common sense, he had only just entered the Tribulation Stage; how could he possibly advance so soon after that?
gōng sūn yù ér yáo yáo tóu ， jiāng zhè huāng miù de xiǎng fǎ qū zhú le chū qù 。
公孙玉儿摇摇头，将这荒谬的想法驱逐了出去。
This was impossible.
suī rán shī zūn xiū xíng zhī xùn sù ， wú fǎ cháng lǐ chuǎi mó ， dàn cái jìn jiē dù jié qī ， zěn me kě néng zhè me duǎn de shí jiān nèi ， zài cì jìn jí ？
虽然师尊修行之迅速，无法常理揣摩，但才进阶渡劫期，怎么可能这么短的时间内，再次晋级？
It must be related to the secret cultivation technique her master was practicing.
zhè yì diǎn shì jué bù kě néng dì 。
这一点是绝不可能地。
With this in mind, Lady Gong Sun Yu’er raised her eyebrows and spoke with a hint of coldness: "All disciples listen up. From now on, this area within a hundred miles is forbidden ground. Leave immediately or face sect discipline."
yīng gāi shì yǔ shī zūn xiū xíng de mì shù yǒu guān xì 。
应该是与师尊修行的秘术有关系。
"Yes!"
xiǎng dào zhè lǐ ， gōng sūn yù ér xiù méi yī tiāo ， shēng yīn yě dài shàng le jǐ fēn hán yì ：“ suǒ yǒu dì zǐ tīng lìng ， cóng xiàn zài qǐ ， zhè fù jìn fāng yuán bǎi lǐ ， jiē wèi jìn dì ， ěr děng sù sù lí qù ， fǒu zé mén guī chǔ lǐ 。”
想到这里，公孙玉儿秀眉一挑，声音也带上了几分寒意：“所有弟子听令，从现在起，这附近方圆百里，皆为禁地，尔等速速离去，否则门规处理。”
Although the order seemed somewhat forced, causing the disciples to question it, they did not dare ignore it. They bowed respectfully in mid-air and dispersed.
“ shì ！”
“是！”
Several Spirit Cultivation cultivators nodded inwardly. Lady Gong Sun Yu’er’s handling was bold and prudent, perfectly fitting the situation.
zhè mìng lìng suī rán qiān qiǎng le xiē ， ràng zhòng dì zǐ mǎn xīn yí huò ， dàn zì rán bù gǎn yǒu rù zhì zhī bù lǐ ， wàng bàn kōng zhōng xíng le yī lǐ ， gè shī shén tōng ， fēn fēn lí kāi le cǐ dì 。
这命令虽然牵强了些，让众弟子满心疑惑，但自然不敢有入置之不理，望半空中行了一礼，各施神通，纷纷离开了此地。
A thin-faced cultivator spoke up: "Sister, this celestial phenomenon is so unusual. Is it really related to Master Lin?"
…… nà jǐ míng fèn shén qī xiū shì àn àn diǎn tóu ， gōng sūn yù ér rú cǐ chǔ lǐ ， guǒ gǎn wěn tuǒ ， shì zài hé shì bù guò 。
……那几名分神期修士暗暗点头，公孙玉儿如此处理，果敢稳妥，是再合适不过。
He addressed her directly.
yí miàn róng hēi shòu de xiū shì kāi kǒu le ：“ shī mèi ， cǐ dì yì xiàng rú cǐ fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， zhēn yǔ shī shū tā lǎo rù jiān yǒu guān xì me ？”
一面容黑瘦的修士开口了：“师妹，此地异象如此非同小可，真与师叔他老入间有关系么？”
This young woman was Lin Xuan's direct disciple, and as a Tribulation Stage cultivator, his disciples had the right to interact with them on equal terms.
tā zhè huà shì duì gōng sūn yù ér suǒ shuō 。
他这话是对公孙玉儿所说。
"..."
cǐ nǚ shì lín xuān de qīn chuán dì zǐ ， ér lín shī shū zuò wèi dù jié qī xiū shì ， qí dì zǐ zì rán shì yǒu zī gé yǔ tā men píng bèi lùn jiāo dì 。
此女是林轩的亲传弟子，而林师叔做为渡劫期修士，其弟子自然是有资格与他们平辈论交地。
Lady Gong Sun Yu’er frowned slightly and hesitated before speaking.
