Bringing The Farm To Live In Another World Chapter 2275: Meeting The Elders

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Alongside Liu Zhen and the rest, Zhao Hai strolled leisurely through the streets of Demonheart City. Their destination this time was the central area of the innermost ring, home to the grandest branch of the Forbidden Path Sect. The sect's doors were finally swinging open for new entrants.

Within the Blood Knife Gang, Zhao Hai had risen to the highest rank. Though he hadn't claimed the title of Gang Master, his formidable power secured that spot for him. A Teleportation Stage Expert had fallen under Zhao Hai's mighty fist. Even if Old Snakeface hadn't unleashed his full might, the undeniable truth remained: Zhao Hai's strike had ended him.

In just three days, Liu Zhen and his companions had pieced together the details of how Zhao Hai dispatched Old Snakeface. Truth be told, shock rippled through them upon learning that Zhao Hai's single blow had crushed Old Snakeface's skeleton. Yet the evidence stood firm, impossible to dismiss.

Here in the True Spirit Realm, raw power dictated reality. Zhao Hai's prowess had been observed by countless eyes. One could even argue he surpassed the former Gang Master, Wang Da, in might. Under these circumstances, who else could rightfully claim the top position in the Blood Knife Gang if not him?

Moreover, Zhao Hai was on the verge of entering the Forbidden Path Sect. Should Liu Zhen or Yu Linfeng attempt to usurp his status, they'd be inviting disaster upon themselves.

Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng understood well that Zhao Hai harbored no desire to lead the Blood Knife Gang as its master. After all, an Outer Disciple of the Forbidden Path Sect wielded far greater influence than the head of a minor gang. Thus, they now served as Zhao Hai's trusted aides, one on each side.

Zhao Hai perceived the intentions of Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng clearly. Still, he chose not to interfere. In the True Spirit Realm, strength alone drew followers like moths to a flame. It would be odd indeed if no one sought ties with such a powerful figure.

Glancing about, Zhao Hai remarked, “This recruitment round for the Forbidden Path Sect should draw massive crowds. Despite realizing their limited potential might hinder real advancement, folks still chase that faint hope of success. Brother Liu, Brother Yu, have you two ever considered stepping into the sect yourselves?”

Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng exchanged glances before offering wry smiles in unison. Liu Zhen let out a heavy sigh and responded, “That fire in us burned out ages ago. The Forbidden Path Sect demands a special breed. For types like us, it'd mean serving as mere fodder. Better to hold onto what we've got now.”

Yu Linfeng nodded in agreement. “Joining the Forbidden Path Sect sounds appealing, sure, but for people in our shoes, it's only a shift in surroundings. The gains might not outstrip our current setup.”

Zhao Hai let out a light laugh at their words. He realized that Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng could no longer qualify as dedicated cultivators. They practiced their arts, yet the drive to advance had slipped away. True cultivators burned with that relentless pursuit; without it, the label didn't fit.

In truth, the True Spirit Realm brimmed with individuals like Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng. They may have shown promise once, but their talents fell short. Coupled with scarce resources, their growth stalled. Even with the will to climb higher, the paths remained blocked.

They could have started as spirited young talents, but facing the impossibility of reaching the pinnacle eroded their resolve bit by bit.

Cultivators of this sort resembled unpolished stones, worn away over time into polished orbs. But that very polish sealed off any further sharpening.

As the trio conversed, they pressed onward. Occasionally, passing cultivators cast glances at Zhao Hai and murmured among themselves. Though their words stayed hushed, Zhao Hai caught every bit. The buzz centered on his clash with Old Snakeface.

News of Zhao Hai's duel with Old Snakeface had swept across Demonheart City like wildfire. Thus, many knew he'd taken down a Teleportation Stage Expert. Skeptics existed, yet none dared challenge him. The feat of felling a renowned powerhouse was no illusion. No one gambled their life on doubts.

The flow of crowds surged toward the inner city. Among all districts, the inner city boasted the finest surroundings. Every structure featured its own enclosed yard. The avenues stretched broad and inviting. A vast plaza, lined with hefty slabs of stone, clearly served as a training arena.

No sooner had Zhao Hai and his group entered the inner city than a Forbidden Path Sect cultivator in sect robes approached. The man eyed Zhao Hai and his companions before inquiring, “Here for the trials?”

