chén tiān hǎi yǎn zhōng shǎn guò yī lǚ qí yì de mù guāng 。
陈天海眼中闪过一缕奇异的目光。
Chen Tianhai's eyes flashed with a strange gaze.
“ wǒ tài yǎn zōng bì shì bù chū shù qiān nián ， gēn wài jiè xiǎn yǒu jiāo liú 。 nǐ nà wèi shī zūn ， jū rán zhī xiǎo wǒ men cáng shēn suǒ zài 。”
“我太衍宗避世不出数千年，跟外界鲜有交流。你那位师尊，居然知晓我们藏身所在。”
"Over the millennia that our Taiyin Sect has hidden away, we have had little interaction with the outside world. Yet your master actually knows of our hiding place."
“ tā dìng rán duì yú wǒ men yǒu suǒ liǎo jiě 。 jí biàn rú cǐ ， hái zhǔ dòng pài nǐ qián lái gēn wǒ men jiē chù ……”
“他定然对于我们有所了解。即便如此，还主动派你前来跟我们接触……”
"He must know something about us. Even so, he still sent you to make contact with us..."
“ zhè shì dǔ dìng ， wǒ men bì rán huì duì tā zhè 【 biàn shù zhī wài 】 gǎn xìng qù 。”
“这是笃定，我们必然会对他这【变数之外】感兴趣。”
"This is certain; we will be interested in this [variable beyond]."
sūn èr láng tīng wén cǐ yán ， bù yóu zhèng zhù ：“ shì ， shì me ？”
孙二郎听闻此言，不由怔住：“是，是么？”
Sun Erlang was momentarily stunned by these words: "Yes, really?"
bù guò xiǎng dào shī zūn nà shén mì mò cè de bèi jǐng 、 sì hū wú suǒ bù zhī yì bān de shén tōng ， yòu shùn jiān jué de shì rán le 。
不过想到师尊那神秘莫测的背景、似乎无所不知一般的神通，又瞬间觉得释然了。
But then, thinking of his master's mysterious and seemingly omniscient background, he felt a sense of relief.
“ zhè shì shàng ， shì bù fá chāo tuō de biàn shù cún zài de 。 yǒu xiē shèn zhì shēn kè yǐng xiǎng 、 gǎi biàn le xuán huáng jiè de mìng yùn 。”
“这世上，是不乏超脱的变数存在的。有些甚至深刻影响、改变了玄黄界的命运。”
"In this world, there are always unpredictable variables. Some can even profoundly influence the fate of the Xuanhuang Realm."
“ wǒ men yǎn tiān jiǔ juǎn ， suī rán hào chēng néng suàn jǐn tiān xià yī qiè shì wù ， dàn ruò shì tiān wài lái kè 、 tiān shàng zhēn xiān jiàng lín ， zhè děng yǐ rán chāo tuō le tiān dì běn shēn de shì qíng fā shēng ……”
“我们衍天九卷，虽然号称能算尽天下一切事物，但若是天外来客、天上真仙降临，这等已然超脱了天地本身的事情发生……”
"Although our Taiyin Nine Scrolls claim to predict everything in the world, if an extraterrestrial or true immortal from heaven were to appear... such events that transcend the heavens and earth would be beyond our control."
“ wǒ men zì rán shì wú néng wéi lì de 。”
“我们自然是无能为力的。”
Chen Tianhai spoke without any reservation.
chén tiān hǎi háo bù bì huì de shuō dào 。
陈天海毫不避讳的说道。
"But our Taiyin Sect does not reject or fear these unpredictable variables," he said with a faint tone, as though there was more to say.
“ bù guò ， wǒ men tài yǎn zōng bìng bù pái chì 、 wèi jù zhè zhǒng biàn shù zhī wài de fā shēng 。” tā yǔ qì yōu yōu ， huà zhōng shì yǒu wèi jìng zhī yì 。
“不过，我们太衍宗并不排斥、畏惧这种变数之外的发生。”他语气幽幽，话中似有未竟之意。
"Extraterrestrial?" Sun Erlang mused.
