suī shì chéng lǐ ，。 yòu shī shū méng
虽是城里，。幼狮书盟
Though it was a city, the Young Lion Book Alliance
dǒu qiào de shān fēng gāo sǒng rù yún ， wēi é zhuàng lì 。
陡峭的山峰高耸入云，巍峨壮丽。
The steep mountain peaks soared into the clouds, majestic and imposing.
shān fēng jiān céng luán dié zhàng ， yǐn yuē kě jiàn wú shù de tíng tái lóu gé ， yǐng yǐng chuò chuò ， wú bù jīng qiǎo huá měi dào wú yǐ fù jiā de dì bù 。
山峰间层峦叠嶂，隐约可见无数的亭台楼阁，影影绰绰，无不精巧华美到无以复加的地步。
Amongst these peaks, layer upon layer of terraces and pavilions could be vaguely seen, each one exquisitely crafted to an unparalleled degree.
zhè ér biàn shì nóng yuè chéng wèi yuǎn dào ér lái de guì kè ， suǒ jīng xīn zhǔn bèi de qī shēn zhī suǒ 。
这儿便是濃月城为远道而来的贵客，所精心准备的栖身之所。
This place was where浓月城 prepared for its esteemed guests from afar.
dāng rán ， bìng bú shì shén me rén ， dōu yǒu zī gé zài zhè lǐ rù zhù 。
当然，并不是什么人，都有资格在这里入住。
Of course, not everyone had the privilege to reside here.
bié shuō pǔ tōng xiū xiān zhě ， biàn shì sàn xiū zhōng fēn shén jí bié de rén wù ， yě tóng yàng méi yǒu zī gé 。
别说普通修仙者，便是散修中分神级别的人物，也同样没有资格。
Not only ordinary cultivators, but even those at the Shen Shi level among free-living practitioners were unworthy of staying here.
yíng xiān gé suǒ jiē dài de ， yào me shì yī fāng bà zhǔ ， yào me jiù shì míng mǎn tiān xià de dà rén wù 。
迎仙阁所接待的，要么是一方霸主，要么就是名满天下的大人物。
The Welcoming Immortals Pavilion received either dominant lords or world-renowned figures.
lái lái wǎng wǎng de xiū xiān zhě ， shèn zhì bù gǎn tài guò jiē jìn le ， yīn wèi yǒu pī jiān zhí ruì de jiǎ shì xún luó ， dàn dà jiā de yǎn shén ， què chōng mǎn le xiàn mù 。
来来往往的修仙者，甚至不敢太过接近了，因为有披坚执锐的甲士巡逻，但大家的眼神，却充满了羡慕。
Even the passing cultivators dared not come too close, as armed guards patrolled around. However, their eyes were filled with envy.
dà zhàng fū dāng rú shì ！
大丈夫当如是！
A true man should be like this!
jì rán tà shàng xiū xiān zhī lù ， shuí yòu bù xī wàng chéng wéi dǐng jí dà néng ne ？
既然踏上修仙之路，谁又不希望成为顶级大能呢？
Who wouldn’t want to become a top-tier powerhouse after embarking on the path of cultivation?
zhǐ kě xī xiān dào jiān sè ， zhè yàng de xìng yùn zhě ， bì jìng shì jí shǎo de 。
只可惜仙道艰涩，这样的幸运者，毕竟是极少的。
Unfortunately, the path to immortality is arduous, and such fortunate individuals are few and far between.
ér lín xuān xiǎn rán jiù shì yī wèi xìng yùn de jiā huo ， tā de shēn fèn shí lì dōu zú yǐ rù zhù yíng xiān gé 。
而林轩显然就是一位幸运的家伙，他的身份实力都足以入住迎仙阁。
Lin Xuan was clearly one of these lucky fellows; his identity and strength were sufficient for him to stay at the Welcoming Immortals Pavilion. After learning that he was the Supreme Elder of Cloud Concealment Sect, he was respectfully welcomed in by the maidservants.
zài dé zhī tā shì yún yǐn zōng tài shàng zhǎng lǎo hòu ， jiù bèi shì nǚ gōng gōng jìng jìng de yíng jìn qù le 。
在得知他是云隐宗太上长老后，就被侍女恭恭敬敬的迎进去了。
The nearby cultivators, witnessing this firsthand, let out a series of exclamations.
fù jìn de xiū shì ， qīn yǎn mù dǔ ， gèng shì fā chū yī lián chuàn de jīng hū 。
附近的修士，亲眼目睹，更是发出一连串的惊呼。
"Lin Xuan, did I see right? That man is indeed the world-renowned Lin Elder from Cloud Concealment Sect. He has a close relationship with Phoenix King Immortal and even swore brotherhood to him. Is that true?"
