jì jīng sì zuò ！
技惊四座！
Stunned silence!
jǐn jǐn yī zhāo ， lín xuān jiù ràng jīn wū lǎo zǔ chī le bù xiǎo de kǔ ， zhè yàng de jié guǒ ， shì páng guān xiū shì bù céng xiǎng dào de 。
仅仅一招，林轩就让金乌老祖吃了不小的苦，这样的结果，是旁观修士不曾想到的。
In just one move, Lin Xuan had inflicted considerable damage on Golden Crow Ancestor. This outcome was beyond the expectations of the spectators.
yuán běn lín xuān huí dào zǒng duò ， dà jiā dōu yǐ wéi yī cháng lóng zhēng hǔ dòu shì miǎn bù liǎo de 。
原本林轩回到总舵，大家都以为一场龙争虎斗是免不了的。
Everyone assumed that a fierce battle between Lin Xuan and the Golden Crow Ancestor was inevitable. One was nearly a True Spirit, while the other was renowned across the land. No matter who emerged victorious, an extravagant battle would ensue. Neither could easily triumph; their strength was on par!
yí gè shì chà diǎn chéng wéi zhēn líng de qiáng zhě 。
一个是差点成为真灵的强者。
Most cultivators in attendance held this view, including those from Cloud Concealment Sect.
yí gè shì míng dòng sì fāng de rén wù 。
一个是名动四方的人物。
Although Lin Xuan’s reputation within the sect was formidable, the Golden Crow Ancestor was a legendary figure as well. The spectacle became increasingly intriguing.
zhè liǎng rén duì shàng ， bù lùn shuí shèng shuí fù ， yī cháng xuàn làn de dà zhàn dōu shì miǎn bù liǎo de 。
这两人对上，不论谁胜谁负，一场绚烂的大战都是免不了的。
The far-traveling cultivators were eagerly anticipating what would happen next. However, the following scene left everyone speechless.
méi yǒu rén néng gòu qīng yì qǔ dé shèng lì ， yīn wèi tā men de shí lì shuō dé shàng shì jūn lì dí ！
没有人能够轻易取得胜利，因为他们的实力说得上势均力敌！
There was no parity; it took only one exchange for the Golden Crow Ancestor to be thoroughly defeated in his area of expertise—Physical Cultivation Techniques. He couldn’t even match Lin Xuan’s strength.
zài chǎng de xiū xiān zhě ， chú le jí shǎo shù ， jué dà bù fèn dōu shì zhè me rèn wéi de 。
在场的修仙者，除了极少数，绝大部分都是这么认为的。
Such a scenario would likely be hard to believe if mentioned. But the truth was evident, witnessed by over a million cultivators. There could be no mistake.
zhè qí zhōng ， bāo kuò yún yǐn zōng dì zǐ 。
这其中，包括云隐宗弟子。
The Golden Crow Ancestor had lost so comprehensively that he barely retained his ability to retaliate. Instead, his frustration turned into rage as he realized how poorly he had performed.
suī rán lín xuān zài gāi pài de shēng wàng fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， dàn jīn wū lǎo zǔ yě shì yī wèi rú tóng chuán qí bān de rén wù 。
虽然林轩在该派的声望非同小可，但金乌老祖也是一位如同传奇般的人物。
“Wretched brat! This is your death wish.”
zhè chǎng rè nào ， yuè lái yuè yǒu qù le 。
这场热闹，越来越有趣了。
A roar echoed, followed by rapid hand movements like a butterfly passing flowers. Spell techniques shot out from his fingers and palms, accompanied by mysterious incantations. A "pfft" sound entered everyone’s ears.
nà xiē yuǎn dào ér lái de xiū xiān zhě ， wú bù mǎn liǎn xīng fèn de zhè yàng xiǎng zhe 。
那些远道而来的修仙者，无不满脸兴奋的这样想着。
In front of the Golden Crow Ancestor, a fireball the size of a head appeared within a few feet.
rán ér jiē xià lái de yí mù ， què ràng suǒ yǒu rén dà diē yǎn jìng diào le 。
然而接下来的一幕，却让所有人大跌眼镜掉了。
This flame was dazzling, emitting an overwhelming sense of destruction.
méi yǒu shì jūn lì dí ， jǐn jǐn yí gè huí hé ér yǐ 。
没有势均力敌，仅仅一个回合而已。
“Is this… True Fire of the Golden Crow?”
jīn wū lǎo zǔ jiù bèi dǎ le gè luò huā liú shuǐ 。
金乌老祖就被打了个落花流水。
Ordinary cultivators merely felt its immense power. However, those hidden observers were dumbfounded. Experts could easily distinguish between ordinary and true abilities. Ordinary True Fire of the Golden Crow wasn’t rare; lesser-known members of the clan had similar powers—mere talents.
