Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 943 - 412: Fourth Rank Upper Grade Rat King; Unexpected Situation

"Boom!"

Like a single drop of frigid water landing in furiously boiling oil, the immense energy erupted without warning within the Water Lake Rat’s being.

Its physical form rapidly distended, golden fur bristling, veins bulging alarmingly, appearing as if it would detonate at any second.

The Water Lake Rat furiously circulated its Demonic Power, directing the surge of energy akin to a volcanic eruption, unleashing a ferocious onslaught against the impenetrable boundary!

In the outer sanctum, Xu Ping and the others adopted grave expressions.

They could distinctly perceive the violent, almost uncontainable energy ripples emanating from the inner sanctum.

Nevertheless, by fortunate circumstance, the Water Lake Rat ultimately managed to regain control.

Amidst the fierce tremors, the Water Lake Rat’s aura arduously advanced, momentarily brushing against the cusp of Late-Stage Nascent Soul, its formidable pressure causing Liang Ming and his wife, positioned outside, to experience a startling jolt of apprehension.

"Such a robust foundation; to possess this much power merely upon breaking through," Liang Ming could not help but murmur in sheer astonishment.

Despite being a mere Mid-stage Nascent Soul Cultivator himself, he was still capable of discerning the solid footing of the Water Lake Rat’s base.

Shan Tianyou also displayed surprise, nodding slightly, stating, "It seems the likelihood of success is indeed not insignificant."

Xu Ping felt no particular surprise welling up within his heart.

Heavenly Demon Yin Flower, Earth Vein Blood Essence... a plethora of supplementary Spiritual Objects were employed; if even this stage could not be attained, it would truly be a colossal waste.

Within the inner sanctum.

The Water Lake Rat felt its Essence Soul Pill on the verge of disintegration under the assault of rampant energy, its boundary wall precariously close to complete collapse, yet still agonizingly short of that final push of strength.

A flicker of unyielding determination flashed within its eyes, and it decisively unlatched the jade box.

The Heavenly Demon Yin Flower.

It swiftly ingested the peculiar blossom, renowned for its ability to dramatically enhance the latent potential within Demon Beast bloodlines.

Buzz!

A more peculiar, more potent energy instantly permeated the very core of its bloodline.

The residual trace of True Dragon Bloodline within its being stirred into a fervent frenzy, burning as if ignited by an inferno.

Its bones audibly cracked with intense force, its form underwent further elongation, and two small protrusions even emerged atop its head, manifesting an overwhelming Dragon Might!

"For Mouse Lord... Break Through!"

The Water Lake Rat emitted a world-shattering roar, coalescing the power of the Earth Vein Blood Essence, the Heavenly Demon Yin Flower, and its entire store of Demonic Power. It charged forth like an enraged dragon towards the ultimate barrier.

Crack!

A sound reminiscent of the very genesis of heaven and earth echoed from the Water Lake Rat.

The unyielding wall that had obstructed it for countless ages crumbled precisely on cue.

Immeasurable power surged through its transformed body, reshaping its demon infant, causing its Divine Sense to skyrocket, and its bloodline to undergo profound purification.

A terrifying pressure, far exceeding its previous might, like a tempest, surged from the inner sanctum, sweeping across the entirety of the Rising Tides Cave.

Amidst the resplendent Dragon Might, a clear and piercing cry, uniquely combining mouse and dragon tones, intermingled.

"Finally, it has not failed me!"

In the outer sanctum, Xu Ping finally released a profound sigh of relief, the corners of his lips involuntarily curving upwards into a smile of deep satisfaction.

Had the breakthrough faltered, the squandering of so many precious resources would have represented an insurmountable loss.

Furthermore, should the Water Lake Rat attempt to ascend to Fourth Rank Upper Grade once more in the future, the endeavor would undoubtedly become significantly more arduous.

"Success!"

Beside him, Duan Shuang’s beautiful eyes gleamed with excitement, while the faces of Liang Ming and his wife registered a mixture of shock and keen envy.

Shan Tianyou, meanwhile, experienced a complex swirl of emotions as he sensed the gradually stabilizing yet increasingly unfathomable Dragon Might emanating from within the inner sanctum.

Xu Ping’s Spirit Pet, the Rat Demon, had indeed conquered an insurmountable obstacle, achieving the esteemed Fourth Rank Upper Grade.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Xu! Your Spirit Pet has attained the Dao itself. In the future, your prowess will be like a tiger given wings; the Dao itself will be within your grasp!"

Shan Tianyou suppressed the turbulent emotions stirring within, a genuine smile gracing his features as he bowed in congratulation to Xu Ping.

Regardless of any other factors, Xu Ping’s increasing strength rendered the maintenance of their good relationship even more crucial.

"Senior Shan bestows undeserved praise."

At these words, Xu Ping offered a modest smile and a reciprocal gesture, stating, "This achievement owes greatly to Senior’s kind provision of such a treasured location. Without it, this relative ease would not have been possible. This Xu Mou shall remember this favor deeply."

Shan Tianyou chuckled heartily, gesturing dismissively, "It is merely a humble dwelling, hardly worth mentioning. Assisting a Fellow Daoist is an honor for both myself and the Mystic Water Sect."

The atmosphere within the cave, uplifted by the Water Lake Rat’s triumphant breakthrough, became noticeably more buoyant.

Yet, every individual present was acutely aware of the delicate balance, refraining from interjecting further.

Following a breakthrough, the consolidation of one’s realm is of utmost importance.

...

Time elapsed with remarkable speed, two months vanishing in the blink of an eye.

News regarding Xu Ping’s Spirit Pet achieving the Fourth Rank Upper Grade spread like wildfire, soaring through the esteemed circles of the Cultivation Realm beyond the seas!

Xu Ping himself possessed a strength previously considered unfathomable, acknowledged as second only to the great Ancestor Yunnan. Now, he commanded a Demon Beast that could rival a Great Cultivator in the Late-stage Nascent Soul realm?

What manner of terrifying synergy did this represent?

It was a power that completely defied all expectations!

Once more, the name Xu Ping was thrust into the spotlight, his renown and the perceived threat he posed escalating to unparalleled levels.

Buzz!

On this particular day, the gates of the Rising Tides inner sanctum, which had been sealed for many months, began to part with a low, resonant hum.

A figure emerged from within.

Clad in a robe of dark gold, this individual stood tall and slender. His facial features bore a significant resemblance, perhaps five or six parts, to Xu Ping.

However, his brows lacked the profound gravity seen in Xu Ping’s, instead conveying a more genial and astute expression. He seemed to perpetually carry a subtle, ingratiating smile, presenting himself as being in his late twenties.

This was, of course, the Water Lake Rat, now completely transformed!

Following its metamorphosis, the formidable Dragon Might and Demonic Power that the Water Lake Rat once possessed were now fully contained within.

Yet, a fleeting glint in his eyes and the subtle aura that emanated from him as he walked were unmistakable indicators of the terrifying power that lay dormant.

He moved swiftly towards Xu Ping, offering a respectful bow. His voice, though changed, retained its characteristic deference and sycophancy: