Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 961 - 417: Peak of Fourth Rank Middle Grade Spirit Vein; Blood and Qi Enhancement

The aura surrounding the Spirit Worm grows significantly more robust and condensed, now approaching the peak of Fourth Rank Lower Grade. An earth-colored spiritual light flows around its form, subtly resonating with the earth vein’s breath throughout the entire Blood Bone Island, indicating its diligent efforts during this period.

"Master." The Spirit Worm displays an eager expression.

"Hmm." Xu Ping offers a slight nod before flicking his sleeve. Two sections of Fourth Rank Middle Grade Spirit Veins materialize and float in the void. Their appearance immediately energizes the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi, causing the very ground to tremble faintly in response.

"How long would it take to integrate these into the island’s Spirit Veins, thereby elevating Blood Bone Island's Spirit Veins to the peak of Fourth Rank Middle Grade?" Xu Ping inquires directly. The Spirit Worm extends its massive head towards the two Spirit Vein sections, meticulously examining them. It confidently responds, "Master, at most one year. I am fully confident in elevating the Spirit Vein quality to the peak of Fourth Rank Middle Grade."

"Very well, proceed." Xu Ping’s eyes gleam intensely; the speed is somewhat beyond his expectations.

"I shall not fail you, Master." The Spirit Worm’s colossal maw opens wide, and with a powerful suction, it engulfs the two substantial Spirit Vein sections. Its immense body then slowly descends into the ground, vanishing as if it were melting into water.

The next moment, Xu Ping’s potent Divine Sense clearly registers the Spirit Worm’s descent deep underground, carrying the two Spirit Veins with it as they begin to merge with Blood Bone Island’s main Spirit Vein.

In the initial few days, the island exhibits minimal change. However, subtle transformations soon begin to occur. The Spiritual Qi pervading the air gradually becomes richer, with each breath imparting a refreshing sensation as it enters the lungs.

A year later, these changes culminate at a critical juncture. The entirety of Blood Bone Island subtly trembles. A profound buzzing sound emanates from the depths of the earth vein, audible only to cultivators of higher attainment. The spirit mist blanketing the island instantly thickens to an almost uncontainable density.

"It has succeeded!" Xu Ping, who had been meditating, abruptly opens his eyes, a brilliant light erupting from them. He senses that the concentration of Spiritual Qi across the entire island has reached an extreme. This is achieved even without the activation of the Spirit Gathering Array.

"Activate!" With a mere thought, Xu Ping flicks his fingers, fully engaging the Spirit Gathering Array. The dense, nearly liquefied Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi is forcibly drawn in, compressed, and channeled towards Xu Ping’s underground abode. The quality and concentration of Spiritual Qi within his dwelling slowly ascend, reaching the threshold of Fourth Rank Upper Grade.

"Excellent!" Xu Ping carefully scrutinizes the situation, a subtle smile appearing on his lips. This advancement undoubtedly accelerates his cultivation and empowers the operation of more potent arrays.

At this juncture, the Spirit Worm’s weary, colossal body emerges from the ground. It fawningly approaches Xu Ping, proclaiming, "Master, the mission is accomplished!"

"Well done." Xu Ping bestows generous praise and rewards the worm with several precious Earth Element Demon Cores. "Go and rest well."

"Thank you, Master." The Spirit Worm, filled with delight, accepts the Demon Cores and happily submerges back into the ground.

Xu Ping then resumes his cross-legged meditation, initiating the "Ten Thousand Woods Evergreen Scripture." Upon commencing the cultivation technique, he is momentarily taken aback. The surrounding dense and pure Spiritual Qi surges into his body like a breached flood, its speed immense and its quantity vast, far surpassing previous experiences. The inherent characteristic of the perfected "Ten Thousand Woods Evergreen Scripture" in siphoning Spiritual Qi is now fully showcased.

"It appears the Spiritual Qi was previously hindering the cultivation speed of the Ten Thousand Woods Evergreen Scripture," Xu Ping muses, a peculiar glint in his eyes. With the support of such high-quality Spirit Veins, his cultivation speed is certain to escalate, facilitating an earlier breakthrough to the peak of Fourth Rank Middle Grade and preparing him for the late-stage advancements.

"However, elevating this Spirit Vein further to Fourth Rank Upper Grade might necessitate an exceedingly lengthy endeavor, or perhaps..." Xu Ping’s gaze sharpens, "...acquiring a section of Fourth Rank Upper Grade Spirit Vein as a catalyst." Sadly, Fourth Rank Upper Grade Spirit Veins are exceedingly rare treasures across the outer seas, with their limited quantities already claimed by the most influential sects or Demon Race factions, making their acquisition even more challenging. This matter can only be noted down for the time being, to be pursued gradually as opportunities arise.

In the subsequent period, Xu Ping dedicates himself entirely to cultivating.

Thanks to the significantly enhanced Spiritual Qi environment, his cultivation level advances with remarkable steadiness and rapidity.

...

Time marches onward, and another year concludes.

On this particular day, a familiar silhouette of an Escape Light appears outside Blood Bone Island; it is Liang Ming.

His countenance is clearly marked by sorrow and exhaustion.

Upon encountering Xu Ping, Liang Ming inclines his head with profound respect, his voice carrying a somber tone: "Fellow Daoist Xu, I have come to impart some news... Uncle Shan Tianyou has departed this world two months prior within the Mystic Water Cave Heaven."

Although a premonition had lingered, Xu Ping finds himself unable to suppress a soft sigh.

A Great Cultivator at the Late-stage Nascent Soul realm has met their end.

Liang Ming, his spirits evidently low, continues his somber report: "Before his passing, Uncle had specifically requested that the funeral rites be kept simple, with invitations extended only to a select few old acquaintances."

"He particularly instructed that Fellow Daoist Xu be invited to attend and that the promised item be delivered to Fellow Daoist Xu."

Xu Ping remains silent for a brief spell before finally nodding his assent: "Elder Shan's integrity is truly commendable; I shall personally grace the ceremony with my presence."

He and Duan Shuang undertake brief preparations before accompanying Liang Ming as they depart Blood Bone Island, their destination the Mystic Water Sect.

Three months elapse, and we arrive at the Mystic Water Sect.

At this time, the Mystic Water Sect is permeated by an aura of profound solemnity and deep sadness.

The Sect Protection Array is fully deployed, yet its bolstered defenses fail to mask the pervasive grief that blankets the entire sect.

The disciples comprising the sect are all clad in the somber garb of mourning, their faces etched with sorrow.

Owing to Shan Tianyou's directive for a discreet ceremony, no broad invitations were disseminated; consequently, aside from Xu Ping and Duan Shuang, no other outsiders graced the occasion with their presence.