lín xuān là xià dùn guāng yǐ hòu ， xìng chōng chōng de zǒu le jìn qù ， tā bìng méi yǒu yǐn cáng xiū wèi de yì si ， zhè lǐ shì liù jí dǎo yǔ ， gāo shǒu rú yún ， níng dān hòu qī xiū shì shù liàng suī bù néng shuō hěn duō ， dàn zhì shǎo zǒu zài lù ， yě bú huì sī háo yǐn rén zhù yì de ， hé kuàng lín xuān běn jiù miàn mào pǔ tōng ， shǔ yú diū jìn rén duī jiù hěn róng yì bèi yí wàng de nà zhǒng 。
林轩落下遁光以后，兴冲冲的走了进去，他并没有隐藏修为的意思，这里是六级岛屿，高手如云，凝丹后期修士数量虽不能说很多，但至少走在路，也不会丝毫引人注意的，何况林轩本就面貌普通，属于丢进人堆就很容易被遗忘的那种。
Lin Xuan stepped out of the遁光 and walked into the area with a spring in his step. He had no intention of concealing his cultivation, for this was a sixth-level island where high-ranking cultivators were numerous. Although the number of late-stage condensation core cultivators wasn't particularly large, it was unlikely to attract attention on the streets. Moreover, Lin Xuan's appearance was rather ordinary; he blended into the crowd easily and would be quickly forgotten.
zhè zuò fāng shì guī mó bù suàn dà ， chén shè bù zhì yě pǒ wèi jiǎn dān pǔ sù ， dàn lái lái wǎng wǎng de xiū shì hěn duō ， rén qì shí zú ， kàn lái bú shì fù jìn yǒu shén me liǎo bù qǐ de dà shì lì ， jiù shì dì chǔ jiāo tōng yào dào le 。
这座坊市规模不算大，陈设布置也颇为简单朴素，但来来往往的修士很多，人气十足，看来不是附近有什么了不起的大势力，就是地处交通要道了。
The market town wasn’t very big, with simple and朴素 arrangements. However, there were many cultivators bustling about, making the place quite lively. It seemed that either a significant power in the vicinity didn't exist, or it was located at an important intersection.
jì rán lái dào le zhè lǐ ， lín xuān dào yě bù jí ， rèn nà jǐ gè lǎo guài wù de běn lǐng tōng tiān chè dì ， yě bù kě néng zhuī xún zhì cǐ ， zì jǐ dǎ kě yǐ màn màn guàng le 。
既然来到了这里，林轩倒也不急，任那几个老怪物的本领通天彻地，也不可能追寻至此，自己打可以慢慢逛了。
Since he had arrived here, Lin Xuan wasn't in a rush. The abilities of those old monsters might be limitless, but they couldn’t follow him all the way to this place. He could take his time browsing around.
lín xuān zài fāng shì zhōng chuān suō ， xún zhǎo chū shòu xiāo xī de diàn pù ， rán ér yě bù zhī dào shì bú shì jīn rì yùn qì bù hǎo ， yī zhǎn chá hòu ， jū rán réng wú suǒ huò ， xīn zhōng zhèng gǎn dào yǒu xiē fán zào ， tū rán méi tóu yī tiāo ， tíng xià le jiǎo bù ， cǐ kè tā zhèng chǔ yú yī tiáo jiào wéi piān pì de xiǎo dào ， rén yān xī shǎo 。
林轩在坊市中穿梭，寻找出售消息的店铺，然而也不知道是不是今日运气不好，一盏茶后，居然仍无所获，心中正感到有些烦躁，突然眉头一挑，停下了脚步，此刻他正处于一条较为偏僻的小道，人烟稀少。
Lin Xuan moved through the market town, searching for shops that sold information. However, it seemed he had bad luck today; after a cup of tea’s worth of time, he still hadn't found anything. Feeling somewhat agitated, his brows suddenly lifted as he stopped walking. He was currently on a relatively secluded path with few people around.