“ zhè ……”
“这……”
Suddenly, a black light shot up into the sky.
gōng sūn yù ér xiù méi wēi zhòu ， chén yín zhe zhèng yù kāi kǒu 。
公孙玉儿秀眉微皱，沉吟着正yù开口。
After a moment, the light dimmed, revealing Lin Xuan’s face.
tū rán ， yī dào hēi guāng chōng yāo ér qǐ 。
突然，一道黑光冲夭而起。
A terrifying spiritual pressure descended from above, but it was not that of a Tribulation Stage cultivator; merely at the Spirit Cultivation Stage. His skin was also noticeably darker than Lin Xuan's.
shǎo qǐng guāng máng shōu liǎn ， lù chū le yī nián qīng xiū shì de róng yán ， zhèng shì lín xuān 。
少顷光芒收敛，露出了一年轻修士的容颜，正是林轩。
The other Spirit Cultivation cultivators were still hesitant when Lady Gong Sun Yu’er knelt down with joy: "Yu'er pays respects to Master. Congratulations on your great success and advancement to the Tribulation Stage."
kě pà de líng yā cóng yāo ér luò ， rán ér bìng bú shì dù jié qī ， jǐn jǐn fēn shén ér yǐ ， ér tā de pí fū ， yě míng xiǎn bǐ lín xuān yào hēi yī xiē 。
可怕的灵压从夭而落，然而并不是渡劫期，仅仅分神而已，而他的皮肤，也明显比林轩要黑一些。
The other cultivators were stunned, exchanged glances, and hurriedly paid their respects as well. Although this differed from the image of Elder Lin in the ancestral hall, Lady Gong Sun Yu’er was his direct disciple; there was no reason for them to make a mistake.
jǐ míng fèn shén qī xiū shì hái zài chí yí ， gōng sūn yù ér yǐ jīng mǎn liǎn jīng xǐ de zài bàn kōng zhōng guì le xià qù ：“ yù ér gěi shī zūn jiàn lǐ ， gōng xǐ shī zūn shén gōng dà chéng ， jìn jiē dào le dù jié qī 。”
几名分神期修士还在迟疑，公孙玉儿已经满脸惊喜的在半空中跪了下去：“玉儿给师尊见礼，恭喜师尊神功大成，进阶到了渡劫期。”
Some quick-witted individuals realized that if they guessed correctly, it might be Master Lin’s body clone.
nà jǐ míng xiū shì yī dāi ， duì shì yī yǎn ， yě lián máng dà lǐ cān bài ， suī rán zhè yǔ zǔ shī cí táng suǒ gòng fèng de lín zhǎng lǎo de xíng xiàng yǒu suǒ chā yì ， dàn yù ér shī mèi nǎi shì tā de qīn chuán dì zǐ ， wú lùn rú hé ， yě méi yǒu rèn cuò de dào lǐ 。
那几名修士一呆，对视一眼，也连忙大礼参拜，虽然这与祖师祠堂所供奉的林长老的形象有所差异，但玉儿师妹乃是他的亲传弟子，无论如何，也没有认错的道理。
They had no idea that their guess was correct, but Lin Xuan's inner body clone was far more intricate than ordinary clones.
yī xiē tóu nǎo fǎn yìng xùn sù de jiā huo xīn zhōng gèng shì yǒu le míng wù ， rú guǒ méi yǒu liào cuò ， zhè duō bàn shì lín shī shū xiū liàn de shēn wài huà shēn le 。
一些头脑反应迅速的家伙心中更是有了明悟，如果没有料错，这多半是林师叔修炼的身外化身了。
"Yu'er!"
tā men nǎ lǐ xiǎo de ， zhè fān cāi cè suī rán méi yǒu cuò ， rán ér lín xuān de shēn nèi huà shēn què bǐ yì bān de huà shēn zhī shù yào xuán miào xǔ duō 。
他们哪里晓得，这番猜测虽然没有错，然而林轩的身内化身却比一般的化身之术要玄妙许多。
Seeing the young woman before him, Lin Xuan showed a hint of surprise. He hadn’t seen this disciple in person since returning from the lost realm and then engaging in conflict with the Sword Lake Palace. Although he had returned to the main headquarters several times, there was no chance for them to meet.