ér qiě hái shì zài tā zuì wèi shàn cháng de lǐng yù ， liàn tǐ shù ， yǐ yìng pèng yìng 。
而且还是在他最为擅长的领域，炼体术，以硬碰硬。
But for a Transcendent Realm expert, this level of True Fire was considered laughable. It was merely a minor talent, not worthy of such renown. True Fire of the Golden Crow should only be wielded by a True Spirit to be genuine.
jū rán wán quán wú fǎ yǔ lín xuān xiāng bǐ 。
居然完全无法与林轩相比。
The flames before him were mere pretenders compared to true power. A million years ago, during that great battle, he had lost his chance to become a True Spirit. Yet, instead of giving up, he had diligently practiced, advancing to Transcendent Middle Stage.
zhè yàng de shì qíng ， jí biàn shuō chū qù ， kǒng pà yě nán yǐ yǒu rén huì xiāng xìn 。
这样的事情，即便说出去，恐怕也难以有人会相信。
Still, he couldn’t compare to a True Spirit. But now, the True Fire he was using seemed close to True Spirit level—no mere pretender.
rán ér shì shí jiù shì rú cǐ 。
然而事实就是如此。
In other words, this move was his trump card, and it was clear that Lin Xuan would face a formidable challenge. The battle had reached an unforeseen stage; they hadn’t even tested each other. They were already deciding their fates with just two moves.
shàng bǎi wàn xiū shì qīn yǎn mù dǔ ， nǎ lǐ hái huì yǒu wù 。
上百万修士亲眼目睹，哪里还会有误。
Everyone held their breaths as the Dragon-named youth and the silver-eyed maiden’s faces showed concern. At this level, they could vaguely discern the essence of True Fire of the Golden Crow. Could Lin Xuan manage to turn danger into safety?
jǐn jǐn yī zhāo ， jīn wū lǎo zǔ jiù bài le gè xī lǐ hú tú 。
仅仅一招，金乌老祖就败了个稀里糊涂。
Worry clouds one's mind.
yī shí jiān ， wàn lài jù jìng ， suǒ yǒu xiū shì chēng mù jié shé 。
一时间，万籁俱静，所有修士瞠目结舌。
...
piàn kè hòu ， yún yǐn zōng dì zǐ cái bào fā chū zhèn tiān de huān hū 。
片刻后，云隐宗弟子才爆发出震天的欢呼。
The worry was unnecessary. Lin Xuan’s face remained unafraid; it was almost serene.
rán ér shì qíng bìng wèi jié shù 。
然而事情并未结束。
True Fire of the Golden Crow? This was like a master showing off in front of his peers. For fire techniques, Lin Xuan had complete confidence.
jīn wū lǎo zǔ suī láng bèi yǐ jí ， dàn bìng wèi dào bù néng huán shǒu de jìng dì 。
金乌老祖虽狼狈以极，但并未到不能还手的境地。
A smile appeared on his lips as he raised his right hand. An egg-sized flame materialized.
qià qià xiāng fǎn ， yīn wèi bài dé hú tú ， tā yuè fā de nǎo xiū chéng nù 。
恰恰相反，因为败得糊涂，他越发的恼羞成怒。
Multicoloredglassware, filled with mysterious and ancient vibes. Tiny runes flickered on its surface.
zhè lǎo guài wù de liǎn sè，yīn yù dé fǎng fú yào xià yǔ 。
这老怪物的脸sè，yīn郁得仿佛要下雨。
Lin Xuan pointed a finger forward. As he moved, the Illusory Heavenly Fire’s ethereal glow intensified. It expanded tenfold, then transformed into a phoenix about a foot long. With a spread of wings, it emitted a nine-heaven call.
