Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8524: Peeping (1)

The explanation for Wen Butong uttering those words stemmed from a persistent notion they held. They believed that given the surroundings of the Blood River Sea region and the various sects, uniting their efforts could potentially challenge the top ten sects. Even if those top ten sects aimed to confront them, it wouldn't prove straightforward.

Yet, following the disturbance stirred up by Zhao Hai and his companions this time, Wen Butong gained a sharp realization. He came to understand that these individuals stood no chance against the ten great sects. They struggled to handle even a single Ghostwind Bandit, not to mention the full might of the ten great sects. Naturally, only nine great sects remained now, but even a solitary one among them would prove unstoppable for their group.

Upon hearing his statement, the others froze in surprise. Subsequently, their faces shifted with concern. As esteemed elders holding significant power within the righteous sects, they grasped the implications of Wen Butong's declaration without delay. After all, they were remnants preserved by the righteous sects from that era. With the Millennium War drawing near, the nine great sects could launch strikes against them at any moment. Should they fail to endure the onslaught from those nine great sects, dire consequences awaited.

In a grave tone, one elder inquired, “Sect Master, what course of action should we take now?” Only roughly a century remains before the thousand-year war erupts. Soon enough, the nine great sects are likely to launch a comprehensive sweep across the Blood Sea Realm. Should they uncover our presence, we'll face true peril. Preserving our orthodox lineage is essential. Once the Millennium War commences, we can make our way back to the Cloud Sea Realm, ensuring our safety.”

The rest nodded in unison. Such was their strategy. They awaited the onset of the Millennium War eagerly. When it finally ignited, they planned to devise a means to return to the Cloud Sea Realm and their original sects. At that juncture, security would be theirs, freeing them from constant dread.

Nevertheless, they recognized that prior to the Millennium War, a formidable ordeal loomed: a cleansing assault from the nine great sects. In every instance of the Millennium War, be it within the Blood Sea Realm or the Cloud Sea Realm, a thorough eradication of threats occurred right before the conflict's start. This stemmed from the fact that lingering foes often infiltrated territories during past wars. Failing to eliminate these adversaries beforehand could lead to their own annihilation; during the war, such hidden enemies might wreak havoc from behind, posing lethal risks to any realm.

The inhabitants of the Blood River Sea all hailed from orthodox sects. Those who had remained here previously assumed that relying on the local terrain and their amassed power, they could fend off the nine major sects' invasion. If they managed to hold out against that assault, they could bide their time until the Millennium War. Lacking grand ambitions, they understood full well that disrupting the Blood Sea Realm significantly during the war lay beyond their capabilities. Their sole aim was to traverse from the Blood Sea Realm back to the Cloud Sea Realm amid the chaos of the thousand-year war. Achieving that would suffice.

However, recent events had plunged them into frustration. They hadn't anticipated that upon Zhao Hai and his group's entry into the Blood River Sea area, such chaos would ensue, flipping their domain into turmoil. Should additional forces arrive, the devastation would escalate unimaginably. This revelation shattered any lingering optimism they harbored for the Blood River Sea.

In a somber voice, Wen Butong declared, “We shall initiate Plan B. Locate a concealed stronghold, and at the opportune moment, relocate our forces there. If we can remain hidden until the Millennium War unfolds, victory is ours. Regardless, we absolutely must eradicate this band of intruders who have ventured into the Blood River Sea.”

All present nodded affirmatively. Irrespective of their subsequent actions, wiping out this group remained imperative. Failure to do so would derail their entire subsequent strategy. With such a predatory force lurking nearby, escape would become impossible. Moreover, should those intruders broadcast word of this location, catastrophe would strike them before they could even attempt to flee.

Wen Butong murmured lowly, “Alert the others. Assemble every disciple. In three days, ready our forces for deployment. We will annihilate them completely. Proceed.” The assembly acknowledged his command and sprang into motion. Their network spanned over two hundred islands, making the full mobilization of disciples a complex endeavor. Beyond dispatching combatants against the Ghostwind Bandits, they needed to station sufficient guardians on each island. Thus, coordinating this operation demanded considerable time.

Those three days elapsed swiftly. Within that span, over a dozen islands fell to assault. By now, more than a hundred islands had succumbed. This represented nearly one-tenth of their holdings, fueling even greater fury among the Blood River Sea dwellers.

On the third day, the Withered Leaf Grandmaster returned once more to Morality Island. Wen Butong had summoned all the fellow sect leaders as well. With a joint operation underway, thorough preparations were crucial. Then, the group turned their gaze toward the Withered Leaf Grandmaster. He met their eyes and gave a nod before seating himself cross-legged on the floor. Softly, he began to intone incantations. As the words flowed, a radiant golden glow emanated from his form. Gradually, this luminescence coalesced into a massive Golden Eye. Suspended in the air, the eye rotated languidly, as though surveying distant scenes.

