hé kuàng píng xīn lái shuō ， níng èr xiān shēng yǔ hóng yī měi fù de xiū wèi cái zhì ， yě què shì bù fán ， lín xuān jì rán yào zhuàng dà zì jǐ
何况平心来说，宁二先生与红衣美妇的修为才智，也确是不凡，林轩既然要壮大自己
Moreover, considering the fact that Ning Er and the red-robed beauty indeed possessed remarkable cultivation and intellect, Lin Xuan had no reason to underutilize their talents.
shǒu xià de shí lì ， yòu qǐ huì yǒu qū cái bù yòng de dào lǐ 。
手下的实力，又岂会有屈才不用的道理。
When Ning Wan Shan heard this order, he was taken aback but did not dare defy Lin Xuan's will. He lowered his head in silence.
níng wàn shān tīng le zhè ge mìng lìng ， xīn zhōng yī jīng ， bù guò tā zì rán bù gǎn wéi ào lín xuān de xīn yì 。 dī xià tou mò mò bù yǔ 。
宁万山听了这个命令，心中一惊，不过他自然不敢违拗林轩的心意。低下头默默不语。
"Thank you, venerable ancestor for your grace; I am willing to brave fire and water." Still lost in thought, Ning Er remained silent as the red-robed beauty bowed gracefully. The worry that had been weighing on her mind was now lifted. Since the venerable ancestor gave such an order, Ning Wan Shan naturally dared not harbor any resentment or seek revenge. It seemed that after his yuanqi core formed, his heart and mind had broadened significantly; he no longer suppressed his younger branch disciples. Could it be that he wanted to expand his influence?
“ duō xiè lǎo zǔ ēn dé ， shǔ xià yuàn fù tāng dǎo huǒ 。” níng èr xiān shēng huán zài fā dāi ， hóng yī měi fù yǐ yíng yíng xià bài ， yuán
“多谢老祖恩德，属下愿赴汤蹈火。”宁二先生还在发呆，红衣美妇已盈盈下拜，原
Lin Xuan nodded. The woman's response was swift. Ning Er also bowed down belatedly.
běn tí zhe de xīn shì ， yě wèi zhī yī sōng ， lǎo zǔ jì rú cǐ fēn fù ， níng wàn shān zì rán bù gǎn jiā xián bào fù ， kàn lái lǎo zǔ
本提着的心事，也为之一松，老祖既如此吩咐，宁万山自然不敢夹嫌报复，看来老祖
Such a family with a long history naturally lacked for talented individuals. The intent behind this order made the disciples of the second and third branches all delighted. Even those in the first branch, who were short-sighted, though they harbored some dissatisfaction, did not dare to show it out of respect for the venerable ancestor's authority.
yuán yīng jié chéng yǐ hòu ， xīn xiōng yě wèi zhī kuān guǎng le xǔ duō 。 bù zài dǎ yā páng zhī dì zǐ ， mò fēi shì xiǎng yào dà zhǎn hóng tú ？
元婴结成以后，心胸也为之宽广了许多。不再打压旁支弟子，莫非是想要大展宏图？
Most people were not foolish; continuing such internal strife would be detrimental to everyone. With seven branches united, Ning Family’s strength would undoubtedly grow stronger.
lín xuān diǎn le diǎn tóu ， cǐ nǚ fǎn yìng dào kuài ， níng èr xiān shēng yě hòu zhī hòu jué de bài le xià lái 。
林轩点了点头，此女反应倒快，宁二先生也后知后觉的拜了下来。
The conflict was defused by Lin Xuan without a trace. With this family as an unseen pawn, his path to cultivation would surely become smoother and more unobstructed.
zhè zhǒng chuán chéng qiān nián de jiā zú ， zì rán bù fá cái zhì zhī shì ， cǐ mìng lìng suǒ bāo hán de yì tú ， lìng èr fáng sān fáng de dì zǐ
这种传承千年的家族，自然不乏才智之士，此命令所包含的意图，令二房三房的弟子
A smile crept onto Lin Xuan's lips. His plan was not yet complete. Just as he intended to manipulate the Corpse Demon, a red light suddenly shot in.
