zǒu chū le fēi yún diàn ， lái dào yī wú rén de dì diǎn ， lín xuān liǎn shàng de xiào yì yī fēn fēn tuì le xià qù ， qǔ ér dài zhī de shì yīn chén de shén sè ， yǎn zhōng hái yǒu shā qì yī shǎn ér guò 。
走出了飞云殿，来到一无人的地点，林轩脸上的笑意一分分褪了下去，取而代之的是阴沉的神色，眼中还有杀气一闪而过。
Exiting the Flying Cloud Pavilion, Lin Xuan found himself in a deserted area. The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a grim expression, with a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes.
jìng jìng de zhàn lì le piàn kè ， mò mò bù yǔ ， bù guò mǎ zhǎng lǎo cǐ rén ， yǐ zài lín xuān xīn zhōng liú xià le shēn kè yìn xiàng ， xiàn zài dāng rán bú huì yǒu suǒ dòng zuò ， bù guò děng zì jǐ yǐ hòu yǒu shí lì le ……
静静的站立了片刻，默默不语，不过马长老此人，已在林轩心中留下了深刻印象，现在当然不会有所动作，不过等自己以后有实力了……
He stood there for a moment, silent and contemplative. Elder Ma had left an indelible impression on him. For now, he wouldn't make any moves, but once he grew stronger...
jiǎo bù shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， yǒu rén lái dào ， lín xuān xīn zhōng yī dòng ， yīn mái de biǎo qíng xùn sù xiāo shī ， dāng tā tái qǐ tóu lái ， yǐ shì shén sè rú cháng ， kàn bù chū yì diǎn yì yàng 。
脚步声传入耳朵，有人来到，林轩心中一动，阴霾的表情迅速消失，当他抬起头来，已是神色如常，看不出一点异样。
Footsteps reached his ears, indicating someone was approaching. Lin Xuan's expression brightened instantly as the gloom vanished. When he looked up, his face was calm and unremarkable.
“ hā hā ， zhī dào ma ， nà ge jiào lín xuān de fèi wù ， dé dào le liǎng píng fèi dān 。”
“哈哈，知道吗，那个叫林轩的废物，得到了两瓶废丹。”
"Haha, did you know that waste of talent named Lin Xuan got two bottles of waste pills?"
“ zhè yǒu shén me hào qí guài ， yí gè méi yǒu líng gēn de fán rén ， yě pèi fú yòng tiān cái dì bǎo liàn zhì de líng yào ， fèi wù pèi fèi dān ， qǐ bù shì zhèng hǎo ？” lìng yī rén háo bù gù jì de cháo xiào dào ， sī háo bù gù jì tā men yì lùn de rén jiù zài yī páng 。
“这有什么好奇怪，一个没有灵根的凡人，也配服用天材地宝炼制的灵药，废物配废丹，岂不是正好？”另一人毫不顾忌的嘲笑道，丝毫不顾忌他们议论的人就在一旁。
"What's so surprising about that? A commoner without a spirit root is allowed to take divine medicines made from earth treasures—waste pills suit him just fine," the other person mocked mercilessly. He paid no heed to the fact that the person they were talking about was right there.
ér lín xuān fǎng fú méi yǒu tīng jiàn yī yàng ， shén sè rú cháng de yǔ tā men cā shēn ér guò ， zuò dà shì zhě bù néng píng yī shí chōng dòng ， yì qì yòng shì bú shì yīng yǒng ， ér shì yú chǔn ， nán zi hàn yào rěn rén zhī suǒ bù néng rěn ， zhè xiē wǔ rǔ guò zì jǐ de jiā huo xiān jì zài zhàng shàng ……
而林轩仿佛没有听见一样，神色如常的与他们擦身而过，做大事者不能凭一时冲动，意气用事不是英勇，而是愚蠢，男子汉要忍人之所不能忍，这些侮辱过自己的家伙先记在账上……
Lin Xuan, as if he hadn't heard them, continued walking past them with a calm expression. A man of great deeds cannot act on impulse; acting out of passion is foolishness, not bravery. He would bear what others couldn't endure and record these insults for later.
