； gè shí chén yǐ hòu ， lín xuān lái dào le hào yān gé 。 chū shì shēn fèn lìng fú hòu ， yóu yī míng měi mào de níng dān qī nǚ xiū gōng jìng de yǐn rù 。
；个时辰以后，林轩来到了浩烟阁。出示身份令符后，由一名美貌的凝丹期女修恭敬的引入。
An hour later, Lin Xuan arrived at the Vast Smoke Pavilion. After presenting his identity token, he was respectfully led in by a beautiful female cultivator of the Condensation Core stage.
lín xuān dǎ liàng zhuó yǎn qián huá lì de jiàn zhù ， tā hái shì dì yī cì lái dào běn chéng de zhòng yào zhī suǒ ， zì rán shì yǒu nà me jǐ fēn hào qí de 。
林轩打量着眼前华丽的建筑，他还是第一次来到本城的重要之所，自然是有那么几分好奇的。
Lin Xuan looked around at the magnificent building. This was the first time he had come to one of the city’s important places, so he naturally felt a bit curious.
“ hē hē ， lín dào yǒu lái le ， kuài qǐng zuò 。”
“呵呵，林道友来了，快请坐。”
"Ha ha, Daoist friend Lin has arrived. Please have a seat."
yī cí hé de shēng yīn chuán rù ěr duǒ ， lín xuān huí guò tóu ， jiù kàn jiàn le yī shēn chuān bái páo ， tóng yán hè de lǎo zhě 。
一慈和的声音传入耳朵，林轩回过头，就看见了一身穿白袍，童颜鹤的老者。
A kind voice greeted him, and turning his head, Lin Xuan saw an elderly man in white robes with a youthful appearance and a crane-like figure.
xiū wèi gèng shì bù ruò ， jū rán shì yī wèi yuán yīng zhōng qī dǐng fēng de xiū xiān zhě ， shuāng mù kāi hé zhī jiān ， yǐn yǐn yǒu shén guāng fàng chū ， jìng jiè suī shàng wèi tū pò ， dàn shuō yī zhī jiǎo yǐ mài rù le hòu qī yě bù wèi guò 。
修为更是不弱，居然是一位元婴中期顶峰的修仙者，双目开阖之间，隐隐有神光放出，境界虽尚未突破，但说一只脚已迈入了后期也不为过。
His cultivation was also not weak; he was actually a late-stage Core Formation cultivator. His eyes flickered with divine light as he opened and closed them. Although his realm had yet to break through, it could be said that one foot was already in the later stage.
lín xuān suī wèi jiàn guò ， bù guò cóng qí xiū wèi yě bù nán jiāng cǐ rén de shēn fèn cāi chū 。
林轩虽未见过，不过从其修为也不难将此人的身份猜出。
Although Lin Xuan hadn’t met him before, from his cultivation alone, he could easily deduce the identity of this person.
“ dà zhǎng lǎo 。” lín xuān shuāng shǒu bào quán 。 wēn hé de dǎ le yī shēng zhāo hū 。
“大长老。”林轩双手抱拳。温和的打了一声招呼。
"Grand Elder," Lin Xuan greeted with a bow.
“ hē hē ， dào yǒu bù bì duō lǐ ， kuài xiē qǐng zuò jiù shì lǎo zhě mō le mō hú xū ， zuǐ jiǎo biān liú lù chū yī sī xiào yì 。
“呵呵，道友不必多礼，快些请坐就是老者摸了摸胡须，嘴角边流露出一丝笑意。
"Haha, there’s no need for such formalities. Please sit down."
yuán běn duì yú cōng huì hé shàng shàn zì zuò zhǔ 。 tā xīn zhōng hái shì pǒ wèi bù mǎn de ， bù guò zhè xiē shí rì guān chá xià lái ， cǐ rén què shí méi yǒu yì cháng jǔ dòng ， ér qiě shēn fèn yě luò shí le 。
原本对于聪慧和尚擅自做主。他心中还是颇为不满的，不过这些时日观察下来，此人确实没有异常举动，而且身份也落实了。
The old man stroked his beard and smiled slightly.
