Chapter 1029: Chapter 439: Rewards—Dragon Essence Blood Tempering Pill and Wisdom Pearl (3)

"A treasure that can enhance the Dragon Might of the Human Race?"

Ao Guang Dragon King cast a slightly surprised glance at Xu Ping.

He could naturally sense that pure yet not very powerful Dragon Might on Xu Ping’s body.

A human, so obsessed with increasing his Dragon Might—his aim was indeed somewhat intriguing.

But he did not ask further; everyone had their own secrets.

"As for Spiritual Objects that enhance comprehension..."

Ao Guang Dragon King pondered slightly, "We of the Demon Race cultivate mostly by relying on bloodline talent and the accumulation of years; our dependence on comprehension is comparatively low."

"However, in the Dragon Palace’s treasury, there is indeed an item called the ’Enlightening Spirit Pearl.’"

"It is condensed from an ancient spirit clam that absorbed the essence of sun and moon and the aura of literary fortune. Worn on the body, it can, imperceptibly, increase a cultivator’s comprehension by a small degree."

"This item is of little use to my Demon Race and has been idle all along, so I shall gift it to Fellow Daoist Xu."

Xu Ping’s eyes instantly lit up at these words.

To Xu Ping, this was truly a fine treasure.

This could permanently enhance comprehension; even if it was only "by a small degree," it was definitely a rare treasure that one could only encounter by chance.

This True Dragon Hall indeed had deep foundations.

"As for increasing Dragon Might..."

Ao Guang Dragon King thought for a moment. "My Dragon Race has a secret Dragon Essence Blood Tempering Pill, originally used to purify the bloodline of junior Dragon Race members and stimulate their Dragon Might."

"If a member of the Human Race takes it, they must endure immense pain, and must also cooperate with a special Skill to guide it. The risk is not small, but if successful, the effect on increasing Dragon Might will be remarkable."

"This method and the pill formula can likewise be given to Fellow Daoist."

"Many thanks, Dragon King."

Xu Ping cupped his hands in sincere thanks.

These two things were precisely what he currently needed.

Immediately, Xu Ping recalled something else and asked, "Forgive my presumptuousness in asking one more thing, Dragon King—within the Dragon Palace, or in the Outer Sea, is there any news of or collection of ’Nine Heavens Gang Wind Essence’?"

Ao Guang Dragon King’s brows furrowed slightly. He pondered carefully for a moment, then shook his head. "Nine Heavens Gang Wind Essence is far too rare. Only after tens of thousands of years in the depths of the Nine Heavens Gang Wind layer can a single wisp condense."

"Not only is it precious, its environment of formation is also extremely special. Usually only in certain absolute forbidden grounds in the inland will there be a chance to find traces of it."

"The Outer Sea environment can hardly nurture such an object."

Though Xu Ping felt a bit disappointed, it was also within his expectations.

Previously, the Nine Nether Elder had only said there were clues in the inland and had not confirmed it.

However, Ao Guang Dragon King then said, "Since Fellow Daoist has need of it, Ao will immediately issue orders so that the youths under my command pay extra attention."

"If, in the Outer Sea or when trading with other forces, there is any sign of this item, we will inform Fellow Daoist at the first possible moment."

"I trouble the Dragon King to take such pains." Xu Ping thanked him once more.

With this connection to the True Dragon Hall, there was always a bit more hope.

....

After they finished discussing the gifts in thanks, the atmosphere in the hall became a bit more relaxed.

Ao Guang Dragon King once again steered the topic back to the imminent threat.

"The Star Palace and the Ancient Demons have always been a grave hidden danger."

His tone was heavy. "Although we have temporarily repelled them for now, we all know very well that without the suppression of the Outer Sea’s heavenly laws, when the Dual Saints join forces, their strength is far too formidable."

"Even this king, if I were to leave the Outer Sea and fight them, would have only one path—to be defeated and retreat.

"Taking the initiative to attack is simply unrealistic."

The Nine Nether Elder interjected, "What the Dragon King says is absolutely true."

"In the current stalemate, the crucial point lies in the Ancient Demons. If we can deal with the Ancient Demons and sever one arm of the Star Palace, then with only the Dual Saints, though they are strong, it will be difficult for them to assemble an invasion on such a scale again and accomplish much."

Ao Guang Dragon King nodded in agreement. "Fellow Daoist sees it clearly.

It’s just that... the Ancient Demons are entrenched in the Ancient Demon Hall, their movements are mysterious, hiding within the void. It is difficult even to find their traces, let alone deal with or seal them."

"In ancient times, sealing the Ancient Demon Hall required gathering the strength of many great experts of this realm. As for now... difficult, difficult, difficult!"

Xu Ping pondered for a moment, then spoke. "Dragon King, Senior, in Xu Mou’s view, our side and the Star Palace have already entered a stalemate."

"The Star Palace Saints expended such great effort and cost to scheme for the Outer Sea. They will never give up easily just because of one defeat; they must still have follow-up plans."

"Perhaps we can temporarily respond to all changes by remaining still, and watch how they make their next move—especially what actions the Ancient Demon side will take."

"At that time, we can then, based on their movements, seek out flaws and plot a counter-strategy."

"A rash assault would, conversely, be unwise."

Xu Ping’s thinking was clear and calm, neither arrogant nor impatient, based on defense and counterattack, waiting for the opportune moment.

Of course, the main thing was that Xu Ping was currently extremely short on time.

Especially now that he could enhance his comprehension, progress in the Sword Dao was something he could well foresee.

Naturally, he did not wish to stir up trouble at this time; it was best to cultivate in peace.

Hearing this, Ao Guang Dragon King and the Nine Nether Elder both revealed contemplative looks, then, after a moment, nodded one after another.

At present, this was indeed the most reliable strategy.

...

At the same time.

In the Inner Sea, within a magnificent palace floating above a sea of clouds and constructed from Star Power.

The atmosphere was so oppressive it was almost about to condense into water.

The starlight around the Star King’s body was faintly chaotic, and a layer of frost covered the cold features of the Moon God.

Sitting opposite them, the Hehuan Old Demon, though the wounds on his demonic body had initially stabilized, still had somewhat unstable aura, and his face was so dark it was terrifying.

In this Outer Sea war, one could say they had lost both wife and soldiers.

Not only had their plan to conquer the Outer Sea been frustrated, they had also lost a large number of low- and mid-level disciples.

More importantly, their trump card of colluding with the Ancient Demons had been exposed, and two enormous variables, Xu Ping and the Nine Nether Elder, had appeared.

"Those two... especially that Xu Ping!"

The Hehuan Old Demon gnashed his teeth, a poisonous flame burning in his scarlet vertical pupils. "If this child is not eliminated, he will definitely become a major calamity!"

The Star King’s icy voice sounded, carrying a faint, imperceptible irritation. "This child indeed exceeded all expectations. With only a Nascent Soul body, two treasures in hand, and his Sword Dao already touching the threshold of ’momentum’... he is rare through the ages."

"And that Ghost Cultivator—ghost cultivation at the Divinity Transformation level, hiding himself until now—his ambitions are by no means small."