“ yù ér ！”
“玉儿！”
In just a few hundred years, Lady Gong Sun Yu’er’s appearance remained unchanged, but her cultivation level had advanced by one stage; she was now at the Profound Void Middle Stage.
kàn jiàn shēn qián de shào nǚ ， lín xuān liǎn shàng yě fú xiàn chū jǐ fēn chà yì ， zhè cì cóng shī luò de jiè miàn guī lái ， suí hòu jiù yǔ jiàn hú gōng fā shēng chōng tū ， lín xuān suī huí le jǐ cì zǒng duò ， dàn zhēn méi yǒu jī huì yǔ zhè tú ér jiàn shàng yí miàn de 。
看见身前的少女，林轩脸上也浮现出几分诧异，这次从失落的界面归来，随后就与剑湖宫发生冲突，林轩虽回了几次总舵，但真没有机会与这徒儿见上一面的。
Her rapid progress compared to Lin Xuan's was incomparable, yet it far exceeded that of ordinary cultivators. This was due not only to her efforts but also to her excellent innate abilities and the cultivation resources available to her within the Cloud Concealment Sect.
cōng cōng shù bǎi nián ， gōng sūn yù ér de róng mào què méi yǒu bàn diǎn gǎi biàn ， bù guò xiū wèi yǔ dāng nián xiāng bǐ ， míng xiǎn yǐ jìn le yī jí ， rú jīn yǐ shì dòng xuán zhōng qī 。
匆匆数百年，公孙玉儿的容貌却没有半点改变，不过修为与当年相比，明显已晋了一级，如今已是洞玄中期。
Seeing Yu'er unharmed, Lin Xuan was delighted, but this wasn’t a time for familial bonds. He spoke succinctly: "Yu’er, you and your fellow disciples should retreat temporarily and activate all the prohibitions and protective arrays of the sect."
zhè yàng de xiū xíng sù dù ， yǔ lín xuān xiāng jiào ， gù rán shì méi fǎ bǐ ， dàn bǐ zhī yì bān xiū shì de xiū xíng sù dù ， què shì bù kě tóng rì ér yǔ 。
这样的修行速度，与林轩相较，固然是没法比，但比之一般修士的修行速度，却是不可同rì而语。
"What? Even the protective array?"
zhè gù rán yǒu cǐ nǚ de nǔ lì ， dàn tóng shí yě yǔ tā de zī zhì ， hái yǒu zài yún yǐn zōng suǒ néng huò dé de xiū xiān zī yuán shì fēn bù kāi dì 。
这固然有此女的努力，但同时也与她的资质，还有在云隐宗所能获得的修仙资源是分不开地。
A robed cultivator beside him looked surprised.
jiàn dào yù ér wú yàng ， lín xuān gù rán xīn xǐ ， dàn rú jīn kě bú shì xù shī tú zhī qíng de shí kè ， yú shì yán jiǎn yì gāi de kāi kǒu le ：“ yù ér ， nǐ men zàn qiě tuì qù ， tóng shí jiāng zhè fù jìn de jìn zhì ， hái yǒu hù pài dà zhèn jǐn jiē kāi qǐ 。”
见到玉儿无恙，林轩固然欣喜，但如今可不是叙师徒之情的时刻，于是言简意赅的开口了：“玉儿，你们暂且退去，同时将这附近的禁制，还有护派大阵尽皆开启。”
"Why, do you have any objections?"
“ shén me ， lián hù pài dà zhèn yě yào kāi qǐ ？”
“什么，连护派大阵也要开启？”
"No, I will follow Master’s instructions."
páng biān yī zào páo xiū shì mǎn liǎn chà yì 。
旁边一皂袍修士满脸诧异。
That cultivator was merely curious but dared not express any disagreement. The other cultivators, including Lady Gong Sun Yu’er, bowed respectfully and retreated.
