“ zěn me ， shī xiōng bù xìn hóng líng zhī yǔ ， wǒ céng jīng zuò guò shén me ， hái xū yào xiàng nǐ jiě shì ？” shào nǚ xiù méi
“怎么，师兄不信红绫之语，我曾经做过什么，还需要向你解释？”少女秀眉
"Brother Senior, you don't believe in Red Silk's words. What did I do that needs an explanation?" the young lady raised her delicate eyebrows, clearly not pleased.
yī tiāo ， liǎn shàng de biǎo qíng míng xiǎn fēi cháng bù kuài 。
一挑，脸上的表情明显非常不快。
The expression on her face was visibly displeased.
“ hē hē ， shī mèi wù huì le ， wèi xiōng nǎ yǒu cǐ yì ， zhǐ bù guò yǒu xiē guān xīn hào qí 。” bái yī nán zi máng lù
“呵呵，师妹误会了，为兄哪有此意，只不过有些关心好奇。”白衣男子忙露
"Haha, Sister Junior, you must be mistaken. Brother has no such intention; it's just a bit of concern and curiosity," said the man in white, quickly showing a smile to appease her, as if he feared she might get angry.
chū péi xiào de biǎo qíng ， sì hū shēng pà shào nǚ shēng qì 。
出陪笑的表情，似乎生怕少女生气。
However, the other party ignored him, his expression extremely cold.
rán ér duì fāng què ài lǐ bù lǐ ， biǎo qíng lěng mò yǐ jí 。
然而对方却爱理不理，表情冷漠以极。
Lin Xuan watched all this from the sidelines with a calm face, but inside, he was like a tempestuous sea.
ér zhè yī qiè ， lín xuān lěng yǎn páng guān ， biǎo qíng chōng hé píng dàn ， zhǐ bù guò nèi xīn què zǎo jiù yǒu rú jīng tāo hài làng yī
而这一切，林轩冷眼旁观，表情冲和平淡，只不过内心却早就有如惊涛骇浪一
What a narrow escape!
bān 。
般。
Back then, when this lady had chased him to the point of desperation and nowhere to run, they met here and now.
zhēn shì yuān jiā lù zhǎi ！
真是冤家路窄！
Red Silk Immortal! That ancient cultivator from Jade Black Sect. Lin Xuan had fought with her fiercely on Ice Fire Island back then!
dāng chū zì jǐ bèi cǐ nǚ zhuī de láng bèi bù kān ， méi dì zài cǐ shí cǐ dì yù jiàn 。
当初自己被此女追的狼狈不堪，没地在此时此地遇见。
Her cultivation level was already at late-stage Core Formation. Why did she pretend to be a simpleton and come to Fiery Sun Sect?
hóng líng xiān zi ！
红绫仙子！
Many questions swirled in Lin Xuan's mind, but he showed no signs of panic. Firstly, his own cultivation had improved immensely; after the demon infant transformed, his abilities were not inferior to ordinary Core Formation cultivators at early-stage. With the help of a Corpse Demon, even if he couldn't defeat this lady, retreating calmly was still possible.
nà wèi yù xuán zōng gǔ xiū ， dāng chū zài bīng huǒ dǎo ， lín xuān kě shì yǔ tā dà dǎ chū shǒu ！
那位玉玄宗古修，当初在冰火岛，林轩可是与她大打出手！
Secondly, Red Silk also concealed her cultivation level and infiltrated Fiery Sun Sect with significant plans. Even if she had a grudge against him, she wouldn't let past efforts go to waste.
cǐ nǚ de xiū wèi yǐ dào yuán yīng zhōng qī le ， tā bàn zhū chī hǔ ， pǎo dào liè yáng mén zuò shén me ？
此女的修为已到元婴中期了，她扮猪吃虎，跑到烈阳门做什么？
Lin Xuan believed that an ancient monster who lived for a million years certainly possessed the patience. After all, anyone but a fool could distinguish priorities.
lín xuān xīn zhōng de yí wèn yí gè gè yǒng chū ， bù guò què bìng méi yǒu duō shǎo huāng zhāng zhī sè ， yī lái ， zì jǐ de xiū wèi
林轩心中的疑问一个个涌出，不过却并没有多少慌张之色，一来，自己的修为
With this thought, he put aside his worries and stepped forward, pretending to be amiable: "I am Lin Xuan. I have met two senior brothers and sisters here. May I ask your surnames?"
jīn fēi xī bǐ ， mó yīng huà chéng yǐ hòu ， shén tōng yǐ bù xùn sè yú pǔ tōng de yuán yīng chū qī xiū xiān zhě ， zài jiā shàng shī
今非昔比，魔婴化成以后，神通已不逊色于普通的元婴初期修仙者，再加上尸
"Indeed, it's junior Brother Lin. This is Red Silk. It’s truly a coincidence that you resemble someone dear to me," said the young lady.
mó xiāng zhù ， jiù suàn yī jiù bù dí cǐ nǚ ， dàn cóng róng tuì zǒu què méi yǒu wèn tí 。
魔相助，就算依旧不敌此女，但从容退走却没有问题。
"Oh, how fortunate. Could you tell me what relation this dear friend of yours has with you?" Lin Xuan asked with a smile, as if casually.
cǐ qí yī 。
此其一。
"Not much. Back when I was not on the path of immortality, he was my neighbor in the mortal world. He was shallow and dishonest, stealing from others. Later, he was killed by his victim with several knives," Red Silk combed her hair, her words clearly implying more than what she said.
qí èr ， hóng líng jì rán yě yǐn cáng xiū wèi ， qián rù liè yáng mén zhōng ， bú yòng shuō yě shì yǒu zhòng dà tú móu ， jiù suàn tā
其二，红绫既然也隐藏修为，潜入烈阳门中，不用说也是有重大图谋，就算她
"Oh, that's unfortunate. But this world has many lookalikes, and I am not your neighbor. I have always been honest and straightforward," Lin Xuan blinked, his expression unchanged.
yǔ zì jǐ yǒu chóu ， kěn dìng yě bú huì zì luàn zhèn jiǎo ， ràng wǎng xī de nǔ lì fù zhū liú shuǐ le 。
与自己有仇，肯定也不会自乱阵脚，让往昔的努力付诸流水了。
"That’s true. At first glance, Brother seems very honest," Red Silk narrowed her eyes, but the gesture still exuded grace.
zhè diǎn yǐn rěn gōng fu ， lín xuān xiāng xìn yī wèi huó le bǎi wàn nián de lǎo guài wù ， kěn dìng shì yǒu ， bì jìng shú qīng shú zhòng
这点隐忍功夫，林轩相信一位活了百万年的老怪物，肯定是有，毕竟孰轻孰重
...
， zhǐ yào bú shì shǎ guā ， kěn dìng dū fēn de qīng chǔ 。
，只要不是傻瓜，肯定都分的清楚。
The two engaged in a verbal battle, secretly exchanging blows. Although they spoke quietly, Lei Yin'er and Chu Xianren were not fools; they could tell that the two recognized each other and harbored deep animosity for some reason.
niàn jí zhì cǐ ， tā dùn shí gē xià dān xīn ， shàng qián yī bù ， yǔ duì fāng xū yǔ wēi yí ：“ zài xià lín xuān ， jiàn guò
念及至此，他顿时搁下担心，上前一步，与对方虚与委蛇：“在下林轩，见过
Chu Xianren was relieved. He had been worried about any conflict with Lin Xuan but now it seemed they weren't on good terms. That was perfect.
liǎng wèi shī xiōng shī jiě ， bù gǎn qǐng jiào zūn xìng dà míng ？”
两位师兄师姐，不敢请教尊姓大名？”
After all, he wanted this beautiful junior sister entirely to himself and didn’t want any troublesome rivals.
“ yuán lái shì lín shī dì ， xiǎo nǚ zǐ hóng líng ， shuō lái yě zhēn qiǎo ， nǐ yǔ wǒ de yī wèi gù rén ， zhǎng dé yǒu **
“原来是林师弟，小女子红绫，说来也真巧，你与我的一位故人，长得有**
Although Chu Xianren did not hold Lin Xuan in high regard, having an extra contender made things a bit complicated.
fēn xiāng xiàng 。”
分相像。”
Chu Xianren's identity was no small matter; originally, he had been a late-stage Core Formation cultivator from another peak of Fiery Sun Sect. He moved to Fire Cloud Peak by chance and was immediately smitten with Red Silk Immortal. Since then, he had been infatuated, moving in permanently.
“ ó ， nà hái zhēn shì qiǎo ， bù zhī dào shī jiě zhè wèi gù rén ， yǔ nǐ shì hé guān xì ？” lín xuān mǎn liǎn xiào róng ，
“哦，那还真是巧，不知道师姐这位故人，与你是何关系？”林轩满脸笑容，
Proximity brings advantage is an eternal truth.
xiàng shì bù jīng yì de wèn dào 。
像是不经意的问道。
Despite her cold demeanor towards him, Chu Xianren's face was thick as a brick.