“ gé xià gēn zōng le bǐ rén zhè me jiǔ ， kě shì xiǎng yào yì tú bù guǐ me ？” lín xuān huí guò tóu ， dīng zhù mǒu kōng wú yì rén de dì fāng ， yǔ qì sēn rán de shuō dào 。
“阁下跟踪了鄙人这么久，可是想要意图不轨么？”林轩回过头，盯住某空无一人的地方，语气森然的说道。
"Have you been following me for so long, do you intend to do something untoward?" Lin Xuan turned and stared at an empty space behind him, his tone cold and ominous.
“ qián bèi wù huì le ， wǎn bèi què shí yǒu xiē guǐ guǐ suì suì ， dàn què jué wú dǎi yì ， fǎn ér xiǎng yào sòng gěi qián bèi yī fèn dà lǐ 。” yī yǒu xiē shā yǎ de shēng yīn xiǎng qǐ ， nà kōng wú yì rén de dì fāng qīng guāng yī shǎn ， xiàn chū le yí gè rén lái 。
“前辈误会了，晚辈确实有些鬼鬼祟祟，但却绝无歹意，反而想要送给前辈一份大礼。”一有些沙哑的声音响起，那空无一人的地方青光一闪，现出了一个人来。
A hoarse voice responded, "Mistress, there's a misunderstanding. I did act suspiciously, but I have no ill intentions. Instead, I wish to give you a grand gift."
lín xuān yǎn jīng yī mī ， biǎo qíng mù rán de wàng le guò qù 。 zhè shì yī míng zhōng nián xiū shì ， shēn cái jiē shí ， rán ér shén qíng yǔ diào què pǒ yǒu jǐ fēn jiǎo huá de yàng zi ， xiū wèi bù gāo bù dī ， zhù jī zhōng qī de yàng zi 。
林轩眼睛一眯，表情木然的望了过去。这是一名中年修士，身材结实，然而神情语调却颇有几分狡猾的样子，修为不高不低，筑基中期的样子。
A flash of green light appeared from the seemingly empty space, revealing a person.
ruò shì yì bān rén ， jiàn dào zhè zhōng nián xiū shì yóu lí bù dìng de biǎo qíng ， kěn dìng huì dà qǐ jì dàn zhī xīn ， dàn lín xuān què fǎn ér sōng le kǒu qì ， zhè zhǒng rén ， jiù xiāng dāng yú shì sú jiè de wú lài piàn zi ， chéng bù liǎo dà qì ， zì rán yě bù kě néng yǔ nà jǐ gè lǎo guài wù yǒu shén me guān xì 。
若是一般人，见到这中年修士游离不定的表情，肯定会大起忌惮之心，但林轩却反而松了口气，这种人，就相当于世俗界的无赖骗子，成不了大器，自然也不可能与那几个老怪物有什么关系。
Lin Xuan narrowed his eyes and looked at him with a blank expression. This was a middle-aged cultivator, sturdy in build, yet his demeanor and tone were somewhat cunning. His cultivation level wasn't particularly high or low; he seemed to be around mid-stage foundation establishment.
xīn zhōng zhè yàng xiǎng zhe ， dàn biǎo miàn ， lín xuān yī jiù shì yī fù lěng mò de biǎo qíng 。
心中这样想着，但表面，林轩依旧是一副冷漠的表情。
Most people would have been wary upon seeing the middle-aged man's uncertain behavior, but Lin Xuan felt relieved. Such individuals were like street urchins—they couldn’t achieve much and had no connection with those old monsters.
