“ lǎo guài wù ， nǐ dǎo shì kuài rén kuài yǔ ， hǎo ba ， zhēn rén miàn qián wǒ yě bù shuō jiǎ huà ， zhǐ yào nǐ yuàn yì jiāng nà
“老怪物，你倒是快人快语，好吧，真人面前我也不说假话，只要你愿意将那
"Old monster, you're a quick one. Alright, I won't lie to you in front of the real deal. If you hand over that treasure, we won't go all out and kill you. How about letting your soul reincarnate?" The man with the black face and ringed eyes, who had just been exposed as lying, showed no signs of embarrassment but instead snorted and spoke.
bǎo wù jiāo chū ， zhè zhǎn jìn shā jué zhī shì wǒ men yě bú huì zuò ， zhì shǎo fàng nǐ hún pò tóu tāi rú hé ？” nà hēi liǎn
宝物交出，这斩尽杀绝之事我们也不会做，至少放你魂魄投胎如何？”那黑脸
Indeed, his words carried some sincerity, but Master Kǔ was a formidable figure from an earlier era; he couldn't accept such terms. Reincarnation held no guarantee—would he be reborn as a pig or dog? Even if he were still human, the path to immortality remained uncertain.
huán mù zhī rén bèi chuō chuān huǎng yán ， liǎn shàng què háo wú gān gà zhī sè ， fǎn ér chī xiào yī shēng kāi kǒu le 。
环目之人被戳穿谎言，脸上却毫无尴尬之色，反而嗤笑一声开口了。
He sized up his opponents with disdain in his eyes, completely ignoring Lin Xuan. For these unfamiliar cultivators, eliminating Master Kǔ and reclaiming his treasure was their top priority. As for this suddenly appearing old man, though not weak, he stood alone against them, so they paid him little mind.
zhè fān huà què shí yǒu jǐ fān chéng yì ， kě kǔ dà shī yí dài xiāo xióng ， yòu nǎ yǒu jiē shòu de dào lǐ ， hún pò lún huí yǒu
这番话确实有几番诚意，可苦大师一代枭雄，又哪有接受的道理，魂魄轮回有
"How about it, old monster? Have you made up your mind?"
pì yòng ， tiān zhī dào xià bèi zi tóu tāi shì zuò zhū hái shì zuò gǒu ， jiù suàn yī jiù tóu zuò rén shēn ， néng fǒu zǒu shàng xiān dào
屁用，天知道下辈子投胎是做猪还是做狗，就算依旧投做人身，能否走上仙道
"You youngsters shouldn't be so presumptuous! If you want my life, you'll lose a few teeth!" Seeing that escape was hopeless, a hint of ferocity flashed in Master Kǔ's eyes. Indeed, he had suffered severe injuries, but as the saying goes: even a withered camel is bigger than a horse. A Core Formation cultivator like him couldn't submit meekly; he would fight to his last breath.
， yě hái shì liǎng shuō 。
，也还是两说。
Dark clouds surged and then dispersed, revealing the old monster's face. His complexion was pale, his lips were white, and bloodstains marred his chest. The surrounding demonic aura fluctuated wildly, indicating a precarious state of instability.
tā dǎ liàng le yī yǎn dí rén ， yǎn zhōng mǎn shì yuàn dú ， ér zhì shǐ zhì zhōng ， lín xuān dōu bèi duì fāng hū lüè diào le 。
他打量了一眼敌人，眼中满是怨毒，而至始至终，林轩都被对方忽略掉了。
With a sinister gaze sweeping over the cultivators, he exuded hatred.
duì yú zhè qún mò shēng xiū shì lái shuō ， miè le kǔ dà shī ， yǐ jí ná huí tā shǒu zhōng de bǎo wù ， dōu shì dì yī yào wù
对于这群陌生修士来说，灭了苦大师，以及拿回他手中的宝物，都是第一要务
Lin Xuan frowned but remained silent, retreating several feet without drawing attention to himself. Although his cultivation had improved greatly, he still intended to stay out of the fray.
