Cultivator's Slice of Life: Spiritual Farming System

Chapter 21: Being Followed

Dark Wood Forest was a haven for cultivators of all levels. It was well-known that the outer ring of the forest housed weaker Spiritual Beasts, and the deeper one ventured inside, the more perilous it became.

Why did I choose that place for training? It was the finest location in the North March province where I resided, and it was also in close proximity to the Flying Sword Lotus Sect.

The test to become an Elder of the sect was approaching, and before bringing Tang Yusheng there, I had to first attain the rank of Elder. Only with that authority could I take on a new disciple for the sect. However, it would still be a few years before the sect would receive their usual batch of disciples.

With that in mind, I made my way toward the forest, stopping at a tavern called Dead Man's Nest. It was the sole tavern near the Dark Wood and a popular gathering place for cultivators. Those who sought to enter the Dark Wood would make a stop there, as well as those returning from it. Many sects sent their disciples there for training, and having a tavern nearby allowed them to stay for extended periods.

I still wore the dark robe I had obtained from the meeting. It served as a good disguise to conceal my cultivation from early-stage Foundation Establishment cultivators and below. However, those more powerful than that could easily see through it.

The Spatial Pouch I had acquired proved to be quite useful, providing ample space for provisions and potential treasures I might come across.

Thus, I was prepared to venture into the woods, but it was prudent to make a stop and fully restore my energy before entering.

"I would like a room for the night," I requested from the man behind the counter.

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As the man couldn't sense my cultivation level, he treated me with respect. "Sure thing. Room 28 is available, and since you are an esteemed guest, the first night is complimentary."

I was delighted to hear that! Not that I lacked funds, but saving money was always a pleasant outcome. I expressed my gratitude to the man as he handed me the room key.

Just as I turned to head upstairs, a youth blocked my path. He appeared to be around 17 or 18 years old and slightly shorter than me, standing at 1.82 meters in height.

Pointing at my chest, the youth asked the man behind the counter, "Why does he get a free night and I don't?"

Of course, it had to be some arrogant young master getting in my way. I couldn't have expected anything different. I gave the youth a disdainful glance, examining him from head to toe, immediately sensing his cultivation at the Eighth Layer. He was no match for me, that was for sure.

The man behind the counter wore a worried expression as he addressed the young master, "We can't offer a free night to everyone, or our business would crumble. It's reserved for guests of high standing."

"H-High standing?" the young master stuttered, his face flushing with anger.

"You," he pointed at me, "Give me your room for free, or I'll teach you a lesson."

I burst into laughter. I mean, come on, how could I hold back? The sight of this young master with his childish face attempting to intimidate me was just too amusing. Instead of fear, it made me want to burst out laughing.

"Get out of my way," I said, shoving him aside, as he was blocking the staircase.

The young master couldn't handle it anymore! He clenched his fists, channeling his Qi into both of them, "Mighty Ear-"

But before he could finish his martial art technique, someone else intervened, grabbing his fist.

It was another youth dressed in the same attire, presumably from the same sect.

"Senior brother, why did you stop me?" the young master asked.

The newcomer paid no attention to it, and instead gazed at me, "be cautious in the forest," he warned, pulling the young master away by the arm, and they quickly left.

I could sense the newcomer's power. It was that of a twelfth layer cultivator! Slightly above my own level. Since I had no knowledge of his specific martial arts, it was difficult to determine who would emerge victorious in a battle between us.

The man behind the counter let out a sigh of relief, grateful that a fight hadn't broken out inside his tavern, which could have spelled disaster for his establishment. The other cultivators sitting at wooden tables, engaged in conversations about the Dark Wood, all turned their curious gazes toward me.

"Who's that?" they whispered among themselves.

Frankly, I wasn't thrilled about being the center of attention. It only invited trouble, and now, in addition to the young master and his senior brother, there were likely others who would seek confrontation with me. What a hassle.

I tried to dismiss those thoughts and proceeded to my assigned room, number 28, which turned out to be a simple space with minimal luxuries. It was to be expected, considering the overall structure of the tavern. However, this simplicity was not a drawback. As a cultivator, all I needed was a mat for meditation and a quiet place. We were heading to the Dark Wood for training, not for a luxurious resort.

Sleep was of little importance to me. I merely needed to fully immerse myself in meditation, diligently practicing my cultivation art, and that would fulfill my need for rest as well.

That's exactly what I did for an entire day, secluded in my room, before finally departing from the tavern and entering the Dark Wood.

I had no idea what to expect, but I did know one thing: following the well-trodden path would be foolish. The forest was teeming with cultivators, and exposing myself in open and obvious places would only invite more trouble.

Therefore, I veered off the path, using my hands to gently push aside the overgrown bushes, while remaining alert to my surroundings to avoid any surprises from beasts or fellow cultivators.

The initial parts of the forest didn't pose many dangers, but as I ventured deeper, a distinct sense of being watched descended upon me. Whoever or whatever it was, they believed I was oblivious to their presence, yet they continued to tail me.

Seeking a moment of respite, I made my way toward a nearby river, crouching down to quench my thirst. It was precisely at that moment when someone emerged from the bushes, charging towards me with clear intent to kill.