“ dà lǐ ？ qiě shuō lái tīng tīng ， ruò shì xì nòng běn rén ， hòu guǒ nǐ yīng gāi xīn lǐ yǒu shù ……”
“大礼？且说来听听，若是戏弄本人，后果你应该心里有数……”
Despite his thoughts, Lin Xuan maintained a cold expression on his face.
lín xuān huà yīn wèi luò ， yī gǔ jīng rén de líng yā jiù yǐ mí sàn ér chū ， nà rén duǒ wú kě duǒ ， gǎn jué jiù xiàng shì qīng wā bèi dú shé dīng zhù ， lián dòng yī gēn shǒu zhǐ dōu biàn dé kùn nán wú bǐ le 。
林轩话音未落，一股惊人的灵压就已弥散而出，那人躲无可躲，感觉就像是青蛙被毒蛇盯住，连动一根手指都变得困难无比了。
"A grand gift? Let me hear about it. If you're just trying to fool me, you should know the consequences..."
hǎo zài zhè zhǒng gǎn jué zhuǎn shùn jí shì ， tā yě zhī dào duì fāng shì i wēi de yì si ， xīn zhōng jīng pà bù yǐ ， dàn què miǎn qiǎng bǎo chí zhe zhèn dìng ， máng dào ：“ qián bèi duō lǜ le ， wǎn bèi nǎ gǎn yǒu sī háo de huǎng yán ， què shí shì yào sòng yī fèn dà lǐ ……”
好在这种感觉转瞬即逝，他也知道对方是i威的意思，心中惊怕不已，但却勉强保持着镇定，忙道：“前辈多虑了，晚辈哪敢有丝毫的谎言，确实是要送一份大礼……”
Before he could finish speaking, an overwhelming spiritual pressure spread out, leaving the man nowhere to hide. It felt like being caught by a venomous snake; even moving a finger became incredibly difficult.
“ shǎo luō suo ， jiǎng zhòng diǎn 。”
“少啰嗦，讲重点。”
Fortunately, this feeling was fleeting. He understood that Lin Xuan was merely intimidating him, and his heart raced with fear. However, he managed to maintain composure as he hurriedly said, "Mistress, don't worry so much. I wouldn’t dare lie. Indeed, I want to give you a grand gift..."
lín xuān liǎn lù chū bù nài de biǎo qíng ， zhōng nián xiū shì bù gǎn zài fèi huà lián piān ：“ wǎn bèi guān qián bèi yuǎn dào ér lái ， bù zhī dào kě yǒu xìng qù cān jiā yī huì er de mì shì pāi mài ？”
林轩脸露出不耐的表情，中年修士不敢再废话连篇：“晚辈观前辈远道而来，不知道可有兴趣参加一会儿的秘市拍卖？”
"Cut the nonsense; get to the point."
mì shì pāi mài ？
秘市拍卖？
Lin Xuan's expression showed impatience. The middle-aged man dared not waste any more time: "I noticed that you came from afar and wondered if you might be interested in participating in today’s secret market auction?"
lín xuān tīng le biǎo qíng dùn shí hé huǎn ， zhòng suǒ zhōu zhī ， xiū xiān zhě jiāo huàn gòu mǎi wù pǐn de dì diǎn míng wèi fāng shì ， kě yī xiē zhēn zhèng xī hǎn de wù pǐn yòu qǐ huì ná dào dà tíng guǎng zhòng ， zhì yú diàn pù zhī zhōng ， wǎng wǎng dōu shì yóu yī xiē dà shì lì mì mì jìn xíng pāi mài le 。
林轩听了表情顿时和缓，众所周知，修仙者交换购买物品的地点名为坊市，可一些真正稀罕的物品又岂会拿到大庭广众，置于店铺之中，往往都是由一些大势力秘密进行拍卖了。
Secret market auction?
