Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2198 137: Zhang's Ruins (Part 3)

Suspended above the massive 'gorge', he felt an overwhelming sense of insignificance.

Deep within his soul, he couldn't suppress a profound realization:

"If Zhang's Ruins truly originated from a human corpse, what level of power did that being once possess?"

"Even masters of that caliber could not evade the grasp of death. On this path of longevity, how many can truly reach the peak of immortality?"

It was clear that the road ahead would be treacherous and filled with obstacles...

However, he didn't allow himself to be consumed by such thoughts. Spotting a flying boat shaped like a verdant leaf approaching from the distance, his spirit lifted. He raised his hand in a formal salute and called out across the void:

"Outer Practitioner 'True Man Taiyi' sends greetings to Taoist Friend."

The leaf-like vessel slowed to a halt, its occupant seemingly evaluating him in silence.

Momentarily, a figure emerged from the boat, returning the salute with polite etiquette as he spoke from afar:

"I am curious as to why Taoist Friend is obstructing the path here. Do you have some urgent business?"

The man appeared robust and tall, possessing a sturdy build, a square jawline, and a light beard that gave him a middle-aged appearance.

Upon closer inspection, faint scales could be seen shimmering slightly at the corners of his eyes.

Wang Ba remained unfazed; within the Realm Sea, although all were referred to as Cultivators, the varying environments of different worlds meant that appearances were rarely uniform. Seeing the man was open to dialogue, he offered a friendly smile and replied warmly:

"I am a wanderer without a fixed home. Having heard of the prestigious Zhang's Ruins for a long time, I wish to take up residence here. However, I am ignorant of the local regulations, which is why I have inconvenienced you to seek clarity..."

While speaking, he observed the stranger before deciding to act. He produced a middle-grade Dao Treasure—one with relatively few innate cloud ban restrictions—and gently levitated it toward the man with a smile: "I humbly ask for your enlightenment, Taoist Friend."

The Cultivator glanced at the drifting middle-grade Dao Treasure but refrained from taking it. He simply nodded and remarked:

"I understand your situation, but such a gift isn't necessary for a few simple answers..."

"As an outsider, you should know that entering Zhang's Ruins used to be a trivial matter; one merely needed to secure a transit token and pay a fee to reside here."

"However, Taoist Friend must realize that since the Evil Monks began their rampage, life for us rogue cultivators has become difficult. To prevent agents of the Supreme True Buddha from sneaking in, the entry requirements have become quite strict. Beyond needing a local guarantor from within Zhang's Ruins, you must also clear the 'Three Examinations and Five Inspections' and pay a significant sum to earn the right to live here."

"A guarantor? Three Examinations and Five Inspections?"

Wang Ba's brow furrowed slightly.

The term 'Evil Monks' undoubtedly referred to the followers of the Supreme True Buddha.

Considering their obsession with 'travelers', it was only natural that they would target a place like Zhang's Ruins.

It was logical for the local inhabitants to tighten security under such circumstances.

Setting the financial cost aside, the requirement for a guarantor was a significant hurdle he couldn't easily bypass.

After a moment of reflection, he looked at the man with a troubled expression and said:

"I have traveled from a great distance and possess no acquaintances here. Is there truly no other way to gain entry?"

The square-faced man studied Wang Ba carefully upon hearing this. He fell into a brief silence before asking:

"If I may ask, what is Taoist Friend's current Cultivation level?"

Wang Ba was caught off guard. His mind worked quickly as he hesitated, eventually stating:

"I am considered to be within the Unification Realm."

"Considered?"

The middle-aged man's brow twitched slightly:

"If Taoist Friend wishes to settle in Zhang's Ruins, your Cultivation realm is of the utmost importance. During the Three Examinations and Five Inspections, this is a detail that cannot be hidden."

"Furthermore, the Unification Realm is divided into early, middle, and late stages with massive gaps between them. How can one be so vague about it?"

"Naturally, if Taoist Friend is unwilling to disclose the truth, I shall not force the issue."

With those words, he made a motion to turn back toward his flying boat.

Wang Ba immediately recognized the man's tactic—pretending to leave to force a confession.

Nevertheless, since he was determined to stay here, he didn't mind the man's schemes. After a quick thought, he spoke up:

"I am ashamed to admit that I possess a Seventh Tier Dao Domain."

As he spoke, a flicker of a crimson Dao Domain manifested briefly around him before vanishing.

The square-faced man froze. Sensing the genuine aura of a seventh-tier Fire Attribute Dao Domain, his previous plan to play hard-to-get was instantly forgotten. A look of genuine respect replaced his caution, and he quickly bowed to Wang Ba once more:

"I am Deng Yingjue of the 'Green Flood Dragon Realm'. I failed to recognize a true expert and was disrespectful to Taoist Brother Taiyi just now."

"So it is Taoist Brother Deng. You are far too modest," Wang Ba replied with a smile, finding the shift in attitude familiar.

In major Sects, there are rules and hierarchies that govern behavior. While Cultivation is important, it isn't the only factor in one's status.

But among rogue cultivators, strength is the only currency that matters.

The powerful earn respect automatically.

The weak are ignored, regardless of their circumstances.

This was a lesson Wang Ba had learned well during his early days as a rogue cultivator.

Deng Yingjue's change in tone, while not groveling, confirmed this reality.

Observing that Wang Ba did not use his superior realm to act arrogantly, Deng Yingjue felt a sense of admiration. He smiled and suggested:

"Lately, an outsider rogue cultivator needs a guarantor and must pass the Three Examinations and Five Inspections before paying the fee to stay. However, I feel a certain fate in our meeting today. I am willing to act as your guarantor, though you will still have to go through the official inspection process."

Wang Ba purposely let a look of relief wash over his face, though he understood the underlying implications. Deciding to play along with the favor, he smiled and said:

"I am deeply grateful, Taoist Friend. Being new to this place, I am quite lost. Even if I managed to get in, I wouldn't have the slightest idea where to establish myself..."