sān rén de shén tōng ， shí yú lǐ de jù lí ， jī hū shì zhuǎn shùn jí zhì 。
三人的神通，十余里的距离，几乎是转瞬及至。
The three cultivators' abilities covered a distance of over ten miles almost instantaneously.
rán ér cái gāng gāng jiē jìn ， shàng wèi kàn dào jiāo zhàn de shuāng fāng ， lín xuān jiù gǎn jué dào yī gǔ kě pà de yā lì ， cóng tiān ér jiàng 。
然而才刚刚接近，尚未看到交战的双方，林轩就感觉到一股可怕的压力，从天而降。
However, just as they approached and before they could see the combatants, Lin Xuan felt an overwhelming pressure descend from above.
lín xuān sǒng rán dòng róng ， zhè shì yuán yīng jí bié gāo shǒu dòu fǎ shí cái huì chǎn shēng de tè shū dōng dōng ， yí dìng fàn wéi nèi ， suǒ yǒu de shēng wù dū huì shòu yǐng xiǎng 。
林轩耸然动容，这是元婴级别高手斗法时才会产生的特殊东东，一定范围内，所有的生物都会受影响。
Lin Xuan's expression changed. This was something that only high-grade core formation experts would produce during their battles. Within a certain range, all living things would be affected—fear, panic, tension...
gǎn jué dào kǒng jù ， xīn huāng ， jǐn zhāng ……
感觉到恐惧，心慌，紧张……
Lin Xuan's face paled, but he had seen high-grade core formation experts many times before. After a moment of shock, he took a deep breath and circulated his essence qi to protect his meridians, dispelling the discomfort.
lín xuān liǎn sè yī bái ， dàn tā yǐ duō cì jiàn guò yuán yīng qī lǎo guài ， xīn zhōng yī lǐn zhī hòu ， xī le kǒu qì ， tǐ nèi fǎ lì liú zhuǎn ， hù zhù quán shēn jīng mài ， nà bù shì de gǎn jué dùn shí xiāo sàn 。
林轩脸色一白，但他已多次见过元婴期老怪，心中一凛之后，吸了口气，体内法力流转，护住全身经脉，那不适的感觉顿时消散。
Only then did Lin Xuan raise his head.
suí hòu lín xuān cái tái qǐ tóu lái 。
随后林轩才抬起头来。
He saw that in the distance, purple and red lights alternately flickered across the sky, accompanied by thunderous roars as astonishing amounts of essence qi were released. The temperature had risen to a startling degree; half of the sky was now scorched red. Under the terrifying flames, a vast expanse of dark purple light dominated.
zhǐ jiàn bù yuǎn chù de tiān kōng zhī zhōng ， zǐ hóng èr sè de guāng máng jiāo tì shǎn shuò ， liú zhuǎn bù tíng ， bàn suí zhe hōng lōng lóng de jù xiǎng ， jīng rén de líng qì bù tíng shì fàng 。
只见不远处的天空之中，紫红二色的光芒交替闪烁，流转不停，伴随着轰隆隆的巨响，惊人的灵气不停释放。
Although only one bird and one person were fighting, the scale of the battle was immense. With Lin Xuan's keen eyesight, he couldn't determine the outcome in just a moment, his heart growing increasingly alarmed.
cǐ shí de wēn dù yǐ dào le chù mù jīng xīn de dì bù ， bàn biān tiān kōng dōu bèi kǎo hóng le ， zài nà kě pà tiān huǒ de yìng chèn xià ， shì yī dà piàn zǐ sè de xuán guāng 。
此时的温度已到了触目惊心的地步，半边天空都被烤红了，在那可怕天火的映衬下，是一大片紫色的玄光。
These high-grade core formation experts were even more formidable than he had imagined.
suī rán jiāo zhàn de jǐn yǒu yī rén yī niǎo ， dàn shēng shì hào dà ， yǐ lín xuān de yǎn lì ， yī shí bàn kè ， jìng rán wú fǎ fēn biàn chū zhàn kuàng rú hé ， xīn zhōng bù yóu de yuè fā hài rán le 。
虽然交战的仅有一人一鸟，但声势浩大，以林轩的眼力，一时半刻，竟然无法分辨出战况如何，心中不由得越发骇然了。
Shen Ao Tian's expression mirrored Lin Xuan's. Although he was at the peak of condensation core stage, the gap between him and these core formation experts was still vast.