xiàn zài zuì yào jǐn de ， hái shì nǔ lì xiū liàn ， shí lì cái shì yìng dào lǐ ， yuán xiān de dǎ suàn shì * xǐ suǐ dān chōng jī dì èr céng gōng fǎ de píng jǐng ， kě kàn kàn shǒu lǐ de fèi dān ， lín xuān chén mò le yī xià ， zhuǎn shēn xiàng piāo yún gǔ wài zǒu qù le 。
现在最要紧的，还是努力修炼，实力才是硬道理，原先的打算是*洗髓丹冲击第二层功法的瓶颈，可看看手里的废丹，林轩沉默了一下，转身像飘云谷外走去了。
The most important thing now was to focus on cultivation. Strength was the ultimate measure. Originally, he planned to use Essence Cleansing Pills to break through the bottleneck of his second-layer technique. But looking at the waste pills in his hand, Lin Xuan fell silent before turning towards Drifting Cloud Valley's outer area.
méi yǒu dān yào de fǔ zhù ， yǐ zì jǐ pǔ tōng rén de zī zhì ， jiù suàn jiā shàng liàn xīn lù de nǔ lì ， xiǎng yào tū pò píng jǐng yě nán ， lín xuān jīng guò sī liáng ， jué dìng pèng yī pèng yùn qì 。
没有丹药的辅助，以自己普通人的资质，就算加上炼心路的努力，想要突破瓶颈也难，林轩经过思量，决定碰一碰运气。
Without the aid of pills, relying solely on his ordinary abilities and efforts from Heart Refinement Path, breaking through would be difficult. After considering it carefully, Lin Xuan decided to take a chance.
zài jù lí běn mén bù yuǎn de dì fāng ， yǒu yí gè xiǎo xiá gǔ ， rù kǒu yǐn mì ， rén jì hǎn zhì ， lín xuān yě shì ǒu rán fā xiàn de ， zài nà lǐ ， ǒu ěr huì zhāi cǎi dào yī xiē zhēn guì de cǎo yào 。
在距离本门不远的地方，有一个小峡谷，入口隐秘，人迹罕至，林轩也是偶然发现的，在那里，偶尔会摘采到一些珍贵的草药。
Near the main sect was a small canyon with an entrance hidden away, rarely visited by people. He had stumbled upon this place accidentally, where he occasionally found rare herbs.
suī rán jī lǜ xiǎo ， dàn lín xuān yě yù dào guò jǐ cì ， ér chú le líng dān ， yī xiē qiān nián líng cǎo duì yú zēng jìn xiū wèi yě yǒu bāng zhù 。
虽然几率小，但林轩也遇到过几次，而除了灵丹，一些千年灵草对于增进修为也有帮助。
Although the odds were slim, Lin Xuan had encountered such opportunities before. Besides spirit pills, some thousand-year-old herbs could also help enhance his cultivation.
lín xuān zǐ xì sī liáng le yī fān ， zhè shì zì jǐ jǐn kuài bù rù líng dòng qī dì èr céng de xī wàng ， ér qiě jiù suàn zhǎo bú dào líng cǎo ， yě bú huì yǒu sǔn shī ， jiāng zhè yī qiè zài xīn zhōng héng liáng zhī hòu ， lín xuān chū le piāo yún gǔ 。
林轩仔细思量了一番，这是自己尽快步入灵动期第二层的希望，而且就算找不到灵草，也不会有损失，将这一切在心中衡量之后，林轩出了飘云谷。
After carefully weighing his options, this was his best chance to quickly advance to the second layer of the灵动期 (nimble period). Even if he didn't find any herbs, there would be no loss. After making these calculations in his mind, Lin Xuan left Drifting Cloud Valley.
