Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8741: Coffin (1)

~6 minute read · 1,540 words
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
Zhao Hai consolidated his control over the Blood Sea Realm, integrating the former territories of the six major sects into the Blood Slaughter Sect. He then initiated a brutal campaign to force remaining small sects and rogue cultivators to surrender or face extermination, successfully unifying the realm. Following this, the Blood Slaughter Sect underwent reforms to optimize disciple cultivation and resource allocation. Zhao Hai also checked on the progress of the Sea Exploration Sect and his allies in the Cloud Sea Realm, before dedicating himself to developing a new combat training system called 'Realistic Illusion' inspired by Earthly online games, while entrusting daily sect management to Laura and her team.

Hao Tong, once an ordinary disciple within the Blood Kill Sect, bore a past allegiance to the Giant Demon Sect. Even then, he was known as the most unremarkable among them, perhaps ill-suited for their cultivation techniques. For over a decade, he served as a death warrior before finally being relegated to outer disciple status. Yet, even into his thirties, he remained an outer disciple, his strength barely touching the Dharma Accumulation realm, a level far from noteworthy. The Giant Demon Sect paid him little mind, allowing his potential to stagnate.

The landscape of the Blood Sea Realm, however, underwent a seismic shift. Conflicts erupted: the Giant Demon Sect clashed with the Corpse Demon Sect, then forged an alliance with the Blood Kill Sect to battle invaders from the Shadow Realm and other rival sects. Through it all, Hao Tong, the perennial cannon fodder of the Giant Demon Sect, displayed remarkable fortune by surviving every engagement. Eventually, the Blood Kill Sect emerged victorious, unifying the Blood Sea Realm and initiating a re-evaluation of their disciples' talents. This presented Hao Tong with a crucial opportunity. Upon re-testing his aptitude, he discovered an astonishing compatibility with the Blood Slaughter Sect's cultivation techniques. He promptly switched.

Post-transition, his cultivation speed accelerated exponentially. In just over a year, he ascended to the seventh level of the Profound Dharma realm, a feat that astounded even himself and filled him with immense joy.

Ambition is a universal trait among cultivators; the yearning for eternal life and the pursuit of immortality fuels them all. Hao Tong, who once believed such aspirations were beyond his reach, now felt a surge of hope. This renewed conviction spurred him to cultivate with unwavering diligence.

Yet, a realization dawned: his current training regimen was insufficient. The Blood Slaughter Sect's martial arts demanded rigorous practical combat experience. The prevailing peace within the Blood Sea Realm, however, offered no such opportunities. Sparring with fellow disciples paled in comparison to genuine combat, leaving him in a quandary.

Then, two days prior, news arrived of the sect's breakthrough: a new magic tool, the Realistic Illusion, capable of simulating real combat scenarios. Intrigued, Hao Tong sought to understand its mechanics and its purported ability to offer genuine combat experience. His desire to participate was immediate.

Subsequent information, however, tempered his enthusiasm. The Realistic Illusion, being a newly developed artifact still in its experimental phase, posed potential dangers. Participation required voluntary sign-ups and a lengthy wait due to its experimental nature.

Hao Tong had registered his name long ago, unconcerned by the risks. His sole focus was on augmenting his strength. Having toiled for nearly twenty years to recently reach the seventh level of the Profound Dharma realm cemented his belief that a path to power still existed.

Previously, adrift without hope, he had resigned himself to a life of idleness. Now, with a renewed sense of possibility, his entire outlook transformed. He embraced the prospect of growth, even preferring demise in battle to his former stagnation.

For days, Hao Tong impatiently awaited word, eager to experience the Realistic Illusion and witness its capabilities firsthand. Though he continued his cultivation, his mind often wandered, preoccupied with anticipation.

One day, just as Hao Tong concluded his training, a knock echoed at his door. Before he could respond, a voice announced, "Hao Tong, your application has been approved by the higher-ups. You are among the first batch to enter the illusory reality. Prepare yourself; someone will escort you there tomorrow." The sound of retreating footsteps confirmed the messenger's departure.

Clearly hearing the other party’s words, Hao Tong was momentarily stunned. He immediately leaped up and flung open the door, only to find no one there. This left Hao Tong feeling a flicker of annoyance, which quickly gave way to excitement. His request had been granted, signaling an opportunity for actual combat – the most thrilling prospect in recent days! He paced his room, a modest space comprising just four small areas: a living room, a bedroom, a quiet room, and a utility space. No one else had permission to enter his quarters.

