Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8415: Difficult problem _1
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
A burst of white light flashed, and Zhao Hai suddenly materialized on the island. The moment he set foot there, Zhao Hai scanned his surroundings, discovering the area swarming with disciples from the blood slaughter sect. Innumerable blood slaughter sect disciples stood grouped together. Not a single one stirred. They all sat cross-legged upon the earth, meditating in utter silence, like warriors poised for an imminent colossal conflict.
While Zhao Hai observed his environment, someone soared up to him and spoke gravely, "Are you Island Lord Zhao Hai? Come with me; the Grand Elder awaits you." Zhao Hai spun around to see a man in his forties. His features were unremarkable, clad in scarlet robes. His face showed no emotion, appearing rather aloof. Yet, a thick aura of murderous intent radiated from him. Though merely at the refinement realm's pinnacle, he carried a saber strapped to his back, which caught Zhao Hai off guard.
Zhao Hai instantly realized this individual hailed from the hall of crimson blade, and not just any recruit, but a full-fledged member. He differed from the examiners Zhao Hai had encountered earlier. A hallmark of hall of crimson blade's official members was their custom of sheathing sabers across their backs, marking their signature trait. Within the bloody massacre sect, only hall of crimson blade members adopted this practice. Others might envy it and try the same, but such imitation was forbidden, reserved exclusively as a hard-earned privilege from the hall of crimson blade's myriad victories in combat.
Zhao Hai offered a respectful bow to the man and responded, "Yes, Zhao Hai pays respects to senior. After you." The man gave a nod, pivoted, and guided Zhao Hai onward. Zhao Hai hurried to keep pace behind him. Whether it was mere fancy or not, Zhao Hai sensed a trace of animosity from this hall of crimson blade member, leaving him puzzled.
Still, Zhao Hai held his tongue and trailed the man as they flew ahead. Before long, they reached the island's heart. At its core stood a grand hall. A contingent of guards lined up outside it. Each stood rigidly erect, with long sabers slung over their backs. Though the group numbered under a thousand, their presence brimmed with unyielding spirit. They loomed like a vast legion of thousands upon thousands.
The hall of crimson blade member escorted Zhao Hai to the plaza before the hall and declared, "Island Master Zhao Hai, proceed into the main hall." With that, he retreated to join the hall of crimson blade's ranks and held position. Upon hearing Zhao Hai's name, several front-row hall of crimson blade disciples swiveled their gazes toward him, eyes brimming with clear antagonism.
Though Zhao Hai couldn't fathom the root of their apparent enmity toward him, he still clasped his fists in thanks to the man. Then, facing the hall, he announced firmly, "Zhao Hai reports as summoned!" Once done, he positioned his hands at his sides, his posture ramrod straight.
"Little Hai has arrived; enter," came Du Wan Sha's voice. "Yes," Zhao Hai answered, striding into the hall. The hall of crimson blade members watched his retreating form, their stares laced with veiled hostility. Their resentment toward Zhao Hai stemmed from the bloodsucker team. Zhao Hai had formed the bloodsucker team, which had sparred with hall of crimson blade members not long ago. Even though bloodsucker team members couldn't best them, the hall of crimson blade dared not dismiss their strength. This fresh squad proved remarkably formidable, astonishing the hall of crimson blade folks. Some had even pushed to absorb the bloodsucker team into their ranks.
Yet, to the hall of crimson blade's shock, bloodsucker team members refused integration. They firmly believed that with Zhao Hai leading them, victory over the hall of crimson blade lay within reach. They clung to Zhao Hai's words: persistent effort would eventually eclipse the hall of crimson blade's might.
The hall of crimson blade members knew this full well, fueling their ire. They embodied the hall of crimson blade, the deadliest edge among all forces below island lord rank in the bloody murder sect. Whenever the hall of crimson blade mobilized, no skirmish proved unsolvable. This reputation bred their immense pride, a pride well-deserved. They long viewed themselves as the supreme power beneath island lord tier in the bloody murder sect.
Now, claims circulated that bloodsucker team members might outstrip the hall of crimson blade. How could such words not ignite their fury? Precisely because of that boast, the hall of crimson blade ceased efforts to enlist bloodsucker team members. And it was that very boast that sparked their grudge against Zhao Hai. Still, this grudge harbored no intent to slay him—they knew better. The hall of crimson blade recognized Zhao Hai's vital contributions to the sect, yet they disdained him. They yearned to humble him, to demonstrate their dominance. Only then might Zhao Hai cease proclaiming the bloodsucker team's superiority over the hall of crimson blade. It amounted to spirited rivalry.
