Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 1033 - 441: Duan Shuang Breaks Through to Late-Stage Nascent Soul

His entire focus was poured into grasping the profound essence of 'Sword Intent Becoming Formidable'.

Within his mind, the deep mysteries of 'Dispersing Qi Returns to Origin' and 'Condensing its Spirit' resonated endlessly.

The 'Qi Hui Spiritual Pearl', worn close to his person, continuously emitted a cool, gentle aura that nourished his Sea of Consciousness, rendering his thoughts with unprecedented clarity and sharpness.

Numerous junctures that were previously obscure and difficult to surmount now appeared as clear as the sun breaking through parting clouds.

Unbeknownst to him, a considerable amount of time had elapsed before Xu Ping’s movements gradually ceased.

Yet, he continued to silently comprehend the nascent concept of 'Ten Thousand Swords Returning to Flow'.

A moment later, Xu Ping’s eyes fluttered open. With a mere thought, his status panel materialized before him:

[Sword Intent Becoming Formidable (First Transformation) Mastery: 368/400]

...

"Not bad at all. Only 32 more points of proficiency are needed before I can achieve another breakthrough and reach Minor Achievement in the First Transformation," Xu Ping remarked with a smile, feeling a surge of delight.

The effectiveness of this 'Qi Hui Spiritual Pearl' surpassed even his optimistic expectations.

It not only amplified his comprehension but also seemed to bolster his concentration, aiding him in capturing the elusive 'Form'.

"At this pace, it will take a maximum of seven or eight years to attain Minor Achievement, and the power of my Sword Dao will undoubtedly ascend to a grander height!"

A flicker of anticipation sparked within Xu Ping's eyes.

By then, when confronting the Hehuan Old Demon and the Dual Saints once more, he would be able to act with far greater composure.

Whatever schemes the other party harbored, he would shatter them with sheer force.

Of course, the urgent need to enhance his strength was partly to counter the impending threat posed by the Star Palace Saints and the Ancient Demon.

However, a more deeply rooted motivation stemmed from the necessity to contend for the Divinity Transformation Realm—

Xu Ping was acutely aware that neither the Wind Origin Realm he currently inhabited nor the Nanchuan Realm possessed the environmental conditions conducive to the natural emergence of Divinity Transformation Cultivators, owing to the world's governing rules.

An untold number of exceptionally gifted cultivators at the Nascent Soul Perfection stage had met their end, trapped within these realms, transforming into regrettable, unfulfilled potentials.

"In this realm where Divinity Transformation remains unattainable, I possess a unique opportunity."

Xu Ping's gaze turned steely as he calculated internally, "Whether it’s by waiting for them to ascend to the Upper Realm of their own accord, surviving until they perish from old age, or… eliminating them, all these paths are viable."

The phrase 'eliminating them' resonated within his heart, carrying an icy edge of murderous intent.

To merely wait was far too passive, fraught with endless uncertainties; only by seizing his own destiny could he guarantee certainty.

Nevertheless, given his present might, aspiring to eliminate the deeply entrenched Dual Saints who commanded the Star Palace was, without question, a pipe dream.

Even if he succeeded in cultivating the 'Nirvana Golden Body' and his Sword Intent reached First Transformation Perfection, he would likely still struggle to contend, let alone succeed in killing them.

However, if his focus shifted to the Divinity Transformation Ancestor of the Heaven-Suppressing Sect, the objective became seemingly more attainable.

The Heaven-Suppressing Sect harbored a long-standing enmity towards him, and he had not forgotten the persecution he once endured.

Furthermore, compared to the coordinated efforts of the Star Palace Saints, the solitary Divinity Transformation Ancestor of the Heaven-Suppressing Sect within the Nanchuan Realm presented a more manageable target.

"Perhaps, at that juncture, I could seek the assistance of the Nine Nether Elder," Xu Ping mused privately.

This seasoned Ghost Cultivator not only possessed formidable combat prowess, capable of directly confronting a Divinity Transformation expert but also demonstrated extraordinary expertise in array formations.

Should he deploy a supreme array, the probability of successfully trapping and vanquishing a Divinity Transformation cultivator would undoubtedly rise significantly.

With both acting in concert, each leveraging their distinct strengths, a substantial likelihood existed of achieving his goal.

However, the fundamental prerequisite for undertaking any of this was possessing the strength to actively participate in and influence the ensuing conflict.

"I must, at the very least, achieve First Transformation Perfection in Sword Intent while simultaneously succeeding in cultivating the 'Nirvana Golden Body', reaching the absolute zenith of the Nascent Soul Realm in both my physical form and my mastery of the Sword Dao."

"Then, in coordination with the Nine Nether Elder, I might truly possess the qualifications and capability to vanquish a Divinity Transformation expert!" Xu Ping clearly delineated his future course of action.

Temporarily setting aside his tumultuous thoughts, Xu Ping shifted his focus. The Canghua Divine Wood Sword transformed into a gentle stream of green light, merging into his brow and returning to his Nascent Soul to continue its nurturing process.

He rose to his feet, deciding to let his mind roam free for a while. With a swift movement, he materialized outside the serene and refined cave dwelling of Duan Shuang.

Ever since Duan Shuang’s Divine Sense realm had, with his "assistance", successfully advanced to the Late-Stage Nascent Soul, Xu Ping’s visits to "listen to music" had become much more frequent.

This was not merely for the pleasure of refined company; it was also because the stronger Duan Shuang’s Divine Sense became, the more significant the boost to his own would be.

Within the cave, delicate tendrils of incense curled and rose, offering a sense of calm and rejuvenation.

Duan Shuang had already perceived his arrival. Seated behind the jade zither, her beautiful eyes were alight with profound tenderness and a subtle, almost imperceptible, admiration.

Her slender fingers danced across the strings, and music, soothing and elegant, flowed forth like a crystalline spring, dispelling the discordant Qi left from battles and the restlessness that often accompanied cultivation.

Strum... Ripple...

The music began as gently as a silent, dew-kissed spring breeze, permeating all things.

As moments turned into minutes, the melody gradually grew more intense, evoking the clash of steel, the ferocity of the battlefield.

Finally, the music culminated in a breathtaking crescendo before slowly receding, returning to a state of profound tranquility.

The lingering notes stretched, as if embodying the simplicity of the Great Dao, suggesting that all phenomena ultimately return to their origin.

As the final note faded, the cave seemed to radiate a gentle warmth, and the Spiritual Qi within became noticeably more vibrant, stirred by the music.

By the spirit pool, Xu Ping held Duan Shuang close, her body warm and soft against him. The touch of her delicate, snow-white skin was enough to stir the heart of any man.

Yet, Xu Ping’s eyes were closed, his consciousness delving deep into his Sea of Consciousness, diligently absorbing and comprehending the enhancements derived from this session of "listening to music".

Time seemed to melt away unnoticed.

Duan Shuang’s long lashes fluttered, and her star-like eyes slowly opened. Nestled in Xu Ping’s embrace, a contented blush graced her cheeks.

After a brief, tender interlude, Xu Ping gently stroked her hair and inquired, "Shuang’Er, you have resided at the Peak of Mid-stage Nascent Soul for several years now. How has your foundation been refined?"

"Is it perhaps time to prepare for your breakthrough to the Late-Stage?"

Once Duan Shuang's cultivation successfully ascended to the Late-Stage Nascent Soul, her Divine Sense was bound to experience a corresponding, significant surge.