“ xiǎo jiā huo ， zhè shì nǐ zì xún sǐ lù 。”
“小家伙，这是你自寻死路。”
A sea of flames engulfed the sky, and an overwhelming spiritual pressure filled everyone with fear. The pressure was no less than that of a Transcendent Realm expert.
yī shēng nù hǒu chuán rù ěr duǒ ， suí hòu zhǐ jiàn tā shuāng shǒu rú chuán huā hú dié yì bān de fēi wǔ 。
一声怒吼传入耳朵，随后只见他双手如传花蝴蝶一般的飞舞。
On the other side, a strange bird appeared—a crow-like creature with three legs and golden feathers.
yī dào dào fǎ jué yóu zhǐ zhǎng jiān jī shè ér chū ， kǒu zhōng yě yǒu shén mì de zhòu yǔ tūn tǔ ， suí zhe tā de dòng zuò ，“ pū chī ” yī shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
一道道法诀由指掌间激shè而出，口中也有神秘的咒语吞吐，随着他的动作，“噗嗤”一声传入耳朵。
Three-legged Golden Crow!
zhǐ jiàn zài cǐ lǎo guài wù shēn qián zhàng xǔ zhī chù ， chū xiàn le yī tuán tóu lú dà xiǎo de huǒ yàn 。
只见在此老怪物身前丈许之处，出现了一团头颅大小的火焰。
It resembled true spirits as described in legends.
cǐ huǒ yàn liàng lì yǐ jí ， sàn fà chū lìng rén xīn jì de huǐ miè qì xī 。
此火焰亮丽以极，散发出令人心悸的毁灭气息。
Needless to say, this bird had transformed from True Fire of the Golden Crow. The entire process took mere moments.
“ zhè shì …… jīn wū zhēn huǒ ？”
“这是……金乌真火？”
The cultivators were astounded. In an instant, the phoenix and three-legged golden crow collided mid-air.
nà xiē pǔ tōng de xiū shì yě jiù bà le ， bù guò shì gǎn jué dào cǐ huǒ wēi lì páng bó ， ér nà xiē yǐn cáng zài àn chù de lǎo guài wù ， yí gè gè zé chēng mù jié shé 。
那些普通的修士也就罢了，不过是感觉到此火威力磅礴，而那些隐藏在暗处的老怪物，一个个则瞠目结舌。
“Wretched brat! You’re utterly reckless!”
háng jia yī shēn shǒu ， jiù zhī yǒu méi yǒu ， pǔ tōng de jīn wū zhēn huǒ bù xī qí ， jīn wū yī zú zhōng shāo wēi yǒu míng de qiáng zhě ， dōu xiū liàn yǒu lèi sì de fǎ lì ， nà shì xiāng dāng yú tiān fù shén tōng yì bān de dōng xī ， bù zú wéi qí 。
行家一伸手，就知有没有，普通的金乌真火不稀奇，金乌一族中稍微有名的强者，都修炼有类似的法力，那是相当于天赋神通一般的东西，不足为奇。
The Golden Crow Ancestor’s face was filled with mockery. He couldn’t believe his opponent also mastered a force technique. His defeat was bitter, but this was just an exception. True Fire of the Golden Crow was a secret he had cultivated for tens of thousands of years; even compared to a True Spirit, the difference was minimal.
rán ér duì yú dù jié qī lǎo guài wù ， duì yú zhè zhǒng céng cì de jīn wū zhēn huǒ ， qí shí shì chī zhī yǐ bí 。
然而对于渡劫期老怪物，对于这种层次的金乌真火，其实是嗤之以鼻。
This brat dared to compete in fire techniques with him and must be taught a lesson.
bù guò xiē xǔ tiān fù shén tōng ér yǐ ， zěn me dāng dé qǐ zhè yàng de míng qì ， zhēn zhèng de jīn wū zhēn huǒ ， yīng gāi shì yóu zhēn líng shī zhǎn chū lái de ， cái míng fù qí shí 。
不过些许天赋神通而已，怎么当得起这样的名气，真正的金乌真火，应该是由真灵施展出来的，才名副其实。
The Golden Crow Ancestor thought viciously. However, what followed left him speechless.
