"I understand, after all, being a top disciple of Shuize Sect, it's normal to look down on us Foundation Establishment cultivators with no background." Xu Ping feigned a self-mocking smile.

"Who can blame them? Shuize Sect is the undisputed dominator of the Wanzhe Waters; even Luoyun Sect has to treat them seriously." Zhou Tianle sighed helplessly.

Xu Ping showed surprise: "Is Shuize Sect just a Golden Core sect, that formidable?"

"Fellow Daoist Xu might not know." Zhou Tianle sighed and patiently explained:

"Initially, although Shuize Sect was slightly stronger than the other four major Golden Core sects, Luoyun Sect still didn't regard them highly."

"But after Hu Country's invasion ended, who would have thought Shuize Sect's Sect Leader would step into Golden Core Perfection, even enhancing their sect's array to a fourth-rank array!"

"Plus, Shuize Sect possesses a third-rank upper grade Dragon Turtle. In Shuize Waters, leveraging the mighty lake waters makes it several times more formidable than typical third-rank upper grade demon beasts, almost as powerful as Golden Core Perfection cultivators."

"As it stands, if Shuize Sect chooses to retreat within their array, even Luoyun Sect might find it difficult to deal with them easily."

"Is it so!"

Xu Ping's heart was shocked, and he hurriedly asked, "Logically, such a major event should be widely known throughout Yue Country, why have I never heard about it?"

"It's normal that you haven't heard, Fellow Daoist!" Zhou Tianle showed no surprise on his face:

"Though Shuize Sect's strength has greatly increased, there's still a qualitative gap compared to Luoyun Sect. To prevent agitating Luoyun Sect, Shuize Sect has kept a low profile without publicizing the matter, and naturally, Luoyun Sect wouldn't help spread the news."

"So within the whole Yue Country, only the local Foundation Establishment forces in Wanzhe Waters and various Golden Core forces might know."

"Facing two sects that can easily overwhelm us, we naturally dare not spread the matter widely."

Listening to Zhou Letian's account, Xu Ping's eyes flickered.

One must say, Shuize Sect has hidden deeply, leveraging the Hu Country invasion to outmaneuver Luoyun Sect.

Yet, this fourth-rank array's acquisition seems odd; where did Shuize Sect find an Array Master to set it up?

Since Luoyun Sect's only Array Master capable of setting up fourth-rank arrays passed away, there hasn't been one in the entire Yue Country!

'Could this be related to Hu Country?'

Xu Ping couldn't help but have this thought.

The more he thought, the more possible it seemed; although Hu Country has retreated for now, everyone can see Hu Country's intention to invade Yue Country remains.

In this way, planting a thorn for Luoyun Sect seems sensible.

Xu Ping guessed that the various cultivation forces probably have the same idea, which further explains why it's not widely publicized.

Xu Ping had countless thoughts whirling in his mind, but his face only showed a bitter smile:

"Whether Luoyun Sect or Shuize Sect, they are giants to us, and no matter how they develop, we should certainly keep our distance."

"Fellow Daoist Xu speaks rightly, we think the same!" Zhou Tianle also returned a bitter smile.

The two of them simultaneously fell into silence, and after a moment, Xu Ping took the initiative to break it:

"Earlier, Fellow Daoist Zhou transmitted that I wouldn't return empty-handed, but are you still hiding a few first-rank upper grade spirit beasts?"

"Faced with Shuize Sect, I dare not hide them!" Xu Ping's words made Zhou Tianle wave his hands in fear.

"Though there aren't any first-rank upper grade spirit beasts, there is a peak first-rank middle grade Waterloose Rat, and its bloodline has mutated, manifesting both water and fire!"

"It can both unleash demon fire and bring down spirit rain; whether for assisting artifact refining or tending to spirit plants and medicines, it serves well!" Zhou Tianle explained with a smile.

"Oh?"

"This Waterloose Rat is interesting!"

Xu Ping's eyes lit up, showing immediate interest.

"Just hearing Fellow Daoist Zhou's description, I can tell this Waterloose Rat is extraordinary. Are you willing to part with it?" Xu Ping jested.

"Originally, I was reluctant, but who would have thought the spirit beast I promised you got intercepted? To compensate you, I had to offer my prized asset!" Zhou Tianle responded jokingly.

"Then I won't stand on ceremony!" Xu Ping laughed.

"That's how it should be." Zhou Tianle nodded earnestly.

"However, though this Waterloose Rat is good, it has drawbacks; advancing requires too many resources. The materials our clan spent on nurturing it could have raised at least two first-rank upper grade spirit beasts."

"And it's still stuck at peak first-rank middle grade, with no knowing when it might break through!"

