Bringing The Farm To Live In Another World Chapter 2278: Bad Influence

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Zhao Hai glanced at Zhou Feng, offering a slight smile before speaking, “I’m actually more worried if he decides not to show up. It would be preferable for him to appear, allowing me to resolve this matter swiftly.”

Zhou Feng listened to Zhao Hai's words and found himself momentarily stunned. Shaking his head, he replied, “Brother, you've only recently joined the Forbidden Path Sect, so you're unaware of just how formidable Long Batian truly is. He's a top-ten Inner Sect Teleportation Stage Expert. That kind of difference isn't something you can bridge without effort. As merely an Earth Monarch, challenging Teleportation Stage powerhouses is beyond your reach.”

A faint smile crossed Zhao Hai's face as he responded, “A few days back, I took down a Teleportation Stage Expert. Now, I'm curious to see how many of my strikes Long Batian can withstand. Brother, I'll always remember your support. Should I make it through this, I'll repay the favor without fail. For now, head back—don't let Long Batian target you later on.”

Zhou Feng froze upon hearing Zhao Hai, hesitating briefly before gritting his teeth and declaring, “No need, Brother. I'm sticking with you. I want to witness if Long Batian has the nerve to act against me.”

Surprised by Zhou Feng's determination, Zhao Hai probed, “It looks like Brother has some backing of his own? Though I can't guess what fuels your assurance, it's wiser for you to stay out of my troubles. Getting tangled in them won't benefit you. Even if I beat Long Batian, killing him isn't an option—the sect would penalize me for it. If you tag along, he'll hold a grudge against you too. That could harm you and those connected to you.”

With a cold huff, Zhou Feng shot back, “The Zhou Family and Long Family are already at odds. We're not intimidated by adding more friction. Our Zhou Family matches the Long Family in power. Long Batian won't risk making a move on me.”

A subtle smile appeared on Zhao Hai's lips as he said, “Excellent, then. Having a brother to back me up makes all the difference. I hail from a modest group known as the Blood Knife Gang. Could you pass along a message to my folks, asking them to look after my people? Ensure my choices don't drag them down.”

Grinning, Zhou Feng assured him, “That's no issue at all—relax. Even though we've just met, it feels like we've known each other forever. Care to join me for a drink? The Forbidden Path Sect boasts some fine spirits.”

Zhao Hai gave a faint smile and replied, “Sure. But since it's my debut day here and I'm still getting my bearings, I'll rely on Brother Zhou to pick the spot.”

Zhou Feng chuckled heartily, “Offending Long Batian on your very first day? If anyone asks, I'd say you thrive on stirring things up.”

Smiling, Zhao Hai explained, “Long Fei tried to trample over me, so I couldn't hold back. A cultivator like me has to uphold my dignity.”

Laughing heartily, Zhou Feng agreed, “Exactly right. With power at your disposal, you can't simply endure being stepped on. Without pushing back, what's the purpose of cultivation?”

Gazing at Zhou Feng, Zhao Hai finally inquired, “Brother, are you into body cultivation? Your build doesn't give it away.”

Zhou Feng had anticipated this query from Zhao Hai, so he showed no surprise, simply chuckling as he answered, “No secrets here. Yes, I pursue body cultivation too, but not the Forbidden Path Sect's Evil Buddha Lotus Body. Earlier, I came across a hidden text named the Divine Elephant King Body. Its power rivals the Evil Buddha Lotus Body. That's what got me into the Forbidden Path Sect. I surrendered the manual to the sect, earning my direct entry into the Inner Sect. While the Evil Buddha Lotus Body stresses self-inflicted trials and rigorous drills, the Divine Elephant King Body skips that. Mine demands immense blood qi. My current appearance stems from being at the minor achievement level. As I advance, my form will normalize.”

Zhao Hai nodded, eyeing Zhou Feng as he commented, “Even stuck at the Earth Monarch Realm, Brother Zhou, you've got enough prowess to claim a spot in the Inner Sect. It's not solely due to your technique, is it? You must be a natural talent to wield such strength.”

Zhou Feng blinked in surprise at Zhao Hai's observation, then burst into laughter, “Well put, though it still makes me a bit shy hearing it outright.”

Zhao Hai blinked too before joining in the laughter. He couldn't help finding this plump fellow rather engaging. Their banter flowed like that of mischievous companions egging each other on. 

