Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 1035 - 441: Duan Shuang Breaks Through to Late-Stage Nascent Soul (3)
Previously on Cultivation Starts from Farming...
Considering his present standing and the rapport built from previous battlefield assistance, a request to Dragon King Ao Guang for a treasure aiding Nascent Soul Cultivators in breakthroughs would likely be granted without refusal.
...
The prompt response from the True Dragon Hall exceeded Xu Ping’s expectations.
A full year elapsed.
The swirling mists surrounding Blood Bone Island were violently parted by a gleaming, golden Escape Light, radiating an imposing aura of pure dragon might.
As the light diminished, it revealed a youth clad in resplendent golden robes. His features were handsome, and delicate, jade-like horns adorned his head.
This distinguished figure was none other than Ao Qin, the current Hall Master of the True Dragon Hall and a direct descendant of the Fifth Rank Dragon King, Ao Guang.
"Hall Master Ao Qin, your grand arrival and I have failed to welcome you from afar," Xu Ping greeted him, his voice carrying a calm resonance. He sensed the visitor’s approach and emerged to meet him.
Towards this de facto overseer of the True Dragon Hall, Xu Ping extended the proper courtesies.
Ao Qin, maintaining his composure and not displaying arrogance, cupped his hands in reciprocal greeting. "Fellow Daoist Xu, you are too polite. My sudden visit must be an imposition." He acknowledged Xu Ping as an equal, a powerhouse of the Human Race who stood on par with his royal father.
"Hall Master Ao Qin, you flatter me. Please," Xu Ping replied, gesturing for him to enter the Blood Bone Hall.
Once they were seated, Xu Ping personally poured Ao Qin a cup of Spirit Tea, which was visibly brimming with potent Spiritual Qi.
Ao Qin took a perfunctory sip, placed the cup down, and directly addressed the purpose of his visit. "Fellow Daoist Xu, my father sent me here regarding the matter you entrusted to him before."
"Regarding the item you require to aid in your breakthrough to Late-Stage Nascent Soul, our Dragon Palace treasury happens to contain two 'Dragon Essence Blood Diamonds.'"
"Dragon Essence Blood Diamonds?"
Xu Ping’s eyes narrowed subtly, a flicker of curiosity evident in his gaze.
Ao Qin elaborated, "This rare item is formed over tens of thousands of years within specific dragon-vein nodes and contains the most fundamental essence of Dragon Blood."
"Although Human Race cultivators cannot absorb it directly, they can immerse themselves in specially prepared nurturing Spiritual Liquid containing it. Through this process, they can slowly absorb the primal essence released through every pore of their being."
"This method significantly bolsters a cultivator’s physical body and strengthens their Nascent Soul foundation. It purifies and refines their Mana and Nascent Soul, rendering them more pure and condensed. Consequently, the success rate of overcoming cultivation bottlenecks is vastly increased, with virtually no adverse side effects."
As he spoke, Ao Qin produced an intricately carved jade box. Upon opening it, two fist-sized Crystal Stones were revealed. Their hue was a deep, magnificent blood-red, and within them, what appeared to be liquid Dragon Essence seemed to flow languidly.
These were indeed the Dragon Essence Blood Diamonds.
The instant they were presented, an overwhelmingly dense life essence and Pure Yang Dragon Essence permeated the area, perceptibly warming the entire Blood Bone Hall by several degrees.
Witnessing this, Xu Ping’s eyes immediately lit up with gratification.
What a remarkable treasure!
The restorative capabilities of these Dragon Essence Blood Diamonds were even more foundational and gentle in their approach compared to the 'Profound Ice Barrier-Breaking Fruit.'
While the Profound Ice Barrier-Breaking Fruit specialized in shattering barriers and calming the mind, the Dragon Essence Blood Diamonds worked to fortify a cultivator’s very origin from its roots. The effects of the two items were not only compatible but also synergized perfectly, fitting together as if tailor-made.
"Hall Master Ao Qin, this is precisely the item Xu Mou urgently requires. I shall not forget the goodwill extended by your esteemed hall," Xu Ping declared.
With a solemn expression of gratitude, Xu Ping wasted no time, presenting the return gifts he had meticulously prepared:
Two Dragon Blood Fruits and six sheets of Fourth Rank Upper Grade talismans, each shimmering with vibrant spiritual light.
