Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8543 8543: The ruler (1)

Cheng Wanchun gradually lifted his eyelids and exhaled a deep sigh. His session of cultivation had just wrapped up. In that instant, he overflowed with reverence toward the leader of the Ghostwind bandits. The cultivation method he practiced before wasn't inferior; it stemmed from the inheritance of a minor sect and qualified as a solid technique. Still, his advancement had always lagged far behind, compelling him to pour in endless labor with scant results. Obviously, he lingered in the Dharma cultivation realm.

Yet, from the moment he adopted the song of righteousness Qi, it felt like his innate talent for cultivation burst forth unexpectedly. The pace of his progress turned so swift that it unnerved him slightly. A full month had elapsed since he began practicing this song of righteousness Qi, and now his power had ascended to the Dharma usage realm—two months quicker than he had anticipated.

This day marked the occasion for selecting his ritual implement. At the thought, a flicker of delight crossed Cheng Wanchun's features. He rose to his feet, smoothed his attire, and stepped outside. Upon reaching the front yard, he encountered numerous fellow cultivators, all of whom offered greetings, which he returned warmly. Evidently, during that past month of intense training, he had forged connections with plenty of people.

In truth, Cheng Wanchun had become acquainted with many individuals. He grasped the academy's dynamics as well. Thousands pursued cultivation within the academy's walls, overseen by several headmasters. Lu Yongde served as just one among them, tasked with the academy's administration.

Cheng Wanchun had picked up from conversations that their mountain range Academy boasted fewer members than the branches on nearby peaks. This revelation deepened his appreciation for the Ghostwind bandits' formidable might. He had even witnessed a Heavenly Tribulation right there. The sight had stunned him utterly. That was a Heavenly Tribulation! Such an event signaled a cultivator's breakthrough to Island Lord level expert. How could he remain unshaken? An Island Lord level expert represented a colossal figure, someone he could scarcely dream of encountering.

Strangely, the others appeared unfazed. After inquiring, he learned that Heavenly Tribulations occurred periodically among them. They claimed over 1000 experts surpassed the Island Lord level. The sheer scale of that figure left Cheng Wanchun thoroughly intimidated.

Nevertheless, this discovery ignited a spark of aspiration in Cheng Wanchun. He yearned for the day when he might endure a Heavenly Tribulation himself, ascending to Island Lord level or perhaps securing a spot in one of the top three teams. Only by entering those elite groups could one claim true prominence among the realm's cultivators. Such status held immense value for them.

Through offhand talks with others, Cheng Wanchun had uncovered the top three teams. These renowned forces consisted of the ghost wind team, the blood Ghost Team, and the divine Arms Battalion. Dubbed the top three teams, they possessed superior training regimens, cultivation techniques, and magical weapons. Even the Ghostwind bandits' boss occasionally delivered lectures to them. Consequently, the top three teams wielded unmatched prowess. The individual Cheng Wanchun observed facing the Heavenly Tribulation belonged to one of these elite squads.

As a result, the top three teams had evolved into legendary entities across the realm. This marked the first time Cheng Wanchun encountered tales of them. He dreamed of someday enlisting in their ranks and claiming a place among the elite. For now, though, he could merely harbor that ambition as fuel to drive his fervent cultivation.

Reaching the front yard, Cheng Wanchun headed directly to Lu Yongde's quarters. He rapped softly on the door and announced in a resonant tone, “Cheng Wanchun requests an audience with Headmaster Lu!” Beyond his month of cultivation, he had delved into numerous Confucian sect texts, rendering his demeanor far more refined than previously.

“Wan Chun, you've arrived—enter,” Lu Yongde's voice responded. Cheng Wanchun acknowledged and pushed the door open. Stepping inside revealed a spacious living room. Opposite the entrance stood a lengthy table bearing a bowl of tea. Flanking the table were two chairs, one occupied by Lu Yongde on the left.

To Lu Yongde's left sat another chair, separated by a small table, both oriented toward the door. The arrangement mirrored the right side. The two lines of seating faced the entrance. The entire space exuded refined elegance. Adorning the wall across from the door was a bold character for “Dao.” In his left hand, Lu Yongde clutched a book, gazing at Cheng Wanchun with a grin. He appraised the young man and remarked, “Good, very impressive. Wanchun, I truly hadn't foreseen you'd attain the magical usage realm within a single month. You've surpassed the expected timeline. Excellent work, but stay diligent—press on with vigor.”