Honestly, Hao Tong was initially taken aback by this type of accommodation. He hadn't expected such preferential treatment, especially as a mere outer sect Disciple. To have a room like this far surpassed his expectations. However, upon observing that all his peers were similarly housed, his apprehension subsided.

He was, by and large, content with his current existence. The sole point of dissatisfaction stemmed from the lack of actual combat experience. This was precisely why he had so fervently desired to participate in the realistic illusion experiment. Now that this experiment was finally on the cusp of commencement, his elation was understandable.

The day evaporated swiftly. Hao Tong awoke before dawn the following morning, already anticipating his visitor. Punctually at seven, a knock echoed through his room. He promptly opened the door to reveal a cultivator clad in the standard uniform of the Bloody Massacre Sect. The individual’s expression was impassive, revealing no distinguishing features. Yet, the moment Hao Tong noticed the man's footwear, he instantly recognized his affiliation.

The cultivator's boots were distinct from the usual soft, cloth-and-leather-soled footwear favored for comfort. These were rigid riding boots, signifying a unique status within the Bloody Massacre Sect: membership in the Cavalry Brigade, the sect's most elite fighting force.

The figure regarded Hao Tong, their voice a deep rumble. "Hao Tong, correct?" they inquired. "Let's not waste time." Hao Tong offered no further words, simply acknowledging the summons and following the cultivator. Before long, they reached the teleportation array, which whisked them away to a different island.

This was a small island, not expansive in size. Numerous structures dotted the landscape, all impressively tall and constructed from stone, obscuring any view of their interiors. The cultivator guided Hao Tong toward a particularly imposing building. "Enter," the cultivator instructed, gesturing towards the structure. "There are many unoccupied rooms within. Any door you find ajar is yours to claim. Once inside, you will find a table bearing a Jade slip. It will explain everything. Remember, no matter what you encounter here, divulge nothing to the outside. Proceed."

"Understood," Hao Tong replied, stepping into the building. His gaze swept across the interior, revealing a surprisingly intricate layout. Immediately upon entering, a corridor stretched before him. Branching off from this main passage were further corridors reaching inwards. Approximately four meters ahead, from either side of the corridor, doors lined the walls. Some stood open, while others remained closed, their surfaces illuminated by a flashing red light – clear indications of array protection. The open rooms, however, remained passive.

Unable to contain his eagerness, Hao Tong veered into the left-hand corridor, selecting a room with an open door. The instant he crossed the threshold, however, he stood dumbfounded. The simplicity and sheer strangeness of the room defied his expectations. He remained rooted to the spot, momentarily forgetting the cultivator’s instructions.

His astonishment was hardly unwarranted. The room's contents were profoundly striking, consisting of only three items. The first was a desk, presumably the one mentioned by the cultivator, as a Jade slip rested upon it. The second was a chair, likely intended for rest. These two items were unremarkable. It was the third item that struck Hao Tong as exceptionally bizarre: a coffin, complete with its lid.

A considerable time passed before Hao Tong regained his composure. He surveyed his surroundings once more before finally approaching the desk and retrieving the Jade slip. He trusted that the sect would not orchestrate a frivolous deception. Therefore, he resolved to examine the Jade slip to ascertain the situation. He felt confident that the answers he sought lay within.

The information within the jade slip was swiftly absorbed by Hao Tong. A wave of relief washed over him once he finished reading. Driven by curiosity, he then approached the immense coffin before him. Its considerable dimensions, spanning roughly three meters in length and nearly two in width, certainly marked it as a remarkably large container.

Approaching the coffin, Hao Tong laid a hand upon its surface and channeled his dharmic powers into it. Instantly, intricate patterns illuminated the coffin, and its lid smoothly slid aside, revealing the interior. Hao Tong peered inside with keen interest.

A second wave of surprise washed over Hao Tong. The coffin's interior was meticulously lined with thick animal hide, accompanied by a pillow. Its apparent comfort and softness were precisely what astonished him. His gaze shifted between the pillow and the overall arrangement within the coffin. After a brief contemplation, he let out a soft chuckle, murmuring, " "Interesting, the sect is truly considerate." " With that, he removed his shoes and stepped inside the coffin.

The moment he was fully inside, the coffin lid sealed shut. Yet, darkness did not envelop him. The inner surface of the lid pulsed with a myriad of patterns emitting a beautiful white light. Though Hao Tong studied these intricate designs, their meaning eluded him. Finally, he closed his eyes, allowing his body to relax. Simultaneously, he declared in a resonant voice, "Let's begin."