Naturally, Zhao Hai remained oblivious to all this. He had stepped inside the main hall by now. Numerous figures occupied seats within. Centermost sat Du Wan Sha, flanked by two others. One was Blood Fang Li Da Feng, the other Blood Demon Tu Ling. Both ranked among the blood slaughter sect's six grand elders, their standing just shy of Du Wan Sha's.
Zhao Hai hastened forward to Du Wan Sha, Li Da Feng, and Tu Ling, offering a deep bow. "My respects to First Elder, Elder Li, Elder Tu, and fellow island owners!" He concluded with cupped hands in salute to the assembly. His etiquette shone impeccably. The group nodded in approval. They understood Zhao Hai's standing. Backed by the elders, his prospects soared boundlessly. Even as a mere disciple, slighting such a rising star invited peril. Thus, all extended courteous regard to him.
Du Wan Sha gestured dismissively and said, "Enough with the formalities. Come, allow me to present them. This is Shangguan family head Shangguan Jinyang. Here is Steward Hall head Hong Chen, and Mi family head Mi Yuzhen. These three clans once anchored the 13 Family Alliance's core houses, but they've now pledged to our blood slaughter sect."
At Du Wan Sha's introduction, Zhao Hai promptly bowed to the trio. "Greetings to the three patriarchs. Zhao Hai offers his respects." He grasped clearly that their entry into the blood slaughter sect elevated their rank considerably. As key players in the 13 Family Alliance, the blood slaughter sect would cherish them highly, especially now. Their defection dealt a crushing morale strike to the 13 Family Alliance. In this juncture, lavish treatment from the blood slaughter sect would amplify the devastation to the alliance's spirits.
The three patriarchs returned Zhao Hai's salute. Each bore distinct traits. Shangguan family head resembled Shangguan Qingfeng closely. Draped in scholarly attire, a warm smile graced his features, rendering him strikingly appealing. Anyone beholding him would feel instant affinity. Mi family head stood short but burly. Though not towering, his frame exuded raw power. The steward head contrasted sharply. Slender and unassuming in height, he appeared in his sixties, a gaunt elder. Yet Zhao Hai refrained from underestimating him. The steward head's aura pulsed strongest among the three.
The three patriarchs appraised Zhao Hai in turn. His reputation preceded him. He was Blood Ghost Zhao Hai, who had rallied blood slaughter sect forces at the western defense line, repelling the 13 Family Alliance's invasion. One could pin the alliance's dire straits squarely on him.
Moreover, Zhao Hai had dazzled in the arena clashes. Hailed as blood sea realm's top pro-disciple, his invitation to this pivotal gathering underscored his elevated position in the bloody massacre sect. Offending such a powerhouse spelled disaster.
As cunning veterans, the three patriarchs recognized the wisdom in restraint after joining the blood slaughter sect. Low profiles served them best, now and henceforth. Blood slaughter sect members loathed familial influences and would surely curb them. In this climate, humility proved the safest path.
Du Wan Sha eyed the three patriarchs with a grin and said, "No need to introduce this one to you three. He's Zhao Hai, the Blood Ghost. I summoned him here because he'll command his own unit, so he must partake. Fine, Zhao Hai, take a seat. With all present, let's discuss our next moves."
Zhao Hai acknowledged and claimed a spot. The rest fixed grave looks on Du Wan Sha. He surveyed them with a smile and continued, "Relax, everyone; no cause for tension. The thirteen families have barricaded themselves on their core islands now. This core comprises thirty-six major isles, twelve fixed at the very center of the region. The outer ones house the thirteen families' elite clans. Truly, it's their final bulwark."
Pausing briefly, Du Wan Sha pressed on, "On that note, gratitude goes to you three patriarchs. Your choice to abandon shadows for light spurred other minor alliance clans to yield to the blood slaughter sect. Those clustered on the thirty-six isles are the thirteen families' die-hards. Clans we must eradicate. Thus, thanks again to you three."
Shangguan Jinyang and companions demurred politely. Bravado now would court disaster, so they adopted utmost humility and restraint. Du Wan Sha merely aimed to acknowledge briefly, not dwell, shifting to address the group. "Fresh reports confirm the foes amassing vast forces across these thirty-six isles. An ancient magical artifact dwells there too: the One Heart Formation Disk. It links every array spanning the thirty-six isles, fusing their energies. Assault one, and the rest surge power to it. This bolsters the island's barriers, rendering breaches far tougher. That's our chief hurdle."