Xu Ping secretly calculated, even for a late-stage Nascent Soul Great Cultivator like Yun Weifeng wielding a supreme treasure.

To break through the defense formed by these ten quasi-fourth rank puppets head-on would not be easy. It would undoubtedly require a great deal of effort and time.

And as for himself, naturally, he could not foolishly stand passively and take hits, allowing the opponent to attack. With the collaboration of the Sword Array and various Divine Techniques and Magical Treasures.

Xu Ping had enough confidence to confront top-tier experts below Divinity Transformation head-on, and even hold his ground.

"Not bad, not bad!"

The smile at the corner of Xu Ping’s mouth grew even brighter.

At this moment, he could truly say he had reached the peak level below Divinity Transformation, becoming one of the top Nascent Soul cultivators in the Outer Sea and the entire Wind Origin Realm.

Of course, he was also very clear, this was far from the limit of the Puppet Array.

"If I could replace all ten puppets with fourth-rank top-grade ones..."

As soon as this thought arose, even Xu Ping himself felt his heart beating faster.

If it could truly be achieved, the power of the array would likely leap qualitatively.

By then, it might not just be about resisting Divinity Transformation cultivators, victory in battle might also be possible.

But this goal currently seemed too distant.

Firstly, he had yet to fully decipher the method of crafting fourth-rank top-grade puppets.

Secondly, and most crucially, the main materials required to craft fourth-rank top-grade puppets, without exception, were rare heavenly materials.

Either the complete core materials of a fourth-rank top-grade demon beast, or top-grade spiritual ore of the same rank.

Over the years, Xu Ping had barely collected enough materials for two to three puppets.

To gather ten, who knows when that would be.

The issue of vital energy and blood was also a major obstacle.

The Dragon Blood Fruit, such precious heavenly material, had little effect on his current cultivation realm, unable to truly stabilize and elevate his vital energy to the terrifying level of fourth-rank top-grade.

The only hope was the legendary "Nirvana Golden Body." If cultivated, his physique would undergo a revolutionary transformation.

"I wonder how Hongyi is progressing in seeking the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade."

A glimmer of anticipation flashed in Xu Ping’s eyes, and then he disassembled the Puppet Array, focusing on stabilizing the newly broken-through realm of vital energy.

....

Two months quietly flowed like a stream.

Xu Ping sat in the quiet room, surrounded by vital energy and blood like mercury, surging endlessly, yet as still as a deep pool, immensely tranquil.

During this time of careful honing and consolidation, he smoothed out the slight agitation caused by crafting the magic sword and practicing Divine Techniques, adjusting his state to unprecedented harmony.

Just then, two familiar and powerful auras quietly arrived at the outskirts of Blood Bone Island, as if by appointment.

Xu Ping’s heart stirred, his lips curling into a knowing smile: "Speak of Cao Cao, and Cao Cao arrives."

He stood up, his figure flickering, and he appeared at the edge of the island.

On the clouds above, Hongyi and Nine Nether Elder stood side by side.

"Fellow Daoist Hong, Elder Nine Nether," Xu Ping said with a bow and a smile, personally leading the two to Blood Bone Hall.

Within the hall, the fragrant aroma of Spirit Tea wafted.

After some simple pleasantries, Hongyi put down his teacup, his expression slightly solemn: "Fellow Daoist Xu, I come mainly to bring news regarding the ’Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade’ that you asked me to keep an eye on."

Xu Ping’s spirit lifted, his eyes fervently fixed on Hongyi.

Hongyi continued: "According to my research and verification of ancient texts, its most recent reliable appearance points to the extremely dangerous place known as Ten Thousand Demon Mountain."

"Ten Thousand Demon Mountain?"

Xu Ping raised an eyebrow slightly; he was no stranger to this name.

Not only had he heard of it, but Nine Nether Elder had also mentioned the dangers of this place.

It’s said that the spatial structure there is extremely unstable, being one of the weak connection points between this realm and the Upper Realm, occasionally ancient demons will fall from the Upper Realm.

In his original plans, he had considered Ten Thousand Demon Mountain as a potential site for searching for materials needed to craft the Nirvana Blood, but he hadn’t expected the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade to appear there as well.

Hongyi nodded slightly and took out a jade slip made of an ancient material, handing it to Xu Ping:

"This is part of the map regarding Ten Thousand Demon Mountain that I have compiled, along with annotations of perilous or secret locations that might harbor or have appeared the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade."

"Though not exhaustive, it should save you considerable effort in your exploration."

Xu Ping received the jade slip, his Divine Sense sinking into it, and after a moment came out, revealing a satisfied expression.

Indeed, the recorded information was quite detailed, even noting some obscure spatial fissure points, and the potential sites for the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade were listed, greatly aiding his expedition.

"Fellow Daoist Hong, this item is crucial to Xu Mou, thank you very much." Xu Ping put away the jade slip and expressed his gratitude with cupped hands.

Hongyi smiled and waved his hand: "Fellow Daoist Xu, no need for formality, it’s just a small effort. Ten Thousand Demon Mountain is exceedingly dangerous, Daoist Xu, if you truly decide to go, you must be extremely careful."

Xu Ping replied solemnly: "If Xu Mou is fortunate enough to find the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade, I will surely reward generously, to thank Fellow Daoist Hong for the guidance today."

Hongyi smiled slightly, about to modestly decline, but the Nine Nether Elder beside him suddenly let out a hoarse laugh and interjected: "Heh, child, your fortune, in my view, far exceeds that of ordinary people."

"For matters such as treasure hunting, those with abundant fortune often have the ability to turn misfortune into fortune, getting what they wish for. Perhaps the Ten Thousand Year Spirit Marrow Jade is indeed destined for you."