huī páo xiū shì de liǎn shàng yī xià zi háo wú xuè sè ， yǎn jiàn lín xuān tái qǐ shǒu ， tā jīng kǒng de jiān jiào ：“ qián bèi shǒu xià liú qíng 。
灰袍修士的脸上一下子毫无血色，眼见林轩抬起手，他惊恐的尖叫：“前辈手下留情。
The robed cultivator's face turned pale as he saw Lin Xuan raise his hand. He screamed in terror, "Senior, please show mercy.
nǐ ruò liú wǒ ， duì nǐ dà yǒu hǎo chù 。”
你若留我，对你大有好处。”
If you spare me, it will be greatly beneficial to you."
“ ó ？” lín xuān tīng le ， biǎo qíng yī dòng 。 níng lì bù fā ， fǎn zhèng duì fāng yě shì náng zhōng zhī wù ， bù fáng tīng tā shuō xiē shén me 。
“哦？”林轩听了，表情一动。凝力不发，反正对方也是囊中之物，不妨听他说些什么。
"Oh?" Lin Xuan's expression changed slightly upon hearing this. Since the target was already within reach, he decided to hear what the robed cultivator had to say.
huī páo xiū shì shū le kǒu qì ， tái xiù cā le cā é shàng de hàn dī ， nǎo hǎi lǐ què kāi shǐ fēi kuài de zhěng lǐ sī xù 。
灰袍修士舒了口气，抬袖擦了擦额上的汗滴，脑海里却开始飞快的整理思绪。
The robed cultivator exhaled in relief and wiped his forehead with a sleeve, but quickly began organizing his thoughts in his mind.
“ ruò wǒ suǒ liào bù cuò ， pán jù yú cǐ de shī mó yǐ bèi qián bèi jiǎo miè le 。”
“若我所料不错，盘踞于此的尸魔已被前辈剿灭了。”
"If my guess is correct, the Corpse Demon that has been dwelling here has been eliminated by Senior."
“ bù cuò ， nà shī mó shì hé lái lì nǐ kě zhī dào ？”
“不错，那尸魔是何来历你可知道？”
"Indeed. Do you know its origins?" Lin Xuan asked calmly.
“ zhè ……” huī páo xiū shì liǎn shàng lù chū yī sī yóu yù ， dàn hěn kuài jiù bèi jué rán suǒ dài tì ：“ bù mán qián bèi ， cǐ mó nǎi
“这……”灰袍修士脸上露出一丝犹豫，但很快就被绝然所代替：“不瞒前辈，此魔乃
"Yes..." The robed cultivator hesitated for a moment before resolutely continuing: "To be honest with Senior, this demon was the ancestor of my Ning family. Due to nearing his lifespan, he practiced some strange and sinister cultivation techniques, transforming himself into a Corpse Demon..."
wǒ níng jiā qián dài lǎo zǔ 。 yīn shòu yuán jiāng jìn ， yīn ér xiū liàn mǒu zhǒng guǐ yì xié gōng ， jiāng zì jǐ zhuǎn huà wèi shī mó ……”
我宁家前代老祖。因寿元将近，因而修炼某种诡异邪功，将自己转化为尸魔……”
The robed cultivator revealed all the information he knew.
cǐ rén yuán yuán běn běn ， jiāng zì jǐ suǒ zhī dào de xìn xī xiàng lín xuān yī yī tòu lù 。
此人原原本本，将自己所知道的信息向林轩一一透露。
"You are quite clever," Lin Xuan said as he lowered his hand. He asked deliberately to test the man's honesty. If this was a lie, it would be fatal for him.
“ suàn nǐ cōng míng 。” lín xuān fàng xià le shǒu ， tā míng zhī gù wèn ， jiù shì cún le kǎo yàn zhī yì 。 jiǎ ruò cǐ rén huǎng yán xiāng qī ， nà
“算你聪明。”林轩放下了手，他明知故问，就是存了考验之意。假若此人谎言相欺，那
The robed cultivator exhaled in relief, glad that he had guessed correctly. With his life hanging by a thread, he decided not to hold anyluckiness;侥幸 can also be translated as "侥幸心理" meaning "侥幸 psychology" or "relying on luck") (luckiness;侥幸 can also be translated as "侥幸心理" meaning "侥幸 psychology" or "relying on luck") meansluckiness;侥幸 can also be translated as "侥幸心理" meaning "侥幸 psychology" or "relying on luck")). Being honest might still give him a chance at survival.
