Bringing The Farm To Live In Another World Chapter 2275: Meeting The Elders

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Alongside Liu Zhen and his companions, Zhao Hai strolled unhurriedly through the streets of Demonheart City. Their destination this time was the central area in the deepest ring, where the grandest branch of the Forbidden Path Sect stood. The moment had arrived for the sect to throw open its doors.

Within the Blood Knife Gang, Zhao Hai had risen to the highest rank. Though he hadn't claimed the title of Gang Master, his formidable power secured that status for him. A mighty Teleportation Stage Expert had fallen under Zhao Hai's devastating punch. Even without Old Snakeface unleashing his full might, the undeniable truth remained: Zhao Hai's strike had ended him.

In just three days, Liu Zhen and the rest had pieced together the details of how Zhao Hai dispatched Old Snakeface. Truth be told, shock rippled through them upon learning that Zhao Hai's single blow had crushed Old Snakeface's bones. Yet the evidence stood firm, impossible to dismiss.

In the True Spirit Realm, raw power dictated reality. Countless eyes had beheld Zhao Hai's prowess. One could argue he now surpassed the former Gang Master, Wang Da, in strength. Under these circumstances, who else could claim the top spot in the Blood Knife Gang if not him?

Furthermore, Zhao Hai was on the verge of entering the Forbidden Path Sect. Should Liu Zhen or Yu Linfeng attempt to challenge his authority, they'd be inviting disaster upon themselves.

Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng understood well that Zhao Hai harbored no desire to lead the Blood Knife Gang as its master. An Outer Disciple in the Forbidden Path Sect wielded far greater influence than heading a minor gang. Thus, they served faithfully as Zhao Hai's trusted aides, one on each side.

Zhao Hai perceived the intentions of Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng clearly. Still, he chose not to interfere. In the True Spirit Realm, true strength drew followers like moths to a flame. It would be odd indeed if no one sought ties with such a powerhouse.

Gazing at his surroundings, Zhao Hai remarked, “This round, a huge crowd must be eager to enter the Forbidden Path Sect. Despite realizing their potential might limit major gains, they chase that faint hope anyway. Brother Liu, Brother Yu, have you ever considered stepping into the sect yourselves?”

Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng exchanged glances, then offered bitter smiles in unison. Liu Zhen let out a sigh and replied, “That fire has long faded for us. The Forbidden Path Sect demands a special breed. Folks like us would only end up as mere fodder if we joined. Better to hold onto what we have now.”

Yu Linfeng nodded in agreement, “Joining the Forbidden Path Sect sounds appealing, sure, but for types like ours, it's merely swapping one view for another. The rewards might not outshine our present situation.”

Zhao Hai let out a light chuckle at their words. He recognized that Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng could no longer count as devoted cultivators. They still practiced, yet the drive to advance had slipped away. True cultivators burned with that relentless pursuit; without it, the label didn't fit.

In truth, the True Spirit Realm brimmed with individuals like Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng. They may have shown promise once, but their talent fell short. Coupled with scarce resources, their advancement stalled. Even with the will to climb higher, the paths eluded them.

They could have been spirited young talents in their youth, but realizing the pinnacle lay out of reach, their ambition eroded bit by bit.

These practitioners resembled unpolished stones worn smooth over time into perfect orbs. Yet that very polish sealed off any further growth.

As the trio conversed, they pressed onward. Occasionally, passing cultivators cast glances at Zhao Hai and murmured among themselves. Though their words stayed hushed, Zhao Hai caught every bit. The talk centered on his clash with Old Snakeface.

The tale of Zhao Hai's fight with Old Snakeface had swept across Demonheart City like wildfire. Thus, many knew he had taken down a Teleportation Stage Expert. Some doubted the feat, yet none dared confront him. After all, slaying a renowned powerhouse wasn't some illusion. No one gambled their life lightly.

The throng of people surged toward the inner city. Among all the districts, the inner city boasted the finest surroundings. Every structure featured its own private yard. The avenues stretched broad and inviting. A vast plaza, laid with massive slabs, clearly served as a training arena.

No sooner had Zhao Hai and his group entered the inner city than a Forbidden Path Sect cultivator in sect robes approached. The man eyed Zhao Hai and his companions before inquiring, “Are you here for the assessment?”

Zhao Hai clasped his fists and responded, “I’ve come to take part, while they’re just escorting me.”

