Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 1017 - 435: The Supreme Treasure, Ten Thousand Souls Banner; Duan Shuang’s Divine Sense Breakthrough_3

Without the slightest bit of stinginess, he once more performed the Spirit Calling ritual. Several drops of blood, rich with immense life force and Lifebound Magical Power, were forced out and merged into the sword’s body.

Witnessing the sword spirit greedily absorb the blood, the Canghua Divine Wood Sword emitted a resonant hum, its glow appearing to solidify further, much to Xu Ping’s satisfaction.

As for the Soul-Breaking Needle, it was naturally not neglected. This needle, specializing in striking the Divine Soul with its enigmatic and unpredictable nature, served as one of his potent weapons.

Similarly refined and nurtured with blood essence and lifespan, its progress, though relatively slow, advanced steadily.

It was precisely due to his profound foundation and a lifespan nearing five thousand years that he could afford to nurture multiple significant treasures simultaneously; an ordinary Divinity Transformation Cultivator would likely find such continuous expenditure difficult to sustain.

...

The path of cultivation demands a harmonious blend of exertion and repose.

In the subsequent days, Xu Ping dedicated the majority of his time within his cave, focusing on swordplay practice, delving into the intricacies of crafting Fourth-rank Top-grade Puppets, and tending to his magical treasures.

When fatigue occasionally clouded his mind, he would take a leisurely stroll to Duan Shuang’s cave, seeking mental rejuvenation.

On this particular day.

Within Duan Shuang’s cave, the lingering notes of the zither flowed like a gentle stream.

Initially, the melody was high-pitched and brilliant, reminiscent of a phoenix’s cry echoing from the heavens, before gradually transitioning to a serene and distant tone, finally settling into a tranquil calmness with fading reverberations.

Nearby, sandalwood burned quietly, releasing a soothing and tranquil aroma.

Amidst the misty Spiritual Qi emanating from the spiritual pond, Xu Ping held Duan Shuang’s slender waist. The sensation of soft jade, coupled with the unique cool and elegant fragrance of the beauty beside him, invigorated his spirit.

Duan Shuang stirred from her slumber, an irrepressible joy illuminating her exceptionally beautiful face. She looked up at Xu Ping, her voice melodious, “Xu Lang, my Divine Sense has broken through the bottleneck and reached the late stage.”

“Hmm, I had already sensed that,” Xu Ping replied with a smile, his fingers gently caressing her silky hair.

This Dual Cultivation had not only benefited Duan Shuang immensely but also granted his Divine Sense a palpable and genuine improvement, a feeling long absent. Although this advancement was merely like a stream merging into a river for his vast Divine Sense reserves, the true Divinity Transformation-level Divine Sense was now within his grasp through persistent accumulation.

Once more wielding the Soul-Breaking Needle, its power would undoubtedly surge, potentially posing a formidable threat to the Divine Souls of Divinity Transformation Cultivators.

The advantages of a robust Divine Sense were self-evident for the crafting of higher-rank puppets and the profound comprehension of the Sword Dao.

“It’s all thanks to you,” Duan Shuang expressed, her eyes shimmering like water with gentle waves, her long lashes trembling slightly.

Her fair cheeks were graced with a subtle blush, much like a lotus in clear water emerging more exquisitely beautiful and captivating after being kissed by dew.

Xu Ping lowered his head, his gaze locked deeply within her tender eyes.

The two held each other in a warm embrace, exchanging sweet whispers, as if becoming one entity.

Two figures, closely entwined within the misty shroud of the spiritual pool, became almost indistinguishable from one another.

After a considerable time, Xu Ping’s thoughts stirred. Sensing a familiar presence approaching the island from afar, he softly whispered into Duan Shuang’s ear, “A guest is arriving; prepare yourself.”

“Hmm,” Duan Shuang responded softly, her breath fragrant as orchids, her cherry-like lips slightly parted.

