bié yǒu dòng tiān 。
别有洞天。
A world of wonders.
yǎn qián shì yī piàn kuān guǎng yǐ jí de zhú lín ， qīng cuì yù dī ， kàn shàng qù shǎng xīn yuè mù 。
眼前是一片宽广以极的竹林，青翠欲滴，看上去赏心悦目。
Before him lay a vast bamboo forest, lush and verdant, looking delightful to the eye.
rú guǒ zài píng dì shàng chū xiàn zhè me yī piàn zhú lín zì rán shì fēi cháng zhèng cháng zhī shì ， dàn bú yào wàng le ， zhè lǐ shì bǎi yú zhàng shēn de dì dǐ ， huì zài zhè lǐ péi zhí zhè me dà yī piàn zhú lín ， qī jué tiān hái zhēn shì dà shǒu bǐ 。
如果在平地上出现这么一片竹林自然是非常正常之事，但不要忘了，这里是百余丈深的地底，会在这里培植这么大一片竹林，七绝天还真是大手笔。
In normal circumstances, such an expanse of bamboo would be common on the surface, but here, deep underground at over a hundred feet in depth, the cultivation of such a large bamboo forest by Seventh Heaven was indeed a grand gesture.
dàn lín xuān yě shì jiàn duō shí guǎng zhī rén ， yǎn zhōng jǐn jǐn shì shǎn guò yī sī jīng yà de qíng xù ， suí jí jiù huī fù rú cháng le 。
但林轩也是见多识广之人，眼中仅仅是闪过一丝惊讶的情绪，随即就恢复如常了。
But Lin Xuan, with his extensive experience, merely flashed a momentary surprise before returning to normal.
“ qián bèi ， zhè biān qǐng 。”
“前辈，这边请。”
"Senior, this way please."
lín xuān diǎn diǎn tóu ， mài kāi dà bù ， xiàng qián zǒu qù le ， cǐ kè yě bù xū yào nà shào nǚ zài yǐn lù ， yǎn qián zhǐ yǒu yī tiáo suì shí pù chéng de xiǎo lù ， zěn me yě bú huì zǒu cuò 。
林轩点点头，迈开大步，向前走去了，此刻也不需要那少女再引路，眼前只有一条碎石铺成的小路，怎么也不会走错。
Nodding, Lin Xuan took big strides forward without needing further guidance from the young woman. The path ahead was clearly marked by scattered stones and he would not get lost.
zhè tiáo xiǎo jìng bù suàn zhǎng ， jǐn yǒu shù bǎi mǐ zuǒ yòu ， ér zhōu wéi de cuì zhú kàn shì zá luàn wú zhāng ， dàn lín xuān shēn huái 《 xuán jī xīn dé 》， suī rán yì zhí méi yǒu tài duō de shí jiān yán jiū ， dàn yě cū lüè kàn guò 。
这条小径不算长，仅有数百米左右，而周围的翠竹看似杂乱无章，但林轩身怀《璇玑心得》，虽然一直没有太多的时间研究，但也粗略看过。
The path wasn't long, only a few hundred meters in length. The surrounding bamboo, though seemingly chaotic, held a certain order to it, as Lin Xuan had seen through his understanding of theXuanji Heartfelt Insights (Xuan Ji Heart Method). Although he hadn’t spent much time studying it, he was familiar with its principles.
duì yú zhèn fǎ zhī dào ， duō shǎo yǒu nà me yì diǎn xīn dé ， zhèn pán zhèn qí gù rán hái liàn zhì bù chū lái ， dàn yǎn guāng yǐ jīng yuǎn fēi yì bān de xiū shì kě yǐ xiāng bǐ le ， yǎn qián de zhú lín ， bù zhì shàng shēn yùn wǔ xíng zhī dào ， àn hé tiān dì yīn yáng ， xiǎn rán yě shì yī wēi lì pǒ dà de zhèn fǎ 。
对于阵法之道，多少有那么一点心得，阵盘阵旗固然还炼制不出来，但眼光已经远非一般的修士可以相比了，眼前的竹林，布置上深蕴五行之道，暗合天地阴阳，显然也是一威力颇大的阵法。
For an array technique expert, his insight into the arrangement of this bamboo forest was profound. The layout deeply embedded the Five Elements and harmonized with the yin-yang balance of nature, clearly indicating a powerful array technique.
