Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 1041 - 443: Drawing a Quasi-Fifth Rank Talisman; Central Domain News_3

"For cultivators below the Divinity Transformation stage, passing through the grand formation presents no significant obstacle."

Xu Ping nodded, contemplating the implications. This arrangement essentially transformed the Central Domain into a vital hub for exchange and trade among the surrounding realms.

His thoughts immediately turned to a critical inquiry, and he asked, "Senior, given its unique nature and strategically important position, which power holds dominion over this Central Domain?"

He reasoned that such a valuable territory couldn't possibly be ownerless; it would likely have been long ago controlled by a formidable realm.

Upon hearing the question, Nine Nether Elder offered a smile brimming with subtle meaning:

"Precisely because the Central Domain is so distinctive—its geographic location serving as a nexus for all directions, and its realm barriers being exceptionally thin—no single realm or force can establish complete and absolute control."

He then emphasized, "Or rather, any power possessing a Divinity Transformation cultivator stationed within its borders theoretically qualifies to vie for influence, secure territory, and reap its resources."

Consequently, the Central Domain's internal landscape is exceptionally intricate, a confluence of diverse powers with deeply intertwined interests.

"I understand."

Xu Ping acknowledged with a nod of comprehension.

The explanation seemed perfectly logical and coherent.

The Central Domain functioned as a sort of 'free trade zone' and 'contender's arena,' open to any power with a Divinity Transformation cultivator.

Even entities as potent as the Star Palace Saints or realms boasting mid-stage Divinity Transformation cultivators would find it challenging to withstand the collective opposition of all other Divinity Transformation powers from various realms.

"Naturally, the Central Domain is not entirely devoid of order,"

Nine Nether Elder added, "For a native Divinity Transformation power does exist there, known as..."

At this juncture, he paused briefly, directing a knowing gaze toward Dragon King Ao Guang, "The Immortal City of Ten Thousand Treasures, or perhaps the Celestial Spirit Pavilion?"

"It has been so long; my memory is a little hazy."

"Dragon King Ao Guang, it would be more fitting for you to elaborate on the details regarding the native power and other factions within the Central Domain."

He adroitly shifted the conversation, demonstrating his astuteness while discreetly safeguarding his own background.

Dragon King Ao Guang mentally labeled him an "old fox," solidifying his conviction regarding Nine Nether Elder's extensive experience in the Central Domain.

Maintaining an impassive facade, he smiled and continued the dialogue: "What Fellow Daoist Jiuyou has stated accurately reflects the unique nature of the Central Domain."

"That native power is indeed the Celestial Spirit Pavilion. While it nominally oversees the Central Domain and upholds a baseline level of order,"

"Its primary function is more akin to a neutral mediator and service provider, refraining from excessive intervention in the activities of the various realm powers operating within the Central Domain."

"As long as the few inviolable rules they've established—such as the prohibition of large-scale, lethal conflicts within the core city areas—are respected, a relative state of harmony prevails among all factions."

"Regarding the Immortal City of Ten Thousand Treasures mentioned by Fellow Daoist Jiuyou, it was the preceding Divinity Transformation power in the Central Domain. However, its aggressive expansionist tendencies led to its annihilation by the combined might of several realms."

Despite Dragon King Ao Guang's understated delivery, Xu Ping was inwardly startled.

A Divinity Transformation power had been extinguished so summarily.

It appeared that the major powers of the realms had long ago established a tacit understanding concerning the Central Domain.

After detailing the native Divinity Transformation power within the Central Domain, Dragon King Ao Guang cast his gaze toward Xu Ping and Nine Nether Elder, his tone growing grave:

"To my knowledge, only a few years remain until the Central Domain experiences its next decadal weakening period of realm power."

"During that time, Divinity Transformation cultivators from each realm, should they choose to, will predominantly migrate to the Central Domain.

"Whether it is to trade their realm's unique specialties and scarce resources, or to engage in the exchange of cultivation insights..."

Dragon King Ao Guang deliberately paused, observing their reactions, before slowly declaring, "It is foreseeable that this will be a grand congregation of Divinity Transformation cultivators."

