Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8542 8542: Cultivation technique (1)

Lu Yongde, the scholar, refrained from halting the individual. He retrieved the jade slip, inspected its contents briefly, then stored it before directing his attention to Cheng Wanchun. A gentle smile appeared on his face as he addressed him, "Greetings, I am the headmaster of Shenshan Academy. My name is Lu Yongde. Starting today, your education will take place at our Shenshan Academy. The entrance exam we conducted earlier indicated that you are best suited for our school's cultivation technique, so from this moment, you'll be training in it. You get three months for this training. In that time, no duties will be given to you. Simply focus on hard work and cultivation. At the end of three months, a test will evaluate your progress."If you fail to achieve the Dharma-using realm, penalties await. Reaching the Dharma-using realm means you can prioritize cultivation going forward. Naturally, missions must still be fulfilled. This jade slip offers an overview of the region. I'll escort you to your quarters now so you can get settled. Tomorrow, I'll hand over the cultivation technique for your practice. Follow me." Upon concluding, Lu Yongde passed a jade slip to Cheng Wanchun and guided him inside the academy.

Though Cheng Wanchun itched to examine the jade slip's information right away, he recognized the moment wasn't right. He promptly agreed and trailed behind Scholar Lu as they entered the academy. They proceeded to the second courtyard, where Lu Yongde assigned him a personal room.

Lu Yongde showed Cheng Wanchun around the room and instructed him to make himself comfortable. Then, he departed. Once Lu Yongde was gone, Cheng Wanchun pulled out the jade slip and scrutinized its details. The jade slip's contents left Cheng Wanchun astonished. It outlined not just his obligations for the upcoming three months, but also his routine meals and the rewards he could expect. All aspects were detailed explicitly.

The perks listed in the jade slip particularly amazed Cheng Wanchun. They were exceptionally generous. Beyond cultivation techniques, provisions included elixirs, dharmic robes, dharmic artifacts, and more. Quantities were precisely noted. Dharmic robes and elixirs would arrive the next day, while dharmic artifacts required a month's wait. The jade slip explained this: they needed time to select artifacts perfectly matched to the recipient.

After stowing the jade slip, Cheng Wanchun found himself at a loss for words. He never imagined the Ghostwind bandits would offer such lavish treatment. They hardly seemed like bandits at all. Rather, they resembled a formidable sect, one of immense strength.

Beyond the jade slip's details, what truly captivated Cheng Wanchun was the room itself. It wasn't spacious, split into four compact areas. One served as a bedroom for repose, another as a quiet chamber for cultivation. This quiet space doubled as a study, while a small tea area and living space completed the layout.

The space was modest, yet ample for a single occupant. Crucially, it featured numerous unfamiliar items, like a self-boiling kettle, a controllable lamp, and various other novelties Cheng Wanchun had never encountered. He circled the room several times, getting acquainted with these innovations.

Time drifted onward languidly. After some indeterminate period, a bell's chime reached Cheng Wanchun's ears. Though soft, the sound rang clear. He paused in surprise, then recalled the jade slip's notes. Instantly, he understood the bell signaled lunchtime at the academy.

Cheng Wanchun rose without delay. Curiosity burned within him about the academy's cuisine. As a wandering cultivator, he'd dined at taverns on rare occasions, but their prices were exorbitant. Eventually, he'd settled for inexpensive wine shared among ten, buying it sporadically—but solid meals were scarce. Now, he eagerly anticipated sampling the academy's fare.

Guided by the jade slip's directions, Cheng Wanchun headed to the cafeteria. En route, he encountered numerous figures, all clad in scholar's attire. Some cast curious glances his way, pure interest without disdain. Others even offered friendly nods and smiles.

Soon, Cheng Wanchun entered the canteen, discovering it bustling with activity. Groups of three or five sat clustered, holding trays laden with food. Plates bore dishes, rice, and even wine. Cheng Wanchun froze momentarily. Then, a voice called out, "Cheng Wanchun, time to eat. See that? Trays are over there—grab one yourself. Bowls and chopsticks too. Food's laid out; take as much as you like. Go ahead."

