Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8354: 331-crime (1)

Chapter 8354: Chapter 331-crime (1)

Yan Bei’s face was a mask of fury as he sat across from Zhao Hai. "I’ve been investigating, and word is that two islands have fallen already," he growled. "Luckily, they weren't major hubs. They were small outposts overseen by Refinement Realm Elders, and since their defensive arrays weren't even finished, their fall was predictable. Still, the Commander’s conduct in this disaster is absolutely disgraceful."

Zhao Hai flashed a faint smile at Yan Bei. "You’re the one feeling the shame, aren’t you? I doubt anyone else even remembers that I tried to warn him. Why let it get to you? You're only frustrated because he ignored my advice and lost two islands as a result. Is that why you're so worked up?"

Zhao Hai understood the source of Yan Bei’s agitation. In truth, Yan Bei’s anger toward the Commander was on Zhao Hai’s behalf. Despite Zhao Hai’s previous warnings, the Commander had refused to listen or even bolster the islands' security. This negligence allowed the Alliance of 13 Families to strike at the weakest points and seize the territory. The loss of life among the Blood Massacre Sect disciples was significant, which was exactly why Yan Bei was so incensed.

At Zhao Hai’s remark, Yan Bei stared at him. "What? You aren't furious? You gave him a clear warning, and he completely ignored it. Now, a massive price has been paid. I’ve heard thousands of disciples were slaughtered in that fight. There are even reports that some of our puppets were captured by the enemy. Doesn't that make your blood boil?"

Zhao Hai chuckled softly. "No, I don't see any reason to be angry. I don't hold the rank of Commander, Sect Master, or Elder. Why should I be upset? As long as the Alliance of 13 Families stays away from Blood Gale Island, I’ve fulfilled my duty to the Sect Master. What is there to complain about?"

Yan Bei gave Zhao Hai a skeptical look. "Do you truly believe that? If you didn't care, you wouldn't have spent the effort creating those puppets. I don't buy that you're indifferent. Don't you want to use that token the Sect gave you to deal with that Han Lei fellow?"

The Han Lei mentioned by Yan Bei was the Commander dispatched by the Sect Master, holding the title of an in-name disciple. Even though Han Lei was a Refinement Realm cultivator, Yan Bei showed him zero deference. In Yan Bei's estimation, Han Lei couldn't hold a candle to Zhao Hai.

Zhao Hai smiled. "Relax, getting angry won't change anything. I am acquainted with Senior Brother Han. He may be arrogant, but he isn't a fool. This time, he likely failed to act because he was annoyed with me. I suspect that after this defeat, he will finally wake up. He wouldn't have become the Sect Master's in-name disciple otherwise. Remember, the Sect Master hasn't taken on a student in many years."

Yan Bei let out a cold snort. "In-name disciple or not, he’s botched things up. Won't the Sect Master demand accountability? I’m eager to see how he tries to fix this mess." It was clear Yan Bei couldn't let it go; his primary grievance was the lack of respect shown to Zhao Hai.

Zhao Hai merely smiled and remained silent. Just then, the teleportation array on the island began to glow, and several figures materialized. Zhao Hai blinked in surprise, watching them with confusion. They were all at the Refinement Realm, yet he didn't recognize a single face.

Though puzzled, Zhao Hai flew out to meet them, with Yan Bei close behind. Yan Bei was equally curious about the sudden arrivals at Blood Gale Island, which had been isolated for quite some time. Furthermore, Zhao Hai had modified the island's teleportation restrictions so that only specific nodes within the Sect—including the main islands of the Western Defense Line—could connect to it.

Because of these precautions, Blood Gale Island had become a secluded spot. Neither the Sect Master nor the Western Line commanders usually sent anyone here. Even with two islands falling to the Alliance of 13 Families, no one had bothered them. Zhao Hai and Yan Bei had been enjoying a peaceful existence, so this sudden visit was a shock. Zhao Hai was genuinely intrigued by their purpose.

Before Zhao Hai and Yan Bei could reach the array, the cultivators who had just arrived took flight toward them. Their demeanor was aggressive and overtly hostile, which confused Zhao Hai. He immediately heightened his alertness. Despite his outward loyalty and contributions to the Blood Massacre Sect, he wasn't foolish enough to lower his guard against its members. He watched them closely, waiting to see their intent.

