Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 950 - 413: Farewell, Hongyi (Part 2)

The talismans he was meticulously crafting were classified as Fourth Rank Upper Grade Talismans—Profound Nether Annihilation Talismans.

Upon activation, these potent artifacts possessed the capability to engulf vast expanses in instantaneous frost, annihilate the Divine Soul of early-stage Nascent Soul Cultivators, and inflict severe damage upon those in the mid-stage.

Furthermore, they could present significant hindrances and delays even for Great Cultivators in the late stages, truly embodying a formidable killing intent.

When employed in conjunction with his Soul-Breaking Needle, their efficacy could be amplified to achieve unforeseen results.

After all, initiating combat with a few Profound Nether Annihilation Talismans would render even late-stage Nascent Soul Cultivators incapable of resistance, creating the perfect opportunity to unleash the full power of his Soul-Breaking Needle.

The intricate process of drawing these talismans had occupied a full three days.

Initially, the procedure unfolded without a hitch. The fundamental structure of the talismans was established, the flow of energy was harmonious, and only a few critical strokes on the central runes remained to finalize them.

Holding his breath and focusing intently, Xu Ping directed the immense Divine Sense and Mana gathered at his talisman pen's tip towards the most pivotal rune node.

However, just as the tip of the pen was poised to make contact with the talisman paper—

The previously stable currents of dark blue and black energy on the talisman paper were abruptly disturbed by an inexplicable interference, causing them to tremble violently.

Boom!

The sheet of priceless dark gold talisman paper spontaneously erupted into fierce flames without any prior indication, radiating powerful energy fluctuations in every direction.

"Hmm?"

Xu Ping's brows knitted together, yet his response was astonishingly swift.

Simultaneously, his left hand formed a Dharma Seal and executed it instantly.

With a mere flick of his right sleeve, a gentle surge of Mana, akin to an unseen colossal hand, firmly contained and compressed the epicenter of the explosion.

Bang!

Despite the containment of most of the force, the residual shockwave propagated outward, scattering other Spiritual Ink and tools across the jade table, leaving a considerable mess.

As the light subsided, a peculiar blend of burnt and icy scents lingered within the confines of the cave abode.

"Another failure..."

Xu Ping sighed, his gaze fixed on the charred remnants on the floor, a pang of regret in his heart.

This marked the seventh unsuccessful attempt in nearly half a year.

Each failure consumed materials so valuable that even Nascent Soul Cultivators would lament the loss, and the risks of backlash were far from negligible.

Were it not for his robust Divine Sense, profound Mana reserves, and careful preparations, an ordinary early-stage Nascent Soul Cultivator would have undoubtedly sustained severe injuries from the backlash encountered moments ago.

"Fourth Rank Upper Grade Talismans are indeed no simple undertaking."

Xu Ping drew a deep breath, subsiding the frustration building within him, and initiated his Cultivation Technique to stabilize his slightly agitated Mana.

After a period of recuperation.

Just as Xu Ping was making preparations to clear the area and commence anew.

His brows subtly furrowed once more, and he sharply directed his gaze upwards towards the void above, as if piercing through the dense rock and intricate Arrays to perceive the world beyond the island.

"This aura... it feels strangely familiar?"

"Late-Stage Nascent Soul?"

"Could it be?"

...

Let us rewind the timeline slightly.

High above the seemingly boundless ocean, two brilliant streams of Escape Light traversed the heavens at an astonishing velocity, moving so swiftly that even formidable Mid-Stage Nascent Soul Cultivators would find them unattainable.

The leading beam of light, a striking purple-blue hue, emanated an aura of immense power and majesty, having reached the extraordinary pinnacle of Late-Stage Nascent Soul.

Moreover, the density of its Mana far exceeded that typically observed in ordinary Late-Stage Cultivators.

Following closely behind was an Escape Light of pure black; while its aura was marginally less imposing, it remained exceptionally sharp and unparalleled, signifying its presence at the zenith of the Mid-Stage Nascent Soul realm.

It seemed merely a single step separated it from ascending to the Late-Stage.

The Late-Stage Nascent Soul Cultivator at the forefront, clad in a dark robe, possessed a visage of striking handsomeness, his eyes sharp as a raptor's, with a subtle, knowing smile gracing the corners of his lips.

At a single glance, it was unmistakably Hongyi.

Accompanying him was a figure of great stature, yet lean and gaunt in appearance. Their eyes, however, were as profound and fathomless as an eternal cold pool, radiating an aura of chilling intensity.

Undeniably, this was the Nine Nether Elder in his corporeal form.

"Tsk, tsk, truly unexpected..."

Hongyi cast his gaze downwards towards the gradually discernible outline of the sea below, articulating his thoughts with a trace of wonder, "Fellow Daoist Xu, to have achieved such a renowned reputation in these remote outer seas while merely at the Mid-Stage Nascent Soul.

"To have vanquished ancient demons of the Late-Stage with a single sword strike, earning the title of second strongest in the outer sea, and to possess a Fourth Rank Upper Grade Spirit Pet..."

"These accomplishments, even within the more established inland regions informed by the Star Palace, would be sufficient to cause significant waves."

Even the usually detached Nine Nether Elder showed a subtle hint of surprise in his ancient, calm eyes, his voice raspy as he uttered:

"This child... truly exceeds this old man’s expectations. Quite a formidable talent."

"More than just formidable?"

Hongyi chuckled softly, shaking his head, his tone tinged with an unconsciously revealed admiration and solemnity, "This capability is absolutely heaven-defying!"

At this moment, Hongyi suspected that he might not even be a match for Xu Ping anymore.

Furthermore, Xu Ping was only at the Mid-Stage Nascent Soul currently; should he truly break through to the Late-Stage, perhaps... he could be lauded as the foremost expert below the Divinity Transformation realm.

Upon hearing this, the Nine Nether Elder fell silent for a spell, offering no rebuttal. A faint, knowing smile played on his lips as he remarked:

"The more potent Xu lad’s Divine Techniques prove to be, the greater the advantage for our objective, sparing us the arduous task of a widespread search."

"That is indeed the case." Hongyi affirmed with a nod.

The conversation between the two ceased, and they promptly accelerated their Escape Lights.

Several hours later, their journey culminated at an island shrouded in dense yin and malevolent energies—known as Blood Bone Island.

Hongyi stabilized his descent, projecting his voice loudly. Amplified by Mana, his voice was both gentle and remarkably resonant, easily penetrating the protective array below:

"Does Fellow Daoist Xu reside here? An old acquaintance has come to pay a visit."

His words reverberated across the island.

Following a brief, expectant silence, the swirling mist and cloud array that concealed the island churned and slowly parted, creating an open pathway.

A solitary figure emerged, gracefully walking from the central main hall situated on the island.

He was clad in a simple white robe, his posture impeccably straight, his appearance refined, and his bearing serene and transcendent—resembling an immortal descending into the mortal realm.

Who else could this esteemed individual be but Xu Ping?

Even though Xu Ping had a vague sense of a familiar presence, this direct encounter confirmed his suspicions, leaving him, as expected, utterly astonished.