“ mò fēi shào yé hái yǒu bié de zhǔ yì ？”6 yíng ér yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī sī chà yì 。
“莫非少爷还有别的主意？”6盈儿眼中闪过一丝诧异。
"Could it be that Young Master has another plan?" 6 Ying'er's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.
“ guān yú nèi huàn ， zài qīng yáng chéng shí ， wǒ yǐ jīng tīng xuē lǎo shuō guò ， bù guò shì yī xiē xiǎo xiǎo de níng dān qī xiū xiān zhě ， hé xū wǒ chū shǒu duì fù ， zán liǎ jié dān yǐ hòu ， zì jǐ jiù kě yǐ jiě jué le 。
“关于内患，在青阳城时，我已经听薛老说过，不过是一些小小的凝丹期修仙者，何须我出手对付，咱俩结丹以后，自己就可以解决了。
"In terms of internal troubles, I heard from Old Master Xue in Qingyang City. It’s just some minor condensation core cultivators; there’s no need for me to intervene. Once we form our dantian, we can handle it ourselves."
liǎng nǚ yī dāi ， biǎo qíng biàn dé yǒu xiē gǔ guài ， guò le bàn xiǎng ， liú xīn cái nà nà de kāi kǒu qǐ lái ：“ shào yé ， nín tài gāo kàn nú bì le ， suī rán wǒ men méng nín cì xià líng dān ， kě jiù suàn wǒ yǔ shī jiě néng gòu shùn lì jìn jí ， yě bù guò níng dān chū qī ， ér nà xiē xīn huái jì yú de jiā huo ， kě yǒu hòu qī xiū shì de ， nú bì liǎng rén ， zěn me kě néng shì tā de duì shǒu ？”
两女一呆，表情变得有些古怪，过了半响，刘芯才呐呐的开口起来：“少爷，您太高看奴婢了，虽然我们蒙您赐下灵丹，可就算我与师姐能够顺利晋级，也不过凝丹初期，而那些心怀觊觎的家伙，可有后期修士的，奴婢两人，怎么可能是他的对手？”
The two women were taken aback and their expressions turned somewhat strange. After a moment, Liu Xin finally spoke hesitantly: "Young Master, you are overestimating us. Although you have bestowed spirit pills upon us, even if I and my senior sister manage to advance smoothly, we will only be at the initial stage of condensation core. Those who covet our position might already be late-stage cultivators. How could two of us possibly be their match?"
“ fàng xīn ， yī qiè yǒu wǒ ， zán liǎ bù yòng xiǎng nà me duō ， xiān ān xīn bì guān xiū liàn hǎo le 。” lín xuān bǎi le bǎi shǒu ， xiōng yǒu chéng zhú de shuō 。
“放心，一切有我，咱俩不用想那么多，先安心闭关修炼好了。”林轩摆了摆手，胸有成竹的说。
"Don't worry; everything is in my hands. We don’t need to think too much about it. Just focus on seclusion and cultivation," Lin Xuan waved his hand, speaking with confidence.
liǎng nǚ suī xīn zhōng yí huò ， dàn yě bù gǎn jì xù zhuī wèn xià qù le ， gōng jìng de xíng le yī lǐ ， shuāng shuāng tuì le xià qù 。
两女虽心中疑惑，但也不敢继续追问下去了，恭敬的行了一礼，双双退了下去。
Though the two women were puzzled, they dared not probe further. They respectfully bowed and retreated.
yǔ cǐ tóng tǐ ， jù 、 lí piāo yún gǔ yuē shù wàn lǐ de mǒu dì 。
与此同体，距、离飘云谷约数万里的某地。
Meanwhile, several thousand miles away from Drifting Cloud Valley.
shān mài qǐ fú ， yǒu bù shǎo chuān zhe tǒng yī fù shì de xiū shì zài tíng tái lóu gé zhōng jìn jìn chū chū ， zhè lǐ shì bài xuān gé wèi yú yōu zhōu jìng nèi de yī chǔ fèn duò ， yě shì zuì dà de yī zuò ， qí guī mó yǔ zǒng tán xiāng bǐ yě háo bù xùn sè ， shèn zhì gāo shǒu gèng duō 。
山脉起伏，有不少穿着统一服饰的修士在亭台楼阁中进进出出，这里是拜轩阁位于幽州境内的一处分舵，也是最大的一座，其规模与总坛相比也毫不逊色，甚至高手更多。
The mountains were dotted with cultivators in uniform attire moving between pavilions and terraces. This was a branch of the Azurepavilion Pavilion within Youzhou territory, and it was also the largest one. Its scale was no less impressive than its main hall, even boasting more high-ranking experts.
