Bringing The Farm To Live In Another World Chapter 2271: Earth Monarch
Previously on Bringing The Farm To Live In Another World...
Within the Valley of the Sacred Elephant, the spiritual Qi remained undisturbed. However, the vital blood and Qi concentrated within the Sacred Elephant Mountain had transformed into a massive vortex, draining away at an incredible velocity.
Seated deep inside the mountain, Zhao Hai radiated waves of blood Qi as he absorbed the ancient blessings of the peak. To any observer, it would be obvious that this blood Qi was being funneled into Zhao Hai, fueling his burgeoning strength.
Seven days passed in this manner until the final remnants of blood Qi within the mountain dissipated. Simultaneously, a profound transformation occurred in Zhao Hai’s temperament. Had anyone been there to witness it, they would have realized that Zhao Hai was no longer at the Soul Fusion Stage; he had ascended to become an Earth Monarch. In a mere week, Zhao Hai had achieved a breakthrough into the Earth Monarch Stage.
Nevertheless, Zhao Hai understood that he was no typical Earth Monarch. Beyond his spiritual Qi density being a thousand times greater than his peers, his physical form had gained incredible advantages.
Previously, Zhao Hai believed his crystallization ability required no further refinement, as it was already exceptionally potent. Even within the True Spirit Realm, he had yet to encounter anyone capable of shattering his defenses.
However, Zhao Hai realized he had been mistaken. Upon integrating the blood Qi of the Sacred Elephant Clan, his crystallization ability evolved. In the past, his cells would turn into individual, isolated crystals during activation. Now, the process had changed; every crystallized cell could link with its neighbors through a specific structural bond. This evolution made Zhao Hai’s crystal body significantly more resilient than before.
Zhao Hai marveled at his newfound power. By his estimates, his current strength had surged a hundredfold. Without relying on the Demon Subjugation Technique or his Divergent Abilities, he used to be ten times stronger than average cultivators. Now, even without utilizing any specific skills, his raw physical power was twenty times that of a normal cultivator.
Opening his eyes slowly, Zhao Hai’s gaze appeared deeper and more profound. At that moment, his body radiated the primal aura of a colossal wild beast.
With a deep breath, Zhao Hai completely retracted his aura. He reverted to the appearance of an ordinary human. To an outsider, he would simply look like a common Earth Monarch.
Testing his limbs, Zhao Hai remarked to himself, “Quite impressive. I assumed it would take several years to reach the Earth Monarch Stage, but I didn't expect to break through so soon. There is still a lingering trace of blood Qi in my system. Once fully refined, my power will grow even further. This trip has been highly beneficial.”
After assessing his internal state, Zhao Hai surveyed his surroundings and was momentarily stunned. The jade-like sheen on the bones within the cavern had vanished. The remains had turned into mundane skeletons, and some of the more ancient ones had even crumbled into dust.
Zhao Hai realized the cause immediately. He had drained the lingering Qi from these remains. It was only natural that they would lose their structural integrity.
Acknowledging that he had essentially taken a great favor from the Crazed Elephant Clan, Zhao Hai gave a respectful bow to the skeletons before exiting the cave. With a swift movement, he departed from the Valley of the Sacred Elephant.
Moments later, Zhao Hai arrived back at Gale Canyon. However, as he looked upon the landscape, the location had lost its appeal. His journey had provided such a massive boost to his power that ordinary Earth Monarchs wouldn't be able to survive a single blow from him. Staying here was now pointless, as the canyon no longer offered any challenges that could benefit him.
Zhao Hai sighed as he contemplated his progress. He had explored only two forbidden zones of the canyon and reached this level of power. What would have happened if he had conquered the entire region?
Yet, Zhao Hai was realistic about his current limits. While he could now comfortably defeat experts at the Teleportation Stage, he was uncertain about his chances against a Diamond Body Cultivator, having never fought one. Furthermore, he knew he couldn't clear the entire Gale Canyon yet. Legends spoke of Condensing Spirit and Space Breaker-level entities residing in its depths. Attempting to go further now would bring more peril than profit.
With a final sigh, Zhao Hai began the trek back toward the cliff where he started. Gale Canyon held nothing more for him.
After walking roughly ten kilometers, the sound of rushing wind reached his ears. Zhao Hai found himself encircled by ten Earth Monarchs, none of whom appeared weak.
One of the men eyed Zhao Hai greedily and shouted, “Brat, surrender your storage items. If you do, the Ten Winds of Righteousness might spare your life.”
Zhao Hai rubbed his chin while observing the group. “Ten Winds of Righteousness? That name sounds far too fake to be trusted. You’re likely just worried about being hunted after you leave the canyon. You have the look of a gang. Be honest, which group do you belong to?”
