Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8546 8546: Conception _1

A sudden burst of white light transported Cheng Wanchun and his companions into a cavern. This space was immensely wide. Innumerable little alcoves lined the walls on both sides. But Cheng Wanchun and the group lacked the moment to examine the cavern's features. Instead, they found themselves completely captivated by a lone figure.

In the heart of the cavern, a man simply stood in silence. His scarlet robes gleamed like spilled blood. From behind, his frame didn't appear overly imposing. No hint of magical energy pulsed from his form. Yet, his mere presence there demanded attention without effort.

The figure had his back turned to them. He seemed absorbed in studying the far wall of the cavern, oblivious to the newcomers at his rear. Zhu Yong, leading the way, came to a halt and gestured quietly to Cheng Wanchun and the rest. They froze in place, not uttering a word. Still, their eyes locked onto the man with burning intensity. They had already pieced together his identity.

Zhao Hai reigned as the foremost Pro-disciple of the Blood Slaughter Sect and the top Pro-disciple across the Blood Sea Realm. He now led the Blood Slaughter Sect as its head and commanded the Ghostwind Bandits. Even prior to claiming the sect's leadership, he had forged a mythic reputation. This very legend fueled the fervent gazes Cheng Wanchun and his allies directed at Zhao Hai.

Suddenly, Zhao Hai's voice echoed through the space. "Zhu Yong, you've delivered the people. Impressive—more than I anticipated." As he uttered these words, Zhao Hai turned around. His gaze settled on Zhu Yong and Cheng Wanchun. Serenity filled his eyes, softened by a warm smile. Not a shred of haughtiness marred his expression.

Zhu Yong promptly bowed low to Zhao Hai and replied, "Yes, young master. We've gathered everyone here. Some agreed to join the experiment, while the rest declined. We've set them free per your instructions." He spoke with deep respect. Though his rank in the Blood Slaughter Sect remained elevated, Zhu Yong showed no hint of presumption before Zhao Hai. After all, his power had surged to the pinnacle of the Refinement Realm, teetering on the edge of Island Lord status. Yet he knew every bit of that strength stemmed from Zhao Hai's gifts.

  Gou'zi's progress outpaced even his own, transforming him into an Island Lord expert, though he now secluded himself to solidify his foundation, absent from Zhao Hai's side. Zhu Yong juggled far too many duties, slowing his own cultivation compared to Gou'zi.

Zhao Hai gave a nod. He swept his eyes over Cheng Wanchun and the others before saying, "Good work—all of you show real potential. I've mulled over this experiment for quite some time. I could have picked just anyone, but with the Blood Slaughter Sect absorbing so many disciples from rival groups, their varied techniques complicate things. That's how I settled on this approach. Rest easy; this method holds no risks."

The group acknowledged his words. Zhao Hai regarded them and went on, "You started as my honorary disciples, but by choosing this experiment, you advance to official status. Excel here, and you'll rise to true disciples. That's all for now. Here's a cultivation technique for each of you. Study it well, then head into those side alcoves to temper your killing aura. Key point: if unease or murderous impulses stir, exit right away." With a flick of his wrist, Zhao Hai sent jade slips drifting into the hands of Cheng Wanchun and his fellows—one per person, exactly.

They caught the jade slips and dropped to their knees before Zhao Hai, hailing him as master. He gestured dismissively, and a soft force buoyed them upright. Then Zhao Hai declared, "Enough with the ceremonies. Begin studying the technique." They chorused their agreement, grasped the slips, and channeled spiritual power inside to absorb the method, delving into quiet contemplation.

Across the cultivation world, a common rule held that in-name disciples weren't true ones. Certain traditions enforced this harshly, barring them from addressing masters as "master." Unfamiliar with local customs, Cheng Wanchun and the others had hesitated to use the title. But with Zhao Hai's acceptance as official disciples, the privilege was now theirs.

Zhao Hai observed them silently, offering no comment. He simply waited as they pondered the technique. Over the past three years, beyond his personal training, Zhao Hai had pondered ways to boost the Blood Slaughter Sect's forces in the realm. Ultimately, he realized artifacts might hold the key.

Delving deeply into the cultivation world's sects, Zhao Hai reached a striking insight. Those with ancient lineages, mighty might, superior techniques, and robust power tended to equip disciples sparingly with artifacts, emphasizing purity instead.

By contrast, weaker minor sects with inferior inherited methods relied on a jumble of artifacts. Their disciples wielded many—sometimes a handful, often dozens. It looked versatile at first, allowing picks for specific foes. But Zhao Hai rejected this scattered strategy.

Human limits bound energy tightly. Without a space farm or bio-brains like his, regular cultivators fared better honing a single path. Spreading focus led to mediocrity everywhere, be it techniques or artifacts.

A cultivator's core artifact demanded constant nurturing. This involved embedding it in the primordial spirit, feeding it soul power and spiritual energy over time. The longer the bond, the fiercer it grew. Take the Blood Slaughter Sect's God-Slaying Saber, forged strong through generations of such care.

Yet soul power and spiritual energy remained finite. One artifact soaked up the full flow; two split it thin. Like a single bowl of rice—solitary it sates, shared it leaves all wanting. Thus, typical cultivators claimed one natal artifact and no more.

Minor sect disciples might bond one natal tool but hoard others for varied scenarios. On the surface, it seemed practical. In truth, it bred fatal flaws.

To claim an artifact as natal, constant communion revealed its every trait and peak potential. Battles honed it best, forging deeper mastery. Only through strife did it evolve stronger.

Why bind a natal treasure if it gathers dust in fights, sidelined for lesser tools? Was it merely a last-resort lifeline? If so, redirect that nurturing time and energy to raw cultivation—strength might soar higher. In combat, no need for desperate saves; just crush the foe.

This mindset kept major sect disciples to one artifact alone. Even unbound to the soul, they kept it close, shunning extras. For them, one sufficed—like sword cultivators' mantra of one blade shattering all spells. A single tool could achieve the same devastating edge.

Spotting this pattern, Zhao Hai sparked an innovation. Through exhaustive trials, he birthed a novel artifact form—an embryo stage, awaiting the cultivator's personal forging to finish. This final refinement layered in restrictions progressively, deepening the user's grasp and future command. It promised seamless synergy.

Zhao Hai had woven numerous formations into this weapon. They drew in Blood Sea Qi, purifying it further. Crucially, array spirits dwelled within these setups. As refinement progressed, these spirits fused into the user's weapon soul—a mind-linked essence. During practice, killing aura funneled into the tool boosted its might. Yet the array spirit shrugged off such influences, thanks to Zhao Hai's designs for containment and refinement, shielding it from corruption.

Picture the array spirit as a mortal and killing aura as venom—untreated, it felled instantly, twisting the spirit into a berserk killer that might turn on its wielder. Zhao Hai's versions packed counters: refinement arrays as antidotes. Immune to the toxin, they could harness and purge it. Fearlessness bred control—this was Zhao Hai's vision.