Bringing The Farm To Live In Another World Chapter 2271: Earth Monarch

Within the Valley of the Sacred Elephant, the spiritual Qi remained undisturbed. However, the vital blood and Qi concentrated in Sacred Elephant Mountain had transformed into a massive vortex, vanishing with incredible speed.

Seated deep within the mountain, Zhao Hai emitted waves of blood Qi as he integrated the mountain's ancient blessings. To any observer, it would be clear that Zhao Hai was siphoning the blood Qi and refining it directly into his own physical strength.

Seven days slipped by until the final remnants of blood Qi in the mountain were exhausted. Simultaneously, a profound transformation occurred in Zhao Hai’s aura. Anyone present would have been shocked to see that he was no longer at the Soul Fusion Stage; he had ascended to become an Earth Monarch. In a mere week, Zhao Hai had successfully broken through to the Earth Monarch Stage.

Zhao Hai, however, understood that he was no common Earth Monarch. His spiritual Qi was a thousand times denser than others at his level, and his physical form had gained unforeseen advantages.

Previously, Zhao Hai believed his crystallization ability required no further improvement, as it was already exceptionally potent. Throughout the True Spirit Realm, he had yet to encounter anyone capable of shattering his defenses.

He now realized he had been mistaken. Upon absorbing the blood Qi of the Sacred Elephant Clan, his crystallization ability evolved. In the past, his cells transformed into isolated micro-crystals. Now, each crystallized cell could interlock with its neighbors in a specific structural lattice, making his crystal body far more durable than before.

Zhao Hai marveled at his newfound power, estimating that his current strength had increased a hundredfold. Previously, without relying on the Demon Subjugation Technique or his Divergent Abilities, he was ten times stronger than average Cultivators. Now, even without utilizing those skills, his raw physical power was 20 times greater than that of his peers.

When Zhao Hai finally opened his eyes, his gaze seemed deeper and more profound. At that moment, his body radiated the primal aura of a colossal prehistoric beast.

With a deep breath, he completely suppressed his aura, returning to the appearance of a regular human. To an outsider, he would seem like nothing more than an ordinary Earth Monarch.

Flexing his limbs, Zhao Hai remarked, "Not bad at all. I anticipated waiting several years to reach the Earth Monarch Stage, yet I broke through just now. There is still lingering blood Qi in my system. Once fully refined, my power will grow even further. This trip was incredibly fruitful."

After checking his internal state, Zhao Hai surveyed his surroundings and was momentarily stunned. The jade-like sheen on the bones within the cavern had faded, leaving behind nothing but mundane remains. Some of the more ancient skeletons had even crumbled into piles of dust.

Zhao Hai realized that by absorbing the remnant Qi from these remains, he had caused the skeletons to lose their structural integrity. Feeling as though he had taken a great debt from the Crazed Elephant Clan, he bowed deeply toward the bones before exiting the cave and departing the Valley of the Sacred Elephant.

Moments later, Zhao Hai returned to Gale Canyon. Looking around, he felt the canyon had lost its mystery. His journey had granted him such immense strength that an average Earth Monarch could not survive a single blow from him. Staying here was now pointless, as the canyon no longer offered any challenges to aid his Cultivation.

He sighed with a hint of regret. Having only explored two forbidden zones, his strength had already reached this peak. What would have happened if he had conquered the entire canyon?

However, he knew his current limits. While he could reliably defeat experts at the Teleportation Stage, his chances against a Diamond Body Cultivator were uncertain, as he had never fought one. Furthermore, he was certain he couldn't clear the entire Gale Canyon yet; rumors suggested that the deepest regions housed Condensing Spirit and Space Breaker-level entities. Venturing there now would bring more danger than reward.

With another sigh, Zhao Hai began the trek back toward the cliff. Gale Canyon was no longer of use to him.

After walking roughly ten kilometers, the whistling sound of rushing wind reached his ears. Zhao Hai found himself encircled by ten Earth Monarchs, none of whom appeared weak.

One of the men eyed Zhao Hai greedily and shouted, "Kid, surrender your storage items. If you do, the Ten Winds of Righteousness might let you live."

Zhao Hai touched his chin while observing the group. "Ten Winds of Righteousness? That name sounds too fake to trust. You're likely just worried about being tracked after you leave the canyon. You look like gang members to me. Which organization do you actually belong to?"