lái lì suī rán piāo hū ， dàn jué bú shì yún zhōu de xiū xiān zhě ” zhè yì diǎn jiù zú gòu ， zuò wèi wài lái xiū shì ， yīng gāi méi yǒu shén me lǐ yóu duì běn chéng bù lì de 。
来历虽然飘忽，但绝不是云州的修仙者”这一点就足够，做为外来修士，应该没有什么理由对本城不利的。
Originally, he was quite displeased about the clever monk taking matters into his own hands without permission. However, after observing him for these few days, this person had indeed shown no unusual actions, and his identity had been confirmed.
lín xuān diǎn diǎn tóu ， zài yī zhāng yǐ zi shàng zuò xià 。 zì yǒu shì nǚ fèng shàng xiāng chá ， lín xuān pǐn le yī kǒu 。 wèi dào bù cuò ， dàn lín xuān lái zhè lǐ ， kě bú shì wèi le hē chá ：“ dà zhǎng lǎo ， bù zhī ，”
林轩点点头，在一张椅子上坐下。自有侍女奉上香茶，林轩品了一口。味道不错，但林轩来这里，可不是为了喝茶：“大长老，不知，”
Although his origins were mysterious, he was definitely not a cultivator from Yunzhou. This alone was enough to make him a suitable outsider, with no reason to harm the city.
“ dào yǒu bù yòng zháo jí ， yī huì er fāng dào yǒu lái le wǒ zài yì qǐ gào sù nǐ 。”
“道友不用着急，一会儿方道友来了我再一起告诉你。”
Lin Xuan nodded and sat down on a chair. A maidservant promptly served him some fragrant tea. Taking a sip, Lin Xuan found it quite good, but his purpose for coming wasn’t just to drink: "Grand Elder, may I ask..."
“ fāng dào yǒu ？” lín xuān xīn tóu yī tiào 。 yǎn zhōng bù rǎn dé shǎn guò yī lǚ yì máng ， nán dào biàn shì nà wèi yì zhí ràng zì jǐ gǎn dào yǒu xiē bù tuǒ de fāng zhǎng lǎo ？
“方道友？”林轩心头一跳。眼中不冉得闪过一缕异芒，难道便是那位一直让自己感到有些不妥的方长老？
"Daoist friend, there’s no need to rush. Once Daoist Fang arrives, I will tell you both," the old man said with a smile.
xīn zhōng rú shì xiǎng zhe ， liǎn shàng què sī háo yì sè bù lù ， zhuān xīn zhì zhì de pǐn cháng qǐ shǒu zhōng de líng chá lái le 。
心中如是想着，脸上却丝毫异色不露，专心致志的品尝起手中的灵茶来了。
"Daoist Fang?" Lin Xuan’s heart skipped a beat as he caught a glimpse of something unusual in his eyes. Could it be that same Daoist Fang who had joined the city?
guò le yuē yī dùn fàn de gōng fu ， hào yān gé zhōng yòu lái le yī wèi yuán yīng qī lǎo guài wù ， lín xuān suǒ liào bù cuò ， què shí shì nà ge tā yì zhí xiǎng yào duì fù de jiā huo 。
过了约一顿饭的功夫，浩烟阁中又来了一位元婴期老怪物，林轩所料不错，确实是那个他一直想要对付的家伙。
The Daoist Fang smiled and continued: "Both of your intentions are commendable, so I will come straight to the point. In the southern part of this city lies Yunling Mountain, which stretches for miles and has quite a bit of qi. Although it’s not suitable for establishing a cave dwelling, there are many rare flowers and strange plants, as well as some beasts that reproduce there. The strongest among them is no more than the third stage."
“ dà zhǎng lǎo ， bù hǎo yì sī ， fāng mǒu yǒu shì 。 suǒ yǐ shāo wēi lái wǎn le yī xiē 。
“大长老，不好意思，方某有事。所以稍微来晚了一些。
"Both of you should know that this city is a gathering place for scattered cultivators. Apart from those assigned to specific duties who receive some offerings annually, other cultivators must find their own resources for cultivation. Thus, many Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators venture there every year," Lin Xuan nodded in agreement.
“ hē hē ， méi shì ， méi shì ， wǒ hé lín xián dì yě cái děng le yī xiǎo huì er ér yǐ 。”
“呵呵，没事，没事，我和林贤弟也才等了一小会儿而已。”
This wasn’t strange at all; for cultivators, the most important thing after seclusion was finding various heavenly treasures and earthly materials.
“ lín dào yǒu 。”
“林道友。”
After all, cultivation resources were just as crucial to them as spiritual roots. Back when he was young, his资质 had been abysmal, but with the help of medicinal pills, his cultivation had still progressed smoothly.
