Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 976 - 422: Star Palace Surveillance

An hour later.

Xu Ping emerged from Duan Shuang’s cave, feeling utterly refreshed and walking with a leisurely pace. The extreme pleasure derived from their recent spiritual union had completely relaxed him, dispelling the weariness accumulated during days of seclusion and cultivation.

However, just as Xu Ping was about to enter the Blood Bone Hall and make his way back to his underground cave residence, his stride faltered for a moment. His outward demeanor remained serene and untroubled, yet a subtle, icy glint flashed within his eyes, as profound as the vast, starry sea.

In that very instant, his unparalleled Divine Sense detected the faint trace of being observed. This sensation of surveillance did not originate from within the island or its immediate vicinity, but from a considerably distant location, likely no less than a hundred miles away.

Such a sophisticated technique, coupled with potent concealment, would have gone entirely unnoticed had his Divine Sense not been as formidable as that of a Nascent Soul Perfection cultivator, far exceeding that of his peers.

"Could someone be… spying on Blood Bone Island?" Xu Ping’s brows knitted slightly as several possibilities raced through his mind, "Is it the True Monarch Xuanmo, that ancient demon lurking in the shadows, or perhaps… the Star Palace?"

The capability to conduct such long-distance, covert surveillance was certainly beyond the reach of an ordinary Late-Stage Nascent Soul Cultivator. The individuals who had existing conflicts or motivations for such an action constituted a rather limited group.

While True Monarch Xuanmo was a significant suspect, the imposing shadow cast by the colossal Star Palace instilled even greater wariness in Xu Ping. After a brief period of contemplation, a decisive spark ignited in Xu Ping’s eyes.

"I must slip out and investigate!" With his current might and available resources, he felt confident that unless a Divinity Transformation Cultivator personally intervened, he could contend with even a Nascent Soul Perfection entity like ancestor Yun Lan, or at the very least, make a safe escape. Being subjected to continuous, covert observation, living on edge, was simply not his way.

His resolve firm, his figure seemed to merge with the gentle breeze, vanishing instantly without a trace, not even disturbing the stillness of the air. The Thousand Illusion Concealing Pearl was employed to its absolute limit, perfectly augmented by his potent Divine Sense concealment technique. At this moment, he appeared to have dissolved entirely into nothingness.

...

Approximately a hundred miles distant from Blood Bone Island, high above in the vast expanse of the sky, nestled deep within a dense layer of clouds. A Nascent Soul Cultivator, adorned in the Star Palace’s characteristic star-patterned robes and possessing a youthful countenance, sat in meditation, perfectly still.

In his palm rested a peculiar, ancient-looking treasure mirror, its perimeter embellished with seven star gems, while the mirror's surface shimmered akin to tranquil water. This artifact, known as the "Universe Mirror," was counted among the Star Palace's secret treasures, not easily wielded, yet capable of perceiving distant realities and discerning vital energies with profound efficacy.

The young cultivator’s name was Ling Hao, a rising prodigy among the direct disciples of Late-Stage Nascent Soul Cultivators within the Star Palace, holding a position of considerable prestige. Despite this, a subtle expression of reluctance and caution tinged his features at this moment.

"Alas, a mere directive from the ancestor compels us to operate like furtive thieves, peering into everything…" Ling Hao murmured to himself, yet he dared not exhibit any negligence. He diligently manipulated the Universe Mirror, meticulously observing every minute movement on Blood Bone Island, diligently recording all witnessed events and sounds onto a jade slip placed nearby.

The Saint Elders of the Star Palace had unexpectedly issued stringent orders, dispatching numerous direct-line cultivators in the Late-Stage Nascent Soul realm, such as himself, to various sectors of the outer seas. Their mission was to maintain close surveillance over all prominent forces and significant independent cultivators, tasked with documenting any and all 'anomalies,' without, however, providing a clear definition of what constituted an 'anomaly.'

This ambiguity inherently rendered the execution of the order quite challenging, necessitating the meticulous recording of even the most trivial details. Fortunately, they possessed the Saint-bestowed Universe Mirror; otherwise, attempting such extensive, long-distance surveillance over powerhouses comparable to top-tier Late-Stage cultivators without detection would have been utterly impossible.

Just as he was fully absorbed in his task—— Buzz! On the muted surface of the Universe Mirror in his hand, an infinitesimally small crimson spark suddenly flickered into existence.

"What?" Ling Hao’s complexion shifted dramatically. This was an alert from the Universe Mirror, indicating the approach of an immensely powerful, concealed entity.

Acting almost instinctively, he immediately channeled all his energy into the Universe Mirror, its surface undulating like water. An invisible wave of detection was sent forth in the direction indicated by the crimson glow.

In the very next instant, the mirror seemed to shimmer, revealing an indistinct silhouette that appeared to be one with the very fabric of space, advancing with alarming swiftness. Ling Hao, though unable to make out distinct features, felt an intense chill emanating from the shadow, a sensation so profound that it felt as if he were plunged into a frigid cavern, even through the protective veil of the Universe Mirror.

"Detected! I must flee!" he exclaimed, not daring to delay even a moment longer. The sheer speed with which the opposing entity had identified and closed in indicated a power level far surpassing his initial assessment. With a sharp bite to the tip of his tongue, he expelled a mouthful of vital blood, smearing it directly onto the Universe Mirror.

Suddenly, a blinding burst of starlight erupted from the clouds. Ling Hao's form, alongside the Universe Mirror, became a mere blur, transforming into a minuscule speck of light as he frantically made his escape towards the distant ocean.

"You... you actually detected me?" As Ling Hao vanished, utilizing the Blood Escape Secret Skill, Xu Ping's figure slowly materialized from the void. His brows were furrowed deeply, and a look of sheer astonishment was etched upon his face. He had placed immense faith in his concealment techniques, especially with the Thousand Illusion Concealing Pearl, believing that even formidable cultivators in the late stages of their journey would struggle to locate him from hundreds of miles away. Yet, despite his meticulously cautious approach, his presence had been revealed the moment he drew near.

"It must have been that mirror..." Xu Ping's gaze sharpened. Although he hadn't obtained a clear view, the subtle ripple emanating from the mirror in his opponent's possession had not escaped his notice. "What an extraordinary artifact! It could actually reveal my position?" Furthermore, the opponent's swift and decisive reaction, coupled with an escape speed that defied belief, left him slightly taken aback.