Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8340 - 317-strategy (1)

Du Wan Sha spoke with a heavy tone, "Relocating those concealed outposts is a wise move. While the Blood Slaughter Sect hasn’t hit its absolute breaking point yet, our situation is undeniably perilous. By shifting those hidden guards and gaining a clear picture of the surroundings, our subsequent actions will be far more effective."

The surrounding Elders signaled their agreement with nods, except for Ha Jing, who remained still. He observed the group before speaking solemnly, "I actually have a proposal. Grand Elder, do you recall Zhao Hai? Though his current strength might seem insignificant, his foresight is truly superior to many. It was his suggestion that led to the establishment of the Western Defense line. I believe that intelligence and a strategic worldview aren't always tied to one's Cultivation level. Why don't we summon him to hear his perspective? Even if his ideas are flawed, we lose nothing but a moment of time. However, if his insights are valid, it could save us immense trouble."

Du Wan Sha and the others were taken aback by Ha Jing’s suggestion. Even the Sect Master looked on with a puzzled expression. "Who exactly is this Zhao Hai?" the Sect Master inquired, confused. "What are his achievements? I don't recall hearing this name before."

Ha Jing quickly briefed the Sect Master on Zhao Hai’s background, detailing the significant contributions the disciple had made to the Sect. He specifically highlighted the strategy behind the Western line of defense. Ending his explanation, he added, "Lei Gang informed me that Zhao Hai is currently researching metallic puppets. His goal is to design a variant that is easy to produce yet possesses formidable combat strength. If he succeeds, our worries will be greatly diminished. The boy is exceptionally clever; there is no harm in listening to his views."

After Ha Jing finished, Du Wan Sha nodded in approval. "This Zhao Hai does seem to possess certain talents. There is no downside to hearing him out. Sect Master, perhaps Ha Jing should bring Zhao Hai here and explain the current crisis to him to see what he thinks. If his suggestions are useful, we can use them as a reference. If not, we will proceed with our own plans. It won't cost us much time regardless."

The Sect Master considered this before replying, "If you place such trust in Zhao Hai, then listening to him is acceptable. However, let us do this: summon Zhao Hai here while the rest of us remain hidden in the back to observe. We won't show ourselves; let Ha Jing conduct the meeting. Ha Jing, make the arrangements." Ha Jing complied immediately, sending a message to Lei Gang to bring Zhao Hai to the main hall for an urgent consultation.

Lei Gang was in the middle of meditation when he received the missive from Ha Jing. Though the reason was unclear, he instantly messaged Zhao Hai, instructing him to drop his current tasks and head to Blood Drop Island at once. They were required at the main hall for a vital matter. After the message was sent, Lei Gang stood and paced the room, waiting for Zhao Hai’s arrival.

Zhao Hai reached Blood Drop Island in under half an hour. Without delay, Lei Gang escorted him to the teleportation array located behind his quarters, heading straight for the main hall. Upon arrival, they sought out Ha Jing. He was waiting in the same room, though he appeared to be alone now, as Du Wan Sha and the others had already retreated to the hidden area.

As Lei Gang ushered Zhao Hai into the room, both offered a respectful bow to Ha Jing. Waving his hand, Ha Jing said deeply, "Forget the formalities. Both of you, take a seat. I have summoned Zhao Hai specifically, but Lei Gang, you may stay and listen." Though Lei Gang was puzzled, he obeyed. He assumed this was regarding the metallic puppets and didn't think much further of it.

Ha Jing turned his gaze toward Zhao Hai. "Zhao Hai, I’ve called you here to get your take on a specific situation. This matter is tied to the very survival of our Blood Slaughter Sect. Listen carefully, contemplate deeply, and do not be afraid to speak your mind. I will be the judge of whether your words are right or wrong. Your job is simply to provide your honest opinion, understood?"

Zhao Hai was startled by the gravity of the request but nodded nonetheless. "Yes, Grandmaster. This disciple will listen and think with the utmost care." Zhao Hai was internally confused about Ha Jing’s intentions, but the elder's serious demeanor made him naturally tense. He sat with a disciplined, solemn expression.