lín xuān dùn shí liú shàng le xīn ， dàn jiǎo xià què méi yǒu tíng ， hěn kuài yòu guǎi le liǎng gè wān ， yī jiān yóu cuì zhú ， máo cǎo dā jiàn de xiǎo wū chū xiàn zài le qián miàn 。
林轩顿时留上了心，但脚下却没有停，很快又拐了两个弯，一间由翠竹，茅草搭建的小屋出现在了前面。
Lin Xuan’s interest was piqued but he continued walking. Soon, a small hut made from bamboo and thatch appeared ahead.
xiǎo wū páng zhàn zhe yī zhōng nián xiū shì ， zhèng shì gāng gāng zhǔ chí pāi mài huì de liè hǎi péng ， kàn jiàn lín xuān ， tā lì kè mǎn liǎn gōng jìng de yíng le shàng lái ， xiǎn rán duì zhè ge huā le wǔ qiān jīng shí gòu mǎi yīn líng dān de zhǔ gù yìn xiàng shēn kè 。
小屋旁站着一中年修士，正是刚刚主持拍卖会的列海鹏，看见林轩，他立刻满脸恭敬的迎了上来，显然对这个花了五千晶石购买阴灵丹的主顾印象深刻。
Standing beside it was an adult male cultivator, none other than Li Hai Peng who had just hosted the auction. His expression was one of respect as he greeted Lin Xuan, clearly impressed by his purchase of the Yin Spirit Pill for five thousand crystal stones.
“ lín qián bèi hǎo ， huān yíng nín lái dào tīng zhú xiǎo xuān ， qǐng nín xiān jìn qù kuān zuò yī huì er ， pǐn pǐn líng chá ， yī huì er děng zhū wèi qián bèi dào qí le ， wǎn bèi zì rán huì jiāng qǐng gè wèi lái de lǐ yóu rú shí xiàng gào 。”
“林前辈好，欢迎您来到听竹小轩，请您先进去宽坐一会儿，品品灵茶，一会儿等诸位前辈到齐了，晚辈自然会将请各位来的理由如实相告。”
"Senior Lin, welcome to Bamboo Whispering Pavilion. Please come in and take a seat while you enjoy some spirit tea. Once all our seniors are here, I will explain why we invited you."
“ hǎo 。 dàn wǒ kě bù xī wàng děng tài jiǔ 。” lín xuān dàn dàn dì dào 。
“好。但我可不希望等太久。”林轩淡淡地道。
"Thank you. But I don’t want to keep you waiting," Lin Xuan replied modestly.
“ qián bèi fàng xīn 。 wǒ qī jué tiān zì rán bú huì dān gē zhū wèi qián bèi dì bǎo guì shí jiān 。”
“前辈放心。我七绝天自然不会耽搁诸位前辈地宝贵时间。”
"Ah, it’s no trouble at all. May I ask which sect or school of cultivation you belong to?"
lín xuān bù zài yǔ tā duō yán 。 tuī mén zǒu jìn le fáng jiān 。 lǐ miàn dì jǐng wù yìng rù yǎn lián 。 lín xuān wēi wēi zhēng le yī xià 。
林轩不再与他多言。推门走进了房间。里面地景物映入眼帘。林轩微微怔了一下。
Lin Xuan's performance was spot-on, and Li Hai Peng believed him. From the start, he didn't think Lin Xuan would be a powerful cultivator. But his expression showed no contempt.