zhè xiē yuán yīng jí bié dì lǎo guài wù 。 shí lì zhī qiáng 。 hái zài zì jǐ xiǎng xiàng zhī shàng 。
这些元婴级别地老怪物。实力之强。还在自己想象之上。
Unlike the others, Tong Yu Zhenren, having just formed his core a moment ago, found that his aura was useless against this level of combat. He glanced at the fiery clouds and the dark purple light above before vanishing in a flash, joining the fray.
shěn ào tiān dì biǎo qíng yě chà bu duō 。 jǐn guǎn tā yǐ shì níng dān qī dǐng fēng dì xiū xiān zhě 。 dàn yǔ yuán yīng lǎo guài jiān dì chā jù 。 yī rán kě yòng tiān yuān zhī bié lái xíng róng 。
沈傲天地表情也差不多。尽管他已是凝丹期顶峰地修仙者。但与元婴老怪间地差距。依然可用天渊之别来形容。
Lin Xuan naturally didn't interfere with such high-level battles. He activated the Nine Heaven Qi Shield, which floated in mid-air.
yǔ liǎng rén suǒ shòu dào dì yǐng xiǎng bù tóng 。 tōng yǔ zhēn rén suī rán gāng gāng jié yīng chéng gōng 。 qì chǎng duì tā què yǐ shì wán quán wú yòng 。 kàn le yī yǎn tóu dǐng dì huǒ yún yǔ xuán guāng 。 shēn xíng yī huǎng 。 huà wèi yī dào jīng máng 。 jiā rù le zhàn chǎng 。
与两人所受到地影响不同。通羽真人虽然刚刚结婴成功。气场对他却已是完全无用。看了一眼头顶地火云与玄光。身形一晃。化为一道精芒。加入了战场。
In moments, a series of dense explosions filled his ears as the fiery clouds began to contract rapidly, shrinking from dozens of acres to less than one-third within just an incense stick's time.
zhè zhǒng jí bié dì dòu fǎ 。 lín xuān zì rán bú huì chān huo 。 jiāng jiǔ tiān líng dùn dǎ kāi 。 xuán fú zài bàn kōng zhī zhōng 。
这种级别地斗法。林轩自然不会掺和。将九天灵盾打开。悬浮在半空之中。
Inside the flames, Bi Fang let out angry and sharp cries. Despite being a manifestation of celestial fire spirit, it couldn't withstand the dual attacks of two high-grade core formation experts.
bù xiāo piàn kè 。 yī zhèn chǎo dòu zi bān mì jí dì bào liè shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ 。 nà tiān kōng zhōng dì huǒ yún rú hǎi shuǐ tuì cháo 。 kāi shǐ xùn sù shōu suō 。
不消片刻。一阵炒豆子般密集地爆裂声传入耳朵。那天空中地火云如海水退潮。开始迅速收缩。
Flames surged as the bird reformed into its original shape but had shrunk slightly in size and appeared somewhat listless.
yuán běn yǒu shù shí mǔ dà xiǎo 。 jǐn jǐn yī zhù xiāng dì gōng fu 。 jiù jǐn shèng xià sān fēn zhī yī bú dào 。
原本有数十亩大小。仅仅一炷香地功夫。就仅剩下三分之一不到。
The light dimmed, and Xu Jinqing and Tong Yu Zhenren emerged from their protective light.
huǒ yún zhī zhōng ， bù tíng chuán lái bì fāng fèn nù ér jiān ruì de míng jiào ， xiǎn rán ， cǐ niǎo suī shì tiān dì huǒ líng suǒ huà ， què yě wú fǎ lì dí liǎng wèi yuán yīng lǎo guài de jiā gōng 。
火云之中，不停传来必方愤怒而尖锐的鸣叫，显然，此鸟虽是天地火灵所化，却也无法力敌两位元婴老怪的夹攻。
Bi Fang glared at the two old monsters. With a flap of its wings, it unleashed hundreds of fireballs like raindrops, while it transformed into a streak of red and flew away.