“ tiān wài lái kè ？” sūn èr láng ruò yǒu suǒ sī 。
“天外来客？”孙二郎若有所思。
But then, he quickly suppressed the slight stir in his heart.
dàn xuán jí ， tā jiù bǎ xīn lǐ zhè lǚ qīng wēi bō dòng gěi yā xià 。
但旋即，他就把心里这缕轻微波动给压下。
Regardless of his master's origins, his current identity was the only Heavenly Saint Emperor of Great启, the fate of countless beings depended on him.
wú lùn shī zūn shì hé lái lì ， tā rú jīn de shēn fèn ， jiù shì dà qǐ wéi yī de tiān mìng shèng huáng 、 yì wàn shēng líng xīng shuāi suǒ xì 。
无论师尊是何来历，他如今的身份，就是大启唯一的天命圣皇、亿万生灵兴衰所系。
As his senior disciple, he would always stand firmly by his master's side.
zì jǐ zuò wéi shī zūn de dà dì zǐ ， yě jiāng yǒng yuǎn jiān dìng de zhàn zài shī zūn shēn qián 。
自己作为师尊的大弟子，也将永远坚定的站在师尊身前。
"So, Senior, are you agreeing to our alliance?" Sun Erlang asked after a brief silence.
“ suǒ yǐ ， qián bèi zhè suàn shì dā yìng le gēn wǒ men jié méng de yāo qiú ？” duǎn zàn de chén mò zhī hòu ， sūn èr láng kāi kǒu wèn dào 。
“所以，前辈这算是答应了跟我们结盟的要求？”短暂的沉默之后，孙二郎开口问道。
"Why would we refuse if there is a chance for success?" Chen Tianhai smiled slightly but did not answer directly.
“ ruò shì yǒu shèng suàn ， wǒ men wèi hé yào jù jué ？” chén tiān hǎi wēi wēi yī xiào ， méi yǒu zhèng miàn huí dá 。
“若是有胜算，我们为何要拒绝？”陈天海微微一笑，没有正面回答。
"What then, Senior?"
“ nà qián bèi de yì si shì ？”
“那前辈的意思是？”
"Given the significant deviation in our simulations, we naturally need to make corrections. Since the Holy Dynasty Great启 wishes to form an alliance with us, it wouldn't be wise to reject such an ally," Chen Tianhai said calmly.
“ mó nǐ tuī suàn chū xiàn rú cǐ piān chā ， wǒ men zì rán shì yào jìn xíng xiū zhèng de 。 jì rán shèng cháo dà qǐ yù gēn wǒ men jié méng ， nà me zì rán bú huì jù jué méng yǒu de kǎo chá ba ？” chén tiān hǎi dàn dàn dì shuō dào 。
“模拟推算出现如此偏差，我们自然是要进行修正的。既然圣朝大启欲跟我们结盟，那么自然不会拒绝盟友的考察吧？”陈天海淡淡地说道。
"Indeed..."
“ zhè ……”
“这……”
Sun Erlang was taken aback by their request. His master had not given him any instructions on how to handle this situation when he left.
duì fāng de yāo qiú yǒu xiē chū hū sūn èr láng de yù liào 。
对方的要求有些出乎孙二郎的预料。
"Er郎 can make your own decisions here. This Taiyin Sect is... important."
tā lái zhī shí ， shī zūn bìng méi yǒu jiāo dài rú hé chǔ lǐ zhī shì 。
他来之时，师尊并没有交代如何处理之事。
"But also not."
“ èr láng cǐ qù ， zhū shì kě zì xíng jué duàn 。 zhè tài yǎn zōng ， zhòng yào ……”
“二郎此去，诸事可自行决断。这太衍宗，重要……”
Recalling his master's last words before he left, Sun Erlang suddenly felt a surge of courage.
“ yě bú zhòng yào 。”
“也不重要。”
"If we are too hesitant in the face of such a small sect as ours, how would we compete with the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance for control over the Xuanhuang Realm?"
sūn èr láng hū de huí xiǎng qǐ zì jǐ lín zǒu qián shī zūn suǒ shuō de zuì hòu yī jù huà 。
孙二郎忽的回想起自己临走前师尊所说的最后一句话。
Sun Er郎 exhaled and said: "The Holy Dynasty Great启 is always open to you. We welcome your visit at any time."
