“ zěn me ， dào yǒu mò fēi rèn de qiè shēn ？”
“怎么，道友莫非认得妾身？”
"How could it be, Fellow Daoist, do you know me?"
bǎi cǎo xiān zi de liǎn shàng ， liú lù chū yī sī chà yì zhī sè 。
百草仙子的脸上，流露出一丝诧异之色。
Lady Herb-Grass's face showed a hint of surprise.
“ méi yǒu ， lín mǒu zhǐ shì jī yuán qiǎo hé ， céng jīng tīng guò xiān zi de dà míng bà le 。”
“没有，林某只是机缘巧合，曾经听过仙子的大名罢了。”
"Of course not. I merely coincidentally heard about your name before."
lín xuān wēi wēi yī xiào de kāi kǒu le ， liǎn shàng fēn háo yì sè yě wú 。
林轩微微一笑的开口了，脸上分毫异色也无。
Lin Xuan smiled slightly and spoke with no trace of surprise on his face.
“ yuán lái rú cǐ ， qiè shēn róng xìng zhī zhì 。”
“原来如此，妾身荣幸之至。”
"Indeed, Lady, it is an honor to meet you."
bǎi cǎo xiān zi bìng bù huái yí ， cǐ nǚ què bù qīng chǔ ， lín xuān zhè huà ， qí shí shì gù yì sā le huǎng de ， huò zhě shuō ， yǐn mán le yī bù fèn shì shí 。
百草仙子并不怀疑，此女却不清楚，林轩这话，其实是故意撒了谎的，或者说，隐瞒了一部分事实。
Lady Herb-Grass did not doubt him, but the other woman was unaware that Lin Xuan had actually lied. In fact, he was concealing part of the truth.
méi cuò ， bǎi cǎo xiān zi lín xuān cóng wèi jiàn guò 。
没错，百草仙子林轩从未见过。
It was true that Lady Herb-Grass had never met Lin Xuan in person. However, her name was far from just a coincidence. If one delved into their history, they were indeed connected by a significant bond.
dàn qí dà míng ， yě jué fēi jǐn jǐn shì jī yuán qiǎo hé tīng shuō 。
但其大名，也绝非仅仅是机缘巧合听说。
Both Shangguan Ling and Shangguan Yan came from the Herb-Grass Sect, while this Lady Herb-Grass was, as the name suggested, the founding ancestor of the sect.
ruò shì xún gēn jiū dǐ ， liǎng rén qí shí shì pǒ yǒu yuān yuán dì 。
若是寻根究底，两人其实是颇有渊源地。
The former Herb-Grass Sect had once been at its peak but had since declined. The passage of time had made it a distant memory for Lin Xuan, who did not bring up these past events to Lady Herb-Grass. It would only cause unnecessary complications.
shàng guān líng yǔ shàng guān yàn ， dōu shì chū shēng yú bǎi cǎo mén ， ér zhè wèi bǎi cǎo xiān zi ， gù míng sī yì ， jiù shì bǎi cǎo mén de chuàng pài zǔ shī 。
上官翎与上官雁，都是出生于百草门，而这位百草仙子，顾名思义，就是百草门的创派祖师。
As they say, better to avoid trouble than seek it out. Lin Xuan's approach was pragmatic.
xī rì de bǎi cǎo mén ， yě céng jīng shèng jí yī shí ， zhǐ bù guò hòu lái shuāi luò le ér yǐ 。
昔日的百草门，也曾经盛极一时，只不过后来衰落了而已。
To be honest, Lady Herb-Grass also harbored some doubts but, despite her intelligence and wit, she could not guess the complex history between them.
shì yì shí yí ， rú jīn de bǎi cǎo mén ， yǐ chéng le nǎo hǎi zhōng de jì yì ， lín xuān quán héng lì bì ， méi yǒu jiāng zhè duàn wǎng shì xiàng bǎi cǎo xiān zi tí qǐ 。
事易时移，如今的百草门，已成了脑海中的记忆，林轩权衡利弊，没有将这段往事像百草仙子提起。
Regardless, Lin Xuan had no ill intentions towards her. As a mid-stage Tribulation Transcender, Lady Herb-Grass trusted in her own discernment. Although she was puzzled, it did not trouble her much.
