“ wàn jiāo dào yǒu ， zhè jiàn shì qíng ， hái qǐng nǐ jiě shì qīng chǔ ， bǎo shé bīng pò ， nǐ zhēn yāo qǐng dào wǒ men líng jiè lái le ？”
“万蛟道友，这件事情，还请你解释清楚，宝蛇冰魄，你真邀请到我们灵界来了？”
"Friend Wastetoad, please clarify this matter. Did you truly invite the Jade Ice Serpent to our Spirit Realm?"
suī rán miàn róng sì zhōu lǒng zhào zhe bó wù ， ràng yǔ tóng xiān zi de biǎo qíng xiǎn de yǒu xiē mó hú ， dàn píng yǔ qì yě zhī dào tā cǐ kè xīn zhōng shì zhēn yǒu xiē fā nù 。
虽然面容四周笼罩着薄雾，让雨桐仙子的表情显得有些模糊，但凭语气也知道她此刻心中是真有些发怒。
Although Ruitong Fairy's expression was somewhat blurred by the thin mist around her face, it was clear from her tone that she was genuinely angry.
bǎo shé bīng pò ， zhēn mó shǐ zǔ ， wàn jiāo wáng zěn me kě yǐ shàn zì zhè me zuò ， yāo qǐng tā men dào líng jiè děng tóng yú wán huǒ 。
宝蛇冰魄，真魔始祖，万蛟王怎么可以擅自这么做，邀请她们到灵界等同于玩火。
How could Wastetoad, the True Demon Ancestor and King of Ten Thousand Serpents, act on his own initiative? Inviting them to the Spirit Realm was akin to playing with fire. Although he was one of the Three Demon Kings, such an action seemed too unreasonable.
suī rán tā shì sān dà yāo wáng zhī yī ， dàn zhè me zuò ， yě tài guò méi yǒu dào lǐ 。
虽然他是三大妖王之一，但这么做，也太过没有道理。
"Hmph, your information is indeed as thorough as you claim."
“ hēng ， nǐ zhè suān rú de xiāo xī ， hái zhēn shì líng tōng yǐ jí 。”
“哼，你这酸儒的消息，还真是灵通以极。”
Wastetoad turned his head and gave a disapproving glance at Huo Hongzi, even though the other party wasn't actually present. Despite the vast distance between them, Ruitong Fairy could likely sense the hostility in that gaze.
wàn jiāo wáng zhuǎn guò tóu lú ， miàn sè bù shàn de kàn le yī yǎn gū hóng zi ， suī rán duì fāng shí jì ， bìng bù zài zhè lǐ ， dàn nǎ pà shì xiāng gé qiān wàn lǐ ， kǒng pà yě néng gǎn shòu dào zhè yī yǎn zhōng ， suǒ yùn hán de dí yì 。
万蛟王转过头颅，面色不善的看了一眼孤鸿子，虽然对方实际，并不在这里，但哪怕是相隔千万里，恐怕也能感受到这一眼中，所蕴含的敌意。
"I have my reasons for doing this. Don’t I know about the agreement made by the True Demon Ancestor a million years ago? I invited the Jade Ice Serpent because..."
“ lǎo fū zhè me zuò ， zì rán shì yǒu yuán gù ， nán dào wǒ hái bù zhī dào ， zhēn mó shǐ zǔ bǎi wàn nián qián yǔ wǒ men de yuē dìng me ， wǒ zhī suǒ yǐ yāo qǐng bǎo shé bīng pò ， shì wèi le ……”
“老夫这么做，自然是有缘故，难道我还不知道，真魔始祖百万年前与我们的约定么，我之所以邀请宝蛇冰魄，是为了……”
At these words, his voice grew softer until it was almost indiscernible, as if he had used a technique to transmit sound secretly.