“ fāng shì ”
“方是”
Scattered cultivators had no tree to take shelter under, so they could only seek out various heavenly treasures and earthly materials on their own.
lín xuān yǔ duì fāng yě gè zì shī le yī lǐ 。 biǎo qíng dōu píng jìng yǐ jí ， bàn diǎn yě méi yǒu xiǎn lù chū dí yì ， fǎn ér yī fù xiāng chǔ róng qià de yàng zi 。
林轩与对方也各自施了一礼。表情都平静以极，半点也没有显露出敌意，反而一副相处融洽的样子。
"Although Yunling Mountain doesn’t have any extremely rare treasures, it’s abundant in ordinary spiritual herbs. The beasts there are mostly of low levels, making it a fruitful place for lower-stage cultivators. However, not long ago, strange fog suddenly appeared, and all the Daoists who entered vanished without a trace. Initially, the fog emerged from a small hill but has since spread to cover half of Yunling Mountain."
bì jìng xiū wèi dào le tā men zhè ge jìng jiè 。 nǎ ge bú shì jīng lì liǎo wú shù de xīng fēng xuè yǔ ， zài fān liǎn dòng shǒu yǐ qián ， jué bú huì jiāng dí yì liú lù zài biǎo miàn 。
毕竟修为到了他们这个境界。哪个不是经历了无数的腥风血雨，在翻脸动手以前，绝不会将敌意流露在表面。
"Have any city officials investigated this?" Lin Xuan asked.
dà zhǎng lǎo suī yě shì yī jiǎo huá de jiā huo 。 dàn liǎng rén yǐn cáng dé dōu shí zài tài hǎo le ， tā jìng shì bàn diǎn yě méi yǒu kàn chū bù tuǒ 。
大长老虽也是一狡猾的家伙。但两人隐藏得都实在太好了，他竟是半点也没有看出不妥。
Of course there had been. The Grand Elder shook his head with a bitter smile: "Initially, we didn’t pay much attention when someone reported it because such toxic mists are not uncommon in spiritual mountains. However, things became strange later on. Even if the fog contained powerful creatures, hundreds of cultivators shouldn’t have all perished; no survivors returned. So, we sent a five-person team of enforcers led by Master Nephew Ma, who was at late-stage Core Formation. But after less than an hour, their life talismans shattered."
chóng xīn luò zuò ， yòu xū yǔ wēi yí le piàn kè 。 dà zhǎng lǎo cái zhōng yú jiāng zhè cì zhào tā men lái de mù dì shuō chū 。
重新落座，又虚与委蛇了片刻。大长老才终于将这次召他们来的目的说出。
Lin Xuan was taken aback. Life talismans were special magical tools that could establish a connection once recognized. If the owner perished, the talisman would shatter as well.
“ àn lǐ ， liǎng wèi dào yǒu shēn fèn guì zhòng 。 zhè zhǒng xún chá xiǎo shì shí zài bù gāi má fán nǐ men de ” bái páo lǎo zhě shuō dào cǐ chù ， kǔ xiào zhe yáo le yáo tóu ：“ kě zhè yī huí qíng xíng tè shū ， chú le yuán yīng qī xiū xiān zhě ， bié rén shí zài gàn bù xià lái ， ér qí yú zhǎng lǎo ， bú shì zhèng bì shēng sǐ ， guān 。 jiù shì bèi bié de sú wù jī bàn ”
“按理，两位道友身份贵重。这种巡查小事实在不该麻烦你们的”白袍老者说到此处，苦笑着摇了摇头：“可这一回情形特殊，除了元婴期修仙者，别人实在干不下来，而其余长老，不是正闭生死，关。就是被别的俗务羁绊”
"Grand Elder, you called us here for," Lin Xuan said with a frown, somewhat displeased.
lín xuān zhòu le zhòu méi ， xīn zhōng gǎn dào jǐ fēn yí huò ：“ dà zhǎng lǎo ， yǒu shén me rèn wù nín jiù míng shuō ， bù yòng zhè yàng tūn tūn tǔ tǔ 。”
林轩皱了皱眉，心中感到几分疑惑：“大长老，有什么任务您就明说，不用这样吞吞吐吐。”
Although Daoist Fang didn’t say anything, his face turned grim.