nà bìng wú tài dà de yì yì ， zhǐ huì héng shēng bō zhé ér yǐ 。
那并无太大的意义，只会横生波折而已。
In such a short time, they naturally exchanged no cultivation insights but instead shared some strange tales from the world of cultivation, which left them chatting merrily.
sú huà shuō ， duō yī shì bù rú shǎo yī shì ， lín xuān de tài dù ， shí fēn de wù shí 。
俗话说，多一事不如少一事，林轩的态度，十分的务实。
...
píng xīn lái shuō ， bǎi cǎo xiān zi de xīn zhōng yě yǒu yì diǎn yí huò ， dàn rèn tā cōng míng jī zhì ， yě cāi bú dào shuāng fāng hái yǒu zhè yàng de ēn yuàn jiū gé 。
平心来说，百草仙子的心中也有一点疑惑，但任她聪明机智，也猜不到双方还有这样的恩怨纠葛。
Time passed quickly, and the speed of the spirit boat was swift indeed. In an instant, thousands of miles had been traversed. Half an hour later, a vast sea of clouds appeared before their eyes.
bù guǎn rú hé ， lín xuān duì zì jǐ shì méi yǒu è yì de 。
不管如何，林轩对自己是没有恶意的。
Though they had been traveling through cloud layers earlier, this new expanse of clouds was markedly different. White clouds dotted the sky, each composed of extraordinarily pure primordial energy.
zuò wèi dù jié zhōng qī de xiū xiān zhě ， bǎi cǎo xiān zi duì yú zì jǐ de yǎn lì ， hái shì yǒu bǎ wò ， suǒ yǐ suī rán xīn zhōng yí huò ， dàn hái shì méi yǒu tài jiāng cǐ shì fàng zài xīn shàng shén me 。
做为渡劫中期的修仙者，百草仙子对于自己的眼力，还是有把握，所以虽然心中疑惑，但还是没有太将此事放在心上什么。
As they ventured further, the color of the clouds gradually deepened into a rainbow hue, filled with an aura of mystery.
zhè me duǎn de shí jiān ， sān rén dāng rán bù kě néng jiāo huàn shén me xiū liàn xīn dé ， gè zì shuō le yī xiē zài xiū xiān jiè de qí wén yì shì ， què yě shì yán tán shèn huān de 。
这么短的时间，三人当然不可能交换什么修炼心得，各自说了一些在修仙界的奇闻异事，却也是言谈甚欢的。
Lin Xuan's eyes were sharp; he instantly recognized that these clouds were arranged according to the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Although seemingly chaotic, they harmonized perfectly with the laws of nature.
……
……
If his assessment was correct, this was none other than the legendary Five Elements Immortal Demons Suppression Array.
shí guāng yì guò ， ér nà huà fǎng líng zhōu de fēi xíng sù dù ， gèng shì xùn jí 。
时光易过，而那画舫灵舟的飞行速度，更是迅疾。
The name might seem mundane, but it originated from ancient times and was one of the most renowned prohibitions in history. Its power was unparalleled; even mid-stage Tribulation Transcenders could be at risk if trapped within.
shùn xī biàn shì qiān lǐ 。
瞬息便是千里。
Rain Mist Commercial Alliance had truly made a grand gesture.
bàn gè shí chén de gōng fu ， gèng shì bù zhī dào kuà yuè le duō yuǎn de jù lí 。
半个时辰的功夫，更是不知道跨越了多远的距离。
Lin Xuan felt a chill run down his spine as he gazed upon the clouds. Although the array was not activated, the spirit boat could still pass freely. However, its presence served as a deterrent; even powerful mid-stage Tribulation Transcenders would hesitate to act rashly here.
zhí dào yī piàn máng máng de yún hǎi chū xiàn zài le shì xiàn lǐ 。
直到一片茫茫的云海出现在了视线里。
The expressions of Tianxu Sage and Lady Herb-Grass were similar. Their conversation had noticeably decreased.