Under normal circumstances, visitors who were not residents of Blood Gale Island—even those of higher status—should have waited at the teleportation array to be greeted. It was a basic matter of protocol and goodwill.

In the Blood Sea Realm, entering a restricted island without waiting or announcing one's presence was viewed as an act of hostility. Such an intrusion typically authorized the island owner to attack. This was a long-standing unwritten law that everyone understood.

Yet, these individuals ignored the rules. They didn't offer a greeting or wait for an invitation. Upon spotting Zhao Hai, they charged forward with menacing looks, clearly harboring ill intentions.

As Zhao Hai processed this, Yan Bei sent a telepathic message: "Little Hai, stay sharp. These people are looking for trouble. We need to be on our guard." He kept the warning silent so the approaching group wouldn't overhear.

Zhao Hai gave a subtle nod without speaking. He focused on the group as they halted about a hundred feet away. Zhao Hai stopped as well, observing them. They appeared to be in their forties, but as cultivators, their true ages were likely much greater. Their Qi signatures confirmed they were Refinement Realm Elders of the Sect.

"Greetings, Elders," Zhao Hai said, clasping his hands politely. "Might I ask what brings you to Blood Gale Island?" Despite sensing their hostility, Zhao Hai wanted to clarify the situation to prevent any misunderstandings. He was currently in good standing with the Sect Master and several high-ranking officials. Attacking without cause would only give his enemies ammunition against him.

The leader of the group fixed a hard gaze on Zhao Hai and spoke in a low, stern voice. "Zhao Hai, we have come to arrest you by order of the Army. You are charged with the crime of conspiring with the enemy. Your actions are directly linked to how the Alliance of 13 Families identified the weak points in our Western Defense Line. Come with us now!"

Zhao Hai was momentarily stunned by the accusation. He hadn't expected them to use this specific incident against him. Staring at them in disbelief, he asked, "Are the Elders joking?" He knew they were serious, but the absurdity of it was hard to swallow. The Commander was incredibly brazen. Did he think his status as an in-name disciple made him untouchable? Zhao Hai possessed the Sect Master's own token, yet they dared to charge him with treason. It was almost comical.

The Elders glared back. The leader snorted, "Who is joking? Zhao Hai, surrender and come quietly!" The Elder’s disdain was palpable; he clearly had no interest in further discussion and looked ready to strike.

Zhao Hai raised a hand, producing a specific item. "Wait. I hold a token granted by the Sect Master. To see this token is to see the Sect Master himself. By what authority do you seek to arrest me?" He held up the Sect Master’s token, his gaze turning cold. While he had the urge to eliminate them, they were still Sect Elders. Killing them would be difficult to explain to the Sect Master later. Using the token was the more prudent choice.

The lead Elder looked at the token and let out a dismissive snort. "Who can say if that token is genuine or a forgery? Zhao Hai, just give up." Despite his words, he hesitated to move, clearly wary of the token's potential authenticity.

Zhao Hai sneered at the Elder. "Then feel free to inspect it yourself and see if it’s a fake." He tossed the token toward the Elder, a chilling smile playing on his lips.

The Elder caught the token and examined it briefly. He then tucked it into his storage space and sneered back at Zhao Hai. "This token is a fake, Zhao Hai. You had better come see the Commander immediately, or we will be forced to use violence."

"Ridiculous! What proof do you have that Little Hai’s token is a fake? And if it's fake, why did you bother to steal it?" Yan Bei shouted from behind Zhao Hai, unable to stay quiet any longer. "You are being far too arrogant! Do you have no respect for the Sect Master's authority? Is this a rebellion?"

The Elder looked at Yan Bei and gave a mocking laugh. "If I claim it’s a fake, then it’s a fake. Once I’ve subdued you, I can produce any token I wish. As long as you are in custody, my word becomes the truth. What can you possibly do about it?"

"Hahaha! Excellent, well put. If you can take us down, you can indeed rewrite the truth," Zhao Hai laughed, his eyes locking onto them. "But there is one detail you’ve overlooked. You are currently on Blood Gale Island—my domain. What makes you so certain you can take me down?"