Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8541: Seeing and hearts.1

With a burst of white light, the pair materialized in a vast area. Beneath their feet lay an enormous teleportation array. Next to it stood a man. Upon spotting the two within the array, the man paused briefly before grinning and speaking, “Uncle Bao, you’ve returned. Is this the individual you’ve brought along?”

Shopkeeper Bao gave a nod and addressed the man, “This is Cheng Wanchun. I’m the one who guided him into our Ghostwind Bandits. We can chat later. I need to take him for registration now.” “Understood,” the man responded, casting a quick look at Cheng Wanchun. Cheng Wanchun remained oblivious to it, utterly captivated by the surroundings before him.

This space stretched out immensely. No blood mist lingered here. White clouds drifted across the sky, accompanied by a shining sun. They stood atop a mountain peak. Besides the teleportation array, numerous rooms dotted the area. Gazing afar, endless mountains filled the view. The expanse here surpassed any island he’d known. Such a sight was entirely new to him, leaving him deeply astonished.

Shopkeeper Bao observed Cheng Wanchun with a smile. “Enough staring for now. This will be your home moving forward, so you’ll have ample opportunities to explore. Let’s head to registration first.” With those words, he guided Cheng Wanchun away from the array. Nearby stood a building. Shopkeeper Bao directed him toward it.

Cheng Wanchun snapped out of his daze. Excitement filled him as he scanned the area, murmuring to Shopkeeper Bao, “Brother Bao, is this the base for us Ghostwind Bandits? It’s massive! What island is this? I’ve never come across an island so vast.” Since learning of Shopkeeper Bao’s invitation to join the Ghostwind Bandits, Cheng Wanchun had started using “us,” which left Shopkeeper Bao somewhat exasperated. Yet, considering Cheng Wanchun’s fated entry into the group, he chose not to correct him.

Shopkeeper Bao regarded Cheng Wanchun with a grin. “It’s no island. This is the inner space of a magical artifact crafted by our sect master. Actually, that artifact is still navigating the Blood Sea. That’s why no one’s spotted us in recent years. They can’t track us down.”

“Inner space? This turns out to be an inner space? Amazing!” Cheng Wanchun gasped. The idea of an inner space had never crossed his mind. Overwhelmed by shock, he fixated only on those words. He overlooked what Shopkeeper Bao had mentioned next. Shopkeeper Bao hadn’t referred to him as “chief” or “boss” but as “sect master.”

Indeed, after years of growth, all inhabitants of the boat space recognized themselves as part of the Blood Slaughter Sect. They had pledged to join it and viewed themselves as its disciples. Naturally, when outside, if identities needed revealing, they’d claim to be Ghostwind Bandits, not Blood Slaughter Sect members. Exposing their affiliation with the Blood Slaughter Sect was strictly forbidden.

Shopkeeper Bao smiled and ushered Cheng Wanchun into a structure. It consisted of a series of elegant buildings in traditional Chinese style, with green bricks and tiles that lent a charming appeal. Inside, a line of spacious counters awaited. Behind them sat young, attractive female cultivators. They organized items in hand while occasionally chatting, appearing quite at ease.

The sound of the door prompted them to turn and gaze toward Shopkeeper Bao and his companion. Spotting him, several female cultivators beamed and called out, “Uncle Bao, you’re back. It’s been some time since we last saw you.” Clearly, they were familiar with him. In truth, knowing him was inevitable. Prior to his assignment as a shopkeeper, he’d managed for years. These women had once been under his supervision.

He’d been dispatched to establish an intelligence network within the Corpse Demon Sect, a task he’d handled effectively. That network now operated smoothly there. Devoting himself fully to it, he hadn’t brought anyone into the space until now. Cheng Wanchun marked the first, so Shopkeeper Bao had escorted him personally.

