qí tā xiū shì tīng le ， yě dōu tái qǐ tóu lú ， liǎn shàng de biǎo qíng suī gè bù xiāng tóng ， dàn shén sè zhī jiān ， dōu yǐn hán zhe dān xīn yǔ fèn nù 。
其他修士听了，也都抬起头颅，脸上的表情虽各不相同，但神色之间，都隐含着担心与愤怒。
Other cultivators listened and raised their heads, their expressions varied but all contained worry and anger.
“ fù shī zhí ， zhè jiàn shì qíng nǐ bù yòng tài guò dān xīn jiāo lǜ ， dí qiáng wǒ ruò ， lián hù shān zhèn fǎ yě bèi gōng pò ， wǒ men liú xià lái yú shì wú bǔ ， zhǐ huì bái bái yǔn luò ， liǎng wèi gé zhǔ bú shì bù jiǎng dào lǐ de rén wù ， yú qíng yú lǐ ， dōu bú huì zé guài wǒ men de 。”
“付师侄，这件事情你不用太过担心焦虑，敌强我弱，连护山阵法也被攻破，我们留下来于事无补，只会白白陨落，两位阁主不是不讲道理的人物，于情于理，都不会责怪我们的。”
"Junior Disciple Fu, you needn't be overly concerned. The enemy is strong while we are weak; even the mountain protection array has been broken. Staying here will only result in our deaths for naught. Our two Pavilion Masters are not unreasonable people. Emotionally and logically, they won't blame us."
nà gōng zhuāng nǚ zǐ tàn le kǒu qì ， kǒu zhōng shuō le jǐ jù kuān wèi de yán yǔ 。
那宫装女子叹了口气，口中说了几句宽慰的言语。
The woman in the palace attire sighed and said some comforting words.
“ rú jīn wǒ bài xuān gé xíng shì bù lì ， gèng xū yào dà jiā hǎo hǎo xiū xī ， cái néng wèi běn mén chū lì ， shì yǐ zhì cǐ ， duō xiǎng wú yì ， dài huí le zǒng duò ， liǎng wèi gé zhǔ zì rán huì wèi wǒ men zuò zhǔ 。”
“如今我拜轩阁形势不利，更需要大家好好休息，才能为本门出力，事已至此，多想无益，待回了总舵，两位阁主自然会为我们做主。”
"Now that I have taken my oath to Linxuan Pavilion, we need everyone's rest so as to contribute more to our sect. Things have reached this point; worrying about it will be of no use. Once we return to the main pavilion, our Pavilion Masters will naturally take care of us."
tīng shī shū zhè me shuō ， qí tā xiū shì suī rán yī jiù mǎn liǎn dān xīn zhī sè ， què bù gǎn zài shuō ， zhǐ néng wéi wéi nuò nuò ， guāi guāi de bì mù yǎng shén qǐ lái le 。
听师叔这么说，其他修士虽然依旧满脸担心之色，却不敢再说，只能唯唯诺诺，乖乖的闭目养神起来了。
Hearing his uncle's words, the other cultivators, though still worried, dared not speak again and obediently closed their eyes to rest.
yuǎn chù ， lín xuān zé méi tóu wēi zhòu 。
远处，林轩则眉头微皱。
Far away, Lin Xuan frowned slightly. Although he had broad experience, these few words were insufficient for him to discern anything.
tā suī rán jiàn shí guǎng bó ， dàn cóng zhè liáo liáo shù yǔ ， què yě nán yǐ tīng chū shén me duān ní 。
他虽然见识广博，但从这寥寥数语，却也难以听出什么端倪。
If it were a less skilled cultivator in maintaining qi, they would have already been unable to contain themselves, eager to find out the truth.
