Cultivation Starts from Farming

That is clearly the Genesis Fruit of Creation.

Moreover, judging by the patterns and the Spiritual Qi, its age definitely exceeds five thousand years.

This fruit requires no pill refinenment; consuming it directly could potentially extend life by a century.

If this garden of Spirit Medicine could be fully harvested, the foundation of the Hundred Cloud Hall would undoubtedly reach new heights, possibly even reclaiming its place among the top sects of the Outer Seas in the future.

However, just as everyone’s attention in the Hundred Cloud Hall was entirely captivated by this garden of heaven-defying Spirit Medicines,

a slightly satisfied and lazy voice, like a ghostly whisper, echoed unexpectedly behind them:

"Not bad, not bad, this medicine garden... aligns with my destiny."

Before the voice had fallen!

An indescribable pressure, as if from the prehistoric and primeval ages—not Mana, but a sheer and ultimate Divine Sense pressure—descended like an invisible divine mountain of billions of pounds, mercilessly crushing the Divine Souls of every Cultivator present!

"Thud!"

"Ugh..."

The eight already poorly conditioned Golden Core Cultivators couldn’t even utter a sound before the light in their eyes dimmed, and they fainted on the spot, collapsing to the ground.

Even True Monarch Fengyun and the black-robed Mid-stage Nascent Soul Cultivator felt as if they were struck by lightning, letting out a muffled groan, their bodies shaking violently.

Terror gripped their hearts.

What level of Divine Sense is this?!

Late-Stage Nascent Soul?!

Absolutely Late-Stage Nascent Soul, perhaps... even stronger!

With great difficulty, they turned their heads, their pupils reflecting a Profound Robed Man who had appeared at some unknown point in time.

The person’s face seemed shrouded in a faint mist, indistinct, with only a pair of eyes deep as the vast starry sea, looking down at them indifferently.

However, what terrified them even more was the fact that the other party had no intention of engaging in small talk.

They only saw the Profound Robed Man sweep his sleeves, and a completely black bone banner, engraved with countless tortured and twisted demonic patterns, unfurled in the wind.

"Roar!"

A roar filled with endless hunger and ferocity erupted from the banner.

An immense, terrifying ghost, formed from pure Demonic Qi and resentment, radiating suffocating pressure, suddenly charged out.

Its aura was undoubtedly at the threshold of Late-Stage Nascent Soul.

The ghost’s scarlet demonic eyes locked onto the two of them, with overwhelming demonic force pressing down like something tangible, almost suffocating them.

True Monarch Fengyun opened his mouth, his throat dry, wishing to say something or to invoke the name of the Hundred Cloud Hall in an attempt to negotiate...

But in the face of absolute power and cold, intent to kill, every word seemed powerless and weak.

He had no doubt that if he and his companion made the slightest move, they would be met with the thunderous and devastating blows from the demonic banner ghost and the Profound Robed Man.

Should that happen, they might not even have the chance to escape with their Nascent Souls.

"It seems you understand your position," Xu Ping said with a faint smile, seemingly quite satisfied with their "cooperation."

Under their harsh yet angry gaze, Xu Ping leisurely began to harvest the Spirit Medicine from the garden.

His movements were fluid and efficient, precise and graceful.

One by one, Spirit Medicines that would make any Nascent Soul Cultivator’s eyes light up, aged thousands of years, were effortlessly collected by him as if harvesting crops, and properly sealed with Secret Techniques, stored into his pouch.

"Genesis Fruit of Creation... not bad, not bad."

"Red Blood Spirit Ginseng... decent enough."

"Hmm?"

"This is..."

Xu Ping uttered a soft exclamation, his gaze falling upon an extraordinary plant, entirely gold, shaped like molten amber, exuding a pure yang and hard aura.

The next moment, Xu Ping’s eyes gleamed, realizing what it was, and a trace of ecstasy finally appeared in his eyes.

"Nine Yang Divine Marrow?!"

This is actually one of the main materials needed for cultivating the "Nirvana Golden Body."

Searching high and low only to find it without any effort.

Carefully, he excavated this invaluable Nine Yang Divine Marrow, root and all, casting numerous intricate restrictions to completely seal its aura before solemnly storing it away.

Soon, the entire ancient medicine garden was swept clean, even down to scraping a layer of soil, leaving the celestial scenery completely ruined.

The faces of True Monarch Fengyun and his companion turned from pale to ghastly green, their hearts bleeding, yet helpless, watching the heaven-sent opportunity snatched away before their eyes.

Xu Ping clapped his hands, as if completing a trivial task.

He glanced over at the two whose faces were ashen and smiled slightly, saying, "Farewell, fellow Daoists."

With that, his figure flickered like a phantom through the not-quite-closed ethereal light gate, disappearing without a trace.

Throughout, he never struck down True Monarch Fengyun and his companion.

Although past grudges existed, it was not enough to warrant death.

Taking their opportunity was settlement enough.

Xu Ping did not consider himself a person with a penchant for slaughter.

The medicine garden was dead silent.

Suppressing their nearly explosive rage, they roused their unconscious Golden Core disciples, leaving the heart-wrenching ancient medicine garden like defeated dogs, utterly humiliated.

They knew well that the mysterious Profound Robed Man had unfathomable strength; if he truly intended to kill them, it would be as easy as lifting a finger.

To escape with their lives was a blessing.

Yet... this grudge over the stolen treasure, the Hundred Cloud Hall will remember!

And Xu Ping hadn’t actually fled far.

He lingered in a shadowy spot by the Star Moon Pond, coldly watching as True Monarch Fengyun’s group departed filled with towering resentment.

"The conflicts are settled. Should there be further entanglements... don’t blame Xu Mou for being ruthless," Xu Ping thought coldly.

Then, dismissing the matter, he refocused on the Star Moon Pond itself, beginning his search for his original target of this journey—the Moon Shadow Stone.

...

Meanwhile, in another forbidden area of the Ancient Demon Hall, deep within the Spiritual Miao Garden.

"It’s opened!!"

After spending their blood essence, the old demon of He Huan and the young Demon Cultivator finally cracked the last Restriction, opening a "Blood Spirit Door" engraved with countless fierce demonic patterns.

Beyond the door, contrary to expectations of abundant Spirit Medicine, lay a coarse, primitive stone passage leading deep underground.

A cold wind blew from within, carrying a faint, unsettling scent of decay.

The two exchanged glances, each seeing vigilance and a trace of unconcealed greed in the other’s eyes.