ér yǔ fāng shì bù tóng ， zhè zhǒng mì shì de pāi mài huì bìng fēi rén rén dōu kě yǐ cān jiā de ， xū yào cái dà qì cū ， ér xiū xiān zhě de shēn jiā yì bān shì yǔ xiū wèi chéng zhèng bǐ ， huàn jù huà shuō ， néng gòu jìn rù qí zhōng de dōu shì gāo jiē xiū shì ， lín xuān yǐ qián dào yě cān jiā guò jǐ cì ， suī bù néng shuō dà kāi yǎn jiè ， dàn lǐ miàn de dōng xī què shí bù fán ， cǐ kè tīng zhè rén yī shuō ， xīn lǐ dào yě zhēn de huó fàn le qǐ lái 。
而与坊市不同，这种秘市的拍卖会并非人人都可以参加的，需要财大气粗，而修仙者的身家一般是与修为成正比，换句话说，能够进入其中的都是高阶修士，林轩以前倒也参加过几次，虽不能说大开眼界，但里面的东西确实不凡，此刻听这人一说，心里倒也真的活泛了起来。
Upon hearing this, Lin Xuan’s expression softened. It was well-known that cultivators exchanged and purchased items at the坊市, but truly rare treasures were often not displayed publicly; they were secretly auctioned by major powers.
chū dào guì dì ， dào yě bù fáng qián qù cháng cháng jiàn shí 。
初到贵地，倒也不妨前去长长见识。
Unlike the坊市, participants in these secret auctions weren’t open to everyone; one needed substantial wealth. And since a cultivator’s worth generally matched their cultivation level, those who could enter such auctions were usually high-ranking cultivators. Lin Xuan had participated a few times before and found that the items there were indeed impressive. Hearing this man mention it, he felt his interest piqued.
xiǎng dào zhè lǐ ， tā de biǎo qíng hé huǎn le xià lái ， suí shǒu diū gěi duì fāng liǎng kuài zhōng pǐn jīng shí ：“ yuán lái yǒu zhè děng hǎo shì ， nà jiù qǐng gé xià zài qián miàn dài lù xīn kǔ 。”
想到这里，他的表情和缓了下来，随手丢给对方两块中品晶石：“原来有这等好事，那就请阁下在前面带路辛苦。”
Since he was in a new place, it wouldn’t hurt to go and see what was on offer.
“ hē hē ， qián bèi kè qì le 。” zhōng nián xiū shì jiàn lín xuān chū shǒu kuò chuò ， xīn zhōng zì shì dà xǐ ， lā lái zhè me yī wèi cái shén yé ， rú guǒ tā zài mì shì zhī zhōng pāi xià shén me bǎo wù ， shì hòu zì jǐ yě huì yǒu bù shǎo tí chéng de hǎo chù ， gù ér yuè fā de gōng jìng qǐ lái le 。 rú xiǎo sī nú pú bān dé zài qián biān yǐn lù ， dài zhe lín xuān zuǒ wān yòu guǎi de xiàng fāng shì mǒu yī piān pì zhī chù zǒu qù le 。
“呵呵，前辈客气了。”中年修士见林轩出手阔绰，心中自是大喜，拉来这么一位财神爷，如果他在秘市之中拍下什么宝物，事后自己也会有不少提成的好处，故而越发的恭敬起来了。如小厮奴仆般得在前边引路，带着林轩左弯右拐的向坊市某一偏僻之处走去了。
With this thought, his expression softened as he casually tossed two middle-grade crystal stones at the other: "There’s such an event? Then please lead the way."
“ zài xià míng jiào zhāng fēng ， suī jǐn jǐn shì yī míng sàn xiū ， dàn què yě shì zhè xuán kōng dǎo tǔ shēng tǔ zhǎng de ， qián bèi yuǎn dào ér lái ， ruò shì xiǎng yào wèn xiē shén me ， zài xià yí dìng zhī wú bù yán yán wú bù jìn 。” zhè zhōng nián xiū shì suī rán yī fù yóu qiāng huá diào de yàng zi ， dàn yě pǒ dǒng de chá yán guān sè ， tū rán rú cǐ zhè bān de shuō 。
“在下名叫张峰，虽仅仅是一名散修，但却也是这旋崆岛土生土长的，前辈远道而来，若是想要问些什么，在下一定知无不言言无不尽。”这中年修士虽然一副油腔滑调的样子，但也颇懂得察言观色，突然如此这般的说。
"Haha, you’re too kind," the middle-aged man said, delighted by Lin Xuan's generous gesture. He had brought in a wealthy patron, and if he bought something valuable in the secret market, he would receive a good share of the profits. Thus, he became even more respectful as he led the way, guiding Lin Xuan through winding paths to a secluded part of the market town.