huǒ yàn yī zhèn fān yǒng ， chóng xīn huàn huà chū le líng niǎo de xíng zhuàng ， rán ér yǔ gāng gāng dàn shēng shí xiāng bǐ ， bù jǐn tǐ xíng suō xiǎo le shǎo xǔ ， ér qiě jīng shén yě xiǎn de yǒu xiē wěi mǐ 。
火焰一阵翻涌，重新幻化出了灵鸟的形状，然而与刚刚诞生时相比，不仅体型缩小了少许，而且精神也显得有些萎靡。
"Want to run?"
guāng huá yī liǎn ， xú jǐn qīng yǔ tōng yǔ zhēn rén yě cóng hù tǐ líng guāng zhōng xiǎn chū le shēn xíng 。
光华一敛，徐锦青与通羽真人也从护体灵光中显出了身形。
Xu Jinqing smirked. Facing the incoming fireballs, he didn't dodge but opened his mouth to emit an azure curved sword.
bì fāng hěn hěn de dèng le yī yǎn liǎng gè lǎo guài ， chì bǎng yī shān ， shù yǐ bǎi jì dì huǒ qiú mì rú yǔ diǎn ， qīng xiè xià lái ， ér zì jǐ zé huà wèi yī dào hóng máng ， fēi xiàng le yuǎn fāng 。
必方狠狠的瞪了一眼两个老怪，翅膀一煽，数以百计地火球密如雨点，倾泻下来，而自己则化为一道红芒，飞向了远方。
Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow, surprised by the unusual shape of this treasure.
“ xiǎng pǎo ？”
“想跑？”
Examining the sword closely, it was tiny, no more than a foot long, yet emitted astonishing essence qi. The blade was covered with intricate patterns that seemed like complex arrays.
xú jǐn qīng zuǐ jiǎo biān lù chū yī sī jī cháo ， miàn duì nà màn tiān de huǒ qiú ， jìng rán bù shǎn bù bì ， ér shì zhāng kāi zuǐ ， pēn chū yī bǐng zǐ sè de wān dāo 。
徐锦青嘴角边露出一丝讥嘲，面对那漫天的火球，竟然不闪不避，而是张开嘴，喷出一柄紫色的弯刀。
"Go!"
lín xuān méi tóu yī tiāo ， dà gǎn yà rán ， zhè zhǒng xíng zhuàng de bǎo wù ， zài xiū shì lǐ miàn ， dào zhēn dì shǎo jiàn 。
林轩眉头一挑，大感讶然，这种形状的宝物，在修士里面，倒真地少见。
Xu Jinqing pointed at the sword, and it emitted a dragon-like cry as it transformed into a purple streak several dozen feet long, chasing Bi Fang like a meteor.
níng mù wàng qù ， nà wān dāo xiǎo qiǎo yǐ jí ， zhǎng bù guò chǐ xǔ ， què sàn fà zhe jīng rén de líng qì ， ér qiě dāo shēn biàn bù xì wén ， sì hū shì mǒu zhǒng fán fù dì fǎ zhèn 。
凝目望去，那弯刀小巧以极，长不过尺许，却散发着惊人的灵气，而且刀身遍布细纹，似乎是某种繁复地法阵。
Tong Yu Zhenren wasn't idle either. He flicked his hand, summoning a blue ring that chased after Bi Fang with great agility.
“ qù ！”
“去！”
Just as they released their treasures, the hundreds of fireballs flew towards them.
xú jǐn qīng chōng zhe cǐ bǎo yì diǎn zhǐ ， nà dāo jìng rán fā chū jiāo lóng yì bān de qīng míng ， líng guāng dà fàng zhī xià ， huà wèi le yī dào qī bā zhàng zhǎng de zǐ sè pǐ liàn ， rú liú xīng shǎn diàn yì bān ， xiàng zhe bì fāng zhuī qù 。
徐锦青冲着此宝一点指，那刀竟然发出蛟龙一般的清鸣，灵光大放之下，化为了一道七八丈长的紫色匹练，如流星闪电一般，向着必方追去。
Boom!
tōng yǔ zhēn rén zì rán yě bú huì xián zhe ， shēn shǒu zài yāo jiān yī pāi ， jì qǐ le yī méi lán sè de zhǐ huán ， tóng yàng líng dòng fēi cháng de zhuī xiàng le bì fāng 。
通羽真人自然也不会闲着，伸手在腰间一拍，祭起了一枚蓝色的指环，同样灵动非常的追像了必方。
A light curtain appeared three feet in front of them, blocking the raging flames effortlessly.