guāng níng dān qī xiū shì jiù bù xià sān shí gè 。
光凝丹期修士就不下三十个。
There were at least thirty condensation core stage cultivators among them.
cǐ kè zài yī zuò qì pài hěn dà de diàn yǔ zhī zhōng ， zhè xiē bài xuān gé de zhǎng lǎo zhèng pái liè ér zuò ， zuì shàng de shì yī míng shēn chuān zǐ páo de dà hàn ， xiàng mào wēi wǔ ， xiū wèi gèng shì bù ruò ， yǐ dào níng dān hòu qī le ， shì suǒ yǒu rén zhōng zuì gāo de yí gè 。
此刻在一座气派很大的殿宇之中，这些拜轩阁的长老正排列而坐，最上的是一名身穿紫袍的大汉，相貌威武，修为更是不弱，已到凝丹后期了，是所有人中最高的一个。
In an imposing hall, the Azurepavilion Pavilion elders sat in order. Atop was a tall man dressed in purple robes, his appearance formidable and his cultivation level not weak either—already at late-stage condensation core. He was the tallest of all present.
rán ér tā de biǎo qíng què hěn bù hǎo ， zhèng jù jīng huì shén de tīng zhe xià miàn de dì zǐ huì bào ， qí tā de zhǎng lǎo ， yě shí cháng zhuǎn guò tóu ， yǔ zhōu biān zhī rén qiè qiè sī yǔ jǐ jù ， biǎo qíng gè yì ， dàn dà duō pǒ wèi yōu jí 。
然而他的表情却很不好，正聚精会神的听着下面的弟子汇报，其他的长老，也时常转过头，与周边之人窃窃私语几句，表情各异，但大多颇为忧急。
However, his expression was grim as he listened intently to the report from below. Other elders occasionally turned their heads to whisper with those around them, each with a different look but mostly showing concern.
zú zú guò le yī zhù xiāng de gōng fu ， nà shēn chuān huáng yī de dì zǐ cái tuì le xià qù ， dà diàn zhōng shèng xià lái de ， wú yī bú shì níng dān hòu de gāo jiē xiū shì 。
足足过了一炷香的功夫，那身穿黄衣的弟子才退了下去，大殿中剩下来的，无一不是凝丹后的高阶修士。
After nearly an hour, the disciple in yellow robes retreated. The hall was left only with high-ranking condensation core cultivators.
bài xuān gé de shí lì ， zú yǒu yí bàn jù jí zài zhè lǐ ， kě xī tā men xiàn zài shāng liáng de ， què shì wǔ nì fàn shàng de shì 。
拜轩阁的实力，足有一半聚集在这里，可惜他们现在商量的，却是忤逆犯上的事。
Half of Azurepavilion Pavilion's strength had gathered here, yet they were now discussing matters that went against their principles.
“ xiāo xī dà jiā dōu tīng dào le ， bù zhī dào zhū wèi dào yǒu ， duì cǐ shì kě yǒu shén me liáng cè ？” zǐ páo dà hàn tái qǐ tóu lái ， shuāng mù rú diàn ， huǎn huǎn de zài zhōu wéi sǎo shì le yī biàn ， cái shēng yīn dī chén de kāi kǒu 。
“消息大家都听到了，不知道诸位道友，对此事可有什么良策？”紫袍大汉抬起头来，双目如电，缓缓的在周围扫视了一遍，才声音低沉的开口。
"Everyone has heard the news. Do any of you have a good solution?" the man in purple robes raised his head, his eyes like lightning as he scanned around before speaking in a low voice.
“ mǎ xiōng ， jiǎ ruò cǐ shì shì zhēn de ， kě zhēn yǒu xiē jí shǒu ， nà liǎng gè yā tou suī rán jǐn jǐn shì zhù jī qī xiū xiān zhě ， kě bèi hòu yǒu yuán yīng lǎo guài zhī chí de huà ， wǒ men bǎng zài yì qǐ ， yě bì dìng bù dí ， cǐ shì hái xū cóng cháng jì yì 。” yī bái xū bái méi de lǎo zhě ， shén sè níng zhòng de kāi kǒu le 。
“马兄，假若此事是真的，可真有些棘手，那两个丫头虽然仅仅是筑基期修仙者，可背后有元婴老怪支持的话，我们绑在一起，也必定不敌，此事还需从长计议。”一白须白眉的老者，神色凝重的开口了。
"Brother Ma, if this is true, it’s quite troublesome. Although those two girls are only at foundation establishment stage, with an infant core expert supporting them, we would surely be outmatched even together. We need to consider our options carefully," said an elder with white hair and eyebrows, his expression grave.