， zhì yú páng biān zhè tū rán mào chū lái de lǎo tóu ， xiū wèi suī yě bù ruò ， dàn rén dān shì gū 。 tā men zì rán bú huì
，至于旁边这突然冒出来的老头，修为虽也不弱，但人单势孤。他们自然不会
The sky grew darker and wind began to stir.
fàng zài yǎn lǐ 。
放在眼里。
Master Kǔ raised his head, letting out a roar that sounded like a beast's cry. His face turned crimson as a layer of tangible rage appeared on his brows.
“ zěn me yàng ， lǎo guài wù ， nǐ xiǎng hǎo méi yǒu ？”
“怎么样，老怪物，你想好没有？”
"Bad news! The old monster is about to use some secret technique to suppress his injuries. Everyone, don't hesitate—act now!"
“ xiǎo bèi ， bú yào tài xiāo zhāng ， xiǎng yào lǎo fū de mìng ， kǒng pà huì bēng diào nǐ men jǐ kē yá ！” yǎn jiàn táo pǎo wú
“小辈，不要太嚣张，想要老夫的命，恐怕会崩掉你们几颗牙！”眼见逃跑无
Without hesitation, the man with ringed eyes shouted. He extended his hand and tapped his storage bag, sending out two black iron canes.
wàng ， kǔ dà shī yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī sī lì sè ， bù cuò ， tā què shí shēn shòu zhòng shāng ， dàn sú huà shuō de hǎo ， shòu sǐ
望，苦大师眼中闪过一丝厉色，不错，他确实身受重伤，但俗话说的好，瘦死
The others quickly followed suit, raising their own treasures.
de luò tuó bǐ mǎ dà ， zì jǐ yī táng táng yuán yīng qī xiū shì ， qǐ néng qū rǔ de shù shǒu jiù qín ， wú lùn rú hé ， yě
的骆驼比马大，自己一堂堂元婴期修士，岂能屈辱的束手就擒，无论如何，也
Though they lacked the eighteen martial arts weapons, so many Core Formation cultivators together made a formidable display.
yào pīn yī pīn le 。
要拼一拼了。
Master Kǔ's face turned grave. In his prime, he would have scoffed at these youngsters, but now, severely injured, his strength had dwindled to less than half.
mó yún fān yǒng ， suí hòu sàn kāi ， lù chū le lǎo guài wù de róng yán ， zhǐ jiàn tā liǎn qīng chún bái ， xiōng kǒu chù gèng shì xuè
魔云翻涌，随后散开，露出了老怪物的容颜，只见他脸青唇白，胸口处更是血
He might truly fall here!
jì bān bān ， biàn shì zhōu wéi de mó qì ， suī bù tíng fān yǒng ， què yě shí qiáng shí ruò ， xiǎn rán chǔ yú fēi cháng bù wěn dìng
迹斑斑，便是周围的魔气，虽不停翻涌，却也时强时弱，显然处于非常不稳定
Knowing the danger, Master Kǔ could not afford to hold back and quickly summoned his main treasure.
de zhuàng tài zhī zhōng 。
的状态之中。
It was a bone several feet long, surrounded by swirling demonic energy and the eerie cries of vengeful spirits. This冤魂人骨棒was infamous as a great evil.
yīn lì de mù guāng zài zhōu wéi xiū shì de shēn shàng yī yī sǎo guò ， mǎn liǎn yuàn dú 。
阴厉的目光在周围修士的身上一一扫过，满脸怨毒。
The cultivators' faces showed fear, but now it was too late—there was no turning back!
lín xuān jiàn le ， méi tou yí zhòu ， bù dòng shēng sè de tuì chū shù zhàng zhī yuǎn ， suī rán tā de xiū wèi jīn fēi xī bǐ ， dàn
林轩见了，眉头一皱，不动声色的退出数丈之远，虽然他的修为今非昔比，但
"Quickly!"