lǐ miàn yǐ jīng yǒu wǔ rén zài pǐn zhe líng chá 。 měi yí gè suī rán dōu bù rèn shí 。 dàn yě bìng fēi dì yī cì jiàn miàn 。 zhèng shì gāng cái pāi mài huì shí zuò zài zuì qián miàn dì jǐ wèi níng dān qī xiū shì 。
里面已经有五人在品着灵茶。每一个虽然都不认识。但也并非第一次见面。正是刚才拍卖会时坐在最前面地几位凝丹期修士。
This made Lin Xuan feel good; such honesty from a cultivator in this world was rare. However, he did not reveal his true identity. "I am an independent cultivator," he admitted with a slight blush.
kàn jiàn lín xuān 。 tā men yě méi yǒu gǎn dào è rán 。 jì xù zì jǐ zuò zhe zì jǐ dì shì 。
看见林轩。他们也没有感到愕然。继续自己做着自己地事。
"An independent cultivator? That’s quite impressive. In the sects, even to reach the Foundation Establishment stage requires great fortune, and condensing essence into a spirit is extremely rare."
“ dào yǒu lái zhè lǐ zuò ba ！”
“道友来这里坐吧！”
"Haha, I’m just lucky," Lin Xuan replied modestly, his smile reminiscent of an innocent fool.
yī shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ lǐ 。 lín xuān yǒu diǎn chà yì ， xún shēng wàng qù ， shì pāi mài huì shí huā fèi liǎng wàn jīng shí mǎi xià nà gǔ bǎo de ǎi pàng xiū shì 。
一声音传入耳朵里。林轩有点诧异，循声望去，是拍卖会时花费两万晶石买下那古宝的矮胖修士。
"I am a cultivator from Sea Sand Sect. Our sect’s techniques emphasize embracing all streams into the sea; with capacity comes greatness, drawing on diverse schools. Would you be interested in joining us?" Li Hai Peng’s eyes shone with enthusiasm as he sincerely invited Lin Xuan to join his sect.
yǔ qí tā rén xiāng bǐ ， zhè wèi pàng hū hū de lǎo gē xiǎn de bǐ jiào cí méi shàn mù ， méi yǒu nà zhǒng jù rén yú qiān lǐ zhī wài de ào qì 。
与其他人相比，这位胖乎乎的老哥显得比较慈眉善目，没有那种拒人于千里之外的傲气。
Lin Xuan smiled wryly and was momentarily speechless.
“ rú cǐ xiè le 。” lín xuān bào quán xíng le yī lǐ ， āi zhe nà ǎi pàng xiū shì zuò xià 。
“如此谢了。”林轩抱拳行了一礼，挨着那矮胖修士坐下。
"Haha, don’t worry about it. The Sea Sand Sect may not be a famous or powerful sect, but we are the most influential in Southwest Youzhou. Joining us will ensure you won’t be disgraced. With our support, there are countless benefits compared to being an independent cultivator..."
“ zài xià yuán dà hǎi ， bù zhī dào yǒu guì xìng ， gé xià rú cǐ nián qīng ， jiù jīn dān dà chéng 。 zhēn shì qián tú wú liàng a ！”
“在下袁大海，不知道友贵姓，阁下如此年轻，就金丹大成。真是前途无量啊！”
Li Hai Peng was straightforward and honest, yet he couldn't help exaggerating when talking about his sect’s strength.