“ hēng ， zhōu xiōng ， nǐ hé bì zhǎng tā rén zhì qì ， miè zì jǐ wēi fēng ， liǎng gè yā tou yǒu kào shān zhī shì ， wǒ men yòu bú shì bù qīng chǔ ， suī rán zhè xiē nián lái ， liǎng gè xiǎo máng rén shǒu kǒu rú píng ， dàn wǒ men míng lǐ àn lǐ de dǎ tīng ， bù yǐ jīng jiāng yī qiè nòng míng bái le ， àn zhōng zhī chí tā men de ， shì bì yún shān de xiū xiān zhě ， shèn zhì lián tài xū nà lǎo jiā huǒ ， yě céng qīn zì chū shǒu ， yǐ qián wǒ men mò nài hé ， kě xiàn zài bì yún shān yǐ jīng bān zǒu ， wǒ bù xìn tā men zhè me kuài ， jiù yòu néng zhǎo dào yī yuán yīng qī de bāng shǒu 。” lìng yī róng mào chǒu lòu ， zuǒ biān liǎn jiá shàng yǒu yī kuài dāo bā de hēi yī xiū shì ， piē le piě zuǐ ， bù yǐ wéi rán de shuō dào 。
“哼，周兄，你何必长他人志气，灭自己威风，两个丫头有靠山之事，我们又不是不清楚，虽然这些年来，两个小硭人守口如瓶，但我们明里暗里的打听，不已经将一切弄明白了，暗中支持她们的，是碧云山的修仙者，甚至连太虚那老家伙，也曾亲自出手，以前我们没奈何，可现在碧云山已经搬走，我不信她们这么快，就又能找到一元婴期的帮手。”另一容貌丑陋，左边脸颊上有一块刀疤的黑衣修士，撇了撇嘴，不以为然的说道。
"Humph, Brother Zhou, why boost their morale while deflating ours? We’re well aware that the two girls have a powerful backer. Over the years, they’ve kept quiet, but we’ve secretly gathered information, uncovering everything. The support comes from Cloudy Mountain’s cultivators, even the old fellow Taixiu has made an appearance. Before, we couldn’t do anything, but now that Cloudy Mountain has moved away, I don’t believe they can find another infant core expert so quickly," said a man in black with a scar on his left cheek, snorting dismissively.
“ bù cuò ， wǒ yě zàn tóng sī mǎ dào yǒu suǒ shuō ， yuán yīng qī de kào shān nǎ yǒu nà me róng yì zhǎo dào de ， liǎng wèi gé zhǔ duō bàn shì xū zhāng shēng shì ， zhǎo rén yǎn de yì chū xì ér yǐ ， fǎn zhèng liú shǒu zǒng tán de xiū shì ， quán shì tā liǎ de dí xì ， zhǐ yào qiǎo zuò ān pái ， bìng bù nán mán tiān guò hǎi 。”
“不错，我也赞同司马道友所说，元婴期的靠山哪有那么容易找到的，两位阁主多半是虚张声势，找人演的一出戏而已，反正留守总坛的修士，全是她俩的嫡系，只要巧做安排，并不难瞒天过海。”
"Agreed. I also support Master Sima’s words. It’s not easy to find an infant core backer; the two pavilions are likely just bluffing and putting on a show. As long as we arrange things cleverly, it won’t be hard to deceive us."
“ duì ， duì ， wǒ yě zhè me rèn wéi 。”
“对，对，我也这么认为。”
"Yes, yes, I agree with you."
\“ huà suī rú cǐ ， bù guò liǎng nǚ zhí zhǎng bài xuān gé zhè me duō nián ， hái shì yīng gāi xiǎo xīn “ zhōu xiōng ， nǐ shì bú shì tài dǎn xiǎo de ， zuò dà shì ， nǎ yǒu nà me duō gù jì ， qián pà láng ， hòu pà hǔ ， zuì zhōng zhǐ néng shì yí shì wú chéng de ……”
\“话虽如此，不过两女执掌拜轩阁这么多年，还是应该小心“周兄，你是不是太胆小的，做大事，哪有那么多顾忌，前怕狼，后怕虎，最终只能是一事无成的……”
"Still, the two girls have been in charge of Azurepavilion Pavilion for so many years; we should still be cautious."