“ lín xuān ， wǒ méi kàn cuò ba ， nà wèi biàn shì yún yǐn zōng míng mǎn tiān xià de lín zhǎng lǎo ma ， tīng shuō tā yǔ nài lóng zhēn rén guān xì bù sú ， hái yì jié jīn lán guò ， zhēn de jiǎ de ？”
“林轩，我没看错吧，那位便是云隐宗名满天下的林长老吗，听说他与鼐龙真人关系不俗，还义结金兰过，真的假的？”
"The cultivation realm speaks of this as fact; it must be real. But didn't everyone say he had already perished, having fallen in battle? Could this fellow be someone pretending to be a powerful cultivator?"
“ xiū xiān jiè yán zhī záo záo ， yīng gāi shì què yǒu qí shì ， zhǐ shì zhè wèi lín qián bèi bù zǎo jiù xiāo shī le me ， hěn duō rén dōu shuō tā yǐ jīng yǔn luò ， zhè ge jiā huo ， huì bú huì shì zhāo yáo zhuàng piàn zhī tú ？”
“修仙界言之凿凿，应该是确有其事，只是这位林前辈不早就消失了么，很多人都说他已经陨落，这个家伙，会不会是招摇撞骗之徒？”
"Pretending, how could you think of such a thing? With the Immortal Alliance Conference about to begin and so many powerful figures gathering here, playing tricks like that would only get one killed. Besides, while identity can be faked, strength cannot; try posing as a Golden Transformation Realm cultivator, and I guarantee it won't take long before you're exposed."
“ zhāo yáo zhuàng piàn ， kuī nǐ xiǎng dé chū ， xiān méng dà huì mǎ shàng jiù yào kāi mù ， qiáng zhě yún jí ， lái zhè lǐ wán piàn rén de bǎ xì 。 qǐ bù shì yǔ zì jǐ de xiǎo mìng ér guò bù qù ， hé kuàng shēn fèn kě yǐ mào chōng ， shí lì què wú fǎ zuò jiǎ ， yǒu běn shì ， nǐ gěi wǒ zhuāng chéng dù jié qī de dà néng xiū xiān zhě ， bǎo zhèng bú dào yī zhǎn chá de gōng fu ， jiù huì bèi chuō chuān diào le 。” yī jī fěng de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， chōng mǎn le bù xiè zhī sè 。
“招摇撞骗，亏你想得出，仙盟大会马上就要开幕，强者云集，来这里玩骗人的把戏。岂不是与自己的小命儿过不去，何况身份可以冒充，实力却无法作假，有本事，你给我装成渡劫期的大能修仙者，保证不到一盏茶的功夫，就会被戳穿掉了。”一讥讽的声音传入耳朵，充满了不屑之色。
A mocking voice entered his ears, filled with disdain.
lín xuān de lái dào ， xiǎn rán yǐn qǐ le hōng dòng 。
林轩的来到，显然引起了轰动。
Lin Xuan's arrival caused quite a stir.
gāng cái zài nóng yuè chéng wài ， tā yǔ dōng yù xiān huáng suī rán yǒu guò jiāo fēng 。 rán ér shēn fèn què zhǐ yǒu xiān huáng fū fù qīng chǔ ， jiū jìng fā shēng le shén me ， páng guān de xiū shì yì bù xiǎo de 。
刚才在濃月城外，他与东裕仙皇虽然有过交锋。然而身份却只有仙皇夫妇清楚，究竟发生了什么，旁观的修士亦不晓得。
Although he had clashed with East Prosperity Immortal Emperor outside the city of浓月城 earlier, only the imperial couple knew his true identity. The other cultivators present were unaware of what transpired.
cǐ shí cǐ kè ， cái suàn shì jiāng shēn fèn gěi chè dǐ gōng kāi le 。
此时此刻，才算是将身份给彻底公开了。
Now, his identity was fully revealed.
