Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8470: Inner demon (1)

Zhao Hai recognized the visitor right away from the sound of the knock. A grin spread across his face as he headed to the entrance. Swinging the door open, he eyed Wen Liyi and said, “You’re here. Please come in.” With those words, he stepped aside to welcome Wen Liyi inside.

Wen Liyi froze at Zhao Hai's composed response. He'd figured Zhao Hai would react with shock upon his arrival, yet the unexpected serenity threw him off balance. Bewildered, he stared at Zhao Hai and questioned, “You know me?”

Zhao Hai chuckled. “Wen Liyi. Naturally, I know who you are. Step inside and take a seat. You're the twin brother of Wen Liren.” He then proceeded toward the sitting area. Noticing Zhao Hai's demeanor, Wen Liyi held back any retort and followed him in. He was eager to hear what Zhao Hai had to share and how the man had learned of his presence.

Once settled in the living room, Zhao Hai cast a look at Wen Liyi and grinned. “I won't bother with tea. Even if I offered, I doubt you'd touch it. Pondering how I uncovered your secret? Truth is, Wen Liren spilled it himself.”

Zhao Hai eyed Wen Liyi once more and spoke gravely, “What follows might sound unbelievable, but it's the honest account. Believe it or dismiss it—it's still the truth.” He halted briefly after that, then went on to recount how Feng Zhongxin had reached out to him, how he'd sensed potential malice from Feng Zhongxin and his group, how he'd stayed vigilant, how Feng Zhongxin had duped him into sipping the drunken vanilla wine, and all the events unfolding in the blood sea. Every detail came out.

Finally, Zhao Hai fixed his gaze on Wen Liyi and declared, “That's exactly how I learned about you. I had no hand in Wen Liren's death either. He tumbled into another's scheme and perished from the heart devouring bugs' backlash. The Ghostwind bandits’ treasure trove? I truly have no clue its location. Had I known, I'd have claimed it ages ago. Why linger here otherwise?”

Wen Liyi eyed Zhao Hai with a snort. “Why should I trust your tale? It's all hearsay from others. My brother's gone, yet here you stand. You ought to have perished alongside him back then, since this mess stems from you.”

Gazing at Wen Liyi, Zhao Hai let out a weary sigh. He shook his head and intoned deeply, “I've shouldered blame for types like you far too often. You act as if the world must yield to you, like everyone’s in your debt, but let me clarify: nobody owes you a thing. I shared those words earlier to spare your life. If that's truly your mindset, you're gravely mistaken.”

Wen Liyi erupted in laughter. “Hahahaha, excellent! I admire your fearlessness toward me. Bring it on, then—show me your skills.” But just as Wen Liyi geared up to strike, he froze. Glancing at Zhao Hai, he sneered, “I see through it. You aim to provoke me into acting, drawing the bloody massacre sect's wrath upon me. Those madmen from the bloody massacre sect ignore status. If they intervene, I'm done for. That's your ploy, isn't it?”

Zhao Hai regarded Wen Liyi and shook his head. “You're truly... I lack words for you. Have you and your brother dwelled in delusions all along? You've never considered that while plotting against others, they plot right back. Nor have you pondered if your power even measures up to mine. I spared you because killing holds no appeal for me. If death's what you crave, very well—let's depart the island now and clash until one falls. Sound good?”

Hearing this, Wen Liyi eyed Zhao Hai with suspicion. “You'll abandon the island? Courting your own end?” Deep down, Wen Liyi was convinced Zhao Hai wouldn't risk leaving with him. To his mind, Zhao Hai was just a wandering cultivator. Their realms might align, but how could a lone wanderer rival him? He hailed from a sect, after all. The resources and trials sect disciples accessed far outstripped what rogue cultivators could dream of.

Zhao Hai met Wen Liyi's gaze with a smile. “What wouldn't I dare? Let's move.” He rose and strode out. Wen Liyi's confusion deepened at the sight of Zhao Hai's retreating figure. Yet a wicked grin soon twisted his features. He yearned to slay Zhao Hai, and without delay. Thus, he trailed after Zhao Hai without a second thought.

Reaching the inn's main hall, the proprietor spotted Zhao Hai and Wen Liyi emerging. He beamed at Wen Liyi and remarked, “Looks like you've located your contact, Mr. Jin. So that's why you've lingered here these past days—awaiting your associate. He's arrived at last.”