“ nǐ ……” bái xū bái méi de lǎo zhě dà nù ， hěn hěn de dèng yǎn shēn biān de bā liǎn xiū xiān zhě ：
“你……”白须白眉的老者大怒，狠狠的瞪眼身边的疤脸修仙者：
"Brother Zhou, are you too timid? When doing big things, there’s no need to worry about much. Fear of wolves and tigers will only lead to nothing," said the man with white hair and eyebrows, glaring at his scarred companion.
“ lǎo fū zhǐ bù guò shì ràng dà jiā xiǎo xīn yī xiē ， cóng cháng jì yì ， miǎn de yīn gōu lǐ fān chuán ér yǐ ！”
“老夫只不过是让大家小心一些，从长计议，免得阴沟里翻船而已！”
"I… " The man with white hair and eyebrows was furious, staring hard at the scarred cultivator beside him: "I merely advised everyone to be cautious and deliberate so as not to end up in a ditch!"
nà bā liǎn hàn zi háo bù shì ruò ， hái dài zài shuō ， zuò zài shàng de zǐ páo dà hàn què yī shēng ké sòu ， bǎi le bǎi shǒu ：“ zhōu xiōng lǎo chéng chí zhòng ， suǒ lǜ yě bú shì méi lǐ ， bù guò zhèng rú zhōu dào yǒu suǒ shuō ， wǒ men zuò dà shì de ， bù néng gù jì tài duō ， yī běn zūn pàn duàn ， liǎng wèi gé zhǔ ， shí yǒu ** chàng de dōu shì kōng chéng jì ， xiǎng yào jiāng wǒ men hǔ zhù ér yǐ ， bù yòng duō lǜ 。”
那疤脸汉子毫不示弱，还待再说，坐在上的紫袍大汉却一声咳嗽，摆了摆手：“周兄老成持重，所虑也不是没理，不过正如周道友所说，我们做大事的，不能顾忌太多，依本尊判断，两位阁主，十有**唱的都是空城计，想要将我们唬住而已，不用多虑。”
The scarred man did not back down. Just as he was about to speak again, the man in purple robes coughed and waved his hand: "Brother Zhou is prudent; his concerns are well-founded. As Brother Zhou said, we can’t be too cautious when doing big things. According to my judgment, the two pavilion leaders are likely just using a feint. They want to scare us. There’s no need to worry."
bā liǎn hàn zi yáng yáng dé yì ， bái xū bái méi de lǎo zhě què hè rán ér qǐ ， bào quán dào ：“ mǎ xiōng ， zhè jiàn shì qíng kě shì dà yì bù dé ， sú huà shuō ， yī zhe bù shèn ， mǎn pán jiē shū ， wǒ men jì yào móu fǎn ， jiù yào yǒu shí zú de bǎ wò ， jiǎ rú nà xiāo xī shì zhēn de ， yǒu yuán yīng lǎo guài zhī chí liǎng gè yā tou ， wǒ men zhè me zuò ， kě jiù wàn jié bù fù le 。”
疤脸汉子洋洋得意，白须白眉的老者却赫然而起，抱拳道：“马兄，这件事情可是大意不得，俗话说，一着不慎，满盘皆输，我们既要谋反，就要有十足的把握，假如那消息是真的，有元婴老怪支持两个丫头，我们这么做，可就万劫不复了。”
The scarred man was pleased with himself, but the man with white hair and eyebrows suddenly stood up, bowing: "Brother Ma, this matter cannot be taken lightly. As they say, one wrong move can ruin everything. We must have full confidence before we rebel; if that news is true and those girls are backed by an infant core expert, our actions will lead to disaster."