“ bù cuò ， wǒ men jì rán jiā rù wù shí chéng 。 xiǎng shòu gòng fèng ， yǒu shì chū lì yě shì yīng gāi de nà fāng xìng xiū shì xiào le xiào ， yě kǎi rán de shuō dào 。
“不错，我们既然加入晤石城。享受供奉，有事出力也是应该的那方姓修士笑了笑，也慨然的说道。
After all, although they weren’t sure what was in the fog, its danger was evident.
“ liǎng gè dào yǒu xīn yì kě jiā ， nà lǎo fū yě jiù míng yán le a ， shì zhè yàng ， běn chéng nán bù 。 yǒu yī zuò yún lǐng shān ， mián yán wàn lǐ ， líng qì dào yě pǒ wèi bù cuò ， suī rán bù shì yí kāi pì dòng fǔ 。 dàn gè zhǒng qí huā yì cǎo què yě bù shǎo ， hái yǒu yī xiē yāo shòu zài nà lǐ fán yǎn shēng xī ， dàn zuì lì hài de ， yě bù guò sān jiē ér yǐ 。”
“两个道友心意可嘉，那老夫也就明言了啊，是这样，本城南部。有一座纭岭山，绵延万里，灵气倒也颇为不错，虽然不适宜开辟洞府。但各种奇花异草却也不少，还有一些妖兽在那里繁衍生息，但最厉害的，也不过三阶而已。”
As an honorary grand elder of White Stone City, Lin Xuan wasn’t unwilling to lend a hand, but he had one condition: it needed to be relatively easy. The strange fog had already claimed hundreds of lives, and Lin Xuan didn’t have much interest in investigating further.
“ liǎng wèi yě qīng chǔ ， běn chéng nǎi shì sàn sǒng jù jí zhī dì ， chú le dān rèn sī zhí de dào yǒu měi nián néng yǒu yī xiē gòng fèng ， qí yú tóng dào ， xiū liàn suǒ xū de jīng shí cái liào ， dōu zhǐ néng zì jǐ xiǎng bàn fǎ xún zhǎo ， yú shì yī nián sì jì ， zǒng yǒu bù shǎo níng dān qī yǔ zhù jī qī de dào yǒu qù nà lǐ ”
“两位也清楚，本城乃是散耸聚集之地，除了担任司职的道友每年能有一些供奉，其余同道，修炼所需的晶石材料，都只能自己想办法寻找，于是一年四季，总有不少凝丹期与筑基期的道友去那里”
Seeing their expressions, the Grand Elder knew what they were thinking. He sighed: "I know this mission is dangerous, but none of the deceased cultivators reached beyond Core Formation stage. Their abilities can’t compare to yours. If you two work together, there shouldn’t be any major issues. Of course, I won’t let you go for nothing. If this task is completed within a century and unless the city faces a life-and-death crisis, both of you will be able to enjoy your offerings without handling any mundane affairs."
lín xuān diǎn le diǎn tóu ， zhè yě méi shén me hào qí guài de ， xiū shì chú le bì guān dǎ zuò ， zuì zhòng yào de shì qíng jiù shì xún zhǎo gè zhǒng tiān cái dì bǎo 。
林轩点了点头，这也没什么好奇怪的，修士除了闭关打坐，最重要的事情就是寻找各种天材地宝。
"Ah?" Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow; it was a good offer, but he wouldn’t agree easily.
bì jìng xiū liàn zī yuán duì yú tā men lái shuō 。 zhòng yào xìng sī háo bù zài líng gēn zhī xià ， jiù xiàng zì jǐ zǎo nián zhī shí ， zī zhì chà dé wú yǐ fù jiā ， kě píng jiè zhe dān yào ， xiū liàn yī yàng pǒ wèi shùn chàng 。
毕竟修炼资源对于他们来说。重要性丝毫不在灵根之下，就像自己早年之时，资质差得无以复加，可凭借着丹药，修炼一样颇为顺畅。
Daoist Fang remained silent, his expression cold.
sàn xiū men méi yǒu dà shù kě yǐ chéng liáng ， zì rán zhǐ yǒu zì jǐ qù xún zhǎo gè zhǒng tiān cái dì bǎo 。
散修们没有大树可以乘凉，自然只有自己去寻找各种天材地宝。
The Grand Elder was annoyed. A few embarrassed expressions flashed across his face before quickly fading: "If the two of you think this condition isn’t enough, feel free to make more requests. As long as they are within our capabilities, the city will do its best to fulfill them."
