lín xuān xīn zhōng suī yǒu diǎn yí huò ， dàn yě míng bái ， yǐ níng sān fū rén zuò shì zhī wěn tuǒ ， shì jué bú huì wú dì fàng shǐ
林轩心中虽有点疑惑，但也明白，以宁三夫人做事之稳妥，是绝不会无的放矢
Lin Xuan had some doubts, but he also understood that Lady Ning San was too meticulous in her actions to make a mistake. Therefore, he quietly waited for her to continue.
de ， gù ér jìng jìng de děng duì fāng wǎng xià shuō 。
的，故而静静的等对方往下说。
Lady Ning San, with red hair and an elegant appearance, combed her hair before speaking softly. "Elder, the situation is as follows: one of my disciples encountered several cultivators from the Fiery Sun Sect while traveling outside. From their mouths, I learned some information..."
hóng yī měi fù lǐ le lǐ fà sī ， zhè cái yīng chún wēi qǐ ， cóng lǐ miàn tǔ chū yuè ěr de zì jù 。
红衣美妇理了理发丝，这才樱唇微启，从里面吐出悦耳的字句。
"Cut to the chase," Lin Xuan frowned, slightly impatiently.
“ zhǎng lǎo ， shì qíng shì zhè yàng de ， shǔ xià de yī míng dì zǐ zài wài yóu lì ， ǒu rán yǔ liè yáng mén de jǐ wèi xiū shì
“长老，事情是这样的，属下的一名弟子在外游历，偶然与烈阳门的几位修士
"Yes!" Despite bumping into a small obstacle, Lady Ning San's expression did not show any anger; instead, it became even more respectful. "The Fiery Sun Sect recently discovered a fire spirit vein by chance. Although its area is not large, its quality is excellent. It’s said that this place might be the habitat of an ancient qilin."
jié shí ， cóng duì fāng kǒu zhōng dé dào le yī tiáo xiāo xī ……”
结识，从对方口中得到了一条消息……”
"What?"
“ bú yào rào lái rào qù ， zhí jiē jiǎng zhòng diǎn jiù kě yǐ 。” lín xuān méi tou yí zhòu ， lüè yǒu xiē bù nài de kāi kǒu 。
“不要绕来绕去，直接讲重点就可以。”林轩眉头一皱，略有些不耐的开口。
Even with his deep-seated composure, Lin Xuan was still taken aback. A qilin was an ancient mythical creature; it was rare to see even in the primordial era, and now, such a being no longer existed within this world.
“ shì ！” pèng le yī bù dà bù xiǎo de dīng zi ， hóng yī měi fù liǎn shàng què quán wú yùn nù ， biǎo qíng fǎn ér yuè fā de
“是！”碰了一不大不小的钉子，红衣美妇脸上却全无愠怒，表情反而越发的
As a fire spirit beast, the place where a qilin resided would have exceptional underground flames. If this information were true, there was a high possibility of refining the Heavenly Dust Pill.
gōng jìng le ，“ liè yáng mén bù jiǔ zhī qián ， ǒu rán xún dào le yī tiáo huǒ líng zhī mài ， miàn jī suī rán bù dà ， dàn pǐn
恭敬了，“烈阳门不久之前，偶然寻到了一条火灵之脉，面积虽然不大，但品
Of course, many challenges lay ahead. The Fiery Sun Sect was not like other sects; infiltrating it wouldn't be an easy task.
zhì jué jiā ， jù shuō ， hěn yǒu kě néng shì shàng gǔ qí lín de qī xī zhī suǒ 。”
质绝佳，据说，很有可能是上古麒麟的栖息之所。”
The sect had dozens of old experts at the元婴 stage, and some even belonged to later stages. Although Lin Xuan's powers had greatly increased, once his identity was revealed...