liǎng rén gāng gāng jì chū bǎo wù ， nà shù yǐ bǎi jì de huǒ qiú yě hū xiào ér zhì le 。
两人刚刚祭出宝物，那数以百计的火球也呼啸而至了。
Lin Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. Hearing Bi Fang's sharp cries, Lin Xuan focused his spirit sense.
hōng lōng ！
轰隆！
Several miles away, the demon bird was trapped. Tong Yu Zhenren's ring had transformed into an eerie chain, binding Bi Fang tightly. The bird struggled desperately but to no avail; it was a top-grade ancient treasure, and its efforts were futile.
yī céng guāng mù què píng kōng chū xiàn zài le liǎng rén shēn qián sān chǐ zhī chù ， huǒ làng tāo tiān ， rán ér què bèi qīng ér yì jǔ dì dǎng le xià lái 。
一层光幕却凭空出现在了两人身前三尺之处，火浪滔天，然而却被轻而易举地挡了下来。
Worse still, the purple streak was already in front of Bi Fang, slashing at its chest and abdomen.
lín xuān sōng le kǒu qì ， zhè shí hòu ， ěr biān chuán lái bì fāng jiān ruì de sī míng ， tā xīn zhōng yī dòng ， máng jiāng shén shí fàng chū 。
林轩松了口气，这时候，耳边传来必方尖锐的嘶鸣，他心中一动，忙将神识放出。
Bi Fang's eyes showed madness as it spat out a fire-red round ball the size of a fist.
zhǐ jiàn qī bā lǐ yuǎn dì dì fāng ， yāo qín yǐ bèi kùn zhù ， tōng yǔ zhēn rén jì chū de zhǐ huán ， jìng rán biàn chéng le yī fù guǐ yì dì tiě liàn ， jiāng bì fāng wǔ huā dà bǎng ， cǐ niǎo pīn mìng zhēng zhá ， shǐ chū zhū bān biàn huà ， kě xī zhè shì yī jiàn dǐng jiē gǔ bǎo ， rèn fǎ lì tōng xuán ， yě kàn bú dào sī háo tuō kùn de xī wàng 。
只见七八里远地地方，妖禽已被困住，通羽真人祭出的指环，竟然变成了一副诡异地铁链，将必方五花大绑，此鸟拼命挣扎，使出诸般变化，可惜这是一件顶阶古宝，任法力通玄，也看不到丝毫脱困的希望。
Demon heart?
gèng ràng cǐ niǎo xīn hán dì shì ， nà zǐ sè de pǐ liàn ， yě yǐ fēi dào le shēn qián ， chōng zhe de xiōng fù ， hěn hěn de pī cì ér xià le 。
更让此鸟心寒地是，那紫色的匹练，也已飞到了身前，冲着的胸腹，狠狠的劈刺而下了。
Lin Xuan was momentarily stunned but shook his head. Although this bird's abilities rivaled those of a transformed demon beast, it was a manifestation of celestial essence qi; how could it have a demon heart?
bì fāng de yǎn zhōng lù chū yī sī fēng kuáng zhī sè ， niǎo zuǐ yī zhāng ， cóng lǐ miàn pēn chū yī quán tou dà xiǎo de huǒ hóng sè yuán qiú 。
必方的眼中露出一丝疯狂之色，鸟嘴一张，从里面喷出一拳头大小的火红色圆球。
However, both high-grade core formation experts' eyes gleamed with greed upon seeing the ball. This was the essence of celestial fire spirit, more valuable than even a transformed demon beast's heart!
yāo dān ？
妖丹？
Without hesitation, Xu Jinqing waved his hands rapidly, separating several thin strands of light from the purple streak.
lín xuān xiān shì yī lèng ， suí jí yáo le yáo tóu ， cǐ niǎo de shén tōng suī rán kān bǐ huà xíng qī yāo shòu ， dàn bì jìng shì tiān dì líng qì suǒ huà ， zěn me huì yǒu yāo dān zhè zhǒng dōng dōng 。
林轩先是一愣，随即摇了摇头，此鸟的神通虽然堪比化形期妖兽，但毕竟是天地灵气所化，怎么会有妖丹这种东东。
"Quickly!"
