“ nǐ nòng cuò le ， wǒ mǎi zhè xiē yào cái nǎi shì lìng yǒu yòng tú 。” lín xuān miàn wú biǎo qíng ， lěng lěng de kāi kǒu le 。
“你弄错了，我买这些药材乃是另有用途。”林轩面无表情，冷冷的开口了。
Lin Xuan's expression remained unchanged as he coldly spoke, "You've misunderstood. I bought these medicinal herbs for another purpose."
“ a ， nà shì wǎn bèi duō zuǐ le ， qián bèi qǐng zǒu hǎo 。” zhǎng guì yě bú shì chǔn rén ， lián máng dī xià tou ， gōng shēn sòng kè 。
“啊，那是晚辈多嘴了，前辈请走好。”掌柜也不是蠢人，连忙低下头，躬身送客。
"Ah, then it was my junior speaking out of turn. Please have a good journey," the shopkeeper quickly lowered his head and bowed to see him off.
lín xuān lí kāi le yào diàn ， yòng yǎn jiǎo de yú guāng piǎo le yī yǎn ， zhǎng guì de huà suī méi yǒu shuō wán ， dàn tā xīn zhōng qǐ huì bù qīng chǔ 。
林轩离开了药店，用眼角的余光瞟了一眼，掌柜的话虽没有说完，但他心中岂会不清楚。
Lin Xuan left the apothecary without much thought about how he would leave this place. He had no time or interest in others' fates; he wasn't one to be a savior.
bù guò xiàn zài zhè zhǒng xíng shì ， gāi rú hé lí kāi cǐ dì ， lín xuān dōu hái méi yǒu zhǔ yì ， nǎ yǒu xīn qíng guǎn bié rén sǐ huó ， tā kě méi yǒu dāng jiù shì zhǔ de jué wù 。
不过现在这种形势，该如何离开此地，林轩都还没有主意，哪有心情管别人死活，他可没有当救世主的觉悟。
After a brief direction check, Lin Xuan headed towards an inn.
lüè yī biàn shí fāng xiàng ， lín xuān xiàng yī jiā kè zhàn zǒu qù le 。
略一辨识方向，林轩像一家客栈走去了。
Due to too many cultivators flooding into the market district, everywhere was crowded. Lin Xuan didn't have much confidence that there would still be rooms available at the inn but decided to ask anyway.
yóu yú yǒng rù fāng shì de xiū shì tài duō ， cǐ shí dào chù dōu jǐ mǎn le rén ， kè zhàn zhōng hái yǒu méi yǒu fáng jiān ， lín xuān bìng méi yǒu bǎ wò ， bù guò zǒng yào wèn yī wèn de 。
由于涌入坊市的修士太多，此时到处都挤满了人，客栈中还有没有房间，林轩并没有把握，不过总要问一问的。
Entering the grand hall of the inn, which was over ten zhang (about 30 feet) long and wide, he found it spacious despite its simple furnishings. A clerk in a gray robe greeted him with a bow while several cultivators were speaking with him, all making awkward gestures as if they were in a dilemma.
zǒu jìn kè zhàn de dà tīng ， lǐ miàn zhǎng kuān jiē yǒu shí yú zhàng ， xiǎn de pǒ wèi kuān guǎng 。
走进客栈的大厅，里面长宽皆有十余丈，显得颇为宽广。
Seeing Lin Xuan enter, the clerk's gaze swept over him before his expression turned respectful as he hurried forward. "Senior, are you here to stay?"
bù guò bǎi shè jiù bǐ jiào jiǎn lòu le ， yí gè shēn chuān huī yī ， huǒ jì dǎ bàn de rén ， zhèng yǔ jǐ míng xiū shì huí huà ， yī biān hái lián lián zuò yī ， liǎn shàng lù chū wéi nán de yàng zi 。
不过摆设就比较简陋了，一个身穿灰衣，伙计打扮的人，正与几名修士回话，一边还连连作揖，脸上露出为难的样子。
"Yes, do we still have any rooms available?"
jiàn lín xuān zǒu jìn kè zhàn ， nà huǒ jì de mù guāng zài tā shēn shàng yī sǎo ， lì kè miàn lù gōng jìng zhī sè de pǎo le guò lái ：“ qián bèi ， kě shì yào zhù diàn ？”
见林轩走进客栈，那伙计的目光在他身上一扫，立刻面露恭敬之色的跑了过来：“前辈，可是要住店？”
"Of course! We have excellent rooms designated for the top tier. Follow me," the clerk bowed and spoke with enthusiasm.
