Cultivation Starts from Farming-Chapter 699 - 330: Surprise; Scheming

"This feeling..."

Xu Ping slowly opened his eyes, a hint of amazement flashing through them, "It’s actually so wondrous."

Xu Ping got up and went to the open area outside the secret room.

He suddenly felt as if now was the perfect moment to practice his swordsmanship.

Immediately, he flipped his palm, and his Lifebound Magical Treasure appeared in his hand.

With the sword following his heart, Xu Ping began to perform the Sword Technique.

"Flowing Moon Pierces the Sky!"

The sword light poured out like flowing water, drawing silver trails in the air, resembling moonlight streaming.

The Sword Qi seemed gentle, but was extraordinarily sharp, creating a buzzing sound as it sliced through the air.

"Ethereal as Smoke!"

The sword stance suddenly changed from firm to soft, and the Sword Qi transformed into ethereal mist, spreading around.

This move seemed formless and shapeless, yet it concealed a deadly intent; once ensnared within, one would be trapped in a maze, hard to escape.

Xu Ping slightly closed his eyes, merging his spirit with the sword.

Strangely, as the swordsmanship was performed, Xu Ping felt his mind become more serene, and his understanding of the swordsmanship grew more profound, insights coming one after another.

Sometimes, the sword light was as gentle as moonlight, sometimes as sharp as frozen ice, changing boundlessly, captivating and dazzling.

The sword practice continued for a whole day, from dawn till dusk, without Xu Ping’s sword stance halting.

It was only when the moon rose mid-sky that he retracted the Lifebound Magical Sword. 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Unexpectedly, ’Heart Refining Skill’ Entry Level actually greatly enhances sword practice too!"

Xu Ping awoke from his enlightenment, a smile instantly spreading across his face.

This surely counts as an unexpected delight.

His original intent in cultivating ’Heart Refining Skill’ was to deal with the Heart Demon Tribulation when breaking through to Nascent Soul.

Unexpectedly, it also greatly aided his swordsmanship practice.

The gain was completely beyond his expectations.

Eagerly, Xu Ping thought and opened the proficiency panel:

[Flowing Moon Sword Technique Minor Achievement: 446/800]

...

"An increase of thirty-two points at once!"

Seeing the clear numbers displayed on the panel, Xu Ping’s smile grew even brighter.

The day’s practice was almost equivalent to two months of proficiency growth, how could he not be thrilled?

However, the only pity was that this state only briefly appeared after achieving Entry Level in ’Heart Refining Skill’, like a fleeting moment.

Xu Ping estimated that he would have to wait until ’Heart Refining Skill’ reached a proficient level to once again experience such a heightened state of mind.

"Nevertheless, this is enough to reevaluate the value of ’Heart Refining Skill’." Xu Ping mused silently, a hint of contemplation in his eyes.

The value of ’Heart Refining Skill’ extends far beyond just helping cultivators overcome the Heart Demon Tribulation when breaking through to Nascent Soul.

It, in itself, is a rare tome capable of enhancing a cultivator’s mindset, aiding various secret techniques’ practice.

...

Time flies, three months later.

Celestial Cyan Peak underground cave mansion.

A Sound Transmission Talisman flew into the secret room, interrupting Xu Ping’s meditation.

It was True Monarch Lan Ling’s transmission: "Ruchen junior brother, come to Blue Water Peak quickly, Red Sand Sect is making a move."

"Red Sand Sect is making a move?"

Xu Ping frowned, and couldn’t help but think of that Demon Monarch and Snake Demon.

"Could it be plotting against me?"

Xu Ping suppressed his speculation, got up, and left the secret room, flying towards Blue Water Peak.

Soon, he arrived at the main hall of Blue Water Peak.

Inside the hall, True Monarch Lan Ling had already been waiting for some time, her stunning face filled with solemnity and killing intent.

"Ruchen junior brother, you came."

Seeing Xu Ping step into the hall, True Monarch Lan Ling’s solemn face revealed a hint of a smile.

"Mm."

Xu Ping slightly nodded, went straight to the point without pleasantries, "Zhaoxue senior sister, what unusual movements does Red Sand Sect have?"

His tone was calm yet serious, showing his concern for the matter.

"Red Sand Sect attacked our various properties in Valley of Ten Thousand Demons, killing over a dozen of our disciples."

A hint of coldness flashed in True Monarch Lan Ling’s eyes, her star-like eyes shimmering with hidden killing intent.

Upon hearing this, Xu Ping frowned deeply.

He was almost certain that the opponent’s actions were directly targeted at him, intending to lure him out and set a trap.

"And what does Zhaoxue senior sister think?" Xu Ping asked nonchalantly.

"Ruchen junior brother, I would like to ask you to deter Red Sand Sect a bit." True Monarch Lan Ling’s beautiful eyes turned to Xu Ping, filled with anticipation, her tone revealing a hint of plea.

Though Yan Ruchen possesses overwhelming battle strength, the Puppet Array’s might matches that of a Peak of Early-stage Nascent Soul cultivator, he is, after all, a genuine Golden Core Cultivator.

Strictly speaking, his action does not violate the unwritten rules of Great Xia Country.

Xu Ping pondered briefly, his eyes turned slightly, gently shaking his head: "Senior sister, I’m afraid this matter isn’t that simple."

True Monarch Lan Ling’s brows slightly furrowed: "What do you mean?"

Xu Ping recounted the story of True Monarch Chixiao, Demon Monarch, and Snake Demon intercepting him on the road, coveting the Lake Rat.

Including the possibility that they might collude with more Nascent Soul cultivators to ambush.

"Is there indeed such a matter?"

True Monarch Lan Ling was astonished, evident shock reflected on her stunning face.

If the Lake Rat and Yan Ruchen were to suffer mishaps, relying solely on her strength, Valley of Ten Thousand Demons couldn’t be sustained.

The loss of these two battle strengths would significantly lower Valley of Ten Thousand Demons’ position in the Cultivation Realm, possibly leading to being oppressed or annexed by other sects.

This affair is undoubtedly led by Red Sand Sect.

"The Red Sand Sect’s actions are very likely orchestrated by True Monarch Chixiao and others, to lure me out of the cave mansion." Xu Ping slightly nodded.

True Monarch Lan Ling was silent for a moment, her gaze deep, like two cold pools, and then decisively said:

"In that case, let’s abandon those industries. Guard them if possible, if not, it’s fine. We absolutely can’t suffer further loss of Nascent Soul strength."