lí kāi mén pài de fàn wéi yǐ hòu ， lín xuān bìng méi yǒu lì kè qián wǎng nà chù xiá gǔ ， ér shì zài fù jìn màn wú mù dì de guàng le jǐ quān ， tā zhè me zuò ， shì wèi le què bǎo méi yǒu rén gēn zōng zì jǐ ， yīn wèi nà chù yǐn mì de xiá gǔ ǒu ěr néng gòu cǎi dào zhēn guì de cǎo yào ， suǒ yǐ lín xuān bìng bù xiǎng ràng qí tā rén yě zhī dào 。
离开门派的范围以后，林轩并没有立刻前往那处峡谷，而是在附近漫无目的的逛了几圈，他这么做，是为了确保没有人跟踪自己，因为那处隐秘的峡谷偶尔能够采到珍贵的草药，所以林轩并不想让其他人也知道。
Once outside the sect's range, Lin Xuan did not immediately head for the canyon but wandered around aimlessly for a while to ensure no one was following him. The hidden canyon occasionally yielded valuable herbs, so he didn't want anyone else to know about it.
zài dōu le yí gè xiǎo shí de *** yǐ hòu ， lín xuān què dìng méi yǒu rén zhù yì zì jǐ ， zhè cái qiāo qiāo de lí kāi dà lù ， zuān jìn yī piān pì de xiǎo dào ， zài qī wān bā guǎi zhī hòu ， lái dào le yǐn mì de xiá gǔ 。
在兜了一个小时的***以后，林轩确定没有人注意自己，这才悄悄的离开大路，钻进一偏僻的小道，在七弯八拐之后，来到了隐秘的峡谷。
After an hour of wandering, Lin Xuan confirmed that no one was paying attention and quietly left the main path, ducking into a secluded alleyway. After several twists and turns, he arrived at the hidden canyon.
wàn zǐ qiān hóng ， cǎo dì shàng kāi mǎn le yě huā ， kōng qì zhōng mí sàn zhe fēn fāng de wèi dào ， hǎo měi lì de jǐng sè ， bù guò lín xuān bú shì jiāo yóu tà qīng lái de ， tā kāi shǐ zài fù jìn yòng xīn de xún zhǎo ， kàn yǒu méi yǒu néng gòu tí shēng xiū wèi de cǎo yào 。
万紫千红，草地上开满了野花，空气中弥散着芬芳的味道，好美丽的景色，不过林轩不是郊游踏青来的，他开始在附近用心的寻找，看有没有能够提升修为的草药。
The area was filled with vibrant colors as wildflowers bloomed on the ground, and the air was fragrant. It was such a beautiful scene. But Lin Xuan wasn't here for sightseeing; he began searching carefully to see if there were any herbs that could boost his cultivation.
shí jiān qiāo qiāo liú shì ， lín xuān hái yī wú suǒ huò ， dàn tā bìng bù qì něi ， cái sōu suǒ le hěn xiǎo de yī kuài fàn wéi ， jì xù xún zhǎo 。
时间悄悄流逝，林轩还一无所获，但他并不气馁，才搜索了很小的一块范围，继续寻找。
Time passed silently, but Lin Xuan found nothing. He didn’t let this discourage him and continued searching in a small area.
rán ér jiù zài zhè shí ， yǐn yǐn yǒu shuō huà shēng chuán rù ěr duǒ ， lín xuān yí zhèng ， suí jí háo bù chí yí ， duǒ jìn le páng biān de cǎo cóng lǐ 。
然而就在这时，隐隐有说话声传入耳朵，林轩一怔，随即毫不迟疑，躲进了旁边的草丛里。
Suddenly, faint voices reached his ears. Lin Xuan paused, then without hesitation, ducked into the nearby bushes.
yī dào hóng guāng yóu yuǎn jí jìn ， jiē zhe shì “ pā dā ” luò dì de shēng yīn ， liǎng gè rén jiàng luò dào le xiá gǔ ， jiù zài lí lín xuān bù yuǎn de dì fāng 。
一道红光由远及近，接着是“啪嗒”落地的声音，两个人降落到了峡谷，就在离林轩不远的地方。
A red light approached from afar, followed by a "thud" as two people landed in the canyon not far from where Lin Xuan was hiding.