， wú bù xǐ dòng yán sè ， biàn shì zhǎng fáng zhōng shǎo shù mù guāng duǎn qiǎn zhī rén ， zòng xīn yǒu bù mǎn ， pò yú lǎo zǔ wēi yán ， yě bù
，无不喜动颜色，便是长房中少数目光短浅之人，纵心有不满，迫于老祖威严，也不
It was a transmission talisman!
gǎn liú lù yú biǎo miàn 。
敢流露于表面。
Judging by its color, it should have come from the third branch disciples.
hé kuàng dà bù fèn rén bìng bù shǎ ， zhè zhǒng nèi hào xià qù xiǎn rán duì shéi dōu méi yǒu hǎo chù a ， běn jiù shì yī jiā ， qī mài hé lì
何况大部分人并不傻，这种内耗下去显然对谁都没有好处啊，本就是一家，七脉合力
The red-robed beauty’s eyes flashed with an unusual glint as she extended her delicate hand and gently summoned the flame. The firelight fell into her jade palm.
， níng jiā de shì lì bì jiāng gèng jiā qiáng dà 。
，宁家的势力必将更加强大。
With his divine sense delving in, he soon raised his head, a layer of worry on his face: "Venerable ancestor, something is amiss. Those focusing their attention outside have breached our defenses."
yī cháng fēn zhēng ， bèi lín xuān huà jiě yú wú xíng ， ér yǒu le zhè me yī chuán chéng qiān nián de jiā zú zuò wéi àn qí ， xiǎng bì hòu miàn de
一场纷争，被林轩化解于无形，而有了这么一传承千年的家族作为暗棋，想必后面的
This statement caused an uproar among those below. Everyone was shocked and angry, all eyes fixed on the venerable ancestor.
xiū xiān zhī lù ， yě huì gèng jiā de tōng chàng shùn lì 。
修仙之路，也会更加的通畅顺利。
"What does the transmission talisman say? If it’s just some scattered cultivators or minor sects, they wouldn’t dare be so bold," the Corpse Demon sneered.
lín xuān de zuǐ jiǎo biān liú lù chū yī sī xiào yì ， zì jǐ de jì huà bìng fēi zhì cǐ wéi zhǐ ， zhèng xiǎng yào cāo zòng shī mó ， yī dào hóng
林轩的嘴角边流露出一丝笑意，自己的计划并非至此为止，正想要操纵尸魔，一道红
"Yes, venerable ancestor." The disciples felt ashamed and quickly bowed to accept their lesson.
guāng tū rán fēi shè ér rù 。
光突然飞射而入。
"Second son, send someone to investigate. Since they dared to provoke us, there must be a formidable strength behind them. Knowing our enemy is half the battle; we should prepare accordingly. Wan Shan, Third Miss, select some personnel to reinforce the patrols. Do not allow the enemy to breach the protective array," the Corpse Demon ordered methodically.
shì chuán yīn fú ！
是传音符！
Soon, teams of cultivators were dispatched. Although Lin Xuan did not appear in person, he could control the Corpse Demon remotely, which was quite amusing.
kàn yán sè ， yīng gāi shì sān fáng dì zǐ fā guò lái de 。
看颜色，应该是三房弟子发过来的。
Misfortune can turn into good fortune and vice versa. This crisis for Ning Family might be a blessing in disguise for him.
hóng yī měi fù yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī lǚ yì sè ， shēn chū qiàn shǒu ， qīng qīng yī zhāo ， nà huǒ guāng jiù luò rù le tā de yù zhǎng 。
红衣美妇眼中闪过一缕异色，伸出纤手，轻轻一招，那火光就落入了她的玉掌。
Once they defeated their formidable enemy, the venerable ancestor’s prestige would soar to unprecedented heights, making it easier for Lin Xuan to exert control over this family in the future.
shén shí chén rù ， piàn kè hòu ， cǐ nǚ tái qǐ tóu ， liǎn shàng fú xiàn chū yī céng yōu sè ：“ lǎo zǔ 。 bù hǎo le ， nà xiē jù jiāo
神识沉入，片刻后，此女抬起头，脸上浮现出一层忧色：“老祖。不好了，那些聚焦
Firstly, through this crisis, he could reorganize the seven branches and expand his influence with their support.
