Cultivation Starts from Farming-Chapter 731 - 340: Schemes and Escape Routes (Part 3)
The crystalline azure Nascent Soul darted about joyfully in the sea of consciousness, emanating an endless spiritual grace.
In the quiet chamber, azure spiritual light flickered around Xu Ping from time to time.
...
Time flies like an arrow.
In the blink of an eye, a year passed quietly.
Within the secret chamber.
"Buzz..."
An almost inaudible humming sounded as the restriction on the stone door dissipated like ripples of water.
Xu Ping slowly opened his eyes, with inner brilliance in his gaze, deep as the ocean, and his aura full and harmonious, without a hint of hollowness.
After a year of sitting still, his Nascent Soul Realm was thoroughly solidified, with a foundation as firm as a rock.
He stood tall, a formless pressure naturally exuded, only to be instantly retracted, returning to simplicity.
"My cultivation is completely stable; it’s time to pay a visit to True Monarch Lan Ling."
As soon as Xu Ping emerged from seclusion, he headed to Blue Water Peak to visit True Monarch Lan Ling to show his respect.
Decades ago, when Xu Ping came to the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons, he was fortunate to be welcomed and cared for by her. Now, both he and the Water Lake Rat have entered the Nascent Soul Level.
His heart was certainly filled with gratitude towards True Monarch Lan Ling.
"Junior Brother Yan has emerged from seclusion!"
Before the man arrived, his voice was already heard.
A gentle and charming voice came through, full of pleasant surprise and joy.
True Monarch Lan Ling personally came out to greet him, her figure graceful, floating like a fairy.
She was dressed in white, surpassing the snow, her dark hair cascading like a waterfall to her waist, extending her elegant neck, her waist subtly like silk, exuding an ethereal grace in every movement.
"Senior Sister Zhaoxue."
Xu Ping’s face showed a warm smile, cupping his hands in a gesture of respect, his demeanor composed and unhurried.
"Please come in, Junior Brother."
True Monarch Lan Ling smiled charmingly, her eyes twinkling, and personally led the way.
However, to Xu Ping’s slight surprise, Lan Ling did not lead him to the main hall or a quiet room, but directly passed through corridors and courtyards to her private meditation chambers.
The meditation chamber was elegantly and charmingly decorated to the utmost.
A delicate fragrance lingered, with ambergris burning in the four corners, and various spirit fruits and Immortal Mist Wine arrayed on the tables.
Near the inner chamber, a sheer lace drapery hung like cicada wings, revealing a large soft couch with neatly folded brocade quilts half-concealed within its transparency.
Xu Ping felt a slight stir in his heart, though his expression remained calm.
"Since Junior Brother Yan has achieved the Nascent Soul, will you host a Nascent Soul Grand Ceremony?"
True Monarch Lan Ling revealed her jade-like arm, pushing a steaming cup of verdant spiritual tea towards Xu Ping.
"There is no need."
Xu Ping raised the jade cup, sipped it lightly, then set down the teacup, shaking his head in refusal, "The invasion of the Wind Origin Realm is not many years away; it’s best not to be too ostentatious. Even the small Nascent Soul ceremony should be waived."
"Even the small Nascent Soul ceremony should be waived?"
Upon hearing this, True Monarch Lan Ling was momentarily taken aback, a trace of surprise flickering in her eyes.
Skipping the Nascent Soul Grand Ceremony is understandable, but omitting even the small ceremony is rare indeed.
However, upon further thought, she understood Xu Ping’s considerations and refrained from saying more.
After a moment of silence, True Monarch Lan Ling smiled softly and said, "Since Junior Brother Yan has become a Nascent Soul, would you be willing to assume the position of Grand Elder of our Valley of Ten Thousand Demons?"
"The affairs of the valley often leave me stretched thin; with Junior Brother’s help, it would be like adding wings to a tiger."
Upon hearing this, Xu Ping shook his head without hesitation, decisively refusing: "I am grateful for Senior Sister’s kindness, but there are still many cultivation problems I need to solve, and I fear I cannot spare the time."
His straightforward and prompt refusal slightly startled True Monarch Lan Ling.
Yet instantly, her exquisitely beautiful face showed not disappointment but a trace of relief.
She smiled brightly, revealing her pearly teeth, her eyes sparkling and captivating:
"In that case, I shall not insist. Junior Brother should indeed focus on your cultivation, having just entered the Nascent Soul Stage."
It turned out these words were merely a test.
If Xu Ping had indeed agreed, it would have put her in a difficult position.
Given Xu Ping’s strength, if he truly became the Grand Elder, it could change the valley’s lineage.
"However, Junior Brother still needs a place for cultivation."
True Monarch Lan Ling rose and walked to a landscape painting, gently caressing it with her jade hand. The scene within the painting flowed like a living thing, revealing the various mountain peaks and cave dwellings of the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons.
She pointed to a lush, cloud-covered green peak, "This peak is called ’Cyan Cloud Peak,’ with a deep earth vein and abundant Spiritual Qi, and it holds a Fourth Rank cave dwelling; it is bestowed upon you, Junior Brother."
"Thank you for your generosity, Senior Sister." Xu Ping cupped his hands in gratitude, his face showing appreciation.
Though the gratitude on Xu Ping’s face hadn’t faded, his expression had turned solemn: "There is one more impertinent request I have that I hope Senior Sister can fulfill."
"Please speak freely, Junior Brother Yan."
True Monarch Lan Ling tilted her head slightly, looking at him with curiosity.
"Having ascended to the Nascent Soul, I have not yet found a suitable cultivation technique. Might I seek one out at the ’Scripture Repository’?" Xu Ping spoke candidly, a look of anticipation flashing in his eyes.
"It’s but a small matter."
True Monarch Lan Ling smiled slightly, her slender jade hand turning over to reveal a completely translucent jade token inscribed with the word "Scripture," emanating spiritual grace.
"With this jade pendant, Junior Brother is free to access any of our Valley of Ten Thousand Demons’ tomes without reservation."
She handed the jade token to Xu Ping, her tone gentle and slightly intimate.
"Thank you, Senior Sister."
Xu Ping’s eyes lit up at once as he solemnly accepted the jade token.
With this, he could not only find suitable cultivation techniques but also check whether the valley records anything about the Profound Celestial Embryo.
Perhaps he could glean some insights and prepare for the future.
...
With the business matters concluded, the atmosphere between them gradually relaxed.
True Monarch Lan Ling’s demeanor became slightly more feminine.
She moved closer, sitting beside Xu Ping, her subtle fragrance surrounding his senses, slightly intoxicating his mind.
The candlelight within the hall flickered, casting shifting shadows, highlighting True Monarch Lan Ling’s jade-like features, making her appear exceptionally gentle and endearing.
She lightly bit her cherry lips, as if holding back countless unsaid words, and finally spoke softly:
"Junior Brother Yan’s ascension to the Nascent Soul Stage makes him a significant figure in the Cultivation Realm."
"But now, still alone, have you considered finding a Dao partner, to support and discuss the path to longevity with?"
Her starry eyes sparkled, glancing around with brilliance, her bright eyes seemingly filled with infinite hope.
