“ zhè ge wǒ yě bù qīng chǔ 。” yāo mó yáo le yáo tóu ， yǎn zhōng lù chū mí máng zhī sè ：“ mó zǔ dà rén bìng méi yǒu shuō ， bù guò què tòu lù le lìng wài yī xiē zhòng yào xiàn suǒ 。”
“这个我也不清楚。”妖魔摇了摇头，眼中露出迷茫之色：“魔祖大人并没有说，不过却透露了另外一些重要线索。”
"I'm not sure about that either," the demon shook his head, a look of confusion in his eyes. "The Great Demon Ancestor didn't say anything, but he did reveal some other important clues."
“ bié de zhòng yào xiàn suǒ ？” běi míng zhēn jūn yǎn zhōng lù chū gǎn xìng qù zhī sè 。
“别的重要线索？”北冥真君眼中露出感兴趣之色。
"Other important clues?" True Monarch North Void's eyes lit up with interest.
“ bù cuò ， chú le wǒ men shèng jiè mó zǔ 。 líng jiè rén yāo liǎng zú de gāo jiē cún zài ， tóng yàng yě yǒu cǐ dǎ suàn de ， ér qiě jù shuō sì xiōng zhī yī de dǎo jī ， yǐ jīng chéng gōng le
“不错，除了我们圣界魔祖。灵界人妖两族的高阶存在，同样也有此打算的，而且据说四凶之一的祷机，已经成功了
"That's right. Besides our Holy Realm's Great Demon Ancestor, the high-ranking existences of the Spirit Realm's Human and Beast races also have similar intentions. It is said that one of the Four Evils, Diao Ji, has already succeeded."
“ shén me ？” běi míng zhēn jūn dà jīng shī sè 。 chūn háng de xiōng míng tā zì rán tīng shuō guò ， jù shuō zài líng jiè gǎn zhāo rě cǐ xiōng shòu de cún zài yě shì bù duō ， pāo dào xià jiè zuò shén me ？
“什么？”北冥真君大惊失色。椿杭的凶名他自然听说过，据说在灵界敢招惹此凶兽的存在也是不多，抛到下界做什么？
"What?" True Monarch North Void was greatly alarmed. He had naturally heard of Zhenhang's reputation for ferocity; it was rare to find someone in the Spirit Realm who dared to provoke such a fierce beast. Why would he be thrown into the lower realm?
xīn zhōng hài rán ， běi míng zhēn jūn xiàn rù le chén mò ， zhè yàng de mì mì zhī dào tài duō le méi yǒu hǎo chù 。 hái shì bú yào zài dǎ tīng le 。
心中骇然，北冥真君陷入了沉默，这样的秘密知道太多了没有好处。还是不要再打听了。
North Void Monarch fell silent, his heart filled with shock. Knowing too many secrets could be detrimental, so he decided not to pry further.
zhè yún lǐng shān shì yī jù dà de yīn móu ， kě xī xiū shì men bìng bù qīng chǔ ， suí zhe shí jiān tuī yí ， jìn rù qí zhōng de rén fǎn ér yuè lái yuè duō 。
这纭岭山是一巨大的阴谋，可惜修士们并不清楚，随着时间推移，进入其中的人反而越来越多。
This Yunling Mountain was a massive conspiracy, but unfortunately, cultivators were unaware of it. As time passed, more and more people entered the mountain.
shèn zhì sān dà shì lì de yuán yīng qī zhǎng lǎo yě qiǎo rán chū xiàn le 。
甚至三大势力的元婴期长老也悄然出现了。
Even the Inner Core Elders from the three major forces had quietly appeared.
ér cǐ shí cǐ xuán ， lái de jiào zǎo de lín xuān yǔ xuè mó ， yǐ jìn rù le shān mài shēn chù 。
而此时此玄，来得较早的林轩与血魔，已进入了山脉深处。
At this moment, Lin Xuan and Blood Demon, who had arrived earlier, had already entered the depths of the mountains.
liǎng rén dōu jí yǒu chéng fǔ ， zì rán zǎo kàn chū le guǐ yì zhī chù ， bù guò què shì ruò wú dǔ xīn zhōng gè yǒu zhe yī fān dǎ suàn de 。
两人都极有城府，自然早看出了诡异之处，不过却视若无睹心中各有着一番打算的。
Both men were shrewd and naturally noticed something strange, but they ignored it as they each harbored their own plans.