"There, we may very well acquire rare treasures, elixirs, and talismans that are simply unobtainable within the Wind Origin Realm. Any such acquisitions would undoubtedly prove invaluable in confronting the threat posed by the Star Palace Saints and the ancient demons."

"Or perhaps even... acquire heaven-defying spiritual objects capable of aiding breakthroughs to the Divinity Transformation Realm."

"Heaven-defying spiritual artifacts that aid in ascending to Divinity Transformation?!"

Even with Xu Ping's resolute spirit, hearing such words sent a tremor through his core.

He was acutely aware of the sheer difficulty involved in breaking through to Divinity Transformation.

It was not merely about accumulating mana but entailed a profound qualitative shift, posing a far greater challenge than breakthroughs to Golden Core or Nascent Soul stages.

Even should the Star Palace Saints eventually ascend or perish, leaving an unoccupied position for Divinity Transformation within this realm, countless brilliant cultivators at the Nascent Soul Perfect stage could only lament their despair when gazing across the illusory chasm.

Xu Ping reckoned that despite his foundation vastly exceeding his contemporaries and possessing Duan Shuang's Nascent Yin as a secret dual cultivation treasure for support, his confidence in reaching Divinity Transformation was, at best, a mere fifty percent.

To other cultivators at the Nascent Soul Perfect stage, a fifty percent chance might represent an unfathomable height.

Yet, for Xu Ping, it was virtually synonymous with failure.

If he could acquire a heaven-defying spiritual artifact that dramatically heightened the success rate of achieving Divinity Transformation...

The allure was undeniably potent!

Beside him, the Nine Nether Elder also chimed in at the opportune moment: "What the Dragon King proclaims holds truth. The Central Domain, functioning as a nexus of convergence, has historically yielded spiritual artifacts capable of unlocking the secrets of Divinity Transformation."

Xu Ping stifled the turmoil within his heart, swiftly evaluating the potential benefits against the drawbacks.

The perils were evident; the Central Domain was a precarious melting pot of cultivators, a confluence of Divinity Transformation experts, and permeated by constant danger, not to mention the significant likelihood of encountering the Star Palace Saints.

However, the opportunities were equally monumental; one could not only search for Divinity Transformation spiritual artifacts but potentially uncover clues pertaining to the "Nine Heavens Gale Essence."

After a brief period of contemplation, Xu Ping had already cemented his decision. He looked towards Ao Guang, the Dragon King, and declared with firm resolve: "I am prepared to venture into such a grand assembly."

The Nine Nether Elder offered a slight nod in affirmation, indicating his concurrence, as he himself harbored intentions of journeying to the Central Domain to seek out certain supreme ghostly treasures.

Observing their mutual agreement, Ao Guang, the Dragon King, displayed a look of contentment.

His motive for extending the invitation to them, aside from valuing their formidable strength, was to establish a bulwark against the Star Palace Saints.

He candidly stated: "To be blunt, the Star Palace Saints invariably attend every opening of the Central Domain.

"Following the colossal engagement across the seas this time, their expenditures were substantial, and they are in dire need of replenishing their resources. They will assuredly not forgo this chance, and should we cross paths within the Central Domain, mutual cooperation and support will be essential."

Xu Ping and the Nine Nether Elder understood this reasoning implicitly. Their objectives aligned perfectly in opposition to the Star Palace.

Subsequently, the trio deliberated on the precise timing for their departure to the Central Domain and certain critical details to be mindful of.

Approximately an hour elapsed.

With all arrangements finalized, Xu Ping and the Nine Nether Elder rose to take their leave, each transforming into an Escape Light and departing from the depths of the Dragon Palace.

...

Three months later.

An inconspicuous Escape Light silently navigated the hazy Restriction encircling Blood Bone Island. Xu Ping's silhouette reappeared within the subterranean cave abode.

Seated in a cross-legged posture upon the stone bed, Xu Ping did not immediately commence his cultivation but instead engaged in careful reflection regarding the forthcoming expedition to the Central Domain.