rú guǒ huàn yī míng yǎng qì gōng fu shāo xùn de xiū shì yǔ tā yì dì ér chǔ ， kěn dìng yǐ àn nà bù zhù ， fēi qù dǎ tīng gè qīng chǔ 。
如果换一名养气功夫稍逊的修士与他易地而处，肯定已按捺不住，非去打听个清楚。
But after so many experiences, Lin Xuan was calm as a mountain before an avalanche; whether or not this was what he had imagined about Linxuan Pavilion, though he cared deeply, he wouldn't rashly go out. Why alert them by making noise? He would naturally uncover the truth quietly.
dàn lín xuān jīng lì le zhè me duō ， zǎo yǐ tài shān bēng yú qián ér bù biàn sè ， shì bú shì zì jǐ xīn mù zhōng suǒ xiǎng de bài xuān gé ， suī rán tā yě guān xīn yǐ jí ， dàn lín xuān què bìng bú huì mào rán chū qù 。
但林轩经历了这么多，早已泰山崩于前而不变色，是不是自己心目中所想的拜轩阁，虽然他也关心以极，但林轩却并不会贸然出去。
Could an ordinary Core Formation cultivator really vanish from his sight?
hé bì dǎ cǎo jīng shé ， qiǎo rán zài yī páng gēn zhe zì rán huì shuǐ luò shí chū 。
何必打草惊蛇，悄然在一旁跟着自然会水落石出。
Thus, Lin Xuan did nothing and closed his eyes to sleep again.
qū qū yī míng yuán yīng lí hé jí bié de xiū xiān zhě ， nán dào hái néng cóng zì jǐ yǎn zhōng xiāo shī bù chéng me ？
区区一名元婴离合级别的修仙者，难道还能从自己眼中消失不成么？
Of course, with his spiritual sense, any slight movement would immediately awaken him.
yú shì ， lín xuān shén me yě méi zuò ， bì shàng shuāng mù ， yòu hū hū de shuì qǐ lái le 。
于是，林轩什么也没做，闭上双目，又呼呼的睡起来了。
...
dāng rán ， yǐ tā de líng jué ， yī yǒu shén me fēng chuī cǎo dòng ， mǎ shàng yě shì néng gòu jīng xǐng de 。
当然，以他的灵觉，一有什么风吹草动，马上也是能够惊醒的。
Nothing happened overnight.
……
……
The next day, these self-proclaimed disciples of Linxuan Pavilion set out early. Lin Xuan followed along the way.
yī yè wú shì 。
一夜无事。
With his strength, they naturally couldn't detect anything.
dì èr tiān ， zhè xiē zì chēng bài xuān gé dì zǐ de xiū shì zǎo qǐ gǎn lù 。 lín xuān zé yī lù xiāng suí 。
第二天，这些自称拜轩阁弟子的修士早起赶路。林轩则一路相随。
Lin Xuan hid in the shadows, originally intending to find some clues from their conversations.
yǐ lín xuān de shí lì ， tā men zì rán sī háo chá jué yě wú 。
以林轩的实力，他们自然丝毫察觉也无。
But human plans often fall short of heaven's will.
lín xuān yǐn zài àn chù ， yuán běn xiǎng cóng tā men de jiāo tán zhōng ， qù xún zhǎo yī xiē duān ní 。
林轩隐在暗处，原本想从他们的交谈中，去寻找一些端倪。
These cultivators spoke little; often, they remained silent for an entire day as they silently journeyed on.
jié guǒ rén suàn bù rú tiān suàn 。
结果人算不如天算。
Even a skilled cook finds it hard to prepare a meal with no ingredients. Lin Xuan's attempt to gather information was in vain.
zhè yī qún xiū shì ， yán yǔ jí shǎo 。 cháng cháng yī zhěng tiān ， dōu bù chū yī yǔ ， zhǐ shì mò mò gǎn lù 。
这一群修士，言语极少。常常一整天，都不出一语，只是默默赶路。
Yet he wasn't entirely without收获.