“ hē hē ， xiǎo dì lín xuān ， dào yǒu miù zàn le 。 wǒ bù guò shì jī yuán qiǎo hé ， jiǎo xìng níng dān chéng gōng bà le ， ér qiě zài xià suǒ xiū liàn dì gōng fǎ suī rán wēi lì pǔ tōng yǐ jí ， dàn zài zhù yán fāng miàn xiào guǒ què shí qí jiā ， gù ér kàn zhe cái bǐ tóng jiē xiū shì nián qīng yì diǎn ， ràng dào yǒu jiàn xiào le a ！” lín xuān náo le náo tóu ， yǒu diǎn bù hǎo yì sī de kāi kǒu ， zài zhè rén shēng dì bù shú de dì fāng ， zhāng yáng shì hěn yú chǔn de 。 dī diào fǎn ér néng gòu huò dé bù shǎo hǎo chù ， bì jìng dǐ pái yuè duō ， yù jiàn wēi xiǎn de shí hòu ， niǔ zhuǎn qián kūn de jī lǜ yě jiù yuè dà le 。
“呵呵，小弟林轩，道友谬赞了。我不过是机缘巧合，侥幸凝丹成功罢了，而且在下所修炼地功法虽然威力普通以极，但在驻颜方面效果确实奇佳，故而看着才比同阶修士年轻一点，让道友见笑了啊！”林轩挠了挠头，有点不好意思的开口，在这人生地不熟的地方，张扬是很愚蠢的。低调反而能够获得不少好处，毕竟底牌越多，遇见危险的时候，扭转乾坤的几率也就越大了。
The Sea Sand Sect was no exception to the current situation in Youzhou; all sects were vying for power. Some sought to gain advantage while others just wanted to survive. The Sea Sand Sect was no different, trying to expand its influence by absorbing smaller sects and families.
“ dào yǒu wú xū guò qiān ， bù zhī nǐ shì nǎ mén nǎ pài dì xiū shì ？” lín xuān zhè fù cài niǎo de biǎo yǎn ， shí fēn dào wèi ， yuán dà hǎi xìn yǐ wéi zhēn ， qí shí cóng yī kāi shǐ ， tā yě méi yǒu rèn wéi lín xuān huì shì shén me dà shén tōng de xiū shì 。 bù guò liǎn shàng què méi yǒu shén me qīng miè zhī yì 。
“道友无需过谦，不知你是哪门哪派地修士？”林轩这副菜鸟的表演，十分到位，袁大海信以为真，其实从一开始，他也没有认为林轩会是什么大神通的修士。不过脸上却没有什么轻蔑之意。
Lin Xuan had heard of this sect before. A few years ago, he had occasionally helped the Sea Sand Sect refine medicinal pills in exchange for payment. Located in Southwest Youzhou, it wasn’t as powerful as Li Hai Peng claimed, but still held moderate strength with a couple of condensation stage cultivators.
zhè ràng lín xuān duì tā pǒ yǒu hǎo gǎn ， bì jìng zài xiū zhēn jiè zhè me hān hòu de rén bìng bù duō jiàn ， dāng rán ， lín xuān yě bú huì yīn cǐ jiù zì pù jiā dǐ ， liǎn shàng yī hóng de dào ：“ bù mán dào yǒu ， zài xià nǎi shì sàn xiū 。”
这让林轩对他颇有好感，毕竟在修真界这么憨厚的人并不多见，当然，林轩也不会因此就自曝家底，脸上一红的道：“不瞒道友，在下乃是散修。”
Despite its remote location, the Sea Sand Sect hadn't been affected by the ongoing conflict between the Daoist and Evil sects. However, they were making efforts to expand their influence, recently absorbing several smaller sects and families.
“ sàn xiū ？”
“散修？”
Such situations were common in Youzhou; apart from the major battles between the Daoist and Evil sects, other sects of moderate strength were also expanding for self-preservation or to gain an edge over rivals.
liǎng rén shēng yīn suī dī ， dàn bìng méi yǒu yòng chuán yīn zhī shù ， yǐ níng dān qī xiū shì de shén shí ， páng biān jǐ rén zì rán shì tīng dé qīng qīng chǔ chǔ 。 liǎn shàng dōu lù chū le chā yì zhī sè 。 bù guò wàng guò lái de mù guāng què nán miǎn yǒu nà me yì diǎn qīng shì le 。
两人声音虽低，但并没有用传音之术，以凝丹期修士的神识，旁边几人自然是听得清清楚楚。脸上都露出了差异之色。不过望过来的目光却难免有那么一点轻视了。
The Sea Sand Sect was no exception. They had adopted a policy of recruiting any cultivator with late-stage Spirit Movement cultivation, regardless of age or root quality.
