Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 1007 - 432: Confronting the Dual Saints (2)

He continued speaking, "Regarding the required materials, a period of time is still necessary for their collection. Furthermore, the Star Palace's preparations for battle are not tasks that can be concluded swiftly. We should have a considerable amount of time for our own preparations."

Xu Ping nodded in understanding, "I grasp it. There is no need for haste."

"However, before proceeding with those matters, there is a minor issue that requires immediate attention," Nine Nether Elder's tone shifted subtly.

"Oh? What might that be?" Xu Ping inquired.

Instead of answering directly, Nine Nether Elder turned his gaze toward Hongyi.

Hongyi, comprehending the unspoken request, addressed Xu Ping, "Fellow Daoist Xu, concerning your previous dealings with Xuanmo True Monarch, we have successfully ascertained his precise movements."

"Recently, he privately enlisted the aid of two late-stage Nascent Soul elders from the Star Palace to further investigate the 'Water Demon Cave.' He remains convinced that 'Five Element Divine Mud' is indeed hidden within its deepest recesses."

Hongyi's eyes gleamed with a cold light, "Therefore, I propose we join forces, Fellow Daoist Xu, to lay a trap, much like the mantis stalking the cicada, oblivious to the oriole lurking behind."

"Through this endeavor, we can simultaneously clip the Star Palace's ambitious wings, seize their coveted opportunity, and assist you in resolving this long-standing personal grievance."

"Five Element Divine Mud?"

A spark of brilliance ignited in Xu Ping's eyes.

Should he succeed in acquiring the Five Element Divine Mud, it would serve as an ideal material for enhancing either the Canghua Divine Wood Sword or the Soul-Breaking Needle.

With barely any hesitation, Xu Ping immediately gave his assent, "I accept this responsibility."

Given his current strength at the late stage of Nascent Soul, augmented by a Divine Sense that was now brushing against the threshold of Divinity Transformation, Xu Ping felt exceptionally confident in his ability to handle several late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators. Even formidable figures like Xuanmo True Monarch, these ancient demons, would be well within his capacity to manage.

Moreover, with the formidable backing of Nine Nether Elder and Hongyi as his allies, this undertaking could be considered virtually foolproof.

As the agreed-upon date for action set by Xuanmo True Monarch and his associates was still a year away, certain details and methods of communication were discussed. Following this, Hongyi and Nine Nether Elder made their departure.

Xu Ping personally escorted them from Blood Bone Island, observing their Escape Lights until they vanished into the distant horizon, before making his way back to Blood Bone Hall.

The hall fell into a profound silence; Xu Ping sat alone, immersed in deep contemplation.

While agreeing to participate in the confrontation with the Divinity Transformation stage cultivator was a necessity, he was acutely aware of the inherent dangers involved.

He recognized the imperative to leverage every moment to bolster his strength and expand his arsenal of trump cards.

"Within such a limited timeframe, there are not many avenues available for a substantial increase in my power..."

Xu Ping mused, his thoughts sifting through his array of skills and abilities.

Ultimately, his attention focused on the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.

Presently, having absorbed the essence of numerous ancient demons and formidable beasts, the Ten Thousand Souls Banner had surpassed the power typically associated with ordinary Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasures. Its primary soul was now even more potent than that of typical top-tier late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

Yet, this was still insufficient!

"If I could manage to have it devour the complete essences of a few more late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, alongside a sufficient quantity of mid-stage Nascent Soul souls, thereby accumulating a truly profound foundation..."

"There would be a significant probability for the Ten Thousand Souls Banner to undergo a Thunder Tribulation, attempting to ascend to the level of a treasure!"

Should this ascension prove successful, the possession of a Ten Thousand Souls Banner at the treasure level would dramatically transform its capabilities, rendering it a potent threat even to cultivators at the Divinity Transformation stage.

This would undoubtedly constitute a crucial trump card in his impending conflict with the dual saints of the Star Palace.

However, for a Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasure to achieve ascension, it must first endure a Thunder Tribulation.

Particularly concerning the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, given its profoundly malevolent nature and the immense karmic entanglement it possessed, the Thunder Tribulation it would attract was certain to be exceptionally fierce and brutal.

Should the Tribulation fail, the Ten Thousand Souls Banner risked suffering a severe diminution of its spiritual essence at best, or complete annihilation at worst, rendering all previous efforts utterly in vain.

Furthermore, during the Tribulation, the billions of vengeful souls harbored within the Banner, agitated by the heavenly thunder, might potentially unleash a backlash against its master, presenting a grave danger.

"Regarding this matter... perhaps I could seek the assistance of Nine Nether Elder," Xu Ping contemplated.

Nine Nether Elder possessed a Divine Sense at the Divinity Transformation level; his comprehension of souls and restrictive formations far surpassed my own. With his aid in guarding the tribulation, the likelihood of quelling any internal backlash within the Banner would be considerably enhanced.

Moreover, his proficiency in array formations was exceptionally profound, possibly reaching the esteemed level of a legendary Fifth-Rank Array Master.

If a grand array could be established to shroud heavenly secrets, not only could it prevent the excessive noise during a tribulation from attracting powerful foes, but it might also serve to diminish the Thunder Tribulation's might.

Certainly, the creation of a Fourth-rank Top-grade Puppet, alongside the comprehension of the initial transformation within the "Sword Dao True Interpretation," must not be neglected in the slightest.

These are all concrete methods for augmenting one's combat prowess; the greater one's strength, the more resources one possesses to endure the impending, overwhelming tempest.

...

A year vanished quietly, consumed by rigorous and demanding preparations.

On this particular day, in a secluded oceanic region offshore, three concealed auras of Escape Light silently submerged beneath the waves; these figures were none other than Xu Ping, Nine Nether Elder, and Hongyi.

Nine Nether Elder employed arcane methods, utilizing secret techniques beyond identification, to flawlessly meld their presences with the surrounding frigid water vapor and chaotic Demonic Qi.

Even cultivators in the late stage of Nascent Soul, investigating at close proximity, would struggle to detect their existence.

Several days subsequently, three uncloaked, formidable Escape Lights sliced through the pervasive mist, streaking directly into the depths of Water Demon Cave; these were Xuanmo True Monarch and the two late-stage Nascent Soul elders hailing from the Star Palace.

Xuanmo True Monarch maintained his sinister demeanor, while the other two, clad in the distinct attire of the Star Palace, bore haughty expressions and sharp, imposing auras.

Xu Ping and his two companions exchanged a knowing look, trailing dutifully behind.

Within the confines of Water Demon Cave, the landscape proved intricate, teeming with diverse and peculiar demonic aquatic life and naturally formed intricate arrays coupled with spatial snares.

Xuanmo True Monarch clearly possessed extensive knowledge of this domain, guiding the two Star Palace elders, helping them circumvent numerous perils as they advanced deeper.

Throughout their passage, they were subjected to assaults from several swarms of potent demonic beasts, even provoking the emergence of two fearsome Water Beasts grotesquely mutated by demonic qi, their might reaching Fourth-rank Top-grade levels.

A ferocious confrontation ignited at the cave's abyssal core.

Xuanmo True Monarch unleashed devastating magical prowess, while the two Star Palace elders proved equally formidable, brandishing magical treasures and divine techniques, their released radiance dazzling, their demonic qi surging with immense power.