qiǎo fù nán wéi wú mǐ zhī chuī ， ràng lín xuān dǎ tàn xiāo xī de suàn jì ， luò zài le kōng chù 。
巧妇难为无米之炊，让林轩打探消息的算计，落在了空处。
He noticed that when they traveled, they chose remote and desolate places, sometimes even deliberately taking detours for reasons not difficult to guess.
dàn yě bìng fēi yì diǎn shōu huò yě wú 。
但也并非一点收获也无。
They were likely being pursued by their enemies.
lín xuān fā xiàn tā men gǎn lù zhī shí ， dōu shì jǐn liàng tiāo xuǎn rén jì hǎn zhì de huāng pì zhī chù 。 yǒu shí hòu ， hái gù yì rào lù ， zhǒng zhǒng qíng yóu ， yuán yīn bù nán tuī cè 。
林轩发现他们赶路之时，都是尽量挑选人迹罕至的荒僻之处。有时候，还故意绕路，种种情由，原因不难推测。
Indeed, it seemed Linxuan Pavilion had run into trouble!
tā men duō bàn shì bèi chóu jiā zhuī shā 。
他们多半是被仇家追杀。
However, this Linxuan Pavilion might not be the same as the one he knew. Hence, he didn't dare offer help.
kàn lái bài xuān gé guǒ rán shì yù jiàn má fán le a ！
看来拜轩阁果然是遇见麻烦了啊！
Time passed slowly.
rán ér cǐ bài xuān gé shì bú shì bǐ bài xuān gé ， lín xuān bìng bù xiǎo de ， gù ér dào yě bù hǎo chū shǒu xiàng zhù 。
然而此拜轩阁是不是彼拜轩阁，林轩并不晓得，故而倒也不好出手相助。
...
jiù zhè yàng 。 shí jiān yì diǎn yī dī de guò qù le 。
就这样。时间一点一滴的过去了。
After over a month, Lin Xuan hadn't made any appearance. Thanks to these cultivators' caution, their enemies never appeared either.
yī huǎng yuè yú ， lín xuān shǐ zhōng bù céng xiàn shēn ér chū ， ér dé yì yú zhè qún xiū shì de xiǎo xīn ， tā men suǒ dī fáng de dí rén ， yě yì zhí bù céng chū xiàn guò 。
一晃月余，林轩始终不曾现身而出，而得益于这群修士的小心，他们所提防的敌人，也一直不曾出现过。
...
……
……
With so much time passing and no results, Lin Xuan began to grow impatient.
zhè me zhǎng de shí jiān ， què sī háo shōu huò yě wú ， lín xuān jiàn jiàn de 。 yě yǒu yì diǎn bù nài fán le 。
这么长的时间，却丝毫收获也无，林轩渐渐的。也有一点不耐烦了。
Although this time wasn't long for him, it was still somewhat wasteful.
suī rán zhè diǎn shí jiān duì zì jǐ lái shuō ， bù suàn shén me ， dàn zhè yàng xiāo mó ， hái shì yǒu diǎn tài huāng fèi le 。
虽然这点时间对自己来说，不算什么，但这样消磨，还是有点太荒废了。
Deciding that he should make an appearance, he thought that as soon as he showed some capability, they wouldn't dare refuse and would reveal their true identities.
suàn le ， hái shì xiàn shēn ， zhǐ yào zì jǐ shāo xiǎn běn lǐng ， liào lái tā men yě bù gǎn wéi ào ， bì jiāng zhēn shí shēn fèn tǔ lù 。
算了，还是现身，只要自己稍显本领，料来他们也不敢违拗，必将真实身份吐露。
Lin Xuan pondered thus when suddenly his brow furrowed.
lín xuān rú cǐ zhè bān de xiǎng zhe ， què tū rán méi tou yí zhòu 。
林轩如此这般的想着，却突然眉头一皱。
A startling light appeared not far away after just a moment.
