Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8534: Out of the mountains (1)
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
Even with their current disguise as Ghostwind bandits, their core identity stayed as members of the Blood Slaughter Sect. Their tireless efforts served the growth of the Blood Slaughter Sect, rather than any real aspiration to join the Ghostwind Bandits. Avoid mixing up this crucial point. It was exactly for this reason that Zhao Hai mentioned picking out some folks to show their actual identities. Naturally, those selected would thereafter officially become part of the Blood Slaughter Sect. If anyone rejected joining the Blood Slaughter Sect... then death awaited them.
With a serious gaze fixed on the group, Zhao Hai spoke deeply, “It’s good that you grasp this. That’s precisely why I need you to watch closely and spot those who fit the bill. Then, pick out a batch of them to turn into disciples of the Bloody Massacre Sect. Also, gather up the Ghost Wind Squad, Blood Ghost Squad, and Divine Arms Battalion. Find a spot for me to deliver another lecture to them. We’ll see just how many can rise to Island Lord level this round.”
Excitement sparked in the eyes of Chang Jun and his companions as Zhao Hai mentioned the lecture. During the previous session, over 200 experts at Island Lord level had emerged. What results might this new one bring? The mere thought thrilled them. Not only did Zhao Hai’s teachings greatly benefit those still short of Island Lord status, but they also proved invaluable to the group themselves. Thus, they eagerly anticipated another such opportunity from him.
Glancing at the assembly, Zhao Hai continued, “Handle the preparations. I’ll start lecturing in one month. For the coming month, I’ll retreat into seclusion to delve into certain cultivation methods. Fine, you’re dismissed. Don’t forget to steady the space here without delay.” The others acknowledged his words, then spun around and departed.
Once they had gone, Zhao Hai proceeded to the third floor. Laura and her group remained focused on the totem pillar, so he chose not to interrupt. True enough, he planned to examine some matters—specifically, the cultivation techniques acquired on this outing.
This time, they had secured numerous cultivation techniques, all aligned with the Way of Heaven. The Song of Righteousness Qi stood out as exceptionally potent. There was also the Withered Glory Zen Technique, another method deserving deep analysis. Combined with the rest, Zhao Hai intended to scrutinize them thoroughly and weave them into his Golden Lotus Nine Transformations Scripture.
Naturally, he also aimed to enhance his Shenji Technique with additional elements. In truth, the Shenji Technique merely represented an outward expression of the Golden Lotus Nine Transformations Scripture. It resembled the Nine Words Mantra and the Giant Palm Imprint, though in altered form. Zhao Hai sought to boost his power to the utmost.
Yet, upon reflection, Zhao Hai realized that entering seclusion might disrupt the affairs within the boat space. He required a few reliable hands to organize and secure the boat space swiftly. While Chang Jun and the rest possessed great strength and handled tasks meticulously, Zhao Hai understood their limited experience in sect management—they remained novices in that area.
At this thought, Zhao Hai paused. Next, he checked on Laura and the others. They continued refining the totem pole. Frankly, the totem pole already operated at full capacity. However, as perfectionists, they persisted with improvements. Of course, boredom played a role in their ongoing efforts.
Zhao Hai summoned Laura and her companions. He regarded them and stated, “Laura, you’ve been away for some time. With the Blood River Sea now vanquished, I believe it’s the right moment for you to step forward before everyone. Any issues with that?”
Laura met Zhao Hai’s eyes and grinned, “Big Brother Hai, are you asking us to take charge of the space’s management? No worries, we’ve got it covered. Actually, we’ve kept tabs on the space’s state lately and formed some plans. Hand it over to us.”
Zhao Hai chuckled at Laura’s response, “Excellent, that’s perfect. You understand me like no one else. Come along, I’ll introduce you to Chang Jun and the team. From here on, the realm falls under your oversight. Bear in mind, show no undue courtesy to the newcomers. Punish as required—politeness isn’t necessary.”
