Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2204 139: Tribute (Part 2)

As expected, Yin Penglai explained:

"The secret is found within Zhang's Ruins itself. Despite its resemblance to a human form, it functions much like a Domain. The internal laws of the ruins are in harmony with the external Realm Sea. If a cultivator chooses to establish a bond with Zhang's Ruins, they can trigger a Thunder Tribulation to facilitate a breakthrough in their Cultivation."

"To put it simply, you could call it an open Domain."

"An open Domain?"

Wang Ba reflected on this term and gave a nod of understanding.

Due to its open nature, its laws are aligned with the broader world, yet its Domain-like qualities allow it to generate the Power of Creation. This guides cultivators through the refining fire of Thunder Tribulations, helping them surpass their current limitations.

His thoughts immediately turned to his own situation.

He had currently attained Unification Perfection. He would be ready to advance his realm as soon as he purged the lingering laws of the Sea of Chaos Realm from his body.

However, without a personal Domain, he would lack the necessary Thunder Tribulation to assist him; transitioning from the Unification Realm to the Tribulation-Transcending Realm would be an arduous task to face alone.

Zhang's Ruins now appeared to be a significant opportunity.

Sensing Wang Ba's internal monologue, Yin Penglai offered a smile and said:

"Since you are a newcomer, I will show you the sights of this area first, and then I shall escort you to the very heart of Zhang's Ruins."

Wang Ba returned the smile and nodded:

"I appreciate it, Taoist Brother."

Deep down, however, a trace of doubt lingered in his mind.

Binding himself to Zhang's Ruins meant becoming inseparable from it, based on Yin Penglai’s description.

Even though the ruins had endured for millennia without failing, the idea of being tied to it felt somewhat restrictive.

Nevertheless, he reminded himself that his primary goals were to gather intelligence regarding the Immortal Pass and to wait for the arrival of his Junior Brother, Shen Fu.

In the worst-case scenario, he could remain here for a century or so. Once he had secured his position, he could then devise a more permanent strategy.

Having reached this conclusion, he felt a sense of relief.

Looking ahead, he noticed the dense mist was beginning to disperse, revealing a faint glimmer of light on the horizon.

Despite never having been here, a strange sense of recognition washed over him.

"We have arrived. My Yin Family’s residence lies just ahead."

Yin Penglai gestured toward the distant landscape as he introduced the area to Wang Ba:

"Zhang's Ruins is immense, yet truly habitable lands for cultivators are rare. This area is no different; because it sits at the threshold of various cavities, Chaos Origin Substance enters in great quantities. It is an ideal environment for Spirit Beasts and Innate Divine Demons who carry Dao Intentions and laws within their very blood. However, for those of us who must consciously master a Dao Domain and its rules, it offers little benefit. Consequently, weaker cultivators hide within Formations, those of middle rank retreat into Dungeons, and as for the truly powerful..."

Seeing Yin Penglai pause for effect, Wang Ba’s curiosity was piqued:

"And what of those with higher power?"

Pride flashed in Yin Penglai’s eyes as he replied:

"The truly powerful establish a Taoist Field!"

"A master of such caliber governs a territory that assists in the comprehension of the Realm Sea Path, even siphoning Chaos Origin Substance to bolster their own strength. Ha! In all of Zhang's Ruins, among nearly forty Tribulation-Transcending factions, only five possess such a place. My Yin Family is one of those five."

Wang Ba was startled as he realized the source of his earlier familiarity.

He feigned a look of amazement while remaining calm internally, though he was genuinely interested in the state of this particular Taoist Field.

This was his first encounter with such a place outside of the Taiyi Dojo.

Yin Penglai led the way, stepping deeper into the swirling mist.

After walking a short distance, the fog vanished entirely.

Before them stood a translucent, shimmering barrier that radiated a sharp energy, nestled between rugged, obsidian cliffs.

They stood directly before the gateway of the Taoist Field.

Carved into the weathered stone above were four ancient, powerful characters:

"Yin Ruins Arena."

Wang Ba whispered the name aloud.

Even though the script was unfamiliar, the meaning was instantly clear to his mind.

"Taoist Friend Taiyi, after you."

Yin Penglai made a welcoming gesture.

The pair moved forward, crossing the threshold into the Taoist Field.

Guards with suppressed auras flanked the entrance; recognizing Yin Penglai, they allowed them to pass without interference.

Upon entering, a vast panorama unfolded before them.

In the distance, white clouds drifted across a clear blue sky beneath a bright sun, while below, a landscape of mountains and rivers teemed with people.

It truly was a world unto itself.

While this Domain was somewhat smaller than the Taiyi Dojo in the Little Cang World, it seemed capable of supporting a much larger population of cultivators.

Without even extending his Spiritual Mind, Wang Ba’s Primordial Spirit shuddered as it detected seven or eight powerful presences.

He surmised that these were the other Tribulation-Transcending experts of the Yin Family residing within the field.

"The Yin Family alone possesses nearly ten Tribulation-Transcending cultivators... Zhang's Ruins is certainly a force to be reckoned with!"

Wang Ba was internally stunned.

There were nearly forty such factions within Zhang's Ruins.

Even if most only had one or two such masters, a rough calculation suggested the total number of Tribulation-Transcending cultivators in the ruins could exceed one hundred and fifty.

This was likely a conservative guess.

He finally understood why the Supreme True Buddha’s forces maintained a tentative peace with this region despite their proximity.

The sheer number of Tribulation-Transcending experts here was staggering.

"It is a shame that they focus on preservation rather than progress. The factions within Zhang's Ruins are so entangled that they only serve to hinder one another. If a singular, powerful figure could unite all these forces, the resulting power would be monumental... It might even provide the strength I need to breach the Immortal Pass and liberate the Little Cang World."