bù guò liǎng wèi yuán yīng qī lǎo guài jiàn le cǐ qiú ， yǎn zhōng què bù yuē ér tóng de lù chū le tān lán zhī sè ， cǐ nǎi tiān dì huǒ líng de jīng huá ， qí jià zhí hái zài huà xíng qī yāo dān zhī shàng a ！
不过两位元婴期老怪见了此球，眼中却不约而同的露出了贪婪之色，此乃天地火灵的精华，其价值还在化形期妖丹之上啊！
Xu Jinqing pointed at the ball, and the strands immediately wrapped around it while the purple streak slashed down viciously.
xú jǐn qīng èr huà bù shuō ， shuāng shǒu jí sù huī wǔ ， cóng nà zǐ sè de pǐ liàn zhī zhōng ， fēn lí chū shù shí gēn xiān xì de guāng sī 。
徐锦青二话不说，双手急速挥舞，从那紫色的匹练之中，分离出数十根纤细的光丝。
Bi Fang's feathers stood on end as despair filled its eyes. Trapped by that strange chain, its essence qi was nearly sealed off; this was its last defense.
“ jí ！”
“疾！”
With a mournful cry, Bi Fang's head was severed. Its body disintegrated like stone eroding into sand, returning to fiery essence qi and dissipating with the wind.
xú jǐn qīng gé kōng yì diǎn zhǐ ， nà xiē guāng sī lì kè chán shàng yuán qiú ， ér zǐ sè de pǐ liàn zé yī dùn yī rào ， hěn hěn de cháo zhe yāo qín zhǎn xià qù le 。
徐锦青隔空一点指，那些光丝立刻缠上圆球，而紫色的匹练则一顿一绕，狠狠的朝着妖禽斩下去了。
Tong Yu Zhenren smiled as he reached out, summoning a light aura from his sleeve that enveloped the fire-red ball before bringing it back.
bì fāng de yǔ máo gēn gēn shù qǐ ， yǎn zhōng lù chū jué wàng zhī yì ， bèi nà gǔ guài de suǒ liàn kùn zhù ， de fǎ lì yě bèi jìn gù le shí zhī **， gāng gāng yǐ shì zuì hòu de fáng yù shǒu duàn le 。
必方的羽毛根根竖起，眼中露出绝望之意，被那古怪的锁链困住，的法力也被禁锢了十之**，刚刚已是最后的防御手段了。
Although only fist-sized, this ball contained an astonishing amount of fiery essence qi.
zài bù gān de āi míng shēng zhōng ， bèi zhǎn xià le tóu lú ， jiē zhe shēn tǐ jiù rú tóng yán shí fēng huà chéng shā yī yàng ， huà wèi diǎn diǎn xīng guāng ， chóng xīn huán yuán wèi huǒ líng lì ， suí fēng piāo sàn ér qù 。
在不甘的哀鸣声中，被斩下了头颅，接着身体就如同岩石风化成沙一样，化为点点星光，重新还原为火灵力，随风飘散而去。
"This time I was fortunate enough to form my core. Thanks to Senior Brother's protection, I will offer you this Fire Spirit Pearl as a token of gratitude; please don't refuse."
tōng yǔ zhēn rén yǎn zhōng liú lù chū yī sī xiào yì ， shēn shǒu yī zhāo ， yī piàn guāng xiá cóng yī xiù zhōng fēi lüè ér chū ， jiāng nà huǒ hóng sè de yuán qiú bāo guǒ ， juǎn huí lái le 。
通羽真人眼中流露出一丝笑意，伸手一招，一片光霞从衣袖中飞掠而出，将那火红色的圆球包裹，卷回来了。
"Brother, where could you get such a notion? We are fellow disciples and brothers in spirit. This is what I should do for you. The Fire Spirit Pearl isn't necessary; although rare, it's better that you keep it for your own use," Xu Jinqing stroked his beard with a smile.
cǐ wù suī rán jǐn yǒu quán tou dà ， rán ér lǐ miàn suǒ yùn hán de huǒ líng jīng huá ， què dào le jīng rén de dì bù 。
此物虽然仅有拳头大，然而里面所蕴含的火灵精华，却到了惊人的地步。
"This..."
“ zhè cì lǎo fū jiǎo xìng jié yīng chéng gōng ， duō kuī le shī xiōng shǒu hù ， zhè huǒ líng zhū xiǎo dì jiè huā xiàn fó ， hái wàng shī xiōng bú yào tuī tuō 。”
“这次老夫侥幸结婴成功，多亏了师兄守护，这火灵珠小弟借花献佛，还望师兄不要推脱。”
"Brother, don't say more. The Fire Spirit Pearl is a celestial treasure and highly beneficial to fire attribute cultivators in both crafting and cultivation. You will advance further with this, which benefits our sect."