qí yú de huǒ yàn ， bù guò shì tú yǒu qí biǎo ér yǐ 。
其余的火焰，不过是徒有其表而已。
The two flames collided. The three-legged golden crow was swiftly devoured by the phoenix.
yǎn qián de jīn wū lǎo zǔ ， zài bǎi wàn nián qián de nà chǎng dà zhàn zhōng bài běi ， shī qù le chéng wéi zhēn líng de jī yù ， zhè yì diǎn ， zhòng suǒ zhōu zhī 。
眼前的金乌老祖，在百万年前的那场大战中败北，失去了成为真灵的机遇，这一点，众所周知。
Indeed, there was no suspense; True Fire of the Golden Crow couldn’t even retaliate against Illusory Heavenly Fire.
rán ér tā què bìng wèi yīn wèi zhè yī zhàn ， zì bào zì qì ， xiāng fǎn ， zhè yì bǎi wàn nián ， tā de xiū liàn ， yì zhí fēi cháng qín miǎn ， suǒ yǐ cái néng jìn jiē dào dù jié zhōng qī 。
然而他却并未因为这一战，自暴自弃，相反，这一百万年，他的修炼，一直非常勤勉，所以才能进阶到渡劫中期。
"How is this possible?"
dāng rán ， yī jiù méi yǒu bàn fǎ yǔ zhēn líng xiāng bǐ 。
当然，依旧没有办法与真灵相比。
Not only was the Golden Crow Ancestor stunned, but other experts were gasping as well. If not for their own eyes witnessing it, such a bizarre scene would be hard to believe. True Fire of the Golden Crow had fallen in one exchange and been devoured.
bù guò cǐ kè ， tā suǒ shī zhǎn chū de jīn wū zhēn huǒ ， sì hū yǐ jīng jiē jìn le zhēn líng de chéng dù ， bìng fēi nà zhǒng tú yǒu qí biǎo de dōng xī 。
不过此刻，他所施展出的金乌真火，似乎已经接近了真灵的程度，并非那种徒有其表的东西。
No, not just defeated; it had been consumed.
huàn jù huà shuō ， tā zhè yī zhāo chū shǒu ， yǔ zhēn líng yě xiāng chà fǎng fú ， míng xiǎn shì qí yā xiāng dǐ de mì shù ， rú jīn jiù kàn lín xuān rú hé yìng fù 。
换句话说，他这一招出手，与真灵也相差仿佛，明显是其压箱底的秘术，如今就看林轩如何应付。
Among all the cultivators present, only Lin Xuan’s face remained calm. Even if this wasn’t true True Fire of the Golden Crow, even if a True Spirit of the Golden Crow appeared here, what difference would that make? He had faced True Spirits before. Besides, not counting treasures, Illusory Heavenly Fire was his most formidable secret technique; for him to compete in spiritual flames was sheer foolishness. (To be continued.)
Stunned silence!
In just one move, Lin Xuan had inflicted considerable damage on Golden Crow Ancestor. This outcome was beyond the expectations of the spectators.
Everyone assumed that a fierce battle between Lin Xuan and the Golden Crow Ancestor was inevitable. One was nearly a True Spirit, while the other was renowned across the land. No matter who emerged victorious, an extravagant battle would ensue. Neither could easily triumph; their strength was on par!
Most cultivators in attendance held this view, including those from Cloud Concealment Sect.
Although Lin Xuan’s reputation within the sect was formidable, the Golden Crow Ancestor was a legendary figure as well. The spectacle became increasingly intriguing.
The far-traveling cultivators were eagerly anticipating what would happen next. However, the following scene left everyone speechless.
There was no parity; it took only one exchange for the Golden Crow Ancestor to be thoroughly defeated in his area of expertise—Physical Cultivation Techniques. He couldn’t even match Lin Xuan’s strength.
Such a scenario would likely be hard to believe if mentioned. But the truth was evident, witnessed by over a million cultivators. There could be no mistake.
The Golden Crow Ancestor had lost so comprehensively that he barely retained his ability to retaliate. Instead, his frustration turned into rage as he realized how poorly he had performed.