Ha Jing nodded and continued in a low voice, "The Sect has just received a joint invitation. It was sent by the leaders of the Corpse Demon Sect, Yin Yang Sect, Poisonous Insect Valley, Sick Man Sect, and Heaven Crippling Sect. Their stated goal is to invite our Sect Master and Elders to play chess, drink tea, and discuss the Dao. In your view, what is their true motive?"

Both Zhao Hai and Lei Gang were stunned. They hadn't expected Ha Jing to ask about such a high-level political matter. Even Lei Gang had been kept in the dark about this. Zhao Hai’s mind began to work rapidly. While he didn't know why he was being consulted, he had a fair idea of what the major sects were plotting. He asked, "Grandmaster, may I ask if it's true that the Thirteen Family Alliance is becoming restless and intends to move against the Western Defense line?"

Ha Jing’s eyes flashed with interest. The fact that Zhao Hai immediately linked the five-sect invitation to the Western Defense line proved his sharp intellect. Ha Jing confirmed, "It is true. The Thirteen Family Alliance is mobilizing. It looks like they plan to strike our Western line. We suspect the invitations from the five major sects are connected to this. What are your thoughts?"

After a moment of reflection, Zhao Hai said, "I believe this is a coordinated plot against the Blood Slaughter Sect. On the surface, the five sects are merely creating a distraction so the thirteen families can attack us. At worst, it looks like we would only lose the Western Defense line. However, the hidden agenda behind this is truly terrifying."

"Explain that in detail," Ha Jing commanded, his curiosity piqued. He hadn't seen anything beyond a play for territory, so Zhao Hai’s warning of something more sinister intrigued him. Did they really think they could take down the entire Blood Slaughter Sect? Was such a thing even feasible?

Zhao Hai looked at Ha Jing and explained, "Grandmaster, the surface logic is simple. Five sect leaders sent an invitation, but we must consider the Dark Ghost Sect and Harsh Sword Sect as well. Because of their history with us, their names aren't on the letter, but they are surely involved. This means seven major sects are acting in concert. Would seven top-tier sects really coordinate just for the barren West Sea region? That is impossible. If the Sect Master and the Elders attend this meeting, you will be unable to intervene when the thirteen families strike. Without your presence, holding the Western line is uncertain. I am certain the thirteen families wouldn't dare act without the backing of the seven sects. If we fall at the Western line, those seven sects will likely mobilize every small and medium-sized sect against us. They will claim the Blood Slaughter Sect has lost its strength due to past internal conflicts and is no longer fit to be one of the top ten sects. With the seven major sects leading the charge, the smaller sects will surely join the hunt. The Blood Slaughter Sect would find itself at war with the entire Blood Sea Realm. In such a scenario, even the Giant Demon Sect wouldn't risk helping us."

Ha Jing was visibly shaken as the realization hit him. The plan was terrifyingly simple: the seven sects would use the invitation to paralyze the Blood Slaughter Sect's leadership while the thirteen families broke their defenses. Once the Sect's prestige was shattered by the loss, the seven sects would declare them weak and invite the entire realm to feast on their remains.

The Blood Slaughter Sect had many enemies. If the seven major sects provided the excuse and the thirteen families provided the initial defeat, the Sect’s reputation would collapse. The countless smaller factions of the Blood Sea Realm would swarm them. Even if they weren't totally wiped out, the Sect would be ruined.

Ha Jing and the hidden elders had viewed this as an attempt to weaken them, never imagining such a devastating follow-up. It was a chilling realization.

Suddenly, the door at the back of the room swung open. The Sect Master emerged followed by several Elders, all wearing grim expressions. Zhao Hai’s analysis was so logical and frightening that they could no longer remain hidden.

Zhao Hai and Lei Gang stood quickly and bowed in surprise. The Sect Master waved them down, saying, "Sit. So, you are Zhao Hai? Impressive, truly impressive. I have heard your analysis, and it is very sound. Tell me, do you have a solution to this crisis?"

The Sect Master was now genuinely fascinated by Zhao Hai. He wanted to see if this young man could offer a way out of the trap. Since the Elders were stuck for ideas, listening to Zhao Hai seemed like their best option. If he had a viable plan, it would be a godsend.

Zhao Hai acknowledged the command and looked at the gathered leaders. He stated firmly, "I believe our priority must be to clearly signal our stance to the seven sect masters and then find a way to dismantle their alliance. Once their unity is broken, the threat they pose will vanish."