zhòng rén yī dāi ， suí jí lù chū le dà xǐ guò wàng de biǎo qíng lái ， níng wàn shān xīn niàn diàn ， míng bái
众人一呆，随即露出了大喜过望的表情来，宁万山心念电，明白
The crowd was taken aback, then their faces lit up with great joy. Lin Xuan understood that the master intended to step forward.
zhǔ rén zhè shì yào zǒu shàng qián tái 。
主人这是要走上前台。
Though hidden behind the scenes, there were many inconveniences. To better control the Ning family, it would be simplest and more proper for him to take on Elder Keqing's title.
yǐn zài mù hòu suī yě néng dé dào bù shǎo hǎo chù 。 dàn bù biàn de dì fāng yě yǒu xǔ duō ， xiǎng yào gèng hǎo
隐在幕后虽也能得到不少好处。但不便的地方也有许多，想要更好
"Salute the elder!" Ning Wanshan bowed in reverence, while others prostrated themselves as well. Lin Xuan, an old monster at the Core Formation stage, naturally held a position of great importance.
de zhǎng kòng níng jiā ， dāng rán hái shì guà yí gè kě qīng zhǎng lǎo de tóu xián zuì wèi jiǎn dān 。 yě gèng jiā de míng zhèng
的掌控宁家，当然还是挂一个可卿长老的头衔最为简单。也更加的名正
"Stand up," Lin Xuan said indifferently with a wave of his hand.
yán shùn yì diǎn 。
言顺一点。
"After I leave, you should manage yourselves. Do not defy Brother Lin's words in any way; what he says is mine. Any disciple within the family has the authority to reward or punish him as they see fit." The Corpse Devil spoke again, but the words left everyone stunned!
“ cān jiàn zhǎng lǎo ！”
“参见长老！”
"Elder, this..."
níng wàn shān gōng shēn xíng lǐ ， qí tā rén zé yì qǐ bài le xià qù ， lín xuān shēn wèi yuán yīng qī lǎo guài ，
宁万山躬身行礼，其他人则一起拜了下去，林轩身为元婴期老怪，
Ning Er Master felt somewhat uneasy, but before his sentence was finished, the Corpse Devil turned viciously: "What, little second? Are you questioning me?"
suǒ rèn de kè qīng ， zì rán dì wèi chāo rán 。
所任的客卿，自然地位超然。
"No..." Intimidated by the Corpse Devil's fierce gaze, Ning Er Master stammered and dared not speak further.
“ qǐ lái ba ！” lín xuān dàn dàn de bǎi le bǎi shǒu 。
“起来吧！”林轩淡淡的摆了摆手。
"Elder's wisdom is unparalleled; we will surely serve Senior Lingyun faithfully," said a red-robed beauty, already bowing gracefully. Though she felt a bit alarmed by this order, it mattered little to her as she was no master—Ning Wanshan would bear the brunt of any headaches.
“ lǎo fū zǒu hòu ， nǐ men hǎo zì wéi zhī 。 duì yú lín dào yǒu ， bù kě yǒu bàn fēn wéi ào ， tā de huà
“老夫走后，你们好自为之。对于林道友，不可有半分违拗，他的话
Ning Er Master quickly understood the logic and obediently bowed in submission. The other elders and disciples remained indifferent since their affairs were not directly involved; thus, Lin Xuan smoothly stepped forward and gained control over the Ning family's fate.
jiù shì lǎo fū de huà ， jiā zú nèi rèn hé dì zǐ ， lín dào yǒu dōu yǒu quán jiǎng lì chéng fá ， zǒng ér yán zhī ，
就是老夫的话，家族内任何弟子，林道友都有权奖励惩罚，总而言之，
...
nǐ men jiù jiāng tā dàng zuò běn lǎo zǔ ， bì xū gōng jìng ér shùn yǎn 。” shī mó zài cì kāi kǒu ， bù guò shuō chū lái
你们就将他当做本老祖，必须恭敬而顺眼。”尸魔再次开口，不过说出来
Having taken control of Lightning Yin Mountain, his first task was to find a new cave dwelling site. Although this place lacked the power of the Corpse Devil's swamp, it still had middle-grade Yin energy veins. Guided by Ning Wanshan, they arrived at a deep valley.
de huà què ràng zhòng rén shì dà chī yī jīng a ！
的话却让众人是大吃一惊啊！
"This is where the Yin vein of Lightning Yin Mountain emerges," Ning Wanshan said.