yī shí jiān ， yǐn lái guān zhù de mù guāng wú shù 。
一时间，引来关注的目光无数。
Attention from countless eyes was drawn to him.
lín xuān tài yǒu míng le 。
林轩太有名了。
Lin Xuan was too famous; his rise could be considered a miracle.
tā de jué qǐ ， shuō qí jì yě bù wèi guò 。
他的崛起，说奇迹也不为过。
If not for his joining, how could Cloud Concealment Sect have gained its current renown and scale?
ruò bú shì yǔ tā de jiā rù ， yún yǐn zōng nǎ ér yǒu jīn rì de míng qì yǔ guī mó ？
若不是与他的加入，云隐宗哪儿有今日的名气与规模？
It was a case of "both the benefactor and the bane." Because Lin Xuan had been absent for centuries, Cloud Concealment Sect faced crises. Although it was still one of the four major sects of the Immortal Alliance, it was clearly marginalized by the other three.
chéng yě xiāo hé bài xiāo hé ， yě shì yīn wèi lín xuān shù bǎi nián bù céng lòu miàn guò ， suǒ yǐ yún yǐn zōng xiàn rù wēi jī le 。
成也萧何败萧何，也是因为林轩数百年不曾露面过，所以云隐宗陷入危机了。
In the end, power dictated status in the cultivation world.
suī yě bèi chēng wéi xiān dào méng sì dà zōng mén zhī yī 。 dàn què míng xiǎn bèi qí tā sān dà mén pài suǒ pái jǐ 。
虽也被称为仙道盟四大宗门之一。但却明显被其他三大门派所排挤。
Lin Xuan's reclusive nature was interpreted as his death; after all, this world never lacked for prodigies who died young. Their presence was like a comet streaking across the sky—brought joy and surprise but were soon forgotten.
guī gēn jié dǐ ， xiū xiān jiè hái shì yǐ shí lì lùn zūn bēi dì 。
归根结底，修仙界还是以实力论尊卑地。
It wasn't surprising that there were speculations about Lin Xuan not showing up for so long.
lín xuān de shēn jū qiǎn chū ， bèi lǐ jiě chéng yǐ jīng shēn sǐ yǔn luò ， bì jìng zhè ge shì jiè cóng lái bù fá tiān cái yāo zhé 。 tā men de shēn yǐng xiàng huì xīng yì bān huá guò ， suī rán céng dài lái wú xiàn de jīng xǐ ， dàn nà kuài lè yě shì duǎn zàn yǐ jí ， zuì hòu 。 zhǐ néng yòng lái zhuī yì 。
林轩的深居浅出，被理解成已经身死陨落，毕竟这个世界从来不乏天才夭折。他们的身影像彗星一般划过，虽然曾带来无限的惊喜，但那快乐也是短暂以极，最后。只能用来追忆。
While Cloud Concealment Sect contributed much to the formation of the Immortal Alliance, without Lin Xuan, they could no longer compete with the other three major sects. They would forever be relegated to secondary roles.
lín xuān zhè me jiǔ bù lòu miàn ， wài jiè yǒu cǐ chuǎi cè ， nà shì yì diǎn yě bù wèi guò 。
林轩这么久不露面，外界有此揣测，那是一点也不为过。
Everyone knew this, but who could explain what happened in the cultivation world? As Cloud Concealment Sect's decline was inevitable, it was surprising that long-forgotten Lin Xuan suddenly resurfaced and attracted all attention.
xiān dào méng chéng lì 。 yún yǐn zōng suī rán chū lì shèn duō ， dàn shī qù lín xuān de tā men ， yǐ jīng méi yǒu bàn fǎ yǔ qí yú sān dà zōng mén píng fēn qiū sè 。
仙道盟成立。云隐宗虽然出力甚多，但失去林轩的他们，已经没有办法与其余三大宗门平分秋色。
The news spread like wildfire; within no time, the entire city of浓月城 was abuzz with this information.
zhù dìng zhǐ néng lún wèi pèi jué le 。
注定只能沦为配角了。
...