jǐn jǐn guò le piàn kè de gōng fu ， yuǎn chù chū xiàn le yī dào jīng hóng 。
仅仅过了片刻的功夫，远处出现了一道惊虹。
Though it was called a startling light, it was much larger than ordinary flight lights.
shuō shì jīng hóng 。 què bǐ pǔ tōng de dùn guāng dà shàng xǔ duō 。
说是惊虹。却比普通的遁光大上许多。
Indeed, it couldn't be compared to the others at all.
shèn zhì kě yǐ shuō ， wán quán bù kě tóng rì ér yǔ 。
甚至可以说，完全不可同日而语。
Although he was still some distance away, Lin Xuan's spiritual sense was so sharp that he recognized it as a spirit boat.
suī rán jù lí shàng yuǎn ， dàn lín xuān shén shí hé děng liǎo de ， jū rán shì yī sōu líng zhōu 。
虽然距离尚远，但林轩神识何等了得，居然是一艘灵舟。
This unexpected change made him hesitate; he decided to observe first before making any decision.
zhè yàng de biàn gù ， shǐ liào wèi jí 。 lín xuān yě jiù bù máng chū qù ， xiān kàn yī kàn qíng kuàng ， suí hòu zài zuò dìng duó 。
这样的变故，始料未及。林轩也就不忙出去，先看一看情况，随后再做定夺。
The spirit boat flew very quickly and soon the group of Linxuan Pavilion cultivators noticed something amiss.
nà líng zhōu fēi xíng shí fēn de xùn sù ， hěn kuài ， nà qún bài xuān gé de xiū shì ， yě fā xiàn le bù tuǒ 。
那灵舟飞行十分的迅速，很快，那群拜轩阁的修士，也发现了不妥。
Everyone turned pale but it was too late to avoid it; they had no choice but to land their flight lights near a nearby desolate mountain.
rén rén biàn sè ， dàn zhè shí hòu xiǎng yào bì kāi ， yě lái bù jí ， zhǐ hǎo jiù zài fù jìn de yī zuò huāng shān ， jiāng dùn guāng jiàng luò 。
人人变色，但这时候想要避开，也来不及，只好就在附近的一座荒山，将遁光降落。
After about a cup of tea's time, the spirit boat arrived as well.
dà yuē guò le yī zhǎn chá de gōng fu ， líng zhōu yě dào lái le 。
大约过了一盏茶的功夫，灵舟也到来了。
Now closer, the flying device appeared even more extraordinary, over a thousand feet long and made primarily from extremely rare cold iron.
cǐ shí lí dé jìn ， gèng jiàn zhè fēi xíng fǎ qì fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， zhǎng qiān zhàng yǒu yú ， nǎi shì yòng jí wéi zhēn xī de hán tiě wéi zhǔ yuán liào dā jiàn ér chéng dì 。
此时离得近，更见这飞行法器非同小可，长千丈有余，乃是用极为珍稀的寒铁为主原料搭建而成地。
The carvings were intricate and the array designs on it were exquisite.
shàng miàn diāo liáng huà dòng ， bù zhì de wén zhèn yě jí wéi jīng měi 。
上面雕梁画栋，布置的纹阵也极为精美。
Of course, this was relative; Lin Xuan had already passed through the Tribulation Stage and seen countless treasures. This spirit boat wasn't much to him.
dāng rán ， zhè shì xiāng duì lái shuō ， lín xuān rú jīn shì dù jié qī ， shén me bǎo wù bù céng jiàn guò ， zhè qū qū líng zhōu jiù suàn bù liǎo shén me 。
当然，这是相对来说，林轩如今是渡劫期，什么宝物不曾见过，这区区灵舟就算不了什么。
"Ah!"
