Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 989 - 426: Ten Thousand Demon Mountain, Difficulties (2)

A glint appeared in the eyes of the Elder of the Nine Netherholds, observing Xu Ping with a hint of a smile.

A slight unease crept into Xu Ping's heart, yet his expression remained impassive as he offered a humble smile. "Senior Nine Nether overpraises me. With my meager Dao skills, I dare not speak of Qi luck; I merely do my utmost and leave the rest to destiny." He had always been cautious, deliberately downplaying and concealing his involvement with Qi luck to avoid unwanted scrutiny. The Elder of the Nine Netherholds' words, seemingly casual yet possibly deliberate, only heightened his wariness.

Sensing a shift in the conversation, Hongyi cleared his throat lightly, steering the discussion back on course. "Besides the news about the Ten Thousand Year Ling Sui Yu, there is another matter I must inform you of, Fellow Daoist Xu."

Xu Ping composed himself. "Please, do speak, Fellow Daoist Hong."

Hongyi's demeanor grew somewhat serious. "Regarding the Star Palace, while there haven't been any large-scale movements recently, their clandestine infiltration has never ceased. In fact, it appears to be intensifying. The primary targets are the major top-tier forces of the Outer Sea."

"Infiltrating Outer Sea forces?" Xu Ping's brow instantly furrowed. This was indeed unwelcome news. The Star Palace loomed like a Sword of Damocles, a threat he could never truly set aside. Once the Outer Sea forces were systematically infiltrated, his own sphere of influence would inevitably shrink.

"Are there any confirmed targets?" Xu Ping inquired, his voice deep.

Hongyi's eyes narrowed slightly as he lowered his voice. "Based on some clues I've gathered, it's highly probable that 'Hundred Cloud Hall' has already fallen under the Star Palace's infiltration."

"Hundred Cloud Hall?" Xu Ping showed a trace of surprise. Hundred Cloud Hall was even more formidable than the Mystic Water Sect, and yet it had been infiltrated so quietly?

"Have any other forces been affected?" Xu Ping pressed further.

Hongyi shook his head. "Currently, only Hundred Cloud Hall is confirmed, but there are indications of more. It's difficult to say for certain, as the Star Palace always operates with great secrecy."

Xu Ping's mind raced, considering various scenarios. However, his outward composure remained unbroken. He clasped his hands once more. "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Hong, for relaying such critical information. Xu is deeply grateful."

Hongyi waved a hand dismissively. "No need for such formalities, I simply wished to offer a word of caution to Fellow Daoist."

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Hongyi and the Elder of the Nine Netherholds took their leave. Xu Ping personally escorted them to the edge of the island, watching their departing lights vanish into the horizon before returning to the Blood Bone Hall.

In the quiet hall, Xu Ping's expression was grim as he paced slowly. The Star Palace's infiltration felt like a venomous thorn piercing his heart. Action was imperative; he could not afford to wait for disaster to strike. If the Star Palace's network were to expand, his own Blood Bone Island would inevitably become a target.

However... he couldn't shake the feeling that while Hongyi and the Elder of the Nine Netherholds had come to inform him about the Ten Thousand Year Ling Sui Yu, revealing the Star Palace's infiltration also hinted at a desire for him to thwart their plans. What exactly were these two plotting?

"Whatever the case, strengthening myself is paramount. I must visit Ten Thousand Demon Mountain!" A sharp glint flashed in Xu Ping's eyes. The immediate priority was locating the Ten Thousand Year Ling Sui Yu. Of course, before departing, he intended to deal with the Star Palace's agents and at least disrupt their operations further.

...

Soaring above the clouds, the escape lights of Hongyi and the Elder of the Nine Netherholds flew side by side. Hongyi transmitted his voice, "Senior, do you believe Fellow Daoist Xu possesses the capability to discreetly resolve the hidden threats posed by the Star Palace's infiltration this time?"

A profound light flickered in the Elder of the Nine Netherholds' aged eyes as he replied faintly, "Perhaps he can. This young man conceals many secrets. Last time the Star Palace was driven from the Outer Sea by the Demon Race, I always had a feeling that this young man's shadow was secretly involved in orchestrating events."

"Even if he fails, it matters little. We have alternative arrangements." Upon hearing this, Hongyi nodded silently, refraining from further comment. Their two lights accelerated, soon disappearing into the vast expanse towards the Inner Sea.

...

One year later. After meticulously arranging his affairs, Xu Ping departed quietly. Ten Thousand Demon Mountain was situated in the core territory governed by the Star Palace—inland, and exceedingly distant from the Outer Sea. For an ordinary cultivator at the Nascent Soul stage, flying with their escape light, day and night, might take tens of years or even longer.However, to solidify their dominance, the Star Palace had established a rather comprehensive long-distance teleportation system throughout their territory. Though Xu Ping wished to avoid extensive dealings with the Star Palace, he was compelled to utilize their teleportation arrays to conserve time. He altered his appearance, posing as a regular early-stage Nascent Soul loose cultivator. After a substantial expenditure of Spirit Stones, he initiated a series of consecutive teleportations. Even with this expedited method, traversing such an immense distance consumed nearly three years of his time. Finally, on a particular day, Xu Ping reached his objective: the periphery of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain. As far as the vision could extend, a seemingly endless expanse of dark mountain ranges lay spread out. These mountains were jagged and peculiar, appearing as if they had been contorted by tremendous power, resulting in an unnatural configuration. The heavens above were perpetually veiled by dense, leaden-gray clouds, which obstructed the sun's rays, casting an oppressive and unsettling aura over the mountain range. Even more unusual was the local Spiritual Qi, which was interwoven and chaotic with pure Demonic Qi. This created a highly corrosive energy field, instilling a profound sense of discomfort and chill in all who entered. Consequently, the Demon Beasts residing in this region had undergone mutations, largely evolving into exceptionally savage and bloodthirsty creatures, their eyes gleaming with untamed chaos and outright madness. To speak nothing of the mythical ancient demons, who could descend through spatial rifts, their presence hung over every new arrival like a constant death sentence. Yet, where danger resides, opportunity frequently follows. The distinctive environment of the Ten Thousand Demon Mountain was also the cradle for certain rare Spirit Grasses and precious minerals. Materials imbued with pure Demonic Qi, or those that had undergone peculiar mutations, were particularly sought after as treasures by demon cultivators and those who practiced specialized techniques.