lín xuān yǒu xiē yì wài ， mù guāng zhōng liú lù chū yī sī zàn xǔ ， duì fāng jì rán xiān kāi le kǒu ， tā nǎ lǐ hái huì kè qì ：“ jì rán rú cǐ ， yǒu láo dào ， zhǐ yǒu jiǎng dé xiáng xì ， zài xià zì rán huì fù nǐ bào chóu 。”
林轩有些意外，目光中流露出一丝赞许，对方既然先开了口，他哪里还会客气：“既然如此，有劳道，只有讲得详细，在下自然会付你报酬。”
"My name is Zhang Feng; though I’m just an independent cultivator, I was born and raised on this Spin Peak Island. If you have any questions about this place, feel free to ask," said the middle-aged man with a slick smile, clearly aware of Lin Xuan’s interest.
duì zhè zhǒng huá fú xiǎo rén ， bù xū yào duō yòng shén me xīn jì ， zhí jiē kāi mén jiàn shān de yòu zhī yǐ lì 。
对这种华浮小人，不需要多用什么心计，直接开门见山的诱之以利。
Lin Xuan was surprised but nodded in approval. Since he had initiated the conversation, there was no need for him to be polite: "Since that's the case, I’ll trouble you to explain everything in detail; I will pay you accordingly."
zhāng fēng tīng le ， guǒ rán mǎn liǎn xīn xǐ ， cuō zhuó shǒu dào ：“ dà rén xiǎng yào liǎo jiě shén me ， jǐn guǎn míng shuō 。”
张峰听了，果然满脸欣喜，搓着手道：“大人想要了解什么，尽管明说。”
For such a superficial person, direct and straightforward persuasion worked best.
“ ń ， yǔ zhè xuán kōng dǎo yǒu guān de xiāo xī ， nǐ dōu jiǎng yī jiǎng ， zhè dǎo yǒu duō dà ， miàn yòu yǒu nǎ xiē zhǔ yào shì lì ？”
“嗯，与这旋崆岛有关的消息，你都讲一讲，这岛有多大，面又有哪些主要势力？”
Hearing this, Zhang Feng’s face lit up with joy. He rubbed his hands together and said, "Sir, what do you wish to know?"
zhāng fēng tīng le zhěng gè wèn tí ， liǎn lù chū yī sī è rán de qíng xù ， gǎn qíng zhè wèi qián bèi shén me dōu bù zhī dào ， jiù liǎng yǎn yī mǒ hēi de lái dào le zhè lǐ ？
张峰听了整个问题，脸露出一丝愕然的情绪，敢情这位前辈什么都不知道，就两眼一抹黑的来到了这里？
"Alright, tell me about the Spin Peak Island. How big is it, and which major forces are there?"
nán dào tā shì zài qí tā shén me dì fāng fàn le shén me shì qíng ， bèi zhuī shā zhì cǐ ？
难道他是在其他什么地方犯了什么事情，被追杀至此？
Zhang Feng was taken aback by the question. It seemed this senior had no knowledge of anything; he must have arrived here completely in the dark?
huò xǔ shì wāi dǎ zhèng zháo ， zhè ge jiā huo jū rán hái zhēn cāi duì le 。
或许是歪打正着，这个家伙居然还真猜对了。
Could it be that he was being pursued for something elsewhere and ended up here?
