Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8370: The plan (1)

Yi Xuanming turned to Pan Qianlong and explained, "Junior Brother, our swift success in seizing half of the Blood Slaughter Sect’s western defensive islands was primarily due to our knowledge of their formation flaws. This allowed us to dismantle their defenses with ease. Under those conditions, we could strike directly without being hindered by their protective arrays. Furthermore, our superior numbers put the Blood Slaughter Sect at a severe disadvantage. They realized this quickly, which is why they avoided a direct confrontation and instead abandoned nearly half their territory to buy time for recovery."

Pausing briefly, Yi Xuanming continued, "They utilized that time to overhaul the formations on their remaining islands. It is no longer possible for us to bypass their defenses as we did before, which has allowed them to begin their counterattack. If they apply the same logic to the islands they reclaim, we will be in a difficult position. While taking their islands has become an uphill battle, if they truly possess Formation Masters capable of dismantling our defenses so easily, it means they can replicate our earlier success. It is a grave concern if they can strike our islands directly without being obstructed by our protective formations."

Pan Qianlong was momentarily stunned by Yi Xuanming’s analysis. His expression shifted as he remarked, "If the situation is truly that dire, it is indeed problematic. What is our next move? Without a solid strategy, I fear the Western Defense Line of the Blood Slaughter Sect will remain out of our reach."

Yi Xuanming looked at Pan Qianlong, momentarily speechless at his companion's optimism. Capturing the entire Western Defense Line? They would be lucky just to hold the territory they had already taken. Yi Xuanming lowered his voice and said, "Junior Brother, the issue is no longer about conquering their entire line of defense. The priority now is simply figuring out how to protect the islands currently under our control."

Stunned, Pan Qianlong asked with a look of confusion, "Is it truly that serious? Given their current military strength, what could they possibly do to us? Reclaiming a few islands is the limit of their capabilities." Pan Qianlong hadn't been overly concerned about a major counteroffensive; his primary fear was facing punishment from the Sect, which is why he had requested guidance. He had never considered that they might lose their foothold entirely. In his mind, their side still held the advantage in power.

Yi Xuanming shook his head in disagreement. "The dynamics have shifted. Previously, we held the upper hand because we could exploit their weaknesses. Now that we can no longer easily breach their islands, they effectively have a secure rear base. They can use that foundation to advance methodically, one step at a time. Every island they reclaim becomes a fortress we cannot easily retake. Gradually, they will claw back every single island."

Upon hearing this, Pan Qianlong’s face paled. He looked at Yi Xuanming and said urgently, "Senior Brother, what should we do? If the Blood Slaughter Sect follows that path, won't we be in significant danger? If we fail to secure the Western Defense Line, our entire strategy fails. I worry the Sect will severely punish us for such a failure."

Yi Xuanming nodded in agreement. "Indeed, punishment is certain if we don't find a solution. However, we possess an advantage the Blood Slaughter Sect lacks: raw numbers. We have more manpower and access to immediate reinforcements. Following their internal rebellion, the Blood Slaughter Sect lost a vast number of low-level disciples. Furthermore, while their ruthless tactics managed to fracture the previous Alliance, they have also alienated every other Sect. Currently, they are forced to heavily guard all their borders for fear of external attacks, meaning they cannot spare extra troops for the Western Defense Line. Their limited numbers are our greatest edge. If we turn this into a war of attrition, we can simply exhaust them to death."

After a short silence, Yi Xuanming added, "Right now, the Blood Slaughter Sect’s greatest fear is losing more disciples. Here is the plan: I will return to the Sect to request additional reinforcements. We must keep these secret from the enemy. They will undoubtedly attack us again to drive us away from the Western Defense Line. Our reinforcements will serve as a hidden trump card. When they think they have us cornered, our hidden forces will strike a devastating blow. Once their numbers are depleted, they will no longer be able to resist us."

Pan Qianlong’s eyes brightened at the suggestion. He nodded enthusiastically, saying, "Excellent. Senior Brother, that is a brilliant plan. We must make the Blood Slaughter Sect pay dearly this time. If we can eliminate their disciples, their powerful defensive arrays will be useless with no one to man them. We can then systematically reclaim every island."

Yi Xuanming smiled. "Exactly. I will depart immediately to ensure the Sect coordinates with our allies for more troops. After all, we aren't the only ones who stand to gain from the Blood Slaughter Sect’s downfall; the other Sects must contribute their share of disciples as well."

Pan Qianlong gave a firm nod. "Understood. Leave things here to me while you secure the reinforcements. Once they arrive, we will crush those fools from the Blood Slaughter Sect. We’ll show them that all their desperate posturing is ultimately futile."

Resentment colored Pan Qianlong’s tone. During the previous conflict involving the seven major sects, the Blood Slaughter Sect had used extreme, suicidal tactics to survive. While many Cultivators looked down on such methods, many others were secretly impressed by their resolve. In contrast, the performance of the seven major sects had been viewed as a disappointment.

Essentially, the Blood Slaughter Sect was willing to fight to the death. If their opponents weren't prepared for the same level of sacrifice, they were forced to retreat. The seven major sects, unwilling to trade lives so recklessly against 'lunatics' when they weren't yet cornered, naturally chose to back off.

To outside observers, however, the seven major sects appeared cowardly. The moment the Blood Slaughter Sect showed its teeth, the Alliance folded. This perception led many smaller sects to lose respect for the major powers, fueling embarrassing rumors. While the Sect Elders ignored the gossip, disciples like Pan Qianlong felt the sting of the insult deeply, fueling his desire to humiliate the Blood Slaughter Sect.

Yi Xuanming smiled at Pan Qianlong's fervor. "Do not worry, Junior Brother. But remain cautious. The people of the Blood Slaughter Sect are formidable and won't be easily defeated. Avoid unnecessary head-on clashes for now and preserve our strength. If an island falls, let it go; we can always take it back once the reinforcements arrive." Pan Qianlong signaled his understanding, and with a final nod, Yi Xuanming departed.

Meanwhile, Zhao Hai remained unaware of the specific discussions on Blood Mountain Island. Although he had previously monitored the location, maintaining surveillance was now difficult. His spatial abilities were obstructed in areas with chaotic spiritual energy or those protected by high-level formations. The intense energy fluctuations around the island's defenses made direct observation impossible.

Nevertheless, he didn't feel the need to constantly watch the 13 Family Alliance. He simply needed to execute his own strategy. This time, Zhao Hai intended to mobilize his entire force rather than relying on diversions. Such tricks lost their effectiveness if repeated too often.

Following a period of recuperation, the troops were refreshed. The island formations had been restored and manned by capable Cultivators. Zhao Hai prepared to move. He assembled his force of roughly 100,000 men, standing before them to gauge their morale.

The crowd, ranging from the Dharma-use realm to the Dharma-refinement realm, watched Zhao Hai intently. Most regarded him with a degree of admiration for his skill in breaking arrays, though they lacked deep-seated reverence since they hadn't seen him in direct combat. They trusted his leadership, but true devotion was still rare.

However, a specific group of elite Cultivators looked at Zhao Hai with genuine fanaticism. These were the ones who had fought alongside him. They didn't just believe in his tactics; they had witnessed his power firsthand. Under his guidance, their own understanding of Cultivation had reached new heights. Unlike the general soldiers, these elites were entirely devoted to him.

Zhao Hai remained indifferent to these varying levels of loyalty. He addressed the gathered crowd in a booming voice, "We successfully captured ten islands in a single stroke, and while that is a cause for celebration, we must realize..."