Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 1030 - 440: Body Refining Breaks Through to Fourth Rank Upper Grade; Soaring Dragon Art Metamorphosis

The Moon God's crimson lips parted slightly, her voice maintaining its coolness but now carrying a thread of serious concern: "With Ao Guang utilizing the Outer Sea's rules and these two allies, they've formed an impenetrable barrier."

"A head-on assault would be far too costly, and its success is far from guaranteed."

While none wished to concede it, the truth was stark: a swift, forceful subjugation of the Outer Sea was virtually impossible at this juncture.

The Hehuan Old Demon's eyes, imbued with demonic light, flickered as he suddenly interjected, "If a direct confrontation proves unworkable, we must devise an alternative strategy. I require a substantial quantity of living-dead energy – the greater the volume and purity, the better."

"Living-dead energy?"

The Star King's gaze intensified, questioning, "What purpose does that serve?"

A subtle, unsettling glint appeared in the Hehuan Old Demon's eyes. "It is to open and stabilize a portal to my Sacred Realm."

"Once this portal is sufficiently stabilized, we can summon another formidable Divinity Transformation master from our lineage to descend into this world."

"At that point, with four Divinity Transformation masters united, regardless of how Ao Guang relies on established rules, how profound Xu Ping's Sword Dao may be, or how unsettling that ancient ghost's presence is, their fate will be sealed: utter annihilation!"

The implication was clear: another ancient demon of the Divinity Transformation stage was en route.

Upon hearing this, the expressions of the Star King and the Moon God shifted dramatically, their faces etched with deep worry and apprehension.

They harbored confidence in their ability to manage and leverage the Hehuan Old Demon through a combination of power and cunning.

However, what if an ancient demon of equal or even superior standing were to arrive?

In such a scenario, when driving away one threat only to face another, who could possibly guarantee that this new, more formidable 'tiger' would not turn against its benefactors?

They were acutely aware of the inherent treachery and insatiable greed typical of ancient demons.

The situation risked spiraling into chaos, potentially backfiring and jeopardizing their established influence within the Inner Sea.

The Hehuan Old Demon observed the hesitation of the Dual Saints but did not press them, maintaining a calm and patient demeanor.

He understood perfectly that for the Star Palace Saints, who had languished at the Early-Stage Divinity Transformation bottleneck for eons, the allure of ascending to the Upper Realm and achieving the Mid-Stage Divinity Transformation was a temptation potent enough to overshadow most potential dangers.

With their progress in the Outer Sea now obstructed, if they sought further advancement, did they truly possess any alternative to the 'shortcut' presented by his ancient demon kin?

A profound silence descended upon the hall, disturbed only by the faint, rhythmic pulse of circulating Star Power.

The Star King and the Moon God engaged in silent, telepathic communication, meticulously weighing the advantages and disadvantages, calculating every conceivable risk.

Ultimately, their fervent desire for a higher plane of existence, coupled with their confidence in their capacity to control the power they sought, eclipsed their inherent dread of the ancient demons.

Bathed in a luminous aura of starlight, the Star King's features remained inscrutable, yet his voice resonated with unwavering resolve: "We concur. However, how shall we gather such an immense volume of living-dead energy?"

The Hehuan Old Demon emitted a chilling, sinister chuckle. "We need not commit to an immediate, decisive confrontation. We can consistently initiate medium-scale raids and skirmishes, creating widespread chaos and bloodshed."

"Warfare does not always necessitate a single, crushing blow."

"As long as the conflict persists steadily, even incrementally, the flow of living energy will naturally be sustained."

"Furthermore, this strategy will maintain constant pressure on the Outer Sea, leaving them too preoccupied to divert their attention elsewhere."

The Moon God commented with cool pragmatism, "Although this method is gradual, it is considerably more covert and secure."

"Excellent!"

The Star King made the final decision. "We shall proceed with this plan. I will issue the directive for continuous harassment along the borders. Demon King, the arrays and support you require will be provided to the utmost extent by the Star Palace."

"Rest assured, provided there is sufficient living energy, I shall fulfill your aspirations!" The Hehuan Old Demon's peculiar laughter echoed as his demonic silhouette gradually faded within the grand hall.

The Star King and the Moon God exchanged a meaningful glance.

Despite the inherent perils of this undertaking, for the sake of attaining that elusive Mid-Stage Divinity Transformation realm, they were prepared to cast aside all apprehension and embrace yet another perilous gamble.

...

Three months elapsed.

Amidst the heightened vigilance of the Outer Sea and sporadic border engagements, time quietly slipped away.

On this particular day.

The official envoy, dispatched by the True Dragon Hall, finally arrived. With solemnity, they presented the promised rewards from Dragon King Ao Guang to Xu Ping and the Nine Nether Elder.

Upon receiving the "Ten Thousand Years Underworld Soul Jade" and the "Yellow Springs Bianhua Petal," the Nine Nether Elder eagerly departed, seeking a secluded location to absorb these two potent Ghostly Supreme Treasures.

Xu Ping also received his rightful allocation.

A finely crafted jade bottle was presented, containing ten Dragon Essence Blood Tempering Pills, each the size of a Dragon Eye. Swirling dragon patterns adorned the bottle's surface, radiating intense vitality and waves of pure Dragon Essence.

Accompanying this was an Enlightenment Spirit Pearl, roughly the size of a pigeon. It was a lustrous white, felt cool to the touch, and flickered with flowing lights from within.

Without any further delay, Xu Ping transformed into an Escape Light and made haste towards Blood Bone Island.

Four months elapsed.

A travel-worn Xu Ping finally returned to the shores of Blood Bone Island.

"Xu Lang!"

A graceful figure, Duan Shuang, had been awaiting his arrival outside the island for a considerable time.

Her beautiful eyes were alight with an indescribable blend of admiration, pure joy, and a subtle hint of pride.

Despite her not participating in the earth-shattering battle, thanks to Xu Ping's protection, his unparalleled fame for defying Divinity Transformation and his unmatched Sword Dao had already swept through the Outer Sea like a tempest.

The man now before her was, in fact, her Dao companion.

"Shuang'Er."

A warm smile graced Xu Ping's lips as he gently wrapped an arm around her slender waist.

After a brief, affectionate reunion and sharing the emotions stemming from their separation, Xu Ping made his way back to his underground cave dwelling.

He meticulously activated all the protective restrictions, completely sealing it off from the outside world.

The cave dwelling was once again enveloped in silence.

Seated in a cross-legged posture upon a simple mat, Xu Ping's gaze first settled upon the jade bottle.

He carefully poured out a single Dragon Essence Blood Tempering Pill.

The pill felt substantial in his palm, its entire form a deep, dark gold. Naturally occurring dragon patterns seemed to shift and writhe slowly across its surface, and an overwhelming surge of pure, dominant Dragon Yuan Qi Blood Power assailed his senses.

"Such potent medicine!"

Xu Ping examined it with focused attention, his eyes widening in astonishment. "In terms of sheer vitality and purity alone, it surpasses even a mature Dragon Blood Fruit."

"Furthermore, the essence of Dragon Yuan contained within is exceptionally concentrated, possessing miraculous qualities for enhancing Dragon Might."