suī rán xīn zhōng yí huò ， dàn tā zì rán yě bú huì zhēn qù shǎ shǎ de dǎ tīng shén me ， xiū xiān jiè běn jiù xīng fēng xuè yǔ ， dào chù dōu miǎn bù liǎo shā lù ， suǒ wèi huò cóng kǒu chū ， wàn yī yǐn qǐ wù huì zì jǐ nòng bù hǎo huì bèi zhè nián qīng de qián bèi miè kǒu 。
虽然心中疑惑，但他自然也不会真去傻傻的打听什么，修仙界本就腥风血雨，到处都免不了杀戮，所谓祸从口出，万一引起误会自己弄不好会被这年轻的前辈灭口。
Perhaps fate had played a hand, and his guess was correct.
niàn jí zhì cǐ ， tā bù yóu de chū le yī shēn lěng hàn ， máng jiāng zá niàn pāo dào jiǔ xiāo yún wài ， lǎo lǎo shí shí de jiě shì le qǐ lái ：“ hē hē ， qián bèi xiǎng liǎo jiě zhè ge ， nà hái zhēn shì wèn duì rén le ， xuán kōng dǎo yǒu duō dà bù hǎo shuō ， bù guò liù jí dǎo yǔ zì rán shì fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， guāng shì fán rén jù jū de chéng chí jiù yǒu dà xiǎo qī shí èr zuò ， chú cǐ yǐ wài ， hái yǒu liǎng zuò quán shì xiū shì de chéng chí ……”
念及至此，他不由得出了一身冷汗，忙将杂念抛到九霄云外，老老实实的解释了起来：“呵呵，前辈想了解这个，那还真是问对人了，旋崆岛有多大不好说，不过六级岛屿自然是非同小可，光是凡人聚居的城池就有大小七十二座，除此以外，还有两座全是修士的城池……”
Though confused, Zhang Feng wouldn’t waste time asking questions. The cultivation world was full of danger, and words could bring trouble. If this young senior misunderstood him, he might end up dead at the hands of the inexperienced.
lín xuān tīng le ， sǒng rán dòng róng ， qī shí èr zuò chéng chí ， yōu zhōu yě bù guò rú cǐ ， zhè hái bù guò shì qū qū yī liù jí dǎo ér yǐ ， nà qī xīng dǎo qǐ bù shì ……
林轩听了，耸然动容，七十二座城池，幽州也不过如此，这还不过是区区一六级岛而已，那七星岛岂不是……
Thinking about it, he broke out in a cold sweat and quickly dispelled all his thoughts. He explained seriously: "Haha, if you want to know about this, I’m just the right person. The Spin Peak Island’s size is hard to say, but as a sixth-level island, it’s no small matter. There are seventy-two cities where ordinary people live, and two more cities solely for cultivators..."
jì rán chéng chí rú cǐ zhī duō ， kǒng pà miàn jī yě bù xiǎo le 。
既然城池如此之多，恐怕面积也不小了。
Lin Xuan was struck by the revelation of seventy-two cities; even in Youzhou, there weren’t that many. This was just a sixth-level island; how much larger must the Seven Stars Island be?
“ nà cǐ chéng yòu yǒu xiē shén me dà shì lì ？”
“那此城又有些什么大势力？”
With so many cities, the area couldn’t be small.
“ zōng mén jiā zú bù jì qí shù ， yī shí bàn huì er hěn nán shuō dé qīng chǔ ， dàn zuì dà de què yǒu liǎng gè ， hào rán zōng yǔ mó yōu mén ， shuāng qiáng bìng lì ， gòng tóng zhí zhǎng zhe zhè zuò liù jí de dǎo yǔ 。”
“宗门家族不计其数，一时半会儿很难说得清楚，但最大的却有两个，浩然宗与魔幽门，双强并立，共同执掌着这座六级的岛屿。”
"Which major forces are there?"
