Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8589 8589: Gathered in _1
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
A massive hall sprawled before them, yet it stood apart from typical chambers. Pitch-black in every inch, it refused to bounce back even the faintest light. Rays falling upon it vanished into its depths, heightening its bizarre aura.
Inside this hall sat four figures at the moment. None dared the central throne; they claimed only the side seats. Perched on the primary dais was a hazy, smoke-like form. Draped in ebony garb, his frame flickered and danced like drifting mist in the breeze. He appeared less a corporeal being and more a fleeting vapor, a mere phantom.
This ethereal shadow belonged to the Dark Ghost Sect's third elder, Elder Ying, Jing Changtian. Black mist veiled his features from clear view. Yet his voice carried no weakness—it rasped slightly but held a captivating magnetism, far from unpleasant. Indeed, it soothed the listener.
Jing Changtian's voice echoed forth, "I've received the news that Little Five and the others are dead. Our plan has succeeded. Although Little Five and the others are dead, they have given us an opportunity, a good opportunity to deal with Lin Dong. Hahaha, everyone, we can go to the sect leader now."
The remaining four consisted of the great elder, fourth elder, sixth elder, and eighth elder. United with Jing Changtian this round, they aimed to crush Lin Dong at once. As the fifth elder, Lin Dong ranked among the two strongest elders. Removing him would pave the way to oust the second and seventh elders too. Then they could corner the sect leader, seizing full control of the Dark Ghost Sect.
The great elder and his allies backed Jing Changtian this time because he vowed that slaying Lin Dong, the second elder, and the seventh elder would let them overpower the sect master outright. They might even force his resignation. Elder Jing would ascend as sect master, with them as the sect's four paramount elders. Jing Changtian dangled an even grander lure: key sect roles theirs forever, matching his own stature. This temptation swayed them to his side.
One crucial factor loomed large too. They believed Jing Changtian's scheme foolproof, demanding the sacrifice of Five Island Lord level masters. Backed by the Yin Yang Sect's might, that ally would handle Yu Qing. Lin Dong would shield Yu Qing fiercely, drawing the Yin Yang Sect into their camp. Such potent aid ensured Lin Dong's downfall without hitch.
Whether this might enrage their sect master Yama Ling never crossed their minds. They saw him as feeble, ripe for trampling. Even if aware of their schemes, he'd stay silent from fear. That's why they boldly raided the law enforcement hall for manpower. By deploying those from there and baiting Lin Dong to slay them, they could storm the sect master under justice's banner. Thus they'd nail Lin Dong cleanly. They forgot cornered rabbits snap back—and Yama wasn't some rabbit, but a wolf nursing its hidden fury.
The fellow elders nodded their assent. The first elder eyed Jing Changtian and asked, "Elder Jing, are you sure the Yin Yang Sect will dispatch troops? If we head to the sect leader, Lin Dong will get wind instantly. He'll rush there too. Once drawn to the sect leader's side, Yin Yang Sect forces can strike, seizing Yu Qing. Then proclaim they're hauling her back to their sect. We charge Lin Dong with colluding with the Yin Yang Sect. That pins him with double guilt. Otherwise, dealing with him won't be simple—he's no pushover."
In a grave tone, Jing Changtian replied, "Rest easy. The Yin Yang Sect sent word already. Their people lurk near Yu Qing's island. Signal them, and they pounce at once. Their power guarantees Yu Qing's swift capture. Hahaha, Lin Dong's expression then will be priceless." Laughter rippled through the rest. Victory seemed assured in their gazes.
Gazing upon them, Jing Changtian declared, "Enough talk—time grows short. Let's move and face our sect leader. Beg his aid. Hahahaha!" His form then dissolved into nothingness. The others shrugged it off, rising to stride out after him.
Meanwhile, in Yama Ling's study on Ghost Island, five figures hashed out the crisis. Yama Ling, Mogg, Lin Dong, the second elder, and the seventh elder converged the instant news broke. Spotting the token, their expressions soured deeply. No fools they—its meaning screamed clear. The five elders plotted as one. Without counter-strength, doom awaited them.
Gloom hung over the room now, both sides seated sternly. Yama Ling and Lin Dong occupied chairs, Mogg alone on his feet. Yama Ling eyed the pair gravely. "I figure you grasp the peril, so no need for long speeches. Elder Lin and I settled on yielding to this demand. What's your stance?" His words rang plain: he'd allied with Elder Lin against Jing Changtian's quintet. Would these two join the fray?
The second and seventh elders exchanged glances, reading the sect master's drift. Solo now, they'd face Elder Jing's crush or slow devouring—unthinkable. After a beat, the second elder voiced, "I agree. I stand with the sect master and Elder Lin on this." The seventh elder echoed him swiftly.
Relief washed over Yama Ling and Lin Dong. Refusal meant solo showdown with Jing's crew. Unafraid, yes—but outnumbered. Now, with second and seventh versus Jing's five, forces balanced evenly.
Suddenly, a shout pierced from beyond the door. "Reporting! Sect master, the first elder, third elder, fourth elder, sixth elder, and eighth elder seek audience!" Though phrased as request, their steps already thudded close—just shy of bursting in.
Stunned, Yama Ling glanced at Lin Dong's group, then commanded deeply, "Invite the elders inside." Affirmation came from without; the door swung wide. The visitors streamed in. Eyes falling on Lin Dong and company seated, faces twisted—Jing Changtian foremost, his visage darkening. Lin Dong's presence here? An ill omen.
Still, Jing Changtian and crew saluted Yama Ling crisply. "Greetings, sect master!" Real-power elders, they skipped full bows at Yama's token sight. In their hearts, it ranked low. Saluting already showed face—that sufficed; prostration? Never.
Yama Ling foresaw such defiance, staying unruffled. He gestured casually at Jing Changtian. "Rise, elders. Be seated." They acknowledged and took chairs, curiosity flicking toward Yama Ling's circle.
Yama Ling swept eyes over Jing Changtian's band, then Lin Dong's, a sly glint sparking in his gaze. Ages since all eight great elders convened here. Yet he knew these foes sought not counsel, but his hall as warzone. Murderous impulse stirred within Yama Ling, veiled flawlessly. Chuckling lightly, he probed, "Such a rare gathering of you all—today buzzes with life. What urgent matters draw the elders here?"
Jing Changtian squinted at Yama Ling, suspicion brewing. What game was this? Did Yama truly ignore their purpose? Had Lin Dong skipped the heads-up? Or hashed other plots? Maybe no alliance formed, against his fears?
Mind racing, Jing Changtian pressed ahead regardless. "Sect master, grave news to report. Elder Lin's disciple Yu Qing slaughtered the law enforcement hall members sent to fetch him. Sect master, deliver stern punishment!" Blunt strike, testing Yama's knowledge. If aware, complications arose.
Gloom shadowing his face, Yama Ling fixed on Jing Changtian. Deep-voiced, he countered, "I know of it already. Elder Lin explained fully. He questioned why I'd dispatch men for Yu Qing. Elder Jing, I meant to demand just that from you—why send law enforcement hall disciples after Yu Qing."