Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8588 8588: United _1

Lin Dong had no idea Yama Ling concealed his true self so profoundly. He had genuinely believed Yama Ling to be shadowy and feeble, yet now he intended to question him directly. Regardless, Yama Ling remained the sect master, prompting Lin Dong to show deep respect by cupping his fists. "Sect master, I've arrived today to ask about a certain issue. It concerns Yu Qing in my Sea area. Why did the sect master dispatch men to seize Yu Qing?"

Yama Ling was momentarily startled upon hearing Lin Dong's statement, then furrowed his brows and replied, "Yu Qing? I'm aware of him. I've heard the name before, but claiming I ordered his capture? That's news to me. Are you certain you didn't misremember?"

Lin Dong was caught off guard by Yama Ling's response, then filled with shock as he stared at him and said, "Sect master, you truly didn't send anyone after Yu Qing? Then why did Law Enforcement Hall members show up on Yu Qing's island to arrest him? Yu Qing followed protocol by requesting their identity tokens, yet they assaulted him outright. A battle ensued, and when Yu Qing's master Gu Ming intervened to stop them, those men swallowed poison and died without a word. If the sect master didn't dispatch them, were they even genuine Law Enforcement Hall disciples? If imposters posed as such, this is gravely serious. Sect master, please look into it!"

Lin Dong's words served as a subtle nudge for Yama Ling to verify whether the Law Enforcement Hall was truly involved. Should they be culpable, the incident would escalate dramatically. If not, then Jing Changtian was undoubtedly behind it, simplifying resolution.

Hearing Lin Dong speak, Yama Ling's face shifted subtly. He addressed Mogg at his side, commanding, "Mogg, probe this affair at once. Check for recent Law Enforcement Hall actions. Capturing Yu Qing would require an elder-level powerhouse. Investigate swiftly—I await your report here." Mogg acknowledged and departed promptly.

Once Mogg exited the chamber, Yama Ling eyed Lin Dong quietly and murmured, "Elder Lin, I've caught wind of this Yu Qing. Rumor has it he hails from the Yu clan of Yin-Yang Sect. Is that accurate?" Yama Ling knew Yu Qing's background well; his query aimed to gauge Lin Dong's stance.

Lin Dong responded gravely, "Sect master, Yu Qing's origins are no secret to us. Still, I see no major issue. The Yu family was wiped out by Yin-Yang Sect insiders. Yu Qing harbors deep hatred toward them, ensuring unwavering loyalty to Yin Ghost Sect. Moreover, sect master, Yu Qing could prove a potent tool against Yin-Yang Sect in due time."

Yama Ling paused in surprise at Lin Dong's remarks, then arched his brows, fixing Lin Dong with a stern gaze as he demanded deeply, "Explain your intent?" Though he grasped Lin Dong's implication, Yama Ling sought confirmation of aligned thoughts.

In a solemn tone, Lin Dong elaborated, "Sect master, ties with Yin-Yang Sect appear cordial presently. Yet which of the nine major sects dares claim eternal alliance? Once, Blood Slaughter Sect and Giant Demon Sect stood as steadfast partners, but Blood Slaughter Sect's fall leaves us ally-less. Yin-Yang Sect folk are outright scoundrels—untrustworthy villains. We must prepare countermeasures. Thus, retain Yu Qing; he'll prove invaluable against them later. Leveraging his name lets us act under justice's banner. Other sects can't meddle, and it'll shatter Yin-Yang Sect's spirit. Recall, Yu clan committed no wrongs back then."

Lin Dong's suggestion left Yama Ling momentarily speechless, then he eyed him intently and growled lowly, "Elder Lin, you're scheming far ahead. Yin-Yang Sect spares us now—that's fortune enough. Do we even possess strength to strike them?" Yama Ling's retort revealed his frustration with Lin Dong and fellow elders. Yin Ghost Sect's members pursued selfish agendas, hearts divided—challenging Yin-Yang Sect was impossible; mere survival sufficed.

Grasping Yama Ling's underlying discontent, Lin Dong remained unfazed, smiling as he countered, "Hard to say. Should Yin-Yang Sect assail us, Yu Qing's presence would cripple their resolve. Countless in their ranks owe favors to Yu clan. The purge was shockingly abrupt; otherwise, it couldn't have succeeded."

Yama Ling nodded, poised to respond, when the study door burst open. Mogg entered, face pale as death, fist cupped in salute. "Sect master, Law Enforcement Hall dispatched five Island Lord-level elders to seize Yu Qing, acting on Elder Council orders. Those five volunteered—former subordinates of Third Elder Jing Changtian, I've learned."

Bang! Enraged, Yama Ling surged to his feet, shattering the desk before him. He bellowed furiously, "Outrageous! The Elder Council oversteps! Mobilizing forces without my authority? Utter audacity! Summon all elders—I demand their explanations!"

True fury gripped Yama Ling this time. He never imagined Jing Changtian and allies daring to sidestep him, deploying Law Enforcement Hall personnel. Such insolence disregarded his sect master authority—unforgivable!

Though incensed, Lin Dong had anticipated this, maintaining composure. He halted Mogg swiftly, inquiring, "Hold on, Elder Mogg. One question: the Elder Council's arrest warrant—does it remain? It bears the elders' seals." Lin Dong viewed this crucially; the warrant would reveal supporting elders and Jing Changtian's backing extent.

Startled, Mogg hadn't considered it, but Lin Dong's point clicked instantly. He produced the token, examined it, and reported gravely, "Five elders affixed seals; Second and Seventh did not."

Now comprehending Lin Dong's strategy, Yama Ling regained some calm and ordered briskly, "Dispatch messages to Second and Seventh Elders at once. Inform them fully and summon immediately for counsel. They'll come. Call the rest too, though delay may occur. I'll uncover their schemes this round."

Facing Yama Ling, Lin Dong declared, "Sect master, the situation's clear now. Bypassing you to command Law Enforcement Hall breaches sect rules openly. I stand fully behind you—punish them harshly!" Lin Dong's stance was plain: five elders allied against him, but his fall would target Yama Ling next. He offered partnership against them—thoughts?

No fool, Yama Ling instantly perceived Lin Dong's overture. He regarded him steadily and affirmed, "Very well, I appreciate Elder Lin's backing. Mogg, fetch Second and Seventh Elders—they must learn of this." Yama Ling's directive signaled alliance willingness, though bolstering it with Second and Seventh Elders was essential.

Lin Dong harbored no objections; displaying his seal to Mogg earlier conveyed precisely this. Facing a united foe, disunity meant defeat piecemeal. Informed, Second and Seventh would surely join forces.

Mogg assented and exited. With Mogg gone, Lin Dong advised Yama Ling, "Sect master, they likely exploit this as pretext. Vigilance is key—their combined might is formidable."

Yama Ling shot Lin Dong a glance and nodded silently. He saw opportunity here. Formerly, the eight elders united against him, rejecting proposals. Now, an ally emerged. Seizing this could shatter the deadlock, centralizing Yin Ghost Sect's power under him for transformation.

Yet Yama Ling recognized difficulty. Lin Dong's alliance pledge targeted this issue alone—temporary, not broad commitment.

Still, Yama Ling knew even provisional pacts held value. Success here might foster future ties. He even plotted: handle adeptly, eliminate the eight elders, seize sole control.

Unbeknownst to Lin Dong and others, Yama Ling's years of covert growth surpassed any elder's power—even outmatching Lin Dong and Jing Changtian. He had simply never unveiled it.