Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 940 - 411: The Waterlake Rat Breaks Through to Fourth Rank Upper Grade

"Yes."

Xu Ping readily agreed; this was precisely the arrangement he desired.

He was now short only one late-stage ancient demon to complete his collection of all Nirvana Blood.

Even if Jin Yuxuan hadn't proposed it, it would have been his next move.

"Very well then!"

Jin Yuxuan applauded, "In addition to the two of us, the Golden Spirit Mouse clan is also dispatching three elders from the mid-stage Nascent Soul realm to join us.

"Firstly, to provide combat support, and secondly, to eliminate the lesser demonic beasts."

In truth, there was a third, unspoken reason: the Golden Spirit Mouse clan also sought a share of the accrued merit and spoils.

"That is only proper."

Xu Ping raised no objections.

The pair meticulously refined the particulars of their operation, finally setting the date for execution two months hence.

...

Two months vanished like a fleeting dream.

In a secluded oceanic expanse of the outer seas, the water's surface shimmered, and a brilliant light descended, coalescing into the form of a diminutive rat demon, exuding Fourth Rank Middle Grade demon qi.

It was Xu Ping, his appearance and aura artfully disguised by a Thousand Illusion Concealing Pearl.

Jin Yuxuan and the three Golden Spirit Mouse elders, who had been anticipating his arrival, promptly stepped forward upon his appearance.

"I trust Fellow Daoist Jin has not been kept waiting."

"Fellow Daoist Xu is too polite; your arrival is perfectly timed."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, no time was wasted.

Jin Yuxuan produced a compass-like artifact, confirmed their bearing, and the assembled group dissolved into several inconspicuous streaks of light, plunging silently into the vast ocean.

Their quarry was clearly defined.

The Golden Spirit Mouse clan, renowned for their prowess in locating treasures and tracking, had already identified a demon contingent, led by a late-stage Nascent Soul ancient demon, inhabiting a derelict demon realm.

The activities of these demons were well-documented, rendering them an ideal target for elimination.

Two months later, deep within a labyrinth of colossal coral formations.

This location had once been the territory of a mid-sized sea demon lineage, now permeated by dense demonic qi, its structures in ruins, corals bleached and lifeless—a scene of utter desolation.

"This is the designated location."

Jin Yuxuan communicated, his gaze sharp.

Xu Ping’s divine sense had already permeated the area stealthily, confirming the presence of their target.

A single late-stage Nascent Soul ancient demon, five ancient demons of the early to mid-stage Nascent Soul realm, and close to a hundred demonic creatures at the Golden Core level.

"Hmm."

Xu Ping gave a slight nod.

Following a brief discussion, the decision was made to engage immediately.

The subsequent moment!

Jin Yuxuan and the three Golden Spirit Mouse elders unleashed their power simultaneously, surging towards the five lesser ancient demons and the horde of demonic beasts.

Golden light flared, demon qi billowed, and they were instantly locked in a tumultuous melee.

The three Golden Spirit Mouse elders, each a formidable Fourth Rank Middle Grade entity, swiftly overpowered the group of ancient demons.

Xu Ping, in his guise as a rat demon, materialized like a phantom directly above the lair of the great bat ancient demon!

"Roar! How dare a mere insect?!"

The great bat ancient demon, taken by surprise, emitted a piercing shriek, unfurling its immense wings. It channeled overwhelming demonic qi into a torrent of black wind blades, slicing downwards towards Xu Ping.

A Fourth Rank Middle Grade rat demon dared to launch a surprise assault upon him?

Xu Ping’s expression remained impassive, a cold glint in his eyes.

He let out a breath.

*Whoosh! Whoosh!*

Two Soul-Breaking Needles, newly refined, devoid of any luster, disregarded spatial constraints and vanished in the blink of an eye!

"Ugh!"

The great bat ancient demon’s confident strike faltered abruptly, emitting a piercing cry of agony. Its colossal form convulsed violently in mid-air.

The Soul-Breaking Needle had pierced directly into its sea of consciousness. While not instantly fatal, it inflicted grievous damage upon its divine soul, resulting in muddled thoughts and disrupting the flow of its demonic essence!

In that crucial instant of its disarray!

A surge of light enveloped Xu Ping’s form, and ten intricately designed metal puppets, radiating Fourth Rank Lower Grade energy signatures, materialized from nowhere. They instantly coalesced into a complex battle formation.

With a subtle gesture of his magic technique, the energies of all the puppets became interconnected, converging into a devastating beam of light that struck ferociously at the chest of the great bat ancient demon.

*Rumble!*

Demonic ichor sprayed, and bone fragments splintered.

The great bat ancient demon was violently propelled backward, a scorched cavity gaping open on its chest!

"Die!"

Jin Yuxuan’s voice thundered like an enraged deity.

How could he possibly let such a prime opportunity slip by?

A golden short spear, prepared long in advance, shot forth, transforming into a blinding streak that tore through the void, finding its mark precisely within the wound and plunging deep into the great bat ancient demon’s body!

*Boom!*

Within the colossal ancient demon bat, an immense surge of demon yuan erupted.

A pained howl escaped its maw as its massive form began to swell, as if rapidly inflating.

However, the ancient demon bat's own demonic qi surged forth, forcefully suppressing the internal pressure, preventing it from exploding and succumbing to death.

Yet, this was merely a desperate struggle for survival.

"Suppress it!"

Xu Ping once again directed the puppet array, driving it forward with crushing force.

Jin Yuxuan followed swiftly in its wake.

A united front of human and demon now firmly held the ancient demon bat captive, leaving it utterly powerless to resist.

Swiftly.

"Roar!"

Accompanied by a final, resounding cry, the heavily wounded and near-death ancient demon bat could no longer withstand the assault. Its head was pulverized by the puppet's gargantuan fist.

Splintered bone fragments and viscous demon blood rained down like a tempest, painting the desolate corals a vibrant crimson.

An ancient demon of the late-stage Nascent Soul realm, now easily vanquished through the impeccable synergy between Xu Ping and Jin Yuxuan.

All the credit, naturally, belonged to Xu Ping's Soul-Breaking Needle, which had grievously wounded its divine sense, leading to a dramatic decline in its power.

Had it not been for that, the battle might have required a bit more exertion.

Jin Yuxuan retrieved his short spear, his gaze sweeping over the scattered remnants of demonic blood and bone. He then shifted his attention to Xu Ping, who stood composedly not far away. A profound sense of awe and wariness filled Jin Yuxuan's eyes.

That unsettling spiritual sense attack artifact. That astonishingly formidable puppet legion.

And he was aware that his companion had not even deployed the rumored, even more terrifying sword array and clone techniques.

This individual's might, among the countless demon races under the True Dragon Hall's dominion, was likely sufficient to contend for the esteemed position of Hall Master.

"Esteemed Daoist Xu... your profound techniques are truly astonishing. Fellow Daoist Jin is deeply impressed!" Jin Yuxuan exclaimed with genuine admiration.

Xu Ping merely waved a dismissive hand, his tone placid: "Fellow Daoist Jin is too kind; it just so happens to be effective against this particular ancient demon."