The layers of restrictions laid down by Xu Ping’s powerful Divine Sense were now shaking from the impact.

"Hmph!"

Xu Ping was well-prepared for this. He snorted coldly, showing no sign of panic on his face.

The moment a figure appeared beside Xu Ping, it was entirely green and emanated pure life force from the Wood element and the mighty Power of Divine Sense.

It was the Wood Spirit Avatar.

Sharing a mental link with Xu Ping’s true form, it needed no directive. The moment it appeared, it formed hand seals with both hands. Its Divine Sense, equally as powerful as its original self, descended with a bang.

"Awoooo...."

The fierce flame of the main soul was like being doused with cold water, extinguished in an instant.

It let out a mournful wail filled with fear and unwillingness, as the rebellious strength it just gathered was easily crushed.

The ghost also became obedient instantly, allowing Xu Ping to reinforce the restriction once more.

At this moment, Xu Ping could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

The stronger the ghost, the harder it was to suppress.

For a typical late-stage Great Cultivator, suppressing this ghost would likely only result in being counter-attacked.

Though it wouldn’t lead to demise, reclaiming control over the Ten Thousand Souls Banner was a pipe dream.

"Return!"

Xu Ping’s voice was indifferent and carried an undeniable command.

The main soul did not dare to hesitate, transforming into a dark golden stream of light, obediently returning to the suspended Ten Thousand Souls Banner.

A green light flashed in Xu Ping’s eyes, and he spat out a pure Nascent Soul True Flame, enveloping the Ten Thousand Souls Banner completely.

As the ghost grew stronger, the Ten Thousand Souls Banner, which served as its vessel, must also be upgraded; otherwise, it would risk being destroyed and have its soul dissipate.

At this moment, it was necessary to temper it with True Flame, allowing the evolved strength of the ghost to nourish back to the banner, merging man and tool into one, to stabilize thoroughly.

This process consumed another six months, leaving Xu Ping utterly exhausted.

Thus, he came to Duan Shuang’s cave to relax his mind.

...

Inside the cave, the Spiritual Spring was misty, with a pleasant fragrance in the air.

The water in the Spiritual Spring pool was warm, waves gently splashing, with droplets falling onto Duan Shuang’s alabaster-like body, adding a touch of allure.

Xu Ping lay back with closed eyes, feeling the spring water and Duan Shuang soothing his weary body and soul.

Time seemed to stand still...

Xu Ping’s heart and mind were at peace.

Duan Shuang was already panting softly, sweating, and her delicate face was flushed, her tender body weakly leaning against his strong chest.

Xu Ping smiled slightly, pulling her soft body tightly into his arms, feeling its astonishing elasticity and delicacy.

The two embraced, enjoying the rare tranquility and tenderness before the storm’s arrival.

The spring water trickled gently, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Suddenly, Duan Shuang lifted her delicate face, her beautiful eyes shimmering like water, gazing at Xu Ping. She softly said, "Xu Lang, it’s been some time since you stepped into Mid-Stage Nascent Soul. You’ve accumulated far more foundation than others in the same stage." 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

"I may.... assist you in trying to reach that Late-Stage Nascent Soul?"

The implication in her words was clear.

Her body carried the Pure Yin Body, with untouched Primordial Yin. If she were to engage in Dual Cultivation with Xu Ping at this moment, using her pure Mid-Stage Nascent Soul Primordial Yin to aid, it would greatly benefit Xu Ping in breaking through the Late-Stage bottleneck.

Xu Ping, upon hearing this, simply smiled gently, holding her tighter: "To reach Late-Stage Nascent Soul, for your husband, is not an insurmountable chasm, besides...."

He said with a trace of anticipation, smiling: "I would rather wait for when you, Shuang’Er, also break through to Late-Stage Nascent Soul, so that we might pursue the path of Dual Cultivation together."

"Then, the fusion of Yin and Yang, the convergence of dragon and tiger, will yield greater results."

Yet, a trace of worry flashed in Duan Shuang’s eyes, she pressed her cheek against his chest, whispered: "I understand your hope, Xu Lang."

"But I am aware of my own potential."

"Had I not met you, bestowed numerous opportunities, I might have reached Early-Stage Nascent Soul at best in my lifetime."

"Although I’ve had the fortune of entering Mid-Stage now, seeking the Late-Stage is as challenging as climbing the heavens."

"I’m just afraid..... I might fail to meet your expectations."

Her concerns were not without reason.

On the path of cultivation, as one progresses to later stages, Spirit Root, insight, opportunities, and foundation are all indispensable.

Though heavily nurtured by Xu Ping, her innate attributes were not exceptional, and the Late-Stage Nascent Soul truly was a formidable barrier.

"I’ve got everything covered!"

Xu Ping smiled lightly, "Shuang’Er, you only need to train with peace of mind, solidify your realm."

In fact, when Duan Shuang steps into Late-Stage Nascent Soul, besides Dual Cultivation enhancing Divine Sense, there is another significant role, which is to assist him in breaking through to Divinity Transformation.

One must know that a Pure Yin Body at the Late-Stage Nascent Soul level could hardly be found across the human realm. It would certainly greatly aid him in breaking through to Divinity Transformation.

Of course, all of this is still too early.

Both remain at the Mid-Stage Nascent Soul for now.

At the very least, it awaits Duan Shuang’s genuine breakthrough to Late-Stage Nascent Soul, and then for him to reach Nascent Soul Perfection before it can be discussed.

The two continued their tender conversation for a long time until their hearts and minds were completely relaxed.

...

Time passed, another two months went by.

On this day, Shan Tianyou came to visit Xu Ping at Blood Bone Island.

Within Blood Bone Hall, the aroma of tea lingered.

Xu Ping personally poured a cup of Spirit Tea for Shan Tianyou.

Shan Tianyou took a sip, exchanged some pleasantries, then took out a storage bag and placed it on the jade table, smiling:

"Fellow Daoist Xu, these are the high-quality Spirit Vein fragments you previously entrusted Mystic Water Sect to collect."

Xu Ping scanned with his Divine Sense, finding several pieces of Spirit Vein fragments rich in Spiritual Qi of excellent appearance inside the bag.

He was satisfied, put it away, and cupped his hands: "Thank you, Fellow Daoist Shan. Such a small matter, how could I trouble you to personally come?

Shan Tianyou put down the tea cup, his expression mildly serious, saying: "Don’t take it wrong, Fellow Daoist Xu, but today I’ve come not only to deliver this item, but also have a request for you."

"Please feel free to speak, Senior Shan." Xu Ping made a listening gesture.

Shan Tianyou pondered for a moment, then said: "I’d like to ask if I could acquire some of the blood of your Spirit Pet, the Water Lake Rat."

"The blood of the Water Lake Rat?"

Xu Ping frowned slightly, "What use does Fellow Daoist have for it?"

"Alchemy!"

Shan Tianyou’s eyes burned bright, uttering a few words: "Dragon Blood Nirvana Pill."

"Dragon Blood Nirvana Pill, what wonders does this pill hold?" Xu Ping asked again.

Shan Tianyou explained: "This pill is an ancient formula."

"Using Fourth Rank Upper Grade True Dragon blood as the main ingredient, complemented by dozens of rare Spiritual Materials, it can greatly stimulate a cultivator’s potential, domineeringly so, greatly assisting in breaking through the Nascent Soul Late-Stage bottleneck."