duì fāng shuō dào zhè lǐ ， shēng yīn yuè lái yuè dī ， zuì hòu gèng shì zhǐ jiàn zuǐ chún wēi dòng ， ér tīng bú dào bàn diǎn shēng yīn fā chū ， xiǎn rán wàn jiāo wáng shǐ yòng le chuán yīn rù mì zhī shù 。
对方说到这里，声音越来越低，最后更是只见嘴唇微动，而听不到半点声音发出，显然万蛟王使用了传音入密之术。
Ruitong Fairy's expression softened after hearing this.
lǐ yǔ tóng yuán běn yī liǎn de bù fèn zhī sè ， zài tīng le zhī hòu ， biǎo qíng jū rán yě yǒu suǒ huǎn hé 。
李雨桐原本一脸的不忿之色，在听了之后，表情居然也有所缓和。
"Is that really so?"
chà rán de zhuǎn guò tóu lú ：“ zhēn shì zhè yàng me ？”
诧然的转过头颅：“真是这样么？”
"I assure you, we need the assistance of the Jade Ice Serpent for this matter. Once accomplished, both of us will benefit greatly. Otherwise, why would I take such a risk given my character?"
“ bù cuò ， cǐ shì bì xū yào yǒu bǎo shé bīng pò xiāng zhù ， ér yí dàn bàn chéng yǐ hòu ， duì nǐ duì wǒ ， dōu dà yǒu hǎo chù ， fǒu zé yǐ lǎo fū de xìng gé ， yòu hé bì mào zhè yàng de fēng xiǎn ne ？”
“不错，此事必须要有宝蛇冰魄相助，而一旦办成以后，对你对我，都大有好处，否则以老夫的性格，又何必冒这样的风险呢？”
"Then it makes sense. If what you say is true, inviting these two to the Spirit Realm isn't so unreasonable. However, one must always be cautious. You should keep an eye on them," Ruitong Fairy urged.
“ yuán lái rú cǐ ， yuán lái dào yǒu zǎo yǒu suàn jì ， ruò zhēn xiàng nǐ suǒ shuō ， mào xiǎn qǐng zhè èr rén lái líng jiè yī tàng yě méi yǒu shén me bù kě ， bù guò fáng rén zhī xīn bù kě wú ， dào yǒu kě yào jiāng tā men èr rén dīng zhù 。” yǔ tóng xiān zi yīn yīn dīng zhù 。
“原来如此，原来道友早有算计，若真像你所说，冒险请这二人来灵界一趟也没有什么不可，不过防人之心不可无，道友可要将她们二人盯住。”雨桐仙子殷殷盯住。
"I won’t need your instruction, for I am well aware of the risks involved. The True Demon Ancestor is cunning and shrewd. Collaborating with her would be like courting danger. How could I not pay extra attention?"
“ cǐ shì bù láo xiān zi zhǔ fù ， qí zhōng de fēng xiǎn wǒ yòu hé cháng bù qīng chǔ 。 zhēn mó shǐ zǔ jiǎo kuài duō zhì ， yǔ tā men hé zuò yuán běn jiù shì yǔ hǔ móu pí ， wǒ yòu qǐ huì bù duō jiā zhù yì ？”
“此事不劳仙子嘱咐，其中的风险我又何尝不清楚。真魔始祖狡狯多智，与她们合作原本就是与虎谋皮，我又岂会不多加注意？”
Wastetoad's face showed confidence as he spoke. Then, after a brief silence, his expression turned gloomy.
