Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 951 - 413: Farewell, Hongyi (Part 3)

Furthermore, Hongyi has astonishingly advanced to the Late-Stage Nascent Soul.

This particular threshold is not merely a pitfall for countless Mid-stage Nascent Soul Cultivators, and judging by his aura, ordinary late-stage cultivators would likely find themselves outmatched.

However, Xu Ping swiftly quelled the surprise within his heart, keeping in mind his current standing in the Outer Sea.

As long as the other party ventured into the Outer Sea, the reputation would have surely reached them.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, it has been quite some time."

Upon spotting an old acquaintance, Hongyi offered a smile, descended from his Escape Light, and landed before Xu Ping.

Having known each other for more than a century and having navigated treacherous realms together, even cultivators who typically remain detached from worldly sentiments couldn't help but feel a stir of emotion after two centuries apart.

Xu Ping, suppressing his astonishment, cupped his hands in greeting and returned a warm smile: "Fellow Daoist Hong, indeed, it has been a long time."

Then, his gaze shifted once more to the wizened elder before him, his tone tinged with inquiry: "This Fellow Daoist's aura... it feels remarkably familiar, could it be... Senior Nine Nether?"

Although the intensity and quality of the aura were vastly different, the chilling undertone originating from the soul's essence strongly evoked a sense of déjà vu in Xu Ping.

"Hmph, your perception is quite keen."

Before Hongyi could offer an introduction, Nine Nether Elder let out a cold snort, acknowledging the recognition.

He scrutinized Xu Ping, and a subtle gleam flickered within his deep, pool-like eyes, as if assessing Xu Ping’s current strength.

Xu Ping displayed no surprise, cupped his hands once more, and stated: "Congratulations, Senior, on regaining your physical form."

To his understanding, Nine Nether Elder and Hongyi had been preparing a physical vessel for the former for quite some time.

With the passage of years, obtaining a body was no longer an exceptional feat.

Xu Ping then extended a cordial invitation: "Fellow Daoist Hong, Senior Nine Nether, you have journeyed a great distance; please, come inside and partake in some tea."

...

Within the Blood Bone Hall.

Duan Shuang personally presented three cups brimming with potent Spiritual Qi, offered a slight nod to Hongyi and Nine Nether Elder, and then discreetly withdrew to the side hall, leaving the intimate space for the three of them.

She sensed the formidable power emanating from the two elders, harboring a degree of wariness internally, yet wisely remaining silent.

"Fellow Daoist Xu certainly possesses great fortune."

Hongyi picked up his teacup, inhaled its rich fragrance, and remarked with a lighthearted smile, his gaze briefly lingering on Duan Shuang's retreating figure.

Xu Ping offered a faint smile in response: "Fellow Daoist Hong is merely jesting."

He took a sip of the Spirit Tea, set down the cup, turned his attention back to Hongyi, and voiced the question that had been weighing on his mind: "Since our parting within the spatial passage all those years ago, nearly two centuries have passed.

I am curious as to where Fellow Daoist Hong has ultimately found himself, and what leads you to seek me out here in the Outer Sea with Senior Nine Nether today?"

As past events were brought to light, Hongyi's smile softened, transitioning into a gentle sigh: "This tale is indeed a long one..."

He commenced his explanation at a leisurely pace.

It transpired that after navigating the unstable passage back then, he had not landed in the Outer Sea as Xu Ping had, but instead materialized within the Star Palace's dominion—the Dry Prefecture.

Through a series of unforeseen events and fortunate encounters, he even managed to join the Star Palace.

Subsequently, after more than a hundred years of dedicated cultivation within the Star Palace, he finally achieved the late stage, solidifying his standing.

Once his position was secure, he began leveraging the Star Palace's extensive intelligence network to discreetly search for Xu Ping's whereabouts.

After many years of diligent searching, he occasionally intercepted fragments of news originating from the Outer Sea.

This prompted him to plan a visit, which proved to be accurate.

Xu Ping listened, also letting out an emotional sigh.

He hadn't anticipated such a turn of events for Hongyi, directly integrating into the colossal Star Palace and subsequently advancing to the late stage.

Initially, upon his arrival in the Wind Origin Realm, out of caution towards Nine Nether Elder, he had deliberately avoided an early reunion with Hongyi.

Now that ample time had elapsed and his own strength was sufficient to manage most circumstances, this reunion was indeed a welcome occasion.

The two men exchanged brief pleasantries, reminiscing about moments from their past separation.

Following the conclusion of three rounds of tea, Hongyi’s demeanor grew increasingly serious. He placed his teacup down and stated with gravity:

"Fellow Daoist Xu, beyond merely visiting an old friend, there is, in fact, another matter of utmost importance that I wish to discuss with you."

Xu Ping’s expression sharpened, and he sat up straighter: "Fellow Daoist Hong, please, do not hesitate to speak."

Hongyi set down his teacup, his face adopting a formal mien as he uttered: "Fellow Daoist Xu, apart from this reunion with an old friend, there is indeed another significant matter I must discuss with you."

"Fellow Daoist Hong, please, feel free to speak your mind." Xu Ping maintained his composure, gesturing for Hongyi to proceed.

Hongyi let out a soft chuckle and posed a surprising question: "Fellow Daoist Xu, I wonder if you might be interested in joining forces with me to hunt down some Tier Four Top-grade Demon Beasts?"

"Hunt Tier Four Top-grade Demon Beasts?"

Xu Ping was taken aback by the proposition, but soon his brow furrowed deeply, like a sharp sword.

He slowly articulated, "As Fellow Daoist Hong is well aware, Tier Four Top-grade Demon Beasts wield immense power. More critically, such formidable beasts are typically registered with and protected by the True Dragon Hall. Recklessly slaying them could incite the wrath of the True Dragon Hall, leading to unending complications."

"Furthermore, the malevolent Qi and lingering resentment from a dying demon beast have the potential to contaminate one's being, which is also an exceedingly troublesome issue."

It appeared Hongyi had foreseen these reservations, as he responded with a calm laugh, "Fellow Daoist Xu's concerns are indeed valid."

"However, regarding the hunt itself, you need not fret; that will be entirely Hong's responsibility."

"Moreover, as a distinguished member of the Star Palace, I harbor no fear of the True Dragon Hall pursuing any grievances."

"Your role will be to provide assistance and deliver critical strikes at opportune moments."

Upon hearing this, Xu Ping fell into deep contemplation.

Tier Four Top-grade Demon Beasts... their entire bodies were invaluable treasures.

The Essence Soul Pill, in particular, contained the majority of its life essence and soul origin. While others might merely regard it as a supplementary ingredient for concocting special elixirs or enhancing their Divine Sense, for him...

After a brief pause, Xu Ping raised his eyelids, his gaze piercingly sharp. "Since Fellow Daoist Hong possesses such confidence, I shall accept your invitation."

"However, I have a single condition: upon their demise, the demon beast's Essence Soul Pill must be mine alone."

"I shall claim no other materials from the spoils."

"The Essence Soul Pill?"

Hongyi's finely arched eyebrows rose slightly at this specific demand, evident surprise flashing across his features.

His gaze involuntarily flickered towards Nine Nether Elder, who stood silently at his side.

A momentary flicker crossed Nine Nether Elder's eyes before he gave a slight nod.