dà yuē bàn gè shí chén yǐ hòu ， liǎng rén dùn guāng yī huǎn 。 tíng le xià lái 。
大约半个时辰以后，两人遁光一缓。停了下来。
About half an hour later, their遁光 slowed down, and they stopped.
qián fāng jiù shì nà gǔ guài de yún wù ， hái huǎn màn de xiàng wài kuò zhǎn zhe ， rú jīn de yún lǐng shān ， yǐ yǒu dà bàn bèi zhè gǔ guài de yún xiá yān mò 。
前方就是那古怪的云雾，还缓慢的向外扩展着，如今的纭岭山，已有大半被这古怪的云霞淹没。
Ahead was that peculiar cloud mist, slowly expanding outward. Most of Yunling Mountain had already been engulfed by this strange fog.
lín xuān bì shàng shuāng mù ， jiāng shén shí fàng chū 。
林轩闭上双目，将神识放出。
Lin Xuan closed his eyes and released his divine sense.
rán ér hěn kuài ， liǎn sè jiù yīn chén xià lái 。 zhè yún wù ， yǒu xiàn zhì shén shí de xiào guǒ ， yǐ zì jǐ de shén shí zhī qiáng ， yě bù guò jǐn néng gǎn yìng dào fāng yuán shí yú lǐ zuǒ yòu de qíng kuàng 。
然而很快，脸色就阴沉下来。这云雾，有限制神识的效果，以自己的神识之强，也不过仅能感应到方圆十余里左右的情况。
However, his face soon turned grim. This fog had a limiting effect on divine senses; even with his powerful divine sense, he could only detect the situation within about ten miles.
lín xuān bù yóu de tiǎn le tiǎn zuǐ chún ， yào zhī dào guāng lùn shén shí ， tā yǒu xìn xīn yā guò dà xiū shì ， zài lǐ miàn de tàn cè jù lí ， dōu bèi xuē ruò dào rú cǐ de bù ， nà me qí tā xiū shì de qíng kuàng jiù gèng kě xiǎng ér zhī 。
林轩不由得舔了舔嘴唇，要知道光论神识，他有信心压过大修士，在里面的探测距离，都被削弱到如此的步，那么其他修士的情况就更可想而知。
Lin Xuan licked his lips. Knowing that in terms of divine senses alone, he was confident enough to outmatch any great cultivator, the reduced detection range made him wonder what other cultivators would be like.
zhù jī qī bù tí ， nòng bù hǎo níng dān qī xiū shì de shén shí dōu wú fǎ lí tǐ ， nà me zài zhè yún wù lǐ miàn ， jiù zhǐ néng yǒu rú fán rén yì bān ， wán quán yī kào ròu yǎn ， ruò shì yù jiàn shén me wēi xiǎn ”
筑基期不提，弄不好凝丹期修士的神识都无法离体，那么在这云雾里面，就只能有如凡人一般，完全依靠肉眼，若是遇见什么危险”
Not mentioning the Foundation Establishment stage, it might even be impossible for Core Formation stage cultivators to sense their surroundings. In this fog, they could only rely on their eyes, and if danger loomed...
lín xuān méi tóu dà zhòu ， zhè zhòng dì fāng jiǎn zhí shì shā jī chóng chóng ， shén me gǔ xiū shì yí bǎo ， lín xuān zì rán bú huì fàng zài xīn zhōng 。
林轩眉头大皱，这种地方简直是杀机重重，什么古修士遗宝，林轩自然不会放在心中。
Lin Xuan frowned deeply. This place was full of hidden dangers; ancient cultivator relics were not something he would worry about.
“ shào yé ， nǐ zhēn de dǎ suàn jìn rù dào lǐ miàn me 。 bù zhī wèi hé ， bo bì yǒu yī zhǒng bù hǎo de gǎn jué 。” nǎo hǎi zhōng ， yuè ér ruò ruò de kāi kǒu le ， yǐn yǐn tòu chū jǐ fēn wèi jù zhī sè 。
“少爷，你真的打算进入到里面么。不知为何，卜婢有一种不好的感觉。”脑海中，月儿弱弱的开口了，隐隐透出几分畏惧之色。
"Master, are you really planning to enter? I can't help but feel a bad omen," Mo'er weakly spoke in his mind, clearly showing some fear.
