The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms Chapter 3281 - 3276: Without Merit, Nothing Matters_1
Previously on The Supreme Martial King Shocking All Realms...
Yang Chen shook his head right away after listening to those words. "If it requires Jiyu Essence, that's far too costly. I won't select that option."
"Now, regarding the remaining two options: the first involves residing alongside fellow cultivators in the Cave Mansions of the Ancient Wild Lands. No particular conditions exist for staying in those Cave Mansions there. You can settle in any location you prefer, yet..." Mo Wenfeng explained.
"Yet what?" Yang Chen inquired.
"Yet it's hardly ideal for fresh arrivals like yourself, Brother Yang Chen. The majority of Cave Mansions in the Ancient Wild Lands are already taken by other cultivators. Should a newcomer such as you attempt to join one, rejection from the residents is almost certain. Tensions frequently erupt, and while combat is forbidden, disdain and belittlement are everyday realities. All inhabitants hold at least Realmless cultivation, with some reaching the Heaven-separated Realm. Nobody desires such treatment," Mo Wenfeng replied.
Yang Chen rubbed his nose, surprised by the tough conditions in the Ancient Divine Realm. "Is finding a dwelling so challenging that even the experts from Earth Spirit Hall won't intervene? Surely some mighty figures remain in the Ancient Divine Realm?"
"In truth, Earth Spirit Hall once attempted to address this issue, but they eventually abandoned the effort. After all, if one can't handle these minor slights, how could they possibly withstand the endless hardships of battling the Alien Tribes? Once you've entered the Ancient Divine Realm, its laws must be followed. Your former rank, influence, power, and connections mean nothing here. Lacking merit renders you insignificant. You've reaped plenty of privileges elsewhere. Without merit, do you still anticipate respect in this place? Forget it—begin anew. Genuine honor belongs solely to those who earn merit," Mo Wenfeng stated.
"Furthermore, the cultivators arriving here mostly seek the rewards that come with accumulating merit. As for these indignities, the vast majority opt to bear them. Still, only a handful truly rise above in the end." Mo Wenfeng added with a somber tone.
Yang Chen questioned, "And what's the third option?"
"The third path is to dwell in the boundary zones encircling the Ancient Divine Realm. Settling in those regions avoids so many hardships, yet scarcely anyone opts for life in those interfaces," Mo Wenfeng noted.
Yang Chen frowned in confusion. "Why not?"
"It's a chaotic situation. The interfaces bordering the Ancient Divine Realm are under human control, but disputes among them flare up constantly, and Alien Tribes stir trouble from time to time. Achieving serene cultivation beyond these borders proves nearly unattainable. Above all, journeys to Earth Spirit Hall from there demand excessive travel time. Naturally, Brother Yang Chen, if the perils outside don't daunt you and the hours lost to transit and cultivation don't bother you, residing externally remains a viable choice," Mo Wenfeng advised.
These words prompted Yang Chen to sink into contemplation.
Moments later, he reached a conclusion, clasping his hands behind his back. "I'll put up with the hardships. I select the Ancient Wild Lands for my stay. Brother Mo, I ask for your assistance."
Once their discussion concluded, Yang Chen produced several Elixirs and passed them to Mo Wenfeng.
Mo Wenfeng had grown a bit restless before this. After extending so much aid to Yang Chen and now tasked with securing his lodging, why should he agree so readily?
Yet Yang Chen proved surprisingly thoughtful, offering two Elixirs outright, which instantly brightened Mo Wenfeng's expression.
Being perceptive, he recognized that while these Elixirs wouldn't benefit him as greatly as hoped, acquiring them merely for guiding and arranging a stay was a worthwhile exchange.
Mo Wenfeng discreetly pocketed the Elixirs and cleared his throat. "Brother Yang Chen, such courtesy is unnecessary. We're comrades, after all. Here's an idea: I reside in the Ancient Wild Lands myself. My Cave Mansion connects well with the other fellow Daoists. Why not join our group, Brother Yang Chen? I trust it won't trouble you."
"Trouble me? Not at all. I owe you my gratitude, Brother Mo," Yang Chen responded.
"Excellent. Brother Yang Chen, come along with me," Mo Wenfeng said cheerfully.
Yang Chen trailed after him.
He had weighed multiple aspects before deciding on the Ancient Divine Realm. Dangers didn't intimidate him, but the constant back-and-forth travel irked him.
Besides, basing himself in the Ancient Divine Realm let him immediately share advantages with Mo Wenfeng, easing his integration. Venturing elsewhere would force him to build from zero, clashing with Yang Chen's initial intentions.
In this manner, under Mo Wenfeng's guidance, Yang Chen reached the Ancient Wild Lands.
En route, bound by the realm's regulations, the pair refrained from hastening their pace, requiring an entire day to arrive.
The Ancient Wild Lands teemed with cultivators. Amid the rugged peaks and desolate expanses, Heaven-separated Realm experts appeared in abundance wherever one gazed.
Superior cultivators claimed spots in Cave Mansions, whereas the less fortunate lacked even that, merely finding any patch of ground to sit and cultivate.
Even Heaven-separated Realm figures numbered among them.
Yang Chen felt inwardly astonished. In external realms, how could a Heaven-separated cultivator face such circumstances?
As Mo Wenfeng had described, within the Ancient Divine Realm, absence of merit equates to worthlessness.
Mo Wenfeng held a spot in the Ancient Wild Lands. He guided Yang Chen toward a Cave Mansion nestled in a valley.
This dwelling held appeal: aromatic teas and exquisite wines were on hand, and its setup spanned a generous area. Stepping inside revealed an inviting space, far removed from the harsh outdoors.
"Brother Yuan, Brother Lu..." Upon crossing the threshold into the Cave Mansion, Mo Wenfeng offered warm greetings to the group with a courteous grin.
Yang Chen entered behind him and scanned the interior, discovering that this modest Cave Mansion already housed four individuals. Including Mo Wenfeng, that made five crammed in total.
The space was cramped, ill-suited for Heaven-separated cultivators. Sharing it among five felt somewhat degrading.
These formidable cultivators either nodded briefly or murmured in acknowledgment upon seeing Mo Wenfeng. Their demeanor stayed neutral—neither welcoming nor hostile.
Having exchanged pleasantries, all eyes shifted to Yang Chen, intrigued by the stranger Mo Wenfeng had brought.
"Brother Mo, who's this fellow?" The cultivators inquired, curiosity evident.
Mo Wenfeng replied, "Meet my recent companion, Yang Chen. We're on good terms, and I'd appreciate it if you could welcome him, allowing him to share our Cave Mansion."
At these words, the once-detached cultivators furrowed their brows in displeasure.
"Brother Mo, you realize our Cave Mansion is already cramped. How could you invite another without consulting us?" The cultivators rebuked.