yòu shì zhèng xié bìng lì ， lín xuān zuǐ jiǎo biān liú lù chū yī sī xiào yì ， xiū xiān jiè de hǎo rén huài rén ， qí shí hěn nán shuō dé qīng chǔ ， suǒ wèi zhèng mó ， gēn běn jiù shì yǐ xiū liàn de gōng fǎ lái huà fēn de ， mó yōu mén ， yī tīng jiù xīn zhī dù míng ，“ zhè hào rán zōng ， kě shì zhèng dào de mén pài me ？”
又是正邪并立，林轩嘴角边流露出一丝笑意，修仙界的好人坏人，其实很难说得清楚，所谓正魔，根本就是以修炼的功法来划分的，魔幽门，一听就心知肚明，“这浩然宗，可是正道的门派么？”
"There are countless sects and clans, but it would take some time to list them all. However, the two largest are the Righteousness Sect and the Dark Abyss Gate; they stand together, jointly controlling this sixth-level island."
“ bù ， qián bèi cuò le ， zhè hào rán zōng ， kě bú shì chū zì dào jiā ， ér shì rú mén de xiū xiān zhě a ！” zhāng fēng zuǐ jiǎo biān lù chū yī sī xiào róng ， shén qíng gǔ guài de kāi kǒu 。
“不，前辈错了，这浩然宗，可不是出自道家，而是儒门的修仙者啊！”张峰嘴角边露出一丝笑容，神情古怪的开口。
Another case of righteousness and darkness coexisting. Lin Xuan smiled slightly. The good and bad in the cultivation world were hard to define; what was considered righteous or evil depended on one’s cultivation method. Hearing "Dark Abyss Gate," he knew it well: "Is the Righteousness Sect a sect from the orthodox path?"
"No, senior, you’re mistaken. The Righteousness Sect isn’t derived from Daoism but is instead composed of cultivators from Confucianism!" Zhang Feng smiled and spoke with an odd expression on his face.
Lin Xuan stepped out of the遁光 and walked into the area with a spring in his step. He had no intention of concealing his cultivation, for this was a sixth-level island where high-ranking cultivators were numerous. Although the number of late-stage condensation core cultivators wasn't particularly large, it was unlikely to attract attention on the streets. Moreover, Lin Xuan's appearance was rather ordinary; he blended into the crowd easily and would be quickly forgotten.
The market town wasn’t very big, with simple and朴素 arrangements. However, there were many cultivators bustling about, making the place quite lively. It seemed that either a significant power in the vicinity didn't exist, or it was located at an important intersection.
Since he had arrived here, Lin Xuan wasn't in a rush. The abilities of those old monsters might be limitless, but they couldn’t follow him all the way to this place. He could take his time browsing around.
Lin Xuan moved through the market town, searching for shops that sold information. However, it seemed he had bad luck today; after a cup of tea’s worth of time, he still hadn't found anything. Feeling somewhat agitated, his brows suddenly lifted as he stopped walking. He was currently on a relatively secluded path with few people around.
"Have you been following me for so long, do you intend to do something untoward?" Lin Xuan turned and stared at an empty space behind him, his tone cold and ominous.
A hoarse voice responded, "Mistress, there's a misunderstanding. I did act suspiciously, but I have no ill intentions. Instead, I wish to give you a grand gift."
A flash of green light appeared from the seemingly empty space, revealing a person.
Lin Xuan narrowed his eyes and looked at him with a blank expression. This was a middle-aged cultivator, sturdy in build, yet his demeanor and tone were somewhat cunning. His cultivation level wasn't particularly high or low; he seemed to be around mid-stage foundation establishment.
Most people would have been wary upon seeing the middle-aged man's uncertain behavior, but Lin Xuan felt relieved. Such individuals were like street urchins—they couldn’t achieve much and had no connection with those old monsters.
Despite his thoughts, Lin Xuan maintained a cold expression on his face.
"A grand gift? Let me hear about it. If you're just trying to fool me, you should know the consequences..."
Before he could finish speaking, an overwhelming spiritual pressure spread out, leaving the man nowhere to hide. It felt like being caught by a venomous snake; even moving a finger became incredibly difficult.