After an extended period, the eye fixed upon a particular bearing. The golden radiance within intensified briefly before fading away. Slowly, Master Withered Leaf lifted his eyelids and addressed the gathering. “They lie to the southeast, approximately one hundred and fifty thousand li from our position.”

His words prompted the assembly to converge instantly within the grand hall of Morality Island. A vast map of the islands adorned the space, detailing every known location across the Blood River Sea area. Eyes scanned the southeastern quadrant. Spotting the mark at 150,000 li distance, their countenances darkened. A sect master among them issued a cold huff and remarked, “Excellent, they've encroached upon my domain. It appears they're gearing up to strike at us.”

The speaker was Shang Xuanzi, leader of the Xuan Qing Sect. This sect practiced pure orthodox Daoist methods and wielded considerable might. Controlling nearly a hundred islands, their territory aligned precisely with the 150,000-li southeastern vector indicated by Master Withered Leaf, relative to the Righteous Sect's position.

With gravity in his tone, Wen Butong stated, “Very well, their intrusion into Xuan Qing Sect territory signals intent to target you. We mobilize at once. Daoist Priest Shang Xuanzi, hasten back to your sect and identify every teleportation array available. We'll rally our disciples forthwith and transport them there. Upon arrival, we'll hunt down those intruders immediately. Ensure we root out every last one and obliterate them within the Xuan Qing Sect's bounds. Under no circumstances will we allow harm to befall your sect.”

The others voiced their assent. Despite originating from distinct sects and cultivating varied techniques, their unity ran deep. They recognized that discord would doom their survival in the Blood Sea Realm; death would claim them swiftly. Hence, cooperation was non-negotiable. Furthermore, Wen Butong served as the Blood Sea Realm's esteemed leader, renowned for his impartiality. This fostered their current harmony. At his directive, whenever crises arose, all sects activated without hesitation—no dissenters emerged, no critiques were voiced.

The group acknowledged and departed to make arrangements. Approaching Master Withered Leaf, Wen Butong spoke, “Master, your aid has been invaluable this time. You've expended considerable vitality; perhaps you should retire to recuperate. We'll handle the rest. Does that suit you?” His suggestion arose from observing the pallor on Master Withered Leaf's features, betraying evident exhaustion.

Master Withered Leaf declined with a shake of his head. “This band of interlopers demands elimination. I must accompany the pursuit. Without my presence, should they slip away, tracking them anew would prove arduous for you. We'll advance as one. I'll dispatch a missive to my sect, and reinforcements with disciples will join at the Xuan Qing Sect. Rest easy, Alliance Master.”

Wen Butong offered no further protest, merely nodding. “Very well, then we'll impose upon you, Master. Shall we journey together?” He maintained profound respect for Master Withered Leaf, who naturally agreed without reservation. Thus, the entirety of the Blood River Sea stirred to action, weaving an inescapable snare around Zhao Hai and his allies.

Aboard the vessel, Zhao Hai reclined in repose. Their plundering had yielded abundant spoils, encompassing numerous letter slaves. True to his foresight, the Blood River Sea inhabitants had kept the matter concealed. No pleas for aid reached external sects. Consequently, their position remained secure for the moment.

Suddenly, Zhao Hai sensed an intrusive gaze upon them. Alarm surged through him at the sensation. Ensconced within the boat's inner dimension, how could any spying reach him here? Yet his expression hardened with resolve. He knew this was no mere fancy. Undoubtedly, some force was observing them. Even if his person escaped detection, the boat itself must have been spotted.

With that realization, Zhao Hai rose abruptly. This movement instantly roused Laura and the others. Gazing at him, Laura asked, “What's the matter, Brother Hai? Can't you rest a bit longer?” The preceding days had been a relentless barrage of battles, leaving them all on edge. Exhaustion weighed heavily on Zhao Hai, and even more so on his companions. Thus, they had seized this lull for recovery, with Zhao Hai joining in. Yet scarcely had he settled when he bolted upright.

In a serious tone, Zhao Hai replied, “Moments ago, I detected someone spying on us. It could be that a covert technique has located our whereabouts. If so, an assault looms imminent. I'll command the subordinates to prepare. Laura, safeguard the boat. Attempt to conceal us for a while. But once discovered, repetition is inevitable. Best we exercise caution, seclude ourselves briefly, allow full recuperation, then confront them head-on!”