Bringing The Farm To Live In Another World Chapter 2273: Knocking on the Door

Zhao Hai sat in silence within the chamber Shopkeeper Yun had provided for his use. This time, his period of seclusion was genuine. He had previously gathered a massive amount of blood qi from the Mountain of the Sacred Elephant, where countless generations of Crazed Elephants had perished, leaving behind a dense reservoir of energy. Although Zhao Hai’s physical form had successfully integrated enough blood qi to trigger a breakthrough into the Earth Monarch Realm, a significant portion remained undigested within him.

There is a distinct difference between Blood Qi and Spiritual Qi. While absorbing spiritual qi directly enhances one's strength, blood qi is not as easily converted. Furthermore, blood qi focuses primarily on the tempering of the physical body. The logic is simple: if the body is robust enough, the cultivator's qi will naturally become more formidable.

The most efficient way to process blood qi is through body cultivation methods. At this moment, Zhao Hai’s body was overflowing with this potent energy, yet he couldn't harness it all instantly. His current objective was to utilize his body cultivation techniques during this seclusion to fully integrate the remaining blood qi.

Should Zhao Hai succeed in mastering the blood qi left by thousands upon thousands of crazed elephants, his power would undoubtedly ascend to a terrifying level. Ordinary cultivators could hardly conceive of the strength he would possess. If every drop of that blood qi were absorbed, he might very well become the most powerful disciple within the Forbidden Path Sect.

It was imperative, however, that Zhao Hai finish this process before joining the Forbidden Path Sect. If left unabsorbed, the blood qi would gradually dissipate. It would be similar to an athlete who stops training after building muscle; over time, the physical gains he labored for would simply fade away.

As Zhao Hai entered a state of true seclusion, the days began to slip by. While he occasionally took breaks to visit Laura and the others, the vast majority of his time was dedicated strictly to his cultivation.

Two months later, a surge of excitement hit Demonheart City. The Forbidden Path Sect was scheduled to open its gates for recruitment in just three days.

For this specific recruitment drive, the Forbidden Path Sect had lowered its entry requirements. Seeking to bolster their overall numbers, they were prepared to take in a large volume of new disciples. As long as a candidate wasn't too advanced in age, the sect was willing to accept them. In the worst-case scenario, these recruits could remain in the outer sect to serve as cannon fodder once the impending war broke out.

Consequently, Demonheart City was swarming with cultivators. The majority of those arriving were at the Soul Fusion or Earth Monarch Stage, with most of them being rogue cultivators.

In contrast to the chaotic energy outside, the atmosphere within the Blood Knife Gang remained tranquil. Being a minor power in Demonheart City, the gang was largely ignored by the public. Due to their lack of significant military might, they maintained a very low profile. Even with the backing of Ling Dong and the Abundance Hall, the gang continued to act with extreme discretion.

A few individuals had turned their attention toward the Blood Knife Gang after hearing rumors that a member had obtained a Bloodless Command Token. However, because the gang remained so inconspicuous, those rumors quickly faded from public interest.

Inside his room, Liu Zhen sat with a troubled look on his face, while Yu Linfeng sat across from him looking equally grim. After a long silence, Liu Zhen sighed and asked, “Do you think something went wrong with Little Ling? Why hasn't he returned? The gates of the Forbidden Path Sect open in three days. He really should be here by now.”

Yu Linfeng’s expression mirrored that anxiety. “I’ve already dispatched people to meet him, but none have seen any sign of his arrival. If Little Ling fails to return, our Blood Knife Gang will be in a very precarious position.”

Liu Zhen sighed once more. “I never anticipated Little Ling would get his hands on a Bloodless Command Token. That token has made him a lightning rod for trouble. I understand why, but I just pray he’s safe. If he isn't, all our hard work will have been for nothing.”

Yu Linfeng countered, “It's likely Little Ling is still alright. If he weren't, the protectors from the Forbidden Path Sect wouldn't still be guarding us. I'm certain they are only here because of him. If something happened to him, they would have abandoned us long ago.”

Just then, a messenger rushed in from the outside. He halted at Liu Zhen’s door and announced, “Gang Master, Zhao Ling has come back!”

Startled by the news, Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng shared a glance before jumping up and heading outside. There, they encountered a visibly thrilled gang member. Liu Zhen pressed him, “You say Little Ling is back? Where is he?”