“ ń ， hái yǒu méi yǒu fáng jiān ？”
“嗯，还有没有房间？”
The other cultivators' faces showed clear signs of envy; they had been told there were no rooms when they asked earlier. Although they felt upset, none dared to show it as this newcomer was a high-ranking condensation core cultivator, despite his youth.
“ yǒu ， shàng hǎo de tiān zì hào kè fáng ， nín suí wǒ lái 。” huǒ jì diǎn tóu hā yāo ， yīn qíng de huí dá dào 。
“有，上好的天字号客房，您随我来。”伙计点头哈腰，殷情的回答道。
After following the clerk to his room, Lin Xuan first set up a禁制 (protection) and then took out the medicinal herbs he had bought to start alchemy.
qí tā rén de liǎn shàng míng xiǎn lù lù xìng xìng zhī sè ， gāng cái tā men lái wèn de shí hòu ， xiǎo èr dōu shuō méi yǒu kè fáng ， suī rán xīn zhōng bù mǎn ， dàn què méi yǒu shuí gǎn biǎo lù chū lái ， zhè wèi xīn lái zhī rén suī rán nián qīng ， què shì níng dān qī de gāo rén 。
其他人的脸上明显露露悻悻之色，刚才他们来问的时候，小二都说没有客房，虽然心中不满，但却没有谁敢表露出来，这位新来之人虽然年轻，却是凝丹期的高人。
The Hidden Spirit Pill and Golden Wound Pills weren't difficult to refine. After half a day, Lin Xuan successfully refined one batch of each.
lín xuān gēn zhe xiǎo èr lái dào fáng jiān yǐ hòu ， xiān suí shǒu bù xià le yí gè jìn zhì ， rán hòu jiù jiāng mǎi lái de yào cái cóng chǔ wù dài zhōng qǔ chū lái 。 kāi shǐ liàn dān 。
林轩跟着小二来到房间以后，先随手布下了一个禁制，然后就将买来的药材从储物袋中取出来。开始炼丹。
With so many, it should be enough for now. He carefully stored the remaining herbs and pills before hesitating between resting or going out to gather more information when he heard a knock on the door.
yǐn líng dān hé jīn chuāng wán dōu bù suàn shén me nán liàn de dān yào ， jǐn jǐn huā fèi le bàn tiān zuǒ yòu de shí jiān ， lín xuān jiù gè dé dào le yī lú 。
隐灵丹和金疮丸都不算什么难炼的丹药，仅仅花费了半天左右的时间，林轩就各得到了一炉。
"Is Fire Spirit Sect's Elder Li here?"
zhè me duō yīng gāi yǐ jīng gòu yòng ， jiāng shèng yú dì yào cái yǔ líng dān shōu hǎo yǐ hòu ， lín xuān zhèng yóu yù zhe shì dǎ zuò xiū xī yī huì er hái shì chū qù dǎ tàn yī xià xíng shì ， tū rán ， qiāo mén shēng chuán rù le ěr duǒ lǐ 。
这么多应该已经够用，将剩余地药材与灵丹收好以后，林轩正犹豫着是打坐休息一会儿还是出去打探一下形势，突然，敲门声传入了耳朵里。
Lin Xuan raised his eyebrows slightly. During registration at the inn, he hadn't used his real name. After some hesitation, he said, "Come in!"
“ qǐng wèn huǒ líng mén de lǐ qián bèi kě shì zài zhè lǐ ？”
“请问火灵门的李前辈可是在这里？”
"Yes,"
lín xuān méi tóu wēi tiāo ， zài kè zhàn dēng jì de shí hòu ， tā yī rán méi yǒu yòng zì jǐ zhēn shí de xìng míng 。 lüè yī yóu yù ：“ jìn lái ba ！”
林轩眉头微挑，在客栈登记的时候，他依然没有用自己真实的姓名。略一犹豫：“进来吧！”
The person responded respectfully before slowly opening the door. Lin Xuan glanced and saw a man around forty with two small beards on his lips; he looked shrewd and capable.
“ shì ！”
“是！”
After entering, the man greeted Lin Xuan, "You must be Fire Spirit Sect's Elder Li. I am Manager Chu of the Chu Family. You can call me Chu Er. The headmaster has sent me to ask you to attend a meeting."
nà rén xiān gōng jìng de yīng le yī shēng ， rán hòu cái màn màn de tuī kāi mén ， lín xuān piǎo le yī yǎn 。 dà yuē sì shí chū tóu ， chún shàng liú zhe liǎng piē xiǎo hú ， xiǎn de jīng míng qiáng gàn de yàng zi 。
那人先恭敬的应了一声，然后才慢慢的推开门，林轩瞟了一眼。大约四十出头，唇上留着两撇小胡，显得精明强干的样子。
"The Chu Family?"
tā jìn lái hòu ， jiù xiān xiàng lín xuān shī le yī lǐ ：“ zhè wèi yí dìng jiù shì huǒ líng mén de lǐ qián bèi ba ， zài xià nǎi shì chǔ jiā de guǎn shì ， nín jiào wǒ chǔ èr jiù kě yǐ le ， fèng jiā zhǔ zhī mìng ， qǐng nín qián qù yì shì 。”
他进来后，就先像林轩施了一礼：“这位一定就是火灵门的李前辈吧，在下乃是楚家的管事，您叫我楚二就可以了，奉家主之命，请您前去议事。”
Lin Xuan's heart stirred. There were nearly a thousand cultivator families in Youzhou, but only one named Chu, and it was famous, with its influence even surpassing some of the major sects, known as the top family in Youzhou. If he remembered correctly, they had settled in this Ghost Luo City. Could it be that they were looking for him? Surprised internally, Lin Xuan remained calm on the surface. "The headmaster is seeking me. I haven't met your Chu Family before."
“ chǔ jiā ？”
“楚家？”
"Senior says so. To be honest, this market district was opened by our Chu Family. Now that the厉鬼 (ghosts) have suddenly attacked in large numbers, the headmaster has invited all condensation core cultivators to a meeting," Chu Er explained respectfully, his face showing concern.
lín xuān xīn zhōng yī dòng 。 yōu zhōu dì xiū xiān jiā zú ， zú yǒu jìn qiān zhī duō 。 rán ér xìng chǔ de què jǐn yǒu yī hù ， ér qiě dà míng dǐng dǐng ， shēng shì shèn zhì zài bù shǎo míng mén dà pài zhī shàng ， bèi chēng wéi yōu zhōu dì yī de xiū xiān jiā zú 。 rú guǒ méi yǒu jì cuò ， tā men sì hū jiù zài zhè guǐ luó chéng luò hù ， nán dào shì zhè jiā zhǎo wǒ ， xīn zhōng jīng yà ， rán ér biǎo miàn shàng ， lín xuān què sī háo bù lù shēng sè ， dàn dàn dì dào ：“ guì jiā zhǔ zhǎo wǒ 。 lǐ mǒu ruò shì méi yǒu jì cuò 。 wǒ yǔ nǐ men chǔ jiā kě shì sù bù xiāng shí 。”
林轩心中一动。幽州地修仙家族，足有近千之多。然而姓楚的却仅有一户，而且大名鼎鼎，声势甚至在不少名门大派之上，被称为幽州第一的修仙家族。如果没有记错，他们似乎就在这鬼罗城落户，难道是这家找我，心中惊讶，然而表面上，林轩却丝毫不露声色，淡淡地道：“贵家主找我。李某若是没有记错。我与你们楚家可是素不相识。”
"Then I see. Lead the way."
“ qián bèi shuō de shì ， bù mán nín shuō 。 cǐ dì de fāng shì ， jiù shì wǒ chǔ jiā suǒ kāi 。 rú jīn lì guǐ tū rán dà jǔ xí lái ， gù ér jiā zhǔ qǐng gè wèi níng dān qī de qián bèi qián qù yì shì 。” nà chǔ èr gōng jìng de jiě shì ， liǎn shàng yě liú lù chū yī sī yōu lǜ 。
“前辈说的是，不瞒您说。此地的坊市，就是我楚家所开。如今厉鬼突然大举袭来，故而家主请各位凝丹期的前辈前去议事。”那楚二恭敬的解释，脸上也流露出一丝忧虑。
Lin Xuan agreed without hesitation. The information he had gathered from the market was hearsay; getting accurate details from the Chu Family would help him understand the current situation and decide on his next move.
