Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8401: Crafty scheme (1)

A grand palace loomed massively. Its entrance featured a spectral face, one half curved in a grin while the other twisted in rage. Known as the Senluo Treasure Palace, this structure held within one of its chambers an elder with flowing white locks and beard. Advanced in age, he possessed a flushed, wrinkle-free complexion that brimmed with vigor. Perched on a simple futon, eyes sealed shut, he evoked the image of an ancient sage.

Over a dozen figures flanked the elder on either side. Varied emotions played across their faces, yet every gaze remained locked on him. Moments passed before the man at his left broke the silence. "Alliance leader, five days have elapsed since the blood slaughter sect’s arena was established. Both factions have endured losses in that span. Still, the blood slaughter sect’s toll remains lighter overall. What's more, challengers from the other sects have targeted Zhao Hai almost a hundred times, yet none emerged victorious. He crushed them all. If this pattern holds, the other sects won't overpower the blood slaughter sect through these arena clashes. Without that edge, the blood slaughter sect will turn their fury on us. They can't lend us open backing either. This spells trouble for our side. Time to enact our scheme?"

His statement drew all eyes to the elder, who held the power to decide. This venerable figure served as the Alliance head of the 13 Family Alliance and patriarch of the Yu family—Yu Fengbo. He scanned the group with a grave expression before declaring solemnly, "I had no intention of deploying this strategy initially. Activating it would reveal our possession of a Senluo Palace duplicate. Thereafter, we'd lose any chance to wield it against the blood slaughter sect or rivals. Circumstances force our hand now, though. Relay orders to mobilize. Delay is no longer an option."

"Yes, sir!" The assembly chorused in reply, rising promptly. They offered bows to the elder before departing. Watching their retreating forms, the old man let out a quiet sigh. Their devised plot lacked true ingenuity. Success here would still provoke the bloody massacre sect's wrath. It might also alienate the other sects. Yet necessity compelled this path. Preserving the 13 Family Alliance's heritage demanded no less.

The arena battles had raged for five full days. Across that time, foes had hurled nearly a hundred challenges at Zhao Hai, but every attempt failed. Thus, the tally of Pro-disciples he had vanquished surpassed one hundred. Such dominance stunned onlookers.

Disciples from the assorted sects now grasped Zhao Hai's formidable might. Though he employed the incantation gesture, it appeared far from his peak effort—merely summoning the ghost claw. This realization deepened their dread of him among the sects.

Zhao Hai, however, harbored no concerns. With Ha Jing's presence, rivals from other sects lacked the power to harass him. He dismissed the matter entirely. He anticipated heightened scrutiny from the sects post-event, potentially inviting greater perils ahead. Yet even an Island Lord expert's assault wouldn't faze him much, much less lesser threats.

On this particular day, Zhao Hai and his comrades wrapped up yet another round of contests. The prior days' matches had unfolded swiftly. As true disciples clashed, lethal techniques flew from the outset. Most duels concluded in mere exchanges. Roughly fifty bouts filled each day, with nearly twenty aimed at Zhao Hai. This rendered him the most taxed among them.

Post-contest, Zhao Hai and the rest lounged in repose beyond the blood Buddha Temple. The throng of cultivators around the temple had thinned noticeably. Some had fallen to enemy blades, others nursed wounds back at their sects, and a few, unscathed but defeated, chose departure. While some lingered to observe, many had withdrawn to their bases. Hence, the crowd outside dwindled.

Seated in meditation, Zhao Hai drew no interruptions. In recent days, the bloody massacre sect's legacy disciples had witnessed his prowess firsthand. His capabilities surpassed all expectations. This revelation forged unshakeable faith in his leadership among them. Zhao Hai had solidified his role as their undisputed guide.

Mid-meditation, Zhao Hai sensed a compass within his space flare to life. Startled, he rose swiftly. A flick of his wrist produced a verdant jade compass, far more intricate than his prior model. The device's glow soured his features. He dashed toward the blood Buddha Temple's entrance, voice grave as he announced, "Disciple Zhao Hai seeks audience with Grandmaster!"