Shopkeeper Bao grinned at the female cultivators. “I’m back. This outing lasted quite a stretch. Here, I’ve got some little gifts for you all. They’re nothing special, but they’re popular outside. You’ll look stunning wearing them.” As he spoke, he produced a stack of trinkets from his space. These were minor accessories with limited utility. Some allowed minor magical attacks, others offered basic defense. Their power was modest, but their craftsmanship shone—delicate, adorable pieces favored by female cultivators externally. Shopkeeper Bao distributed some among them.

The female cultivators’ eyes lit up at the sight, and they eagerly gathered around to select. Soon enough, they finished. Shopkeeper Bao waited patiently, smiling warmly. These women had risen from devoted slaves to Blood Slaughter Sect disciples. Their bond ran deep. To Shopkeeper Bao, they felt like his own offspring, so he indulged them, watching with affection.

Once selections were made, the female cultivators thanked him with smiles. Shopkeeper Bao returned the warmth, conversing briefly. Then, he turned to one, saying, “Little Guo, come over. Register him and run the test. He’s the first I’ve recommended here. Keep him in mind.”

The woman named Guo Zi promptly agreed and handled Cheng Wanchun’s registration. Afterward, she retrieved a formation disk and instructed him, “Place your hand here.” Though puzzled, Cheng Wanchun complied, resting his hand on it. He now fully trusted Shopkeeper Bao wouldn’t deceive him. Given Shopkeeper Bao’s prowess, harming him would have been effortless if intended.

As Cheng Wanchun’s hand touched the array disk, it glowed with white light. The light formed a ring that scanned his form. Then it faded, and the disk illuminated further. Guo Zi examined the glow intently.

Moments later, Guo Zi nodded, stowed the array plate, crafted an identity token for Cheng Wanchun, and handed it over. She also produced a jade slip for Shopkeeper Bao. He accepted it, probed with his spiritual sense, then looked at her in astonishment. She merely nodded back.

Shopkeeper Bao grasped the situation at once. He nodded and replied, “Alright, I understand. Handle the rest. I’m heading out.” Turning to Cheng Wanchun, he added, “Little Cheng, strive hard in your cultivation here and follow orders. I handle disobedience firmly. Got it?”

Cheng Wanchun nodded and exchanged words with Shopkeeper Bao. The latter said nothing more, merely clapped his shoulder, and departed, leaving Cheng Wanchun bewildered on the spot. Just then, Guo Zi softly tinkled a bell on the desk, summoning someone who entered promptly.

Guo Zi addressed the newcomer, “This is Cheng Wanchun, our latest joiner. Here’s his info and assigned division. Escort him there.” She passed a jade slip to the man. He reviewed it quickly, nodded, and said to Cheng Wanchun, “Come with me.”

Cheng Wanchun agreed and trailed the man out. Beyond the room, the guide lifted into the air, soaring toward the mountains. Cheng Wanchun peered below during flight. He noted courtyards on nearly every peak—varied in size, yet bustling with activity. It suggested a sizable population.

They crossed over a dozen mountains before descending onto one. This peak hosted a courtyard, uniquely grand and picturesque. Its walls featured ornate lattice windows etched with floral designs. A plaque above the entrance read “Mountain Range Academy.” Flanking the gate were couplets: the upper read steadily, voices reciting audible within; the lower proclaimed, “All things in the world reside in your heart!” It exuded scholarly elegance. Cheng Wanchun stood amazed. He hadn’t anticipated such a haven amid the Ghostwind Bandits. This felt far from a bandit lair.

The man ushered Cheng Wanchun inside the courtyard. They soon passed through. The space delighted with rockeries, streams, blooms, and trees. Stone tables dotted it, where robed scholars sat, engaged in discussion. Cheng Wanchun eavesdropped, discovering talks of literary works—not cultivation manuals, but histories from the Confucian tradition.

Those within noticed the arrivals. One rose swiftly to greet them, then bowed. “Greetings. What brings you to our Mountain Range Academy?”

The escort cupped his fists. “Greetings, Scholar Lu. This is Mister Cheng Wanchun, newly arrived. Testing shows he fits well for study here. Here’s his information. I’ll depart now!” With that, he saluted Scholar Lu and exited.