wàn jiāo wáng de liǎn shàng dài zhe zì xìn zhī yì ， suí hòu lüè yī chén mò ， què yòu yīn chén xià qù le ：“ hé kuàng yù wài tiān mó 。 kě shì jiāng sān jiè dōu tú dú guò ， mó jiè dāng nián de xià chǎng ， bǐ wǒ men líng jiè yě hǎo bù liǎo shén me ， zhè yún zhōng xiān zi yī chū ， bǎo shé bīng pò yě fēi dà gǎn jiè jù bù kě ， zhè shí hòu yǔ wǒ men jiāo wù 。 duì tā men lái shuō ， tóng yàng méi yǒu hǎo chù ， bīng pò suī rán jiǎo kuài duō zhì ， dàn yǎn guāng yě cháng yuǎn wú bǐ ， rú jīn yù wài tiān mó shì wǒ men gòng tóng de dà dí ， liào xiǎng tā yě bú huì rú cǐ duǎn shì 。 zuò nà qīn zhě tòng ， chóu zhě kuài de chǔn shì 。”
万蛟王的脸上带着自信之意，随后略一沉默，却又阴沉下去了：“何况域外天魔。可是将三界都荼毒过，魔界当年的下场，比我们灵界也好不了什么，这云中仙子一出，宝蛇冰魄也非大感戒惧不可，这时候与我们交恶。对她们来说，同样没有好处，冰魄虽然狡狯多智，但眼光也长远无比，如今域外天魔是我们共同的大敌，料想她也不会如此短视。做那亲者痛，仇者快的蠢事。”
"Moreover, the域外天魔 has tainted all three realms. The fate of our Spirit Realm is no better than that of theirs. With Cloud Fairy entering the scene, the Jade Ice Serpent will surely be wary. This enmity would not serve their interests. Although the Jade Ice Serpent is cunning and shrewd, she also has a long-term perspective. As common enemies, we shouldn’t expect her to act so shortsightedly."
“ zhè dào yě shì ！”
“这倒也是！”
"That’s true!"
yǔ tóng xiān zi diǎn le diǎn tóu ， xiǎn rán shì rèn kě wàn jiāo wáng de fēn xī ， tā yǔ bīng pò dǎ dī jiāo dào gèng duō ， zì rán zhī dào zhè wèi zhēn mó shǐ zǔ zuò shì qíng bú huì píng yī shí yì qì ， ér xuǎn zé gù quán dà jú 。
雨桐仙子点了点头，显然是认可万蛟王的分析，她与冰魄打的交道更多，自然知道这位真魔始祖做事情不会凭一时意气，而选择顾全大局。
Ruitong Fairy nodded in agreement, clearly recognizing Wastetoad's analysis. She had more dealings with the Jade Ice Serpent, knowing that the True Demon Ancestor would not act impulsively but pragmatically.
“ liǎng wèi dào yǒu dǎ shén me yǎ mí ？”
“两位道友打什么哑谜？”
"Friends, why are you playing dumb?"
gū hóng zi de shēng yīn chuán rù le ěr duǒ lǐ ， dài zhe jǐ fēn kǔ xiào zhī yì 。
孤鸿子的声音传入了耳朵里，带着几分苦笑之意。
Huo Hongzi's voice carried a hint of bitterness. He thought he had found Wastetoad’s weak point, only to find it was something else entirely. The frustration was palpable.
yuán běn yǐ wéi zhuā zhù le wàn jiāo wáng de tòng jiǎo 。 méi xiǎng dào jū rán shì zhè zhǒng jié jú 。
原本以为抓住了万蛟王的痛脚。没想到居然是这种结局。
Wastetoad invited the Jade Ice Serpent here despite its impropriety, but with Ruitong Fairy's support, trying to make things difficult for the dragon would be futile.
xīn zhōng de yù mèn kě xiǎng ér zhī 。
心中的郁闷可想而知。
"Playing dumb, I suppose."
wàn jiāo wáng yāo qǐng bǎo shé bīng pò lái zhè lǐ suī rán bù tuǒ ， rán ér yǒu yǔ tóng xiān zi de zhī chí ， zì jǐ xiǎng wéi nán nà tóu jiāo lóng ， yě jiù chéng le jìng huā shuǐ yuè zhī shì 。
万蛟王邀请宝蛇冰魄来这里虽然不妥，然而有雨桐仙子的支持，自己想为难那头蛟龙，也就成了镜花水月之事。
Wastetoad raised his head, his tone and voice exuding a sense of triumph.
