Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8576 8576: The next step (1)

Zhao Hai was seated calmly in his room. Laura, Chang Jun, and the others were present, including the lady boss. They all gazed at Zhao Hai. He scanned the group and declared, “More than a year has passed, and our efforts have paid off. Everyone knows we’ve established intelligence networks in all the major sects. Though these networks haven’t been around long and can’t yet be fully utilized, they’re sufficient. We can’t expand them further, or it’ll have a massive impact on us. We must avoid repeating the mistake of underestimating the major sects. The power of those great sects cannot be underestimated, so we have to be cautious this time.”

All nodded in agreement. Over the past year, their sole focus had been building an intelligence network. This network consisted of two parts. The first was Zhu Yong’s intelligence system, initially aimed at rogue cultivators, but now gradually infiltrating various sects with impressive results.

The second part involved individuals like Lu Buyu from the sects under Zhao Hai’s control. Using them as anchors, a vast intelligence network was constructed. Being newly formed, it still contained gaps that needed time to seal before full deployment.

Currently, neither network proved highly effective, yet their potential remained enormous. Once operational, no one could dismiss them lightly. However, as Zhao Hai noted, further expansion risked alerting the major sects, prompting them to strike back.

Zhao Hai eyed the assembly and continued, “Next, we target the small sects. For the last year, we’ve prioritized intelligence development without striking those small sects. First, time was short; second, the moment wasn’t ripe. The major sects previously united against us based on tips from those small sects. Thus, they’ve been under close watch, anticipating our retaliation to trace us back. That’s why we’ve only gathered intel on them without acting.”

Pausing briefly, Zhao Hai went on, “After over a year of data collection, we’ve uncovered much about those small sects’ foundations. Now’s the time to strike. We’ll absorb them one by one, bolstering our forces. Eventually, when confronting the big sects, our hidden strength will shock them.”

Nods rippled through the group. They’d long prepared for this scheme but held back until now. Excitement stirred as action loomed. Indeed, they’d stayed low-key for more than a year, limited to Ghost Shadow Group assassinations, craving this major move.

Zhao Hai spoke lowly, “Follow the prior plan: select several small sects and prepare to act. Ideally, resolve everything silently without leaks, or we’re doomed. Though major sects eased surveillance on small ones, carelessness isn’t an option.”

The group acknowledged. Turning to the lady boss, Zhao Hai asked, “Lady boss, how’s Big Brother Zhao Wuji faring? He’s been back at the Giant Demon Sect awhile. What’s his cultivation progress?” She oversaw intelligence, specifically Zhao Wuji’s branch targeting the Giant Demon Sect.

Though the Giant Demon Sect and Blood Slaughter Sect were once close allies, times changed. Back then, equal in power, they allied seamlessly. But as one of nine major sects, the Giant Demon Sect outmatched. The Blood Slaughter Sect’s sole standout was Zhao Hai, concealed lest the seven major sects unite against them. Strength disparity grew; blind trust in alliance was folly.

Zhao Hai knew his Ghostwind Bandit, Ghostly Shadow Group, and Blood Slaughter Sect ties made him a blood sea realm foe. Full trust in Zhao Wuji was impossible. Loyal as he was, group life influenced choices. Jianghu sayings held: one couldn’t act freely. Zhao Wuji’s sect upbringing, master, friends, kin—some bonds tighter than with Zhao Hai—demanded vigilance.

Zhao Wuji wouldn’t betray willingly, yet sect conflicts might force choices. Hence, Zhao Hai tasked the lady boss to monitor closely.

The lady boss promptly replied, “No issues; all proceeds smoothly. Rest easy—Zhao Wuji’s cultivation advances steadily, unsuspected. Sect master can relax fully.”

Zhao Hai nodded, addressing all deeply, “Besides small sects, plant spies in big ones. Past infiltrators built networks; now, it’s for future readiness. No networks needed—just aid their cultivation and control them.”

All assented, grasping the intent. Intelligence networks didn’t preclude controlling big sect disciples for later use.

They couldn’t hide eternally. One day, they’d emerge as Blood Slaughter Sect disciples in the blood sea realm, facing dire odds without prep.

Zhao Hai murmured lowly, “That’s our focus now. Short on loyal slaves, but no alternatives. Patience will pay; controlling small sects ensures supply. Dismissed—prep starts today. Small sect operations launch officially. Prepare!”

“Yes,” they chorused, departing to ready. Alone with Laura, Zhao Hai asked, “Laura, Yu Qing’s status?” Under control, Yu Qing proved vital intel source, cooperative beyond expectations.

Valuing him, Zhao Hai assigned Laura’s team oversight. Though not strongest, their space control sufficed for monitoring.

Laura smiled, “All good, Big Brother Hai. Yu Qing’s stable. He seems genuinely cooperative—perhaps turn him fully. Reveal our power and identity; he might stay loyal.”

Zhao Hai pondered deeply, “Wait. Yu Qing’s tangled in Dark Ghost Sect strife; master Gu Ming distrusts him, driving cooperation. If sect fortunes shift, his choice is uncertain. Observe longer.”

Laura agreed, “Wise. No rush. His old Yin Yang Sect and current Yin Ghost Sect feud with Blood Slaughter Sect. Revealing us risks betrayal. Caution essential.”

Zhao Hai nodded gravely, “Truth is, strength decides. Powerful enough, identity reveal deters foes. Weak, current stasis is mercy. Upper realm worries me most—Corpse Demon Ancestor struck, but enemies abound. Past no-grudge Corpse Demon Sect now attacks; others may follow. Vigilance or we perish.”