“ lái dōu lái le ， yòu qǐ néng bàn tú ér fèi ， hé kuàng bù tàn chá yī fān ， kě bù hǎo xiàng dà zhǎng lǎo jiāo dài lín xuān liǎn shàng bù dòng shēng sè ， nǎo hǎi zhōng què yòng shén niàn yǔ yuè ér jiāo tán qǐ lái le wēi xiǎn zì jǐ yòu bú shì méi yǒu yù dào guò ， wèi le nà jǐ zhāng dān fāng chuǎng yī chuǎng yě zhí de 。
“来都来了，又岂能半途而废，何况不探查一番，可不好像大长老交代林轩脸上不动声色，脑海中却用神念与月儿交谈起来了危险自己又不是没有遇到过，为了那几张丹方闯一闯也值得。
"It's too late now; how could we give up halfway. Besides, it wouldn't be right to report back without checking things out first." Lin Xuan remained calm on the surface as he mentally communicated with Mo'er.
tīng lín xuān zhè me shuō ， yuè ér yě bù zài fǎn bó ：“ bù guò shào yé ， nǐ kě yào xiǎo xīn páng biān nà jiā huo ， rú guǒ yù jiàn wēi xiǎn ， tā kěn dìng huì luò jǐng xià shí de
听林轩这么说，月儿也不再反驳：“不过少爷，你可要小心旁边那家伙，如果遇见危险，他肯定会落井下石的
"Master, you must be careful of that guy beside us. If danger arises, he will definitely take advantage," Mo'er said.
“ zhè wǔ zì rán qīng chǔ ， bǐ cǐ bǐ cǐ ， rú guǒ tā xiān luò rù xiǎn jìng zhī zhōng ， nán dào shào yé wǒ yòu huì kè qì ？”
“这武自然清楚，彼此彼此，如果他先落入险境之中，难道少爷我又会客气？”
"I know this well; we both have our own intentions. If he falls into peril first, would I not do the same?"
xiū xiān jiè kàn zhòng de nǎi shì jié guǒ ， kě bù jiǎng jiū rén yì dào dé ， shǎ guā cái huì zūn xún gōng píng yuán zé 。 chèn rén zhī wēi nǎi shì fù hēi xiū shì men de gòng tóng xuǎn zé ， lín xuān zì rán yě shì jià qīng jiù shú de 。
修仙界看重的乃是结果，可不讲究仁义道德，傻瓜才会遵循公平原则。趁人之危乃是腹黑修士们的共同选择，林轩自然也是驾轻就熟的。
In cultivation circles, what mattered was results, not righteousness or morality. Foolish people followed principles of fairness, but cunning cultivators often took advantage of others' misfortunes. Lin Xuan was no stranger to this.
běn shēn de shén tōng zàn qiě bù shuō ， zì jǐ hái yǒu yuè ér yǔ shī mó zuò bāng shǒu ， jiù suàn duì fāng shì dà xiū shì lín xuān yě bú jiàn de wèi jù shén me ， hé kuàng tā chōng qí liàng zhǐ shì yī zhōng qī de xiū xiān zhě 。
本身的神通暂且不说，自己还有月儿与尸魔做帮手，就算对方是大修士林轩也不见得畏惧什么，何况他充其量只是一中期的修仙者。
His own abilities aside, Mo'er and Corpse Demon were his allies. Even if the opponent was a great cultivator, he wasn't necessarily afraid. After all, he was only at the middle stage of cultivation.
wù qì zhōng gù rán wēi xiǎn chóng chóng ， dàn yě shì miè shā zhè jiā huo zuì hǎo de dì fāng le ， shén bù zhī ， guǐ bù jué 。
雾气中固然危险重重，但也是灭杀这家伙最好的地方了，神不知，鬼不觉。
The fog was dangerous, but it was also the best place to eliminate this guy without being noticed.
xīn zhōng rú shì xiǎng zhe ， biǎo miàn shàng què bàn diǎn dí yì bù lù ， fǎn ér shì yī liǎn hé shàn de xiào róng ：“ fāng xiōng ， zhè wù qì sì hū yǒu xiàn zhì shén shí de xiào guǒ ， wǒ men jiù zhè yàng jìn qù sì hū yǒu xiē bù tuǒ 。
心中如是想着，表面上却半点敌意不露，反而是一脸和善的笑容：“方兄，这雾气似乎有限制神识的效果，我们就这样进去似乎有些不妥。
With these thoughts in mind, Lin Xuan showed no hostility on his face; instead, he wore a friendly smile: "Brother Fang, this fog seems to limit divine senses. Entering like this might not be appropriate."
shāng qiè de kǒu wěn ， fǎng fú zhēn jiāng duì fāng dàng chéng huǒ bàn le 。
商妾的口吻，仿佛真将对方当成伙伴了。
Speaking in a conciliatory tone as if treating the other party as an ally.