Zhao Hai saluted with clasped hands and answered, “Yes, I'm taking part. They're just here to see me through.”

The Forbidden Path Sect cultivator gave a nod and instructed, “Non-participants should stay in the second ring. The inner city's overflowing with folks.” At this, Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng promptly saluted and departed. Meanwhile, Zhao Hai trailed the cultivator deeper into the inner city.

Reaching the practice field, the cultivator faced Zhao Hai and explained, “You'll get a jade slip shortly with your assigned number. Use it to proceed with the evaluation.”

Zhao Hai responded swiftly, “Senior, I possess this item. Word is, it grants direct entry into the sect.”

With that, Zhao Hai produced the Bloodless Command Token and offered it to the Forbidden Path Sect cultivator. Upon spotting it, the man's eyes widened in surprise. He examined the token meticulously before turning to Zhao Hai with a question: “You must be Zhao Ling?”

Zhao Hai affirmed, “That's me, Senior.”

The cultivator nodded, composure returning as he said, “Drop the 'Senior'—call me Senior Brother. I'm an Outer Disciple too. Senior Brother Ling Dong mentioned you. Indeed, this token lets you bypass the tests and join the Forbidden Path Sect outright. Follow me; I'll guide you to the right place.”

Zhao Hai agreed and accompanied the cultivator to a courtyard. Two sentries stood rigidly at the entrance, seemingly oblivious to their environs.

Yet Zhao Hai sensed the guards outmatched his guide in strength, and by a wide margin.

His escort was an Earth Monarch, matching the guards' level. However, the guide lingered at the early phase of the Earth Monarch Realm, whereas the guards had reached its zenith.

Approaching the guards, the cultivator saluted with cupped fists. “Senior Brothers, this fellow arrived bearing a Bloodless Command Token. Per sect protocol, token holders enter without trials. I must bring him to the Elder for registration.”

The guards acknowledged with nods, and the cultivator addressed Zhao Hai: “Junior Brother, come along.” He fell quiet thereafter. Mindful of the doorway experts, Zhao Hai saluted them too before stepping through.

Contrary to the hustle Zhao Hai anticipated, the courtyard housed a modest drill area beside a stone table. A handful of elderly figures occupied seats there, all clad in sect attire, sipping tea and exchanging casual talk over snacks.

Zhao Hai's arrival didn't escape their notice. Conversation halted as they turned toward him and the accompanying disciple. The disciple saluted and announced, “Outer Sect's Ye Fei greets the Elders. This is Zhao Ling, bearer of a Bloodless Command Token. I've escorted him for your audience.”

The mention of the token caused the Elders a brief pause before their gazes settled on Zhao Hai. They recalled the Bloodless Command Token up for auction. Ye Fei's words confirmed it now belonged to Zhao Hai, sparking keen interest in the newcomer.

After a moment, one Elder addressed Zhao Hai: “Are you the Zhao Ling who's been making waves for punching a Teleportation Stage Expert to death?”

Caught off guard by the question, Zhao Hai saluted and replied, “Yes, Elder, that's me.”

Curiosity gleamed in the Elder's eyes as he nodded. “Impressive. Without verifying it myself, I'd never credit an Earth Monarch with slaying a Teleportation Stage foe in one strike. Fascinating. What art do you practice?”

Saluting once more, Zhao Hai answered, “To the Elder: I follow a body-tempering art known as the Demon Subjugation Technique.”

The Elders froze at the name. One peered at Zhao Hai and probed, “Demon Subjugation Technique? Subjugating demons? So you're cultivating a Buddhist method?”

Zhao Hai confirmed, “Correct, Elder.”

Astonishment washed over the Elders, soon replaced by intrigued looks. Another Elder queried Zhao Hai: “In that case, your power must be considerable. Where do you stand in strength these days?”

Zhao Hai shook his head. “To the Elder: I'm unsure. I've stuck to the Demon Subjugation Technique all along. Plus, during my time in Gale Canyon, I drew in abundant blood qi. My current level of power eludes me.”

The Elder gave a subtle smile. “No issue—we'll measure it now. You there, fetch the strength stele.” A nearby cultivator assented and hurried off.

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