Although in his heart he had long set the Heaven-Suppressing Sect and Cloud Thunder Celestial Venerable as targets to be eliminated, and even previously considered inviting Nine Nether Elder to join forces.
But ever since that jade slip’s secret was revealed, suspicions about Nine Nether Elder’s identity had long quashed this idea.
Yet now, unexpectedly, it was Nine Nether Elder who proactively brought up this matter, which was quite unusual.
He wanted to kill Cloud Thunder Celestial Venerable to clear obstacles and vie for the Divinity Transformation position that might open in the Nanchuan Realm.
But Nine Nether Elder was a Ghost Cultivator, and the ghost path’s cultivation system was fundantally different from the Human Race’s orthodox cultivation. Killing Cloud Thunder Celestial Venerable would not benefit his own cultivation, would it?
Xu Ping suppressed the tumultuous thoughts in his heart and tested discreetly, "I wonder... why senior wants to deal with that Cloud Thunder Celestial Venerable and Heaven-Suppressing Sect?"
"This matter seems to hold no obvious benefits for senior."
Nine Nether Elder’s smile remained unchanged, chuckling as he said, "Just so age-old grievances, the specifics are not convenient to disclose."
Upon hearing this, Xu Ping’s eyebrows deeply furrowed.
This answer was vague, utterly unable to alleviate his doubts.
Killing Cloud Thunder Celestial Venerable indeed held great benefits for him, but he absolutely did not want to commit deeply to cooperation with the enigmatic Nine Nether Elder when the circumstances were unclear.
"This matter is of great importance, and I need to deliberate further."
Xu Ping did not imdiately agree, nor did he outright refuse, adopting a strategy of delay, "At the very least, I must wait until my cultivation reaches Nascent Soul Perfection before considering further."
Imdiately, he changed the conversation to a practical issue, "Also, senior inviting to join forces—what benefits might I receive?"
He deliberately frad this as a transaction.
Upon hearing this, Nine Nether Elder revealed a trace of surprise, as if Xu Ping had posed an extraneous question.
"Benefits?"
"Young Friend Xu, clearing the greatest obstacle on your path to Divinity Transformation, granting you the opportunity to break through in the Nanchuan Realm—is this not the greatest benefit you seek?"
Xu Ping shook his head, his tone calm yet resolute, "Just an opportunity, not a guaranteed success."
"Moreover, dealing with a Divinity Transformation Cultivator carries imnse risk; without substantial rewards, I truly cannot rashly agree."
Nine Nether Elder remained silent for a mont, his murky eyes fixed on Xu Ping, seemingly weighing the situation.
After a long while, he slowly opened his mouth, offering a proposition: "What if I am willing to exchange it with Nine Heaven Gangwind Essence?"
"Nine Heaven Gangwind Essence?"
Xu Ping was slightly surprised, inquiring imdiately, "Senior, have you found this item?"
This item, he had been searching for a long ti, yet unexpectedly, it was acquired by Nine Nether Elder.
Nine Nether Elder observed Xu Ping’s reaction, smiling and nodding:
"Indeed, as long as Young Friend agrees to return to the Nanchuan Realm with and jointly kill Cloud Thunder, upon the completion of the matter, I shall gift the Nine Heaven Gangwind Essence to you."
The prospect of Nine Heaven Gangwind Essence was highly tempting to Xu Ping.
If he could obtain it, he would be able to cultivate the Nirvana Golden Body; by then, his strength would take another leap,
weighing the pros and cons.
Collaborating with Nine Nether Elder held unknown risks, but the rewards were equally imnse.
After a mont of contemplation, Xu Ping made his decision.
"Senior, I can agree to this matter, but with two conditions." Xu Ping said solemnly.
"Oh? Tell ." Nine Nether Elder raised his eyebrows slightly.
"Firstly, the action must occur after I advance to Nascent Soul Perfection."
"Secondly..."
Xu Ping’s gaze fixed on Nine Nether Elder, "The Nine Heaven Gangwind Essence must be handed to before the action starts."
Listening to Xu Ping’s demanding conditions.
Especially the condition of upfront compensation, Nine Nether Elder’s perpetually smiling face finally slowly receded, his bark-like brows deeply furrowing.
His murky eyes slightly swiveled in their sockets, shimring with indecipherable intent.
Silence persisted for about ten breaths.
Xu Ping remained calm and quietly t his gaze, as if the conditions posed were perfectly reasonable.
Nine Nether Elder emitted a couple of dry laughs from his throat, and his furrowed brows slowly relaxed, his smile returning as he slowly spoke:
"Young Friend Xu indeed exercises remarkable caution, unwilling to risk even a fraction; very well.... I shall agree."
Agreed?
Upon hearing Nine Nether Elder readily accept these stringent conditions, Xu Ping felt no relaxation but rather a deeper sense of forewarning.
To agree to such conditions shows a strong determination to eradicate the Heaven-Suppressing Sect!
Xu Ping glanced deeply, his face also revealing a slightly formal smile, cupping his hands as he said, "In that case, let wish us a pleasant cooperation."
Now, the opportunity was not to be missed.
Moreover, once he reached Nascent Soul Perfection, his ’Sword Intent Transformation’ would certainly reach grand completion.
By then, having cultivated the Nirvana Golden Body, he would have the confidence to confront even the Star Palace Saints head-on.
Let alone Nine Nether Elder.
Even if he were truly Emperor Xuan, what of it!
"Pleasant cooperation."
Nine Nether Elder returned the sa smile, though the depths of that smile seed to conceal an endless abyss.
...
After reaching a cooperation agreent, Xu Ping did not linger further and imdiately bid farewell.
As he transford into Escape Light and departed, he could still feel that haunting gaze behind him, watching him until he completely disappeared beyond the reach of Divine Sense.
Nine Nether Elder stood where he was, gazing at the direction Xu Ping disappeared in, his eyes flickering uncertainly.
After a long while, eerie ghostly energy surged around him as he too maneuvered a dark Escape Light, disappearing into the sky.
Two months later, Xu Ping quietly returned to Blood Bone Island.
He did not imdiately enter seclusion but silently waited.
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