“ yí ！”
“咦！”
However, as his gaze swept over, Lin Xuan was greatly surprised to see a familiar pattern on the spirit boat.
rán ér mù guāng sǎo guò ， lín xuān què dà chī yī jīng ， yīn wèi zài líng zhōu zhī shàng ， tā jū rán kàn jiàn le yī shú xī de tú àn 。
然而目光扫过，林轩却大吃一惊，因为在灵舟之上，他居然看见了一熟悉的图案。
Nine Heavens Bright Moon Ring!
jiǔ tiān míng yuè huán ！
九天明月环！
Indeed, it was this item; he recognized it as his former talisman.
méi cuò ， jiù shì cǐ wù ， zuò wèi zì jǐ yǐ qián de běn mìng bǎo wù ， lín xuān nǎ lǐ huì rèn cuò 。
没错，就是此物，做为自己以前的本命宝物，林轩哪里会认错。
If Nine Heavens Bright Moon Ring was used as decoration, then it must be Linxuan Pavilion.
shàng miàn jū rán yòng jiǔ tiān míng yuè huán zuò wéi zhuāng shì ， nà me zhēn shì bài xuān gé 。
上面居然用九天明月环作为装饰，那么真是拜轩阁。
Lin Xuan's composure couldn't help but show a hint of joy on his face.
yǐ lín xuān de chéng fǔ ， liǎn shàng yě bù yóu de lù chū huān xǐ zhī sè 。
以林轩的城府，脸上也不由得露出欢喜之色。
Others rejoiced just as much: "It’s our sect's spirit boat."
ér gāo xìng de rén yuǎn bù zhǐ tā yí gè 。
而高兴的人远不止他一个。
"Great! It really is Linxuan Pavilion!"
nà qún xiū shì ， tóng yàng huān hū què yuè qǐ lái le ：“ shì běn mén de líng zhōu 。”
那群修士，同样欢呼雀跃起来了：“是本门的灵舟。”
"It's fellow cultivators coming to rescue us."
“ tài hǎo le ， zhēn shì wǒ men bài xuān gé ！”
“太好了，真是我们拜轩阁！”
...
“ shì tóng mén lái jiē yīng wǒ men le 。”
“是同门来接应我们了。”
In an instant, cheers erupted. Lin Xuan's guess was correct; they had indeed been detouring all along, trying to avoid their enemies' search.
……
……
Because they were carrying a very important treasure.
yī shí jiān ， huān hū shēng cǐ qǐ bǐ fú ， lín xuān de cāi cè méi yǒu cuò ， tā men yī lù shàng ， què shí shì zài rào lù ， mù dì jiù shì duǒ bì dí rén de sōu suǒ 。
一时间，欢呼声此起彼伏，林轩的猜测没有错，他们一路上，确实是在绕路，目的就是躲避敌人的搜索。
It could be said that they were living in constant fear and anxiety. Now finally rescued by fellow cultivators, how could they not be greatly relieved?
yīn wèi tā men shēn shàng ， dài zhe yī jí wéi zhòng yào de bǎo wù 。
因为他们身上，带着一极为重要的宝物。
Rumble...
shuō tí xīn diào dǎn yě bù wèi guò ， rú jīn zhōng yú děng dào le tóng mén de jiē yīng ， yú qíng yú lǐ ， zěn me huì bù dà wèi jīng xǐ 。
说提心吊胆也不为过，如今终于等到了同门的接应，于情于理，怎么会不大为惊喜。
A primitive voice entered his ears as the spirit boat stopped. The light screen on its surface dispersed, followed by colorful flight lights emerging from within.
wū ……
呜……
There were hundreds of cultivators, nearly a thousand in total.
gǔ piáo de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， líng zhōu tíng xià yǐ hòu ， biǎo miàn de guāng mù sàn kāi ， suí hòu wǔ yán liù sè de dùn guāng cóng lǐ miàn fēi le chū lái 。
古朴的声音传入耳朵，灵舟停下以后，表面的光幕散开，随后五颜六色的遁光从里面飞了出来。
Their cultivation levels varied but at least most were Core Formation and Separation Stage.
