Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8543 8543: The ruler (1)

Cheng Wanchun gradually opened his eyes and released a deep sigh. His session of cultivation had come to an end. At that moment, he brimmed with deep respect for the leader of the Ghostwind Bandits. The method he practiced before wasn't poor at all. It stemmed from the heritage of a minor sect and counted as a solid technique. Still, his progress moved at a sluggish pace. As a result, he labored tirelessly in his practice. Yet, the improvements remained minimal. It was obvious he lingered in the Dharma cultivation realm.

But from the moment he adopted the Song of Righteousness Qi, Cheng Wanchun sensed his latent cultivation potential igniting abruptly. The rate of his advancement surged to such heights that it left him mildly alarmed. Just one month had elapsed since he began refining the Song of Righteousness Qi. His present power level had climbed to the Dharma usage realm, surpassing his earlier expectations by a full two months.

This day marked the occasion for selecting his ritual implement. With that in mind, Cheng Wanchun couldn't suppress a spark of delight. He rose to his feet, adjusted his attire, and stepped outside. Upon arriving in the front yard, he encountered numerous fellow cultivators. Each one offered greetings, which he returned warmly. Evidently, over the past month of intense cultivation, he had forged connections with plenty of people.

In truth, Cheng Wanchun had become acquainted with many individuals. He grasped the inner workings of the academy as well. Thousands pursued cultivation within its halls, overseen by several headmasters. Lu Yongde served as just one among them, tasked with the academy's daily administration.

Cheng Wanchun had picked up from conversations that their mountain range academy hosted fewer students than the branches on nearby peaks. This revelation deepened his appreciation for the Ghostwind Bandits' vast power. He had even witnessed a Heavenly Tribulation right here. The sight had stunned him utterly. That was a Heavenly Tribulation! Such an event signaled a cultivator ascending to Island Lord level mastery. How could he not feel awestruck? An Island Lord expert represented a figure of immense stature, one he could scarcely approach in the past.

Yet the others around him appeared unfazed. After inquiring, he learned that Heavenly Tribulations occurred periodically among their ranks. They claimed over a thousand experts had surpassed the Island Lord level. The sheer scale of that figure left Cheng Wanchun thoroughly intimidated.

Nevertheless, this knowledge instilled fresh hope in Cheng Wanchun. He yearned for the day when he too could endure a Heavenly Tribulation and attain Island Lord prowess, or perhaps secure a spot in one of the top three teams. Only members of those elite groups achieved true renown across the cultivation world. Such status held profound significance for them all.

Through offhand talks with others, Cheng Wanchun discovered the top three teams. These renowned forces consisted of the Ghost Wind Team, the Blood Ghost Team, and the Divine Arms Battalion. Dubbed the pinnacle squads, they enjoyed access to superior training regimens, advanced techniques, and exceptional magical artifacts. Even the Ghostwind Bandits' boss occasionally delivered personal instruction to them. Consequently, the top three teams boasted unparalleled might. The individual Cheng Wanchun observed facing the Heavenly Tribulation belonged to one of these elite groups.

As a result, the top three teams had evolved into legends within the cultivation realm. This marked the first time Cheng Wanchun encountered tales of them. He dreamed of someday enlisting in their ranks and claiming a place among the elite. For now, though, such ambitions served merely as fuel for his relentless drive to cultivate harder.

Upon reaching the front yard, Cheng Wanchun headed directly to Lu Yongde's quarters. He rapped softly on the door and announced in a steady tone, 'Cheng Wanchun requests an audience with Headmaster Lu!' Beyond cultivation over the past month, he had delved into numerous Confucian texts, refining his manners considerably.

'Wan Chun, you're here—enter,' came Lu Yongde's voice. Cheng Wanchun acknowledged and pushed the door open. Stepping inside revealed a spacious reception hall. Opposite the entrance stood a long table bearing a cup of tea. Flanking it were two chairs, one occupied by Lu Yongde on the left side.

To Lu Yongde's left sat another chair, separated by a small side table, both oriented toward the door. The arrangement mirrored the right side, creating two orderly rows facing inward. The entire space exuded refined elegance. Dominating the wall across from the entrance hung a bold inscription of the word 'Dao'. In his left hand, Lu Yongde clutched a book, his gaze settling on Cheng Wanchun with a warm smile. He appraised the young man before remarking, 'Good, very good. Wan Chun, I truly didn't anticipate you'd attain the magical usage realm within a single month. You've exceeded the timeline splendidly. Excellent work, but stay vigilant—press on with even greater diligence.'