yī jiù dǎ zhe hún shuǐ mō yú de zhǔ yì 。
依旧打着浑水摸鱼的主意。
The man with ringed eyes pointed his finger, and the iron canes glowed, transforming into two black dragons that lunged at Master Kǔ.
tiān sè yuè fā de yīn chén le xià qù 。
天色越发的阴沉了下去。
"You're asking for death!"
fēng qǐ ！
风起！
Master Kǔ wouldn't give up so easily. He cast strange magical seals with both hands, causing the冤魂人骨棒to spin wildly. A mass of demonic clouds spread outwards, filled with grotesque ghost heads.
kǔ dà shī yáng qǐ tóu ， hóu lóng zhōng fā chū yī shēng páng rú yě shòu bān de páo xiāo ， tā de liǎn sè yī xià zi biàn dé yān hóng
苦大师扬起头，喉咙中发出一声彷如野兽般的咆哮，他的脸色一下子变得殷红
The red eyes in those heads glowed as they opened wide, spewing greenish ghost flames that blocked the dragons formed from the iron canes.
rú xuè ， méi yǔ zhī jiān gèng fú xiàn chū yī céng rú yǒu shí zhì dì lì qì 。
如血，眉宇之间更浮现出一层如有实质的戾气。
But soon, other cultivators' treasures arrived to join the fray.
“ bù hǎo ， zhè lǎo guài wù xiǎng yào shǐ yòng mǒu zhǒng yā zhì shāng shì de mì shù ， dà jiā bú yào yóu yù ， kuài kuài chū shǒu 。” nà huán mù zhī rén yě suàn jiàn shí guǎng bó ， háo bù yóu yù de dà hē 。
“不好，这老怪物想要使用某种压制伤势的秘术，大家不要犹豫，快快出手。”那环目之人也算见识广博，毫不犹豫的大喝。
With a series of explosions, the volume of the demonic clouds shrank. Clearly, the injured old monster couldn't withstand so many Core Formation cultivators working together.
huà yīn wèi luò ， tā yǐ shēn chū shǒu lái ， zài chǔ wù dài shàng yī pāi ， lì kè cóng lǐ miàn fēi chū yī duì wū hēi yóu liàng de
话音未落，他已伸出手来，在储物袋上一拍，立刻从里面飞出一对乌黑油亮的
Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed but stayed out of it, focusing his divine sense on Master Kǔ's true form.
tiě guǎi 。
铁拐。
Suddenly, a thunderous explosion echoed as the demon fire was shattered. The treasures began to attack the ghost heads.
qí tā jǐ rén tīng le ， tóng yàng bù gǎn dài màn ， fēn fēn gè zì jiāng zì jǐ de fǎ bǎo jì le qǐ lái 。
其他几人听了，同样不敢怠慢，纷纷各自将自己的法宝祭了起来。
Puff...
dāo qiāng jiàn jǐ ， suī méi yǒu shí bā bān bīng qì ， dàn zhè me duō níng dān qī xiū shì yì qǐ chū shǒu ， shēng shì què yě bù róng
刀枪剑戟，虽没有十八般兵器，但这么多凝丹期修士一起出手，声势却也不容
Master Kǔ spat blood, his face growing even paler. Suddenly, a cold light flashed, and an unexpected flying knife appeared behind him, plunging into his back.
xiǎo qiáo 。
小瞧。
Caught off guard, Master Kǔ had no time to dodge.
kǔ dà shī de liǎn shàng lù chū yī sī níng zhòng ， ruò shì zài tā quán shèng zhī shí ， zì rán bù jiāng zhè jǐ gè xiǎo bèi fàng zài yǎn
苦大师的脸上露出一丝凝重，若是在他全盛之时，自然不将这几个小辈放在眼
Blood splattered!
