Cultivation Starts from Farming Chapter 999 - 429: True Explanation of Sword Dao; Method to Break Through Sword Intent into Force_3

The Dual Saints have now made their appearance, issuing a challenge to the fifth-level True Dragon, and the implications of this development are truly staggering.

Following a moment of astonishment, Xu Ping’s countenance shifted, a whirlwind of thoughts consuming him:

"The Star Palace Saints have acted in this manner, likely suspecting that the past interception of their treasures is connected to that fifth-level Dragon King..."

"This situation, which diverts attention, is actually beneficial for someone like me in hiding."

"However...."

Xu Ping’s gaze grew intensely serious. "For the Dual Saints to dare confront a fifth-level Dragon King deep within the Outer Sea, on the Demon Race’s very doorstep, without even ascertaining a clear victor—this itself signals a perilous omen—they are playing a reckless game!"

"It implies that should I reveal even the slightest hint of my presence, causing them the least suspicion, they will undoubtedly eliminate me without hesitation."

Just as Xu Ping’s mind churned with these urgent thoughts.

A Communication Talisman, dispatched by Yan Feng, flew into his cave dwelling. It conveyed an urgent matter: the Outer Sea Human Race Alliance requires a discussion, and Yun Weifeng wishes for Xu Ping to personally attend Yunxiao Sect.

Xu Ping deliberated for a short period before assenting.

At this juncture, with confrontations occurring at the Divinity Transformation stage, the circumstances were evolving rapidly, necessitating his personal presence to grasp the full details.

Furthermore, he saw this as a potential opportunity to acquire crucial rare resources from the alliance, resources he would need for his breakthrough to the late-stage Nascent Soul realm.

...

Three months elapsed, and the scene shifted to Yunxiao Sect.

As the preeminent power among the Outer Sea Human Race, Yunxiao Sect boasts magnificent gates, strategically situated at the confluence of several major fourth-level Spirit Veins.

Its entrance is perpetually veiled in swirling clouds and mist, with graceful cranes soaring amidst hidden pavilions and towers, radiating the profound aura of an immortal sanctuary.

Yet, at this precise moment, the entire sect was suffused with an almost palpable, heavy atmosphere.

Two beams of light, signifying escaping figures, descended, revealing Xu Ping and Duan Shuang.

Sikong Zhi Yan, who had been anticipating their arrival at the guest reception terrace, promptly came forward to greet them.

Having endured the passage of years, Sikong Zhi Yan’s aura now possessed a greater stability, his late-stage Nascent Soul cultivation fully consolidated, though an undeniable trace of worry lingered etched between his brows.

"Esteemed Daoist Xu, Fairy Duan, your journey must have been arduous. Master Yun is already awaiting your presence in the discussion hall," Sikong Zhi Yan declared, performing a cupped-hand salutation. His tone was respectful, yet carried an undercurrent of unexpressed solemnity.

Xu Ping reciprocated the gesture and, guided by Sikong Zhi Yan, traversed numerous structures, finally reaching the heart of Yunxiao Sect: the discussion hall.

Within the hall, the atmosphere was undeniably grave.

Nearly all the cultivators at the late-stage Nascent Soul realm, representing the various major factions of the Outer Sea Human Race, were in attendance—all familiar faces.

Upon observing Xu Ping’s entrance, everyone offered a nod of acknowledgment, their gazes conveying a mixture of camaraderie or perhaps a subtle apprehension.

Over the intervening years, Xu Ping’s formidable cultivation and elevated standing had been unequivocally recognized by all the high-ranking figures within the Outer Sea Human Race.

After exchanging brief pleasantries with a few familiar acquaintances, Xu Ping took his seat beside Yan Feng, with Duan Shuang situated to his side.

A short while later, Yun Weifeng, occupying the principal seat, noted the arrival of all assembled individuals.

His gaze traversed the room, laden with a palpable pressure, before finally speaking. His voice, clear and resonant, reached every corner of the hall:

"Distinguished Daoists, I trust you are all privy to the reasons behind this urgent convocation summoned by this old man."

The hall fell into an absolute silence, broken only by the imagined sound of a falling pin.

The countenances of every cultivator present were etched with profound seriousness.

Such clashes at the Divinity Transformation stage, even if merely exploratory, carried a symbolic weight and potential for widespread repercussions sufficient to instill trepidation in any power.

An elder, clad in blue robes and possessing a gaunt visage, stroked his beard and remarked, "Fellow Daoist Yun speaks the truth. The Star Palace Saints’ action this time is certainly not without purpose; they must have an underlying objective."

"It is simply that... what precisely is the state of their confrontation? The degree of injury sustained is paramount in determining the future trajectory of events."

This query represented the crux of the collective concern among all present.

Yun Weifeng offered a slight nod and proceeded to elucidate: "Neither party engaged in an actual battle for survival; it was primarily a clash of probing and deterrence."

"The Star Palace Saints, leveraging their combined Secret Technique and sheer cultivation prowess, held a marginal advantage. However, the fifth-level Dragon King, benefiting from the geographical terrain and the inherent support of the Outer Sea’s dominion, remained unyieldingly resolute."

"In the end, both sides incurred some degree of damage, but it was superficial in nature, not impacting their fundamental strength."

Upon hearing this, a palpable sense of relief washed over many in the hall, and the previously oppressive atmosphere began to subtly dissipate.

"No victor emerged... perhaps that is indeed the most favorable outcome."

Another cultivator, a robust man with a voice like thunder, interjected, "Regardless of which side achieved absolute dominance, it would have spelled disadvantage for us."

"Only when forces are evenly matched, with mutual apprehension and an unwillingness to initiate all-out conflict, can we obtain a sliver of breathing room."

"Indeed."

Yun Weifeng continued the conversation, yet his expression remained grave. "However, we cannot afford to be complacent about preparing for emergencies. Following the previous infiltration by cultivators from the Star Palace and the subsequent maneuvers by the Dual Saints, further actions are highly probable."

"We must make preparations in advance. At critical junctures for all our families, let us jointly deploy the 'Ten-Thousand-Mile Sensing Formation.' Should the Star Palace launch a large-scale invasion into the Outer Sea, this will serve as an immediate alert, preventing us from being caught unaware!"

This suggestion met with the unanimous approval of everyone present.

The subsequent period was dedicated to meticulously deliberating the specifics of formation setup, resource allocation, and information sharing.

Xu Ping remained seated silently throughout, not uttering a single word.

Yet, even in his quietude, no one dared to disregard his presence.

He was akin to a silent mountain; though he spoke not, the power he embodied carried substantial weight.

As the deliberations drew to a close, Yun Weifeng's gaze eventually alighted upon Xu Ping.

His unspoken intention was, naturally, to secure Xu Ping's allegiance.

However, given the current tension between the Star Palace and the True Dragon Hall, it remained uncertain whether the latter would depart from the Outer Sea.

After a brief pause for thought, Yun Weifeng addressed Xu Ping with a tone that was both concerned and probing: "Fellow Daoist Xu, the present situation in the Outer Sea is fraught with unpredictability and peril. I wonder what your intentions are moving forward?"

"If there is any way the alliance can provide assistance, please do not hesitate to ask."

The question was artfully phrased, revealing a desire to enlist his support while subtly inquiring about Xu Ping's future course of action.

Instantly, all eyes turned towards Xu Ping.

His decision on whether to remain or depart held profound significance for the Human Race of the Outer Sea.