“ lǎo zǔ ， zhè ……”
“老祖，这……”
"Very well." Lin Xuan nodded and released his spirit sense. Soon, he showed satisfaction on his face. It was even better than expected; he should be able to cultivate much faster here.
níng èr xiān shēng yǐn yǐn jué de yǒu xiē bù tuǒ ， rán ér tā huà méi yǒu shuō wán shī mó jiù è hěn hěn de zhuǎn
宁二先生隐隐觉得有些不妥，然而他话没有说完尸魔就恶狠狠的转
After Ning Wanshan left, Lin Xuan flicked his fingers, sending several dazzling sword lights flying out.
guò le tóu ：“ zěn me ， èr xiǎo zi ， nǐ zài zhì yí lǎo fū ？”
过了头：“怎么，二小子，你在质疑老夫？”
...
“ bù ……” wèi shī mó yǎn zhōng xiōng guāng suǒ shè ， níng èr xiān shēng nà nà de bù gǎn kāi kǒu 。
“不……”为尸魔眼中凶光所慑，宁二先生呐呐的不敢开口。
Setting up a new cave dwelling site was now routine for him. After several hours, the new place of cultivation was complete. He then retrieved some array flags and set up barriers around it before heading to the living quarters to rest.
“ lǎo zǔ yīng míng ， wǒ děng bì zhōng xīn shì fèng lín qián bèi 。” hóng yī měi fù yǎn zhū yī zhuǎn ， yǐ yíng yíng xià
“老祖英明，我等必忠心侍奉林前辈。”红衣美妇眼珠一转，已盈盈下
...
bài ， suī rán zhè ge mìng lìng yě ràng tā lüè gǎn jīng yí ， dàn nà yòu yǒu shén me guān xì ， zì jǐ yòu bú shì jiā
拜，虽然这个命令也让她略感惊疑，但那又有什么关系，自己又不是家
Time passed like water; three months had elapsed since Lin Xuan took control of Lightning Yin Mountain. During this time, he did not rush his Ning family disciples to find the veins of fire for the Celestial Dust Pill. There were many things he needed to do first—things that could not be delayed.
zhǔ ， quán lì bèi jià kōng de shì níng wàn shān nà jiā huo ， tóu téng yě lún bú dào zì jǐ de 。
主，权利被架空的是宁万山那家伙，头疼也轮不到自己的。
With his nature, Lin Xuan would not wait for the Ning family's Core Formation energy to recover; he would strike while they were down. The Ning family rested briefly before taking the initiative and launching attacks on both sects' main bases.
níng èr xiān shēng hěn kuài xiǎng tōng le zhè ge dào lǐ ， xìng zāi lè huò ， tóng yàng yě gōng shēn biǎo shì fú cóng 。
宁二先生很快想通了这个道理，幸灾乐祸，同样也躬身表示服从。
The ensuing battle was brutal, but Lin Xuan personally intervened. In the end, he successfully removed two major obstacles.
zhì yú qí tā de zhǎng lǎo dì zǐ ， shì bù guān jǐ ， gèng bú huì yǒu bàn fēn yì yì ， yú shì lín xuān shùn
至于其他的长老弟子，事不关己，更不会有半分异议，于是林轩顺
Following these events, the Ning family's power surged significantly. Although it still fell short of the two giants on Spiral Peak Island, they were now among the top few powerful factions.
lì zǒu shàng qián tái ， zhǎng wò zhù le níng jiā de mìng mài 。
利走上前台，掌握住了宁家的命脉。
Initially, other sects and families in Yin Spirit Plain felt tense, even drawing attention from a few old monsters who had secluded themselves here. However, Lin Xuan understood the wisdom of knowing when to stop; thus, he ultimately did not conflict with them.
