Chapter 1017: Chapter 435: The Supreme Treasure, Ten Thousand Souls Banner; Duan Shuang’s Divine Sense Breakthrough_3

Without a trace of stinginess.

He once again performed the Spirit Calling ritual, forcing out several drops of blood imbued with vast life force and Lifebound Magical Power, merging them into the sword’s body.

Watching as the sword spirit greedily absorbed the blood, the Canghua Divine Wood Sword emitted a pleasing hum, its glow seemed to solidify a bit further, leaving Xu Ping satisfied.

As for the Soul-Breaking Needle, he naturally hadn’t set it aside.

This needle specializes in attacking the Divine Soul, enigmatic and unpredictable, one of his sharp weapons.

Likewise nurtured and refined with blood essence and lifespan, although the progress is relatively slow, it steadily advances.

It is precisely because his foundation is deep and his lifespan nearly five thousand years that he can afford to simultaneously nurture multiple heavy treasures; for ordinary Divinity Transformation Cultivators, it would likely be difficult to bear such continual consumption.

...

The way of cultivation requires balance between tension and relaxation.

In the following days, Xu Ping spent most of his time in his cave practicing swordplay, researching the mysteries of crafting Fourth-rank Top-grade Puppets, nurturing his magical treasures.

Occasionally feeling mentally fatigued, he would leisurely stroll to Duan Shuang’s cave to relax his mind.

On this day.

In Duan Shuang’s cave, the sound of the zither lingered, like a trickling stream.

At first, it was high-pitched and bright, like a phoenix’s cry nine heavens above, then gradually transformed into peace and distance, finally settled into tranquility, with echoes lingering. 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Beside, sandalwood quietly burned, emanating a calming and serene scent.

Amidst the misty Spiritual Qi of the spiritual pond.

Xu Ping embraced Duan Shuang’s slender waist, the warmth of soft jade, the unique cold, elegant fragrance of the beauty at his nose, refreshing his heart.

Duan Shuang quickly woke up, an irrepressible joy on her absolutely beautiful face, looking up at Xu Ping with a melodious voice:

"Xu Lang, my Divine Sense has broken through the bottleneck and reached the late stage."

"Hmm, I’ve already sensed that."

Xu Ping smiled, nodded, his fingers brushing over her silky smooth hair.

This Dual Cultivation benefited not only Duan Shuang tremendously, but also allowed his Divine Sense to feel a long-lost, but genuine and distinct improvement.

Although this progress is akin to a stream flowing into a river for his vast Divine Sense total, accumulated over time, the true Divinity Transformation-level Divine Sense is now within sight.

When driving the Soul-Breaking Needle once more, its power will definitely surge again, potentially posing a substantive threat to Divinity Transformation Cultivators’ Divine Souls.

For crafting higher-rank puppets and comprehending deeper Sword Dao, the advantages of a strong Divine Sense are self-evident.

"Thanks to you."

Duan Shuang’s eyes like water, shimmering waves, her long lashes gently trembling,

her fair cheeks tinged with a faint blush, resembling a lotus in clear water, after being graced by dew, appearing even more exquisitely beautiful, captivating the soul.

Xu Ping lowered his head, gazing deeply into her tender eyes.

The two embraced warmly, whispering sweetly, as if merging into one.

Two figures tightly intertwined in the misty fog of the spiritual pool, indistinct from each other.

For a long while, Xu Ping’s thoughts stirred, sensing the familiar presence arriving from outside the island, he softly whispered in Duan Shuang’s ear:

"A guest is coming, prepare yourself."

"Hmm."

Duan Shuang responded softly, her breath fragrant as orchids, her lips fresh and cherry-like slightly parted.

...

Before long, the scent of Spirit Tea filled the Blood Bone Hall.

Xu Ping and Yan Feng sat as host and guest.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Yan Feng directly took out two heavy storage bags, and placed them on the table.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, this one contains a batch of Fourth-rank Top-grade talisman materials recently gathered by the alliance, all of superior quality."

"And the other... is what you specifically requested earlier, the core materials for crafting Fourth-rank Top-grade Puppets," Yan Feng spoke while pointing to the storage bag.

Xu Ping’s Divine Sense swept through, delight surged in his heart.

The storage bag with puppet materials surprisingly contained two complete sets of rare Spiritual Materials enough to craft two Fourth-rank Top-grade Puppets.

A complete variety, sufficient quantity, with some materials even surpassing his expectations in quality.

Adding these two, the Fourth-rank Top-grade puppet materials accumulated in his hands have now reached six.

He is now ever closer to gathering ten sets, forming the puppet array he envisioned with immense power!

"Fellow Daoist Yan, thank you." Xu Ping cupped his hands in gratitude.

Yan Feng hurriedly waved his hand, seriously saying:

"Fellow Daoist Xu, your words are too weighty. This is the reward you deserve for crafting Fourth-rank Top-grade talismans for the alliance; it’s rightfully yours, no need for thanks."

"The entire alliance must thank you for your assistance."

He paused, his expression turning solemn, lowered his voice, and said: "Additionally, there is something I need to inform you."

"A few years back, the Star Palace Saints briefly appeared at the border between Inner and Outer Seas. Though fleeting, the aura doesn’t deceive."

"It seems they might be about to make a major move soon."

Xu Ping’s gaze sharpened, asking in a deep voice: "What is the Demon Race’s reaction?"

Yan Feng said: "We maintain communication with the Demon Race; they are also preparing intensively, with some ancient beings in the deep sea showing signs of awakening."

"Once the Star Palace invades, the Demon Race will undoubtedly be the main force of resistance. Our Outer Sea Human Race’s power will be more auxiliary and supporting."

Xu Ping nodded, not surprised by this.

The primary target of the Star Palace will surely be the True Dragon Hall ruling the Outer Sea and its subordinate Demon Race.

The two exchanged some information regarding the situation before Yan Feng took his leave.

Now, the Outer Sea is fraught with tension, and various matters are overwhelming; he naturally cannot afford to be as detached as Xu Ping, focusing exclusively on cultivation.

...

Seeing off Yan Feng, Xu Ping returned to his tranquil cultivation life.

Time flowed like water, another two years passed.

On this day.

Inside the underground cave, Xu Ping stood with his sword, his mind clear.

Without using Mana, purely led by intention, purely with physical strength, he slowly swung the Canghua Divine Wood Sword.

The sword edge cut through the air silently, as though slicing through an invisible trajectory, causing the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Qi to ripple slightly.

At a moment, inspiration struck.

Xu Ping’s wrist lightly trembled, the Canghua Divine Wood Sword emitted a clear hum.

Instantly, countless streams of concentrated verdant sword light burst from the sword edge, like a sudden storm in midsummer, instantly filling the entire cave.