Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 946 - 412: The Four Realms of the Sword Dao, Sword Rainbow Splitting Light
Previously on Cultivation Starts from Farming...
"The True Dragon Hall... what stance are they taking?"
Xuanmo True Monarch suppressed the thoughts churning in his mind and inquired in a deep tone. This was the crucial element that would determine the success or failure of their entire undertaking. If the True Dragon Hall offered only empty words, then any of the Human Race members who ventured forth would undoubtedly meet their demise. Yun Weifeng’s expression turned solemn as he slowly revealed, "The True Dragon Hall has given their word that the Dragon Kings serving as Hall Masters of their main halls will personally enter the fray!"
Upon hearing this, a slight easing of tension could be felt amongst everyone present. The Dragon Kings who held the esteemed positions of Hall Masters within the True Dragon Hall were beings that simply could not be equated with common great demons of the late-stage Nascent Soul realm. Their true forms were formidable creatures inherently possessing the Ancient True Dragon Bloodline, their innate divine abilities were astonishingly potent, and their combat prowess generally surpassed that of Human Race Cultivators at the same cultivation level by a significant margin. With these Dragon Kings leading the charge as the primary force, the probability of success for this perilous expedition would undoubtedly skyrocket.
However, Yun Weifeng’s subsequent statement promptly doused their hopes like a bucket of cold water: "But... due to the seal currently undergoing a special period of weakening, the passage’s throughput capacity is quite restricted." "Following joint calculations between the True Dragon Hall and our side, for this specific operation, the number of Cultivators who can penetrate into the core region cannot be excessively large." "Furthermore, they must be individuals possessing the absolute peak of combat strength, as only they can effectively manage unforeseen circumstances."
Swish!
Almost as a unified reflex, all eyes swiveled in the same direction, focusing on the handful of individuals acknowledged as the strongest cultivators present, naturally including Xu Ping. Xu Ping’s brows furrowed instantly, but his expression swiftly settled back into a mask of calm. Yun Weifeng, acutely aware of the shift in everyone’s gaze and the underlying mood, deliberately refrained from naming names at that moment. Instead, he steered the conversation in a different direction, stating: "The selection of specific candidates is of paramount importance and requires meticulous consideration." "This elder intends to discuss this matter with you, Fellow Daoists, in private. For now, this meeting is adjourned."
This approach was quite astute, effectively circumventing any potential awkwardness or embarrassment that might arise from public nominations, while simultaneously affording everyone ample time for careful deliberation and assessment. After all, embarking on this mission carried the inherent risk of perishing, even for even the most formidable late-stage experts. With heavy hearts, the cultivators dispersed, each returning to the temporary cave dwellings assigned to them aboard the spirit ship.
As expected, not long after, a gentle transmission from Yun Weifeng’s voice echoed outside Xu Ping’s cave: "Fellow Daoist Xu." Xu Ping deactivated the Restriction and welcomed the preeminent figure of the Outer Sea into his modest dwelling. The cave was sparsely furnished, containing merely a stone bed and a meditation cushion. Yun Weifeng wasted no time, cutting directly to the heart of the matter: "Young Friend Xu, you witnessed the situation unfold just now." "This incursion into the Ancient Demon Hall is fraught with extreme peril; it simply cannot be accomplished without top-tier combat strength." "On behalf of the Human Race of the Outer Sea, this elder earnestly implores you, Young Friend, to participate in this operation."
As he spoke, Yun Weifeng’s tone became even more earnest: "Whatever conditions you may have, as long as the Yunxiao Sect and our side are capable of meeting them, Young Friend, please do not hesitate to state them. Even if it involves... an item that could assist you in enhancing the spirituality of your Lifebound Spiritual Treasure, this elder can endeavor to procure it." The terms offered were undeniably generous. Boosting the spirituality of a Spirit Treasure was an opportunity that countless Nascent Soul Cultivators yearned for.
However, Xu Ping declined with a slow yet resolute shake of his head, almost without a moment’s hesitation: "Senior Yun, I must apologize, but I cannot accept this request." A flicker of undisguised disappointment crossed Yun Weifeng’s eyes: "Young Friend..." Xu Ping interrupted him, his voice steady yet leaving no room for argument: "Senior, I have personally experienced the dangers lurking within the core of the Ancient Demon Hall more profoundly than most present." "Although that Possession Demon has temporarily retreated, whether an even more terrifying entity resides within remains an unknown." "On this expedition, even you, Senior, cannot assert with certainty that you will emerge unscathed." "My cultivation path thus far has been fraught with numerous hardships; I genuinely do not wish to undertake such a perilous venture where survival is uncertain. Material wealth is indeed valuable, but one must first be alive to enjoy it."
Xu Ping’s words were frank and direct, devoid of any insincere pleasantries, laying his true intentions bare. Yet, this was precisely the honest reflection of his deepest thoughts and his guiding principle—prioritizing stability above all else.
Yun Weifeng observed Xu Ping intently. Upon seeing the unwavering resolve in his eyes, Yun Weifeng realized that further attempts at persuasion would be futile.
With a sigh, Yun Weifeng spoke, "To each their own path. This old man... understands. Since Young Friend has no ties in the Outer Sea, this decision is quite logical."
Although a hint of regret colored his tone, there was no intention to force the issue.
Individuals at their level understood the futility of coercion, especially when attempting to sway a Great Cultivator nearing the late stage; such an endeavor was nothing short of a fantasy.
Yun Weifeng then got to his feet, stating, "Since that is your decision, this old man shall not press it any further. I shall take my leave now."
After bidding Yun Weifeng farewell, Xu Ping remained seated in the cave dwelling, enveloped by a profound silence.
He was not devoid of empathy, and he certainly grasped the principle of mutual reliance, understanding that 'when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold'.
Should the Ancient Demon's scheme come to fruition, the ensuing upheaval in the Outer Sea would undoubtedly leave even his Blood Bone Island vulnerable.
However, when weighed against his own survival, such broader concerns diminished in importance.
"In this precarious situation, ensuring my own safety is paramount," Xu Ping mused inwardly.
He continued his thoughts, "The Outer Sea Human Race has allied with the True Dragon Hall, their combined might is immense, and with a Perfection Great Cultivator like Yun Weifeng leading the charge, their chances... should not be insignificant."
After all, the Dragon Kings who presided as Hall Masters of the True Dragon Hall were reputed to possess formidable power. With them as the core fighting force, perhaps they could truly achieve victory?
Yet, for reasons unknown, a certain figure, that ancient devil who had previously possessed Hehuan Old Demon's body, would inexplicably flicker through Xu Ping's mind...
Xu Ping let out a soft sigh, feeling a sense of helplessness wash over him.
Even though his current Cultivation strength far surpassed that of ordinary late-stage cultivators, making him one of the preeminent powers in the Outer Sea,
when confronted with a cataclysmic wave that might reach the Divinity Transformation Level and threaten the very existence of an entire world, he still felt remarkably insignificant.
"Ultimately... I have not yet reached Divinity Transformation."
These words acted like a heavy manacle, forcing Xu Ping to confront the stark reality of his limitations.
Without achieving Divinity Transformation, he could not truly command his own destiny, and could only desperately fight within the currents, striving to preserve himself.
"If events truly reach an irreparable point, retreating to the Inner Sea or returning to the Nanchuan Realm would not be an unreasonable course of action."