“ yuán lái rú cǐ ， hǎo ba ， nǐ zài qián miàn dài lù jiù shì 。”
“原来如此，好吧，你在前面带路就是。”
Exiting the market district and heading east, they flew for about twenty to thirty li (about 60-90 meters) before landing.
lín xuān tīng le ， méi yǒu chí yí ， lì kè biǎo shì tóng yì ， xiān qián zài fāng shì zhōng liǎo jiě dào de xìn xī dōu shì dào tīng tú shuō ， cóng chǔ jiā xiǎng bì néng gòu dé dào zhǔn què zhēn shí de xiāo xī ， nòng qīng chǔ mù qián de xíng shì ， yě hǎo jué dìng jiē xià lái zì jǐ dì xíng zhǐ 。
林轩听了，没有迟疑，立刻表示同意，先前在坊市中了解到的信息都是道听途说，从楚家想必能够得到准确真实的消息，弄清楚目前的形势，也好决定接下来自己地行止。
This was a desolate plain with no signs of life, appearing barren and dilapidated. Chu Er reached into his robe and took out a small white flag.
chū le fāng shì ， yī lù xiàng dōng ， fēi le bù guò èr sān shí lǐ ， liǎng rén jiù dùn guāng là xià 。
出了坊市，一路向东，飞了不过二三十里，两人就遁光落下。
He infused it with mana as he muttered some words, and the little flag fluttered open to about a zhang (3-4 meters) in size.
zhè ér shì yī chù píng yuán ， liáo wú rén yān ， xiǎn de huāng liáng ér pò bài ， chǔ èr shēn shǒu rù huái ， qǔ chū yí miàn bái sè de xiǎo qí lái 。
这儿是一处平原，聊无人烟，显得荒凉而破败，楚二伸手入怀，取出一面白色的小旗来。
"Open!"
jiāng fǎ lì zhù rù lǐ miàn ， chǔ èr kǒu zhōng niàn niàn yǒu cí ， hū lā yī shēng ， nà miàn xiǎo qí yíng fēng zhǎn kāi ， biàn dé yǒu zhàng xǔ nà me dà 。
将法力注入里面，楚二口中念念有辞，呼啦一声，那面小旗迎风展开，变得有丈许那么大。
With Chu Er's command, a dazzling silver light burst from the flag, distorting the surroundings. Numerous pavilions appeared before them, and the local qi became abundant.
“ kāi ！”
“开！”
Lin Xuan's eyes flashed with admiration. "The illusionary禁制 of the Chu Family is truly impressive."
suí zhe chǔ èr dì yī shēng qīng chì ， cóng nà xiǎo qí zhī shàng ， bào shè chū yī tuán xuàn mù dì yín sè guāng cǎi ， ér yuán běn de jǐng wù ， gèng shì guǐ yì de niǔ qū le qǐ lái 。
随着楚二地一声轻叱，从那小旗之上，爆射出一团炫目的银色光彩，而原本的景物，更是诡异的扭曲了起来。
"Please follow," Chu Er said as he led the way.
wú shù de tíng tái lóu gé chū xiàn zài le qián miàn ， cǐ dì de líng qì yě yī xià zi biàn dé chōng pèi qǐ lái ， lín xuān de yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī lǚ yì cǎi ：“ chǔ jiā de zhè huàn shù jìn zhì hái zhēn shì bù fán 。”
无数的亭台楼阁出现在了前面，此地的灵气也一下子变得充沛起来，林轩的眼中闪过一缕异彩：“楚家的这幻术禁制还真是不凡。”
Following him, they quickly arrived at the largest hall in this area.
“ ràng qián bèi jiàn xiào le ， qǐng 。” chǔ èr yī biān shuō ， yī biān zài qián miàn dài lù 。
“让前辈见笑了，请。”楚二一边说，一边在前面带路。
This hall was over ten zhang high and grand, clearly a place where the Chu Family held meetings regularly.
gēn zhe duì fāng ， hěn kuài jiù lái dào zhè piàn fáng shè zhōng zhàn dì zuì guǎng de yī zuò dà diàn 。
跟着对方，很快就来到这片房舍中占地最广的一座大殿。
Lin Xuan released his spiritual sense and casually probed. He found that several禁制 were set up around the hall, not to mention the presence of several condensation core cultivators patrolling the perimeter, making it well-guarded.
cǐ dà diàn gāo shí yú zhàng ， qì shì huī hóng ， yī kàn jiù shì píng shí chǔ jiā yì shì zhī dì 。
此大殿高十余丈，气势恢宏，一看就是平时楚家议事之地。
These cultivators showed suspicion towards anyone approaching the hall but allowed Lin Xuan in with Chu Er's guidance.
