Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2205 39: Tribute_3

A sudden realization struck Wang Ba as he contemplated these thoughts.

He noticed that the Sea of Chaos Realm and Zhang's Ruins shared a striking number of similarities.

However, the environment of Zhang's Ruins was superior in one key aspect: it lacked the realm restrictions found elsewhere, permitting the existence of powerful Tribulation-Transcending Realm cultivators.

This reality sparked several questions in his mind.

"People frequently describe Zhang's Ruins as a desolate place, yet it manages to sustain multiple Tribulation-Transcending Realm cultivators... It appears these ruins harbor many secrets, though they likely have little to do with me."

Without wasting any more time, Yin Penglai escorted Wang Ba directly toward the Yin Family's ancestral hall.

Since Wang Ba lacked the status to enter the inner sanctum, he remained outside to burn incense, declare his identity, and swear an oath. The conditions of the oath were reasonable, primarily requiring the tributor to provide aid if the Yin Family faced a crisis. In exchange, he would receive cultivation resources and other perks. Wang Ba scrutinized the obligations carefully and, finding nothing suspicious, paid little mind to the potential rewards.

Shortly after, he was granted his official tributor identity token.

During the process, he discovered the history of the White Canal Yin Clan. Originally the ruling royal family of the White Canal Domain, their lineage had expanded so vastly across their territory that nearly the entire domain shared their blood. Following the unexpected destruction of their home, they abandoned their royal titles and returned to using the surname Yin.

Through centuries of unrelenting persistence, they transformed from a broken remnant of a clan into a dominant power within Zhang's Ruins.

The current patriarch and pillar of the family is the Yin Ruins Taoist Master, Great Ancestor 'Yin Tianzhi.' He has remained at the peak of the middle-stage Tribulation-Transcending Realm for years and is poised to ascend to the rank of a late-stage Great Cultivator at any moment.

As this was explained, Wang Ba noted the profound reverence Yin Penglai displayed toward the Yin Ruins Taoist Master.

It was clear that a figure at the peak of the middle-stage Tribulation-Transcending Realm was considered a titan within the confines of Zhang's Ruins.

Though Wang Ba wished to meet the Taoist Master, he recognized that his current standing was too lowly to make such a request, so he remained silent.

After showing Wang Ba around, Yin Penglai summoned a cultivator who appeared to be a steward. Following a brief introduction, Yin Penglai offered an apologetic look:

"Taoist Friend Taiyi, I must return to my post to ensure no agents of the Supreme True Buddha infiltrate our borders, so I cannot stay. This steward will show you to your quarters. Should you have any inquiries, you may ask him or seek me out at the perimeter."

Wang Ba appreciated Yin Penglai's thoroughness. After several expressions of gratitude, the other man quickly departed.

"Yin Fu is at your service, Mr. Taiyi."

The steward-like cultivator offered a respectful bow, showing no lack of courtesy despite the absence of his superior.

Wang Ba gave a polite nod and smiled:

"There is no need for such formality."

He idly turned the offering medallion over in his hand, noticing the character for 'four' etched into its surface.

Driven by curiosity, he inquired:

"What is the significance of this mark?"

The steward replied with deference:

"To answer Mr. Taiyi, the Yin Family's tributors are ranked across nine grades. Per the Great Ancestor's decree, every newcomer typically starts at the ninth grade, earning Merit through service to the family to gradually rise in rank and access better resources... However, it seems the Ninth Ancestor holds you in high regard, as he specifically petitioned the Great Ancestor to grant you a fourth-grade offering medallion."

The steward continued:

"For even a Unification cultivator, climbing from the ninth to the fourth grade usually requires several centuries of effort. It is evident that the Ninth Ancestor truly values your presence."

Wang Ba felt a sense of gratitude upon hearing this.

Nevertheless, he saw through these subtle maneuvers of goodwill.

Managing talented individuals, particularly outsiders, requires a delicate balance; one cannot offer every benefit at the start. If everything is given away too soon, there would be no way to maintain their loyalty as their Cultivation progresses.

Conversely, given his talent and the strength he had shown, a ninth-grade token would have been a blatant insult that would only breed resentment.

By granting him a mid-tier fourth-grade token and having the steward emphasize its rarity, they were efficiently buying his favor while leaving room for future incentives. It was a standard but effective tactic.

Wang Ba had long since moved past using such minor schemes himself, and he found it slightly strange to be the target of one now.

Shifting his focus, he asked about the matter that truly interested him:

"I have heard that Zhang's Ruins hosts many trade gatherings for rogue cultivators. Do you know where these take place?"

Yin Fu looked surprised for a moment but was wise enough not to pry. After a brief pause to gather his thoughts, he answered:

"Indeed, many such gatherings exist here. The closest is the 'She Mansion,' a hub where many rogue cultivators congregate for major trade events held at regular intervals. If you are unfamiliar with the path, Mr. Taiyi, I can provide a guide."

"However, if you are not in a rush, perhaps I should show you to your residence first."

Wang Ba nodded in agreement:

"That sounds reasonable."

Yin Fu then guided him toward a specific domain within a grand Taoist Field.

The landscape was filled with celestial mountains, divine lakes, and peaceful spiritual beasts.

Several immortal caves were nestled along the mountain slopes, spaced far apart to ensure privacy—it was truly an excellent environment for Cultivation.