……
……
A large tree attracts much wind. While Lin Xuan needed the Ning family as his enforcers, they should not be too powerful. He knew his own situation well and did not wish to draw attention until he had formed an Immortal Core.
rù zhǔ léi yīn shān ， ér tā yào zuò de dì yī jiàn shì ， zì rán shì xuǎn zhǐ kāi pì yī chù xīn dòng fǔ ，
入主雷阴山，而他要做的第一件事，自然是选址开辟一处新洞府，
After all was settled, Lin Xuan finally had time to send Ning family disciples out to scout for suitable veins of fire. The conditions for the Celestial Dust Pill were strict, but the Seven Star Island's clouds far surpassed those in Youzhou; he believed he would eventually find what he needed.
cǐ dì de yīn mài suī bù jí shī qì zhǎo zé ， dàn yě shì zhōng pǐn de le ， yóu níng wàn shān dài lù ， liǎng rén lái
此地的阴脉虽不及尸气沼泽，但也是中品的了，由宁万山带路，两人来
However, this time took much longer than expected.
dào yī chù yōu shēn de xiá gǔ 。
到一处幽深的峡谷。
Three months passed with no results.
“ zhǔ rén ， zhè jiù shì léi yīn shān yīn mài de quán yǎn suǒ zài 。”
“主人，这就是雷阴山阴脉的泉眼所在。”
Six months later, there was still nothing to report.
“ ń 。” lín xuān diǎn diǎn tóu ， jiāng shén shí fàng chū ， hěn kuài liǎn shàng jiù lù chū le mǎn yì zhī sè 。 bǐ zì
“嗯。”林轩点点头，将神识放出，很快脸上就露出了满意之色。比自
Spring came after winter had gone. Lin Xuan spent two years on Lightning Yin Mountain.
jǐ xiǎng xiàng de hái yào hǎo dé duō ， zài cǐ chù xiū liàn ， sù dù yīng gāi yě bú huì màn le 。
己想象的还要好得多，在此处修炼，速度应该也不会慢了。
To be honest, he felt a bit impatient, but the path of immortality was difficult. He understood that some things could not be forced and did not lose his temper; instead, he ordered more Ning family disciples to search across various islands.
níng wàn shān zǒu hòu ， lín xuān qū zhǐ wēi dàn ， jǐ dào yào yǎn de jiàn guāng jī shè chū lái 。
宁万山走后，林轩屈指微弹，几道耀眼的剑光激射出来。
One morning, as usual, Lin Xuan sat in meditation within his cave dwelling. A greenish-blue ghost fire floated before him. The formation of a Core was urgent, so until he received concrete news, he would not waste time. He continued his rigorous cultivation daily.
kāi pì dòng fǔ tā yǐ shú mén shú lù ， shù gè shí chén yǐ hòu ， yī zuò xīn de xiū liàn zhī suǒ jiù wán chéng
开辟洞府他已熟门熟路，数个时辰以后，一座新的修炼之所就完成
A small black core floated above his head.
le 。 suí hòu lín xuān yòu qǔ le yī tào zhèn qí ， zài zhōu wéi bù hǎo jìn zhì ， suí hòu lái dào qǐ jū shì ， kāi
了。随后林轩又取了一套阵旗，在周围布好禁制，随后来到起居室，开
The demon infant opened its mouth and released a thin stream of infant fire that merged with the demon flames.
shǐ xiū xī 。
始休息。
Initially based on medicinal flames, it had been refined through剧毒 (extremely toxic substances) over time.