“ shī dì shuō nǎ lǐ huà ， nǐ wǒ nǎi shì tóng mén gǔ ròu ， zhè xiē dōu shì wèi xiōng fèn nèi yìng zuò de ， huǒ líng zhū de chóu xiè jiù bù bì le ， cǐ wù suī rán zhēn xī ， dàn wèi xiōng suǒ xí nǎi jīn shǔ xìng gōng fǎ ， nǐ hái shì liú zhe zì jǐ yòng ba ！” xú jǐn qīng mō le mō hú xū ， liǎn shàng lù chū yī sī xiào yì 。
“师弟说哪里话，你我乃是同门骨肉，这些都是为兄份内应作的，火灵珠的酬谢就不必了，此物虽然珍稀，但为兄所习乃金属性功法，你还是留着自己用吧！”徐锦青摸了摸胡须，脸上露出一丝笑意。
At these words, Tong Yu Zhenren couldn't refuse any longer. After bowing in gratitude, he took out a silk box from his pocket and carefully stored it.
“ zhè ……”
“这……”
The two high-grade core formation experts then exchanged smiles before flying back together.
“ shī dì bú yào shuō le ， huǒ líng zhū nǎi tiān dì zhì bǎo ， huǒ shǔ xìng xiū shì yòng bù lùn zhì qì hái shì liàn gōng ， dōu yǒu shì bàn gōng bèi de xiào guǒ ， shī dì dé le ， zhèng kě yǐ ràng xiū wèi gèng jìn yí bù ， zhè duì běn mén lái shuō ， yě shì yǒu yì wú hài de 。”
“师弟不要说了，火灵珠乃天地至宝，火属性修士用不论制器还是练功，都有事半功倍的效果，师弟得了，正可以让修为更进一步，这对本门来说，也是有益无害的。”
Lin Xuan stood by, his mind racing with questions. Why had his master called him and Shen Ao Tian aside to watch this battle? What was the purpose?
huà shuō dào zhè ge dì bù ， tōng yǔ zhēn rén zì rán bù hǎo zài tuī tuō ， bài xiè yǐ hòu ， cóng huái zhōng qǔ chū yí gè jǐn hé ， xiǎo xīn yì yì de shōu hǎo le 。
话说到这个地步，通羽真人自然不好再推脱，拜谢以后，从怀中取出一个锦盒，小心翼翼的收好了。
Just as these thoughts flashed through his mind, Lin Xuan sensed a powerful presence rapidly approaching. The other three cultivators also noticed it, turning their heads in surprise...
The three cultivators' abilities covered a distance of over ten miles almost instantaneously.
However, just as they approached and before they could see the combatants, Lin Xuan felt an overwhelming pressure descend from above.
Auras?
Lin Xuan's expression changed. This was something that only high-grade core formation experts would produce during their battles. Within a certain range, all living things would be affected—fear, panic, tension...
Lin Xuan's face paled, but he had seen high-grade core formation experts many times before. After a moment of shock, he took a deep breath and circulated his essence qi to protect his meridians, dispelling the discomfort.
Only then did Lin Xuan raise his head.
He saw that in the distance, purple and red lights alternately flickered across the sky, accompanied by thunderous roars as astonishing amounts of essence qi were released. The temperature had risen to a startling degree; half of the sky was now scorched red. Under the terrifying flames, a vast expanse of dark purple light dominated.
Although only one bird and one person were fighting, the scale of the battle was immense. With Lin Xuan's keen eyesight, he couldn't determine the outcome in just a moment, his heart growing increasingly alarmed.
These high-grade core formation experts were even more formidable than he had imagined.
Shen Ao Tian's expression mirrored Lin Xuan's. Although he was at the peak of condensation core stage, the gap between him and these core formation experts was still vast.
Unlike the others, Tong Yu Zhenren, having just formed his core a moment ago, found that his aura was useless against this level of combat. He glanced at the fiery clouds and the dark purple light above before vanishing in a flash, joining the fray.
Lin Xuan naturally didn't interfere with such high-level battles. He activated the Nine Heaven Qi Shield, which floated in mid-air.