rán ér yuán dà hǎi de biǎo qíng què jié rán bù tóng ， mǎn liǎn de pèi fú zhī sè ：“ dào yǒu méi yǒu suǒ shǔ dì mén pài yǔ jiā zú 。 zhè kě zhēn liǎo bù qǐ ， yào zhī dào ， sàn xiū lǐ miàn ， xiǎng yào zhù jī dōu xū yào mò dà jī yuán ， néng gòu níng dān jiù gèng shì fèng máo lín jiǎo le 。”
然而袁大海的表情却截然不同，满脸的佩服之色：“道友没有所属地门派与家族。这可真了不起，要知道，散修里面，想要筑基都需要莫大机缘，能够凝丹就更是凤毛麟角了。”
Previously, it was better to be choosy; now, they welcomed anyone who could contribute, even those in the middle stages of Spirit Movement. This change made sense given that low-level cultivators still contributed significantly to their sects.
“ hē hē ， zài xià zhǐ shì yùn qì 。” lín xuān yī liǎn qiān xū ， xiào dé gèng xiàng shì yí gè bù yùn shì shì de shǎ xiǎo zi 。
“呵呵，在下只是运气。”林轩一脸谦虚，笑得更像是一个不韵世事的傻小子。
Independent cultivators weren’t fools and some saw through the Sea Sand Sect’s intentions, declining the offer. However, others chose to join despite the risks; after all, being a cannon fodder wasn’t always bad.
“ yú xiōng nǎi shì hǎi shā pài de xiū shì ， běn mén gōng fǎ jiǎng jiū bǎi chuān rù hǎi ， yǒu róng nǎi dà ， bó cǎi zhòng jiā ， bù zhī dào dào yǒu yě méi yǒu xìng qù jiā rù bì pài a ？” yuán dà hǎi yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī sī rè qiè dì guāng máng ， chéng kěn de yāo qǐng dào 。
“愚兄乃是海沙派的修士，本门功法讲究百川入海，有容乃大，博采众家，不知道道友也没有兴趣加入敝派啊？”袁大海眼中闪过一丝热切地光芒，诚恳的邀请道。
In any case, there were both dangers and opportunities in such times of chaos.
lín xuān tīng le kǔ xiào bù dé ， yī shí jiān yǒu xiē lèng zài nà lǐ le 。
林轩听了苦笑不得，一时间有些愣在那里了。
With the Great Daoist-Evil Conflict as a catalyst, Youzhou was in turmoil beyond imagination. In this era, heroes emerged from chaos, perhaps it was time for major realignments.
“ hē hē ， dào yǒu bù yòng dān xīn ， wǒ hǎi shā pài suī rán bù gǎn shuō shì shén me míng mén jù pài ， dàn zài yōu zhōu de xī nán yī dài ， shì lì yě shì rú rì zhōng tiān ， dào yǒu fàng xīn dà dǎn jiā rù ， běn mén jué bù zhì yú rǔ mò nǐ ， ér qiě yǒu le mén pài zuò wèi hòu dùn ， bǐ dāng yí gè sàn xiū hǎo chù shì shù zhī bù jìn de ……”
“呵呵，道友不用担心，我海沙派虽然不敢说是什么名门巨派，但在幽州的西南一带，势力也是如日中天，道友放心大胆加入，本门绝不至于辱没你，而且有了门派做为后盾，比当一个散修好处是数之不尽的……”
Li Hai Peng wanted to convince Lin Xuan to join his sect. Although he himself was an independent cultivator, he was at the condensation stage and only three high-ranking members existed within his sect. If successful, the Sea Sand Sect’s power would skyrocket in a matter of moments.