suī rán zài zhè zhī qián 。 tā men yě yì zhí shì zài yún céng zhōng chuān xíng ， dàn yǎn qián xīn chū xiàn de zhè piàn yún hǎi ， què gāng cái què shì dà bù yí yàng dì 。
虽然在这之前。他们也一直是在云层中穿行，但眼前新出现的这片云海，却刚才却是大不一样地。
After nearly a cup of tea's time, the spirit boat finally emerged from the cloud sea.
bái yún duǒ duǒ ， kě měi yī duǒ bái yún ， dōu shì yóu jīng chún yì cháng de tiān dì yuán qì zǔ chéng de 。
白云朵朵，可每一朵白云，都是由精纯异常的天地元气组成的。
Before them, the scene opened up dramatically. A massive mountain peak hovered above the sky.
ér zài wǎng lǐ zǒu ， yún céng de yán sè zé zhú jiàn jiā shēn le xǔ duō 。
而再往里走，云层的颜色则逐渐加深了许多。
Since Lin Xuan embarked on his cultivation path, countless coincidences and adventures had occurred. He had visited all three worlds, but he had never seen a mountain of such magnitude before. Even the old Penglai Mountain paled in comparison.
wǔ cǎi liú lí ， chōng mǎn le shén mì de qì xī 。
五彩琉璃，充满了神秘的气息。
In essence, this mountain was at least over a million zhang high, giving it an ethereal appearance as if it had pierced through the heavens and extended to the ninth heaven.
jīn mù shuǐ huǒ tǔ ， lín xuān de yǎn guāng hé děng liǎo de ， zì rán yī yǎn jiù kàn chū zhè xiē yún cǎi shì gēn jù wǔ xíng de fāng wèi yǔ yán sè pái liè de 。
金木水火土，林轩的眼光何等了得，自然一眼就看出这些云彩是根据五行的方位与颜色排列的。
White clouds enveloped the entire peak, creating a majestic atmosphere. From afar, the view was lush with vibrant greenery and dense vegetation.
kàn shì zá luàn ， què yǔ tiān dì fǎ zé wán měi pèi hé 。
看似杂乱，却与天地法则完美配合。
The most astonishing part was that the mountain's surface was not covered by ordinary flora but mostly by immortal herbs and fruits, their fragrance captivating.
ruò shì méi yǒu liào cuò 。 jiù shì chuán shuō zhōng de wǔ xíng fú mó dà zhèn le 。
若是没有料错。就是传说中的五行伏魔大阵了。
Although these fruits were of modest quality for mid-stage Tribulation Transcenders, their sheer abundance was impressive.
wǔ xíng fú mó dà zhèn ， tīng míng zì sì hū yǒu diǎn sú ， rán ér què shì chuán chéng zì shàng gǔ ， ér qiě shì shàng gǔ zuì fù shèng míng de jìn zhì zhī yī 。
五行伏魔大阵，听名字似乎有点俗，然而却是传承自上古，而且是上古最富盛名的禁制之一。
On the mountain's slopes, there were also numerous pavilions and terraces built into the mountainside. The air was filled with primordial energy, adding a touch of ethereal beauty that left one refreshed.
wēi lì wú yǐ lún bǐ ， jiù suàn shì dù jié hòu qī de xiū xiān zhě ， yí dàn bèi kùn rù ， dōu yǒu kě néng yǔn luò 。
威力无以伦比，就算是渡劫后期的修仙者，一旦被困入，都有可能陨落。
Occasionally, streaks of lightning could be seen in the distance—spirit boats, flying chariots, and various transport tools lined up everywhere.
yǔ lán shāng méng ， hái zhēn shì hǎo dà de shǒu bǐ 。
雨岚商盟，还真是好大的手笔。
And those seated inside were all mid-to-late stage Tribulation Transcenders. In other words, they too had come to attend the Peach Blossom Banquet.
lín xuān wàng zhuó yǎn qián de yún hǎi ， yě gǎn jué xīn jīng ròu tiào yǐ jí 。 suī rán cǐ kè zhèn fǎ bìng wèi kāi qǐ ， huà fǎng kě yǐ chàng xíng wú zǔ ， dàn fǎ zhèn fàng zài cǐ chù ， jiù shì yī zhǒng zhèn shè 。
林轩望着眼前的云海，也感觉心惊肉跳以极。虽然此刻阵法并未开启，画舫可以畅行无阻，但法阵放在此处，就是一种震慑。
Strangely, there was no guard patrolling. However, Lin Xuan soon realized that this was expected. Anyone who could reach here must have seen the Five Elements Immortal Demons Suppression Array. Who would dare act rashly in such a place?