The Forbidden Path Sect cultivator gave a nod and stated, “Non-participants should stay in the second ring. The inner city’s overflowing with folks.” At those words, Liu Zhen and Yu Linfeng promptly clasped their fists and departed. Meanwhile, Zhao Hai trailed the cultivator deeper into the inner city.

Reaching the training field, the cultivator faced Zhao Hai and explained, “Soon, someone will hand you a jade token as your identifier. Use it to proceed with the assessment.”

Zhao Hai answered swiftly, “Sir, I possess this item. Word is, it lets me bypass straight into the sect.”

With that, Zhao Hai drew forth the Bloodless Command Token and presented it to the Forbidden Path Sect cultivator. Upon spotting the token, the cultivator's eyes widened in surprise. He examined it closely before turning to Zhao Hai and questioning, “Are you Zhao Ling?”

Zhao Hai affirmed, “Yes, Sir. That’s me, Zhao Ling.”

The cultivator nodded, his face settling back to composure as he said, “Drop the ‘Sir.’ Call me Senior Brother instead. I’m an Outer Disciple too. Senior Brother Ling Dong mentioned you. Indeed, this token grants direct entry to the Forbidden Path Sect. Follow me; I’ll take you to the right place.”

Zhao Hai agreed and accompanied the cultivator to a courtyard. Two guards stood motionless outside, seemingly oblivious to the world around them.

Yet Zhao Hai sensed the pair outmatched his guide in power, and by no small margin.

His escort was an Earth Monarch, matching the guards' level. But while the guide lingered at the early Earth Monarch stage, the guards teetered at the pinnacle.

The guiding cultivator approached the guards, cupped his fists, and announced, “Senior Brothers, this individual bears a Bloodless Command Token. Per sect rules, token holders join without delay. I must bring him to the Elder for formalities.”

The guards acknowledged with nods, and the cultivator turned to Zhao Hai, saying, “Junior Brother, come along.” He fell quiet thereafter. Mindful of the door sentinels, Zhao Hai cupped his fists toward them before stepping through.

Contrary to the hectic scene Zhao Hai anticipated, the courtyard held a modest training area beside a stone table. Several elderly figures occupied seats there, all clad in sect robes, sipping tea and chatting casually over snacks.

These elders soon spotted Zhao Hai's arrival. Their conversation halted as they turned their attention to him and the accompanying Forbidden Path Sect disciple. The disciple cupped his fists and declared, “Outer Sect’s Ye Fei greets the Elders. This is Zhao Ling, holder of a Bloodless Command Token. I’ve brought him to meet you.”

The mention sparked a brief pause among the elders before their gazes fixed on Zhao Hai. They were aware a Bloodless Command Token had hit the auction block. Ye Fei’s report confirmed it now belonged to Zhao Hai, stirring their keen interest in him.

After a moment, one elder addressed Zhao Hai, “Are you the Zhao Ling who recently felled a Teleportation Stage Expert with a single punch, as the rumors say?”

Caught off guard by the elder's words, Zhao Hai blinked, then cupped his fists and replied, “Yes, Elder. I am that Zhao Ling.”

Curiosity gleamed in the elder's eyes as he nodded and continued, “Impressive. Without verifying it myself, I’d never credit an Earth Monarch with punching a Teleportation Stage Expert to death. Fascinating. What cultivation art do you practice?”

Zhao Hai cupped his fists once more and answered, “To the Elder: I follow a body refinement art known as the Demon Subjugation Technique.”

The elders froze at the revelation. One peered at Zhao Hai and probed, “Demon Subjugation Technique? Demon Subjugation? Does that mean you’re cultivating a Buddhist method?”

Zhao Hai confirmed, “Correct, Elder.”

Astonishment washed over the elders, soon replaced by intrigued looks. One of them regarded Zhao Hai and asked, “In that case, your power must be considerable. How far have you advanced?”

Zhao Hai shook his head and replied, “To the Elder: I’m uncertain. I’ve focused solely on the Demon Subjugation Technique. Plus, during my time in Gale Canyon, I absorbed vast amounts of blood qi. My current strength remains a mystery to me.”

The elder gave a subtle smile and said, “No issue. We’ll measure it now. You there, fetch the strength tablet.” A nearby cultivator nodded and hurried off.

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