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

With a serene look on his face, Zhao Hai remained seated in his chamber. Laura, Chang Jun, and the others were gathered there too, alongside the lady boss. All of them stared at Zhao Hai. He glanced over the group and declared, "Over a year has now passed, and our hard work has borne fruit. Everyone knows we've established intelligence networks within every major sect. Though these networks are recent and not yet operating at full strength, they suffice for our needs. We mustn't expand them further, lest it brings severe consequences upon us. Let's not repeat the error of dismissing the major sects' members lightly. Their power demands respect, so utmost caution is required this time."

All present nodded in unison. During the previous year, their only task had been constructing an intelligence network. This network relied on two distinct branches. The initial one belonged to Zhu Yong. At first, Zhu Yong's network focused solely on loose cultivators, yet it had gradually permeated the sects, yielding impressive outcomes.

The second branch involved figures like Lu Buyu—those sect members under Zhao Hai's and others' sway. Using them as anchors, a vast intelligence web was formed. Being newly assembled, it contained gaps that time alone could mend before deployment.

Currently, neither network proved highly effective, yet their latent power was immense. Once fully operational, none could scorn them. Still, echoing Zhao Hai's words, further growth risked detection by the great sects, prompting inevitable retaliation.

Zhao Hai eyed the assembly once more and continued, "Next, our attention turns to the smaller sects. For the past year, we've prioritized our intelligence buildup without striking at those minor groups. Partly due to lack of opportunity, and partly unfit timing. The great sects united against us before, spurred by leaks from those small sects. Thus, the majors have kept a close watch, anticipating our vengeance to trace us back. That's why we've merely gathered data on them without acting."

Pausing briefly, Zhao Hai pressed on, "Through over a year of scouting, we've amassed ample intel and grasped those small sects' weaknesses thoroughly. The moment to strike has arrived. We'll devour them sequentially, bolstering our own might. Should we clash with the giants one day, our hidden forces will stun them utterly."

The group nodded eagerly. This scheme had simmered in preparation for ages, and action loomed near. Such thoughts ignited fervor within them. Truth be told, they'd stayed dormant for more than a year, save for the ghost shadow group's occasional assassinations. With major moves ahead, excitement surged anew.

Zhao Hai spoke gravely, "Stick to the prior blueprint: select target small sects and gear up for assault. Ideally, conclude silently without a whisper escaping, or trouble brews. Though the large sects ease surveillance on minors, complacency invites doom."

Affirmations rang out. Turning to the lady boss, Zhao Hai inquired, "Lady boss, what's the update on big brother Zhao Wuji? He's resettled in the giant demon sect for some time. How fares his cultivation progress?" She oversaw intelligence, specifically monitoring Zhao Wuji's branch aimed at the giant demon sect.

Past ties bound the giant demon sect and blood slaughter sect as prime allies, but eras shift. Back then, equals in might, alliance flourished. Yet as one of nine great sects, the giant demon sect towers. The blood slaughter sect boasts Zhao Hai as its sole pinnacle, concealed at that. Revelation would rally the seven majors against them. Strength disparity yawns wide now. Blind faith in old bonds would be folly for Zhao Hai.

Zhao Hai knew well: be it Ghostwind Bandit, ghostly shadow group operative, or blood slaughter sect disciple—each label painted him foe to the blood sea realm. Absolute trust in Zhao Wuji proved impossible. Loyal as he was, Zhao Hai trusted his fidelity. Yet humans dwell in societies, swayed by kin, peers, masters. "Jianghu forces one's hand," as the proverb warns.

Loyalty defined Zhao Wuji, but giant demon sect roots ran deep—nurtured from youth with master, comrades, kin dearer even than Zhao Hai. How then entrust him wholly? He might resist betrayal, yet crises force choices between Zhao Hai and sect. Outcomes uncertain, precautions essential—hence the lady boss's vigilant oversight.

The lady boss promptly answered Zhao Hai's query, "All proceeds smoothly without issue. Rest easy: Zhao Wuji advances steadily in cultivation, unsuspected by any. No concerns linger; Sect Master can relax fully."

Nodding, Zhao Hai addressed the gathering deeply, "Beyond targeting small sects, another priority emerges: embedding spies within the great ones. Prior plants served network building, but now we seed for future upheavals. No networks needed—just fuel their cultivation and grip them firmly. That suffices."

Nods rippled through. They grasped Zhao Hai's intent. Networks existed, yet controlling great sects' disciples remained viable, amassing assets for tomorrow.

Eternal shadows wouldn't suffice; revelation as blood slaughter sect heirs loomed inevitable in the blood sea realm. Preparations scant then spell dire peril.

In hushed tones, Zhao Hai concluded, "That covers our immediate path. Faithful slaves remain scarce, yet options dwindle. Patience will reward us soon. Mastering small sects ensures no shortage. Alright, prepare yourselves. From this day, the small sect campaign launches officially. To arms!"

"Yes," chorused all, dispersing to ready. Alone with Laura, Zhao Hai asked, "Laura, any news on Yu Qing?" Under Zhao Hai's dominion, Yu Qing served as prime intel font, cooperating admirably without grudge—surprising indeed.

Precisely valuing him spurred Laura's vigilant watch. Lacking raw power, her spatial mastery ensured flawless oversight of Yu Qing.

Laura beamed, "All's well, Big Brother Hai. Yu Qing behaves impeccably. He seems genuinely willing to ally with us. We could cultivate him as kin, revealing our power and identity to secure loyalty."

After reflection, Zhao Hai rumbled lowly, "Hold off for now. Yu Qing's tangled in dark ghost sect feuds; even master Gu Ming distrusts him, drawing him to us. Should fortunes shift favorably there, his allegiance wavers unknown. Monitor longer before deciding."

Laura agreed, "Wise to watch. No risk in waiting. His old Yin Yang sect and current Yin ghost sect harbor enmity toward the bloody massacre sect. True identity disclosed, reactions unpredictable. Caution paramount."

Zhao Hai assented gravely, "Truthfully, words avail little. Strength alone matters. Potent enough, identity bared won't faze them. Feeble, mere survival's a boon. Upper realm foes trouble me most. Last was corpse demon ancestor, but grudge spans beyond corpse demon sect. No prior beef, yet blood kill sect struck—they joined fray. Others nursing vendettas may strike too. Vigilance or perish we shall."