“ yún lǐng shān suī rán méi yǒu shén me tài zhēn xī de bǎo wù ， dàn pǔ tōng de líng cǎo què shì jí duō ， jiā shàng yāo shòu de děng jiē yě shì hé ， dī jiē dào yǒu men yì bān dōu néng zài nà lǐ dà yǒu shōu huò ， kě shì bù jiǔ yǐ qián ， nà lǐ tū rán mào chū le yī zhǒng gǔ guài de yún wù 。 fán zǒu jìn rù qí zhōng de dào yǒu quán dōu shī zōng le 。 yún wù zuì chū shì cóng yí gè xiǎo shān tóu mào chū lái de ， què wú shí wú kè dōu zài kuò sàn ， rú jīn yǐ jīng fù gài le bàn gè yún lǐng shān 。”
“纭岭山虽然没有什么太珍稀的宝物，但普通的灵草却是极多，加上妖兽的等阶也适合，低阶道友们一般都能在那里大有收获，可是不久以前，那里突然冒出了一种古怪的云雾。凡走进入其中的道友全都失踪了。云雾最初是从一个小山头冒出来的，却无时无刻都在扩散，如今已经覆盖了半个纭岭山。”
This was exactly what Lin Xuan had been waiting for.
“ nà chéng zhōng kě pài rén tàn chá guò ？” lín xuān cóng páng chā kǒu 。
“那城中可派人探查过？”林轩从旁插口。
Since the demon infant隐患 hadn’t been completely resolved, his current focus was on the Phoenix Dance Nine Heavens Technique. The last time he tried condensing a demonic core, it failed because the Poison Dragon Tea no longer worked on him. Lin Xuan urgently needed new body-building pills to assist with his cultivation.
“ dāng rán yǒu 。” dà zhǎng lǎo kǔ xiào zhe yáo le yáo tóu ：“ zuì chū jiē dào jǔ bào ， yì rén zài yún bēng yě méi yǒu zhòng shì 。 bì jìng líng shān diǎn zhōng 。 chū xiàn cǐ dú wù 。 yě fù bǎo “ kān de 。 hé kuàng nà lǐ suī méi yǒu huà xíng qī yāo shòu ， dàn shān mài shēn chù ， sān jiē guài wù yě bù shǎo ， měi nián zì rán yǒu dà liàng de tóng dào yǔn luò ， kě jiē xià lái 。 shì qíng què biàn dé yǒu xiē guǐ yì le ， jiù suàn yún wù zhōng yǒu lì hài guài wù ， yě méi yǒu lǐ yóu ràng jìn qù de shù bǎi xiū shì quán jūn fù mò ， yī jīn shēng huán zhě dōu méi yǒu 。 yú shì wǒ men pài chū le yī duì wǔ rén de zhí fǎ shǐ 。 lǐng tóu de mǎ shī zhí xiū wèi yǐ dào níng dān hòu qī ， kě tā men jìn qù hòu bú dào yí gè shí chén 。 liú zài chéng zhōng de běn mìng zhū jiù quán bù suì liè le 。”
“当然有。”大长老苦笑着摇了摇头：“最初接到举报，弈人在云绷也没有重视。毕竟灵山点中。出现此毒雾。也复保“刊的。何况那里虽没有化形期妖兽，但山脉深处，三阶怪物也不少，每年自然有大量的同道陨落，可接下来。事情却变得有些诡异了，就算云雾中有厉害怪物，也没有理由让进去的数百修士全军覆没，一今生还者都没有。于是我们派出了一队五人的执法使。领头的马师侄修为已到凝丹后期，可他们进去后不到一个时辰。留在城中的本命珠就全部碎裂了。”
Over these days, he had already visited White Stone City several times—fairs, underground auctions, and rare treasures were plentiful, but there weren’t any suitable for his needs.
lín xuān tīng dé sǒng rán dòng róng ， běn mìng zhū nǎi shì yī zhǒng tè shū fǎ qì ， jīng guò rèn zhǔ ， kě yǐ jiàn lì qǐ mǒu zhǒng qí miào de lián xì ， zhǔ rén yí dàn yǔn luò ， gāi zhū zi yě huì zài tóng yī shí jiān suì liè kāi de 。
林轩听得耸然动容，本命珠乃是一种特殊法器，经过认主，可以建立起某种奇妙的联系，主人一旦陨落，该珠子也会在同一时间碎裂开的。
Seeing this as an opportunity, Lin Xuan was ready to make a big request: "Daoist friend, I don’t have many requirements. I just need some body-building pills that are beneficial to Core Formation cultivators. If you can provide two or three, I won’t mind going on this mission."