zài shān wài de xiū shì dǎ jìn lái le 。”
在山外的修士打进来了。”
Although Lin Xuan was not interested in power, he knew that having a powerful sect at his disposal would save him much trouble. For instance, after settling matters regarding the earth vein fire for the Heavenly Dust Pill, he planned to send Ning Family’s disciples to seek it out.
cǐ huà yī chū ， xià miàn dùn shí zhà kāi le guō 。
此话一出，下面顿时炸开了锅。
Under the shade of a great tree, one could find coolness; if he could command such a tree, that would be even better.
suī rán rén rén dōu qīng chǔ ， zuì jìn léi yīn shān fāng yuán bǎi lǐ ， tū rán yǒng jìn le shù yǐ qiān jì de xiū shì ， jiù shì chǒu zhe níng jiā
虽然人人都清楚，最近雷阴山方圆百里，突然涌进了数以千计的修士，就是瞅着宁家
The path to immortality was difficult. Even veteran cultivators with an yuanqi core preferred not to be like rootless drifters unless they were peculiar individuals.
qún lóng wú shǒu ， xiǎng yào xíng nà huǒ zhōng qǔ lì zhī shì ， kě qián yī zhèn ， jiā zhǔ zhī wèi xuán ér wèi jué ， zhǎng lǎo zhí shì men gōu xīn
群龙无首，想要行那火中取栗之事，可前一阵，家主之位悬而未决，长老执事们勾心
With his thoughts swirling, Lin Xuan watched from the sidelines as Ning Wan Shan and the red-robed beauty organized and dispatched personnel to reinforce various parts of the protective array.
dòu jiǎo ， shuí yě méi yǒu jiāng nà wài dí de wēi xié ， zhēn zhèng fàng zài xīn shàng ， bì jìng rén dōu yǒu jiǎo xìng xīn lǐ 。 zài tā men xiǎng lái
斗角，谁也没有将那外敌的威胁，真正放在心上，毕竟人都有侥幸心理。在他们想来
In a short while, another transmission talisman flew in. Ning Er waved it toward his forehead.
， níng jiā kāi pài yǐ lì qiān zài ， duō shǎo dà fēng dà làng dōu chuǎng guò lái le ， xiē xǔ xiāo xiǎo zhī bèi ， bù guò shì xiǎng yào hún shuǐ mō
，宁家开派已历千载，多少大风大浪都闯过来了，些许宵小之辈，不过是想要浑水摸
After a moment, he wore a serious expression with some unease.
yú ， chú fēi níng jiā zhēn de dà luàn ， fǒu zé tā men zuì duō bù guò gǎn zài yī páng qǐ hòng ér yǐ 。
鱼，除非宁家真的大乱，否则他们最多不过敢在一旁起哄而已。
"How goes the investigation?" the Corpse Demon asked nonchalantly.
pài chū qí tā jǐ mài de dì zǐ xún luó ， yǐ jīng zú gòu fáng fàn le ， bì jìng sì fáng ， wǔ fāng děng suī yǐ mò luò ， dàn duì fù zhè
派出其他几脉的弟子巡逻，已经足够防范了，毕竟四房，五方等虽已没落，但对付这
"Venerable ancestor, things are not good. Besides thousands of scattered cultivators and minor sects trying to stir up trouble, there are also disciples from the Zhang Family and Cloud Ghost Sect."
xiē xiǎo zá yú ， què hái shì bù zài huà xià de 。
些小杂鱼，却还是不在话下的。
"The Zhang Family and Cloud Ghost Sect?" The Corpse Demon’s brows rose. Lin Xuan sighed inwardly; he had been here long enough to know the distribution of cultivation forces in this region.
kě méi xiǎng dào ， xiàn zài jìng shōu dào le qiú jiù de chuán yīn fú ， nán dào duì fāng jìng yǐ gōng rù le hù pài dà zhèn lǐ lái le ？
可没想到，现在竟收到了求救的传音符，难道对方竟已攻入了护派大阵里来了？
Indeed, compared to Ning Family, these two families’ strength was only slightly inferior, but not by much.
yī shí zhī jiān ， zhòng rén huá rán ， biǎo qíng yòu shì jīng yà ， yòu shì fèn nù ， rén rén dōu dīng zhe lǎo zǔ 。
一时之间，众人哗然，表情又是惊讶，又是愤怒，人人都盯着老祖。
The Cloud Ghost Sect and Zhang Family had always been at odds, with their rivalry spanning several centuries.