“ ruò shì miàn duì gè xiǎo xiǎo de tài yǎn zōng dōu wèi shǒu wèi jiǎo ， jiāng lái yòu rú hé qù gēn wàn xiān méng zhēng duó xuán huáng jiè ？”
“若是面对个小小的太衍宗都畏手畏脚，将来又如何去跟万仙盟争夺玄黄界？”
Chen Tianhai's eyes suddenly glowed blue.
xīn zhōng yī gǔ háo qì zì shēng ， sūn èr láng tuō kǒu ér chū ：“ shèng cháo dà qǐ ， xū wèi yǐ dài 。 suí shí huān yíng tài yǎn zōng qián lái 。”
心中一股豪气自生，孙二郎脱口而出：“圣朝大启，虚位以待。随时欢迎太衍宗前来。”
He did not respond, lost in thought.
chén tiān hǎi yǎn zhōng wú duān fàn qǐ yī zhèn lán guāng 。
陈天海眼中无端泛起一阵蓝光。
"Since Young Master has agreed, our Taiyin Sect will send a representative to accompany you to Great启 and investigate the situation," Chen Tianhai said after a while.
méi yǒu huí yìng ， zhǐ shì bù zhī dào zài xiǎng xiē shén me 。
没有回应，只是不知道在想些什么。
Sun Er郎 felt relieved for some reason. It was as if he had just narrowly escaped death.
“ jì rán xiǎo láng jūn rú cǐ shuō le ， nà wǒ men tài yǎn zōng jiāng huì pài chū yī míng shǐ zhě ， gēn suí qián wǎng dà qǐ 。 yī tàn jiū jìng 。”
“既然小郎君如此说了，那我们太衍宗将会派出一名使者，跟随前往大启。一探究竟。”
"When do we depart?"
bàn shǎng zhī hòu ， chén tiān hǎi fāng cái kāi kǒu 。
半晌之后，陈天海方才开口。
"Not in a hurry; guests from afar are welcome. Young Master traveled such a long distance, it is no easy feat. Our Taiyin Sect has not received visitors in thousands of years."
sūn èr láng bù zhī zěn me de ， hū de sōng le kǒu qì 。 fǎng fú gāng gāng zài shēng sǐ biān yuán zǒu le yī zāo shì de 。
孙二郎不知怎么的，忽的松了口气。仿佛刚刚在生死边缘走了一遭似的。
"Moreover, you have returned the remains of Yi Xing," Chen Tianhai said after a moment's thought.
“ nà qián bèi ， wǒ men hé shí qǐ chéng ？”
“那前辈，我们何时启程？”
"Do you wish to know more about our [simulation]?" he asked.
“ bù jí ， yuǎn lái shì kè 。 xiǎo láng jūn qiān lǐ tiáo tiáo lái cǐ ， shū wèi bù yì 。 wǒ men tài yǎn zōng ， yǐ jīng jǐ qiān nián méi yǒu kè rén dào fǎng le 。”
“不急，远来是客。小郎君千里迢迢来此，殊为不易。我们太衍宗，已经几千年没有客人到访了。”
"Certainly, I am curious."
“ kuàng qiě ， nǐ hái jiāng yī xíng de shī gǔ sòng huí 。”
“况且，你还将伊行的尸骨送回。”
Chen Tianhai nodded. The ground and decorations around them suddenly vanished as if they had appeared in mid-air. In front of them was a vibrant blue crystal emitting an alluring light.
chén tiān hǎi chén yín piàn kè ， kāi kǒu wèn dào ：“ bù zhī xiǎo láng jūn ， duì wǒ men de 【 mó nǐ 】， kě gǎn xìng qù ？”
陈天海沉吟片刻，开口问道：“不知小郎君，对我们的【模拟】，可感兴趣？”
"This is the [Metaphysical Core Crystal]," Chen Tianhai said mysteriously.
“ zì rán shì hào qí de 。”
“自然是好奇的。”
"Metaphysical Core Crystal?" Sun Er郎 repeated these words.
chén tiān hǎi diǎn diǎn tóu ， zhōu wéi de dì miàn 、 zhuāng shì chà nà xiāo shī 。
陈天海点点头，周围的地面、装饰刹那消失。
Looking at the mysterious crystal, Sun Er郎 found himself unable to discern its details. It seemed infinitely divisible; each facet-like edge revealed countless tiny surfaces upon closer inspection.
liǎng rén fǎng fú chū xiàn zài xū kōng zhī zhōng ， qián fāng yí gè wèi lán sè de jīng tǐ ， sàn fà zhe shè rén xīn pò de guāng máng 。
两人仿佛出现在虚空之中，前方一个蔚蓝色的晶体，散发着摄人心魄的光芒。
Just a moment of gazing made Sun Er郎 feel dizzy.
