Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8590: Disputes (1)

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Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
Yu Qing instructed Uncle Yi to ready all their people for an immediate retreat on his command, without resistance. He analyzed the law enforcement hall incident as a trap by Elder Jing Changtian against Elder Lin Dong, noting the elders' unauthorized mobilization as a provocation to Sect Master Yama Ling, while external threats from the Yin Yang sect loomed large. Gu Ming reported to Lin Dong, who suspected intrigue and rushed to consult Yama Ling in his study.

Upon hearing this, Jing Changtian realized trouble was afoot. Sure enough, Yama Ling was already aware of the situation. Nevertheless, he pressed on, "Rumors about Yu Qing have been swirling lately, leading us to confer and dispatch law enforcement Hall disciples to Yu Qing’s Island, summoning him to the Hall for an explanation. Sect Master, isn’t this simply the law enforcement Hall fulfilling its duty?"

Jing Changtian feared Yama Ling’s command not one bit. He held zero reverence for it whatsoever. Among the elders, he was undoubtedly the boldest and most defiant. That explained his manner of addressing Yama Ling—not as a mere justification, but as a bold interrogation.

A chilling light flashed in Yama Ling’s eyes as he fixed his gaze on Jing Changtian, his voice booming deeply, "I’m fully aware of the Yu Qing issue and was already set to probe it myself. But tell me, Jing Changtian, by what authority did you issue a warrant to the law enforcement Hall? What gives you the power to command their forces? Are you the overseer of the law enforcement Hall? Since when have you taken it upon yourself to meddle in their affairs?"

Yama Ling’s sharp words left Jing Changtian momentarily dumbfounded. He had never heard such a harsh tone from Yama Ling before, igniting both unease and blazing fury within him. It felt just like a longtime subordinate, always tiptoeing around words, suddenly exploding in shouts, hurling accusations, and berating you outright—no one could stomach that.

This outrage propelled Jing Changtian to surge to his feet in a flash. Even though he resembled a mere puff of smoke in the eyes of the forthright and fiery Fan, his abrupt rise unleashed a terrifying presence. Locking eyes with Yama Ling, he demanded in a thunderous tone, "What exactly are you implying, Sect Master?"

Yama Ling met his stare and rumbled deeply, "What am I implying? Do you truly not grasp it, Jing Changtian? Per sect rules, the eight grand elders of the Elders Association can indeed summon the law enforcement Hall, but only via an elder order backed by five elders’ agreement. Yet, you conveniently overlook that I, as Sect Master, must approve it first. Without my consent, who empowered you to rally the law enforcement Hall’s troops?"

Jing Changtian’s rage boiled over even further. Just then, a deliberate voice cut in, "Elder Jing, you should take a seat. You’re merely an elder— is that any way to address the Sect Master?" It was Lin Dong speaking, his words measured yet piercing like daggers to the soul.

Lin Dong chose this moment to intervene precisely to shield Yama Ling from clashing directly with Jing Changtian. As sect master, Yama Ling’s position proved invaluable to Lin Dong and his allies. A outright brawl with Jing Changtian would tarnish Yama Ling’s prestige, rendering his authority useless to them. Thus, Lin Dong stepped in to tangle with Jing Changtian himself, allowing Yama Ling to step forth and deliver the decisive verdict later.

Lin Dong’s remark sent Jing Changtian into a seething fury. "Lin Dong, what’s your angle? When have I ever disrespected the Sect Master? Yu Qing hails from the sea region you govern—that mess falls squarely on you. Yet here you are, tossing barbs. Don’t you owe us some accountability?"

Lin Dong shot Jing Changtian a frosty look and replied icily, "Jing Changtian, Yu Qing under my watch poses no issue. The Yu family was wiped out ages ago. So what? Can’t a survivor from a destroyed clan join our Dark Ghost Sect to cultivate? Who decreed that? Why wasn’t I informed? Anyway, we’re dissecting your overreach. What authority lets you command the law enforcement Hall?"

"How am I unqualified?" Jing Changtian snarled coldly. "I sit on the Council of Elders, and five of us greenlit this. What’s wrong with me issuing the order to the law enforcement Hall?" He glared at Lin Dong, stunned by the man’s swift retort. Convinced Lin Dong had rallied the others, Jing Changtian now saw the truth: the rest had banded together the instant they spotted the five uniting, gearing up to counter them. Events were spiraling beyond his control.

Lin Dong gazed at Jing Changtian with a sneer. "You're indeed part of the Elder Council, but don't overlook that I'm a member too. I must be informed of the Elder Council's decisions. Second Elder, Seventh Elder, are you aware of this? Did you consent to it?"