zhè yì diǎn ， rén rén dōu xīn lǐ yǒu shù ， rán ér xiū xiān jiè de shì qíng ， yòu yǒu shuí ， kě yǐ shuō dé qīng chǔ ， yǎn jiàn yún yǐn zōng yǐ zhù dìng shuāi luò ， méi xiǎng dào zǎo yǐ kuài bèi rén yí wàng de lín xuān ， yòu mào chū lái le 。
这一点，人人都心里有数，然而修仙界的事情，又有谁，可以说得清楚，眼见云隐宗已注定衰落，没想到早已快被人遗忘的林轩，又冒出来了。
In a magnificent palace, the Black Bear King sat cross-legged. His massive figure was enveloped in thick, dark aura. Suddenly, he raised his head as a fiery light shot from outside the palace door and transformed into a bird perched on his shoulder.
yī shí jiān ， tā xī yǐn le suǒ yǒu rén de guān zhù ， ér zhè ge xiāo xī ， yě fǎng fú zhǎng le chì bǎng ， bù xiāo yī shí piàn kè ， jiù chuán biàn zhěng gè nóng yuè chéng le 。
一时间，他吸引了所有人的关注，而这个消息，也仿佛长了翅膀，不消一时片刻，就传遍整个濃月城了。
"Lin Boy, I didn't expect him to come here too. I thought this guy had already perished, but it seems he's still alive..."
……
……
He paused in self-talk, then his expression changed, turning sinister.
yī zuò huá lì de gōng diàn zhī zhōng ， hēi xióng wáng pán xī ér zuò ， kuí wú de shēn qū ， bèi wū hēi nóng mì de yāo qì bāo guǒ ， tū rán tā tái qǐ tóu lú ， yī dào huǒ guāng ， cóng gōng mén wài fēi shè ér rù ， huà wèi yī zhī xiǎo niǎo ， tíng zài tā de jiān tóu shàng le 。
一座华丽的宫殿之中，黑熊王盘膝而坐，魁梧的身躯，被乌黑浓密的妖气包裹，突然他抬起头颅，一道火光，从宫门外飞射而入，化为一只小鸟，停在他的肩头上了。
"Considering the timing, he might meet my beloved grandson. Could this little fellow be the one who killed my grandson?"
“ lín xiǎo zi ， méi xiǎng dào tā yě lái le zhè lǐ ， běn wáng hái yǐ wéi zhè jiā huo zǎo yǐ yǔn luò ， yuán lái yī jiù huó zhe ……”
“林小子，没想到他也来了这里，本王还以为这家伙早已陨落，原来依旧活着……”
"I hope not; otherwise, I'll make him pay for it. A genius? How could a cultivator who has only advanced to the Golden Transformation Realm for a few hundred years have genuine talent and learning? Such a big reputation—hmpf, just bragging. If he meets me, his true colors will be revealed."
chā yī jiàn shì ， bù jì zì shù ， dà jiā kě yǐ zài wēi xìn zhōng sōu suǒ “ bǎi liàn chéng xiān huàn yǔ ”， tiān jiā huàn yǔ de wēi xìn ， shàng miàn yǒu huàn yǔ yǔ bǎi liàn chéng xiān zuì xīn de dòng tài ， shēng huó zhào piàn ， gēng xīn tōng zhī ， shì pín yóu xì ， qǐng dà jiā sōu suǒ “ bǎi liàn chéng xiān huàn yǔ ”， xiè xiè 。
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...
zì yán zì yǔ de shuō dào cǐ chù ， tā tū rán biǎo qíng yī dòng ， shén sè dùn shí yě biàn dé zhēng níng qǐ lái le 。
自言自语的说到此处，他突然表情一动，神色顿时也变得狰狞起来了。
To the west of浓月城, ten thousand miles further.
“ suàn suàn shí jiān ， tā dà yǒu kě néng yǔ wǒ ài sūn xiāng yù ， nán dào zhè xiǎo jiā huo ， jiù shì shā hài wǒ ài sūn de xiōng shǒu ？”
“算算时间，他大有可能与我爱孙相遇，难道这小家伙，就是杀害我爱孙的凶手？”
In the sky, light flickered as hundreds of flying boats were scattered densely above.