lǐ ， dàn rú jīn shēn fù zhòng shāng ， yī shēn xiū wèi zuì duō zhǐ shèng xià shí zhī yī èr ér yǐ 。
里，但如今身负重伤，一身修为最多只剩下十之一二而已。
The cultivators rejoiced, seizing the opportunity to kill their target. The remaining treasures ruthlessly struck at the old monster's weakened body.
nòng bù hǎo zhēn huì yǔn luò zài cǐ dì ！
弄不好真会陨落在此地！
Even severely injured, a Core Formation cultivator was not to be underestimated. Seizing this chance to eliminate him, they showed no mercy.
míng zhī xíng shì xiǎn jùn ， kǔ dà shī nǎ gǎn cáng zhuō ， máng jiāng běn mìng fǎ bǎo jì chū 。
明知形势险峻，苦大师哪敢藏拙，忙将本命法宝祭出。
All the treasures hit their marks, but something strange happened. Master Kǔ's body exploded with a loud pop, turning into a broken talisman.
nà shì yī zhǎng yuē shù zhàng de gǔ tou ， mó qì fān yǒng ， hái jiā zá zhe qī lì de guǐ kū ， zhè yuān hún rén gǔ bàng kě shì
那是一长约数丈的骨头，魔气翻涌，还夹杂着凄厉的鬼哭，这冤魂人骨棒可是
This sudden change left everyone stunned.
è míng zhāo zhāng de dà xiōng zhī wù 。
恶名昭彰的大凶之物。
"…No, it's a substitute talisman," the man with ringed eyes was indeed knowledgeable.
zhòng xiū shì de liǎn shàng yě yǐn yǐn liú lù chū wèi jù ， rán ér cǐ shí cǐ kè ， yǐ shì jiàn zài xián shàng ， bù dé bù fā le ！
众修士的脸上也隐隐流露出畏惧，然而此时此刻，已是箭在弦上，不得不发了！
A substitute talisman, as its name suggests, is a special type of talisman, second only to treasure talismans in value. Crafting one required at least Core Formation cultivation and mastery-level expertise in talisman techniques. Even then, success rates were abysmally low—only once or twice out of ten attempts.
“ jí ！”
“疾！”
The materials needed for such a talisman were incredibly precious; failure meant all effort was wasted.
hēi liǎn huán mù xiū shì yì diǎn zhǐ ， nà duì tiě guǎi líng guāng shǎn shuò ， huà wèi le liǎng tóu wū hēi jiāo lóng ， è hěn hěn de xiàng
黑脸环目修士一点指，那对铁拐灵光闪烁，化为了两头乌黑蛟龙，恶狠狠的向
This substitute talisman's rarity could be gauged from its occasional appearance on the market, fetching astronomical prices in crystal… The huge numbers made even Core Formation cultivators wince.
zhe kǔ dà shī fēi pū ér zhì 。
着苦大师飞扑而至。
But it was worth every bit of the cost. In critical moments, such a talisman could save one's life.
“ zhǎo sǐ ！”
“找死！”
Master Kǔ had bought this substitute talisman with the intention of using it when needed, but he never imagined that it would be used by several young Core Formation cultivators.
kǔ dà shī qǐ huì shù shǒu dài bì ， shuāng shǒu gè qiā le yī dào qí yì fǎ jué ， yuān hún rén gǔ bàng dī liū liū de kāi shǐ xuán
苦大师岂会束手待毙，双手各掐了一道奇异法诀，冤魂人骨棒滴溜溜的开始旋
Using the talisman to fend off attacks, his true form had already escaped dozens of feet away. While not far, it was outside their reach.
zhuǎn ， yī dà piàn mó yún xiàng zhe sì zhōu màn yán ， mó yún lǐ miàn ， wú shù zhēng níng yì cháng de guǐ tóu chū xiàn 。
转，一大片魔云向着四周蔓延，魔云里面，无数狰狞异常的鬼头出现。
A wise man doesn't take what is in front of him. Master Kǔ didn't want to tangle with them; revenge could wait for ten years!