Fortunately, this feeling was fleeting. He understood that Lin Xuan was merely intimidating him, and his heart raced with fear. However, he managed to maintain composure as he hurriedly said, "Mistress, don't worry so much. I wouldn’t dare lie. Indeed, I want to give you a grand gift..."
"Cut the nonsense; get to the point."
Lin Xuan's expression showed impatience. The middle-aged man dared not waste any more time: "I noticed that you came from afar and wondered if you might be interested in participating in today’s secret market auction?"
Secret market auction?
Upon hearing this, Lin Xuan’s expression softened. It was well-known that cultivators exchanged and purchased items at the坊市, but truly rare treasures were often not displayed publicly; they were secretly auctioned by major powers.
Unlike the坊市, participants in these secret auctions weren’t open to everyone; one needed substantial wealth. And since a cultivator’s worth generally matched their cultivation level, those who could enter such auctions were usually high-ranking cultivators. Lin Xuan had participated a few times before and found that the items there were indeed impressive. Hearing this man mention it, he felt his interest piqued.
Since he was in a new place, it wouldn’t hurt to go and see what was on offer.
With this thought, his expression softened as he casually tossed two middle-grade crystal stones at the other: "There’s such an event? Then please lead the way."
"Haha, you’re too kind," the middle-aged man said, delighted by Lin Xuan's generous gesture. He had brought in a wealthy patron, and if he bought something valuable in the secret market, he would receive a good share of the profits. Thus, he became even more respectful as he led the way, guiding Lin Xuan through winding paths to a secluded part of the market town.
"My name is Zhang Feng; though I’m just an independent cultivator, I was born and raised on this Spin Peak Island. If you have any questions about this place, feel free to ask," said the middle-aged man with a slick smile, clearly aware of Lin Xuan’s interest.
Lin Xuan was surprised but nodded in approval. Since he had initiated the conversation, there was no need for him to be polite: "Since that's the case, I’ll trouble you to explain everything in detail; I will pay you accordingly."
For such a superficial person, direct and straightforward persuasion worked best.
Hearing this, Zhang Feng’s face lit up with joy. He rubbed his hands together and said, "Sir, what do you wish to know?"
"Alright, tell me about the Spin Peak Island. How big is it, and which major forces are there?"
Zhang Feng was taken aback by the question. It seemed this senior had no knowledge of anything; he must have arrived here completely in the dark?
Could it be that he was being pursued for something elsewhere and ended up here?
Perhaps fate had played a hand, and his guess was correct.
Though confused, Zhang Feng wouldn’t waste time asking questions. The cultivation world was full of danger, and words could bring trouble. If this young senior misunderstood him, he might end up dead at the hands of the inexperienced.
Thinking about it, he broke out in a cold sweat and quickly dispelled all his thoughts. He explained seriously: "Haha, if you want to know about this, I’m just the right person. The Spin Peak Island’s size is hard to say, but as a sixth-level island, it’s no small matter. There are seventy-two cities where ordinary people live, and two more cities solely for cultivators..."
Lin Xuan was struck by the revelation of seventy-two cities; even in Youzhou, there weren’t that many. This was just a sixth-level island; how much larger must the Seven Stars Island be?
With so many cities, the area couldn’t be small.
"Which major forces are there?"
"There are countless sects and clans, but it would take some time to list them all. However, the two largest are the Righteousness Sect and the Dark Abyss Gate; they stand together, jointly controlling this sixth-level island."
Another case of righteousness and darkness coexisting. Lin Xuan smiled slightly. The good and bad in the cultivation world were hard to define; what was considered righteous or evil depended on one’s cultivation method. Hearing "Dark Abyss Gate," he knew it well: "Is the Righteousness Sect a sect from the orthodox path?"
"No, senior, you’re mistaken. The Righteousness Sect isn’t derived from Daoism but is instead composed of cultivators from Confucianism!" Zhang Feng smiled and spoke with an odd expression on his face.