“ dào yǒu suǒ yán bù cuò ， bù guò yě méi shén me hǎo pà de ， nǐ wǒ kě dōu shì zhōng qī de xiū xiān zhě 。 zhì shǎo zài zhè rén jiè zhī zhōng ， néng gòu wēi xié dào nǐ wǒ cún zài de yīng gāi bù duō 。” xuè mó liǎn shàng lù chū ào rán zhī sè ：“ yào bù ， jiù yóu fāng mǒu zài qián miàn kāi lù hǎo le 。”
“道友所言不错，不过也没什么好怕的，你我可都是中期的修仙者。至少在这人界之中，能够威胁到你我存在的应该不多。”血魔脸上露出傲然之色：“要不，就由方某在前面开路好了。”
"Friend's words are correct. There is nothing to fear. We are both middle-stage cultivators; there shouldn't be many threats within the human realm." Blood Demon wore an air of arrogance on his face: "How about I lead the way?"
huà yīn wèi luò ； tā shēn xíng yī shǎn ， yǐ jìn rù le mí wù lǐ miàn 。
话音未落；他身形一闪，已进入了迷雾里面。
Before he finished speaking, he flashed into the fog.
lín xuān bù yóu de yǎn jīng yī mī ， dà gǎn chà yì ， tā zhī dào zhè lǎo jiā huǒ yù duì zì jǐ bù lì ， xiàn zài jū rán zhǔ dòng kāi lù ， yào zhī dào fēi zài qián fāng shì zuì róng yì yù jiàn wēi xiǎn de 。
林轩不由得眼睛一眯，大感诧异，他知道这老家伙欲对自己不利，现在居然主动开路，要知道飞在前方是最容易遇见危险的。
Lin Xuan couldn't help but narrow his eyes in surprise. He knew this old man had ill intentions toward him, yet now he was offering to clear a path for them. Flying ahead was the most dangerous position.
ruò shuō duì fāng hǎo xīn ， lín xuān dǎ sǐ yě bù xiāng xìn 。
若说对方好心，林轩打死也不相信。
If the other party were genuinely well-intentioned, Lin Xuan would never believe it.
nà duì fāng jiū jìng yǒu hé yì tú ？
那对方究竟有何意图？
What did the other party intend?
lín xuān suī rán cōng míng ， dàn rén lì yǒu shí ér jǐn 。 cǐ jiǎn yě cāi cè bù chū 。
林轩虽然聪明，但人力有时而尽。此剪也猜测不出。
Although clever, human reasoning has its limits; at this moment, Lin Xuan couldn't guess their intentions.
suàn le xiǎo xīn yì diǎn jiù zǒu le ！
算了小心一点就走了！
Forget it; be cautious!
hé kuàng zì jǐ shǒu zhōng yě wèi bì méi yǒu dǐ pái de 。 zài yù jiàn nà mó shī fēn hún de shí hòu duì fāng céng yǒu yī líng shòu jiāng zì jǐ yǐn nì de xíng zōng kàn pò 。
何况自己手中也未必没有底牌的。在遇见那魔尸分魂的时候对方曾有一灵兽将自己隐匿的行踪看破。
Besides, he might have some trump cards in his hand. When they encountered that demon corpse's spirit fragment, a divine beast had revealed his hidden movements.
lín xuān dà gǎn chà yì ， jiāng zhè guài wù miè shā zhī hòu ， líng shòu zì rán shì háo bú kè qì de shōu rù le
林轩大感诧异，将这怪物灭杀之后，灵兽自然是毫不客气的收入了
Lin Xuan was surprised and killed the creature. The divine beast naturally took no mercy and was absorbed into him.
zhōng 。
中。
Upon returning home, he found it to be a妖兽 called Illusory Spirit Bird.
huí qù yī kàn ， shì yī zhǒng jiào zuò huàn líng niǎo de yāo shòu 。
回去一看，是一种叫做幻灵鸟的妖兽。
Lin Xuan was both shocked and delighted. Although this bird's rank was only second-tier, its strength was equivalent to a newly established Foundation Establishment stage cultivator. However, the bird had an extraordinary talent; it was extremely sensitive to fluctuations in essence energy.