Cheng Wanchun bowed his head in agreement, and Lu Yongde went on smiling, “The month has flown by. Today, you select your ritual implement. With your shift to a fresh technique, the prior one no longer fits. After this period of practice, you've attuned to the new method's nature, so proceed to pick your ritual implement. I'm confident the choice you'll make now will align perfectly with you. Come along.” With that, he rose, tucked away the book, and guided Cheng Wanchun toward the academy's rear. Entering a courtyard, Cheng Wanchun spotted a teleportation formation.

Beside the teleportation array stood a compact room. An occupant emerged, casting a glance at Lu Yongde without uttering a word. Lu Yongde clasped his fists in salute and stated, “Greetings, Lord Sun. This is Cheng Wanchun, who joined our mountain range Academy a month back. I've brought him today to select a Dharma artifact.”

Lord Sun eyed Cheng Wanchun briefly and nodded. Then, wordlessly, he retreated into his room. Cheng Wanchun and Lu Yongde approached the teleportation array. A burst of white light enveloped them, and suddenly they stood within a vast cavern. Its precise location remained unknown. This was an utterly enclosed cave, offering no exits—access came solely via the teleportation array.

The cavern housed numerous shelves lined with various Dharma artifacts. Among them lay books, scrolls, brushes, inkstones, and even a few ink-like substances. Oddities Cheng Wanchun had never encountered dotted the collection. He even noticed two items resembling alms bowls, though he now understood they served as brush baths.

Lu Yongde instructed Cheng Wanchun, “Wanchun, select one that calls to you. You're limited to just this single choice. Heed your instincts, and ensure the item resonates with your mana. Proceed.” Cheng Wanchun affirmed and set off to browse.

As Cheng Wanchun navigated amid the ritual implements, he sensed their auras. True to Lu Yongde's advice, he sought the one that matched him best. Advancing further, a sudden intuition halted him in his tracks. His gaze locked onto an object perched on a shelf.

Approaching, he examined it closely. It lacked flashiness. The pair measured roughly a foot in length and an inch across, clearly meant to be used together, their hue a muted yellow—not golden, but rather brassy, with a thickness like a finger. They resembled plain copper bars. Yet, each bore the carving of a ferocious tiger, rendered so vividly that it chilled the viewer.

Before, Cheng Wanchun might have overlooked their significance, but now he recognized them. These unassuming copper bars held renown. Known as copper rulers, scholars employed them to weigh down paper during writing. They ranked among the standard implements for literati.

A profound affinity drew Cheng Wanchun to this pair of copper rulers; they captivated him instantly. Without hesitation, he lifted them. The bond intensified his conviction—this was destined for him, as a visceral connection pulsed through. Drawing a steadying breath, he fondled them appreciatively. Moments later, clutching the copper rulers, he approached Lu Yongde.

Standing before Lu Yongde, Cheng Wanchun presented the copper rulers and saluted, “Sect Master, I've made my selection. This pair of copper rulers will be mine.” He held them aloft. They carried substantial weight, a heft that pleased him in his grasp.

Examining the copper rulers in Cheng Wanchun's hold, Lu Yongde nodded approvingly. “Fine choice. These are the Twin Tiger suppression rulers. Their precise uses remain a mystery for now—explore them gradually once you're back. Very well, let's depart.” He then escorted Cheng Wanchun to the teleportation formation. In the next instant, white light flared, returning them to the courtyard.

As they materialized in the courtyard, Lord Sun awaited them. The pair swiftly paid their respects to Lord Sun. He inclined his head, produced a jade slip, and declared, “You've selected the Twin Tiger suppression ruler, so this jade slip belongs to you. The sect leader entrusted it to me, instructing that whoever claims these Twin Tiger suppression rulers receives it. Here.” He extended the jade slip toward Cheng Wanchun.

Both Cheng Wanchun and Lu Yongde stood stunned. They recognized the sect master Lord Sun referenced, which amplified their astonishment. Never had they imagined Zhao Hai preparing a jade slip in advance. Notably, Zhao Hai hadn't provided such for other magic tools, yet he had for this copper ruler—an utterly astonishing detail.

Lu Yongde recovered first. Envy flickered in his eyes toward the jade slip as he addressed Cheng Wanchun. “Wanchun, accept the jade slip. Choosing this ruler signifies a deep bond. Redouble your efforts henceforth. Claim it; time to head back.” “Yes, sir!” Cheng Wanchun replied with elation. He accepted the jade slip, offered a bow to Lord Sun, who dismissed him curtly before withdrawing to his room. The duo exited the courtyard and made their way home.