CHAPTER 397: CHAPTER 236: CULTIVATION STABILIZED, TARGETED

Xu Ping did not leave the place but quietly examined everything one by one.

A small portion of the Sound Transmission Talismans were congratulatory messages from nearby Core Formation Stage cultivators: Congratulations, fellow Daoist, on your spirit pet’s breakthrough to Third-rank!

The words were filled with politeness and congratulations.

Another portion was recruitment messages from several large and small organizations.

The words were rife with enticing offers, trying to bring Xu Ping into their ranks.

Xu Ping had no interest in replying to these Sound Transmission Talismans; after a brief glance, he ignored them completely.

He intended to keep a low profile and hide his whereabouts and strength, naturally avoiding too much interaction with the Golden Core cultivators.

Moreover, he was merely a Foundation Establishment cultivator, yet had a Third-rank demon beast as his spirit pet. Such a situation was indeed too conspicuous.

Though in the long history of Luoyun Immortal City, it wasn’t unprecedented, it’s better to be cautious and safe!

...

In the following days, Water Lake Rat began closed-door cultivation within the cave dwelling, devoting itself to solidifying its cultivation.

Meanwhile, Xu Ping seemed to transform into a mailman, receiving several Sound Transmission Talismans every day.

However, faced with these Talismans, he remained unmoved, never responding to any of them.

As time passed, fewer people were sending messages.

The uproar caused by Water Lake Rat’s breakthrough to Third-rank gradually died down unnoticed.

Though for Luoyun Immortal City, a demon beast breaking through to Third-rank was unusual.

It wasn’t considered an astonishingly rare occurrence.

After the novelty wore off, the incident faded from everyone’s view, with few paying attention anymore.

...

Two months passed swiftly.

On the wide stone bed within the cave dwelling, a sturdy Rat Demon sat cross-legged in silent cultivation.

With each breath, the vast Spiritual Qi in the cave surged towards it like a tide.

With rhythmic Spiritual Qi intake and output, its once-agitated demonic power gradually stabilized.

It was unclear how much time had passed.

Finally, the demonic power surrounding Water Lake Rat completely stabilized, and it stopped its intake and opened its blood-red eyes.

Then, it suddenly leaped from the bed, its nearly four-zhang height almost touching the cave ceiling.

"The transformation is quite remarkable." Seeing this, Xu Ping couldn’t help but show a slight smile.

Since its promotion to Third-rank, the former Earth Rock Rat now had a body length close to four zhang, strong and elongated limbs, with purple-blue fur growing increasingly deep and rich, exuding a mysterious sheen.

At first glance, it resembled a muscular, smooth giant bear, emitting an intimidating aura.

A Third-rank demon beast’s pressure permeated the entire cave. If a Foundation Establishment Perfection cultivator were here, they might be stricken with fear.

Yet Xu Ping seemed unaffected, not only enduring the pressure but interestingly experiencing it.

After a moment, he nodded in satisfaction:

"This rat just broke through to Third-rank, but the aura it emits is no less than that of some well-established Third-rank demon beasts!"

If circumstances continue, when it reaches the peak of Third-rank Lower Grade, it might even challenge Third-rank Middle Grade demon beasts!

The mutated bloodline is truly terrifying!

"Come here!"

Though Xu Ping’s thoughts were tumultuous, his expression remained calm as he gave an order.

"Master!"

Upon hearing Xu Ping’s command, Water Lake Rat joyfully ran over, lying at Xu Ping’s feet with a fawning smile.

"Mm."

Xu Ping patted Water Lake Rat’s head, then extended his Divine Sense to inspect its Demon Core.

Water Lake Rat showed no resistance, obediently allowing Xu Ping to check.

After decades of coexistence, it naturally knew its master’s extraordinary abilities.

Even though it had broken through to Third-rank, its master could likely kill it with a single stroke.

Moreover, without Xu Ping, it might still struggle to break through Second-stage, let alone achieve the glory of a great demon.

"Not bad, the quality of this Demon Core is excellent, likely no inferior to those naturally gifted demon beasts!"

A crystalline, lustrous purple-blue inner core gleamed with glassy brilliance, entering Xu Ping’s perception.

He nodded with satisfaction.

The higher the Demon Core’s quality, the greater the foundation and potential.

Perhaps, in the future, there might be a slight chance to break through to Fourth-rank transformation demon beast.

After meticulously examining the Demon Core’s condition, to ensure everything was perfect, Xu Ping reinforced the spirit pet contract with Water Lake Rat.

Throughout the process, Water Lake Rat cooperated extremely well, showing no resistance and acting very obediently.

Seeing its compliance, Xu Ping felt content.

"After breaking through to Third-rank, have you awakened any Divine Techniques?" Xu Ping’s lips slightly curled, and after a brief chuckle, he inquired.

"Yes!"

Water Lake Rat’s eyes gleamed, responding excitedly.

"Master, watch!"

As soon as the words fell, a surge of demonic power enveloped the rat, and its once nearly four-zhang massive body rapidly shrank like a deflating balloon.

In the blink of an eye, it shrank to a mere five inches.

What shocked Xu Ping even more was that at this moment, Water Lake Rat’s demonic power had suddenly reduced to First Rank level.

He extended his Divine Sense fully, searching repeatedly, but couldn’t detect any anomalies.

It seemed this tiny Rat Demon was indeed just a First Rank ordinary demon beast.

"Such formidable Concealment Skill!"