“ yě méi shén me ， dāng chū hóng líng wèi tà rù xiān dào zhī shí ， tā shì wǒ shì sú de yī wèi lín jū ， zhǐ bù guò wéi rén
“也没什么，当初红绫未踏入仙道之时，他是我世俗的一位邻居，只不过为人
Although not blessed with the best spirit root, he advanced to late-stage Foundation Establishment in just seventy years. Such speed among the Nine Great Forces of Cloud Sea was rare indeed.
fú huá lài pí ， tōu le bié rén de dōng xī ， hòu lái bèi shī zhǔ luàn dāo kǎn sǐ 。” hóng líng lǐ le lǐ fà sī ， suǒ shuō
浮华赖皮，偷了别人的东西，后来被失主乱刀砍死。”红绫理了理发丝，所说
Chu Xianren certainly had grounds for boasting, but alas, his eyes were blinded by greed; a lowly worm like him could never attract Red Silk Immortal.
de huà gèng shì yì yǒu suǒ zhǐ 。
的话更是意有所指。
If not for her grand plans and fear of drawing attention, Chu Xianren would have already drawn out this annoying fly to extract its soul. How dare it bother him! A hundred deaths couldn't atone...
“ ó ， nà hái zhēn shì bù xìng ， bù guò zhè shì jiān duō xiàng mào xiāng sì zhī rén ， ér zài xià kě bú shì shī jiě de nà wèi
“哦，那还真是不幸，不过这世间多相貌相似之人，而在下可不是师姐的那位
But encountering Lin Xuan here was unexpected.
lín jū ， wéi rén yě yí xiàng zhōng hòu lǎo shí 。” lín xuān zhǎ le zhǎ yǎn ， shén sè sī háo bù biàn 。
邻居，为人也一向忠厚老实。”林轩眨了眨眼，神色丝毫不变。
This youth's strength should not be underestimated, and he was extremely slick.
“ nà dǎo shì ， wǒ yī kàn ， jiù jué de shī dì fēi cháng de lǎo shí 。” hóng líng mī le mī yǎn ， rán ér zhè ge dòng
“那倒是，我一看，就觉得师弟非常的老实。”红绫眯了眯眼，然而这个动
This meeting gave her an odd feeling; although she couldn’t pinpoint his exact cultivation level, facing him with such composure warranted suspicion.
zuò yī jiù xiǎn de yí tài wàn qiān 。
作依旧显得仪态万千。
It wasn’t the time to break their facade. The four of them chose to pretend amicability.
……
……
Lei Yin'er and Chu Xianren exchanged glances, feeling strange but unable to intervene.
liǎng rén chún qiāng shé jiàn ， àn dì lǐ yǐ jiāo fēng le yī fān ， bù guò tā men suī shuō de yǐn mì ， dàn léi yīn ér yǔ nà nán
两人唇枪舌剑，暗地里已交锋了一番，不过他们虽说的隐秘，但雷音儿与那男
After half an hour, Lin Xuan was still engaged in his tug-of-war with Red Silk when the temple door creaked open. A light flashed as a young apprentice emerged, holding a fly whisk. Although only at early-stage Spirit Cultivation, he exuded a divine aura.
zi yě bú shì bái chī ， xiā zi dōu kàn de chū liǎng rén rèn shí ， ér qiě yīn wèi mǒu zhǒng yuán yīn fēi cháng dí shì 。
子也不是白痴，瞎子都看的出两人认识，而且因为某种原因非常敌视。
"Senior Aunts have arrived. Please follow me into the main hall to meet our ancestor."
nán zi bù yōu fǎn xǐ ， yuán běn tā hái pà lín xuān yǔ hóng líng zhī jiān yǒu shén me jiū gé ， yuán lái liǎng rén bìng bù hé mù ，
男子不忧反喜，原本他还怕林轩与红绫之间有什么纠葛，原来两人并不和睦，
"Sure, you lead the way," Lei Yin'er said with a smile.
nà zì rán shì zài hǎo yě méi yǒu le 。
那自然是再好也没有了。
Lin Xuan and Red Silk exchanged glances, closing their mouths.
bì jìng tā duì yú zhè wèi měi yàn de shī mèi kě shì zhì zài bì děi ， bù xī wàng chū xiàn shén me jí shǒu de jìng zhēng zhě 。
毕竟他对于这位美艳的师妹可是志在必得，不希望出现什么棘手的竞争者。
Under the apprentice's guidance, they entered the grand hall.
suī rán píng xīn lái shuō ， tā bìng méi yǒu jiāng lín xuān fàng zài yǎn lǐ ， dàn duō yí gè rén zhēng duó ， yě shì yǒu xiē má fán de 。
虽然平心来说，他并没有将林轩放在眼里，但多一个人争夺，也是有些麻烦的。
To their surprise, there was another world within. First met was an expansive garden, over a thousand feet in diameter, filled with various exotic flowers and plants, occasionally some spirit beasts could be seen.