zhè yuán dà hǎi wéi rén hái suàn lǎo shí ， bù guò shuō qǐ běn mén de shí hòu ， yě miǎn bù liǎo kuā dà qí cí ， tāo tāo bù jué de xiàng lín xuān chuī xū 。
这袁大海为人还算老实，不过说起本门的时候，也免不了夸大其词，滔滔不绝的像林轩吹嘘。
Lin Xuan wasn’t clear on Youzhou’s current situation during his seclusion on Spirit Medicine Mountain but had gathered much information over recent days while traveling to tend to Yue'er's injuries.
dāng rán ， tā yě bù suàn hán yǒu shén me è yì ， rú jīn yōu zhōu de xíng shì cuò zōng fù zá ， hùn luàn wú bǐ ， gè mén gè pài dōu zài xiǎng zhe zhuàng dà zì jǐ de shí lì 。
当然，他也不算含有什么恶意，如今幽州的形势错综复杂，混乱无比，各门各派都在想着壮大自己的实力。
Li Hai Peng’s intentions were clear; he didn’t harbor any malice. However, Lin Xuan couldn’t agree as easily.
yǒu de xiǎng yào huǒ zhōng qǔ lì ， yě yǒu dì jǐn jǐn shì xiǎng yào zì bǎo ér yǐ ， jiāng dào tǒng chuán chéng xià qù 。
有的想要火中取栗，也有地仅仅是想要自保而已，将道统传承下去。
Lin Xuan pretended to be lost in thought and remained silent, allowing Li Hai Peng to continue his persuasive speech.
zhè hǎi shā pài zì rán yě miǎn bù liǎo zhè ge guī lǜ 。
这海沙派自然也免不了这个规律。
"Your friend understands, but this is a significant matter. I need time to consider. Please give me a few days before you hear from me," Lin Xuan said, using delay tactics. In a few days, he would have left long before any reply was needed.
shuō qǐ zhè ge mén pài ， lín xuān hái zhēn tīng shuō guò 。
说起这个门派，林轩还真听说过。
"Haha, it’s my eagerness that’s bothering you. Take your time and think about it carefully," Li Hai Peng smiled despite the rejection. He continued to chat with Lin Xuan, trying to build rapport.
dà yuē zài shù nián yǐ qián ， lín xuān ǒu rán xīng qǐ ， céng míng mǎ biāo jià ， tì wài lái liàn guò dān yào ， ér nà rén qià hǎo jiù shì hǎi shā pài de xiū shì 。
大约在数年以前，林轩偶然兴起，曾明码标价，替外来炼过丹药，而那人恰好就是海沙派的修士。
He shared tales of unusual events in the cultivation world, which piqued Lin Xuan's interest. Time passed quickly.
gāi pài wèi yú yōu zhōu xī nán yī dài ， shí lì zì rán bù rú yuán dà hǎi chuī xū de nà yàng rú rì zhōng tiān ， bù guò què yě guò de qù ， shǔ yú zhōng děng piān shàng de nà zhǒng ， mén zhōng yǒu liǎng sān gè níng dān qī xiū shì 。
该派位于幽州西南一带，实力自然不如袁大海吹嘘的那样如日中天，不过却也过得去，属于中等偏上的那种，门中有两三个凝丹期修士。
The door creaked open, and two men and a woman entered.
yīn wèi dì chǔ piān yuǎn ， gāi pài zàn shí hái méi yǒu bèi zhèng mó liǎng dào suǒ rán qǐ de zhàn huǒ bō jí ， dàn jū ān sī wēi ， gāi pài yě zài xiǎng jǐn bàn fǎ kuò chōng shì lì 。
因为地处偏远，该派暂时还没有被正魔两道所燃起的战火波及，但居安思危，该派也在想尽办法扩充势力。
"Senior Fu, Senior Liao, please take a seat."
tīng shuō zuì jìn hái tūn bìng le fù jìn de jǐ gè xiǎo de zōng mén yǔ xiū xiān jiā zú 。
听说最近还吞并了附近的几个小的宗门与修仙家族。
Leading them was Li Hai Peng from Seventh Heaven, while behind him were two individuals with proud expressions.