“Hahaha, Big Brother Liu. I’ve returned!” Zhao Hai walked in from the entrance with a loud laugh. He cupped his fists in a respectful greeting toward Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng. “Big Brother Liu, Big Brother Yu, I am back.”

Seeing Zhao Hai in person, Liu Zhen could not suppress his joy. He hurried forward, gripping Zhao Hai’s shoulders tightly. “It is wonderful to see you back safely. Come, let’s go inside and talk.” Zhao Hai nodded and followed the two leaders into the room.

Once they were seated and Liu Zhen had composed himself, he observed Zhao Hai closely. “You’ve reached the Earth Monarch Stage now; that’s excellent. The Forbidden Path Sect will surely hold you in higher regard once you join.”

Zhao Hai gave a subtle smile. “My journey to Gale Canyon proved to be quite productive, allowing me to make this advancement.”

Surprised, Liu Zhen asked, “Gale Canyon? I thought you were in seclusion at the auction house? When did you go to Gale Canyon?”

Zhao Hai explained with a faint smile, “I was worried about being tracked, so I secretly traveled to Gale Canyon. I wasn't actually locked away in the auction house; I spent the entire time in the canyon.”

Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng nodded in understanding. “I see. We heard rumors that you acquired a Bloodless Command Token to enter the Forbidden Path Sect. Is that the truth?”

Zhao Hai confirmed with a nod. “When I departed from my clan, I took a piece of Resurrection Grass with me. You know how rare that is. Since I couldn't use the grass to its full potential myself, I traded it for the token. The grass is precious, but gaining entry into the Forbidden Path Sect is far more valuable to me.”

The two leaders agreed with his reasoning. While Resurrection Grass was a treasure, for a rogue cultivator, it was often more of a curse that invited danger. Trading it for a spot in the Forbidden Path Sect was a much smarter move. Within the sect, a disciple could fix their cultivation flaws and access high-level resources. Most importantly, it provided the protection of a powerful organization.

Zhao Hai looked at them and added, “I’ve actually been back in Demonheart City for a little while. I used the transmission formation in Windchase Town and stayed at the Abundance Hall. I figured if I returned to the gang too early, it might draw unnecessary trouble to us.”

Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng were momentarily stunned, then nodded. “But won't people find out now that you've returned?”

Zhao Hai reassured them, “Don't worry about that. Even if they find out, it won't matter. During my time at the Abundance Hall, I had several breakthroughs. My actual combat power is now comparable to a standard Teleportation Stage Expert. If anyone comes looking for trouble, I won't be holding back.”

Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng stared at him in shock, their expressions shifting as they processed his claim. They were well aware of the massive chasm between the Earth Monarch Realm and the Teleportation Stage. The two levels were as different as heaven and earth; reaching the Teleportation Stage was akin to a carp leaping through the dragon’s gate.

In their view, Zhao Hai reaching the Earth Monarch Realm was already a stroke of incredible luck. While he might be able to hold his own against others at his level, defeating a Teleportation Stage Expert seemed like an impossible feat.

Suddenly, a roar like a clap of thunder erupted from outside. A voice boomed, “Zhao Ling, come out and meet your death!” Accompanying the shout was a massive, suffocating aura that blanketed the Blood Knife Gang. This pressure was no weaker than that of Wang Da; it was clear that a Teleportation Stage Expert had arrived.

Feeling the crushing weight of the aura, Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng turned pale and stood up immediately. Zhao Hai, however, was even quicker. He moved like a shadow, bypassing the other gang members to confront the speaker outside.

Standing before the Blood Knife Gang were two individuals: a man in his fifties and a younger man in his twenties.

The elder cultivator was gaunt with an elongated face, tiny eyes, and a prominent hooked nose, giving him a sinister vibe. Beside him, the younger man wore greedy green robes and was equally thin, his eyes gleaming with the cold, predatory gaze of a venomous snake.

The elder's shout had echoed through the surrounding streets, naturally drawing a crowd of onlookers who gathered to witness the confrontation at the Blood Knife Gang’s gates.

The members of the Blood Knife Gang were now on high alert, gripping their weapons as they watched the intruders with intense wariness. In contrast, the two newcomers looked upon the gang with mocking, sneering expressions.

As Zhao Hai stepped out from the headquarters, he looked at the pair and calmly said, “I am Zhao Ling. I am unaware of how I have crossed you, Senior, for you to come to the Blood Knife Gang demanding my life.”