CHAPTER 390: CHAPTER 233: SWORD ARRAY POWER; ENTRY LEVEL OF THE 6 REN FATE-DIVINATION ART

Reflecting on this half-year of secluded cultivation practicing the Six Nines Divination Skill.

During this period, the Shuihu Rat did not slack off and diligently cultivated, finally raising its cultivation to this level.

"Not bad, with further meticulous honing for another year or so, it might be time to attempt a breakthrough to Tier Three."

Xu Ping stroked his chin, murmuring thoughtfully to himself.

With two Quasi-Tier Three Demon Cores and his assistance, Shuihu Rat’s chance for breaking through to Tier Three wasn’t small.

The question was where it should attempt the breakthrough.

Though Thousand Leaves Mountain satisfied the conditions, the commotion from breaking through to Tier Three couldn’t be completely concealed.

If it attracted demon cultivators to attack, it would be troublesome.

After all, Thousand Leaves Mountain only had a Quasi-Tier Three Spirit Vein.

Given its total Spiritual Qi, it couldn’t support both the protective array and the massive Spiritual Qi consumption needed for Shuihu Rat’s breakthrough to Tier Three.

Just as Xu Ping was pondering, Gong Yang’s voice came from outside the array.

Xu Ping looked up to see two Escape Lights flying from afar, hovering above the Myriad Manifestations Wood Spirit Array in an instant.

Seeing this, he immediately opened the array passage.

Duan Shuang and Gong Yang, witnessing this, rode their Escape Lights through the passage, landing steadily on Thousand Leaves Mountain.

Xu Ping’s gaze fell on the two.

Gong Yang in a gray robe, expression calm, his aura distinctly having reached Foundation Establishment Perfection.

Duan Shuang, dressed in plain clothing, had an elegant demeanor, and her aura was stronger than that of the average late-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.

Moreover, Xu Ping used his newly learned Six Nines Divination Skill to discreetly observe the Qi Luck on the two.

He saw Duan Shuang surrounded by extremely dense and radiant aura, dazzling like a dream, making her look like a fairy descending from the heavens.

"Such strong Qi Luck!"

At this sight, Xu Ping was immediately startled.

Duan Shuang’s Qi Luck was at least several times his!

’No wonder Duan Shuang has been exploring ruins for so many years and remained unharmed!’

’With such strong Qi Luck, she must always turn misfortune into fortune!’ Xu Ping thought to himself.

However, when he observed Gong Yang’s Qi Luck, his eyebrows subtly furrowed.

Because Gong Yang’s Qi Luck was much weaker than even the Shuihu Rat’s, and amidst the already faint aura surrounding him, there were a few wisps of black energy flickering faintly.

These wisps of black energy stood out in the aura, inexplicably causing discomfort.

"Is the black energy... tribulation?" Recalling records from books, Xu Ping’s heart sank.

"Fellow Daoist Xu." Gong Yang greeted with a smile.

Despite the myriad of thoughts, Xu Ping showed no trace outwardly, instead warmly saying:

"Fellow Daoists, why don’t we move to the pavilion and talk slowly."

Duan Shuang and Gong Yang naturally had no objections.

Thus, led by Xu Ping, the three went to the pavilion.

...

In the pavilion, the aroma of tea wafted.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Gong Yang set down his teacup, his expression serious: "Fellow Daoist Xu, I came specifically today with a request."

"Feel free to tell." Xu Ping was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly.

At this moment, he couldn’t help but secretly speculate whether Gong Yang’s request was related to his tribulation.

"To be frank, I’m preparing to head to Luoyun Immortal City to break through to the Golden Core Realm, and I’d like to ask Fellow Daoist Xu and Fellow Daoist Duan to protect me."

Gong Yang spoke as he bowed again, his attitude sincere.

Breaking through to the Golden Core is a major checkpoint on the cultivation path; any slight misstep could lead to ruin or even threat to life.

Gong Yang knew the risks well, and having Xu Ping and Duan Shuang as trusted Daoist friends to protect him, he felt more assured.

"Luoyun Immortal City?"

"Breakthrough to the Golden Core?"

Upon hearing this, Xu Ping was stirred.

Recalling the few wisps of black energy he observed on Gong Yang, he suddenly understood.

Indeed, the tribulation Gong Yang was about to face was precisely the breakthrough to Golden Core!

Thinking carefully, this was rather normal.

For most average cultivators, each breakthrough to major realms is no different than a life or death test.

"Fellow Daoist Gong, are you determined, and is everything ready?"

Xu Ping’s eyes burned as he looked directly at Gong Yang, seriously questioning.

With his keen perception, it’s not difficult to notice that although Gong Yang’s cultivation had reached Foundation Establishment Perfection.

His aura wasn’t condensed to a sufficiently robust degree, clearly indicating he hadn’t refined his state to the utmost.

"Ah, if I continue preparing, I fear missing the best opportunity for breaking through to Golden Core, and my chances of success will only decrease later."

Gong Yang sighed with a bitter smile, his words full of bitterness and worry.

He was already about 130 years old; the limit for breaking through to Golden Core for cultivators is typically 140, leaving him not much time.

Each year’s delay dramatically decreases the success rate for breaking through to Golden Core, leaving him little room for hesitation.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, assisting Gong Yang actually benefits us when breaking through to Golden Core in the future too."

At this moment, Duan Shuang noticed Xu Ping seemed somewhat undecided, quickly persuading.

Her words weren’t exaggerated.

In the cultivation realm, closely observing other cultivators breaking through to Golden Core, drawing lessons and experiences certainly provides invaluable assistance for one’s own future breakthrough to the same realm.

Xu Ping pondered briefly and agreed: "Rest assured, Fellow Daoist Gong, I’ll take on this task."

Time had flown by these years, the momentum of demon invasion visibly weakening, with frequency notably lower than before.

The current situation was relatively stable, no longer requiring constant vigilance against sudden threats from demon cultivators.

This way, the risk of this trip was undeniably reduced.