nǎ pà nǐ shì wēi zhèn yī fāng de dù jié qī xiū xiān zhě 。 yě bù gǎn zào cì le 。
哪怕你是威震一方的渡劫期修仙者。也不敢造次了。
After half an hour with no hindrance, they finally approached the summit of the mountain.
tiān xū jū shì yǔ bǎi cǎo xiān zi de biǎo qíng yì xiāng chà fǎng fú ， sān rén jiān de huà ， míng xiǎn shǎo le xǔ duō 。
天虚居士与百草仙子的表情亦相差仿佛，三人间的话，明显少了许多。
Technically speaking, it was the top, but its vast area and numerousjade pavilions and jade palaces-like buildings made it seem like an earthly paradise. Primordial energy wafted around, making the scene appear otherworldly.
jiù zhè yàng ， zú zú yī zhǎn chá de gōng fu yǐ hòu 。 huà fǎng cái zhōng yú shǐ chū nà piàn yún hǎi le 。
就这样，足足一盏茶的功夫以后。画舫才终于驶出那片云海了。
Boom!
yǎn qián huò rán kāi lǎng 。
眼前豁然开朗。
Suddenly, a loud noise echoed in their ears.
yī zuò jù dà de shān fēng ， xuán fú zài cāng qióng zhī shàng 。
一座巨大的山峰，悬浮在苍穹之上。
Lin Xuan's face showed surprise.
lín xuān zì cóng tà shàng xiū xiān zhī lù ， gè zhǒng qí yù shǔ bù shèng shǔ 。 sān dà jiè miàn yě quán dōu qù guò ， jiàn shí zì shì bù sú ， rán ér zhè me dà de shān fēng ， què dàng zhēn bù céng jiàn dào guò 。
林轩自从踏上修仙之路，各种奇遇数不胜数。三大界面也全都去过，见识自是不俗，然而这么大的山峰，却当真不曾见到过。
Since the incident 1.5 million years ago, shouldn't fighting be strictly prohibited at the Peach Blossom Banquet?
biàn shì xī rì de péng lái shān yǔ tā xiāng bǐ ， yě yào shāo xùn yī xiē 。
便是昔日的蓬莱山与它相比，也要稍逊一些。
Who dared to defy Rain Mist Commercial Alliance's dignity by initiating such a challenge here?
zěn me shuō ne ？
怎么说呢？
Unlike Lin Xuan's astonishment, Tianxu Sage's expression revealed excitement: "How fascinating! Just as we arrived, someone is holding a life-and-death battle."
cǐ shān zhì shǎo gāo bǎi wàn zhàng yǒu yú ， jiā shàng shì xuán fú zài bàn kōng zhōng de ， gěi rén de gǎn jué ， jiù xiàng shì yǐ jīng jiāng cāng qióng cì pò ， yán zhǎn dào jiǔ tiān zhī shàng le 。
此山至少高百万丈有余，加上是悬浮在半空中的，给人的感觉，就像是已经将苍穹刺破，延展到九天之上了。
"What is a life-and-death battle?" Lin Xuan showed curiosity.
bái yún duǒ duǒ ， jiāng zhěng zuò shān fēng lǒng zhào zhù ， bù jǐn qì shì páng bó ， ér qiě fàng yǎn wàng qù ， mǎn shān cuì lǜ ， zhí bèi mào mì yǐ jí 。
白云朵朵，将整座山峰笼罩住，不仅气势磅礴，而且放眼望去，满山翠绿，植被茂密以极。
"Excuse me, Fellow Daoist. I forgot you're new to the Peach Blossom Banquet," Tianxu Sage's face first showed surprise before understanding: "Here’s how it works..."