……
……
Now that Lin Xuan had formed a demon infant, another round of refinement would enhance its power significantly.
shí guāng rú shuǐ ， zhuǎn yǎn lín xuān rù zhǔ léi yīn shān yǐ yǒu sān yuè 。 zhè duàn shí jiān ， tā bìng méi yǒu jí
时光如水，转眼林轩入主雷阴山已有三月。这段时间，他并没有急
After a long while, Lin Xuan opened his mouth and swallowed the greenish-blue ghost fire. The demon infant's face showed signs of fatigue as it flashed away into Lin Xuan's crown.
zhe ràng níng jiā dì zi qù wèi zì jǐ xún zhǎo dì mài zhī huǒ ， wú tā ， yǎn qián yào zuò de shì hái yǒu xǔ duō 。
着让宁家弟子去为自己寻找地脉之火，无他，眼前要做的事还有许多。
Opening his eyes, Lin Xuan began to conclude his practice.
jiǎn dān de shuō —— bù gòng dài tiān ！
简单的说——不共戴天！
Suddenly, something unexpected happened. Without warning, his waist pouch opened, sending a dark blue token flying inside.
yǐ lín xuān de xìng gé ， zì rán bú huì děng zhe duì fāng de yuán qì màn màn huī fù ， chèn tā bìng ， yào tā
以林轩的性格，自然不会等着对方的元气慢慢恢复，趁他病，要他
Lin Xuan was taken aback and showed confusion on his face. However, he reacted quickly, sensing that this magic token from the Demon Obscure Sect had somehow flown out of his pouch.
mìng 。 níng jiā shāo shì xiū xī ， suí hòu fǎn kè wéi zhǔ 。 duì liǎng pài zǒng tán fā qǐ le jìn gōng 。
命。宁家稍事休息，随后反客为主。对两派总坛发起了进攻。
With a flick of his robe, spiritual energy surged forth, transforming into a giant claw that lunged at the token.
qí zhōng de cǎn liè bù yòng duō yán ， lín xuān hái qīn zì chū shǒu ， zuì zhōng jiāng zhè liǎng kē yǎn zhōng dīng bá chū 。
其中的惨烈不用多言，林轩还亲自出手，最终将这两颗眼中钉拔出。
Sizzle...
jīng guò zhè yī xì liè shì jiàn yǐ hòu ， níng jiā de shì lì bào zhǎng le bù shǎo ， suī rán yī jiù bǐ bù shàng xuán kōng dǎo liǎng jù tóu ， dàn yě shì pái míng qián jǐ míng de dà pài le 。
经过这一系列事件以后，宁家的势力暴涨了不少，虽然依旧比不上旋崆岛两巨头，但也是排名前几名的大派了。
At almost the same time, a deep blue light burst from it, with several golden symbols the size of fists in its center.
zuì chū de shí hòu ， yīn líng zhī yuán de qí tā zōng mén jiā zú hái yǒu xiē jǐn zhāng ， shèn zhì jīng dòng le jǐ
最初的时候，阴灵之原的其他宗门家族还有些紧张，甚至惊动了几
A whirlwind of spiritual energy appeared and actually repelled the green hand.
wèi yǐn xiū cǐ dì de lǎo guài wù ， bù guò lín xuān shēn dǒng jiàn hǎo jiù shōu de dào lǐ ， suǒ yǐ zuì zhōng yě méi yǒu
位隐修此地的老怪物，不过林轩深懂见好就收的道理，所以最终也没有
"Hmm?"
yǔ tā men qǐ chōng tū 。
与他们起冲突。
Lin Xuan was genuinely surprised. Before he could react, the dark blue light enveloped his body.