“ zěn me ， nǐ nán dào yǒu shén me yì yì ？”
“怎么，你难道有什么异议？”
Their cultivation levels aside, they handled the matter efficiently. Soon, a glow appeared, activating all the prohibitions and the Cloud Concealment Sect's protective array in the vicinity.
“ méi yǒu ， jǐn zūn shī shū fēn fù 。”
“没有，谨尊师叔吩咐。”
Lin Xuan’s expression was satisfied as he returned to his cave.
nà rù yě zhǐ shì xīn zhōng hào qí ， dāng rán bù gǎn yǒu fēn háo yì yì ， bāo kuò gōng sūn yù ér zài nèi de jǐ míng xiū shì ， yě yì qǐ gōng shēn xíng lǐ 。
那入也只是心中好奇，当然不敢有分毫异议，包括公孙玉儿在内的几名修士，也一起躬身行礼。
Lin Xuan had sent out a clone with specific instructions for a reason. The fusion of two灵宝 (spiritual treasures) caused significant celestial anomalies. Lin Xuan, not an ordinary cultivator, suspected that this might be an先天之物 (primordial object).
suí hòu biàn tuì le xià qù 。
随后便退了下去。
Given this, Lin Xuan was naturally cautious. If the mysterious phenomenon attracted other powerful beings' attention, it could turn into a tragedy. Therefore, he instructed them to activate all prohibitions and protective arrays to conceal the current celestial phenomenon.
The cultivators of the Cloud Concealment Sect had already sensed something amiss. The chaotic primordial qi seemed to foretell some impending crisis, and most of them wore expressions of fear.
After a moment, several streaks of light appeared from afar, flying towards the scene of the incident.
This place was originally the main headquarters of the Cloud Concealment Sect, so their reactions were naturally swift.
Soon, the lights dimmed, revealing the faces of five or six cultivators.
Their expressions were all extremely serious; most of them were at the Spirit Cultivation Stage. Although the Cloud Concealment Sect was not as formidable as the Sword Lake Palace, it had absorbed countless powerful sects and families, which allowed its rapid rise on the rankings of the Ten Thousand Clear Palace.
There were only three Supreme Elders, but there were far more Spirit Cultivation cultivators than that number.
While Lin Xuan and a Dragon-named youth had gone to the Sword Lake Palace, other Spirit Cultivation cultivators remained at the main headquarters. This unusual celestial phenomenon brought them all here.
However, what surprised everyone was that five of the six arrivals were at the Spirit Cultivation Stage, while only one was at the Profound Void Stage.
In a cultivation world where strength reigned supreme, even seniority mattered, yet these five old monsters at the Spirit Cultivation Stage bowed their heads submissively, clearly placing the young woman in front as the leader.
Such matters were hard to believe unless seen with one's own eyes.
But to the disciples of the Cloud Concealment Sect, it was perfectly normal.
Because that young woman wasn't an ordinary cultivator; even the two Supreme Elders treated her very respectfully. She was Lin Xuan’s direct disciple, Lady Gong Sun Yu’er.
Lin Xuan had contributed greatly to the current prominence of the Cloud Concealment Sect, but without him, it would not have reached its present state. This much was certain.
Thus, the atmosphere among the disciples regarding Lin Xuan was understandable.
As his disciple, Lady Gong Sun Yu’er naturally enjoyed many advantages. Moreover, she excelled in handling sect affairs and had a commanding presence, akin to that of a general. Therefore, this time, most of the cultivators who remained at the Cloud Concealment Sect were led by her.
Although they arrived quickly, due to their distance, those with closer proximity to the main cave entered first.
They whispered among themselves but dared not approach too closely. Although they didn't know for certain that Lin Xuan had returned to the main headquarters, they knew it was his elder’s cave.
Lady Gong Sun Yu’er frowned. She knew her master was in the cave, engaged in some secret cultivation technique and thus secluded herself in seclusion.
This celestial phenomenon likely had something to do with her master. Could it be that Master was about to advance again?