me jiù shì héng shī dāng chǎng de jié jú 。
么就是横尸当场的结局。
"You said just now that sparing me will greatly benefit you?" Lin Xuan asked calmly.
huī páo xiū shì sōng le kǒu qì ， hái hǎo dǔ duì le ， jì rán xiǎo mìng niē zài duì fāng shǒu lǐ ， nà me jiù bié cún bàn diǎn jiǎo xìng de xīn lǐ 。
灰袍修士松了口气，还好赌对了，既然小命捏在对方手里，那么就别存半点侥幸的心理。
"Yes," the robed cultivator nodded, his face filled with flattery. "Senior has eliminated the Corpse Demon and learned of its connection to my Ning family. It's not hard to deduce that it will bring trouble..."
lǎo lǎo shí shí ， huò xǔ hái yǒu kě néng huó xià qù 。
老老实实，或许还有可能活下去。
Seeing Lin Xuan raise an eyebrow, he quickly changed his words: "Of course, given Senior’s cultivation level, you are naturally not afraid of a small Ning Family. But entangling with them would be troublesome!"
“ nǐ gāng cái shuō ， ráo nǐ bù sǐ ， duì wǒ dà yǒu hǎo chù ？” lín xuān dàn dàn de kāi kǒu ， shēng yīn zhī zhōng tīng bù chū sī háo xǐ nù 。
“你刚才说，饶你不死，对我大有好处？”林轩淡淡的开口，声音之中听不出丝毫喜怒。
Lin Xuan pondered silently for a moment. There was some truth in this.
“ shì de 。” cǐ rén diǎn le diǎn tóu ， liǎn shàng mǎn shì xiàn mèi zhī sè ：“ qián bèi miè le shī mó ， yě zhī dào le tā yǔ wǒ níng jiā
“是的。”此人点了点头，脸上满是献媚之色：“前辈灭了尸魔，也知道了他与我宁家
The Ning family was one of the most famous ghost cultivator clans in the Yin Spirit Origin, though they lacked an Incarnate Old Monster, their strength still couldn't be underestimated. Even if his power was supreme and he could eliminate them, there would inevitably be future troubles.
de jiū gé ， xiǎng bì bù nán tuī cè chū ， huì yǐn huǒ shāo shēn de ……”
的纠葛，想必不难推测出，会引火烧身的……”
As the saying goes, a tall tree attracts much wind. Lin Xuan didn't want to draw the attention of any powerful forces.
jiàn lín xuān méi tóu yī tiāo ， tā lián máng gǎi kǒu dào ：“ dāng rán ， yǐ qián bèi de xiū wèi ， zì rán bù jù xiǎo xiǎo de níng jiā ， kě yǔ
见林轩眉头一挑，他连忙改口道：“当然，以前辈的修为，自然不惧小小的宁家，可与
With this in mind, Lin Xuan glanced at the robed cultivator: "Oh, then what do you suggest?"
tā men jiū chán xià qù què yě zhe shí má fán a ！”
他们纠缠下去却也着实麻烦啊！”
"I dare not make suggestions, but I have some immature ideas that Senior can consider," the robed cultivator cautiously spoke up.
lín xuān tīng le ， chén yín bù yǔ ， zhè huà yǒu jǐ fēn dào lǐ 。
林轩听了，沉吟不语，这话有几分道理。
"Undoubtedly, as a member of the Ning family and an Inner Hall Elder, I hold some influence within the clan. If Senior spares my life, I will serve you loyally, ready to be your slave or servant. I can hide the fact that the Corpse Demon has been eliminated, allowing you to focus on cultivation without any disturbances."
níng jiā nǎi shì yīn líng zhī yuán zuì fù shèng míng de guǐ xiū jiā zú ， suī rán méi yǒu yuán yīng lǎo guài wù ， dàn shí lì yě bù róng qīng rǔ ， jiù suàn
宁家乃是阴灵之原最富盛名的鬼修家族，虽然没有元婴老怪物，但实力也不容轻辱，就算
"Do you truly have the ability to cover this up?" Lin Xuan asked with a flicker in his eyes.
