Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8544: Mission (1)

Upon departing from the courtyard, Lu Yongde glanced back at Cheng Wanchun, his face filled with envy. "Wanchun, you're truly fortunate. Rumors spoke of several celestial artifacts in our treasure repository, crafted personally by the sect master. They possess immense might, and obtaining one relies on destiny. We dismissed it as myth since none had claimed them for ages, yet it proved real, and you secured them. Such luck, young one. I'll keep it brief—wield this magical artifact wisely."

Excitement radiated from Cheng Wanchun's features, impossible to conceal. "Understood. Rest easy, headmaster. I'll cultivate diligently without fail." Lu Yongde gave a nod. Despite his jealousy toward Cheng Wanchun, no malicious intent stirred in him. He was aware that combat was prohibited within the boundless space. Murder and robbery were utterly taboo. Attempting such acts would spell his own doom. Thus, envy was all he harbored, without uttering a word further.

Returning to the front yard together, Cheng Wanchun soon retreated to his quarters. Safely inside, he eagerly withdrew the copper ruler and examined it with tender care. Reluctantly, he set it aside after a prolonged moment. Next, he grasped the Jade slip presented by Lord Sun and probed it with his spiritual force.

His spiritual power had barely entered the Jade slip when astonishment gripped him. A cultivation technique resided within it. This method bore resemblance to the Song of Righteousness Qi he had mastered, yet subtle distinctions set it apart. Mastering it would undoubtedly yield greater potency than the Song of Righteousness Qi. Crucially, practicing this technique intertwined deeply with the pair of ruler weights. In essence, its practice was tied to these weights. The optimal magical tool was this duo of town rulers. With proper cultivation, their strength would surge dramatically, accelerating his progress as well.

Naturally delighted upon discovery, Cheng Wanchun snatched up the ruler and commenced practice per the technique's guidance. The initial phase involved housing the ruler within his primordial spirit for nurturing. Concurrently, he would gradually infuse the restrictions outlined in the method onto it. Each cultivation stage was detailed explicitly, ensuring no errors in execution.

As Cheng Wanchun delved into the practice, it dawned on him that this technique suited him far better than the Song of Righteousness. During the latter, certain aspects felt somewhat forced. Yet with this one, everything flowed seamlessly. It was as though the technique had been custom-forged for his very being.

Time flew by, and another month elapsed swiftly. Over that period, Cheng Wanchun's prowess advanced to the third layer of the Dharma-use realm. Such rapid growth was utterly astounding. Most remarkably, he noted that each successful restriction added to the ruler boosted his cultivation pace slightly. This revelation left him profoundly amazed.

Joy flooded Cheng Wanchun at this discovery. He redoubled his efforts in training. Yet another month slipped away. Three months had now passed since entering the realm. By then, his power had climbed to the fifth layer of the Dharma power usage realm. Though the advancement appeared to lag, it remained impressively swift. The higher one's level, the more arduous the progress, demanding greater accumulation of Dharma power. Achieving the fifth layer from the first in merely two months within the transcendence realm was nothing short of miraculous. Far from dejected, Cheng Wanchun brimmed with exhilaration.

Nevertheless, after three months, Cheng Wanchun faced the prospect of undertaking a task. Endless cultivation without contribution was untenable. Thus, he readied himself, gathered his belongings, and sought out Lu Yongde. He understood that consulting Lu Yongde would clarify his forthcoming path.

Before Cheng Wanchun could even rap on Lu Yongde's door, the latter's voice rang out. "Wanchun, you've arrived—enter." Responding affirmatively, Cheng Wanchun shoved the door open and stepped into the living room. He offered a salute to Lu Yongde, who rose and dismissed it with a gesture. "No need for formalities. Well done, lad—your progress is remarkably swift. Evidently, you're a true prodigy. I won't prattle on. The superiors have assigned you a duty. Here's your specific assignment—review it." With that, he passed a Jade slip to Cheng Wanchun.

