Bringing The Farm To Live In Another World Chapter 2287: Inner Disciple

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Zhao Hai observed the cultivators engaged in their rigorous ascetic practice with composure. Many among them were fresh arrivals at the mine. Their power levels were far from insignificant. He had observed this upon their initial arrival. The majority were at the Earth Monarch stage, while only a handful reached the Soul Fusion stage.

Even though these individuals possessed considerable abilities, Zhao Hai saw no value in bringing them into the sect. They were all independent rogue cultivators, some advanced in years with barely any remaining potential. Adding such members to the sect would offer little advantage for its growth.

Zhao Hai was aware of these people's backgrounds; they formed the group recruited by the Forbidden Path Sect on this occasion. The bulk hailed from rogue cultivation origins. One could argue that the Forbidden Path Sect had eased its criteria to accommodate them. Without that leniency, their power levels would have barred entry into the Forbidden Path Sect entirely.

Yet, Zhao Hai paid no heed to those individuals. He continued his own cultivation efforts. At present, the iron armor enveloping him had been upgraded to one of 50,000 jin in weight. This armor appeared far from cumbersome, yet its heft was truly staggering. While others might remain oblivious to the reason, Zhao Hai understood well: multiple magic formations were embedded within the iron armor. These formations altered the gravitational pull surrounding Zhao Hai, making it feel as though he bore the full 50,000 jin burden.

Only after twelve months of intense ascetic training could one don the 50,000-jin iron armor. In essence, Zhao Hai's period of ascetic training had now completed its twelfth month, signaling his imminent departure.

In truth, Zhao Hai had mere days remaining before his exit, whereas certain cultivators laboring diligently at the mine had only recently begun their stay.

Since entering the mine a year prior, Zhao Hai's appearance remained largely unaltered. If any transformation stood out, it lay in his bearing. Upon his arrival, he exuded an平凡 and inconspicuous air, drawing no notice. Yet, following a year of grueling ascetic training, his presence had grown more subdued, infused with an potent aura—like a sheathed sword poised for action. Though the edge remained concealed, its lethal potential could not be ignored.

Zhao Hai scarcely needed to engage in mining any longer. He had already extracted the required ore quota. As his bodily strength increased, his daily yield of ore swelled dramatically. In time, even half a day's effort yielded a substantial excess. This excess now covered his outstanding deliveries, freeing him from further mining duties.

Nevertheless, this freedom did not permit Zhao Hai to ease up. Quite the contrary, he maintained unwavering discipline. He dedicated ample daily time to honing his physical form. To fellow cultivators, Zhao Hai seemed like a devotee of self-inflicted suffering, perpetually seeking new ways to push his limits. Such relentless behavior was utterly foreign to them.

A few days flew by in an instant. This marked Zhao Hai's final day at the mine. Departing from his usual routine, he refrained from self-torment today. Instead, he allowed himself genuine relaxation. After completing his morning boxing routine, he strolled through the mine area to ease his tensions.

Those at the mine found Zhao Hai's behavior baffling. Accustomed to his daily ordeals, they were taken aback by his laid-back demeanor today. It felt entirely out of character to them.

The day concluded swiftly, and that night, Elder Xing called Zhao Hai to his cave dwelling. Gazing at the seemingly unaltered Zhao Hai, a intricate mix of emotions flickered in Elder Xing's eyes. In a grave tone, he declared, “Zhao Ling, you may head back to the sect tomorrow. Remove your iron armor.”

Zhao Hai acknowledged with a nod and shed his iron armor. Elder Xing stored the armor and regarded Zhao Hai intently, stating solemnly, “Your efforts over this year have impressed. I have relayed your achievements to the sect. Here is your identity token. Effective immediately, you hold the status of a formal inner disciple within the sect.”

Zhao Hai accepted the jade slip from Elder Xing. This jade slip possessed a distinctive design, trapezoidal in form, bearing the inscription “Forbidden Path” on its face and “Buddha” on the reverse.

Upon channeling his spiritual force into the jade token, Zhao Hai's details surfaced within it instantaneously, encompassing a highly precise full-body depiction. Impersonation with this token would prove exceedingly challenging.

Zhao Hai stowed the jade slip and offered a bow to Elder Xing, then expressed, “Thank you, Elder Xing.” Elder Xing dismissed it with a wave, and Zhao Hai, familiar with his disposition, saluted with a cupped fist before departing.

After one final night of rest in the mine, Zhao Hai utilized the transmission formation early the following morning to return to the sect. Upon arrival, he spotted Wan Feng and Zhou Feng awaiting him. Zhao Hai promptly bowed to them and intoned deeply, “Zhao Ling greets Elder Wan and Brother Zhou.”