bā liǎn hàn zi zuǐ jiǎo yī liě ， zhèng xiǎng jī cháo ， zǐ páo dà hàn què dèng le tā yī yǎn ， huǎn huǎn kāi kǒu le ：“ zhōu dào yǒu ， wǒ zhī dào nǐ kǎo lǜ zhōu xiáng ， bù guò běn zūn gǎn zhè me shuō ， zì rán shì yǒu shí zú bǎ wò ， jiù suàn duì fāng zhēn qǐng dào yī wèi yuán yīng qī lǎo guài wù ， wǒ yě yǒu bàn fǎ duì fù tā de 。
疤脸汉子嘴角一咧，正想讥嘲，紫袍大汉却瞪了他一眼，缓缓开口了：“周道友，我知道你考虑周详，不过本尊敢这么说，自然是有十足把握，就算对方真请到一位元婴期老怪物，我也有办法对付他的。
The scarred man smirked, about to mock him, but the man in purple robes glared at him and spoke slowly: "Brother Zhou, I know you’ve considered everything. But I can say this with confidence because I have a plan. Even if they bring an infant core expert, I have ways to deal with him."
cǐ yǔ yī chù ， dà diàn zhōng huá rán yī piàn ， suí hòu yòu guǐ yì de ān jìng qǐ lái ， suǒ yǒu rén miàn miàn xiāng qù ， jiāng xìn jiāng yí ， suī shuō rú jīn zài bài xuān gé lǐ ， tā men zhè biān de shì lì yǐ jīng wán quán zhàn jù shàng fēng ， dàn yuán yīng qī lǎo guài ， zé shì wán quán bù yí yàng de cún zài ， jiù suàn tā men yì qǐ chū shǒu ， yě jué duì bù kě néng yǒu bàn fēn shèng suàn ， bù guò suǒ yǒu rén yě qīng chǔ ， zhè zǐ páo dà hàn bù jǐn xiū wèi jīng shēn ， qiě xīn jī shēn chén ， ruò méi yǒu bǎ wò ， jué bú huì wú dì fàng shǐ ， tā jiū jìng yǐn cáng zhe zěn yàng de mì mì ……
此语一处，大殿中哗然一片，随后又诡异的安静起来，所有人面面相觑，将信将疑，虽说如今在拜轩阁里，他们这边的势力已经完全占据上风，但元婴期老怪，则是完全不一样的存在，就算他们一起出手，也绝对不可能有半分胜算，不过所有人也清楚，这紫袍大汉不仅修为精深，且心机深沉，若没有把握，绝不会无的放矢，他究竟隐藏着怎样的秘密……
The hall erupted into a commotion before falling silent again. Everyone exchanged glances, unsure but intrigued. Although their side now held the upper hand in Azurepavilion Pavilion, an infant core expert was a completely different matter; even together, they would have no chance of victory. But everyone understood that this man’s cultivation and cunning were profound; he wouldn’t make such a move without confidence. What hidden secret did he possess?
“ mǎ dà gē ， mò fēi nǐ yě zhǔn bèi dé yǒu hòu shǒu ， kuài yǔ wǒ men shuō shuō 。” nà bā liǎn dà hàn yǔ dài xiàn mèi de kāi kǒu le 。
“马大哥，莫非你也准备得有后手，快与我们说说。”那疤脸大汉语带献媚的开口了。
"Brother Ma, do you also have a backup plan? Tell us," the scarred man spoke with flattery.
“ dà jiā mò fēi wàng le ， ràng liǎng wèi gé zhǔ tóu téng ， kě bù jǐn jǐn shì wǒ men zhè xiē gòng fèng ， hái yǒu tiān yuán fǎng zhè ge dà dí huán shì zài cè ？” zǐ páo dà hàn yīn cè cè de kāi kǒu 。
“大家莫非忘了，让两位阁主头疼，可不仅仅是我们这些供奉，还有天缘舫这个大敌环视在侧？”紫袍大汉阴测测的开口。
"Don’t we remember that the two pavilion leaders are not just troubled by us but also by the Heavenly Destiny Vessel?" said the man in purple robes with a sinister smile.
“ shén me ， tiān yuán fǎng ， mò fēi nǐ xiǎng yǔ tā men hé zuò ， cǐ shì wàn wàn bù kě ！” bái xū bái méi de lǎo zhě què biàn le liǎn sè ， dà jīng de shuō 。
“什么，天缘舫，莫非你想与他们合作，此事万万不可！”白须白眉的老者却变了脸色，大惊的说。
"What! The Heavenly Destiny Vessel; don’t you want to cooperate with them? This is absolutely unacceptable!" the man with white hair and eyebrows changed his expression, exclaiming in alarm.
“ yǒu hé bù kě ？”
“有何不可？”
"Why not?"