shù dà zhāo fēng ， lín xuān suī rán xū yào níng jiā zuò zì jǐ de zhǎo yá ， dàn yě bù yòng tài guò qiáng dà ，
树大招风，林轩虽然需要宁家做自己的爪牙，但也不用太过强大，
A powerful and strange suction force pulled at him, not targeting his physical form but his spirit. It seemed to want to extract his three souls and seven spirits.
zì jǐ de qíng kuàng zì jǐ qīng chǔ ， zài níng chéng yuán yīng yǐ qián lín xuān kě bù xī wàng zhāo yáo shén me 。
自己的情况自己清楚，在凝成元婴以前林轩可不希望招摇什么。
Lin Xuan's expression turned grim. Although he did not understand what had happened, he realized that this Demon Obscure Sect token was a trap.
dāng yī qiè chén āi luò dì yǐ hòu ， lín xuān zhōng yú téng chū shǒu lái ， ràng níng jiā de dì zǐ qù wèi zì jǐ
当一切尘埃落地以后，林轩终于腾出手来，让宁家的弟子去为自己
It was just so well-crafted; he had worn it for days without noticing anything amiss.
dǎ tàn qíng kuàng ， kàn nǎ ér yǒu hé yòng de dì mài zhī huǒ 。
打探情况，看哪儿有合用的地脉之火。
Mind Control!
liàn zhì tiān chén dān tiáo jiàn kē kè ， dàn qī xīng dǎo yún hǎi yuǎn bǐ yōu zhōu de xiū xiān jiè fán róng de duō ，
炼制天尘丹条件苛刻，但七星岛云海远比幽州的修仙界繁荣的多，
The ancient divine art of soul extraction was sealed within.
lín xuān xiāng xìn zuì zhōng zǒng huì zhǎo dào de 。
林轩相信最终总会找到的。
Having understood the intent of the trap, Lin Xuan's expression became calm. The Demon Obscure Sect indeed harbored ill intentions, but such a thing would not be enough to harm him.
The crowd was taken aback, then their faces lit up with great joy. Lin Xuan understood that the master intended to step forward.
Though hidden behind the scenes, there were many inconveniences. To better control the Ning family, it would be simplest and more proper for him to take on Elder Keqing's title.
"Salute the elder!" Ning Wanshan bowed in reverence, while others prostrated themselves as well. Lin Xuan, an old monster at the Core Formation stage, naturally held a position of great importance.
"Stand up," Lin Xuan said indifferently with a wave of his hand.
"After I leave, you should manage yourselves. Do not defy Brother Lin's words in any way; what he says is mine. Any disciple within the family has the authority to reward or punish him as they see fit." The Corpse Devil spoke again, but the words left everyone stunned!
"Elder, this..."
Ning Er Master felt somewhat uneasy, but before his sentence was finished, the Corpse Devil turned viciously: "What, little second? Are you questioning me?"
"No..." Intimidated by the Corpse Devil's fierce gaze, Ning Er Master stammered and dared not speak further.
"Elder's wisdom is unparalleled; we will surely serve Senior Lingyun faithfully," said a red-robed beauty, already bowing gracefully. Though she felt a bit alarmed by this order, it mattered little to her as she was no master—Ning Wanshan would bear the brunt of any headaches.
Ning Er Master quickly understood the logic and obediently bowed in submission. The other elders and disciples remained indifferent since their affairs were not directly involved; thus, Lin Xuan smoothly stepped forward and gained control over the Ning family's fate.
...
Having taken control of Lightning Yin Mountain, his first task was to find a new cave dwelling site. Although this place lacked the power of the Corpse Devil's swamp, it still had middle-grade Yin energy veins. Guided by Ning Wanshan, they arrived at a deep valley.
"This is where the Yin vein of Lightning Yin Mountain emerges," Ning Wanshan said.
"Very well." Lin Xuan nodded and released his spirit sense. Soon, he showed satisfaction on his face. It was even better than expected; he should be able to cultivate much faster here.
After Ning Wanshan left, Lin Xuan flicked his fingers, sending several dazzling sword lights flying out.