His abrupt move jolted the onlookers. Puzzled stares fixed on him. What spurred such urgency? Had calamity struck? Curiosity gripped them all, eyes glued to Zhao Hai.

"Enter," came Ha Jing’s voice. Zhao Hai acknowledged and shoved the doors wide. He hastened into the grand hall. Ha Jing and companions lingered there still. For such cultivators, rest proved unnecessary. Amid the day's demands, they meditated in the hall, poised for any crisis.

Upon Zhao Hai's arrival, Ha Jing eyed him and queried, "What troubles you, little Hai? Speak up." Genuine intrigue colored Ha Jing's tone at Zhao Hai's haste. Typically composed, something grave must have rattled him.

"Grandmaster, assault strikes the Western line of defense. Blood Mountain Island falls under attack right now!" Zhao Hai blurted urgently. This revelation fueled his panic. The Western Defense line breached, with Blood Mountain Island as the target—worry consumed him. Though the island could hold, concern gnawed relentlessly.

Ha Jing froze at Zhao Hai’s report, then darkened. "Source of this intel? Reliable?" Shock laced his words. He hadn't foreseen such boldness against the Western Defense line now. A ploy by the major sects? Drawing them here to strike Blood Mountain Island? Unlikely, given the assembled forces. The bloody massacre sect’s Army stayed put. What scheme unfolded?

Zhao Hai's hand shifted, unveiling a highly detailed compass. He addressed Ha Jing, "Grandmaster, this serves as a subsidiary to the Western Defense line's central control. I keep it close to monitor developments anytime. Observe, please—this rune marks Blood Mountain Island. Its illumination signals assault. Adjacent runes glow too, indicating a brutal onslaught drawing power from neighboring isles. The stakes here demand caution."

Ha Jing studied the compass Zhao Hai held. After moments, he huffed and surged to his feet. "Those seven major sects dare deceive the blood slaughter sect? Rally all hands—we strike the Senluo Temple at once. I'll hear their excuses firsthand. Do they fancy the bloody massacre sect as pushovers?"

"Grandmaster, hold your temper," Zhao Hai urged quickly. "This could stem from misunderstanding. Why not probe them first? Your thoughts?" Zhao Hai recognized the seven major sects' reluctance for fresh strife with the bloody massacre sect now. Their actions struck him as odd.

Ha Jing paused at Zhao Hai’s suggestion, then peered at him quizzically. "Your intent?" He eagerly sought Zhao Hai's scheme. Renowned for cunning across the bloody massacre sect, Zhao Hai's counsel carried weight.

Deep-voiced, Zhao Hai replied, "I fear this reeks of the 13 Family Alliance's machinations. Witnessing our arena dominance, they anticipate our triumph and subsequent reprisal. Lacking overt aid from the seven major sects, they'd face ruin. Thus, they plot against us. The assailants on Blood Mountain Island likely hail from the 13 Family Alliance, harboring further designs. A rash assault on the Senluo Temple grants them mere words. Better to test their mettle. Grandmaster, toll the bell and summon senior Jietian."

Ha Jing's face shifted subtly at Zhao Hai’s analysis. He nodded firmly. "Very well, we'll follow your lead. Let's uncover their game." Mind focused, Ha Jing triggered a bell's toll from afar. Its chime pierced the night, echoing widely. Not just blood kill sect disciples, but the seven major sects' Alliance and spectators caught the sound. Bewilderment spread. What prompted the blood kill sect's midnight alarm? Stirring chaos?

Suddenly, the crowd spotted a silhouette materializing over the blood Buddha Temple. It was Ha Jing once more. Hovering aloft, he bellowed, "Jie Tian, you old fox, show yourself!" His roar boomed, audible to all. Stunned silence followed.

Jie Tian ranked as a corpse demon sect elder, his status rivaling Ha Jing's. Their encounters typically brimmed with courtesy. Why this nocturnal tirade? Madness? What drove him?

"Hmph!" A frosty snort echoed. Then, a form streaked from the Senluo Temple—Jie Tian. He halted mid-air, glaring at Ha Jing. Icy demeanor matched his chill tone. "Ha Jing, lost your mind? Shouting like this at night?"