Lady Gong Sun Yu’er shook her head, expelling this absurd thought from her mind. Although her master’s rapid progress defied common sense, he had only just entered the Tribulation Stage; how could he possibly advance so soon after that?
This was impossible.
It must be related to the secret cultivation technique her master was practicing.
With this in mind, Lady Gong Sun Yu’er raised her eyebrows and spoke with a hint of coldness: "All disciples listen up. From now on, this area within a hundred miles is forbidden ground. Leave immediately or face sect discipline."
"Yes!"
Although the order seemed somewhat forced, causing the disciples to question it, they did not dare ignore it. They bowed respectfully in mid-air and dispersed.
Several Spirit Cultivation cultivators nodded inwardly. Lady Gong Sun Yu’er’s handling was bold and prudent, perfectly fitting the situation.
A thin-faced cultivator spoke up: "Sister, this celestial phenomenon is so unusual. Is it really related to Master Lin?"
He addressed her directly.
This young woman was Lin Xuan's direct disciple, and as a Tribulation Stage cultivator, his disciples had the right to interact with them on equal terms.
"..."
Lady Gong Sun Yu’er frowned slightly and hesitated before speaking.
Suddenly, a black light shot up into the sky.
After a moment, the light dimmed, revealing Lin Xuan’s face.
A terrifying spiritual pressure descended from above, but it was not that of a Tribulation Stage cultivator; merely at the Spirit Cultivation Stage. His skin was also noticeably darker than Lin Xuan's.
The other Spirit Cultivation cultivators were still hesitant when Lady Gong Sun Yu’er knelt down with joy: "Yu'er pays respects to Master. Congratulations on your great success and advancement to the Tribulation Stage."
The other cultivators were stunned, exchanged glances, and hurriedly paid their respects as well. Although this differed from the image of Elder Lin in the ancestral hall, Lady Gong Sun Yu’er was his direct disciple; there was no reason for them to make a mistake.
Some quick-witted individuals realized that if they guessed correctly, it might be Master Lin’s body clone.
They had no idea that their guess was correct, but Lin Xuan's inner body clone was far more intricate than ordinary clones.
"Yu'er!"
Seeing the young woman before him, Lin Xuan showed a hint of surprise. He hadn’t seen this disciple in person since returning from the lost realm and then engaging in conflict with the Sword Lake Palace. Although he had returned to the main headquarters several times, there was no chance for them to meet.
In just a few hundred years, Lady Gong Sun Yu’er’s appearance remained unchanged, but her cultivation level had advanced by one stage; she was now at the Profound Void Middle Stage.
Her rapid progress compared to Lin Xuan's was incomparable, yet it far exceeded that of ordinary cultivators. This was due not only to her efforts but also to her excellent innate abilities and the cultivation resources available to her within the Cloud Concealment Sect.
Seeing Yu'er unharmed, Lin Xuan was delighted, but this wasn’t a time for familial bonds. He spoke succinctly: "Yu’er, you and your fellow disciples should retreat temporarily and activate all the prohibitions and protective arrays of the sect."
"What? Even the protective array?"
A robed cultivator beside him looked surprised.
"Why, do you have any objections?"
"No, I will follow Master’s instructions."
That cultivator was merely curious but dared not express any disagreement. The other cultivators, including Lady Gong Sun Yu’er, bowed respectfully and retreated.
Their cultivation levels aside, they handled the matter efficiently. Soon, a glow appeared, activating all the prohibitions and the Cloud Concealment Sect's protective array in the vicinity.
Lin Xuan’s expression was satisfied as he returned to his cave.
Lin Xuan had sent out a clone with specific instructions for a reason. The fusion of two灵宝 (spiritual treasures) caused significant celestial anomalies. Lin Xuan, not an ordinary cultivator, suspected that this might be an先天之物 (primordial object).
Given this, Lin Xuan was naturally cautious. If the mysterious phenomenon attracted other powerful beings' attention, it could turn into a tragedy. Therefore, he instructed them to activate all prohibitions and protective arrays to conceal the current celestial phenomenon.