“ zuì hǎo bù shì ， fǒu zé ， wǒ yí dìng yào tā chī bù liǎo dōu zhe zǒu ， tiān cái yòu rú hé ， yí gè jìn jiē dù jié cái jǐ bǎi nián de jiā huo ， yòu zěn me kě néng yǒu zhēn cái shí xué ne ， hǎo dà de míng qì ， hēng ， bù guò shì chuī xū chū lái de ér yǐ ， tóng běn wáng xiàng yù ， yí dìng huì ràng nǐ yuán xíng bì lù dì 。”
“最好不是，否则，我一定要他吃不了兜着走，天才又如何，一个进阶渡劫才几百年的家伙，又怎么可能有真才实学呢，好大的名气，哼，不过是吹嘘出来的而已，同本王相遇，一定会让你原形毕露地。”
Each boat had a unique design but was exquisitely crafted to an extreme degree.
……
……
The largest of these boats stretched several thousand feet in length. Its deck was divided into nine layers, and at its prow flew a large banner that read: "Ten Thousand Clear Palace."
nóng yuè chéng yǐ xī ， yuè shì shí wàn lǐ 。
濃月城以西，越是十万里。
Indeed, the hundreds of flying boats were occupied by disciples from Ten Thousand Clear Palace.
tiān kōng zhōng líng guāng shǎn shuò ， mì mì má má de bù mǎn le shù yǐ bǎi jì de fēi zhōu 。
天空中灵光闪烁，密密麻麻的布满了数以百计的飞舟。
Unlike Lin Xuan's simple entourage, this time, Ten Thousand Clear Palace sent their elite forces.
měi yī sōu fēi zhōu de shì yàng gè bù xiāng tóng ， dàn dōu jīng qiǎo huá měi dào jí chù 。
每一艘飞舟的式样各不相同，但都精巧华美到极处。
On one of the central ships, there were several Golden Transformation Realm existences. However, these four Supreme Elders had expressions of utmost respect at that moment.
qí zhōng zuì dà de yī sōu fēi zhōu ， zhǎng shù qiān zhàng yǒu yú 。
其中最大的一艘飞舟，长数千丈有余。
Seated in the main position was a pale-faced old man dressed in gray robes.
chuán cāng gòng fēn jiǔ céng ， ér zài chuán tóu zhī shàng ， piāo yáng zhe yí miàn dà qí ， shàng miàn shū xiě zhe jǐ gè dà zì ：“ wàn xiǎo xiān gōng 。”
船舱共分九层，而在船头之上，飘扬着一面大旗，上面书写着几个大字：“万晓仙宫。”
His appearance held no outstanding features, and his age could not be determined.
méi cuò ， zhè shù yǐ bǎi jì de fēi zhōu ， shàng miàn suǒ chéng zuò de ， dōu shì wàn xiǎo xiān gōng de dì zǐ 。
没错，这数以百计的飞舟，上面所乘坐的，都是万晓仙宫的弟子。
But he was indeed the founder of Ten Thousand Clear Palace—Ten Thousand Clear Immortal!
yǔ lín xuān qīng chē jiǎn cóng bù tóng ， wàn xiǎo xiān gōng zhè yī cì ， kě shì jīng ruì jǐn chù 。
与林轩轻车简从不同，万晓仙宫这一次，可是精锐尽处。
Holding a communication talisman in his hand, he said: "Cloud Crane, your intelligence is good. That Lin boy did indeed arrive at浓月城. Hmph, thinking that he can vie for the alliance title; what foolishness."
ér zài nà zhōng jiān de dà chuán shàng ， dù jié jí bié de cún zài ， jiù yǒu shù rén zhī duō ， rán ér cǐ shí cǐ kè ， zhè sì wèi tài shàng zhǎng lǎo de biǎo qíng ， què shì bì gōng bì jìng de 。
而在那中间的大船上，渡劫级别的存在，就有数人之多，然而此时此刻，这四位太上长老的表情，却是毕恭毕敬的。
...
zài zhōng jiān de zhǔ wèi shàng ， zuò zhe yī mǎn miàn bìng róng de huī páo lǎo zhě 。
在中间的主位上，坐着一满面病容的灰袍老者。
The sound of phoenix calls filled the air. This was a valley shrouded in immortal aura.
róng mào méi yǒu rèn hé qǐ yǎn zhī chù ， yì kàn bù chū nián suì jiū jìng rú hé 。
容貌没有任何起眼之处，亦看不出年岁究竟如何。
Located several hundred miles east of浓月城.
rán ér cǐ kè ， què shì wàn xiǎo xiān gōng de chuàng pài zhī zǔ 。
然而此刻，却是万晓仙宫的创派之祖。
The妖修of Black Phoenix Valley chose not to stay at the Welcoming Guests Pavilion but settled here instead.