lín xuān yòu jīng yòu xǐ ， huàn líng niǎo suī rán jiù pǐn jiē lái shuō ， jǐn jǐn èr jí ， shí lì yě jiù xiāng dāng yú yī gāng gāng zhù jī chéng gōng de xiū shì ， dàn cǐ niǎo què yǒu yī jīn tiān fù ， duì yú líng qì bō dòng mǐn gǎn zhī jí 。
林轩又惊又喜，幻灵鸟虽然就品阶来说，仅仅二级，实力也就相当于一刚刚筑基成功的修士，但此鸟却有一今天赋，对于灵气波动敏感之极。
It must be known that concealment techniques merely aimed to minimize one’s own essence energy fluctuations. Even with powerful secret arts, they could be more thoroughly concealed when inactive. But once spells were cast, even low-level ones would inevitably leak some essence energy.
xū zhī ， yǐn nì shù yě jiù shì jiāng běn shēn de líng lì bō dòng jǐn liàng shōu liǎn ér yǐ ， kě jí biàn shì zài lì hài de mì shù ， bù dòng de shí hòu hái kě yǐ shōu liǎn dé jiào wéi chè dǐ ， kě yí dàn shǐ yòng fǎ shù ， nǎ pà shì zài dī jiē de ， yě duō shǎo huì yǒu yī xiē líng qì xiè lòu 。
须知，隐匿术也就是将本身的灵力波动尽量收敛而已，可即便是再厉害的秘术，不动的时候还可以收敛得较为彻底，可一旦使用法术，哪怕是再低阶的，也多少会有一些灵气泄露。
Cultivator's divine senses might not detect it, but Illusory Spirit Bird definitely could sense it—this was why Lin Xuan’s hidden cultivation hadn't been detected in the marketplace but had exposed itself during pursuit.
xiū xiān zhě de shén shí bù yí dìng néng gòu xiàn ， dàn huàn líng niǎo kěn dìng kě yǐ gǎn yìng chū lái zhè yě shì wèi shén me zài fāng shì zhī zhōng lín xuān yǐn cáng xiū wèi méi yǒu bèi kàn pò ， dàn zhuī zōng duì fāng de shí hòu què bào lù shēn xíng le 。
修仙者的神识不一定能够现，但幻灵鸟肯定可以感应出来这也是为什么在坊市之中林轩隐藏修为没有被看破，但追踪对方的时候却暴露身形了。
Illusory Spirit Bird's talent was very useful. In ancient times, it was one of the most favored divine beasts by ancient cultivators.
huàn líng niǎo de zhè jīn tiān fù ， shí fēn yǒu yòng 。 zài shàng gǔ zhī shí ， yě shì zuì shòu gǔ xiū shì men xǐ huān de líng shòu zhī yī 。
幻灵鸟的这今天赋，十分有用。在上古之时，也是最受古修士们喜欢的灵兽之一。
Unfortunately, this bird was rare and hard to find, making its price astronomical even when occasionally appearing.
kě xī cǐ niǎo shù liàng xī shǎo ， yǒu jià wú shì 。 jí shǐ ǒu ěr chū xiàn ， yě néng pāi chū tiān jià de jīng shí 。
可惜此鸟数量稀少，有价无市。即使偶尔出现，也能拍出天价的晶石。
In modern times, it had long been extinct.
ér zhè hái shì shàng gǔ de qíng kuàng ， zhì yú xiàn zài ， zǎo jiù jué jì le 。
而这还是上古的情况，至于现在，早就绝迹了。
The fourth elder of Lixuan Valley obtained this bird purely by chance, cherishing it immensely. This time, he valued the blame on True Immortal Tongyu so much that he planned well, allowing his spirit puppet to bring it out.
lì hún gǔ de sì zhǎng lǎo dé dào cǐ niǎo ， yě chún shǔ yùn qì ， xiàng lái zhēn xī wú bǐ ， zhè cì yě shì yīn wèi duì jià huò gěi tōng yǔ zhēn rén zhī shì pǒ wèi kàn zhòng ， ér qiě yě jì huà hǎo le ， cái ràng fēn shén kuì lěi jiāng xī gěi dài chū lái de 。
厉魂谷的四长老得到此鸟，也纯属运气，向来珍惜无比，这次也是因为对嫁祸给通羽真人之事颇为看重，而且也计划好了，才让分神愧儡将牺给带出来的。
However, the result was like a lamb entering a tiger's den; the treasure ended up in Lin Xuan’s hands.