“ cǐ nǎi ，【 huà dào shí mǔ 】。”
“此乃，【化道石母】。”
He quickly looked away.
chén tiān hǎi yǔ qì mò míng dào 。
陈天海语气莫名道。
"The Metaphysical Core Crystal is the foundation of our Taiyin Sect. Although Grandmaster Tai once passed down the Nine Scrolls of Heavenly Derivation, the techniques are so profound and artificial that they cannot be mastered by ordinary people. Even geniuses would exhaust their lives to perfect them," Chen Tianhai said as he appeared beside the large blue crystal.
“ huà dào shí mǔ ？” sūn èr láng jiāng zhè sì zì chóng fù le yī biàn 。
“化道石母？”孙二郎将这四字重复了一遍。
"Even geniuses find it difficult; how much more so for commoners? The nature of the Nine Scrolls of Heavenly Derivation means our Taiyin Sect can only have a few disciples per generation. Withering talent and a dwindling sect, we may not even be able to maintain our status as one of the Ten Immortal Sects."
kàn xiàng bù yuǎn chù de nà shén mì jīng tǐ ， sūn èr láng yǒu xiē hài rán de fā xiàn ， zì jǐ jìng rán wú fǎ fēn biàn chū jīng tǐ biǎo miàn de xì jié 。
看向不远处的那神秘晶体，孙二郎有些骇然的发现，自己竟然无法分辨出晶体表面的细节。
"This was part of our prediction; this would be the fate of our Taiyin Sect."
sì hū kě yǐ wú xiàn xì fēn ， měi yí gè jìng miàn bān de léng jiǎo ， xì kàn zhī xià dōu yǒu wú shù de wēi xiǎo biǎo miàn yán shēn 。
似乎可以无限细分，每一个镜面般的棱角，细看之下都有无数的微小表面延伸。
"But if there were a fragment of the Metaphysical Core Crystal..."
jǐn jǐn zhǐ shì kuī tàn le yī huì ， sūn èr láng jiù gǎn jué yī zhèn tóu yūn yǎn huā 。
仅仅只是窥探了一会，孙二郎就感觉一阵头晕眼花。
Chen Tianhai's tone changed abruptly.
dāng jí yí kāi mù guāng 。
当即移开目光。
"Even a small piece could grant an ordinary person the ability to perform calculations on par with those who have achieved enlightenment. What a great creation!"
“ huà dào shí mǔ ， nǎi shì wǒ men tài yǎn zōng lì zōng zhī běn 。 dāng nián dà fǎ shī suī rán chuán xià tiān yǎn jiǔ juǎn ， nài hé fǎ mén jiū tiān rén zào huà ， shí fēi cháng rén kě yǐ yán xí 。 jí biàn shì jué shì zhī cái ， xiǎng yào jiāng tiān yǎn jiǔ juǎn xiū xíng zhì dà chéng ， yě yào xīn xuè hào jìn 、 mìng bù jiǔ yǐ 。” chén tiān hǎi shǎn shēn ， chū xiàn zài nà shuò dà de wèi lán sè jīng tǐ páng 。 tā de shēn yǐng ， sì hū yào gēn huà dào shí mǔ róng wéi yī tǐ 。
“化道石母，乃是我们太衍宗立宗之本。当年大法师虽然传下天衍九卷，奈何法门究天人造化，实非常人可以研习。即便是绝世之才，想要将天衍九卷修行至大成，也要心血耗尽、命不久矣。”陈天海闪身，出现在那硕大的蔚蓝色晶体旁。他的身影，似乎要跟化道石母融为一体。
"Young Master, did you bring the white papers Yi Xing had with him before he died?" Chen Tianhai asked Sun Er郎.