Zhao Hai chuckled and replied, “Yes, he's finally shown up. Innkeeper, I'm checking out now. I'll head off Blood Lake Island shortly. Here's payment for the stay.” He produced a crystal and passed it to the owner. The innkeeper accepted it gratefully, showering Zhao Hai with thanks. Zhao Hai dismissed it with a wave and exited the establishment alongside Wen Liyi.

They quickly arrived at the blood sea's edge. Zhao Hai turned to Wen Liyi with a smile. “It appears you've prepared thoroughly before approaching me, haven't you? You've already informed others that I possess the Ghostwind Sect’s treasure? Should you fall, word spreads, and hunters swarm me until I'm slain. That counts as vengeance on your behalf? Spot on?”

Wen Liyi's face paled at Zhao Hai's insight. His features twisted. For the first time, Zhao Hai struck him as genuinely formidable. Even knowing his identity from the start, Zhao Hai had shown no fear. When detailing Wen Liren's demise, it hadn't felt like self-defense. But now, Zhao Hai's words pierced every layer of Wen Liren's scheme. It was downright chilling.

Noting Wen Liyi's reaction, Zhao Hai smiled. “Seems I've hit the mark. I can't fathom it. As a disciple of the top ten sects' Poisonous Insect Valley, you could've amassed ample cultivation resources. With diligence, Island Master status was within reach. Yet why pursue this path? Had you simply swapped identities with your brother and immersed yourselves in the Poisonous Insect Valley's studies, your strengths would have soared by now. But no—you chased treasures over true cultivation. I fail to grasp it. Does loot eclipse your immortal journey?”

“Nonsense! Securing that treasure guarantees the immortal path. What would you know? Its vaults brim with riches untold. Unearth it, and immortality beckons. Far superior to mere cultivation!” Wen Liyi's glare at Zhao Hai burned with rage.

Zhao Hai gazed at Wen Liyi and sighed once more. “I'm genuinely intrigued. Why overlook this riddle? Why haven't the Ghostwind Bandits claimed their own hoard over the years? Were they ascetics shunning worldly aids in favor of the heavenly Dao? They've failed for so long, yet you believe success awaits you? Isn't that pure self-deception?”

Wen Liyi's visage darkened further. He snarled at Zhao Hai, “Enough prattle. If you lack the guts to venture out, crawl back to your inn.” Murderous fury etched his features. Clearly, Zhao Hai's barbs had struck deep. Likely, they'd mulled this doubt before, but dismissed it with flimsy rationales to cling to denial. Self-lies were essential; admitting otherwise meant conceding years of effort—family elders' legacies included—were futile. Unbearable. Hence, they pressed on.

Observing Wen Liyi, Zhao Hai sighed inwardly. He realized no words would sway him now. Wen Liyi and his kin were long ensnared by inner demons. Salvation was beyond reach. Family prodigies had risen, yet none survived past two centuries—victims of those demons. Their progress stalled at inner demon thresholds, ensuring fatal encounters. Such was the horror of heart devils.

Tragically, Wen Liyi and company grasped none of this. Their inner demons had rooted deeply over time, impossible to uproot. Though a core disciple in the Poisonous Insect Valley now, Wen Liyi would soon fall to his demons, incident or not.

As they departed, Wen Liyi's murderous aura intensified while shadowing Zhao Hai. They refrained from clashing right after leaving Blood Lake Island. Instead, they soared away, halting only a thousand miles out. Zhao Hai hovered over the blood sea, facing Wen Liyi. Wen Liyi returned the stare, his face a mask of lethal intent.

Zhao Hai studied Wen Liyi's glare and smirked. “As I stated earlier, I had no role in the Ghostwind Bandits' downfall. Nor did I slay Wen Liren and the others. You didn't assume I lacked power, right? Hehe, perhaps you're unaware, but I genuinely don't know the Ghostwind Bandits’ treasure location. Still, during their blood sacrifice ploy against me, they intended the Sinister Wind Ghost Flag as the offering. That flag had regained some might then, and post-massacre, it targeted me—but I subdued it. In essence, I've claimed the Ghostwind Bandits’ treasure. Though not the sort you envision.”

Wen Liyi reeled from Zhao Hai's revelation. His face contorted, then he howled with glee. “Perfect! The heavens reward the persistent! At last, the Ghostwind Bandits’ treasure is mine. Zhao Hai, you must perish. The Cold Wind Ghost Flag belongs to me—mine!” He flung his hand, unleashing a dark cloud straight at Zhao Hai.