jié guǒ què yáng rù hǔ kǒu ， bái bái jiāng bǎo wù sòng dào lín xuān shǒu zhōng 。
结果却羊入虎口，白白将宝物送到林轩手中。
It should be known that Illusory Spirit Bird was one of the few妖beasts that could only be tamed but not claimed as a master.
xū zhī huàn líng niǎo shì jí shǎo shù zhǐ néng xùn fú 。 què bù néng rèn zhǔ de yāo shòu zhī yī 。
需知幻灵鸟是极少数只能驯服。却不能认主的妖兽之一。
Taming such birds was simple. They were very greedy and enjoyed various divine pills, making them unaffordable for most cultivators. As for Lin Xuan...
ér xùn fú de fāng fǎ yě pǒ wèi jiǎn dān ， zhè zhǒng niǎo ér shí fēn zuǐ chán ， ér qiě xǐ huān chī gè zhǒng líng dān ， suǒ yǐ yì bān xiū shì yě yǎng bù qǐ ， zhì yú lín xuān ”
而驯服的方法也颇为简单，这种鸟儿十分嘴馋，而且喜欢吃各种灵丹，所以一般修士也养不起，至于林轩”
He had plenty of丹药 and generously offered them as bird food, turning Illusory Spirit Bird into one of his pets.
dān yào tā kě duō de shì ， háo bù lìn sè de ná chū lái dàng zuò niǎo shí ， yú shì huàn líng niǎo yě jiù chéng wéi le tā de chǒng wù zhī yī 。
丹药他可多的是，毫不吝啬的拿出来当作鸟食，于是幻灵鸟也就成为了他的宠物之一。
With this bird, he wouldn't fear ambushes from enemies.
yǒu le cǐ niǎo ， zhì shǎo bù pà dí rén yǐn zài àn chù tōu xí zì jǐ 。
有了此鸟，至少不怕敌人隐在暗处偷袭自己。
Although it wasn't a complete solution, Lin Xuan believed that with his abilities, any danger could be handled.
suī rán zhè yàng yě bìng fēi wàn shì dà jí ， dàn lín xuān xiāng xìn yǐ zì jǐ de shén tōng ， jí shǐ yǒu shén me wēi xiǎn yě yí dìng néng yìng fù guò qù 。
虽然这样也并非万事大吉，但林轩相信以自己的神通，即使有什么危险也一定能应付过去。
Without entering the tiger's den, how could one catch a tiger? A smile played on Lin Xuan’s lips as he transformed into a streak of lightning and flew into the fog. (To be continued)
"I'm not sure about that either," the demon shook his head, a look of confusion in his eyes. "The Great Demon Ancestor didn't say anything, but he did reveal some other important clues."
"Other important clues?" True Monarch North Void's eyes lit up with interest.
"That's right. Besides our Holy Realm's Great Demon Ancestor, the high-ranking existences of the Spirit Realm's Human and Beast races also have similar intentions. It is said that one of the Four Evils, Diao Ji, has already succeeded."
"What?" True Monarch North Void was greatly alarmed. He had naturally heard of Zhenhang's reputation for ferocity; it was rare to find someone in the Spirit Realm who dared to provoke such a fierce beast. Why would he be thrown into the lower realm?
North Void Monarch fell silent, his heart filled with shock. Knowing too many secrets could be detrimental, so he decided not to pry further.
This Yunling Mountain was a massive conspiracy, but unfortunately, cultivators were unaware of it. As time passed, more and more people entered the mountain.
Even the Inner Core Elders from the three major forces had quietly appeared.
At this moment, Lin Xuan and Blood Demon, who had arrived earlier, had already entered the depths of the mountains.
Both men were shrewd and naturally noticed something strange, but they ignored it as they each harbored their own plans.
About half an hour later, their遁光 slowed down, and they stopped.
Ahead was that peculiar cloud mist, slowly expanding outward. Most of Yunling Mountain had already been engulfed by this strange fog.
Lin Xuan closed his eyes and released his divine sense.
However, his face soon turned grim. This fog had a limiting effect on divine senses; even with his powerful divine sense, he could only detect the situation within about ten miles.
Lin Xuan licked his lips. Knowing that in terms of divine senses alone, he was confident enough to outmatch any great cultivator, the reduced detection range made him wonder what other cultivators would be like.
