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Ascension of the Divine Farmer (Web Novel) - Chapter 4: The World Beyond the Village
Chapter 4: The World Beyond the Village
This chapter is updated by JustRead.pl
The next few days passed in a blur as Wei Long continued his journey through the forest, pushing deeper into unknown lands. He spent each night meditating by the fire, focusing on the flow of energy within him, trying to tame the wild force he had only just begun to understand. The lessons from the mysterious cultivator echoed in his mind, reminding him that power without control would be his downfall. Though his progress was slow, there were signs of improvement—small bursts of energy that he could summon at will, though they still lacked the finesse of a true cultivator.
One afternoon, Wei Long found himself standing at the edge of the forest, gazing out at a vast landscape beyond. A wide river snaked through the valley below, its waters sparkling in the sunlight, while distant hills rose like sentinels guarding the horizon. Beyond those hills lay cities, sects, and countless dangers, but also opportunities. The world of cultivation was out there, waiting for him.
He had heard stories from travelers who passed through the village—tales of bustling cities filled with powerful merchants, scholars, and warriors. But most exciting of all were the sects, the prestigious schools of cultivation where the most gifted were trained to reach the pinnacle of power. For now, Wei Long knew he was far from ready to join such a sect, but it remained a goal in the back of his mind, a place where he could truly unlock his potential.
As he descended from the forest into the valley, he caught sight of a small town nestled near the riverbank. It was larger than his village, with stone houses and a bustling marketplace, and the sight of it sent a surge of excitement through him. This was the world he had longed to see—the world of business, cultivation, and adventure. He needed supplies, information, and perhaps guidance. And this town was as good a place as any to start.
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The marketplace was alive with activity. Vendors shouted out their wares, from fresh fruits to exotic herbs, while customers haggled for the best prices. The scent of grilled meats and baked goods wafted through the air, making Wei Long’s stomach rumble. He hadn’t eaten a proper meal in days, and his meager rations were running low.
He wandered through the market, taking in the sights and sounds. Many of the vendors sold items unfamiliar to him—strange, glowing plants that hummed with energy, weapons crafted from materials he couldn’t name, and even pills said to enhance cultivation. He paused at a stall where a man with a long, graying beard was selling a variety of cultivation manuals.
“These are beginner techniques,” the old man said, noticing Wei Long’s interest. “Simple, but effective. A few silver coins could get you started on the right path, young man.”
Wei Long’s heart raced as he stared at the manuals. They were exactly what he needed—a way to learn the basics of cultivation, to gain control over his growing power. But when he reached into his satchel, he found only a handful of copper coins. It wasn’t enough.
“I don’t have enough,” Wei Long said, disappointment heavy in his voice.
The old man raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing him for a moment. “Hmm. You have the look of someone who’s already begun cultivation. Tell you what—I’ll give you a discount. A single silver coin, and this manual is yours.”
Wei Long’s heart leaped, but he quickly realized he didn’t even have that much. “I… I don’t have any silver.”
The old man sighed, his interest fading. “No silver, no manual. Come back when you can afford it, boy.”
Wei Long walked away from the stall, his mind racing. He needed that manual, but without silver, how was he supposed to buy anything? The reality of life outside the village began to set in—this world wasn’t just about power, it was about survival. And without money, he would struggle to make it.
As he wandered the marketplace, lost in thought, he overheard a group of men nearby discussing something that piqued his interest.
“The mayor’s offering a reward for anyone who can deal with the bandits outside the town,” one man said, his voice low but excited. “They’ve been raiding the farms, stealing crops and supplies. Five silver coins to whoever brings back their leader’s head.”
Wei Long stopped in his tracks. Five silver coins? That was more than enough to buy the cultivation manual and set himself up with supplies for weeks. But bandits… that was no small task. He wasn’t a warrior, nor was he fully in control of his power. Yet the thought of the reward was hard to ignore.
He approached the men, his heart pounding. “Where can I find these bandits?”
The group turned to him, surprised by his boldness. The man who had spoken earlier—a burly, middle-aged farmer—looked him up and down, sizing him up. “You think you can handle them, boy? They’re hiding in the hills to the east. Nasty lot, dangerous. But if you’re serious, the mayor’s the one offering the reward. You can find him at the town hall.”
Wei Long nodded, determination flooding his veins. This was the opportunity he needed. If he could defeat these bandits, he would not only earn the silver but also prove to himself that he was capable of more than just farming. It would be a true test of his abilities.
“Thanks,” Wei Long said, turning on his heel and heading toward the town hall.
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The town hall was a large, imposing building in the center of the town. Inside, Wei Long found the mayor seated behind a large wooden desk, surrounded by ledgers and scrolls. He was a stout man with a neatly trimmed beard and a pair of sharp eyes that immediately locked onto Wei Long as he approached.
“I’ve heard about the bandits,” Wei Long said without preamble. “I want to take the job.”
The mayor raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the young man standing before him. “You? You look like you’re barely out of boyhood. The bandits aren’t farmers with pitchforks—they’re armed men, and they won’t hesitate to kill you.”
Wei Long’s jaw tightened. “I’m not afraid. I’m stronger than I look. I just need the chance.”
The mayor studied him for a moment, as if weighing his options. Finally, he sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Fine. If you’re that eager to throw your life away, I won’t stop you. The bandits are hiding in a cave in the hills to the east. Bring me proof that you’ve dealt with their leader, and the reward is yours.”
Wei Long nodded, a fire burning in his chest. This was it—his first real challenge. He would show the world what he was capable of.
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The trek to the bandits’ hideout was long and grueling. The hills were steep, and the rocky terrain made every step a struggle, but Wei Long pressed on, fueled by the thought of what awaited him at the end of this mission. He knew the risks—he was no seasoned warrior, and the bandits were likely experienced fighters. But he had something they didn’t: the power of cultivation, however raw it might still be.
By the time the sun began to set, casting an orange glow over the hills, Wei Long found himself standing at the mouth of a cave. He crouched behind a large boulder, surveying the area. A small fire burned just outside the cave, with two rough-looking men seated around it, talking in low voices. These were no ordinary villagers—they were armed with swords and axes, their faces hardened by years of a violent life.
Wei Long’s heart raced. He could feel the energy inside him stirring, but the question was how to use it. The previous times he had called upon his power had been in moments of instinct, but now he needed precision, control. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, focusing inward. The energy within him responded, flowing through his veins like molten fire.
When he opened his eyes, he felt ready.
With a silent prayer, Wei Long stepped out from behind the boulder, his hand glowing faintly with the energy he had summoned. The bandits noticed him immediately, rising to their feet and drawing their weapons.
“Well, well,” one of them sneered. “Look what we have here. A lost little lamb.”
Wei Long said nothing, his eyes focused and determined. He raised his hand, and before the bandits could react, he unleashed a blast of energy that sent one of them flying backward into the cave wall. The other charged at him with a yell, swinging his sword wildly, but Wei Long was ready. He sidestepped the attack and slammed his palm into the bandit’s chest, sending a pulse of energy through his body. The bandit crumpled to the ground, unconscious.
Panting, Wei Long stood over his fallen foes. He had won, but this was only the beginning. The bandit leader was still inside the cave, waiting.
With renewed resolve, Wei Long stepped into the darkness of the cave, ready to face whatever lay ahead.
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Author's Note: Wei Long takes his first steps into the wider world and faces his first challenge as a cultivator. In the next chapter, he will face the bandit leader and continue to develop his abilities, as well as learn more about the dangers and opportunities that await him in the world beyond the village! Stay tuned!