zhè zhǒng qíng kuàng zài yōu zhōu bǐ bǐ jiē shì ， chú le zhèng dào yǔ mó dào zhī jiān de dà zhàn ， yōu zhōu qí tā dì fāng yě dǎ chéng le yī tuán ， dào bú shì wèi le zhēng qiǎng cái liào huò shì jīng kuàng ， ér shì yī xiē bù shǔ yú zhèng mó zhèn yíng ， shí lì dà yuē zài zhōng děng zuǒ yòu de mén pài ， tā men wèi le zì bǎo ， kāi shǐ pīn mìng dì zhuàng dà zì jǐ 。
这种情况在幽州比比皆是，除了正道与魔道之间的大战，幽州其他地方也打成了一团，倒不是为了争抢材料或是晶矿，而是一些不属于正魔阵营，实力大约在中等左右的门派，他们为了自保，开始拼命地壮大自己。
One man had an imposing appearance, his features sharp and chiseled, particularly his prominent hooked nose, giving him a stern demeanor.
yí gè jiù shì cǎi yòng dà yú chī xiǎo yú de fāng shì ， tūn bìng gèng xiǎo de mén pài yǔ jiā zú ， kuò zhǎn shì lì ， hái yǒu yí gè ， jiù shì xī nà bié de xiū xiān 。
一个就是采用大鱼吃小鱼的方式，吞并更小的门派与家族，扩展势力，还有一个，就是吸纳别的修仙。
The woman, around thirty years old, was voluptuous and attractive.
A world of wonders.
Before him lay a vast bamboo forest, lush and verdant, looking delightful to the eye.
In normal circumstances, such an expanse of bamboo would be common on the surface, but here, deep underground at over a hundred feet in depth, the cultivation of such a large bamboo forest by Seventh Heaven was indeed a grand gesture.
But Lin Xuan, with his extensive experience, merely flashed a momentary surprise before returning to normal.
"Senior, this way please."
Nodding, Lin Xuan took big strides forward without needing further guidance from the young woman. The path ahead was clearly marked by scattered stones and he would not get lost.
The path wasn't long, only a few hundred meters in length. The surrounding bamboo, though seemingly chaotic, held a certain order to it, as Lin Xuan had seen through his understanding of theXuanji Heartfelt Insights (Xuan Ji Heart Method). Although he hadn’t spent much time studying it, he was familiar with its principles.
For an array technique expert, his insight into the arrangement of this bamboo forest was profound. The layout deeply embedded the Five Elements and harmonized with the yin-yang balance of nature, clearly indicating a powerful array technique.
Lin Xuan’s interest was piqued but he continued walking. Soon, a small hut made from bamboo and thatch appeared ahead.
Standing beside it was an adult male cultivator, none other than Li Hai Peng who had just hosted the auction. His expression was one of respect as he greeted Lin Xuan, clearly impressed by his purchase of the Yin Spirit Pill for five thousand crystal stones.
"Senior Lin, welcome to Bamboo Whispering Pavilion. Please come in and take a seat while you enjoy some spirit tea. Once all our seniors are here, I will explain why we invited you."
"Thank you. But I don’t want to keep you waiting," Lin Xuan replied modestly.
"Ah, it’s no trouble at all. May I ask which sect or school of cultivation you belong to?"
Lin Xuan's performance was spot-on, and Li Hai Peng believed him. From the start, he didn't think Lin Xuan would be a powerful cultivator. But his expression showed no contempt.
This made Lin Xuan feel good; such honesty from a cultivator in this world was rare. However, he did not reveal his true identity. "I am an independent cultivator," he admitted with a slight blush.
"An independent cultivator? That’s quite impressive. In the sects, even to reach the Foundation Establishment stage requires great fortune, and condensing essence into a spirit is extremely rare."
"Haha, I’m just lucky," Lin Xuan replied modestly, his smile reminiscent of an innocent fool.