zì jǐ shén tōng gài shì ， néng gòu jiāng qí jiǎn chú ， yě bì dìng hòu huàn wú qióng 。
自己神通盖世，能够将其剪除，也必定后患无穷。
"Yes, since the Corpse Demon resides here, it was originally to break through its bottleneck and bypass restrictions. As my role within the family involves communication with him, I can simply relay a message from the Corpse Demon that he is currently in a critical phase of breaking through his bottleneck, unable to be disturbed for several years," the robed cultivator said with a sly smile.
suǒ wèi shù dà zhāo fēng ， lín xuān kě bù xiǎng bèi shén me dà shì lì gěi dīng shàng 。
所谓树大招风，林轩可不想被什么大势力给盯上。
"Hmm, that makes sense." Lin Xuan nodded. The lie was simple but could be carried out easily.
niàn jí zhì cǐ ， lín xuān piǎo le yī yǎn qián fāng de huī páo xiū shì ：“ ó ， nà gé xià yǒu shén me jiàn yì ne ？”
念及至此，林轩瞟了一眼前方的灰袍修士：“哦，那阁下有什么建议呢？”
As this man suggested, although Lin Xuan wasn't afraid of the Ning family, there was no need to get involved in unnecessary trouble.
“ jiàn yì bù gǎn shuō ， zhǐ shì yǒu yī xiē bù chéng shú de xiǎng fǎ kě gōng qián bèi zhēn zhuó 、” huī páo xiū shì xiǎo xīn yì yì de kāi kǒu le ：“
“建议不敢说，只是有一些不成熟的想法可供前辈斟酌、”灰袍修士小心翼翼的开口了：“
"I will spare your life, but I must place a restriction on you."
xiǎng bì nín yě zhī dào ， xiǎo rén nǎi shì níng jiā dì zi ， ér qiě wèi jū nèi táng zhǎng lǎo zhī zhí ， zài jiā zú nèi ， yě yǒu xiē shì lì ， qián bèi
想必您也知道，小人乃是宁家弟子，而且位居内堂长老之职，在家族内，也有些势力，前辈
"Of course, I am willing to accept the Soul Sealing Technique and serve you wholeheartedly," the robed cultivator said without hesitation. He knew this outcome would come and showed his sincerity by offering willingly.
ruò yuàn ráo wǒ yī mìng ， zài xià yuàn wèi nú wèi pū ， gōng nín qū cè ， bié de bù gǎn shuō ， yǐn mán shī mó bèi miè de xiāo xī hái kě yǐ zuò
若愿饶我一命，在下愿为奴为仆，供您驱策，别的不敢说，隐瞒尸魔被灭的消息还可以做
"Soul Sealing Technique... No..." Lin Xuan shook his head with a hint of derision. "While such a technique can allow me to control your life and death, it's not enough."
dào ， zhè yàng yī lái ， nín jiù kě yǐ ān xīn de zài zhè lǐ xiū liàn ， bù pà bèi rén dǎ rǎo le 。”
到，这样一来，您就可以安心的在这里修炼，不怕被人打扰了。”
"Ah?" The robed cultivator was stunned. Despite offering one soul and one essence for the restriction, he still wasn't satisfied. He asked cautiously: "Then what does Senior plan?"
“ nǐ zhēn yǒu běn shì kě yǐ zhē yǎn cǐ shì ？” lín xuān mù guāng shǎn shuò de kāi kǒu 。
“你真有本事可以遮掩此事？”林轩目光闪烁的开口。
"I have nothing in mind," Lin Xuan said. "The restriction I will place is the Bloodlight Soul Refinement Technique."
“ bù cuò ， shī mó yǐn jū yú cǐ ， běn lái jiù shì wèi le chōng jī píng jǐng ， tū pò jìn zhì ， ér xiǎo rén zài jiā zú nèi suǒ dān dāng de sī zhí ，
“不错，尸魔隐居于此，本来就是为了冲击瓶颈，突破禁制，而小人在家族内所担当的司职，
"Ah..." The robed cultivator's face turned pale. The Bloodlight Soul Refinement Technique was a feared magic art that could control one's life and death, making it impossible to harbor any disrespectful thoughts towards their master.