…

Before long, the aroma of Spirit Tea permeated the Blood Bone Hall.

Xu Ping and Yan Feng occupied their respective seats as host and guest.

Following a brief exchange of pleasantries, Yan Feng directly produced two substantial storage bags and placed them on the table.

“Fellow Daoist Xu, this bag contains a collection of Fourth-rank Top-grade talisman materials recently acquired by the alliance, all of superior quality,” Yan Feng stated.

“And the other… is what you specifically requested earlier – the core materials for crafting Fourth-rank Top-grade Puppets,” Yan Feng added, gesturing towards the second storage bag.

Xu Ping’s Divine Sense swept through the contents, a surge of delight filling his heart.

The storage bag designated for puppet materials surprisingly held two complete sets of rare Spiritual Materials, sufficient to craft two Fourth-rank Top-grade Puppets.

The variety was complete, the quantity ample, and some materials even surpassed his quality expectations.

With the addition of these two sets, the accumulated Fourth-rank Top-grade puppet materials in his possession now numbered six.

He was now ever closer to gathering ten sets, thereby forming the formidable puppet array he had envisioned!

“Fellow Daoist Yan, my sincere thanks,” Xu Ping expressed, cupping his hands in gratitude.

Yan Feng swiftly waved his hand, stating with utmost seriousness:

"Fellow Daoist Xu, your words carry immense weight. This is the rightful reward you’ve earned for crafting Fourth-rank Top-grade talismans for our alliance; it is yours by all rights, and no thanks are necessary."

"Indeed, the entire alliance owes you a debt of gratitude for your invaluable assistance."

He then paused, his countenance becoming grave, and in a lowered voice, confided: "Furthermore, there is something critical I must inform you of."

"Several years ago, the Star Palace Saints made a brief appearance at the demarcation between the Inner and Outer Seas. Although their presence was fleeting, the residual aura was unmistakable."

"It would appear they are poised to undertake a significant operation in the near future."

Xu Ping's gaze sharpened, and he inquired with a deep timbre: "What is the Demon Race's stance on this development?"

Yan Feng replied: "We maintain ongoing communication with the Demon Race, and they too are engaging in intensive preparations. Certain ancient entities residing in the abyssal depths of the sea have begun to show signs of stirring."

"Once the Star Palace launches its invasion, the Demon Race will undoubtedly bear the brunt of the resistance. Our Outer Sea Human Race's role will primarily be one of support and auxiliary aid."

Xu Ping offered a nod, seemingly unsurprised by this revelation.

He surmised that the primary objective of the Star Palace would inevitably be the True Dragon Hall, the sovereign power of the Outer Sea, and its subordinate Demon Race forces.

After a brief exchange of further information regarding the unfolding situation, Yan Feng eventually took his departure.

Presently, the atmosphere in the Outer Sea was thick with tension, and the multitude of impending affairs occupied Yan Feng's attention, making it impossible for him to maintain the serene detachment of Xu Ping, who remained solely focused on his cultivation.

...

Having bid farewell to Yan Feng, Xu Ping retreated once more into the quietude of his cultivation practice.

Time continued its relentless flow, and another two years silently elapsed.

On this particular day.

Within the confines of his underground cavern, Xu Ping stood poised with his sword, his mind utterly serene.

Without resorting to Mana, guided solely by his will, and relying entirely on his physical prowess, he executed a slow, deliberate swing with the Canghua Divine Wood Sword.

The blade sliced through the air with remarkable silence, as if cleaving through an unseen pathway, causing the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi to subtly undulate.

At that precise moment, a flash of inspiration illuminated his mind.

Xu Ping’s wrist executed a subtle, feather-light tremor, and the Canghua Divine Wood Sword responded with a clear, resonant hum.

Instantly, a myriad of concentrated beams of verdant sword light erupted from the sword's edge, reminiscent of a sudden, torrential downpour during the height of summer, rapidly suffusing the entire cave with their brilliance.