“ dà zhǎng lǎo zhǎo lái wǒ liǎ ， shì xiǎng yào ” lín mǒu méi tóu yī tiāo ， yǒu xiē bù mǎn de kāi kǒu dào 。
“大长老找来我俩，是想要”林某眉头一挑，有些不满的开口道。
The white-robed old man looked surprised: "Did I hear correctly? Daoist friend really wants a Core Formation stage body-building pill formula?"
nà fāng xìng xiū shì suī rán méi shuō shén me ， dàn liǎn sè tóng yàng yīn mái xià qù le 。
那方姓修士虽然没说什么，但脸色同样阴霾下去了。
It was indeed strange; although there were many schools of cultivation, most focused on magical power and magical treasures. Only those who cultivated beasts or some Buddhist sects would exercise their bodies. Although Lin Xuan’s abilities hadn’t been seen before, the qi fluctuations revealed him to be a genuine Daoist. He had never heard that Daoist cultivators practiced body-building.
bì jìng ， suī bù qīng chǔ yún wù zhōng jiū jìng yǒu shén me 。 dàn wēi xiǎn xiǎn rán shì jí dà de 。
毕竟，虽不清楚云雾中究竟有什么。但危险显然是极大的。
"What you need is for your own reasons," Lin Xuan said again with a hint of dissatisfaction through his mind.
zuò le hào shí chéng de pián yi zhǎng lǎo ， lín xuān suī rán bù jiè yì chū yī xiē lì ， dàn yě yǒu yí gè qián tí 。 jiù shì bǐ jiào qīng sōng cái kě yǐ ， ér zhè gǔ guài yún wù ， tūn shì de xiū shì yǐ yǒu shù bǎi zhī duō 。 lín xuān kě méi yǒu shén me xìng qù qù yī tàn jiū jìng de 。
做了皓石城的便宜长老，林轩虽然不介意出一些力，但也有一个前提。就是比较轻松才可以，而这古怪云雾，吞噬的修士已有数百之多。林轩可没有什么兴趣去一探究竟的。
"There’s no problem; we can provide several pill formulas. Of course, they are not available now, but I will give them to you upon your return," the old man promised.
jiàn le liǎng rén de liǎn sè ， dà zhǎng lǎo nǎ néng bù zhī dào tā men zài xiǎng shén me ， tàn le kǒu qì ：“ lǎo fū zhī dào cǐ xíng zǒu yǒu yī xiē wēi xiǎn ， bù guò yǔn luò de xiū shì xiū wèi zuì gāo yě bù guò níng dān qī 。 tā men de shén tōng nǎ néng yǔ liǎng wèi dào yǒu xiāng bǐ 。 liǎng wèi lián shǒu jìn rù ， yīng gāi shì méi yǒu shén me dà ài ， dāng rán ， lǎo fū yě bú huì ràng liǎng wèi bái qù 。 zhè cì rèn wù ruò shì wán chéng le ， bǎi nián zhī nèi 。 chú fēi běn chéng chū xiàn shēng sǐ cún wáng de wēi jī qíng kuàng ， liǎng wèi dào yǒu dōu kě yǐ ān xīn xiǎng shòu gòng fèng 。 ér bù yòng guò wèn rèn hé sú wù 。”
见了两人的脸色，大长老哪能不知道他们在想什么，叹了口气：“老夫知道此行走有一些危险，不过陨落的修士修为最高也不过凝丹期。他们的神通哪能与两位道友相比。两位联手进入，应该是没有什么大碍，当然，老夫也不会让两位白去。这次任务若是完成了，百年之内。除非本城出现生死存亡的危机情况，两位道友都可以安心享受供奉。而不用过问任何俗务。”
"Very well." Lin Xuan agreed without hesitation. He trusted that the old man wouldn’t break his word: "Daoist friend, if this is so straightforward, I’ll take on this mission."