The Second Elder and Seventh Elder shook their heads. They had no knowledge of it at all. Earlier, Jing Changtian had approached them, proposing an alliance. He even suggested toppling the Sect Leader and eliminating Lin Dong to seize control of the entire Yin Ghost Sect. Yet they rejected it, so Jing Changtian kept them out of the loop.

Yet this created a major issue. The Elder Council comprised eight elders, and all matters required joint decisions from every one of them. No lone individual could make choices unilaterally. Precisely for that reason, Jing Changtian and his allies bypassed Lin Dong and the rest this time, settling it solely among their five. That was the violation.

Jing Changtian believed the issue would wrap up swiftly. Then, their group of five would step up and pressure the Sect Master directly. Once the Sect Master consented, everything would proceed smoothly. After all, they targeted only Lin Dong, and the other two elders wouldn't oppose.

But now the circumstances had shifted dramatically. With Zong Fang teaming up with Lin Dong, their five couldn't dominate in the slightest. Furthermore, they held the moral high ground against them in this affair, forcing Jing Changtian's side into a defensive stance.

Jing Changtian proved no pushover. He had foreseen such challenges and attacks, preparing his rebuttal in advance. In a grave tone, he declared, "It's not that we refused to notify you, but circumstances left no time, and it wasn't feasible. By now, you grasp Yu Qing's background—her master Gu Ming serves as Elder Lin Dong's close confidant. Would Elder Lin Dong have approved? Hardly. That's why we first summoned Yu Qing to the Law Enforcement Hall for clarification. None anticipated her outright slaying someone. Whatever Yu Qing's intentions, she had no right to kill. Thus, she demands severe punishment and cannot be spared!"

"Hmph!" Lin Dong snorted coldly, fixing his gaze on Jing Changtian. "How eloquently put. What do you mean by 'inviting Yu Qing to clarify'? Did you truly issue such a command? Wasn't it to kill or seize her? The version I've heard starkly contrasts yours."

Coldly, Jing Changtian responded, "How could it differ? My account is the absolute truth. The Law Enforcement Hall disciples courteously invited her, yet Yu Qing denied them any chance to speak—she struck them down at once. How is that not sect betrayal? Such extremists merit harsh punishment."

"Your truth, is it? Were you there observing? Had you truly watched, those Law Enforcement Hall members likely wouldn't have perished. In reality, it's the very opposite of your claims!" Lin Dong stared at Jing Changtian and spoke gravely, "When the Law Enforcement Hall group reached Yu Qing's island, they instantly accused her of betraying the Sect Master and lunged to arrest her. Yu Qing demanded their identity tokens for proof, but they produced none. Instead, they assaulted her first. Realizing the peril, she fled promptly and messaged Gu Ming for assistance. Upon Gu Ming's arrival, he subdued them for interrogation. Unexpectedly, they bit into suicide poison hidden in their mouths. Tell me, Jing Changtian, was that your idea of a 'polite invitation'?"

Jing Changtian eyed Lin Dong with a sneer. "Your tale is merely your word—how can we confirm its validity? Lin Dong, you're plainly slandering the Law Enforcement Hall disciples. Regardless of details, they died on Yu Qing's island, so she bears responsibility."

"Is that right?" Lin Dong sneered. "No need to shift focus, Jing Changtian. Those Law Enforcement Hall disciples obeyed your illicit command. Now you're trying to pin it on Yu Qing? Aren't you deluding yourself? I believe it's time we turn the scrutiny on you."

Jing Changtian glanced at Lin Dong before shifting his gaze to Yama Ling. Earlier, the pair had dominated the exchange while others kept silent, yet everyone recognized that Lin Dong and Jing Changtian stood for their opposing sides. At last, Jing Changtian realized this conflict couldn’t be settled through arguments alone. On top of that, Lin Dong now held leverage over them, prompting Yama Ling, the second elder, and the seventh elder to ally with him in an effort to pressure Yama Ling just like previously. His scheme to legitimize Yu Qing’s capture had collapsed completely, thrusting them into a vulnerable spot. Still, Jing Changtian understood clearly that Yama Ling wouldn’t risk making a move against them. In the end, their five together outmatched Lin Dong’s faction in pure power.

Besides, Jing Changtian harbored one final card to play. His true purpose in coming to the ghost island was to detain Lin Dong right there, fearing the Yin Yang sect had already launched strikes against Yu Qing’s Island. In the worst scenario, Yu Qing could have been abducted or slain by their hands already.

With that realization, Jing Changtian abandoned all restraint. He declared, "I’ve already said that we have no other choice. We’ve received news that the Yin Yang sect is planning to infiltrate the yin ghost sect to bring Yu Qing back to the Yin Yang sect. That’s why we had no choice but to send someone to bring Yu Qing to the law enforcement Hall. If you don’t believe me, there’s nothing I can do."