“ chuán yīn fú lǐ jiū jìng zěn me shuō ， rú guǒ jǐn shì yī xiē sàn xiū xiǎo pài ， kǒng pà méi yǒu nà me dà dǎn 。 xiǎng bì shì níng jiā de
“传音符里究竟怎么说，如果仅是一些散修小派，恐怕没有那么大胆。想必是宁家的
It seemed that they saw an opportunity within the family and wanted to take advantage of it.
sù dí ， cóng zhōng tiǎo bō ， suǒ wèi huò qǐ xiāo qiáng ， zhè ge jiào xùn ， nǐ men yǐ hòu kě yào jì zhù 。” shī mó yīn cè cè de kāi
夙敌，从中挑拨，所谓祸起萧墙，这个教训，你们以后可要记住。”尸魔阴恻恻的开
Why did Lin Xuan know this? Because he had once searched Ning Family’s young master's soul.
kǒu 。
口。
"Venerable ancestor, what should we do now? Please instruct. Besides the Cloud Ghost Sect and Zhang Family, the Twin Demons of Mount Mang have also arrived with ill intentions," Ning Er said uneasily. It was no wonder he was worried; even if the Cloud Ghost Sect and Zhang Family joined forces, it would be difficult to handle them. The Twin Demons were peak-stagecondensation dan period ghost cultivators, skilled in combined attacks. It was rumored that when they worked together, though not as formidable as an veteran cultivator, they could easily withstand four or five peers.
“ shì ， lǎo zǔ 。” zhòng rén xīn zhōng yǒu kuì ， máng dī tóu lǐng shòu jiào xùn le 。
“是，老祖。”众人心中有愧，忙低头领受教训了。
Fortunately, with a veteran cultivator’s presence, everyone remained calm and did not lose their composure.
“ èr xiǎo zi ， nǐ pài rén qù chá yī chá ， duì fāng jì rán gǎn luō hǔ xū ， kěn dìng shì yǒu yī shí lì 。 zhī jǐ zhī bǐ ， wǒ men
“二小子，你派人去查一查，对方既然敢捋虎须，肯定是有一实力。知己知彼，我们
"Hmph, even if the Zhang Family and Cloud Ghost Sect come with great force, what of it? In this Thunder Yin Mountain headquarters, we have our array formations to aid us. The outcome is still uncertain; you just need to prepare for battle. As for the Twin Demons and high-ranking cultivators from both sects, leave them to me," the Corpse Demon waved his hand, issuing a grand command.
Moreover, considering the fact that Ning Er and the red-robed beauty indeed possessed remarkable cultivation and intellect, Lin Xuan had no reason to underutilize their talents.
When Ning Wan Shan heard this order, he was taken aback but did not dare defy Lin Xuan's will. He lowered his head in silence.
"Thank you, venerable ancestor for your grace; I am willing to brave fire and water." Still lost in thought, Ning Er remained silent as the red-robed beauty bowed gracefully. The worry that had been weighing on her mind was now lifted. Since the venerable ancestor gave such an order, Ning Wan Shan naturally dared not harbor any resentment or seek revenge. It seemed that after his yuanqi core formed, his heart and mind had broadened significantly; he no longer suppressed his younger branch disciples. Could it be that he wanted to expand his influence?
Lin Xuan nodded. The woman's response was swift. Ning Er also bowed down belatedly.
Such a family with a long history naturally lacked for talented individuals. The intent behind this order made the disciples of the second and third branches all delighted. Even those in the first branch, who were short-sighted, though they harbored some dissatisfaction, did not dare to show it out of respect for the venerable ancestor's authority.
Most people were not foolish; continuing such internal strife would be detrimental to everyone. With seven branches united, Ning Family’s strength would undoubtedly grow stronger.
The conflict was defused by Lin Xuan without a trace. With this family as an unseen pawn, his path to cultivation would surely become smoother and more unobstructed.