In moments, a series of dense explosions filled his ears as the fiery clouds began to contract rapidly, shrinking from dozens of acres to less than one-third within just an incense stick's time.
Inside the flames, Bi Fang let out angry and sharp cries. Despite being a manifestation of celestial fire spirit, it couldn't withstand the dual attacks of two high-grade core formation experts.
Flames surged as the bird reformed into its original shape but had shrunk slightly in size and appeared somewhat listless.
The light dimmed, and Xu Jinqing and Tong Yu Zhenren emerged from their protective light.
Bi Fang glared at the two old monsters. With a flap of its wings, it unleashed hundreds of fireballs like raindrops, while it transformed into a streak of red and flew away.
"Want to run?"
Xu Jinqing smirked. Facing the incoming fireballs, he didn't dodge but opened his mouth to emit an azure curved sword.
Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow, surprised by the unusual shape of this treasure.
Examining the sword closely, it was tiny, no more than a foot long, yet emitted astonishing essence qi. The blade was covered with intricate patterns that seemed like complex arrays.
"Go!"
Xu Jinqing pointed at the sword, and it emitted a dragon-like cry as it transformed into a purple streak several dozen feet long, chasing Bi Fang like a meteor.
Tong Yu Zhenren wasn't idle either. He flicked his hand, summoning a blue ring that chased after Bi Fang with great agility.
Just as they released their treasures, the hundreds of fireballs flew towards them.
Boom!
A light curtain appeared three feet in front of them, blocking the raging flames effortlessly.
Lin Xuan heaved a sigh of relief. Hearing Bi Fang's sharp cries, Lin Xuan focused his spirit sense.
Several miles away, the demon bird was trapped. Tong Yu Zhenren's ring had transformed into an eerie chain, binding Bi Fang tightly. The bird struggled desperately but to no avail; it was a top-grade ancient treasure, and its efforts were futile.
Worse still, the purple streak was already in front of Bi Fang, slashing at its chest and abdomen.
Bi Fang's eyes showed madness as it spat out a fire-red round ball the size of a fist.
Demon heart?
Lin Xuan was momentarily stunned but shook his head. Although this bird's abilities rivaled those of a transformed demon beast, it was a manifestation of celestial essence qi; how could it have a demon heart?
However, both high-grade core formation experts' eyes gleamed with greed upon seeing the ball. This was the essence of celestial fire spirit, more valuable than even a transformed demon beast's heart!
Without hesitation, Xu Jinqing waved his hands rapidly, separating several thin strands of light from the purple streak.
"Quickly!"
Xu Jinqing pointed at the ball, and the strands immediately wrapped around it while the purple streak slashed down viciously.
Bi Fang's feathers stood on end as despair filled its eyes. Trapped by that strange chain, its essence qi was nearly sealed off; this was its last defense.
With a mournful cry, Bi Fang's head was severed. Its body disintegrated like stone eroding into sand, returning to fiery essence qi and dissipating with the wind.
Tong Yu Zhenren smiled as he reached out, summoning a light aura from his sleeve that enveloped the fire-red ball before bringing it back.
Although only fist-sized, this ball contained an astonishing amount of fiery essence qi.
"This time I was fortunate enough to form my core. Thanks to Senior Brother's protection, I will offer you this Fire Spirit Pearl as a token of gratitude; please don't refuse."
"Brother, where could you get such a notion? We are fellow disciples and brothers in spirit. This is what I should do for you. The Fire Spirit Pearl isn't necessary; although rare, it's better that you keep it for your own use," Xu Jinqing stroked his beard with a smile.
"This..."
"Brother, don't say more. The Fire Spirit Pearl is a celestial treasure and highly beneficial to fire attribute cultivators in both crafting and cultivation. You will advance further with this, which benefits our sect."
At these words, Tong Yu Zhenren couldn't refuse any longer. After bowing in gratitude, he took out a silk box from his pocket and carefully stored it.
The two high-grade core formation experts then exchanged smiles before flying back together.
Lin Xuan stood by, his mind racing with questions. Why had his master called him and Shen Ao Tian aside to watch this battle? What was the purpose?
Just as these thoughts flashed through his mind, Lin Xuan sensed a powerful presence rapidly approaching. The other three cultivators also noticed it, turning their heads in surprise...