nà xiē guǐ tóu yǎn zhōng hóng máng shǎn shuò ， yì qǐ zhāng kāi dà kǒu ， bì lǜ sè de guǐ huǒ cóng lǐ miàn tǔ chū ， tiě guǎi suǒ huà
那些鬼头眼中红芒闪烁，一起张开大口，碧绿色的鬼火从里面吐出，铁拐所化
The old monster's tactics were impressive, but Lin Xuan stood by, his divine sense already locked onto him. Now was the time to intervene and stop him.
de jiāo lóng dùn shí bèi dǎng zhù 。
的蛟龙顿时被挡住。
With a wave of his sleeve, a green flame shot out, spiraling in mid-air before transforming into a small snake about as thick as a thumb.
dàn jǐn jiē zhe ， qí tā xiū shì suǒ jì chū de fǎ bǎo yě shā dào le 。
但紧接着，其他修士所祭出的法宝也杀到了。
Though unremarkable at first glance, it moved incredibly fast, reaching Master Kǔ's side instantly.
hōng lōng lóng ， bào liè shēng bù tíng de chuán rù ěr duǒ ， mó yún de tǐ jī què bèi yí bù yí bù de yā suō ， hěn xiǎn rán ，
轰隆隆，爆裂声不停的传入耳朵，魔云的体积却被一步一步的压缩，很显然，
"You…" The old monster was furious. If not for this person blocking him earlier, he might have escaped already. Now that he saw an opportunity to break free, this man helped the obstructing villain—how could one tolerate such insults!
shòu shāng hòu de lǎo guài wù ， bìng dí bù guò rú cǐ zhī duō de níng dān qī xiū shì lián shǒu 。
受伤后的老怪物，并敌不过如此之多的凝丹期修士联手。
Lin Xuan's divine sense had already locked onto Master Kǔ, and now he acted swiftly to stop him.
"Old monster, you're a quick one. Alright, I won't lie to you in front of the real deal. If you hand over that treasure, we won't go all out and kill you. How about letting your soul reincarnate?" The man with the black face and ringed eyes, who had just been exposed as lying, showed no signs of embarrassment but instead snorted and spoke.
Indeed, his words carried some sincerity, but Master Kǔ was a formidable figure from an earlier era; he couldn't accept such terms. Reincarnation held no guarantee—would he be reborn as a pig or dog? Even if he were still human, the path to immortality remained uncertain.
He sized up his opponents with disdain in his eyes, completely ignoring Lin Xuan. For these unfamiliar cultivators, eliminating Master Kǔ and reclaiming his treasure was their top priority. As for this suddenly appearing old man, though not weak, he stood alone against them, so they paid him little mind.
"How about it, old monster? Have you made up your mind?"
"You youngsters shouldn't be so presumptuous! If you want my life, you'll lose a few teeth!" Seeing that escape was hopeless, a hint of ferocity flashed in Master Kǔ's eyes. Indeed, he had suffered severe injuries, but as the saying goes: even a withered camel is bigger than a horse. A Core Formation cultivator like him couldn't submit meekly; he would fight to his last breath.
Dark clouds surged and then dispersed, revealing the old monster's face. His complexion was pale, his lips were white, and bloodstains marred his chest. The surrounding demonic aura fluctuated wildly, indicating a precarious state of instability.
With a sinister gaze sweeping over the cultivators, he exuded hatred.
Lin Xuan frowned but remained silent, retreating several feet without drawing attention to himself. Although his cultivation had improved greatly, he still intended to stay out of the fray.
The sky grew darker and wind began to stir.
Master Kǔ raised his head, letting out a roar that sounded like a beast's cry. His face turned crimson as a layer of tangible rage appeared on his brows.
"Bad news! The old monster is about to use some secret technique to suppress his injuries. Everyone, don't hesitate—act now!"