“ qián mén qū láng ， hòu mén jìn hǔ ， tiān yuán fǎng yě xīn bó bó ， zhè xiē nián lái ， yǐ jīng jiāng běn gé de shēng yì cán shí le hěn duō ， wǒ men yǔ tā men méi shǎo chōng tū ， shuāng fāng de máo dùn bù kě tiáo hé ， yǔ tā men hé zuò ， gēn běn jiù shì yǐn láng rù shì ， duì běn gé méi yǒu bàn diǎn hǎo chù 。” lǎo zhě dà jīng de shuō 。
“前门驱狼，后门进虎，天缘舫野心勃勃，这些年来，已经将本阁的生意蚕食了很多，我们与他们没少冲突，双方的矛盾不可调和，与他们合作，根本就是引狼入室，对本阁没有半点好处。”老者大惊的说。
"Leading wolves into our den. The Heavenly Destiny Vessel’s ambitions have eaten away at our business over these years. We’ve had many conflicts, and their contradictions are irreconcilable. Cooperating with them would only bring more trouble," the elder said in shock.
“ shì a ， nòng xiōng ， cǐ shì hái xū cóng cháng jì yì 。”
“是啊，弄兄，此事还需从长计议。”
"Yes, Brother Liang, we need to deliberate carefully."
“ liào mǒu de zhí zi shí zài tiān yuán fǎng shǒu zhōng ， wǒ yǔ tā men shì bù liǎng lì ， qǐ néng yǔ hǔ móu pí zhè yī cì ， qí tā zhǎng lǎo tóng shēng fǎn kě bù yǐ ， biàn shì nà bā liǎn hàn zi ， yě lù chū yī fù chóu chú zhī sè ， jiāng zuǐ bā gěi jǐn jǐn bì shàng le 。
“廖某的侄子实在天缘舫手中，我与他们势不两立，岂能与虎谋皮这一次，其他长老同声反坷不已，便是那疤脸汉子，也露出一副踌躇之色，将嘴巴给紧紧闭上了。
"My nephew is held by the Heavenly Destiny Vessel; I’m sworn enemies with them. How can I cooperate with such a tiger? This time, all other elders expressed strong opposition, even the scarred man hesitated and closed his mouth tightly.
dào bú shì yīn wèi tā men duì bài xuān gé yǒu duō me zhōng xīn ， ér shì pàn luàn de yuán yīn ， jiù shì xiǎng huò qǔ gèng duō de quán lì yǔ hǎo chù ， rú guǒ bèi tiān yuán fǎng jiāng shēng yì qiǎng le ， shòu sǔn de zhí jiē jiù shì zì jǐ 。
倒不是因为他们对拜轩阁有多么忠心，而是叛乱的原因，就是想获取更多的权利与好处，如果被天缘舫将生意抢了，受损的直接就是自己。
It wasn’t because they were loyal to Azurepavilion Pavilion but because the rebellion was aimed at gaining more power and benefits. If the Heavenly Destiny Vessel took over their business, it would directly harm them.
"Could it be that Young Master has another plan?" 6 Ying'er's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.
"In terms of internal troubles, I heard from Old Master Xue in Qingyang City. It’s just some minor condensation core cultivators; there’s no need for me to intervene. Once we form our dantian, we can handle it ourselves."
The two women were taken aback and their expressions turned somewhat strange. After a moment, Liu Xin finally spoke hesitantly: "Young Master, you are overestimating us. Although you have bestowed spirit pills upon us, even if I and my senior sister manage to advance smoothly, we will only be at the initial stage of condensation core. Those who covet our position might already be late-stage cultivators. How could two of us possibly be their match?"
"Don't worry; everything is in my hands. We don’t need to think too much about it. Just focus on seclusion and cultivation," Lin Xuan waved his hand, speaking with confidence.
Though the two women were puzzled, they dared not probe further. They respectfully bowed and retreated.
Meanwhile, several thousand miles away from Drifting Cloud Valley.
The mountains were dotted with cultivators in uniform attire moving between pavilions and terraces. This was a branch of the Azurepavilion Pavilion within Youzhou territory, and it was also the largest one. Its scale was no less impressive than its main hall, even boasting more high-ranking experts.
There were at least thirty condensation core stage cultivators among them.
In an imposing hall, the Azurepavilion Pavilion elders sat in order. Atop was a tall man dressed in purple robes, his appearance formidable and his cultivation level not weak either—already at late-stage condensation core. He was the tallest of all present.