cǐ nán zi shēn fèn yě fēi tóng xiǎo kě ， yuán běn shī cóng yú liè yáng mén lìng wài yī wèi yuán yīng qī lǎo guài wù ， bìng bú shì huǒ
此男子身份也非同小可，原本师从于烈阳门另外一位元婴期老怪物，并不是火
"Good heavens, what is that? A six-eared leopard," Lei Yin'er suddenly stopped, her hand covering her mouth as she looked astonished. Just several dozen steps away stood a majestic leopard, but it had six ears, making it a formidable third-stage monster capable of challenging Core Formation cultivators at early-stage.
yún fēng dì zǐ ， zhǐ bù guò yǒu yī cì lái zhè lǐ bàn shì ， ǒu rán yǔ hóng líng xiāng yù ， dùn shí jīng wèi tiān rén ， cóng cǐ
云峰弟子，只不过有一次来这里办事，偶然与红绫相遇，顿时惊为天人，从此
"Do not be alarmed, this is our ancestor's pet; very docile and harmless," the apprentice turned around with a smile.
hún qiān mèng yíng ， sǐ pí lài liǎn de bān dào huǒ yún fēng lái le 。
魂牵梦萦，死皮赖脸的搬到火云峰来了。
Although Lei Yin'er was Chu Xianren’s disciple from ancient times, she had never visited her master's abode. Seeing these creatures described in ancient texts, she was naturally amazed.
jìn shuǐ lóu tái xiān dé yuè ， zhè shì qiān gǔ bù biàn de zhēn lǐ 。
近水楼台先得月，这是千古不变的真理。
Lin Xuan and Red Silk also showed shock, but they were just acting. Hmph, even if it were a third-stage trash monster, the two of them wouldn’t be afraid of a fourth-stage transformed beast either.
jǐn guǎn hóng líng duì tā lěng mò yǐ jí ， dàn zhè jiào chǔ xuān rén de jiā huo liǎn pí què hòu de kě yǐ 。
尽管红绫对他冷漠以极，但这叫楚宣仁的家伙脸皮却厚的可以。
Among the four, Chu Xianren appeared most casual. His unique background made him knowledgeable in low-rank disciples.
suī rán bú shì shèng líng gēn de zī zhì ， dàn yě zhǐ huā le qī shí nián ， jiù bù rù zhù jī hòu qī ， zhè yàng de sù dù fàng
虽然不是圣灵根的资质，但也只花了七十年，就步入筑基后期，这样的速度放
Following the apprentice through many pavilions and terraces, they spent nearly an hour before finally arriving at a quiet study.
yǎn yún hǎi jiǔ dà shì lì ， yě zhǎo bù chū jǐ gè de 。
眼云海九大势力，也找不出几个的。
Lin Xuan discreetly released his divine sense, quickly scanning inside. A hint of suspicion flashed across his eyes as he looked up to find Red Silk Immortal staring back. Clearly, she had noticed something amiss too.
"Brother Senior, you don't believe in Red Silk's words. What did I do that needs an explanation?" the young lady raised her delicate eyebrows, clearly not pleased.
The expression on her face was visibly displeased.
"Haha, Sister Junior, you must be mistaken. Brother has no such intention; it's just a bit of concern and curiosity," said the man in white, quickly showing a smile to appease her, as if he feared she might get angry.
However, the other party ignored him, his expression extremely cold.
Lin Xuan watched all this from the sidelines with a calm face, but inside, he was like a tempestuous sea.
What a narrow escape!
Back then, when this lady had chased him to the point of desperation and nowhere to run, they met here and now.
Red Silk Immortal! That ancient cultivator from Jade Black Sect. Lin Xuan had fought with her fiercely on Ice Fire Island back then!
Her cultivation level was already at late-stage Core Formation. Why did she pretend to be a simpleton and come to Fiery Sun Sect?
Many questions swirled in Lin Xuan's mind, but he showed no signs of panic. Firstly, his own cultivation had improved immensely; after the demon infant transformed, his abilities were not inferior to ordinary Core Formation cultivators at early-stage. With the help of a Corpse Demon, even if he couldn't defeat this lady, retreating calmly was still possible.
Secondly, Red Silk also concealed her cultivation level and infiltrated Fiery Sun Sect with significant plans. Even if she had a grudge against him, she wouldn't let past efforts go to waste.
Lin Xuan believed that an ancient monster who lived for a million years certainly possessed the patience. After all, anyone but a fool could distinguish priorities.
