Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2432: 213: The Ruins

"Ruins Master!"

At the surface of Zhang’s Ruins.

When they spotted Wang Ba coming down, Yin Tianzhi, Cheng Lianzi, and the rest quickly stepped up and paid their respects with deep bows.

Figures such as the Golden Water Pond Master and the Yutang Mansion Lord showed even deeper devotion, trailing after Cheng Lianzi with a caution that shone through their awe.

If before, their submission stemmed more from terror of the Ruins Master’s superior power than true admiration, forced into obedience by his sheer might, the recent clash with the Supreme True Buddha had exposed the vast gap separating them from him.

From facing off alone against three Great Bodhisattvas to casually chatting with the Mahayana Cultivator True Man Gai afterward, these accomplishments lay far beyond their reach.

As a result, their faces grew more deferential, their stances bending ever lower.

Wang Ba glanced across the group, lifted his hand with a grin, and stopped them from dropping to their knees.

"Even though the fierce fight erupted out of nowhere, we managed to protect Zhang’s Ruins, and your efforts deserve real praise, particularly…"

The cultivators perked up right away at those words.

Wang Ba’s eyes drifted a bit toward Cheng Lianzi.

Catching that look from Wang Ba, Cheng Lianzi’s features turned serious on instinct.

But then Wang Ba broke into a broad smile, offering genuine acclaim:

"Particularly Taoist Friend Cheng, who, to safeguard Zhang’s Ruins, showed no fear or selfishness, boldly rushing from the Great Array to fight the Bodhisattva of the Supreme True Buddha. Such valor and resolve surprised me deeply, making me feel inadequate…"

Hearing Wang Ba’s commendation, Cheng Lianzi felt a jolt of surprise, unprepared for such direct approval, though his thoughts quickly pieced together Wang Ba’s strategy, cautioning himself inwardly:

"It’s just a clever move to gain loyalty!"

"Hmph! I may not match your strength, but I won’t fall for simple gestures of goodwill!"

With that in mind, his sullen expression unwittingly softened into a grin, which he caught and tried to hide immediately.

Still, the curve of his mouth lingered, making his words stumble:

"Ruins Master flatters me too much; I, I only…"

Noticing this, Wang Ba let a faint smile show, then turned his palm over, pulling out an item and sending it over to Cheng Lianzi.

Cheng Lianzi took hold of it, his mana surging on reflex, unveiling twenty-nine innate cloud bans under the shocked stares of the nearby cultivators…

Cheng Lianzi felt a shock run through him, staring at Wang Ba with wide-eyed incredulity:

"Twenty-nine… top grade Dao Treasure!?"

"For, for me?!"

Wang Ba nodded, responding casually:

"Taoist Friend Cheng, your deeds stand out, displaying the glory of Zhang’s Ruins. With merits like yours, a fitting prize is in order… I suppose next time you meet Wisdom Calm Bodhisattva, Taoist Friend Cheng could come out on top?"

Cheng Lianzi stared at Wang Ba in stunned silence, his face starting to shift subtly.

After a brief pause.

He carefully tucked away the Dao Treasure, then, under the jealous looks from the others around, gave Wang Ba a deep, formal bow before lifting his hand to the Realm Sea and stating with fierce resolve:

"I, Cheng Lianzi, swear that if I can’t slay Wisdom Calm Bodhisattva at our next meeting, I’ll have no right to face the Ruins Master and will take my own life to honor his favor!"

The cultivators nearby all froze in shock, unprepared for Cheng Lianzi’s intense commitment.

At those words, Wang Ba’s face grew stern; he quickly grasped Cheng Lianzi’s hand and shook his head softly:

"Your intent is clear enough; the cultivators of Zhang’s Ruins have no call for death vows."

Cheng Lianzi shook his head faintly, his bearing turning resolute in a way that surpassed his former dourness:

"This aligns with my Dao-heart; Ruins Master, please don’t try to stop me."

Wang Ba frowned upon hearing that, finally letting out a soft sigh and pulling back his hand.

Cheng Lianzi then offered a genuine smile, bowed to Wang Ba with full sincerity again, and stepped back among the crowd.

Wang Ba turned his attention to Yin Tianzhi next, commending him similarly and granting a top grade Dao Treasure.

Yin Tianzhi felt a mix of shock and elation. Aware of how scarce top grade Dao Treasures were, he knew that in all of Zhang’s Ruins, only Cheng Lianzi could wield one, backed by the solid resources of Laowen Sect.

Watching Cheng Lianzi get a top grade Dao Treasure had sparked jealousy and longing in him, yet he admitted his own role hadn’t been as pivotal.

Now that the reward came his way, genuine astonishment and happiness flooded him, though he fretted if Wang Ba’s lavishness would land right. After a moment’s doubt, he turned it down.

"Taoist Friend Yin acted as my Enforcer, blocking external disruptions and letting me handle the Great Bodhisattvas. This top grade Dao Treasure is yours by right."

Wang Ba grinned and pressed the Dao Treasure into Yin Tianzhi’s grasp.

The onlookers, despite their envy and resentment, held their tongues.

During the siege on Yin Ruins Arena earlier, Yin Tianzhi had stood firm against mounting pressures, keeping distractions away from the Ruins Master; such dedication justified the top grade Dao Treasure, or it might demoralize the rest.

On the flip side, seeing Yin Tianzhi earn a top grade Dao Treasure fueled their drive to earn the same.

Wang Ba went on to distribute rewards based on merits, though for those beyond the pair, the best was an upper grade Dao Treasure or select rare Elixirs.

Nevertheless, no one grumbled, understanding that absent Wang Ba, Zhang’s Ruins stood no chance against the Supreme True Buddha’s army; their efforts, while valuable, couldn’t compare.