shù liàng jí duō ， jū rán yǒu jìn qiān míng xiū xiān zhě 。
数量极多，居然有近千名修仙者。
If he wasn't mistaken, these were likely the elite forces of Linxuan Pavilion.
xiū wèi bù yī ， dàn zhì shǎo dōu shì yuán yīng yǔ lí hé jí 。
修为不一，但至少都是元婴与离合级。
Leading them were two young women, both in their twenties.
rú guǒ méi yǒu liào cuò ， zhè xiē duō bàn jiù shì bài xuān gé de jīng ruì le 。
如果没有料错，这些多半就是拜轩阁的精锐了。
The one on the left was slender with beautiful features; her eyes sparkled as if they could speak.
ér lǐng tóu de zé shì liǎng míng shào nǚ ， dōu zhǐ yǒu èr shí yú suì nián jì ， nián qīng yǐ jí 。
而领头的则是两名少女，都只有二十余岁年纪，年轻以极。
The one on the right was slightly shorter but equally graceful and pretty, though she had a round face that looked like an infant's.
zuǒ biān yí gè shēn cái yǎo tiǎo ， róng yán xiù lì ， yǎn jīng gèng shì piào liàng dào le jí diǎn ， gù pàn zhī jiān ， xiàng shì huì shuō huà yì bān 。
左边一个身材窈窕，容颜秀丽，眼睛更是漂亮到了极点，顾盼之间，像是会说话一般。
Wu Yun'er, Liu Xin.
yòu biān yí gè ， zé shāo ǎi yì diǎn ， yī yàng de qīng xiù měi lì ， bù guò liǎn què pàng dū dū de yǒu jǐ fēn yīng ér féi de yàng zi 。
右边一个，则稍矮一点，一样的清秀美丽，不过脸却胖嘟嘟的有几分婴儿肥的样子。
Lin Xuan recognized them instantly.
wǔ yún ér ， liú xīn 。
武云儿，刘芯。
A thousand years apart, yet these two women seemed unchanged.
lín xuān yī yǎn jiù rèn le chū lái 。
林轩一眼就认了出来。
"Greetings, Pavilion Masters."
yī bié qiān nián ， rán ér liǎng nǚ què sì hū méi yǒu tài dà de gǎi biàn 。
一别千年，然而两女却似乎没有太大的改变。
The dozen cultivators led by the woman in palace attire bowed.
“ cān jiàn gé zhǔ 。”
“参见阁主。”
"No need for formalities. We already know about the branch pavilion; it's not your fault. But did you bring back that treasure?" Liu Xin's voice was calm and composed as a sect leader would be.
yǐ nà gōng zhuāng nǚ zǐ wéi shǒu de shí yú míng xiū xiān zhě yì qǐ bài le xià qù 。
以那宫装女子为首的十余名修仙者一起拜了下去。
Now she was at the Dao Profound Stage, handling matters more calmly than before.
“ bù yòng duō lǐ ， fēn duò de shì qíng ， wǒ men yǐ jīng zhī dào le ， fēi nǐ men de cuò ， bù guò nà jiàn dōng xī ， nǐ men dài huí lái le me ？” liú xīn dàn dàn de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ 。
“不用多礼，分舵的事情，我们已经知道了，非你们的错，不过那件东西，你们带回来了么？”刘芯淡淡的声音传入耳朵。
"Rest assured, although the branch pavilion was broken by our enemies, I can carry this treasure with me; it hasn't been lost," the woman in palace attire quickly replied.
rú jīn cǐ nǚ yǐ shì dòng xuán jí bié de xiū xiān zhě ， chǔ lǐ shì qíng ， yě bǐ yǐ qián cóng róng le xǔ duō ， yǒu yī pài zhǎng mén de qì dù 。
如今此女已是洞玄级别的修仙者，处理事情，也比以前从容了许多，有一派掌门的气度。
Liu Xin heaved a sigh of relief and her expression brightened considerably.