...
Setting up a new cave dwelling site was now routine for him. After several hours, the new place of cultivation was complete. He then retrieved some array flags and set up barriers around it before heading to the living quarters to rest.
...
Time passed like water; three months had elapsed since Lin Xuan took control of Lightning Yin Mountain. During this time, he did not rush his Ning family disciples to find the veins of fire for the Celestial Dust Pill. There were many things he needed to do first—things that could not be delayed.
With his nature, Lin Xuan would not wait for the Ning family's Core Formation energy to recover; he would strike while they were down. The Ning family rested briefly before taking the initiative and launching attacks on both sects' main bases.
The ensuing battle was brutal, but Lin Xuan personally intervened. In the end, he successfully removed two major obstacles.
Following these events, the Ning family's power surged significantly. Although it still fell short of the two giants on Spiral Peak Island, they were now among the top few powerful factions.
Initially, other sects and families in Yin Spirit Plain felt tense, even drawing attention from a few old monsters who had secluded themselves here. However, Lin Xuan understood the wisdom of knowing when to stop; thus, he ultimately did not conflict with them.
A large tree attracts much wind. While Lin Xuan needed the Ning family as his enforcers, they should not be too powerful. He knew his own situation well and did not wish to draw attention until he had formed an Immortal Core.
After all was settled, Lin Xuan finally had time to send Ning family disciples out to scout for suitable veins of fire. The conditions for the Celestial Dust Pill were strict, but the Seven Star Island's clouds far surpassed those in Youzhou; he believed he would eventually find what he needed.
However, this time took much longer than expected.
Three months passed with no results.
Six months later, there was still nothing to report.
Spring came after winter had gone. Lin Xuan spent two years on Lightning Yin Mountain.
To be honest, he felt a bit impatient, but the path of immortality was difficult. He understood that some things could not be forced and did not lose his temper; instead, he ordered more Ning family disciples to search across various islands.
One morning, as usual, Lin Xuan sat in meditation within his cave dwelling. A greenish-blue ghost fire floated before him. The formation of a Core was urgent, so until he received concrete news, he would not waste time. He continued his rigorous cultivation daily.
A small black core floated above his head.
The demon infant opened its mouth and released a thin stream of infant fire that merged with the demon flames.
Initially based on medicinal flames, it had been refined through剧毒 (extremely toxic substances) over time.
Now that Lin Xuan had formed a demon infant, another round of refinement would enhance its power significantly.
After a long while, Lin Xuan opened his mouth and swallowed the greenish-blue ghost fire. The demon infant's face showed signs of fatigue as it flashed away into Lin Xuan's crown.
Opening his eyes, Lin Xuan began to conclude his practice.
Suddenly, something unexpected happened. Without warning, his waist pouch opened, sending a dark blue token flying inside.
Lin Xuan was taken aback and showed confusion on his face. However, he reacted quickly, sensing that this magic token from the Demon Obscure Sect had somehow flown out of his pouch.
With a flick of his robe, spiritual energy surged forth, transforming into a giant claw that lunged at the token.
Sizzle...
At almost the same time, a deep blue light burst from it, with several golden symbols the size of fists in its center.
A whirlwind of spiritual energy appeared and actually repelled the green hand.
"Hmm?"
Lin Xuan was genuinely surprised. Before he could react, the dark blue light enveloped his body.
A powerful and strange suction force pulled at him, not targeting his physical form but his spirit. It seemed to want to extract his three souls and seven spirits.
Lin Xuan's expression turned grim. Although he did not understand what had happened, he realized that this Demon Obscure Sect token was a trap.
It was just so well-crafted; he had worn it for days without noticing anything amiss.
Mind Control!
The ancient divine art of soul extraction was sealed within.
Having understood the intent of the trap, Lin Xuan's expression became calm. The Demon Obscure Sect indeed harbored ill intentions, but such a thing would not be enough to harm him.