Without hesitation, the man with ringed eyes shouted. He extended his hand and tapped his storage bag, sending out two black iron canes.
The others quickly followed suit, raising their own treasures.
Though they lacked the eighteen martial arts weapons, so many Core Formation cultivators together made a formidable display.
Master Kǔ's face turned grave. In his prime, he would have scoffed at these youngsters, but now, severely injured, his strength had dwindled to less than half.
He might truly fall here!
Knowing the danger, Master Kǔ could not afford to hold back and quickly summoned his main treasure.
It was a bone several feet long, surrounded by swirling demonic energy and the eerie cries of vengeful spirits. This冤魂人骨棒was infamous as a great evil.
The cultivators' faces showed fear, but now it was too late—there was no turning back!
"Quickly!"
The man with ringed eyes pointed his finger, and the iron canes glowed, transforming into two black dragons that lunged at Master Kǔ.
"You're asking for death!"
Master Kǔ wouldn't give up so easily. He cast strange magical seals with both hands, causing the冤魂人骨棒to spin wildly. A mass of demonic clouds spread outwards, filled with grotesque ghost heads.
The red eyes in those heads glowed as they opened wide, spewing greenish ghost flames that blocked the dragons formed from the iron canes.
But soon, other cultivators' treasures arrived to join the fray.
With a series of explosions, the volume of the demonic clouds shrank. Clearly, the injured old monster couldn't withstand so many Core Formation cultivators working together.
Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed but stayed out of it, focusing his divine sense on Master Kǔ's true form.
Suddenly, a thunderous explosion echoed as the demon fire was shattered. The treasures began to attack the ghost heads.
Puff...
Master Kǔ spat blood, his face growing even paler. Suddenly, a cold light flashed, and an unexpected flying knife appeared behind him, plunging into his back.
Caught off guard, Master Kǔ had no time to dodge.
Blood splattered!
The cultivators rejoiced, seizing the opportunity to kill their target. The remaining treasures ruthlessly struck at the old monster's weakened body.
Even severely injured, a Core Formation cultivator was not to be underestimated. Seizing this chance to eliminate him, they showed no mercy.
All the treasures hit their marks, but something strange happened. Master Kǔ's body exploded with a loud pop, turning into a broken talisman.
This sudden change left everyone stunned.
"…No, it's a substitute talisman," the man with ringed eyes was indeed knowledgeable.
A substitute talisman, as its name suggests, is a special type of talisman, second only to treasure talismans in value. Crafting one required at least Core Formation cultivation and mastery-level expertise in talisman techniques. Even then, success rates were abysmally low—only once or twice out of ten attempts.
The materials needed for such a talisman were incredibly precious; failure meant all effort was wasted.
This substitute talisman's rarity could be gauged from its occasional appearance on the market, fetching astronomical prices in crystal… The huge numbers made even Core Formation cultivators wince.
But it was worth every bit of the cost. In critical moments, such a talisman could save one's life.
Master Kǔ had bought this substitute talisman with the intention of using it when needed, but he never imagined that it would be used by several young Core Formation cultivators.
Using the talisman to fend off attacks, his true form had already escaped dozens of feet away. While not far, it was outside their reach.
A wise man doesn't take what is in front of him. Master Kǔ didn't want to tangle with them; revenge could wait for ten years!
The old monster's tactics were impressive, but Lin Xuan stood by, his divine sense already locked onto him. Now was the time to intervene and stop him.
With a wave of his sleeve, a green flame shot out, spiraling in mid-air before transforming into a small snake about as thick as a thumb.
Though unremarkable at first glance, it moved incredibly fast, reaching Master Kǔ's side instantly.
"You…" The old monster was furious. If not for this person blocking him earlier, he might have escaped already. Now that he saw an opportunity to break free, this man helped the obstructing villain—how could one tolerate such insults!
Lin Xuan's divine sense had already locked onto Master Kǔ, and now he acted swiftly to stop him.