Moreover, Hongyi has surprisingly broken through to the Late-Stage Nascent Soul.

This hurdle isn’t just a trap for countless Mid-stage Nascent Soul Cultivators, and from observing his aura, it’s unlikely that ordinary late-stage cultivators can compare.

However, Xu Ping quickly suppressed the astonishment in his heart, considering his current reputation in the Outer Sea.

As long as the other party has come to the Outer Sea, he must have heard of it.

"Fellow Daoist Xu, long time no see."

Hongyi saw an old friend, smiled, descended his Escape Light, and landed in front of Xu Ping.

The two have known each other for over a hundred years and have crossed realms together; after two centuries of separation, even cultivators, who typically transcend worldly emotions, cannot help but feel moved at this moment.

Xu Ping suppressed his surprise, cupped his hands in salute, and warmly smiled: "Fellow Daoist Hong, long time no see."

Then, his gaze turned again to the withered old man, his tone probing: "This Fellow Daoist’s aura... feels quite familiar, could it be... Senior Nine Nether?"

Although the intensity and quality of the aura are worlds apart, the cold undertone originating from the soul essence strongly evoked déjà vu for Xu Ping.

"Hmph, your eyes aren’t bad."

Before Hongyi could introduce him, Nine Nether Elder snorted coldly, admitting it.

He scrutinized Xu Ping, and a faint sparkle flashed in his deep pool-like eyes, seemingly assessing Xu Ping’s current capabilities.

Xu Ping wasn’t surprised, cupped his hands, and said: "Congratulations, Senior, on regaining your physical body."

To his knowledge, Nine Nether Elder and Hongyi had long been preparing a body for Nine Nether Elder.

With the passing of years, acquiring a physical body is no longer a rarity.

Then, Xu Ping invited warmly: "Fellow Daoist Hong, Senior Nine Nether, you’ve traveled a long distance, please come inside for tea."

...

Inside the Blood Bone Hall.

Duan Shuang personally served three cups of tea imbued with rich Spiritual Qi, nodded slightly to Hongyi and Nine Nether Elder, then sensibly retreated to the side hall, leaving the space for the three of them.

She sensed the strength of these two, warily within her heart, yet wisely kept silent.

"Fellow Daoist Xu truly enjoys good fortune."

Hongyi picked up the teacup, gently sniffed the aroma, jokingly commented with a smile, his gaze pausing briefly on Duan Shuang’s departing figure.

Xu Ping smiled faintly: "Fellow Daoist Hong jests."

He sipped a bit of Spirit Tea, put down the cup, turned his gaze toward Hongyi, and posed the question troubling his heart: "Since the farewell within the spatial passage that year, it’s been nearly two hundred years."

"I wonder where Fellow Daoist Hong has ended up, and how come today you arrived here at the Outer Sea with Senior Nine Nether seeking me out?"

Mentioning past events, Hongyi’s smile waned slightly, transforming into a gentle sigh: "This matter is indeed long..."

He began to explain slowly.

It turned out that after traversing that unstable channel back then, he did not fall into the Outer Sea like Xu Ping but appeared directly in the inland governed by the Star Palace—Dry Prefecture.

After a series of twists and turns, through fortuitous circumstances, he even joined the Star Palace.

Subsequently, after over a hundred years of intensive cultivation in the Star Palace, he finally broke through to the late stage, securing his position.

Once his position was steady, he began to utilize the intelligence network of the Star Palace, covertly searching for Xu Ping’s whereabouts.

After many years of searching, he occasionally heard some news from the Outer Sea.

Thus, he planned to visit and found it was indeed true.

Xu Ping listened, equally sighing emotionally.

Unexpectedly, Hongyi had such an encounter, directly joining the colossal Star Palace and breaking through to the late stage.

Initially, upon arriving at the Wind Origin Realm, due to his apprehension towards Nine Nether Elder, he deliberately avoided meeting Hongyi prematurely.

Now that time has passed, his own strength is ample enough to handle most situations, this reunion is indeed a pleasant event.

The two chatted about things briefly, reminiscing some parting moments.

After three rounds of tea, Hongyi’s expression became increasingly solemn, putting down the teacup and seriously stated:

"Fellow Daoist Xu, apart from visiting old friends this time, there actually is another matter of great importance I wish to discuss with you."

Xu Ping’s expression tightened, he sat up straighter: "Fellow Daoist Hong, please feel free to speak."

Hongyi put down the teacup, his expression turned formal, and he spoke: "Fellow Daoist Xu, apart from visiting old friends, there actually is another matter I wish to discuss with you."

"Fellow Daoist Hong, please feel free to speak." Xu Ping’s expression unchanged, made a listening gesture.

Hongyi chuckled lightly, spoke surprisingly: "I wonder, Fellow Daoist Xu, are you interested... in joining forces to slay a few Tier Four Top-grade Demon Beasts?"

"Slay Tier Four Top-grade Demon Beasts?"

Xu Ping, hearing this, was slightly surprised, but soon his sword-like brows furrowed deeply.

He slowly spoke: "Fellow Daoist Hong knows well, Tier Four Top-grade Demon Beasts possess tremendous strength, what’s more crucial is, that such powerful demons are almost all registered with True Dragon Hall and protected by it.

Slaying them recklessly might invoke the wrath of True Dragon Hall, leading to endless troubles."

"And the evil qi and resentment of the demon beast during its death struggle, contaminating oneself, is also an extremely troublesome matter."

It seemed Hongyi had anticipated this concern, he laughed, his tone calm: "Fellow Daoist Xu’s concerns are certainly reasonable."

"However, regarding the slaying, you need not worry, it will be solely Hong’s responsibility."

"Besides, as a member of the Star Palace, I do not fear True Dragon Hall causing trouble."

"All you need to do is assist and strike at crucial moments."

Upon hearing this, Xu Ping fell into contemplation.

Tier Four Top-grade Demon Beasts... their entire body is treasure.

Especially that Essence Soul Pill, which contains most of its life essence and soul origin, for others, might just be a supplementary material for refining certain special pills or used for enhancing Divine Sense, but for him...

After a moment, Xu Ping lifted his eyelids, his gaze sharp: "Since Fellow Daoist Hong is so confident, I shall accompany you."

"However, I have one condition, after slaying, the demon beast’s Essence Soul Pill must belong to me."

"For other materials, I will not take any part."

"Essence Soul Pill?"

Hongyi, hearing this, arched his white brows slightly, evidently surprised.

He subconsciously glanced at Nine Nether Elder, who remained silent beside him.

Nine Nether Elder’s gaze flickered for a moment, nodded slightly.