lín xuān jiāng shén shí fàng chū ， suí biàn shì tàn le yī xià ， jiù fā xiàn zhè dà diàn zhōu wéi ， bù xià le shù zhǒng jìn zhì ， bù jǐn yú cǐ ， ér qiě zhè dà diàn de sì zhōu ， hái yǒu shù wèi zhù jī qī dì xiū shì zài xún luó ， tán dé shàng shì jiè bèi sēn yán le 。
林轩将神识放出，随便试探了一下，就发现这大殿周围，布下了数种禁制，不仅于此，而且这大殿的四周，还有数位筑基期地修士在巡逻，谈得上是戒备森严了。
Chu Er remained at the entrance; as a condensation core cultivator, he didn't have the privilege to participate in such meetings.
duì yú rèn hé jiē jìn dà diàn dì rén ， zhè xiē xiū shì dōu miàn lù jǐng tì zhī sè ， bù guò yǒu chǔ èr dài lù ， lín xuān zì rán shì shùn lì jìn rù le qí zhōng 。
对于任何接近大殿地人，这些修士都面露警惕之色，不过有楚二带路，林轩自然是顺利进入了其中。
Lin Xuan slowly entered and found only a few dozen people present. It wasn't unusual; there weren't many condensation core cultivators anyway, and so many high-ranking ones lingering in the market district far exceeded his expectations.
dāng rán chǔ èr zì jǐ dǎo shì liú zài le mén kǒu ， jiā zhǔ nǎi shì qǐng níng dān qī xiū shì yì shì ， tā hái méi yǒu cān yù de zī gé 。
当然楚二自己倒是留在了门口，家主乃是请凝丹期修士议事，他还没有参与的资格。
The atmosphere in the hall was somber. These cultivators either frowned or wore grim expressions, all looking displeased.
lín xuān màn màn dì zǒu le jìn qù ， rán ér què jǐn yǒu liáo liáo shí jǐ rén chū xiàn zài yǎn lián lǐ ， bù yòng qí guài ， níng dān qī xiū shì de shù liàng běn lái jiù bù duō ， rú jīn dòu liú zài fāng shì zhī zhōng dì jū rán hái yǒu nà me duō gāo jiē xiū shì ， yǐ jīng yuǎn yuǎn chāo chū le zì jǐ de yù qī 。
林轩慢慢地走了进去，然而却仅有寥寥十几人出现在眼帘里，不用奇怪，凝丹期修士的数量本来就不多，如今逗留在坊市之中地居然还有那么多高阶修士，已经远远超出了自己的预期。
Soon, Lin Xuan's gaze fell on the main seat where a middle-aged man of around forty sat. He had an imposing appearance and radiated authority; he must have been high up for so long.
dà diàn zhōng de qì fēn yǒu xiē chén mèn ， zhè xiē xiū shì huò chóu méi bù zhǎn ， huò mǎn liǎn yīn mái ， yí gè èr gè dōu liǎn sè bù shàn 。
大殿中的气氛有些沉闷，这些修士或愁眉不展，或满脸阴霾，一个二个都脸色不善。
Seeing Lin Xuan enter, his face lit up with joy. Each high-ranking cultivator added to their side would significantly strengthen their position in dealing with the current crisis.
bù guò hěn kuài ， lín xuān de mù guāng jiù luò zài le qián miàn de zhǔ wèi ， nà lǐ zuò zhe yí gè sì shí lái suì de xiū shì ， xiàng mào táng táng ， bù nù zì wēi ， yī kàn jiù shì cháng nián shēn jū gāo wèi 。
不过很快，林轩的目光就落在了前面的主位，那里坐着一个四十来岁的修士，相貌堂堂，不怒自威，一看就是常年身居高位。
"I am Chu Tianshu. This friend, what is your name? Welcome," the man greeted Lin Xuan with a bow and a friendly smile.
kàn jiàn lín xuān jìn lái ， tā de liǎn shàng lù chū yī sī xǐ sè ， měi zēng jiā yī wèi gāo jiē xiū shì ， zì jǐ zhè biān de lì liàng jiù huì dà zēng bù shǎo ， yìng fù yǎn qián de wēi jú ， yě huì píng tiān yī fèn zhù lì 。
看见林轩进来，他的脸上露出一丝喜色，每增加一位高阶修士，自己这边的力量就会大增不少，应付眼前的危局，也会平添一份助力。
"Fire Spirit Sect's Li Yaotian, meeting you, Master Chu," Lin Xuan returned the bow without hesitation.
