Chapter 1007: Chapter 432: Confronting the Dual Saints (2)

He then continued, "Regarding the materials, we still need time to gather them. The Star Palace’s battle preparations are also not something that can be accomplished overnight. We should have quite a bit of time to prepare."

Xu Ping nodded, "I understand, there’s no rush."

"However, before that, there is a small matter that needs to be dealt with first," Nine Nether Elder’s tone shifted.

"Oh, what is it?" Xu Ping asked.

Nine Nether Elder did not directly answer but instead turned his gaze towards Hongyi.

Hongyi understood and spoke, "Fellow Daoist Xu, regarding your previous scheming with Xuanmo True Monarch, we have tracked his exact movements."

"Recently, he secretly invited two late-stage Nascent Soul elders from the Star Palace to further explore the ’Water Demon Cave.’ He seems convinced that deep within, there indeed lies ’Five Element Divine Mud.’"

Hongyi’s eyes glinted coldly, "Therefore, I wish to join forces with you, Fellow Daoist Xu, to set up a trap like the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind."

"We can both cut off the Star Palace’s wings and seize their opportunity while helping you settle this old grievance."

"Five Element Divine Mud?"

Xu Ping’s eyes flashed with brilliance.

If he really obtained the Five Element Divine Mud, it would be perfect for enhancing the Canghua Divine Wood Sword or the Soul-Breaking Needle.

Xu Ping barely hesitated and immediately agreed, "I will take on this matter."

With his current late-stage Nascent Soul strength, coupled with his Divine Sense touching the Divinity Transformation threshold, dealing with several late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators—even if they were like Xuanmo True Monarch, such old demons—he confidently felt he was more than capable.

Moreover, with Nine Nether Elder and Hongyi as strong allies by his side, this venture could be considered foolproof.

Since there was still a year remaining until the agreed time for action set by Xuanmo True Monarch and his cohort, after discussing some details and contact methods, Hongyi and Nine Nether Elder rose to take their leave.

Xu Ping personally escorted them out of Blood Bone Island, watching as they disappeared into the horizon within their Escape Light, before returning to Blood Bone Hall.

The hall was silent; Xu Ping sat alone, falling into deeper contemplation.

Agreeing to participate in the fight against the Divinity Transformation was a necessity, but he was well aware of the dangers involved.

He must utilize all possible time to enhance his power and increase his trump cards.

"In a short time, there aren’t many ways to significantly increase my strength..."

Xu Ping pondered, his thoughts scanning through his numerous skills.

Finally, his gaze settled on the Ten Thousand Souls Banner.

Currently, the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, after devouring the essence of several ancient demons and demon beasts, has surpassed ordinary Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasures in power. The main soul is even stronger than typical top-tier late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators.

But, this still isn’t enough!

"If I can further devour a few complete essences of late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators and a sufficient number of mid-stage Nascent Soul souls, to accumulate a thoroughly profound foundation..."

"The Ten Thousand Souls Banner would have a great chance to trigger a Thunder Tribulation, attempting to ascend to a treasure-level!"

If successful, possessing a magic treasure-level Ten Thousand Souls Banner would transform its power dramatically, enough to pose a substantial threat to Divinity Transformation cultivators.

This would be an important trump card in his fight against the Dual Saints of the Star Palace.

However, for a Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasure to ascend, it must undergo a Thunder Tribulation.

Especially the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, with its overwhelmingly evil and deeply karmic nature, the Thunder Tribulation it draws will surely be fiercer and more brutal.

If the Tribulation fails, the Ten Thousand Souls Banner may suffer significant loss of spiritual nature at best or outright destruction, rendering previous efforts futile.

Moreover, during the Tribulation, the billions of fierce souls within the Banner stimulated by heavenly thunder might easily backlash against its master, posing extreme danger.

"This matter... perhaps I could seek help from Nine Nether Elder," Xu Ping thought to himself.

Nine Nether Elder possesses Divinity Transformation level Divine Sense, his understanding of souls and restrictions far surpasses my own. With his assistance in guarding the tribulation, the chance of suppressing backlash inside the Banner would be much greater.

Furthermore, his mastery of arrays is profound, possibly reaching the legendary Fifth Rank Array Master level.

If a grand array could be setup to conceal heavenly secrets, not only could it prevent excessive noise during the tribulation from attracting formidable enemies, it might also weaken the power of the Thunder Tribulation.

Of course, the creation of Fourth-rank Top-grade Puppet, as well as comprehending the first transformation of the "Sword Dao True Interpretation," must also not slacken one bit.

These are all tangible means to enhance one’s combat power; the more strength one has, the more capital one possesses to survive the upcoming overwhelming storm.

...

A year slipped by quietly amidst tight and intense preparations.

On this day, located at a remote sea area offshore, three concealed breaths of Escape Light quietly dove underwater; they were none other than Xu Ping, Nine Nether Elder, and Hongyi.

Nine Nether Elder employed mysterious methods, using unknown secret techniques, perfectly melding their breaths with the surrounding chilly water vapor and chaotic Demonic Qi.

Even late-stage Nascent Soul cultivators investigating at close range could hardly detect them.

Days later, three undisguised powerful Escape Lights pierced through the mist, directly shooting into the depths of Water Demon Cave; they were Xuanmo True Monarch and the two late-stage Nascent Soul elders from the Star Palace.

Xuanmo True Monarch maintained his sinister appearance, while the other two, dressed in Star Palace attire, had arrogant gazes and sharp auras.

Xu Ping and his two companions exchanged a glance, silently following behind.

Inside Water Demon Cave, the terrain was complex, filled with various bizarre demonic water creatures and naturally formed confusing arrays and spatial traps.

Xuanmo True Monarch evidently had deep studies of this place, leading the two Star Palace elders to avoid many dangers as they ventured further.

During the journey, they encountered several waves of powerful demonic beasts’ attacks, even drawing out two terrifying Water Beasts mutated by demonic qi, their strength reaching Fourth-rank Top-grade.

A fierce battle erupted at the cave’s dark bottom.

Xuanmo True Monarch unleashed overwhelming magic, while the two Star Palace elders were remarkable as well, deploying magical treasures and divine techniques, their radiance dazzling, demonic qi surging.