“Wretched brat! This is your death wish.”
A roar echoed, followed by rapid hand movements like a butterfly passing flowers. Spell techniques shot out from his fingers and palms, accompanied by mysterious incantations. A "pfft" sound entered everyone’s ears.
In front of the Golden Crow Ancestor, a fireball the size of a head appeared within a few feet.
This flame was dazzling, emitting an overwhelming sense of destruction.
“Is this… True Fire of the Golden Crow?”
Ordinary cultivators merely felt its immense power. However, those hidden observers were dumbfounded. Experts could easily distinguish between ordinary and true abilities. Ordinary True Fire of the Golden Crow wasn’t rare; lesser-known members of the clan had similar powers—mere talents.
But for a Transcendent Realm expert, this level of True Fire was considered laughable. It was merely a minor talent, not worthy of such renown. True Fire of the Golden Crow should only be wielded by a True Spirit to be genuine.
The flames before him were mere pretenders compared to true power. A million years ago, during that great battle, he had lost his chance to become a True Spirit. Yet, instead of giving up, he had diligently practiced, advancing to Transcendent Middle Stage.
Still, he couldn’t compare to a True Spirit. But now, the True Fire he was using seemed close to True Spirit level—no mere pretender.
In other words, this move was his trump card, and it was clear that Lin Xuan would face a formidable challenge. The battle had reached an unforeseen stage; they hadn’t even tested each other. They were already deciding their fates with just two moves.
Everyone held their breaths as the Dragon-named youth and the silver-eyed maiden’s faces showed concern. At this level, they could vaguely discern the essence of True Fire of the Golden Crow. Could Lin Xuan manage to turn danger into safety?
Worry clouds one's mind.
...
The worry was unnecessary. Lin Xuan’s face remained unafraid; it was almost serene.
True Fire of the Golden Crow? This was like a master showing off in front of his peers. For fire techniques, Lin Xuan had complete confidence.
A smile appeared on his lips as he raised his right hand. An egg-sized flame materialized.
Multicoloredglassware, filled with mysterious and ancient vibes. Tiny runes flickered on its surface.
"Quickly!"
Lin Xuan pointed a finger forward. As he moved, the Illusory Heavenly Fire’s ethereal glow intensified. It expanded tenfold, then transformed into a phoenix about a foot long. With a spread of wings, it emitted a nine-heaven call.
A sea of flames engulfed the sky, and an overwhelming spiritual pressure filled everyone with fear. The pressure was no less than that of a Transcendent Realm expert.
On the other side, a strange bird appeared—a crow-like creature with three legs and golden feathers.
Three-legged Golden Crow!
It resembled true spirits as described in legends.
Needless to say, this bird had transformed from True Fire of the Golden Crow. The entire process took mere moments.
The cultivators were astounded. In an instant, the phoenix and three-legged golden crow collided mid-air.
“Wretched brat! You’re utterly reckless!”
The Golden Crow Ancestor’s face was filled with mockery. He couldn’t believe his opponent also mastered a force technique. His defeat was bitter, but this was just an exception. True Fire of the Golden Crow was a secret he had cultivated for tens of thousands of years; even compared to a True Spirit, the difference was minimal.
This brat dared to compete in fire techniques with him and must be taught a lesson.
The Golden Crow Ancestor thought viciously. However, what followed left him speechless.
The two flames collided. The three-legged golden crow was swiftly devoured by the phoenix.
Indeed, there was no suspense; True Fire of the Golden Crow couldn’t even retaliate against Illusory Heavenly Fire.
"How is this possible?"
Not only was the Golden Crow Ancestor stunned, but other experts were gasping as well. If not for their own eyes witnessing it, such a bizarre scene would be hard to believe. True Fire of the Golden Crow had fallen in one exchange and been devoured.
No, not just defeated; it had been consumed.
Among all the cultivators present, only Lin Xuan’s face remained calm. Even if this wasn’t true True Fire of the Golden Crow, even if a True Spirit of the Golden Crow appeared here, what difference would that make? He had faced True Spirits before. Besides, not counting treasures, Illusory Heavenly Fire was his most formidable secret technique; for him to compete in spiritual flames was sheer foolishness. (To be continued.)