“ shén me ？”
“什么？”
Thinking about this, Lin Xuan felt a bit nervous. But as they say, wealth comes from taking risks. He couldn't afford to let such a useful vein of fire slip through his fingers.
jí biàn yǐ lín xuān de chéng fǔ ， yě bù yóu de sǒng rán dòng róng ， qí lín ， nà kě shì shàng gǔ qí shòu ， mán huāng shí qī yě
即便以林轩的城府，也不由的耸然动容，麒麟，那可是上古奇兽，蛮荒时期也
Even if there were many obstacles and dangers, he would still try it out.
hěn nán jiàn dào xiān zōng ， ér rú jīn ， zhè yī jiè zǎo jiù méi yǒu 。
很难见到仙踪，而如今，这一界早就没有。
With these thoughts racing in his mind, Lin Xuan's lips curled into a smile: "Ning San, thank you for your efforts."
zuò wéi huǒ zhī líng shòu ， qí lín suǒ qī xī de dì fāng ， bì dìng shì yǒu zhe jué jiā de dì mài zhī huǒ ， jiǎ rú zhè ge xiāo
作为火之灵兽，麒麟所栖息的地方，必定是有着绝佳的地脉之火，假如这个消
"Where could I be more worthy? To serve you is the honor and duty of this subordinate," Lady Ning San replied obediently, not taking any credit.
xī shì zhēn de ， dà yǒu kě néng liàn zhì tiān chén dān le 。
息是真的，大有可能炼制天尘丹了。
"Yes, but there must be rewards and punishments. Here, take these pills!" Lin Xuan said as he waved his sleeve, sending a small jade bottle flying out.
dāng rán ， má fán yě hěn duō ， liè yáng mén wú fēi qí tā de zōng mén jiā zú kě bǐ ， xiǎng yào hùn jìn qù ， kě bú shì yī
当然，麻烦也很多，烈阳门无非其他的宗门家族可比，想要混进去，可不是一
Lady Ning San quickly accepted it with respect, though disappointment flashed in her eyes. Although she tried to hide it well, Lin Xuan caught the hint.
shí jiàn liù róng kāi yì gēng xīn kuài de shì 。
十件六容开易更新快的事。
"Master, this woman is quite cunning," Mo'er said in her mind.
xiàng nà zhǒng shì lì ， guāng shì yuán yīng qī lǎo guài ， jiù yǒu shù shí ， qí zhōng shèn zhì bù fá hòu qī de dà xiū shì ， zì jǐ
像那种势力，光是元婴期老怪，就有数十，其中甚至不乏后期的大修士，自己
"Noted." Lin Xuan nodded. "She doesn't want any rewards; thus, she can accumulate more merit. Since I took over Ning Family, she has repeatedly shown goodwill, trying to pull me into a position of power as a support. It seems that her ambition for the family head's seat is still strong."
rú jīn suī rán shén tōng dà zēng ， dàn yí dàn bào lù shēn fèn ……
如今虽然神通大增，但一旦暴露身份……
Although Lin Xuan saw through Lady Ning San's intentions, he made no comment. The small Ning Family was not in his sights; as long as they remained loyal to him, it didn't matter who held the position of head.
xiǎng dào zhè lǐ ， lín xuān tóu pí yǒu diǎn fā má ， dàn sú huà shuō de hǎo ， fù guì xiǎn zhōng qiú ， hǎo bù róng yì xún dào hé
想到这里，林轩头皮有点发麻，但俗话说的好，富贵险中求，好不容易寻到合
Of course, so far, Ning Wanshan was the best choice. He had been affected by the Bloodlight Soul-Refining Technique and showed unwavering loyalty. Lin Xuan did not want any complications.
yòng de dì mài zhī huǒ ， lín xuān yòu zěn me kě néng shǎ shǎ de fàng guò 。
用的地脉之火，林轩又怎么可能傻傻的放过。
Still, Lady Ning San's efforts in finding this vein of fire were significant; he needed to show his gratitude. "You are now a late-stage condensation core cultivator. These pills should be very beneficial for you," Lin Xuan said with a smile.