The ten Earth Monarchs were momentarily taken aback by his intuition. The leader laughed and said, "A clever brat. We underestimated you. But if you're so smart, why didn't you just hand over your things? Don't you know that being too clever can get you killed? We were going to let you go, but since you've said too much, you have to die!"

On the leader's command, the Earth Monarchs drew their weapons and glared at Zhao Hai. Their armaments were varied—three blades, two staffs, a spear, and four swords—all of high quality.

Despite the variety, Zhao Hai’s spiritual sense noticed a unified design among the weapons. In a concealed spot on each, the character for ‘Purple’ (紫) was etched.

Recognizing the mark, Zhao Hai said, "I didn't expect to run into the Purple Jade Gang here. Even more surprising is that your members would resort to such low tactics. Truly an eye-opening experience."

The bandits' expressions darkened. The leader snarled, "He can't be allowed to live, or our reputation is ruined. Kill him!" He swung his sword and lunged at Zhao Hai.

The others followed suit, launching a coordinated assault. Zhao Hai smiled faintly at their efforts. "How dull. With such pathetic strength, you actually dare to attack me?" He raised his arm and extended a single finger.

His finger wasn't aimed at just one target, but at all ten. Before they could react, Zhao Hai’s finger had already struck their foreheads in a blur of motion. Instantly, they shuddered as blood sprayed from their skulls. All ten bodies hit the ground simultaneously, their foreheads shattered.

Zhao Hai looked down at the corpses and whispered, "My power has truly spiked. Even if they weren't at full strength, I killed them in a heartbeat. I could never have done that previously."

With a wave of his hand, he stored the bodies in his Space and began the journey back to Windchase Town. He couldn't help but grin. "This might be the shortest trial I've ever had." Entering the town, he walked straight to the auction house.

Ling Dong received news of Zhao Hai’s return, though he avoided a public meeting due to his position. When they met privately, Ling Dong remarked, "Brother Ling, you've finished your trial? Wait... you actually broke through to the Earth Monarch Realm! Your progress is remarkably fast."

Zhao Hai gave a modest smile. "I traveled to the Valley of the Sacred Elephant and found some spiritual herbs. Consuming them allowed me to break through."

Ling Dong nodded, suspecting nothing. He viewed Zhao Hai as a typical Soul Fusion Cultivator who had simply accumulated enough foundation to make the jump to Earth Monarch easily.

In the True Spirit Realm, certain stages are notorious bottlenecks. The true hurdle is the gap between the Earth Monarch Stage and the Teleportation Stage. Many Cultivators remain stuck there forever.

This is why Earth Monarchs are common, while Teleportation Stage experts are treated like minor kings. This boundary is often called the 'Dragon’s Gate.' Passing through it is like a fish transforming into a dragon. Because the jump from Soul Fusion to Earth Monarch isn't considered nearly as difficult, Ling Dong wasn't overly shocked by Zhao Hai’s advancement.

Ling Dong asked, "What are your plans now, Brother Ling? Will you enter secluded meditation or head back to Demonheart City?"

Zhao Hai questioned, "Is there any news from Demonheart City? How is the Blood Knife Gang faring?"

Ling Dong nodded reassuringly. "Don't worry, the Blood Knife Gang is fine. I've used my resources to keep an eye on them. They aren't expanding, but they are safe within the city. You have nothing to fear for them."

Zhao Hai cupped his fists in gratitude. "Thank you, Shopkeeper Ling. Since I have no more business in Windchase Town, I’ll return to Demonheart City. I want to be ready the moment the Forbidden Path Sect opens its gates. This town is a bit too isolated; it's better to be where the action is."

Ling Dong sighed slightly. "Your timing isn't the best. Usually, possessing a Bloodless Command Token grants immediate entry. However, because the gates are opening soon and you purchased your token, the Sect will require you to join the standard disciples and pass their tests."

He continued, "It might seem unfair, but it reflects the Sect's view. Those given the Bloodless Command Token by the Sect are considered hand-picked geniuses. Since you bought yours, you won't get special treatment and might even be looked down upon. Entering the Sect is where your true trial begins. I hope you can endure it."

Zhao Hai smiled confidently. "I'll survive, don't worry. I have faith in my abilities. I was prepared to join even as a Soul Fusion Cultivator; now that I'm an Earth Monarch, I’m even more certain I can hold my ground."

Seeing his resolve, Ling Dong chose not to dampen his spirits. He knew the internal competition of the Sect was far more brutal than the outside world. Many arrogant geniuses found their confidence shattered within those walls. Only those who could persevere in the Forbidden Path Sect were the true elites.