wàn xiǎo xiān jūn ！
万晓仙君！
Though small, the valley was breathtakingly beautiful. In this northern land of bitter cold, the entire valley was filled with fragrance.
cǐ kè ， tā bǎ wán zhuó shǒu zhōng de yī kuài chuán yīn fú ：“ yún hè ， nǐ de qíng bào bù cuò ， nà xìng lín de xiǎo jiā huo ， guǒ rán dào nóng yuè chéng le ， hēng ， píng tā ， yě xiǎng zhēng duó méng zhǔ ， zhēn shì bù zhī sǐ huó ， tài yì xiǎng tiān kāi le 。”
此刻，他把玩着手中的一块传音符：“云鹤，你的情报不错，那姓林的小家伙，果然到濃月城了，哼，凭他，也想争夺盟主，真是不知死活，太异想天开了。”
This fragrance came from flowers blooming everywhere in the valley.
……
……
On a path through the valley, a woman in black clothes was walking.
fèng míng shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， zhè lǐ shì yī zuò xiān qì yīn yūn de shān gǔ 。
凤鸣声传入耳朵，这里是一座仙气氤氲的山谷。
Tall and voluptuous, her appearance was also very beautiful, but it was hard to determine her age. At first glance, she could be thirty; at another glance, forty seemed right; yet again, twenty might fit too.
wèi yú nóng yuè chéng yǐ dōng shù bǎi lǐ 。
位于濃月城以东数百里。
Time had left no trace on her.
hēi fèng gǔ de yāo xiū men bìng méi yǒu xuǎn zé yíng bīn gé zuò wèi luò jiǎo zhī suǒ ， ér shì qī shēn yú cǐ chù 。
黑凤谷的妖修们并没有选择迎宾阁做为落脚之所，而是栖身于此处。
Black Phoenix Immortal!
shān gǔ bù dà ， fēng jǐng què xiù méi wú pǐ ， zài zhè jí běi de kǔ hán zhī dì ， zhěng gè shān gǔ dào chù mí màn zhe xiāng qì 。
山谷不大，风景却秀眉无匹，在这极北的苦寒之地，整个山谷到处弥漫着香气。
No, more accurately, Black Phoenix Queen.
nà xiāng qì shì xiān huā shì fàng chū lái dì 。
那香气是鲜花释放出来地。
This woman before him wasn't an ordinary one but the valley's master. Legend had it that her true form was a real phoenix with celestial phoenix bloodline.
Though it was a city, the Young Lion Book Alliance
The steep mountain peaks soared into the clouds, majestic and imposing.
Amongst these peaks, layer upon layer of terraces and pavilions could be vaguely seen, each one exquisitely crafted to an unparalleled degree.
This place was where浓月城 prepared for its esteemed guests from afar.
Of course, not everyone had the privilege to reside here.
Not only ordinary cultivators, but even those at the Shen Shi level among free-living practitioners were unworthy of staying here.
The Welcoming Immortals Pavilion received either dominant lords or world-renowned figures.
Even the passing cultivators dared not come too close, as armed guards patrolled around. However, their eyes were filled with envy.
A true man should be like this!
Who wouldn’t want to become a top-tier powerhouse after embarking on the path of cultivation?
Unfortunately, the path to immortality is arduous, and such fortunate individuals are few and far between.
Lin Xuan was clearly one of these lucky fellows; his identity and strength were sufficient for him to stay at the Welcoming Immortals Pavilion. After learning that he was the Supreme Elder of Cloud Concealment Sect, he was respectfully welcomed in by the maidservants.
The nearby cultivators, witnessing this firsthand, let out a series of exclamations.
"Lin Xuan, did I see right? That man is indeed the world-renowned Lin Elder from Cloud Concealment Sect. He has a close relationship with Phoenix King Immortal and even swore brotherhood to him. Is that true?"
"The cultivation realm speaks of this as fact; it must be real. But didn't everyone say he had already perished, having fallen in battle? Could this fellow be someone pretending to be a powerful cultivator?"
"Pretending, how could you think of such a thing? With the Immortal Alliance Conference about to begin and so many powerful figures gathering here, playing tricks like that would only get one killed. Besides, while identity can be faked, strength cannot; try posing as a Golden Transformation Realm cultivator, and I guarantee it won't take long before you're exposed."