The ten Earth Monarchs were caught off guard by his deduction. The leader laughed harshly and said, “A clever brat. We underestimated your wits. But if you’re so smart, why didn’t you just give up your gear? Don't you know that being too clever can be fatal? We might have let you live, but after those words, you have to die!”
At the leader's command, the Earth Monarchs drew their weapons and looked at Zhao Hai with murderous intent. Their armaments were varied—three blades, two staffs, a spear, and four swords—but all were of high quality.
Despite the variety, Zhao Hai’s spiritual force detected a unified design among the weapons. In a concealed spot on each item, the character for ‘purple’ (紫) was engraved.
Recognizing the mark, Zhao Hai immediately identified them. He looked at the leader and said, “I didn't think you’d be from the Purple Jade Gang. It’s quite enlightening to see how your members behave in secret.”
The bandits’ faces paled. The leader snarled, “He cannot be allowed to live, or our reputation is ruined. Kill him!” He swung his sword and lunged at Zhao Hai.
The others followed suit, charging with their weapons. Zhao Hai merely smiled. “How tedious. You actually think you have the strength to attack me?” He raised his arm and extended a finger.
Zhao Hai’s finger didn't point at just one man, but toward all ten. Before they could react, his finger had already struck each of their foreheads. In an instant, they convulsed as blood sprayed from their skulls. All ten bodies hit the ground simultaneously, their foreheads shattered.
Zhao Hai looked down at the corpses and whispered, “My power has truly spiked. Even if they weren't fighting at full capacity, I killed them instantly. That was beyond me before.”
With a wave of his hand, he stored the bodies in his Space and continued toward Windchase Town. He couldn't help but chuckle as he walked. “This might be the shortest cultivation trial in history.” Upon entering the town, he went straight to the auction house.
Ling Dong received news of Zhao Hai’s arrival but avoided a public meeting due to his position. When they finally met in private, Ling Dong remarked, “Brother Ling, you’ve returned? Wait—you’ve actually broken through to the Earth Monarch Realm! Your progress is remarkably fast.”
Zhao Hai gave a modest smile. “I traveled to the Valley of the Sacred Elephant and found some spiritual herbs. Consuming them allowed me to make the breakthrough.”
Ling Dong accepted the explanation without suspicion. He had viewed Zhao Hai as a typical Soul Fusion Cultivator, and such individuals could often reach the Earth Monarch Realm easily if they had sufficient resources and foundation.
In the True Spirit Realm, the real challenges lay ahead. The first major hurdle was the gap between the Earth Monarch Stage and the Teleportation Stage. This was the true trial where many cultivators remained stuck indefinitely.
Consequently, while Earth Monarchs were common, Teleportation Stage Experts were revered as minor kings. This boundary was known as the Dragon’s Gate; passing it was akin to a fish transforming into a dragon.
Because the transition from Soul Fusion to Earth Monarch wasn't considered overly difficult, Ling Dong wasn't shocked by Zhao Hai's advancement.
Ling Dong asked, “What are your plans now, Brother Ling? Do you intend to enter seclusion, or will you head back to Demonheart City?”
Zhao Hai inquired, “Is there any news from Demonheart City? How is the Blood Knife Gang faring?”
Ling Dong nodded reassuringly. “Don't worry, they are doing fine. I’ve used my influence to keep an eye on them. While they haven't expanded, they are safe within the city. You have no reason to be concerned.”
Zhao Hai cupped his fists. “Thank you, Shopkeeper Ling. Since my business in Windchase Town is finished, I’ll return to Demonheart City. I want to be ready the moment the Forbidden Path Sect opens its gates. It’s better to be in the city to catch any news quickly.”
Ling Dong nodded but added a warning. “Your timing is a bit unfortunate. Usually, a Bloodless Command Token grants immediate entry. However, because you purchased yours and the gates are opening soon, the Sect will require you to join the standard disciple entrance trials.”
“It seems unfair, but it reflects the Sect’s stance. Those given a Bloodless Command Token by the Sect are considered hand-picked geniuses. Since you bought yours, you won't get special treatment and might even face some disdain. Your real trial begins the moment you enter. I hope you can endure it.”
Zhao Hai smiled confidently. “I’ll survive. I have faith in my abilities. I was prepared to join as a Soul Fusion Cultivator, so I am even more certain now that I am an Earth Monarch. I will establish myself once I’m inside.”
Ling Dong didn't argue, though he chose not to dampen Zhao Hai’s spirits. He knew the internal competition of the Sect was far more brutal than the outside world. Many arrogant geniuses found their confidence shattered within the Forbidden Path Sect; only those who could endure would truly rise.