"I am a cultivator from Sea Sand Sect. Our sect’s techniques emphasize embracing all streams into the sea; with capacity comes greatness, drawing on diverse schools. Would you be interested in joining us?" Li Hai Peng’s eyes shone with enthusiasm as he sincerely invited Lin Xuan to join his sect.
Lin Xuan smiled wryly and was momentarily speechless.
"Haha, don’t worry about it. The Sea Sand Sect may not be a famous or powerful sect, but we are the most influential in Southwest Youzhou. Joining us will ensure you won’t be disgraced. With our support, there are countless benefits compared to being an independent cultivator..."
Li Hai Peng was straightforward and honest, yet he couldn't help exaggerating when talking about his sect’s strength.
The Sea Sand Sect was no exception to the current situation in Youzhou; all sects were vying for power. Some sought to gain advantage while others just wanted to survive. The Sea Sand Sect was no different, trying to expand its influence by absorbing smaller sects and families.
Lin Xuan had heard of this sect before. A few years ago, he had occasionally helped the Sea Sand Sect refine medicinal pills in exchange for payment. Located in Southwest Youzhou, it wasn’t as powerful as Li Hai Peng claimed, but still held moderate strength with a couple of condensation stage cultivators.
Despite its remote location, the Sea Sand Sect hadn't been affected by the ongoing conflict between the Daoist and Evil sects. However, they were making efforts to expand their influence, recently absorbing several smaller sects and families.
Such situations were common in Youzhou; apart from the major battles between the Daoist and Evil sects, other sects of moderate strength were also expanding for self-preservation or to gain an edge over rivals.
The Sea Sand Sect was no exception. They had adopted a policy of recruiting any cultivator with late-stage Spirit Movement cultivation, regardless of age or root quality.
Previously, it was better to be choosy; now, they welcomed anyone who could contribute, even those in the middle stages of Spirit Movement. This change made sense given that low-level cultivators still contributed significantly to their sects.
Independent cultivators weren’t fools and some saw through the Sea Sand Sect’s intentions, declining the offer. However, others chose to join despite the risks; after all, being a cannon fodder wasn’t always bad.
In any case, there were both dangers and opportunities in such times of chaos.
With the Great Daoist-Evil Conflict as a catalyst, Youzhou was in turmoil beyond imagination. In this era, heroes emerged from chaos, perhaps it was time for major realignments.
Li Hai Peng wanted to convince Lin Xuan to join his sect. Although he himself was an independent cultivator, he was at the condensation stage and only three high-ranking members existed within his sect. If successful, the Sea Sand Sect’s power would skyrocket in a matter of moments.
Lin Xuan wasn’t clear on Youzhou’s current situation during his seclusion on Spirit Medicine Mountain but had gathered much information over recent days while traveling to tend to Yue'er's injuries.
Li Hai Peng’s intentions were clear; he didn’t harbor any malice. However, Lin Xuan couldn’t agree as easily.
Lin Xuan pretended to be lost in thought and remained silent, allowing Li Hai Peng to continue his persuasive speech.
"Your friend understands, but this is a significant matter. I need time to consider. Please give me a few days before you hear from me," Lin Xuan said, using delay tactics. In a few days, he would have left long before any reply was needed.
"Haha, it’s my eagerness that’s bothering you. Take your time and think about it carefully," Li Hai Peng smiled despite the rejection. He continued to chat with Lin Xuan, trying to build rapport.
He shared tales of unusual events in the cultivation world, which piqued Lin Xuan's interest. Time passed quickly.
The door creaked open, and two men and a woman entered.
"Senior Fu, Senior Liao, please take a seat."
Leading them was Li Hai Peng from Seventh Heaven, while behind him were two individuals with proud expressions.
One man had an imposing appearance, his features sharp and chiseled, particularly his prominent hooked nose, giving him a stern demeanor.
The woman, around thirty years old, was voluptuous and attractive.