A smile crept onto Lin Xuan's lips. His plan was not yet complete. Just as he intended to manipulate the Corpse Demon, a red light suddenly shot in.
It was a transmission talisman!
Judging by its color, it should have come from the third branch disciples.
The red-robed beauty’s eyes flashed with an unusual glint as she extended her delicate hand and gently summoned the flame. The firelight fell into her jade palm.
With his divine sense delving in, he soon raised his head, a layer of worry on his face: "Venerable ancestor, something is amiss. Those focusing their attention outside have breached our defenses."
This statement caused an uproar among those below. Everyone was shocked and angry, all eyes fixed on the venerable ancestor.
"What does the transmission talisman say? If it’s just some scattered cultivators or minor sects, they wouldn’t dare be so bold," the Corpse Demon sneered.
"Yes, venerable ancestor." The disciples felt ashamed and quickly bowed to accept their lesson.
"Second son, send someone to investigate. Since they dared to provoke us, there must be a formidable strength behind them. Knowing our enemy is half the battle; we should prepare accordingly. Wan Shan, Third Miss, select some personnel to reinforce the patrols. Do not allow the enemy to breach the protective array," the Corpse Demon ordered methodically.
Soon, teams of cultivators were dispatched. Although Lin Xuan did not appear in person, he could control the Corpse Demon remotely, which was quite amusing.
Misfortune can turn into good fortune and vice versa. This crisis for Ning Family might be a blessing in disguise for him.
Once they defeated their formidable enemy, the venerable ancestor’s prestige would soar to unprecedented heights, making it easier for Lin Xuan to exert control over this family in the future.
Firstly, through this crisis, he could reorganize the seven branches and expand his influence with their support.
Although Lin Xuan was not interested in power, he knew that having a powerful sect at his disposal would save him much trouble. For instance, after settling matters regarding the earth vein fire for the Heavenly Dust Pill, he planned to send Ning Family’s disciples to seek it out.
Under the shade of a great tree, one could find coolness; if he could command such a tree, that would be even better.
The path to immortality was difficult. Even veteran cultivators with an yuanqi core preferred not to be like rootless drifters unless they were peculiar individuals.
With his thoughts swirling, Lin Xuan watched from the sidelines as Ning Wan Shan and the red-robed beauty organized and dispatched personnel to reinforce various parts of the protective array.
In a short while, another transmission talisman flew in. Ning Er waved it toward his forehead.
After a moment, he wore a serious expression with some unease.
"How goes the investigation?" the Corpse Demon asked nonchalantly.
"Venerable ancestor, things are not good. Besides thousands of scattered cultivators and minor sects trying to stir up trouble, there are also disciples from the Zhang Family and Cloud Ghost Sect."
"The Zhang Family and Cloud Ghost Sect?" The Corpse Demon’s brows rose. Lin Xuan sighed inwardly; he had been here long enough to know the distribution of cultivation forces in this region.
Indeed, compared to Ning Family, these two families’ strength was only slightly inferior, but not by much.
The Cloud Ghost Sect and Zhang Family had always been at odds, with their rivalry spanning several centuries.
It seemed that they saw an opportunity within the family and wanted to take advantage of it.
Why did Lin Xuan know this? Because he had once searched Ning Family’s young master's soul.
"Venerable ancestor, what should we do now? Please instruct. Besides the Cloud Ghost Sect and Zhang Family, the Twin Demons of Mount Mang have also arrived with ill intentions," Ning Er said uneasily. It was no wonder he was worried; even if the Cloud Ghost Sect and Zhang Family joined forces, it would be difficult to handle them. The Twin Demons were peak-stagecondensation dan period ghost cultivators, skilled in combined attacks. It was rumored that when they worked together, though not as formidable as an veteran cultivator, they could easily withstand four or five peers.
Fortunately, with a veteran cultivator’s presence, everyone remained calm and did not lose their composure.
"Hmph, even if the Zhang Family and Cloud Ghost Sect come with great force, what of it? In this Thunder Yin Mountain headquarters, we have our array formations to aid us. The outcome is still uncertain; you just need to prepare for battle. As for the Twin Demons and high-ranking cultivators from both sects, leave them to me," the Corpse Demon waved his hand, issuing a grand command.