“ shī zūn ， nín de shāng bú yào jǐn ba ！” yí gè nián qīng nǚ zǐ de shēng yīn ， yǔ qì zhōng dài zhe guān qiè 。
“师尊，您的伤不要紧吧！”一个年轻女子的声音，语气中带着关切。
"Master, are you alright with your injuries?" A young woman's voice, filled with concern.
tòu guò cǎo cóng de fèng xì ， lín xuān kàn jiàn tā men chuān de shì piāo yún gǔ fú shì ， běn mén zhōng rén ， bù guò lín xuān méi yǒu chū qù xiāng jiàn ， duō yī shì bù rú shǎo yī shì ， jìng guān qí biàn 。
透过草丛的缝隙，林轩看见他们穿的是飘云谷服饰，本门中人，不过林轩没有出去相见，多一事不如少一事，静观其变。
Through the gaps in the grass, Lin Xuan saw they were wearing Drifting Cloud Valley attire. They were members of his sect, but he didn't reveal himself; better to avoid unnecessary complications and observe them.
“ hāi hāi ， hái chēng dé zhù ， yàn ér ， kuài dào piāo yún gǔ le ma ？” yī xū ruò de shēng yīn ， bù guò lín xuān tīng zhe què yǒu xiē ěr shú ， shì běn mén de nǎ wèi qián bèi ne ？
“咳咳，还撑得住，燕儿，快到飘云谷了吗？”一虚弱的声音，不过林轩听着却有些耳熟，是本门的哪位前辈呢？
"Cough, I can still hold on. Yan'er, are we close to Drifting Cloud Valley?" A weak voice replied.
“ shī zūn fàng xīn ， zhè ér lí kāi běn mén zhǐ yǒu shù lǐ ， dí rén yǐ bù gǎn zhuī lái le 。”
“师尊放心，这儿离开本门只有数里，敌人已不敢追来了。”
"Master, don’t worry. We’re only a few miles from the sect, and our enemies won’t dare follow us."
“ zhè jiù hǎo 。” nà xū ruò de shēng yīn sōng le kǒu qì ， sì hū shòu le hěn zhòng de shāng de yàng zi 。
“这就好。”那虚弱的声音松了口气，似乎受了很重的伤的样子。
"That’s good." The weak voice seemed relieved, as if seriously injured.
“ shī zūn ， xiān xiū xī yī huì er ba ！”
“师尊，先休息一会儿吧！”
"Master, let's rest for a bit."
suí zhe yī shān dài fēng de shēng yīn ， nà nǚ zǐ fú zhe shòu shāng de rén * zhe yī kē dà shù zuò le xià lái 。 yóu yú jiǎo dù de yuán yīn ， lín xuān gāng hǎo kě yǐ kàn qīng chǔ tā men de róng mào 。
随着衣衫带风的声音，那女子扶着受伤的人*着一棵大树坐了下来。由于角度的原因，林轩刚好可以看清楚他们的容貌。
With the sound of rustling clothes, the woman helped the injured person sit against a tree. Due to his angle, Lin Xuan could clearly see their faces.
“ guài bù dé jué de shēng yīn hěn shú 。”
“怪不得觉得声音很熟。”
"No wonder I felt so familiar."
zhǐ jiàn nà zuò zài dì shàng de nán zi cóng biǎo miàn shàng kàn dà yuē sì shí yú suì nián jì ， sān lǚ zhǎng xū ， yuán běn yīng gāi xiān fēng dào gǔ ， rán ér cǐ kè liǎn sè huī bái ， xiōng kǒu xuè jì bān bān ， kàn dé lín xuān àn zì chōu le kǒu liáng qì 。
只见那坐在地上的男子从表面上看大约四十余岁年纪，三缕长须，原本应该仙风道骨，然而此刻脸色灰白，胸口血迹斑斑，看得林轩暗自抽了口凉气。
The man sitting on the ground appeared to be around forty years old with three long strands of beard. He should have had an air of a Taoist sage, but his pale face and bloodstained chest made Lin Xuan shudder.
zhāng yǔ ， jiù shì bàn gè yuè qián chuán shòu le tā men líng lì hù dùn fǎ shù de nà wèi jiào xí ， jù shuō cǐ rén yǐ shì zhù jī zhōng qī de xiū wèi ， shì běn mén de hù fǎ zhī yī 。
张羽，就是半个月前传授了他们灵力护盾法术的那位教席，据说此人已是筑基中期的修为，是本门的护法之一。
Zhang Yu—the instructor who taught them Qi Shield Technique just half a month ago—was said to be at the middle-stage foundation level, one of the sect’s guardians.
