Cultivation Starts from Farming-Chapter 571 - 287: Targeted_2

He immediately cupped his hands again, finally feeling a weight lifted from his heart.

For the other party to make the decision to give up so easily was indeed far beyond Xu Ping’s expectations.

However, based on his years of understanding of Hongyi, he knew that the latter was always true to his word and would never go back on it.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, saying such things makes you seem like a stranger."

After Hongyi waved his hand, a gentle smile remained on his face,

"This Gu Yuntao is immensely powerful; not to mention me, even among those of the same rank, I fear there are very few who can match him."

"What I did can hardly be considered magnanimous; it’s merely having the self-awareness to retreat when faced with difficulty."

Hearing this, Xu Ping only chuckled and said nothing further.

He naturally understood that this was just Hongyi’s modesty. Given Hongyi’s own strength, although slightly inferior to Gu Yuntao’s, he absolutely belonged to the top tier of masters of the same level.

Moreover, behind Hongyi stood a mysterious and unfathomable Nascent Soul cultivator as a solid backing.

If Hongyi were to actually follow the directive of the Nascent Soul cultivator behind him and take action against Gu Yuntao, two fists wouldn’t be able to block four hands. Even if Gu Yuntao’s strength was exceptional, he would find himself in a perilous situation.

The two chatted idly for a while, deliberately avoiding the sensitive topic of the previous contention, and the atmosphere gradually relaxed.

Xu Ping kept thinking about the agreement he had made with Gu Yuntao beforehand, and seeing that the time was about right, he tactfully proposed taking his leave:

"I still have matters to attend to, so I must bid farewell for now. Fellow Daoist Hong, if fate permits, we shall meet again for a good conversation."

After all, Gu Yuntao was still waiting for him, so he naturally couldn’t linger here much longer.

"Until we meet again."

Hongyi cupped his hands but did not try to keep him, watching as Xu Ping left the private room.

His gaze followed Xu Ping’s back until he completely disappeared from sight, then he withdrew his gaze.

"Thank you, Nine Nether Elder, for showing mercy."

He slowly spoke, a note of gratitude evident in his tone.

If the Nine Nether Elder had insisted on seizing the near-Fourth Rank Soul Nourishing Wood from Gu Yuntao, he would have been caught awkwardly between an old friend and his reliance, making his situation very uncomfortable.

Fortunately, the Nine Nether Elder ultimately took a step back, which undoubtedly allowed him to breathe a sigh of relief.

"Hmph!"

The Nine Nether Elder snorted coldly, with a hint of disdain in his tone,

"I just felt that, given the current circumstances, trying to snatch that piece of near-Fourth Rank Soul Nourishing Wood from that fellow would indeed be quite difficult."

Hearing this, Hongyi merely smiled slightly.

He had spent many years with the Nine Nether Elder, so he naturally understood his nature.

On the surface, it seemed that the Nine Nether Elder abandoned the idea due to the difficulty, but he naturally understood the deeper meaning.

"Moreover, the piece of near-Fourth Rank Soul Nourishing Wood at the auction was clearly cut from a much larger near-Fourth Rank Soul Nourishing Wood."

"And my goal is naturally the larger one within the Hundred Bamboo Sect," the Nine Nether Elder said lightly.

"A larger near-Fourth Rank Soul Nourishing Wood?" Hongyi was immediately shocked.

Recalling the auction, he had carefully observed that piece of near-Fourth Rank Soul Nourishing Wood, and there was no sign of any cutting or splicing whether in appearance or energy flow.

However, he had always believed in the Nine Nether Elder’s words without a shred of doubt.

Nonetheless, plotting for the near-Fourth Rank Soul Nourishing Wood within the Hundred Bamboo Sect evidently involved great difficulty.

...

...

A cup of tea later, Xu Ping arrived at the inn’s private room where he had arranged to meet Gu Yuntao.

He raised his hand and gently pushed open the door; with a creak, the door slowly opened.

In front of him appeared a private room with an ancient and elegant charm.

Inside this room, there were three people.

Besides Gu Yuntao, Yan Ming was also present. As for the other person, Xu Ping had never seen him before.

This person’s aura was vast and powerful, having evidently reached the level of Golden Core Perfection, an impressive presence that couldn’t be ignored.

Upon seeing Xu Ping enter, Gu Yuntao displayed a hearty smile and rose to greet him:

"Fellow Daoist Yan, you finally arrived. We’ve been looking forward to you for quite a while."

However, at this moment, Yan Ming showed a constipated expression.

He truly did not expect that Yan Ruchen would actually join them.

"I apologize for being late."

Xu Ping responded with a smile, while subtly scanning Yan Ming, then pausing momentarily on the unfamiliar Golden Core Perfection cultivator.

Noting this, Gu Yuntao smiled and introduced, "This is Elder Mo Li of the Hundred Bamboo Sect, Fellow Daoist Mo."

"Mo Li of the Hundred Bamboo Sect?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Ping’s heart stirred, "It seems this is the person supporting Gu Yuntao within the Hundred Bamboo Sect."

With Golden Core Perfection cultivation, they are definitely among the highest-ranking individuals within the Hundred Bamboo Sect.

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Mo." Xu Ping suppressed his thoughts and cupped his hands.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, I’ve long admired your reputation! Meeting you today, your fame is truly well-deserved."

Mo Li returned the gesture with a smile, his eyes showing a hint of appreciation.

At this moment, Yan Ming’s expression became even more constipated.

After all, the fact that Yan Ruchen had his current reputation was entirely thanks to his own contrast.

As everyone took their seats, they began to chat casually.

However, the conversation naturally drifted to the significant matter of the plan to oppose the Seed Puppet Sect.

"I have now successfully acquired the near-Fourth Rank Soul Nourishing Wood."

"According to my plan, all preparations will be completed in at most ten years."