“ tiān cái xiū xíng qǐ lái dōu rú cǐ jiān nán ， gèng huáng lùn pǔ tōng rén le 。 tiān yǎn jiǔ juǎn de gōng fǎ tè xìng ， jiù zhù dìng wǒ men tài yǎn zōng měi yī bèi zhǐ néng yǒu liáo liáo jǐ míng dì zǐ 。 rén cái diāo líng ， zōng mén nán yǐ zhuàng dà 。 huò xǔ yǒu zhāo yī rì ， lián xiān dào shí zōng de míng tóu dōu nán yǐ bǎo quán 。”
“天才修行起来都如此艰难，更遑论普通人了。天衍九卷的功法特性，就注定我们太衍宗每一辈只能有寥寥几名弟子。人才凋零，宗门难以壮大。或许有朝一日，连仙道十宗的名头都难以保全。”
Sun Er郎 suddenly remembered and quickly took out the papers.
“ zhè běn shì tuī suàn zhōng de ， wǒ men tài yǎn zōng de jié jú 。”
“这本是推算中的，我们太衍宗的结局。”
"These are called the Reversal Tribulation Treasure Box; they were used by Taiyin Sect disciples to practice their calculation abilities," he explained.
“ ruò shì méi yǒu huà dào shí mǔ de huà 。”
“若是没有化道石母的话。”
"There are 49,999 such papers. By arranging them in their original order, one can recreate the appearance of the treasure box."
chén tiān hǎi de yǔ diào dǒu rán biàn huà 。
陈天海的语调陡然变化。
"Would you like to try?" Chen Tianhai scattered the papers into the air and watched Sun Er郎 with a smile.
“ nǎ pà zhǐ shì shí mǔ de yī xiǎo kuài suì piàn ， yě néng ràng yī wèi fán rén 、 shùn jiān yōng yǒu pì měi hé dào qiáng zhě de yǎn suàn néng lì 。 zhè shì hé děng wěi dà de zào wù ！”
“哪怕只是石母的一小块碎片，也能让一位凡人、瞬间拥有媲美合道强者的衍算能力。这是何等伟大的造物！”
"Arranging them in order?"
“ xiǎo láng jūn ， yī xíng sǐ qián 、 dài zài shēn biān de nà xiē bái zhǐ ， nǐ kě zēng dài lái ？” chén tiān hǎi kàn xiàng sūn èr láng ， hū de zhè me wèn le jù 。
“小郎君，伊行死前、带在身边的那些白纸，你可曾带来？”陈天海看向孙二郎，忽的这么问了句。
Sun Er郎 had studied these papers; they were all identical, without any special markings.
sūn èr láng zhè cái shū rán xiǎng qǐ ， lián máng jiāng nà xiē bái zhǐ qǔ chū 。
孙二郎这才倏然想起，连忙将那些白纸取出。
"Nothing but luck; no secret techniques?" Sun Er郎 asked.
“ zhè xiē bái zhǐ ， yǒu gè míng tóu ， jiào zuò nì jié bǎo hé 。 shì xī rì tài yǎn zōng dì zǐ men yòng lái liàn xí yǎn suàn néng lì de cháng yòng dào jù 。”
“这些白纸，有个名头，叫做逆劫宝盒。是昔日太衍宗弟子们用来练习衍算能力的常用道具。”
Seeing Chen Tianhai's expression, he quickly calculated and his face turned pale.
“ yī gòng yǒu sì wàn jiǔ qiān jiǔ bǎi jiǔ shí jiǔ zhāng zhǐ ， zhǐ xū yào jiāng qí àn zhào yuán běn zuì chū de shùn xù huán yuán ， jiù néng chóng xiàn bǎo hé yàng mào 。”
“一共有四万九千九百九十九张纸，只需要将其按照原本最初的顺序还原，就能重现宝盒样貌。”
He decisively declined. "This is it. For ordinary people, this would be an impossible task even if one lived a thousand years. But for Taiyin Sect disciples with the Metaphysical Core Crystal..."
“ xiǎo láng jūn yào shì yī shì ma ？” chén tiān hǎi jiāng bái zhǐ pāo sǎ zài kōng zhōng ， réng yóu tā men wú guī lǜ piāo sàn 。 ér hòu kàn zhe sūn èr láng ， xiào zhe wèn dào 。
“小郎君要试一试吗？”陈天海将白纸抛洒在空中，仍由它们无规律飘散。而后看着孙二郎，笑着问道。
"Within an instant!"