ér nà ge nǚ zǐ lín xuān yě rèn shí ， zhōu yàn ， bǐ tā zǎo rù mén shù nián de shī jiě ， suī rán tóng bèi ， dàn rén jiā kě shì líng dòng qī dà yuán mǎn de xiū wèi ， zài dī bèi dì zǐ zhōng ， pái qián sān de gāo shǒu ， rú guǒ bù chū yì wài ， shù nián zhī hòu ， jiù yǒu kě néng zhù jī chéng gōng 。
而那个女子林轩也认识，周燕，比他早入门数年的师姐，虽然同辈，但人家可是灵动期大圆满的修为，在低辈弟子中，排前三的高手，如果不出意外，数年之后，就有可能筑基成功。
And that woman was Zhou Yan, his senior by several years. Although they were peers, she was a powerhouse in the灵动期 (nimble period) with full mastery, ranking among the top three young disciples. If nothing went wrong, she might succeed in foundation cultivation within a few years.
zhè liǎng gè rén dōu shì běn mén de zhòng yào rén wù ， zěn me huì rú cǐ láng bèi de táo huí zhè lǐ ne ？
这两个人都是本门的重要人物，怎么会如此狼狈的逃回这里呢？
These two were important figures of the sect; why did they appear so disheveled and skittish as if fleeing from enemies?
ér qiě kàn tā men de biǎo qíng ， guǐ guǐ suì suì ， yī fù jīng gōng zhī niǎo de yàng zi ， àn lǐ ， yǐ dào le běn mén de shì lì fàn wéi ， bù xū yào zhè me xiǎo xīn jǐn shèn ， nán dào shì yǒu shén me bù yuàn yì ràng rén zhī dào de mì mì ma ？
而且看他们的表情，鬼鬼祟祟，一副惊弓之鸟的样子，按理，已到了本门的势力范围，不需要这么小心谨慎，难道是有什么不愿意让人知道的秘密吗？
Moreover, their expressions suggested they were on high alert, like birds that had just escaped an arrow. Within the sect's territory, there was no need for such caution. Could it be that they had some secret they didn’t want others to know about?
duǎn duǎn de shù miǎo zhǒng ， lín xuān jiù yǒu le yǐ shàng de fēn xī ， yǒu le zhè yàng de xiǎng fǎ ， suī rán xīn zhōng hào qí ， dàn tā què gèng jiā xiǎo xīn de yǐn cáng zì jǐ 。
短短的数秒种，林轩就有了以上的分析，有了这样的想法，虽然心中好奇，但他却更加小心的隐藏自己。
In a few seconds, Lin Xuan pieced together these thoughts and became even more cautious. If his opponents indeed had a big secret and he happened to stumble upon it, they would likely kill him to cover their tracks. The cultivation world was harsh and ruthless; Lin Xuan did not want to fall victim to unexpected misfortune.
rú guǒ duì fāng zhēn de yǒu dà mì mì ， yòu pèng qiǎo bèi zì jǐ zhuàng pò de huà ， liǎng rén kěn dìng huì shā rén miè kǒu ， xiū zhēn jiè kě shì ruò ròu qiáng shí ， fēi cháng cán kù ， lín xuān kě bù xiǎng mò míng qí miào de yù dào fēi lái hèng huò 。
如果对方真的有大秘密，又碰巧被自己撞破的话，两人肯定会杀人灭口，修真界可是弱肉强食，非常残酷，林轩可不想莫名其妙的遇到飞来横祸。
Facing an intermediate-stage master uncle and a senior in the full mastery of the灵动期 (nimble period), even with injuries, they could easily kill him like crushing an ant.
