Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 988 - 426: Ten Thousand Demon Mountain, Difficulties

Xu Ping secretly assessed the situation. Even with Yun Weifeng, a late-stage Nascent Soul Great Cultivator, wielding a supreme treasure, confronting ten quasi-fourth rank puppets head-on to breach their defenses would not be simple. It would undoubtedly demand significant effort and time. Naturally, he couldn't just stand there and absorb attacks passively. With the combined might of his Sword Array, various Divine Techniques, and Magical Treasures, Xu Ping possessed sufficient confidence to face top-tier experts below the Divinity Transformation stage directly and even hold his ground.

"Not bad, not bad!"

The smile on Xu Ping’s face widened. At this moment, he could genuinely claim to have reached the pinnacle below Divinity Transformation, positioning himself among the foremost Nascent Soul cultivators in the Outer Sea and the entirety of the Wind Origin Realm. Of course, he was also keenly aware that this was far from the ultimate potential of the Puppet Array.

"If only I could replace all ten puppets with fourth-rank top-grade ones..."

The mere thought caused Xu Ping’s heart to race. If such a transformation were possible, the array's power would likely undergo a qualitative leap. By then, it might not be solely about resisting Divinity Transformation cultivators, but perhaps even achieving victory.

However, this objective currently seemed exceedingly distant. Firstly, the method for crafting fourth-rank top-grade puppets remained incompletely deciphered. Secondly, and most critically, the primary materials required for these puppets were, without exception, rare heavenly materials. This included either the complete core materials of a fourth-rank top-grade demonic beast or top-grade spiritual ore of the same rank.

Over the years, Xu Ping had managed to gather enough materials for perhaps two or three puppets. To amass the ten needed, it was uncertain when that day would arrive. The issue of vital energy and blood also presented a substantial hurdle. The Dragon Blood Fruit, such a precious heavenly material, had minimal impact on his current cultivation realm, falling short of truly stabilizing and elevating his vital energy to the formidable level required for fourth-rank top-grade standards.

His sole hope rested on the legendary "Nirvana Golden Body." Cultivating this technique would trigger a revolutionary transformation in his physique. "I wonder how Hongyi is progressing in his search for the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade," Xu Ping mused. A flicker of anticipation ignited in his eyes before he proceeded to dismantle the Puppet Array, turning his focus to stabilizing the vital energy of his newly broken-through realm.

....

Two months elapsed, flowing by like a gentle stream. Xu Ping sat within his quiet chamber, vital energy and blood swirling around him like liquid mercury, surging endlessly yet remaining as placid as a deep pool, radiating immense tranquility. During this period of meticulous refinement and consolidation, he smoothed out the residual agitation from crafting the magic sword and practicing Divine Techniques, bringing his state into unparalleled harmony.

Just then, two familiar and potent auras quietly materialized on the outskirts of Blood Bone Island, as if arriving by prior arrangement. Xu Ping's heart stirred, the corners of his lips curling into a knowing smile. "Speak of the devil, and they appear." He rose, his figure a blur, and appeared at the island's edge.

Floating amidst the clouds above were Hongyi and the Nine Nether Elder, standing side by side. "Fellow Daoist Hong, Elder Nine Nether," Xu Ping greeted them with a bow and a smile, personally escorting the pair towards the Blood Bone Hall. Within the hall, the fragrant aroma of Spirit Tea permeated the air.

After exchanging brief pleasantries, Hongyi set down his teacup, his expression turning somewhat serious. "Fellow Daoist Xu, I primarily come bearing news regarding the 'Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade' you asked me to keep an eye on." Xu Ping's spirit surged, his gaze intently fixed on Hongyi.

Hongyi continued, "According to my research and verification of ancient texts, its most recent confirmed sighting points to an exceedingly perilous location known as the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain."

"Ten Thousand Demon Mountain?" Xu Ping's eyebrows rose slightly; the name was not foreign to him. He had not only heard of it, but the Nine Nether Elder had also previously spoken of its dangers. It was said that the spatial structure there was critically unstable, representing one of the fragile connections between this realm and the Upper Realm, through which ancient demons occasionally descended.

In his original planning, Xu Ping had considered the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain as a potential site for acquiring materials needed to craft the Nirvana Blood, but he had not anticipated the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade also appearing in that very same place. Hongyi nodded slightly and produced a jade slip crafted from ancient material, handing it to Xu Ping.

"This map concerns the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain, compiled with notes on treacherous or hidden spots that might contain or have previously hosted the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade."

"While it is not entirely complete, it ought to significantly reduce the effort required for your search."

Xu Ping accepted the jade slip, his Divine Sense probing its contents. A moment later, he withdrew it, a look of satisfaction gracing his features.

The information within was indeed quite thorough, even pinpointing some lesser-known spatial rifts. The potential locations for the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade were clearly marked, offering immense assistance for his venture.

"Fellow Daoist Hong, this item is of utmost importance to me, Xu. My sincere thanks for your generous gift." Xu Ping carefully stored the jade slip, expressing his gratitude with clasped hands.

Hongyi offered a smile and a dismissive gesture. "Fellow Daoist Xu, there is no need for such courtesies; it was a minor act. The Ten Thousand Demon Mountain is incredibly perilous. Should you indeed decide to proceed, Daoist Xu, extreme caution is paramount."

Xu Ping responded with solemnity. "If I, Xu, am fortunate enough to discover the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade, I will offer a substantial reward to express my gratitude for the guidance you've provided today."

Hongyi gave a slight smile, preparing to offer a modest refusal. However, the Nine Nether Elder standing nearby suddenly let out a raspy chuckle and interjected, "Heh, young one, your fortune, as I perceive it, far surpasses that of ordinary individuals."

"For endeavors such as seeking treasures, those blessed with great fortune often possess the knack for transforming adversity into advantage, achieving their desires. It’s quite possible the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade is truly destined for you."