“ zài xià chǔ tiān shū ， zhè wèi dào yǒu zūn xìng dà míng ， huān yíng qián lái yì shì 。” nà shǒu wèi shàng de xiū shì ， chōng lín xuān bào le bào quán ， liǎn sè shí fēn hé shàn 。
“在下楚天舒，这位道友尊姓大名，欢迎前来议事。”那首位上的修士，冲林轩抱了抱拳，脸色十分和善。
"It's Li Daoist. Please take a seat."
“ huǒ líng mén lǐ yào tiān ， jiàn guò chǔ jiā zhǔ 。” lín xuān bù gǎn dài màn ， hái le yī lǐ 。
“火灵门李耀天，见过楚家主。”林轩不敢怠慢，还了一礼。
"Thank you." Lin Xuan casually picked an empty chair and sat down, appearing very relaxed.
“ yuán lái shì lǐ dào yǒu ， qǐng rù zuò 。”
“原来是李道友，请入座。”
Although Lin Xuan maintained a composed demeanor, he was secretly on guard. The Chu Family's headmaster's cultivation level was even higher than he had imagined; this middle-aged man might be a centuries-old monster in the false infant stage. The Chu Family truly lived up to being the top family in Youzhou.
“ xiè le 。” lín xuān suí biàn tiāo le yī zhāng kōng zhe de yǐ zi ， zuò le xià lái ， shí fēn de sǎ tuō 。
“谢了。”林轩随便挑了一张空着的椅子，坐了下来，十分的洒脱。
Among the remaining people, only an elderly man with a haggard face and a slightly plump middle-aged woman were not condensation core cultivators; the rest were at the early stages of condensation core cultivation.
suī rán lín xuān biǎo xiàn dé bù kàng bù bēi ， dàn xīn zhōng què zài àn zì jiè bèi ， zhè wèi chǔ jiā de jiā zhǔ ， xiū wèi zhī gāo jū rán hái zài zì jǐ de xiǎng xiàng zhī wài ， bié kàn tā yī fù zhōng nián rén de yàng zi ， tiān zhī dào shì huó le jǐ bǎi nián de lǎo guài wù ， jū rán yǐ jīng dào jiǎ yīng de jìng jiè le ， chǔ jiā guǒ rán bù kuì shì yōu zhōu dì yī de xiū xiān jiā zú 。
虽然林轩表现得不亢不卑，但心中却在暗自戒备，这位楚家的家主，修为之高居然还在自己的想象之外，别看他一副中年人的样子，天知道是活了几百年的老怪物，居然已经到假婴的境界了，楚家果然不愧是幽州第一的修仙家族。
PS: I'm sick, my head has been hurting. Sorry for this chapter; I'll make sure to update three times tomorrow.
Lin Xuan's expression remained unchanged as he coldly spoke, "You've misunderstood. I bought these medicinal herbs for another purpose."
"Ah, then it was my junior speaking out of turn. Please have a good journey," the shopkeeper quickly lowered his head and bowed to see him off.
Lin Xuan left the apothecary without much thought about how he would leave this place. He had no time or interest in others' fates; he wasn't one to be a savior.
After a brief direction check, Lin Xuan headed towards an inn.
Due to too many cultivators flooding into the market district, everywhere was crowded. Lin Xuan didn't have much confidence that there would still be rooms available at the inn but decided to ask anyway.
Entering the grand hall of the inn, which was over ten zhang (about 30 feet) long and wide, he found it spacious despite its simple furnishings. A clerk in a gray robe greeted him with a bow while several cultivators were speaking with him, all making awkward gestures as if they were in a dilemma.
Seeing Lin Xuan enter, the clerk's gaze swept over him before his expression turned respectful as he hurried forward. "Senior, are you here to stay?"
"Yes, do we still have any rooms available?"
"Of course! We have excellent rooms designated for the top tier. Follow me," the clerk bowed and spoke with enthusiasm.
The other cultivators' faces showed clear signs of envy; they had been told there were no rooms when they asked earlier. Although they felt upset, none dared to show it as this newcomer was a high-ranking condensation core cultivator, despite his youth.
After following the clerk to his room, Lin Xuan first set up a禁制 (protection) and then took out the medicinal herbs he had bought to start alchemy.
