Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8355: Conviction (1)

Upon hearing Zhao Hai’s words, the group stood frozen. The leader let out a cold sneer, "What? Are you actually suggesting you’d dare to raise a hand against us?" His confidence was palpable; he was certain Zhao Hai wouldn’t have the nerve to retaliate. In their minds, without the protection of the Sect Master’s token, Zhao Hai was entirely at their mercy.

Zhao Hai sighed, looking at them with a pitying shake of his head. A smile played on his lips as he spoke, "Should I call you ignorant of your own interests, or simply foolishly brave? To think you’d dare trespass on my island to assassinate me and seize the Sect Master’s token... your audacity is staggering. I truly wonder who gave you such nerve. It appears this Great Commander Han is desperate to shift the blame for his defeat onto my shoulders."

The Elders glared at Zhao Hai, their expressions darkening as he spoke. The leader snorted dismissively, "Boy, you are courting death. Elder Han is the rightful frontline commander. Who are you to think you can suppress him? Had he not been forced to deal with you, he never would have blundered. If he doesn't pin the blame on you, he faces the Sect Master’s wrath. Therefore, you must die."

Zhao Hai smiled at the Elders, his eyes gleaming. "I suspect it isn't that simple. You are all Sect Elders; even if Han Lei is the Sect Master’s in-name disciple, he shouldn't be able to command you so easily, right? Your roles aren't just what they seem. Such loyalty to Han Lei suggests he has leverage over you, or perhaps you all share the same origin. Your true aim isn't aiding the Blood Slaughter Sect against the 13 Family Alliance, but helping the Alliance seize the Western Defense Line. Perhaps you are privy to the secrets of that defense line—the same secrets the original families of the Blood Slaughter Sect held? The 13 Family Alliance is a coalition of clans, just like the rebels within our Sect. Is there a connection? This is becoming very interesting. Could it be that these families thrived despite the Sect’s suppression because of the 13 Family Alliance? And Han Lei, despite his commoner background, is actually a sleeper agent planted by the 13 families? That would explain your obedience. This is getting fascinating."

The Elders’ faces twisted in shock. The lead Elder barked at Zhao Hai, "Nonsense! How dare you slander Commander Han? Give it up, Zhao Hai. You won't win. You’re coming with us."

Zhao Hai chuckled, watching them closely. "First you wanted my life, now you want to take me away. I see—you won't kill me here. You intend to capture me and use 'methods' to force a confession, admitting I lost on purpose. You want to frame me for sending letters to the 13 Family Alliance and make it an open-and-shut case, don't you? Hahaha, a clever scheme. Sadly, Han Lei picked the wrong target. He knows nothing of my capabilities or my service to the Blood Slaughter Sect, yet he dares strike at me. You are incredibly bold. What do you think Han Lei will do when I keep you all here today? Will he actually lead the army to attack Blood Gale Island?" As Zhao Hai spoke, he noted how their expressions shifted with every word. It was clear he had accurately guessed their plan.

Zhao Hai couldn't help but laugh. "Fascinating. Senior Brother Han Lei is certainly daring, but he isn't very bright. Why would he think a handful of people could take me down? Why does he think the Sect Master gave me that token for no reason? You are truly dim-witted."

With a flick of his wrist, Zhao Hai activated the island's defenses. Suddenly, a multitude of inhibition formations flared to life across Blood Gale Island. These glowing arrays transformed into countless silk-like threads that surged toward the Elders to bind them. Panicking, the Elders lunged forward, desperately trying to reach Zhao Hai.

It was futile. The silk threads swarmed them instantly. They drew their blades, but the threads proved indestructible; the sharp edges couldn't even nick the strands. They hacked and slashed in a frenzy of desperation, but to no avail. Within moments, they were bound tightly from head to toe, looking like human cocoons.