“ dǎ yǎ mí ， gū qiě suàn shì ba ！”
“打哑谜，姑且算是吧！”
"You..."
wàn jiāo wáng yǎng qǐ tóu lú ， shēng yīn yǔ qì ， dōu tòu chū yī zhǒng dé yì 。
万蛟王仰起头颅，声音语气，都透出一种得意。
This time, it was Huo Hongzi who erupted in anger. However, Ruitong Fairy quickly stopped him:
“ nǐ ……”
“你……”
"Enough! Both of you are beings that have lived for millions of years. Even as Immortal Demigods and Demon Kings, why do you act like children over trivial matters from the past? Let’s discuss how to handle this matter concerning Ten Thousand Mountains."
zhè yī cì què shì gū hóng zi bó rán dà nù ， dàn hěn kuài jiù bèi yǔ tóng xiān zi zhì zhǐ le ：
这一次却是孤鸿子勃然大怒，但很快就被雨桐仙子制止了：
Despite their lingering resentment, Wastetoad and Huo Hongzi didn’t want Ruitong Fairy to continue arguing.
“ hǎo le ， nǐ men liǎng gè ， yě dōu shì huó le jǐ bǎi wàn nián de rén wù 。 sàn xiān yāo wáng ， bèi wàn xiū zūn chóng ， zěn me què xiàng xiǎo hái zi yī yàng dòu qì ， wèi le nà yì diǎn chén zhī má ， làn gǔ zi de wǎng shì 。 zhì yú ？”
“好了，你们两个，也都是活了几百万年的人物。散仙妖王，被万修尊崇，怎么却像小孩子一样斗气，为了那一点陈芝麻，烂谷子的往事。至于？”
...
“ qí tā dào yǒu suī rán shàng wèi dào cǐ ， dàn wǒ men sān rén ， yě kě yǐ shāng liáng yī xià ， rú hé shàn hòu shí wàn dà shān zhī shì 。”
“其他道友虽然尚未到此，但我们三人，也可以商量一下，如何善后十万大山之事。”
Lin Xuan was unaware of all this. He had just left his place for healing.
wàn jiāo wáng yǔ gū hóng zi xīn zhōng suī rán yī jiù yǒu qì ， dàn yě bù hǎo dàng zhēn yǔ tóng xiān zi jì xù chǎo nào xià qù 。
万蛟王与孤鸿子心中虽然依旧有气，但也不好当真雨桐仙子继续吵闹下去。
Reflecting on this experience, it truly felt like the most perilous journey since he started his cultivation path. The power of the域外天魔 was astonishing.
……
……
How could Qin Yan be reborn as the Heavenly Demon Sovereign?
ér zhè yī qiè ， lín xuān bìng bù xiǎo de 。
而这一切，林轩并不晓得。
What happened in ancient times?
cǐ shí tā cái gāng gāng lí kāi yǎng shāng zhī chù 。
此时他才刚刚离开养伤之处。
And that mysterious transmission talisman outside Creek Leaping Ravine—was there a connection to all this?
xiǎng xiǎng zhè yī cì de jīng lì ， hái zhēn shì gǎn tàn yǐ jí ， chà bu duō suàn shì zì jǐ tà shàng xiū xiān zhī lù yǐ lái zuì xiǎn de yī cì 。
想想这一次的经历，还真是感叹以极，差不多算是自己踏上修仙之路以来最险的一次。
Lin Xuan didn’t know.
yù wài tiān mó ， jū rán qiáng dào rú cǐ chéng dù 。
域外天魔，居然强到如此程度。
The experience in Ten Thousand Mountains was like an abnormal dream. He even wondered what the final outcome had been.
qín yán ， yòu zěn me huì shì tiān wài mó jūn zhuǎn shì ne ？
秦妍，又怎么会是天外魔君转世呢？
Ruitong Fairy’s strength was formidable, and her sword strike left a deep impression on Lin Xuan.
shàng gǔ ， jiū jìng fā shēng le shén me ？
上古，究竟发生了什么？
But he felt that Qin Yan hadn’t perished; she would surely meet him again someday.
hái yǒu xī yuè jiàn wài ， nà shén mì de chuán yīn fú ， yòu shì fǒu yǔ zhè yī qiè ， yǒu guān xì ne ？
还有溪跃涧外，那神秘的传音符，又是否与这一切，有关系呢？
Would they still clash then?