“ àn zhào shùn xù huán yuán me ？”
“按照顺序还原么？”
Chen Tianhai pointed lightly, and the papers began to dance wildly in the air.
sūn èr láng zhī qián yán jiū guò nà xiē bái zhǐ ， quán dōu yī mú yī yàng 、 bù cún zài shén me tè shū de biāo jì 。
孙二郎之前研究过那些白纸，全都一模一样、不存在什么特殊的标记。
They arranged themselves one by one until all were back in place. A bright light flashed, and the treasure box opened.
“ quán píng yùn qì 、 méi yǒu shén me tè shū de mì fǎ ？” sūn èr láng shì zhe wèn dào 。
“全凭运气、没有什么特殊的秘法？”孙二郎试着问道。
An jade scroll and a blue crystal appeared inside.
kàn zhe chén tiān hǎi de biǎo qíng ， sūn èr láng yòu xīn zhōng wēi wēi suàn le xià ， dùn shí liǎn sè yǒu xiē fā bái 。
看着陈天海的表情，孙二郎又心中微微算了下，顿时脸色有些发白。
The appearance of the Metaphysical Core Crystal seemed to resonate with the Metaphysical Core Crystal Mother.
guǒ duàn jù jué le 。
果断拒绝了。
Illuminated by its light, the color of the crystal became even deeper.
“ zhè jiù shì le 。 duì yú cháng rén ér yán ， zhè shì nǎ pà qióng jìn yī shēng dōu wú fǎ wán chéng de rèn wù 。 dàn duì yú yōng yǒu huà dào shí de tài yǎn zōng dì zǐ ……”
“这就是了。对于常人而言，这是哪怕穷尽一生都无法完成的任务。但对于拥有化道石的太衍宗弟子……”
Chen Tianhai first put away the jade scroll and then caressed the blue gemstone. His expression was wistful as he looked at Sun Er郎 and said: "Young Master, this Metaphysical Core Crystal is yours."
“ bù guò shùn xī zhī jiān ！”
“不过瞬息之间！”
Only when the Metaphysical Core Crystal landed in his hand did Sun Er郎 come to his senses.
chén tiān hǎi qīng qīng yī zhǐ ， nà màn tiān piāo sàn de bái zhǐ jiù fēng kuáng fēi wǔ qǐ lái 。
陈天海轻轻一指，那漫天飘散的白纸就疯狂飞舞起来。
"Oh?"
Chen Tianhai's eyes flashed with a strange gaze.
"Over the millennia that our Taiyin Sect has hidden away, we have had little interaction with the outside world. Yet your master actually knows of our hiding place."
"He must know something about us. Even so, he still sent you to make contact with us..."
"This is certain; we will be interested in this [variable beyond]."
Sun Erlang was momentarily stunned by these words: "Yes, really?"
But then, thinking of his master's mysterious and seemingly omniscient background, he felt a sense of relief.
"In this world, there are always unpredictable variables. Some can even profoundly influence the fate of the Xuanhuang Realm."
"Although our Taiyin Nine Scrolls claim to predict everything in the world, if an extraterrestrial or true immortal from heaven were to appear... such events that transcend the heavens and earth would be beyond our control."
Chen Tianhai spoke without any reservation.
"But our Taiyin Sect does not reject or fear these unpredictable variables," he said with a faint tone, as though there was more to say.
"Extraterrestrial?" Sun Erlang mused.
But then, he quickly suppressed the slight stir in his heart.
Regardless of his master's origins, his current identity was the only Heavenly Saint Emperor of Great启, the fate of countless beings depended on him.
As his senior disciple, he would always stand firmly by his master's side.
"So, Senior, are you agreeing to our alliance?" Sun Erlang asked after a brief silence.
"Why would we refuse if there is a chance for success?" Chen Tianhai smiled slightly but did not answer directly.
"What then, Senior?"
"Given the significant deviation in our simulations, we naturally need to make corrections. Since the Holy Dynasty Great启 wishes to form an alliance with us, it wouldn't be wise to reject such an ally," Chen Tianhai said calmly.
"Indeed..."
Sun Erlang was taken aback by their request. His master had not given him any instructions on how to handle this situation when he left.
"Er郎 can make your own decisions here. This Taiyin Sect is... important."
