Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 982 - 424: Materials Assembled, Sword Array Upgraded

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Previously on Cultivation Starts from Farming...
Xu Ping received intelligence from Shuihu Mouse regarding the Star Palace's suspicious activities, which he had orchestrated. Meanwhile, the Star King learned of their disastrous defeat in the outer sea and suspected Ao Qin, but his own injuries and the Moon God's condition prevented immediate action. He ordered a full withdrawal from the outer sea. In the True Dragon Hall, Ao Qin the ancient dragon sneezed violently, sensing a plot against him and summoning Ao Qin.

Two months have elapsed.

Blood Bone Island received a visitor.

It was none other than Yan Feng.

Compared to many years ago, his aura possessed a greater refinement, and a trace of worldly calm was evident in his expression, clearly indicating a more stable position within his sect.

Within the Blood Bone Hall, the host and guest took their seats.

The lingering fragrance of tea permeated the hall.

"Fellow Daoist Yan, it has been some time. I trust you are in good health," Xu Ping said, offering a bow and a smile.

"By the grace of Fellow Daoist Xu, all is well," Yan Feng responded, his smile warm and amiable.

After exchanging pleasantries, a congenial atmosphere settled between them.

A moment later, Yan Feng’s expression turned more serious, and he produced a storage bag. "Fellow Daoist Xu, I am relieved to report that the rare spiritual materials your sect was entrusted to collect years ago have finally been procured."

A glimmer of light emanated from Xu Ping’s eyes as he accepted the storage bag, his divine sense delving within like delicate threads.

Inside the storage space, various spiritual materials were meticulously sorted and arranged.

Each item was of the highest quality, and the quantity precisely matched his initial request, perhaps even exceeding it.

"Fellow Daoist Yan, the friendship your sect has shown is truly appreciated by this Xu. Many thanks," Xu Ping said with a smile, storing the bag away.

After years of preparation, the necessary materials to enhance his magic sword were finally assembled.

Once successful, the might of his sword array would experience a substantial enhancement!

Yan Feng quickly waved his hands, a sincere smile on his face. "Fellow Daoist Xu, you are too gracious. It is the honor of Mystic Water Sect to offer assistance to a fellow cultivator."

Given the unpredictable current situation in the outer sea, with Star Palace making frequent incursions, Yan Feng was quite eager for Xu Ping to engage them further.

This would serve to deepen and strengthen the bond between their respective sides, ensuring that if Mystic Water Sect ever faced peril, Xu Ping would reciprocate the aid.

Upon hearing this, Xu Ping smiled and bypassed further formalities. Instead, he withdrew a jade box and presented it: "Please accept these ten Fourth Rank talismans I have crafted in recent years. A humble token of my appreciation."

When the jade box was opened, ten talismans within shimmered with spiritual light, crackled with lightning, radiated heat, or exuded an icy chill. Each was a potent Fourth Rank talisman.

Fourth Rank talismans were a rare commodity indeed, regardless of location.

Yan Feng, naturally, could not refuse such an offering.

With the exchange concluded, both parties departed in high spirits.

Yan Feng took a sip of tea, his expression shifting to one of seriousness as he spoke in a low tone, "Fellow Daoist Xu, there is one more matter I must bring to your attention."

"Recently, while the Star Palace’s attempts to infiltrate outer sea activities have been repelled by formidable demon race experts, it nonetheless represents a highly alarming signal for all major factions in the outer sea."

"Patriarch Yunxiao intends to convene all major powers of the outer sea, much like during past resistances against demonic calamities, to deliberate on joint countermeasures."

"Our objective is not necessarily to proactively confront the Star Palace, but rather to forge a union that can provide a means of self-preservation or bargaining power should the Star Palace initiate any unusual actions."

"A union?"

Xu Ping contemplated for a moment, carefully assessing the advantages and disadvantages of this proposition.

This proposal aligned quite well with his current considerations. If all the major forces of the outer sea were to unite, it would grant him greater cover amidst the crowd, preventing him from drawing undue attention.

Furthermore, if the Star Palace were to indeed make any aggressive moves in the future, facing a unified front from the outer sea would present a significantly greater obstacle for them.

"I raise no objections to this proposal," Xu Ping stated, his tone shifting slightly thereafter.

"However, I must enter seclusion to attend to some extremely pressing personal matters, and thus may be unable to attend the initial series of discussion meetings."

"Would you be so kind as to represent me at these meetings, Fellow Daoist Yan, and ensure I am promptly informed of any crucial decisions or news."

Yan Feng readily assented without hesitation, "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist, I shall handle this matter personally."

"At present, it appears that the Star Palace, having been repulsed by the demon race, is unlikely to undertake any significant actions in the immediate future. This matter of union is still in its preliminary consultation phase, so you may proceed with your seclusion without concern."

After a brief continuation of their conversation, Yan Feng rose to depart.

Xu Ping personally escorted him to the entrance of the hall.

Before parting, as if recalling something important, Xu Ping added, "Just one more thing, esteemed Daoist Yan. I would be much obliged if your sect could also keep an eye out for spiritual items that aid Fourth Rank Lower Grade demon beasts in overcoming bottlenecks. The specific type matters little, as long as they are proven and effective."

A flicker of surprise crossed Yan Feng's face, but he readily agreed.

"This request isn’t particularly challenging, though such spiritual objects are indeed rare. It might require some time to procure them," he assured.

"Once any news surfaces, I shall inform you immediately."

"I appreciate it, and there is no urgency regarding the timeline," Xu Ping responded with understanding.

These particular spiritual objects were, of course, intended for the Spirit Worm that had faithfully accompanied him for many years.

Having been by his side for a considerable duration, the beast had cultivated to the zenith of the Fourth Rank Lower Grade, possessing a robust foundation. The time was ripe to prepare it for its advancement to the Fourth Rank Middle Grade.

Naturally, relying solely on the Mystic Water Sect for this endeavor felt insufficient. Thus, he also intended to seek assistance from the Golden Spirit Mouse clan residing with Jin Yuxuan, ensuring no detail was overlooked.

Upon the Spirit Worm's successful breakthrough to the Fourth Rank Middle Grade, its innate divine abilities would significantly accelerate the process of nourishing and fortifying the spirit vein of Blood Bone Island.

He himself was drawing near the Late-Stage Nascent Soul realm, making the preemptive upgrade of the spirit vein to Fourth Rank Upper Grade a crucial objective that demanded foresight and early planning.

After bidding farewell to Yan Feng, Xu Ping turned his gaze toward the secret chamber nestled in the back mountain, his eyes alight with anticipation.

With all the necessary materials now gathered, the moment had arrived to refine and enhance the sword array.

...

Deep within a subterranean cavern, multiple protective restrictions were activated, sealing it off from the outside world.

Xu Ping assumed a cross-legged position at the heart of the artifact refining chamber and then made a sweeping gesture with his sleeve.

Buzz—

A resonant and clear sword hum filled the air as seventy-two magical swords materialized from nothingness. They were entirely crimson, adorned with ethereal rune restrictions that floated above their blades, hovering expectantly before Xu Ping.