The Dragon Blood Fruits would serve as a valuable resource for Dragon Race descendants, and Fourth Rank Upper Grade talismans were universally recognized as high-value currency.
A satisfied smile graced Ao Qin’s features upon inspecting the offerings.
While the Dragon Essence Blood Diamonds were indeed precious, their utility to the Dragon Race itself was somewhat limited. The exchange for Dragon Blood Fruits, which directly benefited them, and high-ranking talismans capable of critical life-saving or enemy-slaying maneuvers, represented an exceptionally favorable transaction for the Dragon Palace.
"Fellow Daoist Xu, you are too courteous. Mutual observation and assistance between our two parties is as it should be," Ao Qin responded graciously.
Following the conclusion of the exchange, the two parties engaged in a brief period of pleasantries before Ao Qin rose to depart. He transformed into a streak of golden light and swiftly vanished.
After bidding Ao Qin farewell, Xu Ping clutched the jade box containing the Dragon Essence Blood Diamonds, a sense of profound relief washing over him. Without delay, he set off and made his way to Duan Shuang’s cave abode.
Upon Xu Ping's arrival within the cave abode, Duan Shuang joyfully advanced to greet him.
Xu Ping presented the 'Profound Ice Barrier-Breaking Fruits' and the Dragon Essence Blood Diamonds, elaborating meticulously on their respective effects and proper usage.
Gazing upon these two treasures, sufficient to enthrall any Mid-stage Nascent Soul Cultivator, ripples of astonishment spread through Duan Shuang’s beautiful eyes.
She possessed a profound understanding of their immense value, particularly the Dragon Essence Blood Diamonds, likely considered irreplaceable assets even by the True Dragon Hall.
"Xu Lang..." Duan Shuang's voice resonated with tenderness and deep affection.
A smile graced Xu Ping's lips as he gently pinched her delicate cheek, affecting a stern demeanor. "Shuang’Er, there’s no need for such formality. Your diligent cultivation is the most meaningful repayment to me."
"However, let me be clear: should you dare to falter in your breakthrough despite all these preparations... your husband will have to administer a rather firm spanking to your little backside."
Duan Shuang's starry eyes shifted subtly upon hearing this, a rare flicker of playful defiance and alluring charm surfacing within them.
She swayed her body slightly, accentuating a captivating curve, her red lips parting with a soft utterance. "Xu Lang... you wouldn't dare to discipline me right now, would you?"
Xu Ping's gaze swept over her shapely, rounded posterior, slightly lifted, causing his brow to arch and a fierce heat to ignite within his heart.
She actually dared to challenge him?
"You are truly something else, Shuang’Er. It seems I’ve been indulging you far too much!"
Xu Ping let out a low chuckle, resolutely unwilling to back down from the playful spat.
He immediately surged forward, his arm encircling her slender, easily graspable waist with possessive might. Lifting her effortlessly, he strode with long, purposeful steps into the sleeping chambers situated deeper within the cave abode.
Soon thereafter, a series of clear, rhythmic slapping sounds echoed through the chambers.
...
Time advanced, a period marked by outward tranquility yet an underlying sense of urgency, as another three years elapsed.
Throughout this time, Duan Shuang diligently followed Xu Ping’s meticulously laid plans, commencing a regular regimen with the Dragon Essence Blood Diamonds.
Submerged within a specially prepared Spiritual Liquid medicinal bath, two Dragon Essence Blood Diamonds floated, emitting a faint, blood-colored luminescence that enveloped Duan Shuang's entire form.
The potent life force of the Dragon Essence permeated her being gradually, seeping into her body through every pore. This nourishing essence revitalized her meridians, purified her Mana, and gently tended to her nascent Nascent Soul.
A perceptible enhancement in Duan Shuang’s aura became evident with each passing day. Her Mana, already honed to its peak, grew even more refined and concentrated, while her Nascent Soul solidified, becoming more vigorous and exuding a lustrous sheen akin to precious jade.
Her proximity to the threshold of Late-Stage Nascent Soul steadily increased; the formidable barrier now seemed as delicate as a cicada's shed wings.