"Our clan is just ordinary and small, with other spirit beasts to raise; we truly cannot afford it." Zhou Tianle offered a bitter smile.

'So it turns out to be a gold-devouring beast!' Xu Ping understood in his heart.

For the Zhou clan, this indeed is a significant drawback. After all, no matter how formidable the Waterloose Rat, they can at most nurture it to a first-rank upper grade demon beast.

As for nurturing it to a second-stage spirit beast, the Zhou clan clearly lacks that ability.

Spending multiple times the resources for other spirit beasts to nurture it into a first-rank upper grade demon beast is somewhat uneconomical for the Zhou clan.

'But for me, this isn't a problem at all.'

'Not to mention my wealth is several times the entire Zhou clan's, and I have no clansmen or spirit beasts to raise, cultivating the Waterloose Rat to a second-stage spirit beast isn't hard either.'

Xu Ping mused secretly, but his face betrayed nothing, instead, he laughed: "This isn't a big issue. I'm selling spirit beasts mainly to assist artifact refining and tend to spirit medicines, not for them to be powerful."

"Then I'll have it brought here!" Zhou Tianle smiled slightly and immediately instructed the clan elder to bring the demon beast.

Soon after.

The elder of the Zhou clan led a roughly ten-foot-tall, with fur in red-blue symmetry, Rat Demon in front of Xu Ping.

Xu Ping examined it with great interest, knowing from the appearance alone that this Waterloose Rat was extraordinary.

"Let this Waterloose Rat demonstrate its divine techniques for Fellow Daoist Xu!" Zhou Tianle instructed.

"Yes!"

The clan elder held the Spirit Control Token and issued a command to the Waterloose Rat.

The Waterloose Rat obediently showcased its abilities, unleashing demon fire and conjuring spirit rain.

'Not bad, worth nurturing!'

Xu Ping nodded inwardly.

Though this Waterloose Rat was only peak first-rank middle grade, the two abilities it displayed could rival a first-rank upper-grade demon beast.

If it can be nurtured into a second-stage spirit beast, it could be far superior to typical second-stage spirit beasts.

This would be a notably good asset.

"Is Fellow Daoist Xu satisfied?" Zhou Tianle asked with a smile.

"Indeed, this Waterloose Rat is extraordinary." Xu Ping nodded and then asked, "How much does it cost?"

"Given my relationship with Fellow Daoist Xu, I'll definitely offer a friendly price..." Zhou Tianle responded with a cheerful grin.

...

....

An hour later.

With Zhou Tianle's respectful send-off, Xu Ping drove the Spiritual Boat and departed from the Zhou clan.

Upon the Spiritual Boat.

Xu Ping glanced down at the brand-new spirit beast pouch attached to his waistband, showing a trace of a smile.

Though it cost a considerable amount, he was completely satisfied to acquire this Waterloose Rat with such exceptional talents.

Raise it well, and it will be quite useful in the future.

Is this perhaps a blessing in disguise?

But ultimately, Lan Hun snatched the spirit beast from him; this grudge will just have to be noted for now.

...

Half a month later.

Xu Ping successfully returned to Thousand Leaves Mountain.

He stood in the spirit fields holding the Demon Control Talisman, releasing the Waterloose Rat from the spirit beast pouch.

"Squeak! Squeak..."

The Waterloose Rat's eyes gleamed red as it looked at Xu Ping with some eagerness and fear.

Not just because of the Demon Control Talisman that decides its life or death, but also Xu Ping's Foundation Establishment aura made it extremely apprehensive.

"Plant these several Spirit Medicines in the spirit fields." Xu Ping tossed a few Spirit Medicines to the Waterloose Rat's vicinity, then his Divine Sense, through the Demon Control Talisman, issued a command to the Waterloose Rat.

Upon hearing this command, the Waterloose Rat wasted no time, quickly digging several pits in the spirit fields, then carefully planting the Spirit Medicines within and covering the roots with soil.

Finally, it didn't forget to shower the Spirit Medicines with spirit rain.

"Your skills are rather nimble!" Xu Ping chuckled, noting the Waterloose Rat's talent for planting Spirit Medicines was slightly better than ordinary spirit farmers.

With it around, the spirit field planting tasks on Thousand Leaves Mountain were assuredly settled.

"You're responsible for planting all the spirit fields in this area, here's your reward!" After instructing, Xu Ping flicked a finger, sending a first-rank upper grade Pill directly into the Waterloose Rat's mouth.

"Squeak squeak..."

Feeling the massive medicinal power spreading within its body, the Waterloose Rat excitedly squeaked, resolutely beginning to complete Xu Ping's planting task.

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