jiù suàn yǒu zài duō de jiān nán xiǎn zǔ ， cháng shì yī xià zǒng shì yào de 。
就算有再多的艰难险阻，尝试一下总是要的。
Lady Ning San's eyes showed thoughtful recognition as she opened the bottle and poured out several blood-red pills.
nǎo hǎi zhōng fēi kuài de zhuǎn guò zhè xiē niàn tou ， lín xuān zuǐ jiǎo biān liú lù chū yī lǚ xiào róng ：“ níng sān ， xīn kǔ le 。”
脑海中飞快的转过这些念头，林轩嘴角边流露出一缕笑容：“宁三，辛苦了。”
She sniffed them, her expression turning from shock to joy: "Thank Elder for your generous gift."
“ zhǎng lǎo shuō nǎ lǐ huà ， néng gòu wèi nín bàn shì ， nǎi shì shǔ xià de róng yào yǔ zhí zé 。” hóng yī měi fù shí fēn guāi
“长老说哪里话，能够为您办事，乃是属下的荣耀与职责。”红衣美妇十分乖
This time, it was genuine. The Essence Yang Pills had the potential to break through barriers, and they were of high grade. With this treasure's help, she might advance to a perfect condensation core stage.
qiǎo ， kǒu zhōng háo bù jū gōng 。
巧，口中毫不居功。
The disappointment in her eyes vanished as she respectfully bowed several times before leaving.
“ ēn ， huà shì nǎ xiē ， dàn běn zhǎng lǎo zhí zhǎng níng jiā mén hù ， jiǎng chéng fēn míng kěn dìng shì yào de ， zhè píng dān yào nǐ
“恩，话是哪些，但本长老执掌宁家门户，奖惩分明肯定是要的，这瓶丹药你
"Master, are you really planning to go to the Fiery Sun Sect?" A beautiful girl appeared beside him with a flash of white light.
ná qù ba ！” lín xuān shuō dào zhè lǐ ， xiù páo yī fú ， yī xiǎo qiǎo de yù píng fēi shè ér chū 。
拿去吧！”林轩说到这里，袖袍一拂，一小巧的玉瓶飞射而出。
"Of course," Lin Xuan nodded. Although this mission was risky, he needed to try it out for his peace of mind. Otherwise, waiting here indefinitely would mean no news for who knew how long.
níng sān fū rén máng gōng jìng de jiē guò ， rán ér yǎn dǐ shēn chù ， què yǐn yǐn shǎn guò yī lǚ shī wàng zhī sè ， suī rán yǎn shì
宁三夫人忙恭敬的接过，然而眼底深处，却隐隐闪过一缕失望之色，虽然掩饰
"That's true," Mo'er agreed, "but be careful. During our time on the Ice Fire Island, we made enemies with several old experts from the Immortal Sword Sect. Although your current cultivation level is formidable, you can't underestimate forces like the Sword Obscure Palace."
hěn hǎo ， kě hái shì bèi lín xuān bǔ zhuō dào 。
很好，可还是被林轩捕捉到。
"I understand and will act with caution," Lin Xuan said with a smile.
“ shào yé ， zhè nǚ rén dào mán yǒu xīn jì de 。” yuè ér zài nǎo hǎi zhōng qīng xiào zhe kāi kǒu 。
“少爷，这女人倒蛮有心计的。”月儿在脑海中轻笑着开口。
...