“ gé zhǔ fàng xīn ， fēn duò suī rán bèi dí rén gōng pò ， dàn nà jiàn bǎo wù què shì wǒ néng suí shēn dài zhe ， bìng wèi shī luò 。” nà gōng zhuāng měi fù lián máng rú cǐ zhè bān de shuō 。
“阁主放心，分舵虽然被敌人攻破，但那件宝物却是我能随身带着，并未失落。”那宫装美妇连忙如此这般的说。
But Wu Yun'er frowned and turned to someone beside her: "Fellow cultivator, since you've arrived here, why hide? Why not show yourself?"
liú xīn tīng le ， dà sōng le yì kǒu qì ， liǎn shàng de biǎo qíng ， yě dà wèi huān xǐ 。
刘芯听了，大松了一口气，脸上的表情，也大为欢喜。
As soon as she spoke, everyone was startled.
rán ér wǔ yún ér què méi tou yí zhòu ， cháo zhe yī páng zhuǎn guò tóu lú ：“ zhè wèi dào yǒu ， jì rán jià lín cǐ chù ， cáng tóu lù wěi suàn zěn me yī huí shì ， hé bù xiàn shēn yī jiàn ne ？”
然而武云儿却眉头一皱，朝着一旁转过头颅：“这位道友，既然驾临此处，藏头露尾算怎么一回事，何不现身一见呢？”
Even Lin Xuan showed surprise; his abilities were well-known to him, and his concealment techniques had even earned the admiration of peers. How did Wu Yun'er discover this?
Other cultivators listened and raised their heads, their expressions varied but all contained worry and anger.
"Junior Disciple Fu, you needn't be overly concerned. The enemy is strong while we are weak; even the mountain protection array has been broken. Staying here will only result in our deaths for naught. Our two Pavilion Masters are not unreasonable people. Emotionally and logically, they won't blame us."
The woman in the palace attire sighed and said some comforting words.
"Now that I have taken my oath to Linxuan Pavilion, we need everyone's rest so as to contribute more to our sect. Things have reached this point; worrying about it will be of no use. Once we return to the main pavilion, our Pavilion Masters will naturally take care of us."
Hearing his uncle's words, the other cultivators, though still worried, dared not speak again and obediently closed their eyes to rest.
Far away, Lin Xuan frowned slightly. Although he had broad experience, these few words were insufficient for him to discern anything.
If it were a less skilled cultivator in maintaining qi, they would have already been unable to contain themselves, eager to find out the truth.
But after so many experiences, Lin Xuan was calm as a mountain before an avalanche; whether or not this was what he had imagined about Linxuan Pavilion, though he cared deeply, he wouldn't rashly go out. Why alert them by making noise? He would naturally uncover the truth quietly.
Could an ordinary Core Formation cultivator really vanish from his sight?
Thus, Lin Xuan did nothing and closed his eyes to sleep again.
Of course, with his spiritual sense, any slight movement would immediately awaken him.
...
Nothing happened overnight.
The next day, these self-proclaimed disciples of Linxuan Pavilion set out early. Lin Xuan followed along the way.
With his strength, they naturally couldn't detect anything.
Lin Xuan hid in the shadows, originally intending to find some clues from their conversations.
But human plans often fall short of heaven's will.
These cultivators spoke little; often, they remained silent for an entire day as they silently journeyed on.
Even a skilled cook finds it hard to prepare a meal with no ingredients. Lin Xuan's attempt to gather information was in vain.
Yet he wasn't entirely without收获.
He noticed that when they traveled, they chose remote and desolate places, sometimes even deliberately taking detours for reasons not difficult to guess.
They were likely being pursued by their enemies.
Indeed, it seemed Linxuan Pavilion had run into trouble!
However, this Linxuan Pavilion might not be the same as the one he knew. Hence, he didn't dare offer help.