miàn duì yī wèi zhù jī zhōng qī de shī shū ， hái yǒu yī wèi líng dòng qī dà yuán mǎn jìng jiè de shī jiě ， jiù suàn liǎng rén shēn shàng yǒu shāng ， xiǎng shā sǐ zì jǐ ， yě xiàng niē sǐ yī zhī mǎ yǐ 。
面对一位筑基中期的师叔，还有一位灵动期大圆满境界的师姐，就算两人身上有伤，想杀死自己，也像捏死一只蚂蚁。
After correctly assessing both parties' strengths, Lin Xuan held his breath and dared not breathe. He only hoped that after resting for a moment, they would leave quickly.
zài duì shuāng fāng de shí lì yǒu le yī fān zhèng què fēn xī yǔ rèn shí zhī hòu ， lín xuān gèng shì bǐng qì níng shén ， dà qì yě bù gǎn chuǎn ， xīn zhōng zhǐ xī wàng duì fāng shāo shì xiū xī yī huì er ， jiù gǎn kuài lí qù 。
在对双方的实力有了一番正确分析与认识之后，林轩更是屏气凝神，大气也不敢喘，心中只希望对方稍事休息一会儿，就赶快离去。
"Eh, someone!"
“ yí ， yǒu rén ！”
“咦，有人！”
Zhou Yan's low cry startled Lin Xuan. Had she discovered him? Before he could react, another scream echoed.
zhōu yàn de dī hū ràng lín xuān chī le yī jīng ， nán dào tā fā xiàn le zì jǐ ， rán ér hái bù děng tā yǒu suǒ dòng zuò ， jiù yòu tīng jiàn yī shēng cǎn hū 。
周燕的低呼让林轩吃了一惊，难道她发现了自己，然而还不等他有所动作，就又听见一声惨呼。
"You… you ambushed me?" The voice was filled with fear and anger, tinged with disbelief: "Why?"
“ nǐ …… nǐ àn suàn wǒ ？” nà shēng yīn yòu shì jīng kǒng yòu shì fèn nù ， hái dài zhe yì diǎn diǎn bù xìn de shén sè ：“ wèi …… wèi shén me ？”
“你……你暗算我？”那声音又是惊恐又是愤怒，还带着一点点不信的神色：“为……为什么？”
"Hmph, Master, it’s useless to struggle. This golden chain is yours; you should know its power. With your current condition, you can only muster about twenty percent of your strength—there's no way out," Lin Xuan said coldly.
Exiting the Flying Cloud Pavilion, Lin Xuan found himself in a deserted area. The smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a grim expression, with a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes.
He stood there for a moment, silent and contemplative. Elder Ma had left an indelible impression on him. For now, he wouldn't make any moves, but once he grew stronger...
Footsteps reached his ears, indicating someone was approaching. Lin Xuan's expression brightened instantly as the gloom vanished. When he looked up, his face was calm and unremarkable.
"Haha, did you know that waste of talent named Lin Xuan got two bottles of waste pills?"
"What's so surprising about that? A commoner without a spirit root is allowed to take divine medicines made from earth treasures—waste pills suit him just fine," the other person mocked mercilessly. He paid no heed to the fact that the person they were talking about was right there.
...
Lin Xuan, as if he hadn't heard them, continued walking past them with a calm expression. A man of great deeds cannot act on impulse; acting out of passion is foolishness, not bravery. He would bear what others couldn't endure and record these insults for later.
The most important thing now was to focus on cultivation. Strength was the ultimate measure. Originally, he planned to use Essence Cleansing Pills to break through the bottleneck of his second-layer technique. But looking at the waste pills in his hand, Lin Xuan fell silent before turning towards Drifting Cloud Valley's outer area.
Without the aid of pills, relying solely on his ordinary abilities and efforts from Heart Refinement Path, breaking through would be difficult. After considering it carefully, Lin Xuan decided to take a chance.