“ bù cuò 。” lín xuān diǎn le diǎn tóu ，“ tā bìng bù xiǎng yào zī shǎng ， zhè yàng gōng láo jiù kě yǐ jī zǎn xià lái ， zì
“不错。”林轩点了点头，“她并不想要资赏，这样功劳就可以积攒下来，自
He then sent out a sound transmission talisman to call Ning Family's leaders and gave them some instructions. After arranging matters, Lin Xuan transformed into a streak of light and left Lei Yin Mountain on the morning of the next day.
cóng wǒ jiē zhǎng níng jiā ， cǐ nǚ jǐ cì sān fān shì hǎo ， jiù shì xiǎng lā lǒng wǒ zhè wèi zhǎng lǎo dāng kào shān ， kàn lái tā duì
从我接掌宁家，此女几次三番示好，就是想拉拢我这位长老当靠山，看来她对
Seven-star Island was the only seventh-level island in the Cloud Sea cultivation world, naturally bustling with activity. Although it was called an island, its area was more than a hundred times larger than Youzhou.
jiā zhǔ zhī wèi yě xīn réng shì bù xiǎo 。”
家主之位野心仍是不小。”
Countless sects and families thrived there, among which the Nine Great Forces were the most renowned.
lín xuān suī rán yī yǎn kàn chuān le níng sān fū rén de qǐ tú ， dàn bìng méi yǒu biǎo shì shén me ， xiǎo xiǎo de níng jiā ， hái bù
林轩虽然一眼看穿了宁三夫人的企图，但并没有表示什么，小小的宁家，还不
The Immortal Sword Sect, Ten Thousand Ghost Lake, Fiery Sun Sect, Dispersed Spirit Sect...
fàng zài tā yǎn lǐ ， zhǐ yào xiào zhōng zì jǐ ， shuí dāng jiā zhǔ ， qí shí dōu shì yī yàng 。
放在他眼里，只要效忠自己，谁当家主，其实都是一样。
Each had a formidable reputation. The least experienced had been in existence for tens of thousands of years, with some claims that they dated back to ancient times.
dāng rán ， dào mù qián wéi zhǐ ， hái méi yǒu bǐ níng wàn shān gèng hǎo de rén xuǎn ， tā zhōng le xuè guāng liàn hún shù ， duì zì jǐ
当然，到目前为止，还没有比宁万山更好的人选，他中了血光炼魂术，对自己
Rooted deeply, these sects had dozens of old experts at the元婴 stage, and there were rumors that occasionally, even separation-stage experts might appear... though those were just rumors.
de zhōng xīn ， jué wú kě yí ， lín xuān kě bù xī wàng jié wài shēng zhī 。
的忠心，绝无可疑，林轩可不希望节外生枝。
However, the cultivation world on Seven-star Island was indeed prosperous. Even among independent cultivators, many high-level experts lay hidden.
dāng rán ， zhè huí zhǎo dào dì mài zhī huǒ ， níng sān fū rén yě gōng bù kě méi ， zì rán yào jìn xíng yī fān ān fǔ ， lín xuān
当然，这回找到地脉之火，宁三夫人也功不可没，自然要进行一番安抚，林轩
Thus, while the presence of an old expert at the元婴 stage still commanded respect in Seven-star Island, they could not act with impunity as elsewhere.
wēi xiào zhe kāi kǒu le ：“ nǐ rú jīn yǐ shì níng dān hòu qī de xiū xiān zhě ， zhè píng dān yào yīng gāi hěn yǒu hǎo chù ， xiān
微笑着开口了：“你如今已是凝丹后期的修仙者，这瓶丹药应该很有好处，先
Lin Xuan thought over these details as he stood in a grand market on Spin Cave Island. Underfoot was a complex array that allowed direct transportation to Seven-star Island, though it came at a steep price of seven thousand crystals—a number that would make even a late-stage condensation core cultivator wince.
kàn . shǒu jī fǎng wèn ＡＰ．òМ kàn hǎo le 。”
看.手机访问ＡＰ．òМ看好了。”
Lin Xuan paid no mind and threw a storage bag to the nearby cultivator before taking over a teleportation talisman from him.