Time passed slowly.
...
After over a month, Lin Xuan hadn't made any appearance. Thanks to these cultivators' caution, their enemies never appeared either.
...
With so much time passing and no results, Lin Xuan began to grow impatient.
Although this time wasn't long for him, it was still somewhat wasteful.
Deciding that he should make an appearance, he thought that as soon as he showed some capability, they wouldn't dare refuse and would reveal their true identities.
Lin Xuan pondered thus when suddenly his brow furrowed.
A startling light appeared not far away after just a moment.
Though it was called a startling light, it was much larger than ordinary flight lights.
Indeed, it couldn't be compared to the others at all.
Although he was still some distance away, Lin Xuan's spiritual sense was so sharp that he recognized it as a spirit boat.
This unexpected change made him hesitate; he decided to observe first before making any decision.
The spirit boat flew very quickly and soon the group of Linxuan Pavilion cultivators noticed something amiss.
Everyone turned pale but it was too late to avoid it; they had no choice but to land their flight lights near a nearby desolate mountain.
After about a cup of tea's time, the spirit boat arrived as well.
Now closer, the flying device appeared even more extraordinary, over a thousand feet long and made primarily from extremely rare cold iron.
The carvings were intricate and the array designs on it were exquisite.
Of course, this was relative; Lin Xuan had already passed through the Tribulation Stage and seen countless treasures. This spirit boat wasn't much to him.
"Ah!"
However, as his gaze swept over, Lin Xuan was greatly surprised to see a familiar pattern on the spirit boat.
Nine Heavens Bright Moon Ring!
Indeed, it was this item; he recognized it as his former talisman.
If Nine Heavens Bright Moon Ring was used as decoration, then it must be Linxuan Pavilion.
Lin Xuan's composure couldn't help but show a hint of joy on his face.
Others rejoiced just as much: "It’s our sect's spirit boat."
"Great! It really is Linxuan Pavilion!"
"It's fellow cultivators coming to rescue us."
...
In an instant, cheers erupted. Lin Xuan's guess was correct; they had indeed been detouring all along, trying to avoid their enemies' search.
Because they were carrying a very important treasure.
It could be said that they were living in constant fear and anxiety. Now finally rescued by fellow cultivators, how could they not be greatly relieved?
Rumble...
A primitive voice entered his ears as the spirit boat stopped. The light screen on its surface dispersed, followed by colorful flight lights emerging from within.
There were hundreds of cultivators, nearly a thousand in total.
Their cultivation levels varied but at least most were Core Formation and Separation Stage.
If he wasn't mistaken, these were likely the elite forces of Linxuan Pavilion.
Leading them were two young women, both in their twenties.
The one on the left was slender with beautiful features; her eyes sparkled as if they could speak.
The one on the right was slightly shorter but equally graceful and pretty, though she had a round face that looked like an infant's.
Wu Yun'er, Liu Xin.
Lin Xuan recognized them instantly.
A thousand years apart, yet these two women seemed unchanged.
"Greetings, Pavilion Masters."
The dozen cultivators led by the woman in palace attire bowed.
"No need for formalities. We already know about the branch pavilion; it's not your fault. But did you bring back that treasure?" Liu Xin's voice was calm and composed as a sect leader would be.
Now she was at the Dao Profound Stage, handling matters more calmly than before.
"Rest assured, although the branch pavilion was broken by our enemies, I can carry this treasure with me; it hasn't been lost," the woman in palace attire quickly replied.
Liu Xin heaved a sigh of relief and her expression brightened considerably.
But Wu Yun'er frowned and turned to someone beside her: "Fellow cultivator, since you've arrived here, why hide? Why not show yourself?"
As soon as she spoke, everyone was startled.
Even Lin Xuan showed surprise; his abilities were well-known to him, and his concealment techniques had even earned the admiration of peers. How did Wu Yun'er discover this?