Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8523: Discussion (1)
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
Chapter 8523: Discussion (1)
Within the grand hall of Righteousness Island, dozens of cultivators gathered in seats. None of them lacked strength; the least powerful stood at the Island Lord level, and several surpassed that rank considerably. Though they couldn't match the six elders from the Bloody Massacre Sect, a handful possessed notable power.
All of them wore grave expressions as they sat. A closer inspection revealed the fury burning in their gazes. Their anger was genuine. Over a dozen sects in the Blood River Sea had been wiped out so far, yet the culprits behind these destructions remained unidentified. How could they stay calm?
At the head position sat a scholarly-dressed man in his forties, exuding an air of uprightness. His simple navy-blue scholar's robe did little to diminish the sharp gleam in his eyes when he opened them. No one would underestimate him. He served as the Sect Master of the Righteousness Sect, known as the Iron Guts Scholar, Wen Butong.
The Righteousness Sect thrived only in isolated spots like the Blood Sea. In other regions of the Blood Sea Realm, such a name would invite endless trouble. After all, this was the Blood Sea Realm, dominated by demonic sects. Declaring oneself a righteous sect here was like painting a target on your back—pure suicide otherwise.
Yet in the Blood River Sea area, a title like Righteousness Sect raised no eyebrows. Names of all sorts flourished here, including ones like Demon-Subduing Sect. With the central authorities distant and indifferent, they operated freely without drawing scrutiny from the Blood Sea Realm's major powers.
The Righteousness Sect stood as the mightiest force in the Blood River Sea region, controlling nearly two hundred islands and claiming supremacy there. Wen Butong, a Technique Realm level five powerhouse, earned his reputation as the top expert in the Blood River Sea.
Wen Butong scanned the assembly and spoke softly, “Since you're all present, I'll dispense with formalities. Let's discuss this thoroughly. What do you all think about this sudden mysterious foe?” He fell silent afterward, half-closing his eyes as he remained seated.
The others exchanged glances upon seeing this. Then, one voice broke the quiet: “Alliance Master, this whole affair feels off. Why would someone abruptly invade our Blood River Sea region and strike at us? Doesn't that seem bizarre? Could the Blood Sea Realm's sects be gearing up to assault us with the Millennium War approaching?”
His statement sparked immediate chaos in the hall. Even Wen Butong's eyes snapped open, his brow furrowing. Truth be told, this scenario haunted their worst fears. The Millennium War loomed near; if the great sects targeted them now, the fallout would prove disastrous.
But after a moment's reflection, Wen Butong shook his head and murmured, “Impossible. If a major Blood Sea Realm sect aimed to crush us, they wouldn't skulk around like this. Their might allows them to obliterate us outright. Sneaking attacks don't fit their approach.”
At these words, the group nodded, tension easing slightly. Another Sect Master chimed in: “I agree—it's not those colossal sects striking at us. Their overwhelming power means no need for such tactics. The attacker's caution reveals limited strength, hiding their identity to evade detection. That's why they're proceeding so stealthily.”
Nods rippled through the room. The Sect Master pressed on: “Their strikes are merciless, sparing no one. Crucially, they navigate the Blood Sea undetected, immune to its poison. These clues point to one group: the Ghostwind Bandits who stirred havoc in the Dark Ghost Sect. Those bandits have vanished for ages—perhaps they fled the Dark Ghost Sect's pressures and invaded our Blood River Sea?”
Wen Butong paused briefly, his eyes brightening as he nodded. “That tracks. We know little of the Ghostwind Bandits, but their Sinister Wind Ghost Flags let them traverse the Blood Sea fearlessly against the poison. If it's them, it fits. The Ghostwind Bandits strike without mercy; rumors say they razed two islands in the Dark Ghost Sect, leaving only the Island Masters alive.”
“Yet two Sect Leaders escaped the Dark Ghost Sect unscathed. Not one of ours has slipped away. A powerhouse like the Sword Essence Sect, spanning dozens of islands, fell in mere days without a whisper. This defies norms. Do the Ghostwind Bandits truly wield such might?” one Sect Master questioned gravely.
Silence descended once more as his point sank in. Words failed them. As he noted, did the Ghostwind Bandits possess this capability? It felt utterly implausible. Back when they clashed with the Sinister Wind Sect, they targeted single islands, and those Island Masters fled intact. But now? The Sword Origin Sect, with its vast holdings, vanished entirely, traceless. This power seemed worlds apart from the famed Ghostwind Bandits.
“Perhaps their power surged? Word has it the Ghostwind Bandits' leader, Zou Xiao, teetered at the Dharma Refinement Realm's peak. They might've seized treasures from the Dark Ghost Sect, propelling him to Island Lord level. I've heard the Dark Wind Ghost Flag's potency shifts dramatically between Dharma Refinement and higher Island Lord wielders.” another Sect Master suggested.
Wen Butong declared solemnly, “Ghostwind Bandits or not, we must eradicate them swiftly. Delays will amplify our losses. Worse, excessive turmoil here could alert the Nine Great Sects. Should they turn their gaze upon us, our fate darkens. Prepare yourselves.” Wen Butong had decided: resolving this crisis took precedence above all.
The assembly agreed with nods. Footsteps echoed from beyond the doors then, as a cultivator hurried inside. Bowing to Wen Butong, he reported: “Sect Master, fresh reports: two more sects hit, over a dozen islands gone silent.”
Wen Butong's expression soured instantly, mirrored by the others. A voice cut through: “Alliance Master, we must move now. Debates yield nothing. Locate and annihilate this threat, or we'll know no respite. I'm ready to hunt them, but all must join. Let's wipe them out completely.”
Wen Butong traced the voice to a silent monk in kasaya robes, lean and unassuming. He sat immovably, exuding quiet stability that commanded respect. His subdued presence had kept him overlooked until now.
Wen Butong recognized him: the Abbot of Kurong Temple, a premier Dhyana cultivation sect in the Blood River Sea. Master Ku Ye, a formidable figure, had honed Silent Dhyana early on, mastering mind-reading arts that excelled at tracking.
Wen Butong held deep regard for Master Ku Ye, a monk of true wisdom and depth. Hearing him speak, Wen Butong replied promptly: “Master's aid gladdens us. Very well, everyone. With Master Ku Ye joining the search, we commit fully. This concerns us all. Return, rally your forces at once. In three days, we'll mobilize. Then, Master Ku Ye will guide us to obliterate them!”
The group voiced their assent. They trusted Master Ku Ye implicitly—his prowess was unmatched, especially in pursuit. Pinpointing the foe posed no challenge, and elimination stood as their urgent goal. The enemy's identity mattered less now.
“Very well,” Master Ku Ye intoned, “we act in three days. I depart.” He rose, offered a bow to the gathering, and exited. The Sect Masters followed suit, haste essential for assembling in three days. They exchanged farewells and departed. Wen Butong saw them off to the teleportation array without protest.
Once alone, Wen Butong retreated to his study. A few subordinates awaited, saluting as he arrived: “Sect Master!” He nodded, settling in before instructing: “You're aware of today's talks. Action in three days—prepare accordingly. We depart then to eradicate these foes. But brace for aftermath too. Such audacity humiliating our Blood River Sea—if the Nine Great Sects intervene, we're doomed. We've been too bold!”