"The power is rather impressive!"

Xu Ping's eyes slightly narrowed as he silently appraised in his heart.

Although the water lake mouse hadn't broken through to Second-stage Middle Grade, the attack it unleashed had reached the pinnacle of that level.

"Protect!"

Xu Ping's expression was calm and collected. His hands quickly formed a seal as he uttered a single word.

"Buzz!"

Instantly, a layer of crystal-clear cyan shield rose up, completely enveloping him.

"Boom!"

At the moment the shield formed, the water lake mouse's attack collided fiercely with it.

Accompanied by a deafening roar, the azure blue water ball and blazing purple fire exploded simultaneously.

A violent fluctuation of Spiritual Qi, mixed with sparks and searing heat, swept outward like a storm.

However, facing this powerful attack, comparable to the pinnacle of Second-stage Middle Grade, the cyan shield around Xu Ping held firm, merely quivering slightly yet remaining perfectly intact and protecting him closely.

"Not bad!"

Seeing this scene, Xu Ping nodded in satisfaction.

This "Cyan Wood Shield" had indeed met his expectations in terms of defense.

Currently, the "Cyan Wood Shield" was merely at the proficient level, but its protective power could easily withstand attacks from Late-Stage Foundation Establishment.

If it advanced to major completion or even perfection, it might effortlessly repel attacks from a Golden Core Cultivator.

Moreover, maintaining the shield didn't consume much Mana.

With a thought, Xu Ping dissipated the cyan shield instantly.

"Master's protective shield is truly too strong; I simply can't break through its defense!" A cheeky smile adorned the water lake mouse's face, but its tone was cautious.

It was terrified that Xu Ping might whimsically use it again to test his defenses.

Recalling the terrifying experience of testing swords last time still sent shivers down its spine, vivid in memory.

Seeing the water lake mouse's expression, Xu Ping couldn't help but find it amusing.

"Go, work in the spirit fields." He waved his hand dismissively.

Having achieved the purpose of the experiment, there was no more need for the water lake mouse.

"Alright!"

The water lake mouse's smile grew even brighter as it enthusiastically scampered to the spirit fields, diligently attending to the Spirit Medicine and Spirit Plant.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, could you come out for a meeting?"

As Xu Ping was about to return to his cave dwelling, an elderly and resonant voice penetrated the Mountain Protection Array, echoing clearly throughout Thousand Leaves Mountain.

Xu Ping's expression changed slightly; instinctively he raised his head to gaze at the sky above Thousand Leaves Mountain.

Through the thick clouds and mist, he vaguely saw a Spiritual Boat quietly hovering above the array.

Xu Ping hesitated briefly and then took out a Token, waving it gently.

Immediately, the clouds began to disperse, revealing an elderly figure clad in adorned robes, standing on a Spiritual Boat with flowing white hair and beard.

"Fake Pill cultivator!"

Upon discerning the visitor's cultivation realm, Xu Ping's brow furrowed slightly.

He was about to inquire when the visitor preemptively introduced himself: "I am Yang Hong, an outer sect elder of Luoyun Sect, here to visit Fellow Daoist Xu!"

"Yang Hong from Luoyun Sect?"

Xu Ping was slightly startled but soon recovered, breaking into a warm and friendly smile: "So it's Elder Yang from Luoyun Sect. May I ask, what brings you here today?"

He respectfully clasped his hands, asking courteously.

"Good news!"

Yang Hong chuckled, his eyes flickering, "Would Fellow Daoist Xu be open to letting me in for a detailed conversation?"

"Of course, no problem!"

Xu Ping smiled faintly and proceeded to open the array, welcoming Yang Hong inside.

Although he couldn't be absolutely certain that the visitor was indeed an elder of Luoyun Sect, he was only a Fake Pill cultivator after all. Even if he allowed him into the mountain, it should pose no significant issue.

Yang Hong landed the Spiritual Boat steadily on a clearing at Thousand Leaves Mountain.

At that moment, Xu Ping finally noticed that a person was securely bound on the Spiritual Boat, his face filled with terror.

"Xu Zhixuan!"

Xu Ping was astonished and greatly surprised.

He truly hadn't expected their next meeting to occur in such a manner.

"Does Fellow Daoist Xu recognize this person?" Yang Hong asked with a smile.

Xu Ping couldn't fathom why the visitor brought Xu Zhixuan here, so he reluctantly nodded, "I do, we used to serve as Guest Ministers together at Qiu Xuan Mountain."

After a pause, Xu Ping added, "The last time I saw him was years ago when he served as a spokesperson for Shuize Sect, trying to persuade me to join them, but I refused."

"No need for such tension, Fellow Daoist Xu. I'm not here to accuse you of anything," Yang Hong laughed heartily, his tone quite amiable.

"I know well that Fellow Daoist Xu has no ties with Shuize Sect."

"I have deliberately come today mainly to inform you that this person has been conspiring with Shuize Sect against you."

"Conspiring to harm me?"

Xu Ping's heart stirred, but he purposely showed a puzzled and confused expression, "Could such a thing happen?"

"Fellow Daoist Xu may not know, but after being turned away by you, he went off exaggerating..."

Yang Hong then thoroughly explained how Elder Hao from Dragon Lion Island had used a Core Formation spiritual object, meticulously planning step by step to lure Xu Ping away from Thousand Leaves Mountain.

'So that's how it is!'

Despite a quick flash of realization in the depths of Xu Ping's eyes, he remained expressionless on the surface.

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