lín xuān bù xiǎo de 。
林轩不晓得。
When would the ancient secrets be revealed?
shí wàn dà shān de jīng lì ， jiù yǔ yì cháng mèng chà bu duō 。
十万大山的经历，就与异常梦差不多。
Lin Xuan sighed. This treasure hunt in Ten Thousand Mountains had severely shaken his confidence.
tā shèn zhì bù zhī dào zuì hòu de jié jú ， jiū jìng zěn me yàng le ？
他甚至不知道最后的结局，究竟怎么样了？
He originally believed his strength far surpassed others of the same rank, and thought reaching mid-transcendence phase would ensure invincibility. Now he realized such thoughts were overly naive or too highly regarded.
yǔ tóng xiān zi de shí lì què shí fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， nà yī jiàn zhī wēi ràng lín xuān yìn xiàng shēn kè 。
雨桐仙子的实力确实非同小可，那一剑之威让林轩印象深刻。
Defeating the Netherworld Demon Mother was nothing to boast about yet.
dàn lín xuān xīn zhōng yǒu yī zhǒng gǎn jué ， nà jiù shì qín yán ， bìng wèi yǔn luò ， zǒng yǒu yī tiān ， hái huì yǔ zì jǐ xiāng féng 。
但林轩心中有一种感觉，那就是秦妍，并未陨落，总有一天，还会与自己相逢。
Failing to defeat even Qin Yan was a blow to Lin Xuan’s pride.
nà shí hòu ， shì fǒu hái huì bīng róng xiāng jiàn ne ？
那时候，是否还会兵戎相见呢？
But enhancing his strength in a short time wasn’t easy.
ér shàng gǔ yǐn mì ， jiū jìng shén me shí hòu ， cái néng jiě kāi ？
而上古隐秘，究竟什么时候，才能解开？
At this level, every step forward was incredibly difficult.
lín xuān tàn le kǒu qì 。
林轩叹了口气。
Forget it, he decided. Let things take their course.
zhè yī cì shí wàn dà shān de xún bǎo zhī lǚ ， hái zhēn shì ràng tā de xìn xīn dà shòu dǎ jī 。
这一次十万大山的寻宝之旅，还真是让他的信心大受打击。
Lin Xuan sighed as he transformed into a streak of lightning and flew off towards the distance.
yuán běn yǐ wéi zì jǐ de shí lì yuǎn shèng tóng jiē xiū xiān zhě ， yuán běn yǐ wéi zì jǐ jìn jiē dào dù jié zhōng qī ， jiù kě yǐ wú wǎng ér bù lì ， kě xiàn zài cái zhī dào ， zhè yàng de xiǎng fǎ ， tài tiān zhēn le yī xiē ， huò zhě shuō ， tài guò gāo kàn zì jǐ 。
原本以为自己的实力远胜同阶修仙者，原本以为自己进阶到渡劫中期，就可以无往而不利，可现在才知道，这样的想法，太天真了一些，或者说，太过高看自己。
...
dǎ yíng le huáng quán guǐ mǔ yòu rú hé ？
打赢了黄泉鬼母又如何？
In just a few days, Lin Xuan’s speed of travel was remarkable. He could have flown over countless mountains and rivers in that time. However, the number of cultivators he encountered on his journey was scarce—almost like finding a needle in a haystack.
hái bú dào ào shì qún xióng de dì bù 。
还不到傲视群雄的地步。
The cultivation world seemed to be in decline, but the towns and villages passed through were bustling as usual.
bié shuō sàn xiān yāo wáng ， zhēn mó shǐ zǔ ， lián qín yán dōu dǎ bù guò ， zhè shí zài shì yǒu diǎn tài shāng lín xuān de zì zūn le 。
别说散仙妖王，真魔始祖，连秦妍都打不过，这实在是有点太伤林轩的自尊了。
Why?
dàn xiǎng yào zài duǎn shí jiān nèi zēng qiáng shí lì ， yòu nǎ ér yǒu nà me róng yì 。
但想要在短时间内增强实力，又哪儿有那么容易。
Lin Xuan felt alarmed and carefully gathered information.