"But also not."
Recalling his master's last words before he left, Sun Erlang suddenly felt a surge of courage.
"If we are too hesitant in the face of such a small sect as ours, how would we compete with the Ten Thousand Immortals Alliance for control over the Xuanhuang Realm?"
Sun Er郎 exhaled and said: "The Holy Dynasty Great启 is always open to you. We welcome your visit at any time."
Chen Tianhai's eyes suddenly glowed blue.
He did not respond, lost in thought.
"Since Young Master has agreed, our Taiyin Sect will send a representative to accompany you to Great启 and investigate the situation," Chen Tianhai said after a while.
Sun Er郎 felt relieved for some reason. It was as if he had just narrowly escaped death.
"When do we depart?"
"Not in a hurry; guests from afar are welcome. Young Master traveled such a long distance, it is no easy feat. Our Taiyin Sect has not received visitors in thousands of years."
"Moreover, you have returned the remains of Yi Xing," Chen Tianhai said after a moment's thought.
"Do you wish to know more about our [simulation]?" he asked.
"Certainly, I am curious."
Chen Tianhai nodded. The ground and decorations around them suddenly vanished as if they had appeared in mid-air. In front of them was a vibrant blue crystal emitting an alluring light.
"This is the [Metaphysical Core Crystal]," Chen Tianhai said mysteriously.
"Metaphysical Core Crystal?" Sun Er郎 repeated these words.
Looking at the mysterious crystal, Sun Er郎 found himself unable to discern its details. It seemed infinitely divisible; each facet-like edge revealed countless tiny surfaces upon closer inspection.
Just a moment of gazing made Sun Er郎 feel dizzy.
He quickly looked away.
"The Metaphysical Core Crystal is the foundation of our Taiyin Sect. Although Grandmaster Tai once passed down the Nine Scrolls of Heavenly Derivation, the techniques are so profound and artificial that they cannot be mastered by ordinary people. Even geniuses would exhaust their lives to perfect them," Chen Tianhai said as he appeared beside the large blue crystal.
"Even geniuses find it difficult; how much more so for commoners? The nature of the Nine Scrolls of Heavenly Derivation means our Taiyin Sect can only have a few disciples per generation. Withering talent and a dwindling sect, we may not even be able to maintain our status as one of the Ten Immortal Sects."
"This was part of our prediction; this would be the fate of our Taiyin Sect."
"But if there were a fragment of the Metaphysical Core Crystal..."
Chen Tianhai's tone changed abruptly.
"Even a small piece could grant an ordinary person the ability to perform calculations on par with those who have achieved enlightenment. What a great creation!"
"Young Master, did you bring the white papers Yi Xing had with him before he died?" Chen Tianhai asked Sun Er郎.
Sun Er郎 suddenly remembered and quickly took out the papers.
"These are called the Reversal Tribulation Treasure Box; they were used by Taiyin Sect disciples to practice their calculation abilities," he explained.
"There are 49,999 such papers. By arranging them in their original order, one can recreate the appearance of the treasure box."
"Would you like to try?" Chen Tianhai scattered the papers into the air and watched Sun Er郎 with a smile.
"Arranging them in order?"
Sun Er郎 had studied these papers; they were all identical, without any special markings.
"Nothing but luck; no secret techniques?" Sun Er郎 asked.
Seeing Chen Tianhai's expression, he quickly calculated and his face turned pale.
He decisively declined. "This is it. For ordinary people, this would be an impossible task even if one lived a thousand years. But for Taiyin Sect disciples with the Metaphysical Core Crystal..."
"Within an instant!"
Chen Tianhai pointed lightly, and the papers began to dance wildly in the air.
They arranged themselves one by one until all were back in place. A bright light flashed, and the treasure box opened.
An jade scroll and a blue crystal appeared inside.
The appearance of the Metaphysical Core Crystal seemed to resonate with the Metaphysical Core Crystal Mother.
Illuminated by its light, the color of the crystal became even deeper.
Chen Tianhai first put away the jade scroll and then caressed the blue gemstone. His expression was wistful as he looked at Sun Er郎 and said: "Young Master, this Metaphysical Core Crystal is yours."
Only when the Metaphysical Core Crystal landed in his hand did Sun Er郎 come to his senses.
"Oh?"