Cultivation Starts from Farming

This requires a meticulous effort, consuming significant mental energy and Mana.

The True Flame must carefully purify the subtle impurities within the Moon Shadow Stone, refining its essence power to perfection before integrating it seamlessly into the Soul-Breaking Needle embryo with Secret Technique.

Then, reconstruct its internal rune structure to withstand a more terrifying infusion of Divine Sense and a more explosive burst.

Time quietly slipped away in the howl of high temperatures and energy.

The sun rises and sets, spring passes and autumn comes.

In the blink of an eye, two years have passed.

On this day.

The Nascent Soul True Flame, which had been burning continuously for two years in the quiet room, suddenly contracted inwardly, becoming extremely introverted, almost pure white in color, while the temperature soared to its peak.

Under the relentless refinement of the Nascent Soul True Flame, these two Soul-Breaking Needles had long undergone substantial change.

They now exhibited a profound and dark color as if absorbing all light, with no visible rune marks on the surface, perfectly containing all Restrictions.

"Phew!"

Xu Ping suddenly opened his mouth and sprayed out a small, exceptionally pure cluster of Primordial Qi, which fused into the white Nascent Soul True Flame.

"Boom!"

The True Flame, aided by this infusion, emitted a joyful hum and made its final sprint of tempering.

A moment later, the flame abruptly withdrew back into Xu Ping’s body.

The two Soul-Breaking Needles lost their support but didn’t fall; instead, they quietly suspended in mid-air.

They exuded a restrained aura, silent and still, as if naturally part of the void, merged with the darkness, easily overlooked even by the unintentional sweep of Divine Sense.

"It’s a success!"

Xu Ping’s eyes shone brightly, and a surge of joy filled his heart.

He beckoned with his hand, and one of the main needles lightly fell into his palm.

The touch was cold, yet it formed a bond akin to a blood connection with his Divine Sense.

He took a deep breath, sat cross-legged, and allowed the overwhelming Power of Divine Sense within his Mud Ball Palace to stream unabated toward the Soul-Breaking Needle.

Previously, when Xu Ping attempted to inject all of his Divine Sense into the old version of the Soul-Breaking Needle, the needle body would emit a lament under the strain, and his Divine Sense felt obstructed.

But now, the surging Divine Sense flowed into this brand new Soul-Breaking Needle as smoothly as the Yangtze River flowing into the sea.

The needle slightly trembled, emitting a scarcely audible joyous low hum, and the dark needle shaft even flashed a subtly quick black glow that was fleeting.

This needle could fully withstand the entire force of his Divine Sense.

Even if his Divine Sense advanced further, it would still be able to endure.

"It’s a success, hahahahaha!" Xu Ping couldn’t help but laugh heartily, filled with immense satisfaction.

After expending countless efforts, he finally succeeded in upgrading this needle.

From now on, this untraceable Divine Sense killer move would become even more potent.

Against Late-Stage Nascent Soul Great Cultivators, the threat greatly increased.

After fiddling with it for a while, Xu Ping carefully swallowed the two newly refined Soul-Breaking Needles to nurture them.

Then, he retreated to the secret chamber to restore his Mana and Primordial Qi.

Refining with the Nascent Soul True Flame for two consecutive years took a considerable toll, even for Xu Ping.

...

Time flies, and four years passed quietly in the blink of an eye.

During this period, Blood Bone Island remained tranquil, but tensions in overseas regions intensified.

The entryway to the Ancient Demon Hall hanging between sea and sky was increasingly plagued by Demonic Qi erosion.

The space around the entrance increasingly fluctuated and distorted, with small spatial cracks frequently appearing, through which groups of ghastly low-rank demon creatures emerged.

Outside the Human Race coalition’s defensive formation, sporadic skirmishes and battles occurred almost daily.

Encounters between patrolling cultivators and emerging demon creatures grew more intense, resulting in casualties.

The air was filled with an oppressive sense of imminent disaster.

According to the latest assessments sent by the Yunxiao Sect, the full outbreak of the demon catastrophe is estimated to occur in approximately ten years.

By then, the space channel will stabilize temporarily at a critical point, allowing swarms of high-ranking ancient demons and demon armies to flood out.

Therefore, what is considered a "calm" period now is precisely when all sides are intensively preparing for battle.

It’s far from the moment requiring the intervention of peak combat power like Xu Ping.

On this day.

A bright golden Escape Light swiftly approached from the distant sea, expertly landing before the Blood Bone Hall at the island’s center.

As the brilliance dissipated, a towering figure appeared, none other than Jin Yuxuan.

"Golden Clan Leader’s grand arrival, Xu Mou failed to greet you from afar, please forgive me."

Xu Ping’s voice echoed from within the hall, carrying just the right amount of enthusiasm, with his figure appearing at the hall’s entrance.

He led Jin Yuxuan into the hall, taking their seats as hosts and guests, personally serving Spirit Tea.

Jin Yuxuan’s gaze fell upon Xu Ping, revealing a faintly complex emotion.

Though aware of Xu Ping’s remarkable background, the astonishing rumors about Xu Ping in the Ancient Demon Hall in recent years still refreshed his understanding.

Facing him now in person, he could truly sense the depth and boundless aura concealed within.

Jin Yuxuan felt a quiet alarm inside, realizing that if it came to a one-on-one duel, even as an Upper Grade demon cultivator, he might not be a match for this Human Race cultivator!

"Fellow Daoist Xu is too courteous, it’s I, Jin, who intruded."

Jin Yuxuan quickly calmed his mind, wearing a smile on his face.

No matter what, the stronger Xu Ping’s power, the more advantageous for the Golden Spirit Mouse clan, and the safer their alliance.

It’s a good thing!

...

After a few pleasantries and tasting the Spirit Tea, they got to the main topic.

"Fellow Daoist Xu’s message regarding the Water Lake Mouse’s breakthrough to the Fourth Rank Upper Grade, I’ve contemplated it carefully."

Jin Yuxuan adjusted his expression and stated, "The Water Lake Mouse, nurtured by you and shaped by opportunities, does indeed have potential far exceeds its peers, but breaking through to the Fourth Rank Upper Grade is no easy feat."

Reflecting on the past, perhaps his own talent wasn’t as strong as that of the Water Lake Mouse.

Yet, the accumulation definitely surpassed what the Water Lake Mouse has now, still requiring the Heavenly Demon Sun Flower to break through, showcasing the difficulties of reaching the Fourth Rank Upper Grade.