Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 983 - 424: Materials Gathered, Sword Array Upgraded (2)

~5 minute read · 1,166 words
Previously on Cultivation Starts from Farming...
Yan Feng visits Xu Ping, delivering rare spiritual materials Xu Ping entrusted to the Mystic Water Sect for collection. With these materials, Xu Ping can finally upgrade his magic sword and enhance his sword array. Yan Feng also informs Xu Ping of an initiative by Patriarch Yunxiao to unite the outer sea forces against the Star Palace's growing influence. Xu Ping agrees to the alliance but will be in seclusion to refine his sword array and prepare his Spirit Worm for a breakthrough.

These formidable blades have ascended to a tier just shy of true Spirit Treasures, requiring only a final, masterful touch to achieve that esteemed status.

The immense task of enhancing seventy-two such weapons is no small feat, certainly not one to be rushed.

Xu Ping resolves to tackle this endeavor in stages, channeling his formidable Qi into refining a select few at a time.

His attention focuses intently on the trio of swords positioned at the very front.

With a simple mental command, the Nascent Soul residing within Xu Ping’s Dantian awakens, its ethereal form exhaling the potent Nascent Soul True Flame.

This pale cyan flame, akin to a spectral wisp, gently yet thoroughly envelops the three targeted swords.

Xu Ping’s Divine Sense, sharpened to an exquisite degree, acts as a precise scalpel, meticulously directing the True Flame’s heat to permeate every fiber of the swords’ substance, coaxing them into a state of potent activation.

Following this, he retrieves a segment of star-patterned steel, subjecting it to the True Flame’s purifying intensity to distill its very essence.

With supreme control, he then guides this molten, star-like metal, weaving it strand by strand into the existing runic lattice of the sword bodies, a process akin to delicate celestial embroidery.

Moments dissolve into hours, and hours into days, as silence and concentration reign supreme.

A day, then two, and before he knows it, a fortnight has elapsed.

The inaugural sword resonates with a triumphant, clear tone, its form now imbued with a sanguine brilliance and radiating an aura of subdued yet formidable spiritual power.

Xu Ping permits himself a brief respite before recommencing his tireless work on the second and third swords.

The art of Artifact Refining is one that transcends the mundane perception of time.

Four years vanish in the span of a blink.

On a particular day, within the secluded confines of his subterranean sanctuary.

"Buzz!"

As the final sword, under the unwavering application of the Nascent Soul True Flame, successfully integrates its ultimate spiritual restriction and sings in harmony with the seventy-one others, Xu Ping finally releases a profound sigh.

At this very instant, Xu Ping’s own aura experiences a turbulent fluctuation.

The relentless exertion over these four years, even for someone with his robust cultivation, has left him profoundly depleted.

Yet, as his gaze sweeps over the seventy-two magnificent magic swords, suspended in the air, their auras intertwined and their presence commanding, an undeniable smile graces his lips.

Seventy-two authentic Spirit Treasure-grade magic swords!

Such an incredible achievement would challenge even renowned late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators, let alone those in the mid-stages.

This accomplishment represents far more than a mere drain on his spiritual wealth.

"Finally… It is complete!"

Xu Ping’s lips curve upward involuntarily, his eyes alight with triumphant fervor.

Years of meticulous planning and countless arduous efforts culminate in this moment of flawless perfection.

"Let us test their might!"

Pushing back the instinctive urge to immediately recuperate, Xu Ping’s gaze burns with an eager anticipation.

Then, with a mere thought, the Canghua Divine Wood Sword, nurtured within his Dantian, emits an eager cry and soars forth of its own volition.

"Activate the array!"

Xu Ping executes a swift hand seal, and the Canghua Divine Wood Sword instantly assumes its role as the formation’s linchpin. The seventy-two newly-minted Spirit Treasure-level auxiliary swords, obeying with martial precision, swiftly maneuver into an incredibly intricate formation, instantly unleashing a devastating sword array.

Buzz!

An overwhelming sword pressure, of a magnitude vastly exceeding anything before, erupts with savage force.

The protective enchantments of the entire underground abode flicker erratically, emitting strained groans under the immense strain.

Within the confines of the sword array, the Sword Qi ceases to merely crisscross; it coalesces into a self-contained swords-realm. Countless minute threads of Sword Qi, tangible as physical strands, cleave through the void, manifesting an astonishing array of offensive phenomena.

The sheer, unbridled power it exudes has definitively breached the threshold of Nascent Soul Perfection.

Its ferocity and dominance even surpass that of typical cultivators at the peak of the Nascent Soul stage.

Xu Ping stands at the heart of this potent sword array, acutely aware of the world-commanding, all-severing might surging around him, his spirit swelling with overwhelming pride.

"Magnificent, truly magnificent!"

Xu Ping nods repeatedly, his satisfaction palpable.

The four years invested have yielded rewards beyond measure.

However, he acutely perceives that the array’s current potency has encountered a temporary plateau.

The seventy-two Spirit Treasure-level auxiliary swords, coupled with the significantly augmented Canghua Divine Wood Sword, have seemingly pushed this sword array to its utmost capacity within its existing framework.

To further escalate its power, one avenue is to elevate the core, the Canghua Divine Wood Sword, to the fabled realm of an ultimate treasure!

"Ultimate treasure…"

Xu Ping utters the words softly, a flicker of wistful yearning in his eyes, before shaking his head.

Such opportunities are exceedingly rare and not to be anticipated at this juncture.

An alternative path lies in advancing his mastery of the Sword Dao.

The four foundational realms of the Sword Dao: Sword Qi Thunder Sound, Sword Light Like a Rainbow, Sword Rainbow Splitting Light, Sword Intent Forming Momentum.

He currently resides within the third realm, a domain bordering the pinnacle achievable in the mortal world.

The realm beyond this is known as the Sword Intent Forming Momentum, a level that Xu Ping has never encountered anyone reaching within Nanchuan or the Wind Origin Realm.

Attaining this advanced stage transcends the mere refinement of swordsmanship; it remains shrouded in mystery.

Xu Ping has only encountered fleeting mentions in ancient texts, hinting at the necessity of Sword Intent to summon the Primordial Qi from the heavens and earth.

Such an abstract concept is far beyond Xu Ping's current comprehension, rendering any attempt at Cultivation impossible.

With a sigh, Xu Ping can only shake his head in resignation.

With a mere thought, the sword array dissolves, and all seventy-three magic swords are drawn back into his being for nourishment.

He then assumes a cross-legged position, initiating his Cultivation Technique to fully replenish his Mana and revitalize his depleted Divine Sense.

Had his Mana not experienced such a significant boost in quality, he might not have been able to persevere.

...

Time has flowed like a galloping steed, and two years of relative tranquility have elapsed in the outer sea.

On this particular day, a potent beam of Escape Light once again slices through the fog surrounding the island.

Xu Ping, having long detected the visitor's presence, personally ventures out to welcome them.

As Jin Yuxuan, the Clan Leader of the Golden Spirit Mouse clan, reveals himself, a subtle flicker of surprise crosses Xu Ping's eyes.

At this moment, Jin Yuxuan appears even more refined, his every movement radiating an inherent and commanding authority.