Not mentioning the Foundation Establishment stage, it might even be impossible for Core Formation stage cultivators to sense their surroundings. In this fog, they could only rely on their eyes, and if danger loomed...
Lin Xuan frowned deeply. This place was full of hidden dangers; ancient cultivator relics were not something he would worry about.
"Master, are you really planning to enter? I can't help but feel a bad omen," Mo'er weakly spoke in his mind, clearly showing some fear.
"It's too late now; how could we give up halfway. Besides, it wouldn't be right to report back without checking things out first." Lin Xuan remained calm on the surface as he mentally communicated with Mo'er.
"Master, you must be careful of that guy beside us. If danger arises, he will definitely take advantage," Mo'er said.
"I know this well; we both have our own intentions. If he falls into peril first, would I not do the same?"
In cultivation circles, what mattered was results, not righteousness or morality. Foolish people followed principles of fairness, but cunning cultivators often took advantage of others' misfortunes. Lin Xuan was no stranger to this.
His own abilities aside, Mo'er and Corpse Demon were his allies. Even if the opponent was a great cultivator, he wasn't necessarily afraid. After all, he was only at the middle stage of cultivation.
The fog was dangerous, but it was also the best place to eliminate this guy without being noticed.
With these thoughts in mind, Lin Xuan showed no hostility on his face; instead, he wore a friendly smile: "Brother Fang, this fog seems to limit divine senses. Entering like this might not be appropriate."
Speaking in a conciliatory tone as if treating the other party as an ally.
"Friend's words are correct. There is nothing to fear. We are both middle-stage cultivators; there shouldn't be many threats within the human realm." Blood Demon wore an air of arrogance on his face: "How about I lead the way?"
Before he finished speaking, he flashed into the fog.
Lin Xuan couldn't help but narrow his eyes in surprise. He knew this old man had ill intentions toward him, yet now he was offering to clear a path for them. Flying ahead was the most dangerous position.
If the other party were genuinely well-intentioned, Lin Xuan would never believe it.
What did the other party intend?
Although clever, human reasoning has its limits; at this moment, Lin Xuan couldn't guess their intentions.
Forget it; be cautious!
Besides, he might have some trump cards in his hand. When they encountered that demon corpse's spirit fragment, a divine beast had revealed his hidden movements.
Lin Xuan was surprised and killed the creature. The divine beast naturally took no mercy and was absorbed into him.
Upon returning home, he found it to be a妖兽 called Illusory Spirit Bird.
Lin Xuan was both shocked and delighted. Although this bird's rank was only second-tier, its strength was equivalent to a newly established Foundation Establishment stage cultivator. However, the bird had an extraordinary talent; it was extremely sensitive to fluctuations in essence energy.
It must be known that concealment techniques merely aimed to minimize one’s own essence energy fluctuations. Even with powerful secret arts, they could be more thoroughly concealed when inactive. But once spells were cast, even low-level ones would inevitably leak some essence energy.
Cultivator's divine senses might not detect it, but Illusory Spirit Bird definitely could sense it—this was why Lin Xuan’s hidden cultivation hadn't been detected in the marketplace but had exposed itself during pursuit.
Illusory Spirit Bird's talent was very useful. In ancient times, it was one of the most favored divine beasts by ancient cultivators.
Unfortunately, this bird was rare and hard to find, making its price astronomical even when occasionally appearing.
In modern times, it had long been extinct.
The fourth elder of Lixuan Valley obtained this bird purely by chance, cherishing it immensely. This time, he valued the blame on True Immortal Tongyu so much that he planned well, allowing his spirit puppet to bring it out.
However, the result was like a lamb entering a tiger's den; the treasure ended up in Lin Xuan’s hands.
It should be known that Illusory Spirit Bird was one of the few妖beasts that could only be tamed but not claimed as a master.
Taming such birds was simple. They were very greedy and enjoyed various divine pills, making them unaffordable for most cultivators. As for Lin Xuan...
He had plenty of丹药 and generously offered them as bird food, turning Illusory Spirit Bird into one of his pets.
With this bird, he wouldn't fear ambushes from enemies.
Although it wasn't a complete solution, Lin Xuan believed that with his abilities, any danger could be handled.
Without entering the tiger's den, how could one catch a tiger? A smile played on Lin Xuan’s lips as he transformed into a streak of lightning and flew into the fog. (To be continued)