Just as in Demonheart City, the Forbidden Path Sect featured its own eateries. These establishments, of course, came at a premium, accepting contribution points or spirit stones for payment. Zhou Feng obviously knew the place well, guiding Zhao Hai right in. A server approached, saluting Zhou Feng with clasped hands, “Senior Brother Zhou, what would you like today?”

Zhou Feng dismissed the concern with a wave, “Junior Brother Yu, bring out a spread of your top dishes. Junior Brother Zhao and I plan to enjoy some drinks.”

The server inclined his head, “Understood, Brother Zhou. Give me a moment; I'll arrange it all at once.” Zhou Feng just gestured dismissively, letting the server depart.

Alone once more, Zhou Feng turned to Zhao Hai, “Brother, you're a Body Cultivator too, aren't you? Your physique doesn't suggest it. Since you've welcomed me as a Senior Brother, would you share your cultivation approach?”

With a faint smile, Zhao Hai disclosed, “Nothing secretive about it. In my youth, I acquired a text titled the Demon Subjugation Method. It's rooted in Buddhist practices.”

Zhou Feng's eyes widened at Zhao Hai's revelation, his mood shifting as excitement sparked in his gaze, “Brother, you've truly mastered a Buddhist Body Cultivation Method?”

Zhao Hai affirmed with a nod, then turned the question to Zhou Feng, “Does practicing a Buddhist Body Cultivation Method pose any issues?”

Chuckling, Zhou Feng replied, “Far from it—quite the opposite. I ought to offer my congratulations. You're aware the Forbidden Path Sect's signature is the Evil Buddha Lotus Body, another Buddhist method. Standard techniques struggle to adapt to it. Very few body cultivation paths transition seamlessly into the Evil Buddha Lotus Body. Yet Buddhist body cultivation methods align perfectly.”

Arching his eyebrows, Zhao Hai queried, “So that implies cultivating the Evil Buddha Lotus Body would accelerate my advancement compared to most, correct?”

Zhou Feng grinned broadly, “Absolutely. You'd outpace the majority by far!”

Zhao Hai gave a nod of understanding. Now it clicked why the elders had been so eager to claim him as their pupil. It went beyond his inherent gifts; his chosen path played a key role too.

The Evil Buddha Lotus Body stemmed from Buddhist body cultivation roots. It started as a genuine Buddhist art before evolving into a demonic one. Because of its heritage, typical body cultivation paths clashed when shifting to it. Most opted to restart from scratch, finding it simpler that way.

Conventional body cultivation diverged sharply from Buddhist styles. Thus, swapping to the Evil Buddha Lotus Body proved challenging for others. Moreover, after years with standard methods, body cultivators required adaptation time for the Buddhist shift. Those short on aptitude saw sluggish or nonexistent gains. Consequently, the Forbidden Path Sect valued highly anyone who could thrive with it.

Since Zhao Hai followed a Buddhist Body Cultivation Technique, paired with his exceptional aptitude, the elders would be remiss not to vie for him as a disciple right away.

However, the elders recognized their own limits against the sect's heavyweights. Forcing the issue would only stunt Zhao Hai's potential. Ultimately, they stepped aside, intending to hand him over to the sect's top figures.

The Zhou Clan held substantial sway within the Forbidden Path Sect, granting Zhou Feng access to insider details. He recognized Zhao Hai as a top prospect for discipleship. So, learning of Zhao Hai's Buddhist method thrilled him. Though Zhao Hai hadn't formally joined, once the leaders caught wind, they'd ensure his safety. At minimum, no harm should befall him prior to the Heart Refining Road.

Post-Heart Refining Road, concerns would vanish too. The trial yielded just two outcomes. One: the Forbidden Path Sect uncovers Zhao Hai as a spy, leading to his execution. Two: they identify him as a prodigy and invest resources in his growth. By then, the Long Family wouldn't touch him. Despite their clout, they wouldn't sabotage the sect's long-term strategies. Thus, Zhao Hai would be secure.

Of course, Zhou Feng harbored further intentions. The Zhou and Long Families clashed openly, their forces balanced evenly. Neither could overpower the other. Yet now, Zhou Feng had befriended Zhao Hai, while Long Fei had antagonized him. Should Zhao Hai conquer the Heart Refining Road, he'd secure Inner Sect status at least, possibly Core Disciple rank. That would bolster the Zhou Family immensely. Should Zhao Hai keep rising, the Zhou Family would gain a strong leverage over the Long Family.

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