tīng lín xuān zhè me yī shuō ， hóng yī měi fù yǎn zhōng shǎn guò ruò yǒu suǒ sī zhī sè ， jiāng píng sāi dǎ kāi ， cóng lǐ miàn dào chū
听林轩这么一说，红衣美妇眼中闪过若有所思之色，将瓶塞打开，从里面倒出
With a dazzling light, Lin Xuan vanished without a trace.
jǐ lì xīng hóng rú xuè de dān yào lái 。
几粒猩红如血的丹药来。
Stone Tiger City was an unremarkable town in the south of Seven-star Island with about ten thousand ordinary residents living there permanently.
wén le yī wén ， biǎo qíng jiāng zhù ， suí hòu huà wèi kuáng xǐ ：“ duō xiè zhǎng lǎo shǎng cì 。”
闻了一闻，表情僵住，随后化为狂喜：“多谢长老赏赐。”
Near this city stood Stone Tiger Mountain, stretching for dozens of miles, and on its slopes lay a not-so-poor vein of spirit energy.
zhè yī huí kě bú shì zuò zuò ， cǐ yuán yáng dān yǒu tū pò píng jǐng de xiào guǒ ， ér qiě hái shì shàng pǐn de ， yǒu le cǐ bǎo
这一回可不是做作，此元阳丹有突破瓶颈的效果，而且还是上品的，有了此宝
Thus, naturally, cultivators settled here, even fighting over the spirit vein. In the end, a couple of daoists won and established their sect in residence.
wù xiāng zhù ， zì jǐ shuō bù dìng jiù kě yǐ jìn jiē níng dān qī dà yuán mǎn le 。
物相助，自己说不定就可以进阶凝丹期大圆满了。
This was today's Stone Tiger Academy, affiliated with the Confucian Sect. Although unremarkable, it counted as a fourth- or fifth-rate sect on Seven-star Island.
Lin Xuan had some doubts, but he also understood that Lady Ning San was too meticulous in her actions to make a mistake. Therefore, he quietly waited for her to continue.
Lady Ning San, with red hair and an elegant appearance, combed her hair before speaking softly. "Elder, the situation is as follows: one of my disciples encountered several cultivators from the Fiery Sun Sect while traveling outside. From their mouths, I learned some information..."
"Cut to the chase," Lin Xuan frowned, slightly impatiently.
"Yes!" Despite bumping into a small obstacle, Lady Ning San's expression did not show any anger; instead, it became even more respectful. "The Fiery Sun Sect recently discovered a fire spirit vein by chance. Although its area is not large, its quality is excellent. It’s said that this place might be the habitat of an ancient qilin."
"What?"
Even with his deep-seated composure, Lin Xuan was still taken aback. A qilin was an ancient mythical creature; it was rare to see even in the primordial era, and now, such a being no longer existed within this world.
As a fire spirit beast, the place where a qilin resided would have exceptional underground flames. If this information were true, there was a high possibility of refining the Heavenly Dust Pill.
Of course, many challenges lay ahead. The Fiery Sun Sect was not like other sects; infiltrating it wouldn't be an easy task.
The sect had dozens of old experts at the元婴 stage, and some even belonged to later stages. Although Lin Xuan's powers had greatly increased, once his identity was revealed...
Thinking about this, Lin Xuan felt a bit nervous. But as they say, wealth comes from taking risks. He couldn't afford to let such a useful vein of fire slip through his fingers.
Even if there were many obstacles and dangers, he would still try it out.
With these thoughts racing in his mind, Lin Xuan's lips curled into a smile: "Ning San, thank you for your efforts."
"Where could I be more worthy? To serve you is the honor and duty of this subordinate," Lady Ning San replied obediently, not taking any credit.
"Yes, but there must be rewards and punishments. Here, take these pills!" Lin Xuan said as he waved his sleeve, sending a small jade bottle flying out.
Lady Ning San quickly accepted it with respect, though disappointment flashed in her eyes. Although she tried to hide it well, Lin Xuan caught the hint.
"Master, this woman is quite cunning," Mo'er said in her mind.