gèng bù kě sī yì de shì ， fù gài shān tǐ de ， bú shì pǔ tōng de huā cǎo shù mù ， dà duō shì yī xiē xiān cǎo líng guǒ ， fāng xiāng sì yì ， lìng rén chuí xián yù dī 。
更不可思议的是，覆盖山体的，不是普通的花草树木，大多是一些仙草灵果，芳香四溢，令人垂涎欲滴。
As he narrated, Lin Xuan finally understood the entire situation.
suī rán duì yú dù jié jí bié de xiū xiān zhě ， zhè xiē líng guǒ de pǐn jí dà duō bù gāo ， shǎo yǒu kàn dé shàng yǎn de bǎo wù ， dàn shù liàng rú cǐ lí pǔ ， hái shì wèi wéi zhuàng guān dào le jí chù 。
虽然对于渡劫级别的修仙者，这些灵果的品级大多不高，少有看得上眼的宝物，但数量如此离谱，还是蔚为壮观到了极处。
After 1.5 million years of change, Rain Mist Commercial Alliance had indeed taken many measures to prevent such incidents from recurring at future Peach Blossom Banquets.
ér zài shān yāo zhī shàng ， chú le mào mì de zhí wù ， hái duō le yī xiē tíng tái lóu gé 。
而在山腰之上，除了茂密的植物，还多了一些亭台楼阁。
However, those attending were all top-tier powerhouses in the Three Realms—mid-stage Tribulation Transcenders at minimum. Each was proud and haughty.
yī shān ér jiàn ， lín cì zhì bǐ ， líng qì yīn yūn ， píng kōng duō le yī gǔ piāo piāo yù xiān de qì xī ， lìng rén xīn kuàng shén yí ！
依山而建，鳞次栉比，灵气氤氲，凭空多了一股飘飘欲仙的气息，令人心旷神怡！
Rain Mist Commercial Alliance was formidable, but forcing them to submit would be difficult, possibly even counterproductive.
bù shí yǒu jīng hóng chū xiàn zài shì xiàn lǐ 。
不时有惊虹出现在视线里。
Thus, weighing their options, Rain Mist Commercial Alliance had to make a concession.
líng zhōu ， fēi chē ， gè zhǒng gè yàng de yùn zài gōng jù bù yī ér zú 。
灵舟，飞车，各种各样的运载工具不一而足。
If guests truly had grudges and could not wait to settle matters here, they were required to follow the rules of Rain Mist Commercial Alliance.
"How could it be, Fellow Daoist, do you know me?"
Lady Herb-Grass's face showed a hint of surprise.
"Of course not. I merely coincidentally heard about your name before."
Lin Xuan smiled slightly and spoke with no trace of surprise on his face.
"Indeed, Lady, it is an honor to meet you."
Lady Herb-Grass did not doubt him, but the other woman was unaware that Lin Xuan had actually lied. In fact, he was concealing part of the truth.
It was true that Lady Herb-Grass had never met Lin Xuan in person. However, her name was far from just a coincidence. If one delved into their history, they were indeed connected by a significant bond.
Both Shangguan Ling and Shangguan Yan came from the Herb-Grass Sect, while this Lady Herb-Grass was, as the name suggested, the founding ancestor of the sect.
The former Herb-Grass Sect had once been at its peak but had since declined. The passage of time had made it a distant memory for Lin Xuan, who did not bring up these past events to Lady Herb-Grass. It would only cause unnecessary complications.
As they say, better to avoid trouble than seek it out. Lin Xuan's approach was pragmatic.
To be honest, Lady Herb-Grass also harbored some doubts but, despite her intelligence and wit, she could not guess the complex history between them.
Regardless, Lin Xuan had no ill intentions towards her. As a mid-stage Tribulation Transcender, Lady Herb-Grass trusted in her own discernment. Although she was puzzled, it did not trouble her much.
In such a short time, they naturally exchanged no cultivation insights but instead shared some strange tales from the world of cultivation, which left them chatting merrily.
...
Time passed quickly, and the speed of the spirit boat was swift indeed. In an instant, thousands of miles had been traversed. Half an hour later, a vast sea of clouds appeared before their eyes.
Though they had been traveling through cloud layers earlier, this new expanse of clouds was markedly different. White clouds dotted the sky, each composed of extraordinarily pure primordial energy.