The Hidden Spirit Pill and Golden Wound Pills weren't difficult to refine. After half a day, Lin Xuan successfully refined one batch of each.
With so many, it should be enough for now. He carefully stored the remaining herbs and pills before hesitating between resting or going out to gather more information when he heard a knock on the door.
"Is Fire Spirit Sect's Elder Li here?"
Lin Xuan raised his eyebrows slightly. During registration at the inn, he hadn't used his real name. After some hesitation, he said, "Come in!"
"Yes,"
The person responded respectfully before slowly opening the door. Lin Xuan glanced and saw a man around forty with two small beards on his lips; he looked shrewd and capable.
After entering, the man greeted Lin Xuan, "You must be Fire Spirit Sect's Elder Li. I am Manager Chu of the Chu Family. You can call me Chu Er. The headmaster has sent me to ask you to attend a meeting."
"The Chu Family?"
Lin Xuan's heart stirred. There were nearly a thousand cultivator families in Youzhou, but only one named Chu, and it was famous, with its influence even surpassing some of the major sects, known as the top family in Youzhou. If he remembered correctly, they had settled in this Ghost Luo City. Could it be that they were looking for him? Surprised internally, Lin Xuan remained calm on the surface. "The headmaster is seeking me. I haven't met your Chu Family before."
"Senior says so. To be honest, this market district was opened by our Chu Family. Now that the厉鬼 (ghosts) have suddenly attacked in large numbers, the headmaster has invited all condensation core cultivators to a meeting," Chu Er explained respectfully, his face showing concern.
"Then I see. Lead the way."
Lin Xuan agreed without hesitation. The information he had gathered from the market was hearsay; getting accurate details from the Chu Family would help him understand the current situation and decide on his next move.
Exiting the market district and heading east, they flew for about twenty to thirty li (about 60-90 meters) before landing.
This was a desolate plain with no signs of life, appearing barren and dilapidated. Chu Er reached into his robe and took out a small white flag.
He infused it with mana as he muttered some words, and the little flag fluttered open to about a zhang (3-4 meters) in size.
"Open!"
With Chu Er's command, a dazzling silver light burst from the flag, distorting the surroundings. Numerous pavilions appeared before them, and the local qi became abundant.
Lin Xuan's eyes flashed with admiration. "The illusionary禁制 of the Chu Family is truly impressive."
"Please follow," Chu Er said as he led the way.
Following him, they quickly arrived at the largest hall in this area.
This hall was over ten zhang high and grand, clearly a place where the Chu Family held meetings regularly.
Lin Xuan released his spiritual sense and casually probed. He found that several禁制 were set up around the hall, not to mention the presence of several condensation core cultivators patrolling the perimeter, making it well-guarded.
These cultivators showed suspicion towards anyone approaching the hall but allowed Lin Xuan in with Chu Er's guidance.
Chu Er remained at the entrance; as a condensation core cultivator, he didn't have the privilege to participate in such meetings.
Lin Xuan slowly entered and found only a few dozen people present. It wasn't unusual; there weren't many condensation core cultivators anyway, and so many high-ranking ones lingering in the market district far exceeded his expectations.
The atmosphere in the hall was somber. These cultivators either frowned or wore grim expressions, all looking displeased.
Soon, Lin Xuan's gaze fell on the main seat where a middle-aged man of around forty sat. He had an imposing appearance and radiated authority; he must have been high up for so long.
Seeing Lin Xuan enter, his face lit up with joy. Each high-ranking cultivator added to their side would significantly strengthen their position in dealing with the current crisis.
"I am Chu Tianshu. This friend, what is your name? Welcome," the man greeted Lin Xuan with a bow and a friendly smile.
"Fire Spirit Sect's Li Yaotian, meeting you, Master Chu," Lin Xuan returned the bow without hesitation.
"It's Li Daoist. Please take a seat."
"Thank you." Lin Xuan casually picked an empty chair and sat down, appearing very relaxed.
Although Lin Xuan maintained a composed demeanor, he was secretly on guard. The Chu Family's headmaster's cultivation level was even higher than he had imagined; this middle-aged man might be a centuries-old monster in the false infant stage. The Chu Family truly lived up to being the top family in Youzhou.
Among the remaining people, only an elderly man with a haggard face and a slightly plump middle-aged woman were not condensation core cultivators; the rest were at the early stages of condensation core cultivation.
PS: I'm sick, my head has been hurting. Sorry for this chapter; I'll make sure to update three times tomorrow.