yào zhī dào shí lì dào le tā zhè ge děng jí ， měi jìn yí bù ， dōu shì qiān nán wàn nán dì 。
要知道实力到了他这个等级，每进一步，都是千难万难地。
Hard work pays off.
suàn le ， suí yuán hǎo le 。
算了，随缘好了。
Although few cultivators were met, there were ways to gather news. Soon, Lin Xuan encountered an Immortal City.
lín xuān tàn le kǒu qì ， cái huà wèi yī dào jīng hóng ， xiàng yuǎn chù fēi qù 。
林轩叹了口气，才化为一道惊虹，像远处飞去。
Though small, the city’s streets were less lively. However, shops in the market district remained open. So, he went into a still-operating tea house.
……
……
From here, he could likely find some clues. Tea houses and taverns are always well-informed places, as Lin Xuan knew from experience.
yī huǎng yǎn ， shù rì guò qù ， lín xuān suī rán méi yǒu kè yì gǎn lù ， dàn tā de dùn guāng sù dù ， dàng zhēn shì fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， jǐ tiān de shí jiān ， shuō fēi guò qiān shān wàn shuǐ yě bù wèi guò 。
一晃眼，数日过去，林轩虽然没有刻意赶路，但他的遁光速度，当真是非同小可，几天的时间，说飞过千山万水也不为过。
He ordered a pot of tea and some snacks, sipping while his spirit sense spread out.
dàn yī lù shàng ， suǒ jiàn dào de xiū xiān zhě què bù duō 。
但一路上，所见到的修仙者却不多。
Sure enough, it wasn’t long before he found something interesting—the lingering effects of the treasure hunt in Ten Thousand Mountains.
shuō fèng máo lín jiǎo yě bù wèi guò 。
说凤毛麟角也不为过。
This surprised Lin Xuan but made sense when he thought about it. He had already suspected this outcome, just not to such an extent that it would shake the entire cultivation world.
bù zhī wèi hé ， xiū xiān jiè fǎng fú yī xià zi xiāo tiáo qǐ lái le ， rán ér lù guò de fán rén shì zhèn ， què shì fán huá tóng yī jiù 。
不知为何，修仙界仿佛一下子萧条起来了，然而路过的凡人市镇，却是繁华同依旧。
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"Friend Wastetoad, please clarify this matter. Did you truly invite the Jade Ice Serpent to our Spirit Realm?"
Although Ruitong Fairy's expression was somewhat blurred by the thin mist around her face, it was clear from her tone that she was genuinely angry.
How could Wastetoad, the True Demon Ancestor and King of Ten Thousand Serpents, act on his own initiative? Inviting them to the Spirit Realm was akin to playing with fire. Although he was one of the Three Demon Kings, such an action seemed too unreasonable.
"Hmph, your information is indeed as thorough as you claim."
Wastetoad turned his head and gave a disapproving glance at Huo Hongzi, even though the other party wasn't actually present. Despite the vast distance between them, Ruitong Fairy could likely sense the hostility in that gaze.
"I have my reasons for doing this. Don’t I know about the agreement made by the True Demon Ancestor a million years ago? I invited the Jade Ice Serpent because..."
At these words, his voice grew softer until it was almost indiscernible, as if he had used a technique to transmit sound secretly.
Ruitong Fairy's expression softened after hearing this.
"Is that really so?"
"I assure you, we need the assistance of the Jade Ice Serpent for this matter. Once accomplished, both of us will benefit greatly. Otherwise, why would I take such a risk given my character?"
"Then it makes sense. If what you say is true, inviting these two to the Spirit Realm isn't so unreasonable. However, one must always be cautious. You should keep an eye on them," Ruitong Fairy urged.
"I won’t need your instruction, for I am well aware of the risks involved. The True Demon Ancestor is cunning and shrewd. Collaborating with her would be like courting danger. How could I not pay extra attention?"
Wastetoad's face showed confidence as he spoke. Then, after a brief silence, his expression turned gloomy.