yòu qià qiǎo shì yǔ tā lián luò ， zhǐ xiāo jiǎ chuán shī mó kǒu yù ， shuō tā zhèng chǔ yú tū pò píng jǐng de guān jiàn shí qī ， bù néng shòu rèn hé dǎ
又恰巧是与他联络，只消假传尸魔口谕，说他正处于突破瓶颈的关键时期，不能受任何打
Even with a slight thought of rebellion, the restriction would activate on its own, causing unbearable torment.
rǎo ， zhè yàng yī lái ， shù nián zhī nèi ， qián bèi jiù kě yǐ bù wèi qīng jìng yōu chóu 。” huī páo xiū shì yǎn zhū yī zhuǎn ， tǎo hǎo de kāi kǒu 。
扰，这样一来，数年之内，前辈就可以不为清净忧愁。”灰袍修士眼珠一转，讨好的开口。
This dark magic was indeed extremely vicious.
“ ń ， zhè me shuō yě xíng 。” lín xuān diǎn le diǎn tóu ， huǎng yán suī rán jiǎn dān ， dàn zhào zuò qǐ lái yīng gāi bù nán 。
“嗯，这么说也行。”林轩点了点头，谎言虽然简单，但照做起来应该不难。
However, from another perspective, it was an excellent tool for controlling subordinates.
chéng rú cǐ rén suǒ yán ， zì jǐ suī rán bù jù níng jiā ， dàn yě méi yǒu bì yào zhān rě wú wèi de má fán 。
诚如此人所言，自己虽然不惧宁家，但也没有必要沾惹无谓的麻烦。
The robed cultivator had only heard rumors about this technique and never imagined he would experience it firsthand.
“ ráo nǐ yī mìng kě yǐ ， dàn wǒ bì xū zài nǐ shēn shàng zhòng xià jìn zhì 。”
“饶你一命可以，但我必须在你身上种下禁制。”
"How, are you unwilling?"
“ dāng rán ， zài xià yuàn yì jiē shòu jìn shén shù ， zhōng shēng fèng nín wéi zhǔ 。” duì yú zhè zhǒng jié jú 。 huī páo xiū shì háo bù yì wài ， zhǔ dòng
“当然，在下愿意接受禁神术，终生奉您为主。”对于这种结局。灰袍修士毫不意外，主动
"No, I will follow my master's every command," the robed cultivator said firmly. He knew that as long as he remained loyal and held no rebellious thoughts, any restriction was acceptable.
biǎo xiàn yě chū le zì jǐ de chéng yì lái 。“ jìn shén shù ， bù ……” lín xuān yáo le yáo tóu ， liǎn shàng lù chū yī sī jī fěng ：“ zhè zhǒng fǎ shù 。 suī rán kě yǐ ràng wǒ zhǎng wò nǐ
表现也出了自己的诚意来。“禁神术，不……”林轩摇了摇头，脸上露出一丝讥讽：“这种法术。虽然可以让我掌握你
"Good." Lin Xuan nodded. A black cloud of magic emerged from his left hand. The robed cultivator's lips twitched but did not move.
de shēng sǐ ， dàn hái bù gòu 。”
的生死，但还不够。”
"That is correct; only a smart man can survive."
“ a ？” huī páo xiū shì mù dèng kǒu dāi ， zì jǐ yuàn yì jiāo chū yī hún yī pò ràng duì fāng jìn gù ， tā jū rán réng bù mǎn zú ， xiǎo xīn yì yì
“啊？”灰袍修士目瞪口呆，自己愿意交出一魂一魄让对方禁锢，他居然仍不满足，小心翼翼
Lin Xuan's expression softened as he revealed a look of approval. He then muttered a mysterious and obscure incantation, changing the hand seals rapidly. The black cloud swirled, forming a ghost face about the size of a fist.
de kāi kǒu le ：“ nà qián bèi dǎ suàn rú hé ？”
的开口了：“那前辈打算如何？”
This ghost had a greenish complexion and sharp teeth, making it terrifying to behold.
“ méi shén me ， wǒ yào xià de jìn zhì nǎi shì xuè guāng liàn hún shù 。”
“没什么，我要下的禁制乃是血光炼魂术。”
Lin Xuan opened his mouth and sprayed out a needle-like sword energy that cut a shallow wound on his left hand. A drop of fresh blood appeared in mid-air before being swallowed by the ghost face.
