"Upper Grade Defensive Magical Artifact!"

Xu Ping, with his current forging technique, could recognize it at a glance.

However, it was still somewhat challenging for him to forge it at the moment.

At this moment, Gong Yang's serious expression also relaxed, and he immediately ordered, "Stop!"

The Fire Crow immediately stopped spewing fire, a look of flattery appearing on its face.

"All you ever want are rewards!" Gong Yang chuckled, flicked his finger, and a black Pill instantly entered the Fire Crow's mouth.

The Fire Crow quickly swallowed it and affectionately rubbed its head against Gong Yang's hand.

"Thank you for waiting, Fellow Daoist Xu!" Gong Yang dismissed it and cupped his hands toward Xu Ping.

"Fellow Daoist Gong's forging skills truly opened my eyes!" Xu Ping said with a smile.

"Hahaha, not too bad, let's chat in the courtyard, fellow Daoist."

Beaming, Gong Yang used a Cleansing Technique to remove the dust from himself, then led Xu Ping to the courtyard.

As the two sat on the stone bench, Xu Ping took out the Hundred Flowers Brew and the wine cups and said with a smile, "I promised to find you for a drink once I returned, Fellow Daoist Gong."

He then poured each of them a cup of the Hundred Flowers Brew.

"Hahaha, I've been coveting Fellow Daoist Xu's Spirit Wine for a long time!" Gong Yang's eyes lit up.

The two chatted while drinking, and as the two jugs were about to be finished, Duan Shuang arrived.

"It seems I'm late, the Spirit Wine is all gone!" she said with a radiant smile.

"Next time, Fellow Daoist Duan, remember to come earlier," Xu Ping teased.

With a fragrant breeze, Duan Shuang gracefully sat beside Xu Ping, her beautiful eyes turning, she smiled and said, "In that case, I'll have to guard Fellow Daoist Xu every day."

The three exchanged a few more pleasantries.

Duan Shuang got to the point, "I've come to ask if you two would like to follow me to explore a cultivator's relic?"

"Based on my initial investigation, it's at least a Golden Core Cultivator's relic, with great value."

"A Golden Core Cultivator's relic?" The two's expressions couldn't help but change.

Fellow Daoist Duan usually enjoys exploring various secret realms and relics, has she actually made a big find this time?

"I won't be going, I'm quite occupied lately." Xu Ping directly shook his head and declined.

A Golden Core Cultivator's relic carries risks and opportunities, naturally worth a gamble for others, but for Xu Ping, there's no need.

Seeing Xu Ping's straightforward refusal, a hint of disappointment flashed in Duan Shuang's eyes.

As the strongest force on Purple Bamboo Mountain, his participation would undoubtedly be a great help.

"Then will Fellow Daoist Gong join us?" Duan Shuang turned to Gong Yang.

Unlike Xu Ping's lack of interest, Gong Yang became spirited, "Where is this relic located?"

"Deep in the Wanzhe Waters, found under the guidance of a treasure map," Duan Shuang replied.

"How did Fellow Daoist Duan confirm that it's a Golden Core Cultivator's relic..."

...

Seeing the two already discussing the details of exploring the Golden Core Cultivator's relic, Xu Ping prepared to take his leave.

But he suddenly remembered something, stopped in his tracks, and cupped his hands:

"If you two are going to explore the Golden Core Cultivator's relic, could you keep an eye out for any Longevity Pills or rare treasures?"

"That's certainly no problem." Duan Shuang nodded, then asked again, "It's a Golden Core Cultivator's relic, are you sure you won't join us, Fellow Daoist Xu?"

"I won't be going."

Xu Ping said firmly and after a moment of silence, said, "However, I have several Second-stage Upper Grade talismans here, I hope you two will accept them. If you find Longevity Pills or rare treasures, I'm willing to exchange Spirit Stones or other treasures."

Xu Ping took four talismans from his Storage Ring, giving two to each.

Duan Shuang and Gong Yang did not refuse, accepting the talismans and feeling the extraordinary power within them, their expressions showing a hint of surprise.

These talismans were considered top quality among Second-stage Upper Grade talismans.

"Thank you, Fellow Daoist Xu," the two cupped their hands and thanked him.

"You two are too kind, I rarely go out from Thousand Leaves Mountain, so I have no use for them," Xu Ping said with a smile.

"May you both return laden with spoils!"

"Thank you for your good wishes!"

...

After leaving Xiaohui Mountain, Xu Ping returned straight to Thousand Leaves Mountain.

He then quietly resumed his cultivation of the 'Soul-Searching Technique'.

Duan Shuang and Gong Yang had considerable strength on their own, plus the aid of several Second-stage Upper Grade talismans, the danger was not great as long as they didn't act recklessly.

Although it was quite a loss to give them four Second-stage Upper Grade talismans, considering their years of friendship and the possible existence of Longevity Pill or other life-extending treasures in the Golden Core Cultivator's relic.

If even one is brought back, Xu Ping would have gained greatly.

...

...

After Duan Shuang and Gong Yang had discussed all details, they went to the Golden Core Cultivator's relic.

Purple Bamboo Mountain, instantly became much quieter.

Xu Ping, however, felt nothing and continued his silent cultivation.

Four months later.

Training room.

Pinching a Magic Technique, a cold gleam shone from Xu Ping's eyes, and his Divine Sense spread out.

It lasted a full half-hour before his Divine Sense retracted.

"Whew!"

Xu Ping exhaled a turbid breath, a look of uncontrollable joy on his face, "The 'Soul-Searching Technique'... finally broke through!"

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