As his proficiency improved, the success rate of his talisman crafting would also rise sharply.

"Now I should be considered a Third-rank Talisman Master!"

In major powers, the status of a Third-rank Talisman Master far exceeded that of a Fake Pill cultivator and was comparable to a Golden Core Cultivator.

After admiring the panel for a while, Xu Ping closed it.

Then, he picked up the first "Cyan Profound Divine Thunder Talisman" he had crafted and carefully experienced its essence.

"The Thunder Power contained within... it's so strong!"

Feeling the vast Thunder Power within the "Cyan Profound Divine Thunder Talisman," Xu Ping couldn't help but be shocked.

If this talisman were used on him, even if he could withstand it, he would likely suffer serious injuries.

"Indeed, it's a Third-rank Talisman!" Xu Ping's face lit up with joy. If he had a dozen Third-rank talismans, he could easily overwhelm a Fake Pill cultivator.

"It's just that I'm out of Third-rank talisman paper, so it looks like I need to buy more Third-rank Spirit Wood from the Song family!"

Xu Ping had no intention of trading with the Song family himself. He planned to wait for Duan Shuang and Gong Yang to return and have them help contact the Song family for a transaction in Thousand Leaves Mountain.

This way, he could ensure his absolute safety!

"If the Song family knew that the Third-rank Spirit Wood they sold me was finally crafted into a talisman used to destroy their family, I wonder what expression they would have!"

Xu Ping couldn't help but entertain a slightly mischievous thought.

But on second thought, he decided against it. After all, the Song family had given him a piece of Third-rank Spirit Wood, so there's no need to kill the heart.

Xu Ping took out a jade box and carefully stored the "Cyan Profound Divine Thunder Talisman."

"Now I just wait for Duan Shuang and Gong Yang to return and help me get in touch with the Song family!"

...

...

Half a month later.

Rather than seeing Duan Shuang and Gong Yang return, Xu Ping was hit with a thunderous piece of news.

Hu Country had invaded again!

"How could this happen?" Xu Ping frowned tightly.

When Hu Country first chose to invade Yue Country, it was because the Nascent Soul Ancestor of the Luoyun Sect had fallen.

But now, although the Nascent Soul Ancestor of the Luoyun Sect didn't have long to live, he was still alive. Why would Hu Country choose to invade now?

Could it be...

Is it possible that the Nascent Soul ruins really contain Infant Devouring Fruit, or perhaps spiritual objects that can aid in Nascent Soul Formation?

This was the only possibility Xu Ping could think of.

"Now that Hu Country has invaded, I can't contact my master. Elder, can you reach Senior Brother Duan?" A beautiful maid asked respectfully, with a hint of anxiety in her voice.

She was the housekeeper of Little Hui Mountain, Hua Ling.

It was also she who informed Xu Ping about Hu Country's invasion.

"I've tried using a Super Long-distance Sound Transmission Talisman, but unfortunately I couldn't reach Fellow Daoist Duan." Xu Ping held the Super Long-distance Sound Transmission Talisman, injected a trace of Mana into it, but the talisman had no response.

"They must still be exploring the ruins!" Xu Ping sighed helplessly.

"What should we do now?" Hua Ling's pretty face showed a trace of worry and fear.

With Hu Country's invasion and her master away, she was completely at a loss!

"There's no need to panic, Miss Hua Ling. We at Purple Bamboo Mountain are united as one. Now that the two fellow Daoists have not yet returned, I also have the responsibility to protect Purple Bamboo Mountain," Xu Ping said solemnly.

Though, if they did encounter some insurmountable danger, he would undoubtedly make a run for it.

He had already planned where to go in such a situation, back to Ten Thousand Mountains!

If Ten Thousand Mountains were no longer safe, then he would hide in the Nightmare Marsh, staying for dozens or even hundreds of years.

In such a long time, surely the war between the two countries would reach a conclusion!

After all, he could completely afford it with his lifespan!

"Thank you, Elder Xu!" Joy filled Hua Ling's beautiful eyes.

She was well aware of Xu Ping's battle achievements; he was outright equivalent to a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator, much stronger than her master.

A mere petty foe was absolutely no match.

"Miss Hua Ling, please go back to Little Hui Mountain and wait in peace. Don't go out during this time. If there is any other news, remember to notify me immediately!" Xu Ping instructed.

"I understand!" Hua Ling respectfully bowed and took her leave.

Watching her gradually disappearing figure, Xu Ping's face grew somber.

Things had been quiet for so little time, and yet war had erupted between the two countries again.

Although his strength had increased greatly compared to before, he was still insignificant amidst the two nations' conflict.

A mere splash could easily overturn him.

"Moreover, with Hu Country's invasion, Shuize Sect is bound to make a move!" Xu Ping thought worriedly.

It was obvious that Shuize Sect was supported by Hu Country; they must have some dealings together. With the invasion now, Shuize Sect was bound to act!

If Shuize Sect took action, Purple Bamboo Mountain would inevitably get caught in the crossfire.

Thinking about this, Xu Ping felt an immediate headache.

Being caught between two major forces was truly uncomfortable!

The only relief was that Purple Bamboo Mountain was located behind the Luoyun Sect, temporarily free from Hu Country's threat!

"Alas, it's so out of my control!" Xu Ping sighed helplessly.

If only he were stronger, at Nascent Soul capability, he'd have no fear of Hu Country's invasion!

...

...

Five days later.

Just as Xu Ping had foreseen, Shuize Sect finally took action!

And unexpectedly, they launched a major offensive. Shuize Sect actually declared war on the Luoyun Sect, rallying other forces in the Wanzhe Waters to attack Luoyun Sect together.

Upon hearing this news, Xu Ping was utterly dumbfounded.

Are they planning to tear each other apart and fight to the death?

"Elder Xu, what should we do?" Hua Ling, pale as paper, had a face full of fright, completely at a loss, like a startled bird.

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