However, his expression was grim as he listened intently to the report from below. Other elders occasionally turned their heads to whisper with those around them, each with a different look but mostly showing concern.
After nearly an hour, the disciple in yellow robes retreated. The hall was left only with high-ranking condensation core cultivators.
Half of Azurepavilion Pavilion's strength had gathered here, yet they were now discussing matters that went against their principles.
"Everyone has heard the news. Do any of you have a good solution?" the man in purple robes raised his head, his eyes like lightning as he scanned around before speaking in a low voice.
"Brother Ma, if this is true, it’s quite troublesome. Although those two girls are only at foundation establishment stage, with an infant core expert supporting them, we would surely be outmatched even together. We need to consider our options carefully," said an elder with white hair and eyebrows, his expression grave.
"Humph, Brother Zhou, why boost their morale while deflating ours? We’re well aware that the two girls have a powerful backer. Over the years, they’ve kept quiet, but we’ve secretly gathered information, uncovering everything. The support comes from Cloudy Mountain’s cultivators, even the old fellow Taixiu has made an appearance. Before, we couldn’t do anything, but now that Cloudy Mountain has moved away, I don’t believe they can find another infant core expert so quickly," said a man in black with a scar on his left cheek, snorting dismissively.
"Agreed. I also support Master Sima’s words. It’s not easy to find an infant core backer; the two pavilions are likely just bluffing and putting on a show. As long as we arrange things cleverly, it won’t be hard to deceive us."
"Yes, yes, I agree with you."
"Still, the two girls have been in charge of Azurepavilion Pavilion for so many years; we should still be cautious."
"Brother Zhou, are you too timid? When doing big things, there’s no need to worry about much. Fear of wolves and tigers will only lead to nothing," said the man with white hair and eyebrows, glaring at his scarred companion.
"I… " The man with white hair and eyebrows was furious, staring hard at the scarred cultivator beside him: "I merely advised everyone to be cautious and deliberate so as not to end up in a ditch!"
The scarred man did not back down. Just as he was about to speak again, the man in purple robes coughed and waved his hand: "Brother Zhou is prudent; his concerns are well-founded. As Brother Zhou said, we can’t be too cautious when doing big things. According to my judgment, the two pavilion leaders are likely just using a feint. They want to scare us. There’s no need to worry."
The scarred man was pleased with himself, but the man with white hair and eyebrows suddenly stood up, bowing: "Brother Ma, this matter cannot be taken lightly. As they say, one wrong move can ruin everything. We must have full confidence before we rebel; if that news is true and those girls are backed by an infant core expert, our actions will lead to disaster."
The scarred man smirked, about to mock him, but the man in purple robes glared at him and spoke slowly: "Brother Zhou, I know you’ve considered everything. But I can say this with confidence because I have a plan. Even if they bring an infant core expert, I have ways to deal with him."
"What?"
The hall erupted into a commotion before falling silent again. Everyone exchanged glances, unsure but intrigued. Although their side now held the upper hand in Azurepavilion Pavilion, an infant core expert was a completely different matter; even together, they would have no chance of victory. But everyone understood that this man’s cultivation and cunning were profound; he wouldn’t make such a move without confidence. What hidden secret did he possess?
"Brother Ma, do you also have a backup plan? Tell us," the scarred man spoke with flattery.
"Don’t we remember that the two pavilion leaders are not just troubled by us but also by the Heavenly Destiny Vessel?" said the man in purple robes with a sinister smile.
"What! The Heavenly Destiny Vessel; don’t you want to cooperate with them? This is absolutely unacceptable!" the man with white hair and eyebrows changed his expression, exclaiming in alarm.
"Why not?"
"Leading wolves into our den. The Heavenly Destiny Vessel’s ambitions have eaten away at our business over these years. We’ve had many conflicts, and their contradictions are irreconcilable. Cooperating with them would only bring more trouble," the elder said in shock.
"Yes, Brother Liang, we need to deliberate carefully."
"My nephew is held by the Heavenly Destiny Vessel; I’m sworn enemies with them. How can I cooperate with such a tiger? This time, all other elders expressed strong opposition, even the scarred man hesitated and closed his mouth tightly.
It wasn’t because they were loyal to Azurepavilion Pavilion but because the rebellion was aimed at gaining more power and benefits. If the Heavenly Destiny Vessel took over their business, it would directly harm them.