“ ó ？” lín xuān méi tóu yī tiāo ， zhè ge tiáo jiàn hái bú cuò ， dàn tā yī jiù bú huì qīng yì dā yìng de 。
“哦？”林轩眉头一挑，这个条件还不错，但他依旧不会轻易答应的。
Although the changes in Yunling Mountain were likely significant, taking a risk for the sake of pill formulas was worth it. After experiencing many storms, Lin Xuan didn’t believe he would be caught off guard.
fāng xìng xiū shì yě mò rán bù yǔ ， biǎo qíng lěng dàn yǐ jí 。
方姓修士也默然不语，表情冷淡以极。
The real concern was his teammate. This was also an opportunity to eliminate him. If something happened in the fog, no one would suspect anything, and the excuse was perfect.
dà zhǎng lǎo àn àn shēng qì ， liǎn shàng shǎn guò jǐ lǚ gān gà de biǎo qíng ， dàn hěn kuài yòu suí zhī yǐn qù ：“ liǎng wèi dào yǒu jué de zhè ge tiáo jiàn hái bù gòu de huà ， kě yǐ zài tí yī xiē yāo qiú ， zhǐ yào shì lì suǒ néng jí ， běn chéng yí dìng huì jǐn liàng mǎn zú dì
大长老暗暗生气，脸上闪过几缕尴尬的表情，但很快又随之隐去：“两位道友觉得这个条件还不够的话，可以再提一些要求，只要是力所能及，本城一定会尽量满足地
With the隐患 removed, he could return with the pill formulas and continue his cultivation. Such a win-win situation was hard to refuse, so Lin Xuan agreed generously.
děng de jiù shì zhè jù yán yǔ 。
等的就是这句言语。
The old man nodded satisfactorily: "Daoist Fang, what do you need?"
An hour later, Lin Xuan arrived at the Vast Smoke Pavilion. After presenting his identity token, he was respectfully led in by a beautiful female cultivator of the Condensation Core stage.
Lin Xuan looked around at the magnificent building. This was the first time he had come to one of the city’s important places, so he naturally felt a bit curious.
"Ha ha, Daoist friend Lin has arrived. Please have a seat."
A kind voice greeted him, and turning his head, Lin Xuan saw an elderly man in white robes with a youthful appearance and a crane-like figure.
His cultivation was also not weak; he was actually a late-stage Core Formation cultivator. His eyes flickered with divine light as he opened and closed them. Although his realm had yet to break through, it could be said that one foot was already in the later stage.
Although Lin Xuan hadn’t met him before, from his cultivation alone, he could easily deduce the identity of this person.
"Grand Elder," Lin Xuan greeted with a bow.
"Haha, there’s no need for such formalities. Please sit down."
The old man stroked his beard and smiled slightly.
Originally, he was quite displeased about the clever monk taking matters into his own hands without permission. However, after observing him for these few days, this person had indeed shown no unusual actions, and his identity had been confirmed.
Although his origins were mysterious, he was definitely not a cultivator from Yunzhou. This alone was enough to make him a suitable outsider, with no reason to harm the city.
Lin Xuan nodded and sat down on a chair. A maidservant promptly served him some fragrant tea. Taking a sip, Lin Xuan found it quite good, but his purpose for coming wasn’t just to drink: "Grand Elder, may I ask..."
"Daoist friend, there’s no need to rush. Once Daoist Fang arrives, I will tell you both," the old man said with a smile.
"Daoist Fang?" Lin Xuan’s heart skipped a beat as he caught a glimpse of something unusual in his eyes. Could it be that same Daoist Fang who had joined the city?
The Daoist Fang smiled and continued: "Both of your intentions are commendable, so I will come straight to the point. In the southern part of this city lies Yunling Mountain, which stretches for miles and has quite a bit of qi. Although it’s not suitable for establishing a cave dwelling, there are many rare flowers and strange plants, as well as some beasts that reproduce there. The strongest among them is no more than the third stage."
"Both of you should know that this city is a gathering place for scattered cultivators. Apart from those assigned to specific duties who receive some offerings annually, other cultivators must find their own resources for cultivation. Thus, many Core Formation and Foundation Establishment cultivators venture there every year," Lin Xuan nodded in agreement.
This wasn’t strange at all; for cultivators, the most important thing after seclusion was finding various heavenly treasures and earthly materials.
After all, cultivation resources were just as crucial to them as spiritual roots. Back when he was young, his资质 had been abysmal, but with the help of medicinal pills, his cultivation had still progressed smoothly.
Scattered cultivators had no tree to take shelter under, so they could only seek out various heavenly treasures and earthly materials on their own.