"Moreover, the域外天魔 has tainted all three realms. The fate of our Spirit Realm is no better than that of theirs. With Cloud Fairy entering the scene, the Jade Ice Serpent will surely be wary. This enmity would not serve their interests. Although the Jade Ice Serpent is cunning and shrewd, she also has a long-term perspective. As common enemies, we shouldn’t expect her to act so shortsightedly."
"That’s true!"
Ruitong Fairy nodded in agreement, clearly recognizing Wastetoad's analysis. She had more dealings with the Jade Ice Serpent, knowing that the True Demon Ancestor would not act impulsively but pragmatically.
"Friends, why are you playing dumb?"
Huo Hongzi's voice carried a hint of bitterness. He thought he had found Wastetoad’s weak point, only to find it was something else entirely. The frustration was palpable.
Wastetoad invited the Jade Ice Serpent here despite its impropriety, but with Ruitong Fairy's support, trying to make things difficult for the dragon would be futile.
"Playing dumb, I suppose."
Wastetoad raised his head, his tone and voice exuding a sense of triumph.
"You..."
This time, it was Huo Hongzi who erupted in anger. However, Ruitong Fairy quickly stopped him:
"Enough! Both of you are beings that have lived for millions of years. Even as Immortal Demigods and Demon Kings, why do you act like children over trivial matters from the past? Let’s discuss how to handle this matter concerning Ten Thousand Mountains."
Despite their lingering resentment, Wastetoad and Huo Hongzi didn’t want Ruitong Fairy to continue arguing.
...
Lin Xuan was unaware of all this. He had just left his place for healing.
Reflecting on this experience, it truly felt like the most perilous journey since he started his cultivation path. The power of the域外天魔 was astonishing.
How could Qin Yan be reborn as the Heavenly Demon Sovereign?
What happened in ancient times?
And that mysterious transmission talisman outside Creek Leaping Ravine—was there a connection to all this?
Lin Xuan didn’t know.
The experience in Ten Thousand Mountains was like an abnormal dream. He even wondered what the final outcome had been.
Ruitong Fairy’s strength was formidable, and her sword strike left a deep impression on Lin Xuan.
But he felt that Qin Yan hadn’t perished; she would surely meet him again someday.
Would they still clash then?
When would the ancient secrets be revealed?
Lin Xuan sighed. This treasure hunt in Ten Thousand Mountains had severely shaken his confidence.
He originally believed his strength far surpassed others of the same rank, and thought reaching mid-transcendence phase would ensure invincibility. Now he realized such thoughts were overly naive or too highly regarded.
Defeating the Netherworld Demon Mother was nothing to boast about yet.
Failing to defeat even Qin Yan was a blow to Lin Xuan’s pride.
But enhancing his strength in a short time wasn’t easy.
At this level, every step forward was incredibly difficult.
Forget it, he decided. Let things take their course.
Lin Xuan sighed as he transformed into a streak of lightning and flew off towards the distance.
...
In just a few days, Lin Xuan’s speed of travel was remarkable. He could have flown over countless mountains and rivers in that time. However, the number of cultivators he encountered on his journey was scarce—almost like finding a needle in a haystack.
The cultivation world seemed to be in decline, but the towns and villages passed through were bustling as usual.
Why?
Lin Xuan felt alarmed and carefully gathered information.
Hard work pays off.
Although few cultivators were met, there were ways to gather news. Soon, Lin Xuan encountered an Immortal City.
Though small, the city’s streets were less lively. However, shops in the market district remained open. So, he went into a still-operating tea house.
From here, he could likely find some clues. Tea houses and taverns are always well-informed places, as Lin Xuan knew from experience.
He ordered a pot of tea and some snacks, sipping while his spirit sense spread out.
Sure enough, it wasn’t long before he found something interesting—the lingering effects of the treasure hunt in Ten Thousand Mountains.
This surprised Lin Xuan but made sense when he thought about it. He had already suspected this outcome, just not to such an extent that it would shake the entire cultivation world.
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