“ zhè ……” huī páo xiū shì de liǎn sè nán kàn dào le jí chù ， xuè guāng liàn hún shù ， nà kě shì lìng rén tán hǔ sè biàn de mó dào shén tōng 。
“这……”灰袍修士的脸色难看到了极处，血光炼魂术，那可是令人谈虎色变的魔道神通。
"Quickly!"
jù shuō yí dàn jiē shòu le zhè zhǒng jìn gù ， bù dàn shēng sǐ cāo yú shī shù zhě zhī shǒu ， ér qiě bèi xià zhòu zhī rén ， bié shuō xíng dòng ， biàn shì xīn
据说一旦接受了这种禁锢，不但生死操于施术者之手，而且被下咒之人，别说行动，便是心
Lin Xuan pointed at him with a calm expression. The ghost face's pupils turned red, entering the robed cultivator's forehead instantly. He showed signs of pain but quickly felt no discomfort.
zhōng ， yě bù néng cún bàn fēn duì zhǔ rén bù jìng de niàn tou 。
中，也不能存半分对主人不敬的念头。
"Done. The restriction is now in place. From now on, you will be under my control. As long as you remain loyal, I won't let you down."
yí dàn yǒu le fēn háo xié niàn ， bù yòng shī shù zhě jī fā ， jìn zhì zì jǐ jiù huì chù dòng ， ràng rén tǐ yàn qiú shēng bù dé qiú sǐ bù néng de
一旦有了分毫邪念，不用施术者激发，禁制自己就会触动，让人体验求生不得求死不能的
"Yes, subordinates will do anything for their master and dare not defy the slightest command," the robed cultivator said earnestly.
liàn hún zhī kǔ 。
炼魂之苦。
"Good. After you return, act cautiously. If there's an opportunity in the future, I will visit your Ning family to support you from within. It might be possible to make you my master." Lin Xuan used this as bait, combining carrots and sticks was the best way to control subordinates.
zhè zhǒng xié shù ， kě shuō dǎi dú dào le jí chù 。
这种邪术，可说歹毒到了极处。
Indeed, upon hearing this, the robed cultivator's disappointment vanished. As an Inner Hall Elder, if he had a chance to become the family head today, his sacrifice would be worth it.
The robed cultivator's face turned pale as he saw Lin Xuan raise his hand. He screamed in terror, "Senior, please show mercy.
If you spare me, it will be greatly beneficial to you."
"Oh?" Lin Xuan's expression changed slightly upon hearing this. Since the target was already within reach, he decided to hear what the robed cultivator had to say.
The robed cultivator exhaled in relief and wiped his forehead with a sleeve, but quickly began organizing his thoughts in his mind.
"If my guess is correct, the Corpse Demon that has been dwelling here has been eliminated by Senior."
"Indeed. Do you know its origins?" Lin Xuan asked calmly.
"Yes..." The robed cultivator hesitated for a moment before resolutely continuing: "To be honest with Senior, this demon was the ancestor of my Ning family. Due to nearing his lifespan, he practiced some strange and sinister cultivation techniques, transforming himself into a Corpse Demon..."
The robed cultivator revealed all the information he knew.
"You are quite clever," Lin Xuan said as he lowered his hand. He asked deliberately to test the man's honesty. If this was a lie, it would be fatal for him.
The robed cultivator exhaled in relief, glad that he had guessed correctly. With his life hanging by a thread, he decided not to hold anyluckiness;侥幸 can also be translated as "侥幸心理" meaning "侥幸 psychology" or "relying on luck") (luckiness;侥幸 can also be translated as "侥幸心理" meaning "侥幸 psychology" or "relying on luck") meansluckiness;侥幸 can also be translated as "侥幸心理" meaning "侥幸 psychology" or "relying on luck")). Being honest might still give him a chance at survival.
"You said just now that sparing me will greatly benefit you?" Lin Xuan asked calmly.
"Yes," the robed cultivator nodded, his face filled with flattery. "Senior has eliminated the Corpse Demon and learned of its connection to my Ning family. It's not hard to deduce that it will bring trouble..."
Seeing Lin Xuan raise an eyebrow, he quickly changed his words: "Of course, given Senior’s cultivation level, you are naturally not afraid of a small Ning Family. But entangling with them would be troublesome!"