Laura beamed. “Rest easy. In sect administration, our experience surpasses yours. No need for concern.” Meg and the rest nodded in agreement. Back in the lower realms, they had assisted Zhao Hai in running the Sea Exploration Sect flawlessly. Managing the current space inhabitants posed no challenge.
Zhao Hai let out a hearty laugh. He then clasped their hands and led them to the lower space. There, he assembled all Island Lord level experts and key managers at the Taiji Eight Trigrams Square. The gathering eyed Zhao Hai with puzzlement. Simultaneously, their attention shifted to the women trailing him. Curiosity filled their stares toward Laura and her group, uncertain of their roles.
Addressing the crowd gravely, Zhao Hai declared, “Attention, all. These are my wives. Here’s Laura, Meg, Melgen, Lize, Ryan, Bailey, Cai’er, Julie, Gernma, and Glei. They’re all my spouses. Going forward, their words carry my authority, their commands my commands. Defy them, and you defy me—I won’t hold back. Clear?”
Zhao Hai’s statement left the assembly stunned. None had imagined him with multiple wives, least of all Chang Jun and his circle. Bewilderment crossed their faces as they studied Laura and the others. Where had these women originated, and how did they become Zhao Hai’s wives? They had shadowed him closely without ever hearing of any spouse. How had so many surfaced abruptly? What was the story?
Zhao Hai eyed them sternly and intoned, “Fine, keep that in mind. Chang Jun, join me along with the rest. Laura, you too.” With that, he pivoted and headed back to his study. Chang Jun and company trailed after, though confusion lingered in their glances at Laura and her group.
Inside the study, Zhao Hai faced Chang Jun and the others, explaining, “No need for overthinking. They truly are my wives, and have been for quite a while. Circumstances kept them out of sight. I can’t divulge details, but know this: I’ve brought them forth now to oversee the realm’s affairs. Consult them for any future uncertainties—they bring vast administrative expertise. I’ll seclude myself for a month, while the realm stays somewhat turbulent. Fearing mishaps during my retreat, I’ve placed them in charge. Obey their lead, seek their counsel as needed. Got it?”
Chang Jun and the team eased at Zhao Hai’s clarification. They had fretted that victory might lure him into indulgence, a disaster for their cause. Though tempted to advise him, his words dispelled those fears. So, these women had long been his spouses. As for their origins or how they wed him, it mattered little. What struck them was how masterfully Zhao Hai had concealed these partners—they’d heard nothing before.
Smiling at the group, Zhao Hai added, “Very well, I’m off to seclusion. Laura, this falls to you. Handle any defiance as you see fit. With Chang Jun and the others supporting, no issues should arise. Guide the realm to stability swiftly. Though we plan no actions for years ahead, prolonged disorder harms us. The sooner order returns, the greater our advantage.”
Nodding at Laura’s affirmation, Zhao Hai vanished in a flicker, retreating to the third floor for his cultivation session. He held full trust in Laura and her companions. The space’s dual upgrades had elevated their prowess. Plus, their command over the bronze men granted dominion here. Thus, within this space, none rivaled them save Zhao Hai—leaving him utterly unconcerned.
With Zhao Hai gone, Laura turned to Chang Jun and the team with a smile, “Big Brother Hai shared all about you. I’m aware of the realm’s current state too. Chaos reigns among its people, drawn from diverse sects. Though teamed up, sect disciples stick closely together, hindering our progress. I propose reshuffling the disciples. Group those from the same original sect, then assign their former elders to lead. This should settle the space in no time.”
Chang Jun furrowed his brow at Laura’s idea. “Madam, your approach would indeed calm things quickly, but it risks letting sect members band tightly. Should they grow strong later, controlling them becomes tough. That’s why we aimed to scatter and oversee them separately.” Chang Jun opposed Laura’s plan outright. To her, it spelled trouble. They’d labored to dismantle sect ties and avoid cliques. Reassembling them invited management woes. Failing to eliminate that entrenched loyalty could spell future headaches, undermining their growth. He even questioned if Laura and the others truly possessed the touted skills—why else suggest this?