Wan Feng inclined his head and smiled at Zhao Hai, commenting, “Impressive work. Elder Xing has apprised the sect of your mine performance. The sect holds your results in high regard. You now stand as a formal inner disciple. Follow me to your assigned courtyard.” Zhao Hai agreed, but at that instant, Zhou Feng approached.

Zhou Feng retained his rotund figure, perhaps even more so than previously. He clapped Zhao Hai on the shoulder with a booming laugh, “How was chowing down on raw meat for a whole year? Once we're at your place, let's head out for some serious drinking.”

Zhao Hai offered a subtle smile and replied, “It was tolerable—a sip of wine paired with a morsel of meat made for a fine flavor.”

Zhou Feng guffawed and noted, “I've caught wind of the mine happenings. Excellent job, Brother Zhao. I've rarely held admiration for anyone, but truthfully, I'm impressed by you now. It's no surprise a rogue cultivator like you achieved such cultivation heights so young. You're exceptional.”

Zhao Hai smiled lightly and responded, “What options do I have besides cultivating? Without it, how could I gain entry into the Forbidden Path Sect? Anyway, enough of that. Brother Zhou, you've bulked up further. What's the story? Has your cultivation advanced?”

Zhou Feng burst into laughter and affirmed, “Naturally! I've seized every opportunity to cultivate. But word is, the Blood Demon Realm opens shortly. You've got a Bloodless Token, and my family secured one for me too. We can venture into the Blood Demon Realm as a team.”

Hearing Zhou Feng's statement, Zhao Hai paused briefly before erupting in laughter, “Excellent! That's fantastic! We'll battle together then.” Their conversation flowed as they walked without pause, trailing Wan Feng into the inner reaches of the Forbidden Path Sect.

The inner sect layout of the Forbidden Path Sect mirrored that of the Tyrant Blade Sect in certain ways. Both featured courtyards situated on spiritual energy-rich mountains, distributed among their inner disciples. However, the Forbidden Path Sect distinguished itself by granting every inner disciple a private courtyard. Though modest in size, this independence held immense value.

Each cultivator harbors personal secrets they'd rather keep hidden. Thus, all seek their own secluded space. Yet, few sects manage to provide this fully. Spiritual energy-abundant sites are finite worldwide. Supplying each inner disciple with a spiritually potent, spacious, independent courtyard demands vast resources. Consequently, even vast sects like the Tyrant Blade Sect confine inner disciples to shared large courtyards. Superior to outer disciple quarters, yet far from ideal.

The Forbidden Path Sect stands apart. It boasts numerous outer disciples but a select few inner ones. Its criteria for inner disciples are rigorously enforced; background offers no exemption from standards. This selectivity keeps inner disciple numbers low. With fewer members, the perks for inner disciples soar, including personal courtyards—a coveted advantage.

Zhao Hai's allocated courtyard proved rather appealing. Perched at a mountain cliff's brink, a stream flowed behind it. This stream cascaded into a waterfall mere meters from his dwelling, visible through the rear window.

Wan Feng guided Zhao Hai through the courtyard tour. Spanning just several hundred square meters, it included a compact training area flanked by two grand banyan trees. These were no common variety; they were Tranquility Banyans, boasting expansive canopies. Cultivating beneath them soothed the mind and spirit, offering substantial aid to practitioners.

Having surveyed the courtyard, Wan Feng addressed Zhao Hai, “This is your domain henceforth. Tomorrow, visit the miscellaneous hall for your annual sect stipend, then rest adequately. In one month's time, the Blood Demon Realm opens. You'll undertake a three-month trial there. Surviving the Blood Demon Realm elevates you to core disciple status. Keep that in mind.”

Zhao Hai froze in surprise. He hadn't anticipated this turn. He inquired swiftly, “I can truly ascend to core disciple in the Forbidden Path Sect?”

Wan Feng confirmed with a nod, “Indeed, it's the sect's ruling, so excel in it. Entering the Blood Demon Realm is no simple feat. While survivors emerge vastly stronger, few return. Without solid preparations, many perish within, ending all prospects. Clear?”

Zhao Hai nodded and assured, “Yes, Elder Wan, I comprehend fully.”

Wan Feng nodded once more, eyed Zhou Feng, and added, “I'll leave you to it then. Rest well over the coming month. Avoid sect tasks. Acclimate to inner sect life. The Blood Demon Realm awaits in a month. Zhou Feng joins as well; you two can proceed jointly. Farewell.” With that, Wan Feng exited Zhao Hai's courtyard.

No sooner had Wan Feng departed than Zhou Feng seized Zhao Hai amid raucous laughter, “Let's skip our old haunt; it's grown stale. Today, we'll hit the inner sect restaurant for drinks. The ambiance there far surpasses the other.” Ignoring any response, he pulled Zhao Hai along.

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