Accepting the Jade slip, Cheng Wanchun scanned its details. Shock etched his features as he turned to Lu Yongde. "Sect master, this doesn't detail any task. It merely instructs a meeting. What could this signify?" Genuine bafflement clouded Cheng Wanchun's mind regarding the assignment's intent.

A smile played on Lu Yongde's lips. "I'm in the dark on that. Truthfully, I haven't a clue about your exact mission. I didn't even glance at the Jade slip's contents, as this falls beyond my authority. So, I genuinely can't tell you what awaits. Proceed as directed." Though still puzzled, Cheng Wanchun acknowledged and departed, Jade slip in hand.

Guided by the Jade slip's directives, Cheng Wanchun reached a mountaintop. A courtyard stood there as well. Upon alighting before it, he observed its plainness. Nothing adorned it—no plaque, no title, no verses, utterly barren. Confusion stirred within him.

Undeterred, Cheng Wanchun approached the shut courtyard gate. He lightly struck the copper knocker, and it swung open with a groan. A cultivator eyed him sternly. "Show me the task Jade slip." Clearly, he sought the very slip Cheng Wanchun possessed. Without hesitation, Cheng Wanchun produced and handed it over.

The man inspected it briefly and nodded. Stepping aside, he intoned, "Enter," Cheng Wanchun assented and crossed the threshold. Inside lay a modest plaza. The cultivator guided him through it quickly, halting before a chamber. "Go inside—someone will explain your summons here."

"Yes," Cheng Wanchun affirmed and stepped in. Amazement struck him upon seeing several cultivators already present, seated within. The room's arrangement mirrored Lu Yongde's parlor closely, save for its larger size and extra seating. Otherwise, it was indistinguishable.

The room's occupants cast fleeting glances at Cheng Wanchun but remained silent. He returned the look without speaking, claiming an available seat. More arrivals followed. Upon tallying, he counted 27 individuals total in the space.

As Cheng Wanchun pondered these observations, a figure emerged from the rear. He appeared under thirty, with a warm demeanor. Addressing the assembly, he grinned. "All present, eh? Greetings. Allow a proper introduction—I am Zhu Yong, attendant to the young master. The one I mean is our sect master."

Stunned by Zhu Yong's declaration, the group rose swiftly to pay respects. Zhu Yong waved them down. Scanning the faces, he spoke gravely. "No formalities required. Fate has drawn you here. Each of you obtained a magical tool forged by the young master himself and trained via his provided method. Excellent. This very fortune grants you this chance. Seize it to serve the young master. Should you decline his service, depart now."

Silence reigned; none voiced dissent or stirred to exit. They had pledged to the Ghostwind bandits. Refusing service to their grand leader—the sect master whispered among them—invited certain peril. To them, dubbing the Ghostwind bandits' chief a sect master felt odd, for bandits scarcely qualified as a sect.

Surveying them, Zhu Yong smiled. "Splendid. With no departures, you affirm your intent to serve the young master." He continued, "Practicing his bestowed technique marks you as his nominal disciples. That's why you're gathered today. As such, you ought to learn of the young master's true standing. Doubtless, many wonder why he leads merely the Ghostwind bandits, yet demands the title sect master from those in the spatial zone. Perhaps some believe he aspires to found a sect, hence the appellation, or seeks to elevate his prestige. Such notions likely cross your minds, no?" As Zhu Yong's gaze passed over, expressions shifted; none dared reply, some even averting their eyes.

Observing their unease, Zhu Yong chuckled. "No need for shame—this is expected reasoning. My purpose today includes clarifying this. Be warned: once informed, departure from the Ghostwind bandits is impossible. Attempting it means only death."

Though Zhu Yong's smile persisted, the words sent chills through the assembly. No one mistook it for jest; his grin carried an icy edge. They grasped fully that future flight would end in demise, without question.