Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8372: A warning _1

Zhao Hai sat composedly within the chamber, Yan Bei positioned at his side. The remaining officers in charge were also seated nearby. Zhao Hai swept his gaze across the group and remarked, "For the last fifteen days, we have successfully captured one island every twenty-four hours. The coalition of the thirteen families has been in constant retreat, offering only minimal resistance. Gentlemen, what are your thoughts on this situation?"

The assembly was momentarily stunned by Zhao Hai's inquiry. Eventually, one of the managers spoke in a gravelly voice, "Commander, what is there to consider? The opposition is clearly no match for us. They have realized our offensive strategy and recognized they have no countermeasure, leaving them no choice but to withdraw. Is this not a natural progression?"

Several other managers nodded in agreement, sharing this sentiment. However, a few others wore frowns, clearly skeptical of such a simple explanation. Noticing this, Zhao Hai turned his attention to one of them and said, "Chang Jun, speak up. You look troubled. Have you realized something?"

Zhao Hai addressed a cultivator who appeared to be in his forties. This man had an unremarkable appearance with tanned skin, drooping brows, a somber expression, and calloused hands. He looked less like a cultivator and more like a seasoned farmer. Startled by the sudden call, Chang Jun paused before nodding. "Yes, Commander. I believe there is something suspicious about this."

Zhao Hai smiled and encouraged him, "Explain your reasoning in detail." Zhao Hai had been observing Chang Jun for some time. While his Cultivation level wasn't the highest among the group and he remained low-key, he was exceptionally intelligent. Among all the stewards, the cultivators under Chang Jun’s command were the most disciplined and efficiently managed. It was this competence that had caught Zhao Hai’s eye.

Chang Jun began, "The thirteen Family Alliance is not a weak force, and they possess the backing of various other Sects. Their circumstances differ from ours. Because we have suffered significant losses among our low-level disciples and must remain vigilant against other Sects, we cannot spare many troops for this Western line of defense. Our current numbers are the limit of what we can deploy. The thirteen Family Alliance, however, has the support of numerous Sects who do not fear us, especially those too distant for us to strike. Logically, they should be sending reinforcements. They fought hard to take these islands and shouldn't surrender them so easily. Their current passivity is highly abnormal. It reminds me of the tactics we used when you were reconstructing the Island formations—we retreated and offered only light resistance. This suggests they are either preparing a trap or have devised a specialized method to eliminate us."

The atmosphere in the hall shifted as the others processed Chang Jun’s analysis. They began to see the parallels between the enemy's behavior and their own previous tactics. It was indeed unsettling.

Zhao Hai laughed loudly. "Excellent, truly excellent. Chang Jun, you have a sharp mind. Starting today, you are my assistant. You will help me oversee the Army alongside brother Yan Bei." Zhao Hai paused, then addressed the rest of the group with a stern tone. "Listen well. The thirteen Family Alliance is undoubtedly plotting something. They have the backing of many Sects, led by the seven major ones. They do not lack manpower, whereas our Blood Slaughter Sect is currently stretched thin. This is the one place where they can whittle down our disciples without fearing immediate retaliation. If they succeed in slaughtering a large number of our people, we will be forced to divert even more disciples here, leading to even greater losses. If that happens, the prestige of the Blood Slaughter Sect will crumble, and our status as one of the ten great Sects will be in jeopardy. We must be cautious. Our current strength cannot afford to call for more reinforcements. You have grown arrogant because of these easy victories, thinking the enemy fears us. Why would they fear us with such backing? Only Chang Jun remained vigilant. Therefore, I am making him my Deputy. Does anyone object?"

Silence met his question. They understood that Zhao Hai’s final question was a formality; his earlier warning was the core message. They shook their heads, realizing the hidden dangers behind the recent easy wins.

Zhao Hai looked at them and continued firmly, "I have recently requested three million puppets from the Sect. You will all receive a portion. However, I have one strict condition: these puppets are not to be deployed yet. They are only to be used once the enemy's plot is revealed. I will decide the timing. Unless I give the order, they stay in storage. Do you understand?"

The group answered in unison. Previously, they might have resented such control, but Zhao Hai’s string of victories had earned him absolute prestige. No one dared to disagree.

Zhao Hai added, "Select 30,000 men from your ranks. Give each person 100 puppets so they can practice. I am limiting it to 100 per person so they can control them without hindering their own combat capability. This ensures they can handle sudden ambushes. If the enemy discovers our puppets and launches a surprise attack while our men are distracted, the casualties would be catastrophic. The puppets are here. Take them and distribute them." Zhao Hai produced several interspatial bags and handed them out. The managers took them respectfully, waiting until they returned to their posts to inspect the contents.

Zhao Hai had been preparing since the first clash with the thirteen families. He had coordinated with Zhu Yong and Gou’zi to work with the Undead Clan to mass-produce puppets and machinery. He realized this war would be a grueling one. He had initially tried to limit puppet use, but the enemy was targeting the Blood Slaughter Sect’s greatest weakness: its low-level disciple count. To protect the Sect's foundation and stability, Zhao Hai had ramped up production.

He had informed Dao Qianzhan and the other Elders, who had consented. Zhao Hai even provided the automated production machines and the designs for the specialized refining furnaces. Now, puppet production lines were active on Blood Slaughter Island and various other locations within the Sect.

Zhao Hai had also warned the Elders about the potential long-term impact of relying on puppets, leaving the final decision to them. Regardless, for the Western Defense line, puppets were a necessity for victory. Currently, Blood Gale Island was producing 100,000 units a day, which Zhao Hai deemed sufficient for now.

Once the bags were distributed, Zhao Hai said, "Return to your posts. Be extremely careful in the coming fights. Don't say I didn't warn you. These new puppets have been modified; if the controller is killed, the puppets will self-destruct. Remind your men: if their puppets explode and kill our own people because they were careless enough to die, I will personally extract their souls to fuel Yin lamps." The managers shivered at the threat, bowed, and departed.

Once they were alone, Zhao Hai turned to Yan Bei. "Big brother Yan, stay alert. The enemy's strange behavior means they are preparing a massive blow. We are heading into a brutal struggle. For us, the real war is just beginning."

Yan Bei smiled. "Don't worry. I have those puppets with me constantly. I'll follow your advice and keep 100 active so my own fighting isn't hampered. You don't need to fret over me." Despite Yan Bei's progress in the profound Cultivation realm, he was still vulnerable to those in the refined Cultivation realm. Zhao Hai remained concerned.

Zhao Hai nodded and lowered his voice. "Big brother Yan, remember the Blood Cloud Beast I gave you. It is a powerful ally. During the next battle, keep it close to guard you. With it there, no one can sneak up on you from the Blood Sea. Don't underestimate its strength. Even if the beast dies, it can be replaced; you cannot. Do you understand?"

The 'Blood Cloud Beast' was, in truth, an Alien. Zhao Hai had gifted one to Yan Bei, but Yan Bei treated it as a precious treasure and rarely used it in combat. Zhao Hai wanted to ensure Yan Bei prioritized his own life over the creature’s safety, knowing he had many more Aliens to spare.