"Forget it, for now the Purple Sun Sword is sufficient." Xu Ping consoled himself, not overly upset about it.

After all, at present, to deal with ordinary enemies, the power of the Purple Sun Sword was more than enough; and if he encountered a formidable opponent like a Fake Pill expert, he could use the incredibly powerful Cyan Profound Divine Thunder Talisman.

As for the proto-form of an artifact, it wouldn't be too late to search for it after he reaches Late-Stage Foundation Establishment or even Foundation Establishment Perfection.

"Now that I've been in seclusion for almost a month, it seems it's time to use the 'Tribulation Spirit Skill' on the Hundred Bamboo Wood."

Xu Ping muttered to himself as he closed the proficiency panel visible only to him, then slowly stood up.

Just as he was about to leave the cultivation chamber, a sudden inspiration flashed in his mind.

"Wait... Although I cannot attempt to wield the proto-form of an artifact currently, with my variant liquid Mana now, perhaps I could try drafting a Third-rank Middle Grade Talisman!"

Thinking of this, Xu Ping's heart couldn't help but beat fast.

That would be a Third-rank Middle Grade Talisman, a power at the Middle Stage of Golden Core!

With his current cultivation, he could at most draft a Third-rank Lower Grade Talisman, but now, after the Longevity Skill breakthrough, his liquid Mana variant has a quality far surpassing a cultivator at Foundation Establishment Perfection.

Perhaps he could really draw out a Third-rank Middle Grade Talisman!

"Yet, with my current Divine Sense, it might be very difficult to precisely control a Third-rank Middle Grade Talisman." Xu Ping couldn't help but feel troubled.

The power in a talisman also requires guidance by Divine Sense.

For an ordinary Early-Stage Foundation Establishment cultivator, if they rashly used a Third-rank offensive talisman, whether the enemy would die or not is uncertain, but they themselves would certainly be doomed.

"Whatever, I'll try to draw it out first!" Xu Ping quickly reasoned it out.

There's no certainty yet, whether he can draw a Third-rank Middle Grade Talisman is still an unknown.

Moreover, soon he will be able to break through to Late-Stage Foundation Establishment, at which point his Divine Sense will surge, fully capable of handling a Third-rank Middle Grade Talisman.

With his decision made, Xu Ping immediately took out the Super Long-distance Sound Transmission Talisman to send a message to Song Qiwu, stating his desire to purchase a six-foot-long Third-rank Spirit Wood.

Before long, Song Qiwu replied in agreement but mentioned that preparing the Spirit Wood required some time.

Xu Ping naturally had no objection to this, as it was entirely a seller's market now.

...

...

Thus, Xu Ping patiently awaited at Thousand Leaves Mountain.

Time flew by, and two and a half months passed in the blink of an eye.

On this day, a majestic and vigorous Spiritual Qi suddenly enveloped the sky above Xiao Hui Mountain.

The Spiritual Qi surged and rolled as if tangible, forming a peculiar cloud cluster.

At this moment, Xu Ping, leisurely resting and sipping Spirit Tea in a pavilion, witnessed this scene, and a knowing smile lifted the corners of his mouth:

"Fellow Daoist Gong Yang... has broken through to Late-Stage Foundation Establishment!"

Gong Yang had long been at the peak of Mid-Stage Foundation Establishment, and with the resources from the deserted island relics, breaking through to Late-Stage Foundation Establishment was perfectly normal.

"It's time to go and extend my congratulations." Xu Ping set down the Spirit Tea cup in his hand, silently making up his mind.

...

Seven days later.

Once Gong Yang's cultivation was completely stabilized, Duan Shuang and Xu Ping coincidentally went to Xiao Hui Mountain to congratulate Gong Yang.

"Congratulations, Fellow Daoist Gong, on your breakthrough to Late-Stage Foundation Establishment; hoping for Golden Core in the future!" Xu Ping smiled, cupping his hands in congratulations.

Gong Yang, now over one hundred forty years old, theoretically still had the possibility of breaking through to Golden Core.

However, this possibility was so slim, like a carrot dangling in front of a donkey—seemingly within reach yet actually unattainable.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, you really think too highly of this old fellow. Having the fortune to break through to Late-Stage Foundation Establishment is already a massive blessing; how dare I entertain the delusion of achieving Golden Core?"

While Gong Yang responded humbly with his words, the slightly upturned corners of his mouth inadvertently revealed his inner joy at the moment.

Even though he understood Xu Ping's words carried some complimentary intent, what if there truly was just a sliver of hope?

"Gong Yang, with this breakthrough to Late-Stage Foundation Establishment, you can't be stingy now; you must bring out some good items to entertain the two of us." Duan Shuang quipped humorously aside, smiling warmly.

"Of course!"

Gong Yang laughed heartily, warmly inviting Xu Ping and Duan Shuang to take their seats.

The banquet began soon thereafter.

The three of them sipped fine wine while enjoying the graceful dances of the maids on Xiao Hui Mountain. The atmosphere was harmonious and lively, filled with joyful laughter.

It was at this moment that Song Qiwu suddenly contacted Xu Ping using the Super Long-distance Sound Transmission Talisman, announcing his arrival to trade the Third-rank Spirit Wood.

"How truly coincidental!" Xu Ping was slightly taken aback, surprised by the perfect timing of the trade.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, is there something the matter?" Gong Yang, noticing Xu Ping's unusual expression, couldn't help but ask.

"Fellow Daoist Song Qiwu has arrived..." Xu Ping smiled slightly, explaining the situation from start to finish.

"Then it's perfect, invite Fellow Daoist Song Qiwu to join us at Xiao Hui Mountain for a get-together." Gong Yang laughed warmly, making the enthusiastic suggestion.

Xu Ping considered for a moment, finding nothing inappropriate, then nodded in agreement.

After all, both Duan Shuang and Gong Yang were aware of the trading of the Third-rank Spirit Wood, so there was no need to deliberately conceal or avoid it.

About a quarter of an hour later, Song Qiwu's figure appeared on Xiao Hui Mountain.

"Fellow Daoist Gong, congratulations, congratulations! This is a little gift from me; I hope you will accept it."

Song Qiwu beamed, speaking as he used Mana to support a delicate gift box, presenting it before Gong Yang.

"Fellow Daoist Song, you're too kind."

Gong Yang, face full of smiles, gladly accepted the gift box, followed by warmly inviting Song Qiwu to join in the feast.

"This old fellow's breakthrough to Late-Stage Foundation Establishment and having fellow Daoists gather to celebrate is truly one of life's great joys. Come, I toast to you all!"

Gong Yang raised his wine cup, stood up, and said with a smile.

"Fellow Daoist Gong, you're too courteous."

Xu Ping, Duan Shuang, and Song Qiwu all raised their wine cups in turn, tilting back their heads to drink the spirit wine in one go.

As Xiao Hui Mountain was basked in the delightful and harmonious atmosphere of the celebration.

No one noticed, a dense, ink-like yin energy began to silently spread from all directions, enveloping the entire Xiao Hui Mountain tightly.

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