Cheng Wanchun spun around to spot Lu Yongde. He bowed hastily. Lu Yongde chuckled, saying, "No need for such formality. Eat up, then rest well. Cultivation starts tomorrow, so give it your all." With a pat on Cheng Wanchun's shoulder, he moved to fetch his own meal.

Cheng Wanchun acknowledged and joined Lu Yongde in securing a tray. Next, he loaded it with food. The selection impressed him—balanced with meats and veggies. Yet, unsure of favorites, he craved them all but selected a variety. He added a jug of wine, then sought an empty table. Eagerly, he sampled a dish. As it touched his tongue, astonishment hit.

This dish didn't just taste delicious; a surge of spiritual energy accompanied it into his mouth. He devoured it swiftly. After several bites, confirmation came: spiritual energy abounded, even in the meats. A sip of wine revealed its spiritual nature, utterly unlike his past brews.

He wolfed down the tray's contents and drained the wine, yet hunger lingered. Embarrassment held him back from seconds. As he wavered, Lu Yongde approached with a grin, "Don't worry. Go for more. Newcomers act this way initially. I recall my first meal here—ten plates straight. Haha, stuff yourself too."

Cheng Wanchun gave an awkward laugh, but the aroma proved irresistible. He refilled his tray and resumed eating. Cheng Wanchun polished off five hefty plates before sighing contentedly. No choice but to eat his fill now. He abandoned the tray on the table, mirroring the others who'd done likewise, then departed the dining hall.

Back in his quarters, Cheng Wanchun reclined on the bed. A dreamlike haze enveloped him. This reality felt too idyllic to trust. He hesitated to sleep, fearing awakening would shatter it all into mere illusion.

Yet, deep slumber claimed him regardless. A bell's toll roused him. Blinking awake, he surveyed the room, relief washing over as familiarity confirmed his place. He sat up promptly, freshened himself, exited, and headed to the first courtyard. Today brought cultivation lessons and promised benefits.

Arriving at the front yard, he sought Lu Yongde. The headmaster presented a storage bag, stating, "Cheng Wanchun, these are your three-month benefits. Dharmic artifacts come later, after a month. The jade slip details the cultivation technique and key cultivation precautions. It includes numerous Confucian classics—study them upon return. Assignment to our Shenshan Academy signifies your talent here. Apply yourself diligently. Off you go."

Cheng Wanchun assented, bowed to Lu Yongde, then withdrew. In his room, he unsealed the storage bag, revealing its treasures. Delight surged through Cheng Wanchun. A scholar's robe—evidently a dharmic one—lay inside, alongside pills, a jade slip, and stacks of books. Actual paper volumes, which genuinely surprised him.

Glancing at the books, Cheng Wanchun noted Classics and Histories. Setting them aside, he donned the dharmic robe. It suited him perfectly, offering defensive properties. Dust-repelling, waterproof, fireproof—it promised effortless maintenance, no baths required.

Clad anew, Cheng Wanchun infused his spiritual sense into the jade slip. Entranced, he delved deep. Two hours later, he emerged, face alight with joy.

The jade slip held the "Song of Righteousness Qi" technique. Cheng Wanchun knew of its renown—a potent method from a righteous sect in the Cloud Sea Realm. Beyond the core technique, annotations abounded: cultivation tips, common issue resolutions. Crucially, pill consumption guidance featured prominently. Thoroughness defined it.

Elation filled Cheng Wanchun. Armed with this mighty technique and meticulous instructions, failure to master it would be foolish. He seized the jade slip, poring over it intently. Rogue cultivator though he was, he grasped that true mastery demanded prior study—full comprehension preceding practice. This approach averted myriad pitfalls.

A full day passed in study. Then, Cheng Wanchun initiated cultivation. Clarity dawned on the welfare books' purpose: gradual perusal would aid his progress. After all, this was a Confucian technique.