Cultivator's Slice of Life: Spiritual Farming System

36  Chapter 36: Robes and Best Cultivation Cave!

The two cultivators clashed, their Sword Qi colliding in a fierce display of power. I observed attentively, eager to gauge the strength and capabilities of other Foundation Establishment cultivators.

It was my first time witnessing cultivators of this realm engaged in combat, and it provided valuable insights.

The resounding clash of swords reverberated throughout the arena as the woman, amidst the flurry of attacks, managed to deliver a clean cut to the man's right arm. Although the wound wasn't deep enough to sever the limb, the man dropped his sword, lacking the strength to continue the fight.

"What are your thoughts on the fight?" Sun Liang inquired.

Both combatants were in the Early stage of Foundation Establishment, and I was one hundred percent certain that if they were to face me, they would meet their demise.

"Not bad, but not particularly impressive either," I responded.

Returning my gaze to the ongoing fight, I noticed that the woman who had landed the previous cut was now glaring at me. She had overheard my comment and seemed displeased.

"Piercing Spectral Blade!" she shouted, invoking one of her spells.

A bluish sword materialized in front of her, resembling a rapier, and it swiftly flew toward the other cultivator. However, he didn't stand idly by and countered with a spell of his own.

"Sword Coffin!"

Multiple swords appeared, encircling the woman and forming a barrier that trapped her within. Despite successfully employing the imprisonment technique, her piercing sword managed to strike his shoulder.

I observed as blood spurted from the wound, which happened to be on the same shoulder she had injured earlier. The damage appeared significant.

"Stop the fight. Winner, Xue Li!" declared the fight judge.

"I-I can still fight," the other cultivator protested.

However, as he attempted to move, the pain in his arm proved too debilitating. In the end, he reluctantly accepted defeat. After all, this was merely a test to become an Elder, not a battle to the death.

Reaching the Foundation realm was already an arduous feat, so why take unnecessary risks? Xue Li, the victorious fighter, passed by me and remarked, "Unlike you, I have demonstrated my worth to become an Elder."

Sun Liang, standing right beside me, interjected before I could respond.

"You do realize that you're not an Elder yet, correct? Show respect to the members of my sect," Sun Liang asserted.

I could sense the immense pressure he exerted on the woman, almost causing her to collapse to her knees. It was evident that he was deliberately restraining his power, as any more could have inflicted internal damage due to its sheer intensity.

Xue Li gathered her strength, her voice trembling as she spoke, "I-I am sorry, Patriarch. Please forgive my outburst."

Once again, the sect's esteemed Patriarch had come to my defense, shielding me from any potential backlash. I could already sense the simmering envy in the eyes of others, and I knew that trouble might soon come knocking on my door.

After witnessing Xue Li's apology, the subsequent fights unfolded one after another. I closely observed each battle, keen on absorbing any insights and strategies that could be gleaned from the experienced fighters. It was a valuable lesson in combat, a chance for me to refine my own approach to battle.

But were their displays of power awe-inspiring? Not in the least. They were all confined to the Early stage of Foundation Establishment, and I was confident that if I were to unleash the full force of both my Dantians, they wouldn't stand a chance against me.

My conviction was rooted in the observation that these combatants were not holding back in their fights. The coveted position of Elder held great significance for them, motivating them to fight with unwavering determination.

The winners of each match progressed to the next stage, while a losers bracket provided an opportunity for those who fell short to redeem themselves. This fair arrangement ensured that no one could attribute their defeat to a mere stroke of bad luck, facing a formidable opponent right from the start.

As the tournament unfolded, nothing particularly extraordinary occurred. Hence, it is perhaps best to skim over the intricate details of the matches. However, it is worth mentioning that the final victors were none other than the formidable Xue Li — who, I must admit, did not exude the friendliest demeanor — and Cai Bao, a jovial cultivator who seemed like a potential companion worth befriending.

"Alright, congratulations to both Xue Li and Cai Bao. You two shall join Tian Li here as our esteemed Elders," announced Sun Liang with pride evident in his eyes as he pointed in my direction.

The atmosphere among the Qi Condensation cultivators was electric, their voices reverberating with excitement after witnessing the awe-inspiring battles between the Foundation Establishment cultivators. To them, those cultivators represented the pinnacle of their aspirations, a goal they fervently yearned to achieve during their own cultivation journeys.

Sun Liang summoned me, along with Xue Li and Cai Bao, for a private meeting in his office located within the grand main building of the sect. It was a significant moment for us.

"Once again, congratulations to all three of you. I hope you feel a sense of belonging here and take on the responsibility of guiding and nurturing our disciples. However, I implore you to always strive for greater heights. We do not desire cultivators who lack diligence and dedication. I am aware of your exceptional talents," Sun Liang expressed warmly as he presented us with the distinguished robes of the sect.

The robe I received bore slight distinctions from the attire worn by the Qi Condensation cultivators but held equal significance to that of the other Elders.

"While there are no strict obligations, I kindly request that each of you conduct a few classes for the less proficient disciples at least once a month, if you are not engaged in secluded meditation. Additionally, you have the choice to focus on honing your Sword Qi or engaging in alchemy under the guidance of our esteemed alchemy master, Ma Chen," Sun Liang elaborated, shedding light on an unexpected revelation regarding Ma Chen's role as an elder overseeing the alchemy division within the sect.

"Come, let me show you to your respective cultivation caves!"

We followed Sun Liang back to the mountain where the talent assessment had taken place, and upon entering my assigned cultivation cave, I was awestruck. It resembled a cozy hobbit house, exuding a tranquil ambiance that instantly made me feel at ease. To my surprise, there was even a separate chamber designed specifically for cultivating herbs and other medicinal plants.

Su Liang, who had accompanied us, couldn't contain his excitement and whispered to me, "This is the most exceptional cave within the entire sect! Well, excluding mine and the Head Elder's, of course. But please, keep it between us."

I couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the remarkable space that had been bestowed upon me.

"Thank you immensely, Patriarch. May I request a few days of leave? I wish to return to my house in the village and bring the disciple I mentioned earlier," I respectfully inquired.

Sun Liang was already aware of my intentions and readily agreed, albeit with a hint of concern. "Certainly, but be aware that others may perceive it as preferential treatment. Well, to hell with it! You are truly exceptional, and they simply cannot compare! Hahaha!"

With those words, he departed, leaving me standing in my newfound cultivation cave, my mind swirling with a mix of astonishment and gratitude for the opportunities that lay before me.

The privilege is cheap. Croak Croak.

Maybe you should peek in the future? Croak Croak.