Chapter 922: Chapter 405: Inheritance of Fourth Rank Upper Grade Talisman Scripts; Duan Shuang Breaks Through to Mid-Stage Nascent Soul

As Xu Ping’s thoughts stirred, he opened that familiar proficiency panel as usual:

[Lifespan: 4321 / 4241 years]

[Realm: Nascent Soul Stage: 18/100]

[Cultivation Technique: Ten Thousand Woods Evergreen Scripture (Nascent Soul Chapter) Major Achievement: 1320/1600]

....

"More than twenty years since breaking through to the mid-stage of the Nascent Soul... the cultivation has only increased by seventeen points..."

Xu Ping looked at the slow progress in the realm column and shook his head helplessly.

Every step of advancement in the Nascent Soul Stage requires a vast accumulation of Mana, becoming even more so in the later stages.

"At this rate, without unique opportunities, it would take at least a hundred years of hard work to cultivate to the peak of the mid-stage Nascent Soul."

"And the bottleneck from mid-stage to late-stage... its difficulty probably surpasses the breakthrough from Golden Core to Nascent Soul."

Xu Ping’s gaze moved down to the cultivation technique column.

"However, the proficiency of the Ten Thousand Woods Evergreen Scripture is almost reaching perfection."

Looking at the progress [1320/1600], a trace of anticipation flashed in Xu Ping’s eyes.

If this cultivation technique can break through to perfection, the benefits will be comprehensive.

Further extension of lifespan, faster Mana recovery rate, improved cultivation efficiency...

His speed of advancing to the peak of mid-stage can certainly increase significantly, and perhaps it could also contribute some help for the breakthrough to late-stage.

"Besides..."

Suddenly, Xu Ping felt something and carefully perceived the dense Spiritual Qi around him, "The concentration of Spiritual Qi in this cave has increased quite a bit since the initial Spirit Vein breakthrough?"

His Divine Sense swept carefully over the entire cave, and a hint of surprise appeared on his face: "Such concentration... it’s probably approaching the peak level of Fourth Rank Middle Grade Spirit Vein!"

"Has the growth been this rapid?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

Although the Spiritual Qi concentration normally also increased slowly, Xu Ping had been busy with cultivation and external affairs and did not pay much attention.

Only today did he carefully perceive the noticeable progress.

With a thought, Xu Ping used his Divine Sense to connect with the Spirit Worm at the core of the underground Spirit Vein.

Moments later, the ground slightly trembled, and the Fourth Rank Spirit Worm emerged, showing a flattering smile, "Master, you’ve summoned me."

"Hmm."

Xu Ping nodded slightly and directly asked, "How is the situation with the Spirit Vein now? How long until it promotes to the peak of Fourth Rank Middle Grade?"

The Spirit Worm hurriedly answered, "Reporting to Master, the promotion of the Spirit Vein is proceeding smoothly."

"At the current pace, it should take about sixty to seventy years to seamlessly elevate to the peak of Fourth Rank Middle Grade.

"However..."

It hesitated briefly and then continued, "But to break through that barrier and ascend to the Fourth Rank Upper Grade level... it would require an extended period of meticulous effort, the exact duration is difficult for me to estimate."

"Sixty to seventy years to reach the Middle Grade peak, and still a long way to breakthrough to Upper Grade?" Xu Ping’s eyebrows involuntarily furrowed upon hearing this.

This pace, for ordinary cultivators or sects, would be an unimaginable speed.

But for him, it seemed somewhat slow!

His cultivation had already reached the mid-stage Nascent Soul and was advancing toward the late-stage.

Once he reaches the mid-stage peak and begins attempting to break through to the late-stage, his requirements for the Spirit Vein environment will be exceedingly high.

Even the support provided by the peak of a Fourth Rank Middle Grade Spirit Vein might seem insufficient then, becoming a factor restricting his breakthrough.

Moreover, as the Water Lake Mouse is preparing for its breakthrough to Fourth Rank Upper Grade, the Spirit Vein’s upgrade becomes especially crucial.

"Is there a way to accelerate the promotion in the quality of the Spirit Vein?" Xu Ping asked seriously.

After contemplating briefly, the Spirit Worm respectfully responded, "Methods certainly exist."

"If some rare ’Spirit Vein Treasures’ can be found and integrated into the core of the earth vein, it can greatly accelerate the growth and transformation of the Spirit Vein."

"Oh, what kind of treasures?" Xu Ping’s eyes lit up, and he immediately pursued the question.

"The most common and most effective is the ’Spirit Vein Pearl.’

The Spirit Worm said, "This is formed by the essence of the Spirit Vein condensing over eons, containing the purest essence of heaven and earth."

"Additionally, certain high-quality Spirit Vein segments or remnants, if acquired and used as the source for nourishment, can also significantly catalyze the Spirit Vein’s advancement."

"Spirit Vein Pearl? High-quality Spirit Vein segments or remnants?" Xu Ping pondered.

The Spirit Vein Pearl is generated by nature, an encounter that’s beyond pursuit, greatly reliant on chance.

As for high-quality Spirit Vein segments... perhaps I can devise a plan.

The outer sea is vast, with plenty of Spirit Veins, especially during the current demon disaster, unclaimed high-quality Spirit Veins could potentially be targeted.

"This matter could perhaps be entrusted to the major powers in the outer sea." Xu Ping mused internally.

Over the years, he had slain countless ancient demons, earning contributions and prestige far beyond that of ordinary individuals.

This minor favor, I’m sure the major powers in the outer sea would be willing to assist with.

....

A year for the increasingly tempestuous outer sea was merely the flicker of an eye.

Outside Blood Bone Island, a water-blue Escape Light pierced through the clouds and gently descended, revealing Liang Ming’s slightly sentimental figure.

Upon closer inspection, it was indeed Liang Ming.

Before he could send a message, the restriction enveloping the island opened a gap, and Xu Ping appeared at the island’s edge, with a gentle smile on his face:

"Fellow Daoist Liang, it’s been a while."

"Greetings, Fellow Daoist Xu."

Liang Ming hurriedly stepped forward, cupping his hands, yet his tone unconsciously carried a trace of respect, and even a barely perceptible hint of apprehension.

This wasn’t mere courtesy; it was due to the soaring prestige of Xu Ping in recent years, whose strength and skills had spread across the outer sea.

Even exceeding that of their ancestors;

Faced with such a presence, despite being old acquaintances, Liang Ming found it difficult to maintain a completely equal mindset.

Seeing this, Xu Ping smiled faintly, "Fellow Daoist Liang, we have known each other for quite some time, there’s no need for such formalities."

Hearing Xu Ping’s still friendly words, warmth surged in Liang Ming’s heart, dissipating a bit of his apprehension, and he revealed a smile: "Fellow Daoist Xu is right."