Near the main sect was a small canyon with an entrance hidden away, rarely visited by people. He had stumbled upon this place accidentally, where he occasionally found rare herbs.
Although the odds were slim, Lin Xuan had encountered such opportunities before. Besides spirit pills, some thousand-year-old herbs could also help enhance his cultivation.
After carefully weighing his options, this was his best chance to quickly advance to the second layer of the灵动期 (nimble period). Even if he didn't find any herbs, there would be no loss. After making these calculations in his mind, Lin Xuan left Drifting Cloud Valley.
Once outside the sect's range, Lin Xuan did not immediately head for the canyon but wandered around aimlessly for a while to ensure no one was following him. The hidden canyon occasionally yielded valuable herbs, so he didn't want anyone else to know about it.
After an hour of wandering, Lin Xuan confirmed that no one was paying attention and quietly left the main path, ducking into a secluded alleyway. After several twists and turns, he arrived at the hidden canyon.
The area was filled with vibrant colors as wildflowers bloomed on the ground, and the air was fragrant. It was such a beautiful scene. But Lin Xuan wasn't here for sightseeing; he began searching carefully to see if there were any herbs that could boost his cultivation.
Time passed silently, but Lin Xuan found nothing. He didn’t let this discourage him and continued searching in a small area.
Suddenly, faint voices reached his ears. Lin Xuan paused, then without hesitation, ducked into the nearby bushes.
A red light approached from afar, followed by a "thud" as two people landed in the canyon not far from where Lin Xuan was hiding.
"Master, are you alright with your injuries?" A young woman's voice, filled with concern.
Through the gaps in the grass, Lin Xuan saw they were wearing Drifting Cloud Valley attire. They were members of his sect, but he didn't reveal himself; better to avoid unnecessary complications and observe them.
"Cough, I can still hold on. Yan'er, are we close to Drifting Cloud Valley?" A weak voice replied.
"Master, don’t worry. We’re only a few miles from the sect, and our enemies won’t dare follow us."
"That’s good." The weak voice seemed relieved, as if seriously injured.
"Master, let's rest for a bit."
With the sound of rustling clothes, the woman helped the injured person sit against a tree. Due to his angle, Lin Xuan could clearly see their faces.
"No wonder I felt so familiar."
The man sitting on the ground appeared to be around forty years old with three long strands of beard. He should have had an air of a Taoist sage, but his pale face and bloodstained chest made Lin Xuan shudder.
Zhang Yu—the instructor who taught them Qi Shield Technique just half a month ago—was said to be at the middle-stage foundation level, one of the sect’s guardians.
And that woman was Zhou Yan, his senior by several years. Although they were peers, she was a powerhouse in the灵动期 (nimble period) with full mastery, ranking among the top three young disciples. If nothing went wrong, she might succeed in foundation cultivation within a few years.
These two were important figures of the sect; why did they appear so disheveled and skittish as if fleeing from enemies?
Moreover, their expressions suggested they were on high alert, like birds that had just escaped an arrow. Within the sect's territory, there was no need for such caution. Could it be that they had some secret they didn’t want others to know about?
In a few seconds, Lin Xuan pieced together these thoughts and became even more cautious. If his opponents indeed had a big secret and he happened to stumble upon it, they would likely kill him to cover their tracks. The cultivation world was harsh and ruthless; Lin Xuan did not want to fall victim to unexpected misfortune.
Facing an intermediate-stage master uncle and a senior in the full mastery of the灵动期 (nimble period), even with injuries, they could easily kill him like crushing an ant.
After correctly assessing both parties' strengths, Lin Xuan held his breath and dared not breathe. He only hoped that after resting for a moment, they would leave quickly.
"Eh, someone!"
Zhou Yan's low cry startled Lin Xuan. Had she discovered him? Before he could react, another scream echoed.
"You… you ambushed me?" The voice was filled with fear and anger, tinged with disbelief: "Why?"
"Hmph, Master, it’s useless to struggle. This golden chain is yours; you should know its power. With your current condition, you can only muster about twenty percent of your strength—there's no way out," Lin Xuan said coldly.