A mocking voice entered his ears, filled with disdain.
...
Lin Xuan's arrival caused quite a stir.
Although he had clashed with East Prosperity Immortal Emperor outside the city of浓月城 earlier, only the imperial couple knew his true identity. The other cultivators present were unaware of what transpired.
Now, his identity was fully revealed.
Attention from countless eyes was drawn to him.
Lin Xuan was too famous; his rise could be considered a miracle.
If not for his joining, how could Cloud Concealment Sect have gained its current renown and scale?
It was a case of "both the benefactor and the bane." Because Lin Xuan had been absent for centuries, Cloud Concealment Sect faced crises. Although it was still one of the four major sects of the Immortal Alliance, it was clearly marginalized by the other three.
In the end, power dictated status in the cultivation world.
Lin Xuan's reclusive nature was interpreted as his death; after all, this world never lacked for prodigies who died young. Their presence was like a comet streaking across the sky—brought joy and surprise but were soon forgotten.
It wasn't surprising that there were speculations about Lin Xuan not showing up for so long.
While Cloud Concealment Sect contributed much to the formation of the Immortal Alliance, without Lin Xuan, they could no longer compete with the other three major sects. They would forever be relegated to secondary roles.
Everyone knew this, but who could explain what happened in the cultivation world? As Cloud Concealment Sect's decline was inevitable, it was surprising that long-forgotten Lin Xuan suddenly resurfaced and attracted all attention.
The news spread like wildfire; within no time, the entire city of浓月城 was abuzz with this information.
...
In a magnificent palace, the Black Bear King sat cross-legged. His massive figure was enveloped in thick, dark aura. Suddenly, he raised his head as a fiery light shot from outside the palace door and transformed into a bird perched on his shoulder.
"Lin Boy, I didn't expect him to come here too. I thought this guy had already perished, but it seems he's still alive..."
He paused in self-talk, then his expression changed, turning sinister.
"Considering the timing, he might meet my beloved grandson. Could this little fellow be the one who killed my grandson?"
"I hope not; otherwise, I'll make him pay for it. A genius? How could a cultivator who has only advanced to the Golden Transformation Realm for a few hundred years have genuine talent and learning? Such a big reputation—hmpf, just bragging. If he meets me, his true colors will be revealed."
...
To the west of浓月城, ten thousand miles further.
In the sky, light flickered as hundreds of flying boats were scattered densely above.
Each boat had a unique design but was exquisitely crafted to an extreme degree.
The largest of these boats stretched several thousand feet in length. Its deck was divided into nine layers, and at its prow flew a large banner that read: "Ten Thousand Clear Palace."
Indeed, the hundreds of flying boats were occupied by disciples from Ten Thousand Clear Palace.
Unlike Lin Xuan's simple entourage, this time, Ten Thousand Clear Palace sent their elite forces.
On one of the central ships, there were several Golden Transformation Realm existences. However, these four Supreme Elders had expressions of utmost respect at that moment.
Seated in the main position was a pale-faced old man dressed in gray robes.
His appearance held no outstanding features, and his age could not be determined.
But he was indeed the founder of Ten Thousand Clear Palace—Ten Thousand Clear Immortal!
Holding a communication talisman in his hand, he said: "Cloud Crane, your intelligence is good. That Lin boy did indeed arrive at浓月城. Hmph, thinking that he can vie for the alliance title; what foolishness."
...
The sound of phoenix calls filled the air. This was a valley shrouded in immortal aura.
Located several hundred miles east of浓月城.
The妖修of Black Phoenix Valley chose not to stay at the Welcoming Guests Pavilion but settled here instead.
Though small, the valley was breathtakingly beautiful. In this northern land of bitter cold, the entire valley was filled with fragrance.
This fragrance came from flowers blooming everywhere in the valley.
On a path through the valley, a woman in black clothes was walking.
Tall and voluptuous, her appearance was also very beautiful, but it was hard to determine her age. At first glance, she could be thirty; at another glance, forty seemed right; yet again, twenty might fit too.
Time had left no trace on her.
Black Phoenix Immortal!
No, more accurately, Black Phoenix Queen.
This woman before him wasn't an ordinary one but the valley's master. Legend had it that her true form was a real phoenix with celestial phoenix bloodline.