Even as they struggled, the leader glared at Zhao Hai with murderous intent. "Zhao Hai, you dare? You dare defy Commander Han’s orders? He will destroy you!" He thrashed against his bonds, but the silk was tougher than anything they had ever encountered. No matter how much Qi they exerted, they couldn't break free. Their efforts were useless.

Zhao Hai smiled down at them. "Hehe, I forgot to mention a habit of mine. Whenever I sense something is wrong, I record everything with a Jade Slip. I’ve captured our entire conversation and will be sending it to the Sect Elders. I wonder how the Sect Master will handle your Great Commander Han then." He produced a Jade Slip as he spoke. The captives' faces turned pale with horror. They realized the situation had spiraled completely out of their control.

The leader shot Zhao Hai a look of pure ruthlessness. Suddenly, he surged his Dharmic powers inward. With a violent boom, he self-destructed. The blast was so powerful it not only killed him but also obliterated the other Elders trapped alongside him.

Zhao Hai stared at the gruesome remains with a cold, playful smirk. "Interesting. They actually chose self-destruction. Quite brave. It seems they have Life Tokens; Han Lei will know of their deaths immediately. He’s likely rushing here now to 'clean up' the mess."

Yan Bei, witnessing the explosion, looked grim. He turned to Zhao Hai and asked, "Little Hai, what’s the move? If Han Lei knows, he’ll be here any second to attack us. We need to message the Sect Master immediately." Yan Bei knew that if Han Lei came, he’d bring the sect's forces. If they fought back, they might kill fellow disciples, which would create blood feuds with the families behind those disciples. It would be a political disaster.

"Indeed, we must report this," Zhao Hai agreed with a nod. He waved his hand, and the recording Jade Slip vanished in a flash of white light. Then, looking toward the horizon, he added, "I didn't expect them to be this fast. Big Brother Yan, come with me."

Yan Bei was stunned. "They're already here? How is that possible?" He couldn't understand the speed. Had they been lying in wait? If so, why send only a few Elders initially?

Zhao Hai explained with a smile, "A portable teleportation formation. They must have the coordinates for this location and warped here directly. It seems Commander Han anticipated we might resist and prepared for both outcomes. Now that the Elders are dead, he’s here to finish us off. Let’s go out and meet them; it would be rude not to." He flew toward the edge of Blood Gale Island, with Yan Bei right behind him.

The two emerged to see Zhao Hai’s massive sword hovering in the air. The Undead and the puppets fell into formation behind him, mirroring the imposing display they had used against the Fang clan. The sight of the giant sword alone was enough to give any observer pause.

From his position on the blade, Zhao Hai watched as a crowd gathered near the island. There were roughly 10,000 cultivators, and while they lacked large magical vessels, their sheer numbers in the sky were an intimidating sight.

At their head stood a cultivator in his thirties. He hovered with a stoic expression, his gaze locked onto Zhao Hai. Zhao Hai met his eyes and smiled, cupping his fists politely. "You must be Elder Han Lei? I am Zhao Hai. To what do I owe the honor of your visit to my Blood Gale Island?"

Han Lei let out a cold snort. "Zhao Hai, you have conspired with the 13 Family Alliance, causing the Blood Slaughter Sect to suffer grievous losses. I sent men to bring you in for questioning, yet you murdered them. What do you have to say for yourself?" Han Lei had wasted no time in branding him a criminal.

Zhao Hai looked at Han Lei and then at the soldiers behind him, his smile widening. "Elder Han, are you suggesting the Sect Master is a poor judge of character? Are you saying he gave his token to a traitor like me? You must have a truly incredible eye for detail to spot a traitor that the Sect Master missed. And so, you've come to bring me to justice?" Zhao Hai spoke with such lightheartedness it was as if he were telling a joke.

Han Lei’s face twitched at the mention of the Sect Master. He growled, "The Sect Master is wise, but even he can be deceived by a snake like you. Zhao Hai, I have undeniable proof of your collusion with the 13 Family Alliance. Surrender now. If you don't, do not blame us for forgetting our bonds as sect brothers when we take you down."