"Although Yunling Mountain doesn’t have any extremely rare treasures, it’s abundant in ordinary spiritual herbs. The beasts there are mostly of low levels, making it a fruitful place for lower-stage cultivators. However, not long ago, strange fog suddenly appeared, and all the Daoists who entered vanished without a trace. Initially, the fog emerged from a small hill but has since spread to cover half of Yunling Mountain."
"Have any city officials investigated this?" Lin Xuan asked.
Of course there had been. The Grand Elder shook his head with a bitter smile: "Initially, we didn’t pay much attention when someone reported it because such toxic mists are not uncommon in spiritual mountains. However, things became strange later on. Even if the fog contained powerful creatures, hundreds of cultivators shouldn’t have all perished; no survivors returned. So, we sent a five-person team of enforcers led by Master Nephew Ma, who was at late-stage Core Formation. But after less than an hour, their life talismans shattered."
Lin Xuan was taken aback. Life talismans were special magical tools that could establish a connection once recognized. If the owner perished, the talisman would shatter as well.
"Grand Elder, you called us here for," Lin Xuan said with a frown, somewhat displeased.
Although Daoist Fang didn’t say anything, his face turned grim.
After all, although they weren’t sure what was in the fog, its danger was evident.
As an honorary grand elder of White Stone City, Lin Xuan wasn’t unwilling to lend a hand, but he had one condition: it needed to be relatively easy. The strange fog had already claimed hundreds of lives, and Lin Xuan didn’t have much interest in investigating further.
Seeing their expressions, the Grand Elder knew what they were thinking. He sighed: "I know this mission is dangerous, but none of the deceased cultivators reached beyond Core Formation stage. Their abilities can’t compare to yours. If you two work together, there shouldn’t be any major issues. Of course, I won’t let you go for nothing. If this task is completed within a century and unless the city faces a life-and-death crisis, both of you will be able to enjoy your offerings without handling any mundane affairs."
"Ah?" Lin Xuan raised an eyebrow; it was a good offer, but he wouldn’t agree easily.
Daoist Fang remained silent, his expression cold.
The Grand Elder was annoyed. A few embarrassed expressions flashed across his face before quickly fading: "If the two of you think this condition isn’t enough, feel free to make more requests. As long as they are within our capabilities, the city will do its best to fulfill them."
This was exactly what Lin Xuan had been waiting for.
Since the demon infant隐患 hadn’t been completely resolved, his current focus was on the Phoenix Dance Nine Heavens Technique. The last time he tried condensing a demonic core, it failed because the Poison Dragon Tea no longer worked on him. Lin Xuan urgently needed new body-building pills to assist with his cultivation.
Over these days, he had already visited White Stone City several times—fairs, underground auctions, and rare treasures were plentiful, but there weren’t any suitable for his needs.
Seeing this as an opportunity, Lin Xuan was ready to make a big request: "Daoist friend, I don’t have many requirements. I just need some body-building pills that are beneficial to Core Formation cultivators. If you can provide two or three, I won’t mind going on this mission."
The white-robed old man looked surprised: "Did I hear correctly? Daoist friend really wants a Core Formation stage body-building pill formula?"
It was indeed strange; although there were many schools of cultivation, most focused on magical power and magical treasures. Only those who cultivated beasts or some Buddhist sects would exercise their bodies. Although Lin Xuan’s abilities hadn’t been seen before, the qi fluctuations revealed him to be a genuine Daoist. He had never heard that Daoist cultivators practiced body-building.
"What you need is for your own reasons," Lin Xuan said again with a hint of dissatisfaction through his mind.
"There’s no problem; we can provide several pill formulas. Of course, they are not available now, but I will give them to you upon your return," the old man promised.
"Very well." Lin Xuan agreed without hesitation. He trusted that the old man wouldn’t break his word: "Daoist friend, if this is so straightforward, I’ll take on this mission."
Although the changes in Yunling Mountain were likely significant, taking a risk for the sake of pill formulas was worth it. After experiencing many storms, Lin Xuan didn’t believe he would be caught off guard.
The real concern was his teammate. This was also an opportunity to eliminate him. If something happened in the fog, no one would suspect anything, and the excuse was perfect.
With the隐患 removed, he could return with the pill formulas and continue his cultivation. Such a win-win situation was hard to refuse, so Lin Xuan agreed generously.
The old man nodded satisfactorily: "Daoist Fang, what do you need?"