Cheng Wanchun bowed in response, and Lu Yongde proceeded with a grin, 'The month has flown by. Today, you select your ritual implement. Given your shift to a fresh technique, the prior one no longer fits. With this period of practice behind you, your method has evolved. You're aware of its nature now, so proceed to pick a new ritual implement. I'm confident the one you choose will align perfectly with your path. Come along.' Rising then, he tucked away the book and guided Cheng Wanchun toward the academy's rear. Entering a secluded courtyard, Cheng Wanchun recognized it as the site of a teleportation formation.

Beside the array loomed a modest chamber. From within emerged a figure who cast a brief look at Lu Yongde but offered no words. Lu Yongde clasped his fists in salute and stated, 'Greetings, Lord Sun. This is Cheng Wanchun, who joined our mountain range academy a month back. I've brought him today to select a Dharma artifact.'

Lord Sun eyed Cheng Wanchun briefly and gave a nod. Without further comment, he pivoted and retreated into his room. Cheng Wanchun and Lu Yongde approached the teleportation array. A burst of white light enveloped them, transporting the pair to a vast cavern. Its precise location remained unknown. Sealed entirely, the cave permitted access solely via the teleportation array—no other exits existed.

The cavern housed numerous racks lined with an array of Dharma artifacts. Volumes, scrolls, brushes, inkstones, and even ink-like substances filled the shelves. Oddities Cheng Wanchun had never encountered dotted the displays. He spotted two items resembling alms bowls, though he now understood them as brush washers.

Lu Yongde instructed Cheng Wanchun, 'Wan Chun, select one that calls to you. This time, limit yourself to a single choice. Heed your instincts, and ensure the artifact harmonizes with your mana. Begin.'

Cheng Wanchun nodded and commenced his search among the ritual implements, sensing their auras. True to Lu Yongde's advice, he sought the piece that resonated deepest with him. As he progressed, a sudden intuition halted him. His gaze locked onto an object resting on a nearby shelf.

Approaching for a closer inspection, he found the item unassuming at first glance. The pair measured roughly a foot in length and an inch in width, clearly a matched set in a subdued yellow hue—not the gleam of gold, but the patina of brass, about a finger's thickness. They resembled plain copper bars. Yet each bore the carving of a ferocious tiger, rendered with startling realism that sent a chill through the viewer.

In earlier days, Cheng Wanchun might have overlooked their significance, but now he identified them readily. Though they appeared ordinary, these copper bars held renown as copper rulers. Scholars employed them to secure paper during writing, marking them as everyday scholarly aids.

A profound connection drew Cheng Wanchun to this pair of copper rulers; they captivated him instantly. Without hesitation, he lifted them. The bond intensified, feeling like an extension of his own flesh and blood, confirming his choice. Drawing a steadying breath, he handled them with care and affection. Moments later, clutching the copper rulers, he returned to Lu Yongde's side.

Standing before Lu Yongde, Cheng Wanchun presented the copper rulers and saluted, 'Sect Master, I've made my selection. These copper rulers will be mine.' He lifted them for display. They carried a solid weight, neither too light nor burdensome, a sensation Cheng Wanchun welcomed.

Examining the copper rulers in Cheng Wanchun's grasp, Lu Yongde nodded approvingly. 'A fine pick. These are the Twin Tiger Suppression Rulers. Their precise uses remain a mystery for now—explore them gradually upon your return. Very well, let's depart.' With that, he ushered Cheng Wanchun back to the teleportation formation. In a flash of white light, they rematerialized in the courtyard.

As they emerged, Lord Sun awaited them in the courtyard. The pair hastened to offer respects. Lord Sun inclined his head, then produced a jade slip and explained, 'You've selected the Twin Tiger Suppression Ruler, so this jade slip belongs to you. The Sect Leader entrusted it to me, instructing that it go to whoever claims these rulers. Accept it.' He extended the jade slip toward Cheng Wanchun.

Both Cheng Wanchun and Lu Yongde stood stunned. They recognized the Sect Leader Lord Sun referenced, which only amplified their astonishment. Never had they imagined Zhao Hai preparing a jade slip in advance. Notably, he hadn't done so for any other artifacts, yet he had for this particular copper ruler—an utterly remarkable occurrence.

Recovering swiftly, Lu Yongde eyed the jade slip with a hint of envy before addressing Cheng Wanchun. 'Wan Chun, claim the jade slip. Choosing this ruler proves your destined link to it. Redouble your efforts from here. Secure it now; time to head back.'

'Yes, sir!' Cheng Wanchun replied with barely contained excitement. He accepted the jade slip, then saluted Lord Sun once more. Lord Sun paid him no mind and withdrew to his chamber. The two exited the courtyard and made their way back.