Lin Xuan pondered silently for a moment. There was some truth in this.
The Ning family was one of the most famous ghost cultivator clans in the Yin Spirit Origin, though they lacked an Incarnate Old Monster, their strength still couldn't be underestimated. Even if his power was supreme and he could eliminate them, there would inevitably be future troubles.
As the saying goes, a tall tree attracts much wind. Lin Xuan didn't want to draw the attention of any powerful forces.
With this in mind, Lin Xuan glanced at the robed cultivator: "Oh, then what do you suggest?"
"I dare not make suggestions, but I have some immature ideas that Senior can consider," the robed cultivator cautiously spoke up.
"Undoubtedly, as a member of the Ning family and an Inner Hall Elder, I hold some influence within the clan. If Senior spares my life, I will serve you loyally, ready to be your slave or servant. I can hide the fact that the Corpse Demon has been eliminated, allowing you to focus on cultivation without any disturbances."
"Do you truly have the ability to cover this up?" Lin Xuan asked with a flicker in his eyes.
"Yes, since the Corpse Demon resides here, it was originally to break through its bottleneck and bypass restrictions. As my role within the family involves communication with him, I can simply relay a message from the Corpse Demon that he is currently in a critical phase of breaking through his bottleneck, unable to be disturbed for several years," the robed cultivator said with a sly smile.
"Hmm, that makes sense." Lin Xuan nodded. The lie was simple but could be carried out easily.
As this man suggested, although Lin Xuan wasn't afraid of the Ning family, there was no need to get involved in unnecessary trouble.
"I will spare your life, but I must place a restriction on you."
"Of course, I am willing to accept the Soul Sealing Technique and serve you wholeheartedly," the robed cultivator said without hesitation. He knew this outcome would come and showed his sincerity by offering willingly.
"Soul Sealing Technique... No..." Lin Xuan shook his head with a hint of derision. "While such a technique can allow me to control your life and death, it's not enough."
"Ah?" The robed cultivator was stunned. Despite offering one soul and one essence for the restriction, he still wasn't satisfied. He asked cautiously: "Then what does Senior plan?"
"I have nothing in mind," Lin Xuan said. "The restriction I will place is the Bloodlight Soul Refinement Technique."
"Ah..." The robed cultivator's face turned pale. The Bloodlight Soul Refinement Technique was a feared magic art that could control one's life and death, making it impossible to harbor any disrespectful thoughts towards their master.
Even with a slight thought of rebellion, the restriction would activate on its own, causing unbearable torment.
This dark magic was indeed extremely vicious.
However, from another perspective, it was an excellent tool for controlling subordinates.
The robed cultivator had only heard rumors about this technique and never imagined he would experience it firsthand.
"How, are you unwilling?"
"No, I will follow my master's every command," the robed cultivator said firmly. He knew that as long as he remained loyal and held no rebellious thoughts, any restriction was acceptable.
"Good." Lin Xuan nodded. A black cloud of magic emerged from his left hand. The robed cultivator's lips twitched but did not move.
"That is correct; only a smart man can survive."
Lin Xuan's expression softened as he revealed a look of approval. He then muttered a mysterious and obscure incantation, changing the hand seals rapidly. The black cloud swirled, forming a ghost face about the size of a fist.
This ghost had a greenish complexion and sharp teeth, making it terrifying to behold.
Lin Xuan opened his mouth and sprayed out a needle-like sword energy that cut a shallow wound on his left hand. A drop of fresh blood appeared in mid-air before being swallowed by the ghost face.
"Quickly!"
Lin Xuan pointed at him with a calm expression. The ghost face's pupils turned red, entering the robed cultivator's forehead instantly. He showed signs of pain but quickly felt no discomfort.
"Done. The restriction is now in place. From now on, you will be under my control. As long as you remain loyal, I won't let you down."
"Yes, subordinates will do anything for their master and dare not defy the slightest command," the robed cultivator said earnestly.
"Good. After you return, act cautiously. If there's an opportunity in the future, I will visit your Ning family to support you from within. It might be possible to make you my master." Lin Xuan used this as bait, combining carrots and sticks was the best way to control subordinates.
Indeed, upon hearing this, the robed cultivator's disappointment vanished. As an Inner Hall Elder, if he had a chance to become the family head today, his sacrifice would be worth it.