Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 1028 - 439: Reward—Dragon Essence Blood Tempering Pill and Enlightenment Spirit Pearl (Part 2)

A low growl emanated from the flood dragon as its demonic light intensified, engulfing its form. It scooped up the three individuals with a gentle torrent of water, instantly transforming into a streak of light that hurtled towards the True Dragon Hall, deep within the ocean, vanishing on the horizon.

Below, the remnants of the Outer Sea Human Race and the Demon Race were left to cleanse the brutal battlefield.

The setting sun bled across the sky, casting a crimson hue upon the scattered remains and gore that stained the sea.

The triumphant roars faded, replaced by the somber, arduous duties of tending to the wounded, recovering fallen comrades, and tallying the devastating losses.

The price of this victory had been staggeringly high.

...

Two days elapsed.

At the unfathomable depths of the sea, crushing pressure and minimal light prevailed. Yet, within this perpetual gloom, a cluster of palaces shimmered with an ethereal, majestic radiance, marking the territory of the True Dragon Hall, the hallowed ground of the Outer Sea Demon Race.

Despite being designated a "side palace," its opulence and magnificence dwarfed that of any ordinary structure.

The palace itself was a marvel, constructed from colossal slabs of warm jade, deep-sea cold crystals, and an array of coral gemstones that pulsed with spiritual energy. Intricate carvings adorned its beams and pillars, while luminous pearls served as lamps, bathing the surroundings in a light so thick with Spiritual Qi it felt almost tangible.

Within an elegantly appointed chamber, shielded by soundproofing and Divine Sense restricting arrays, Dragon King Ao Guang, Xu Ping, and the Nine Nether Elder settled themselves, the former as host, the latter two as esteemed guests.

After a graceful shell maiden presented them with fragrant, Qi-rich deep-sea Spirit Tea, she silently withdrew, leaving the three alone in the grand hall.

Dragon King Ao Guang took a contemplative sip of his Spirit Tea, gently placed the cup down, and directed his gaze, tinged with curiosity, towards the Nine Nether Elder. He spoke softly:

"Esteemed Daoist Jiuyou, your Divine Techniques are profound, and your mastery of ghostly cultivation seems unfathomable. Might I inquire where you underwent seclusion on some divine mountain?"

"Ao Mou has never had the fortune to hear of your name before."

This was a subtle probe into the Elder's origins.

The Nine Nether Elder responded with a low, rasping chuckle, akin to an ancient bellows. His clouded eyes narrowed to mere slits. "I am merely a reclusive Loose Cultivator, content with my mountain abode. By chance, I stumbled upon the fortuitous legacy of predecessors and have barely scraped by until this day. My existence is hardly worth mentioning, truly."

"My true name was forgotten long ago. The Dragon King may simply address me as Jiuyou."

He chuckled again, deftly steering the conversation away from his past, showing no inclination to reveal his true background.

Observing this, a sharp glint flashed in Dragon King Ao Guang's eyes, but he chose not to press the matter further.

At their esteemed level of cultivation, who among them did not harbor personal secrets?

Pushing for answers would only breed resentment. He shifted his attention to Xu Ping, who had surprised him even more.

"Esteemed Daoist Xu, to possess such formidable cultivation and combat prowess at such a tender age, especially wielding dual treasures and displaying such a profound mastery of the Sword Dao, truly commands Ao Mou's deepest admiration. May I inquire about your lineage..."

Xu Ping's expression remained serene and unperturbed as he calmly replied, "This Xu is also a Loose Cultivator by background. I've occasionally encountered fortunate opportunities and explored independently, adhering to no fixed lineage."

His response was equally concise, attributing all his achievements to "fortuitous opportunity."

Dragon King Ao Guang regarded Xu Ping with a penetrating gaze, nodded, and refrained from further inquiry.

Some truths were best left unspoken.

He then transitioned to the primary purpose of their meeting, his tone growing solemn. "The kindness shown by both esteemed Daoists in aiding our Dragon Race and all beings of the Outer Sea is a debt we shall never forget. Words alone are insufficient; Ao Mou wishes to offer a token of our profound gratitude."

"Are there any specific items you, esteemed Daoists, require?"

"As long as such treasures reside within our Dragon Palace's vaults, we shall not refuse your requests."

This was a sincere offer, intended both as a reward and to strengthen their burgeoning alliance.

The Nine Nether Elder appeared to have anticipated this offer, and after a brief pause, he slowly articulated his needs. "What I seek might be considered somewhat specialized, even within the Dragon Race's vast collection."

"Firstly, the 'Ten-Thousand-Year Nether Soul Jade,' and secondly, the stamen from the 'Flower of the Yellow Springs'."

"Does the Dragon King's treasury perhaps house these two rare items?"

Both of these were highly sought-after, top-tier fifth-grade heavenly treasures, particularly coveted by cultivators of ghostly arts.

Upon hearing the request, Dragon King Ao Guang responded without the slightest hesitation, nodding affirmatively: "Indeed, they do. The two items you require, though rare, are fortunately among our Dragon Palace's esteemed collection."

"I will have someone deliver them to you later, Fellow Daoist."

The True Dragon Hall has dominated the Outer Sea for eons, and its accumulated fortunes and rare items, in some aspects, even dwarf the Star Palace. This is because the Demon Race places a greater emphasis on collecting celestial and earthly spiritual materials.

These two spectral supreme treasures, possessing minimal utility for the Demon Race, were deemed by Dragon King Ao Guang to be a worthwhile investment for securing the friendship and continued allegiance of a ghost cultivator at the Divinity Transformation stage.

A more genuine, rigid smile graced the lips of the Nine Nether Elder as he clasped his hands together. "Then I shall gratefully accept. Many thanks for your generosity, Dragon King!"

It was evident that these two acquisitions brought him immense satisfaction.

Following this, Dragon King Ao Guang's gaze shifted to Xu Ping, carrying a weight of increased significance and anticipation.

In Ao Guang's assessment, Xu Ping, this anomaly capable of wielding Divinity Transformation stage power despite being in the Nascent Soul stage, far outranked the Nine Nether Elder in importance.

This young man possessed both greater potential and a greater inherent threat.

Xu Ping mulled over his situation for a moment. His current Cultivation Technique and Magical Treasures had reached a plateau, where ordinary artifacts offered little substantial improvement.

After a brief period of contemplation, he spoke, "What I require may also be somewhat unconventional."

"Firstly, a treasure or Secret Technique that can augment the dragon's might when manifested among the Human Race; secondly, a Spiritual Object that can accelerate cultivators' comprehension."

Augmenting dragon's might was, of course, intended to further enhance the potency of the 'Soaring Dragon Technique.'

Should he eventually cultivate the 'Nirvana Golden Body,' his physical form would become extraordinarily resilient. Coupled with this amplified dragon's might for executing the Soaring Dragon Technique, his close-combat prowess would surge, elevating his overall strength to a new echelon.

He might even be capable of suppressing the current Opportune Demon Ancestor.

As for enhancing comprehension, it was directed towards his Sword Dao.

He perceived his progress in the Sword Dao as swift but acknowledged the need for even greater speed—faster than any other in this world.

Once he achieved Perfection in the Sword Dao, he would even be able to protect himself from the threat posed by the Dual Saints.