Chapter 965: Chapter 418: Xuanmo True Monarch’s Invitation; Hongyi’s Return 2

Its effects are incredibly miraculous and can perfectly enhance the essence of any Five Elements attribute artifact.

Be it a Spirit Treasure, Heaven-Reaching Spiritual Treasure, or even the legendary Mysterious Heavenly Treasure, as long as the attributes align, integrating a little Five Elements Divine Mud can greatly enhance its power and potential.

If there is enough Five Elements Divine Mud, Xu Pin’s Canghua Divine Wood Sword could even advance further to reach the level of a supreme treasure.

But after the initial shock, Xu Ping quickly calmed down, furrowing his brows deeply: "Fellow Daoist Xuanmo, are you joking?"

"The Five Elements Divine Mud has long been extinct since ancient times; it hasn’t been heard of in the outer sea for over ten thousand years. Do you have any concrete evidence for this information?" 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

It’s not that he doesn’t believe it, but this matter is so astonishing that he can’t help but be cautious.

Xuanmo True Monarch collected his smile, showing a rare serious expression: "Fellow Daoist Xu, this information is absolutely true."

"I used a special demonic artifact, spending my vital essence to activate it, and sensed a faint yet extremely pure trace of Five Elements Origin Qi deep within the Water Demon Cavern; it cannot be wrong."

He looked intently at Xu Ping: "The reason I came here this time is to sincerely invite you to explore this treasure together in the Water Demon Cavern!"

"If we gain something, we can split it fifty-fifty!"

"Oh?"

Xu Ping’s thoughts raced, but outwardly he remained unmoved, instead asking: "Why did you specifically seek me out for such a good opportunity, Fellow Daoist?"

"Though there aren’t many Late-Stage Nascent Soul cultivators in the outer sea, there are over ten; why not invite others?"

Xuanmo True Monarch seemed to expect this question, and instead of answering, he asked back: "Fellow Daoist Xu, do you know the details of the Water Demon Cavern?"

Xu Ping nodded slightly: "I’ve heard a little about it."

The Water Demon Cavern is a region of endless deep-sea caves, intricate and extremely perilous environment.

More crucially, it is a node where ancient demonic qi leaks, having been eroded by demonic qi for a long time. The Demon Beasts bred there are not just powerful but have undergone bizarre and terrifying mutations.

It’s said that... deep within, two Tier Four Top-grade Demon Beasts that underwent unknown mutations are lurking, their strength likely more troublesome than usual Late-Stage Nascent Soul Great Cultivators.

Even if a top late-stage cultivator ventures alone, it would be dangerous.

"Since you know, you should understand why I am concerned."

Xuanmo True Monarch spread his hands, "The Five Elements Divine Mud is at the deepest part of the Water Demon Cavern, near the lair of those two demonic creatures."

"Alone, I would have no chance against two mutated Top-grade Demon Beasts."

"Looking across the entire outer sea,"

Xuanmo True Monarch’s gaze locked tightly on Xu Ping, "except for Yun Weifeng’s existence, in terms of strength and methods, who else besides you, Fellow Daoist Xu, is more suitable to join forces with me?"

"Moreover, the Five Elements Divine Mud isn’t easy to nurture, the amount definitely won’t be much, just barely enough for the two of us to share."

"I naturally need to find the strongest partner to ensure the success of this endeavor."

"As for why not choose Yun Weifeng, I believe it needs no explanation, and Fellow Daoist Xu can understand the reasoning."

His words sounded reasonable, almost flawless.

The dangers of the Water Demon Cavern are well-known, and the Five Elements Divine Mud is precious and limited, making finding the strongest ally seem like the best solution.

However, a trace of wariness rose in Xu Ping’s heart.

The logic makes sense, but the risks are too great.

The Water Demon Cavern is already a den of perilous challenges; facing two mutated Top-grade Demon Beasts also requires constant vigilance against this scheming figure of demonic power.

If Xuanmo True Monarch invites a few more late-stage cultivators, it could be fatal to him.

Though the Five Elements Divine Mud is highly precious, Xu Ping can distinguish between its value and his life.

Without enough certainty, he wouldn’t take the risk lightly.

However, he didn’t immediately refuse, instead pondering: "What you say is indeed tempting, but the dangers of the Water Demon Cavern are extraordinary. This is a significant matter; please allow me to carefully consider it."

Xuanmo True Monarch noticed Xu Ping didn’t outright refuse, a subtle light flashed in his eyes, and he nodded happily: "That’s only natural; such a significant matter should indeed be approached with caution."

"I shall await your good news, then."

He chatted a bit with Xu Ping about some inconsequential insights into demonic arts before taking his leave, transforming into a demonic shadow that disappeared into the horizon.

Upon sending off Xuanmo True Monarch, Xu Ping returned to his original seat, brow furrowed, deep in thought.

"Five Elements Divine Mud... the temptation is immense, but this person Xuan Mo... is scheming and hard to trust.

The things he spoke of, are they true or false?

If true, it could explain his previous repeated gestures of goodwill as a means to pave the way for finding a strong ally.

But if false... what does he ultimately want from me, going to such lengths, even potentially throwing out the bait of ’Five Elements Divine Mud’?

I have no deep-seated enmity with him, is it worth such elaborate planning on his part?"

After much thinking, it was difficult to determine the true intentions of Xuanmo True Monarch.

In the end, Xu Ping decided to maintain a stance of inaction for now.

Without sufficient assurance and precautions, he would engage cautiously.

Given enough time, if there’s deception, it will eventually show itself.

...

Two years passed again in quietness.

On this day, two streaks of Escape Light approached the outside of Blood Bone Island once more.

The arrivals were surprisingly Hongyi and the Nine Nether Elder.

Xu Ping naturally went to greet them personally.

Hongyi still appeared calm and steady, his aura growing more profound.

What secretly surprised Xu Ping was the Nine Nether Elder beside him.

The pressure emanating from him had unmistakably reached the level of Late-Stage Nascent Soul.

Moreover, this pressure carried a dense, unshakeable chill of death, intertwined with pure Ghost Path aura, making it extremely eerie and unpredictable.

Xu Ping couldn’t help but speculate that the Nine Nether Elder might have joined the Ghost Path.