"Noted." Lin Xuan nodded. "She doesn't want any rewards; thus, she can accumulate more merit. Since I took over Ning Family, she has repeatedly shown goodwill, trying to pull me into a position of power as a support. It seems that her ambition for the family head's seat is still strong."
Although Lin Xuan saw through Lady Ning San's intentions, he made no comment. The small Ning Family was not in his sights; as long as they remained loyal to him, it didn't matter who held the position of head.
Of course, so far, Ning Wanshan was the best choice. He had been affected by the Bloodlight Soul-Refining Technique and showed unwavering loyalty. Lin Xuan did not want any complications.
Still, Lady Ning San's efforts in finding this vein of fire were significant; he needed to show his gratitude. "You are now a late-stage condensation core cultivator. These pills should be very beneficial for you," Lin Xuan said with a smile.
Lady Ning San's eyes showed thoughtful recognition as she opened the bottle and poured out several blood-red pills.
She sniffed them, her expression turning from shock to joy: "Thank Elder for your generous gift."
This time, it was genuine. The Essence Yang Pills had the potential to break through barriers, and they were of high grade. With this treasure's help, she might advance to a perfect condensation core stage.
The disappointment in her eyes vanished as she respectfully bowed several times before leaving.
"Master, are you really planning to go to the Fiery Sun Sect?" A beautiful girl appeared beside him with a flash of white light.
"Of course," Lin Xuan nodded. Although this mission was risky, he needed to try it out for his peace of mind. Otherwise, waiting here indefinitely would mean no news for who knew how long.
"That's true," Mo'er agreed, "but be careful. During our time on the Ice Fire Island, we made enemies with several old experts from the Immortal Sword Sect. Although your current cultivation level is formidable, you can't underestimate forces like the Sword Obscure Palace."
"I understand and will act with caution," Lin Xuan said with a smile.
...
He then sent out a sound transmission talisman to call Ning Family's leaders and gave them some instructions. After arranging matters, Lin Xuan transformed into a streak of light and left Lei Yin Mountain on the morning of the next day.
Seven-star Island was the only seventh-level island in the Cloud Sea cultivation world, naturally bustling with activity. Although it was called an island, its area was more than a hundred times larger than Youzhou.
Countless sects and families thrived there, among which the Nine Great Forces were the most renowned.
The Immortal Sword Sect, Ten Thousand Ghost Lake, Fiery Sun Sect, Dispersed Spirit Sect...
Each had a formidable reputation. The least experienced had been in existence for tens of thousands of years, with some claims that they dated back to ancient times.
Rooted deeply, these sects had dozens of old experts at the元婴 stage, and there were rumors that occasionally, even separation-stage experts might appear... though those were just rumors.
However, the cultivation world on Seven-star Island was indeed prosperous. Even among independent cultivators, many high-level experts lay hidden.
Thus, while the presence of an old expert at the元婴 stage still commanded respect in Seven-star Island, they could not act with impunity as elsewhere.
Lin Xuan thought over these details as he stood in a grand market on Spin Cave Island. Underfoot was a complex array that allowed direct transportation to Seven-star Island, though it came at a steep price of seven thousand crystals—a number that would make even a late-stage condensation core cultivator wince.
Lin Xuan paid no mind and threw a storage bag to the nearby cultivator before taking over a teleportation talisman from him.
With a dazzling light, Lin Xuan vanished without a trace.
Stone Tiger City was an unremarkable town in the south of Seven-star Island with about ten thousand ordinary residents living there permanently.
Near this city stood Stone Tiger Mountain, stretching for dozens of miles, and on its slopes lay a not-so-poor vein of spirit energy.
Thus, naturally, cultivators settled here, even fighting over the spirit vein. In the end, a couple of daoists won and established their sect in residence.
This was today's Stone Tiger Academy, affiliated with the Confucian Sect. Although unremarkable, it counted as a fourth- or fifth-rate sect on Seven-star Island.