As they ventured further, the color of the clouds gradually deepened into a rainbow hue, filled with an aura of mystery.
Lin Xuan's eyes were sharp; he instantly recognized that these clouds were arranged according to the five elements—metal, wood, water, fire, and earth. Although seemingly chaotic, they harmonized perfectly with the laws of nature.
If his assessment was correct, this was none other than the legendary Five Elements Immortal Demons Suppression Array.
The name might seem mundane, but it originated from ancient times and was one of the most renowned prohibitions in history. Its power was unparalleled; even mid-stage Tribulation Transcenders could be at risk if trapped within.
Rain Mist Commercial Alliance had truly made a grand gesture.
Lin Xuan felt a chill run down his spine as he gazed upon the clouds. Although the array was not activated, the spirit boat could still pass freely. However, its presence served as a deterrent; even powerful mid-stage Tribulation Transcenders would hesitate to act rashly here.
The expressions of Tianxu Sage and Lady Herb-Grass were similar. Their conversation had noticeably decreased.
After nearly a cup of tea's time, the spirit boat finally emerged from the cloud sea.
Before them, the scene opened up dramatically. A massive mountain peak hovered above the sky.
Since Lin Xuan embarked on his cultivation path, countless coincidences and adventures had occurred. He had visited all three worlds, but he had never seen a mountain of such magnitude before. Even the old Penglai Mountain paled in comparison.
In essence, this mountain was at least over a million zhang high, giving it an ethereal appearance as if it had pierced through the heavens and extended to the ninth heaven.
White clouds enveloped the entire peak, creating a majestic atmosphere. From afar, the view was lush with vibrant greenery and dense vegetation.
The most astonishing part was that the mountain's surface was not covered by ordinary flora but mostly by immortal herbs and fruits, their fragrance captivating.
Although these fruits were of modest quality for mid-stage Tribulation Transcenders, their sheer abundance was impressive.
On the mountain's slopes, there were also numerous pavilions and terraces built into the mountainside. The air was filled with primordial energy, adding a touch of ethereal beauty that left one refreshed.
Occasionally, streaks of lightning could be seen in the distance—spirit boats, flying chariots, and various transport tools lined up everywhere.
And those seated inside were all mid-to-late stage Tribulation Transcenders. In other words, they too had come to attend the Peach Blossom Banquet.
Strangely, there was no guard patrolling. However, Lin Xuan soon realized that this was expected. Anyone who could reach here must have seen the Five Elements Immortal Demons Suppression Array. Who would dare act rashly in such a place?
After half an hour with no hindrance, they finally approached the summit of the mountain.
Technically speaking, it was the top, but its vast area and numerousjade pavilions and jade palaces-like buildings made it seem like an earthly paradise. Primordial energy wafted around, making the scene appear otherworldly.
Boom!
Suddenly, a loud noise echoed in their ears.
Lin Xuan's face showed surprise.
Since the incident 1.5 million years ago, shouldn't fighting be strictly prohibited at the Peach Blossom Banquet?
Who dared to defy Rain Mist Commercial Alliance's dignity by initiating such a challenge here?
Unlike Lin Xuan's astonishment, Tianxu Sage's expression revealed excitement: "How fascinating! Just as we arrived, someone is holding a life-and-death battle."
"What is a life-and-death battle?" Lin Xuan showed curiosity.
"Excuse me, Fellow Daoist. I forgot you're new to the Peach Blossom Banquet," Tianxu Sage's face first showed surprise before understanding: "Here’s how it works..."
As he narrated, Lin Xuan finally understood the entire situation.
After 1.5 million years of change, Rain Mist Commercial Alliance had indeed taken many measures to prevent such incidents from recurring at future Peach Blossom Banquets.
However, those attending were all top-tier powerhouses in the Three Realms—mid-stage Tribulation Transcenders at minimum. Each was proud and haughty.
Rain Mist Commercial Alliance was formidable, but forcing them to submit would be difficult, possibly even counterproductive.
Thus, weighing their options, Rain Mist Commercial Alliance had to make a concession.
If guests truly had grudges and could not wait to settle matters here, they were required to follow the rules of Rain Mist Commercial Alliance.