With this thought, he put aside his worries and stepped forward, pretending to be amiable: "I am Lin Xuan. I have met two senior brothers and sisters here. May I ask your surnames?"
"Indeed, it's junior Brother Lin. This is Red Silk. It’s truly a coincidence that you resemble someone dear to me," said the young lady.
"Oh, how fortunate. Could you tell me what relation this dear friend of yours has with you?" Lin Xuan asked with a smile, as if casually.
"Not much. Back when I was not on the path of immortality, he was my neighbor in the mortal world. He was shallow and dishonest, stealing from others. Later, he was killed by his victim with several knives," Red Silk combed her hair, her words clearly implying more than what she said.
"Oh, that's unfortunate. But this world has many lookalikes, and I am not your neighbor. I have always been honest and straightforward," Lin Xuan blinked, his expression unchanged.
"That’s true. At first glance, Brother seems very honest," Red Silk narrowed her eyes, but the gesture still exuded grace.
...
The two engaged in a verbal battle, secretly exchanging blows. Although they spoke quietly, Lei Yin'er and Chu Xianren were not fools; they could tell that the two recognized each other and harbored deep animosity for some reason.
Chu Xianren was relieved. He had been worried about any conflict with Lin Xuan but now it seemed they weren't on good terms. That was perfect.
After all, he wanted this beautiful junior sister entirely to himself and didn’t want any troublesome rivals.
Although Chu Xianren did not hold Lin Xuan in high regard, having an extra contender made things a bit complicated.
Chu Xianren's identity was no small matter; originally, he had been a late-stage Core Formation cultivator from another peak of Fiery Sun Sect. He moved to Fire Cloud Peak by chance and was immediately smitten with Red Silk Immortal. Since then, he had been infatuated, moving in permanently.
Proximity brings advantage is an eternal truth.
Despite her cold demeanor towards him, Chu Xianren's face was thick as a brick.
Although not blessed with the best spirit root, he advanced to late-stage Foundation Establishment in just seventy years. Such speed among the Nine Great Forces of Cloud Sea was rare indeed.
Chu Xianren certainly had grounds for boasting, but alas, his eyes were blinded by greed; a lowly worm like him could never attract Red Silk Immortal.
If not for her grand plans and fear of drawing attention, Chu Xianren would have already drawn out this annoying fly to extract its soul. How dare it bother him! A hundred deaths couldn't atone...
But encountering Lin Xuan here was unexpected.
This youth's strength should not be underestimated, and he was extremely slick.
This meeting gave her an odd feeling; although she couldn’t pinpoint his exact cultivation level, facing him with such composure warranted suspicion.
It wasn’t the time to break their facade. The four of them chose to pretend amicability.
Lei Yin'er and Chu Xianren exchanged glances, feeling strange but unable to intervene.
After half an hour, Lin Xuan was still engaged in his tug-of-war with Red Silk when the temple door creaked open. A light flashed as a young apprentice emerged, holding a fly whisk. Although only at early-stage Spirit Cultivation, he exuded a divine aura.
"Senior Aunts have arrived. Please follow me into the main hall to meet our ancestor."
"Sure, you lead the way," Lei Yin'er said with a smile.
Lin Xuan and Red Silk exchanged glances, closing their mouths.
Under the apprentice's guidance, they entered the grand hall.
To their surprise, there was another world within. First met was an expansive garden, over a thousand feet in diameter, filled with various exotic flowers and plants, occasionally some spirit beasts could be seen.
"Good heavens, what is that? A six-eared leopard," Lei Yin'er suddenly stopped, her hand covering her mouth as she looked astonished. Just several dozen steps away stood a majestic leopard, but it had six ears, making it a formidable third-stage monster capable of challenging Core Formation cultivators at early-stage.
"Do not be alarmed, this is our ancestor's pet; very docile and harmless," the apprentice turned around with a smile.
Although Lei Yin'er was Chu Xianren’s disciple from ancient times, she had never visited her master's abode. Seeing these creatures described in ancient texts, she was naturally amazed.
Lin Xuan and Red Silk also showed shock, but they were just acting. Hmph, even if it were a third-stage trash monster, the two of them wouldn’t be afraid of a fourth-stage transformed beast either.
Among the four, Chu Xianren appeared most casual. His unique background made him knowledgeable in low-rank disciples.
Following the apprentice through many pavilions and terraces, they spent nearly an hour before finally arriving at a quiet study.
Lin Xuan discreetly released his divine sense, quickly scanning inside. A hint of suspicion flashed across his eyes as he looked up to find Red Silk Immortal staring back. Clearly, she had noticed something amiss too.