Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8593 8593: Too slow (1)
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
Each person possesses their own limits, and Yama Ling was no exception. His unbreakable limit was preserving the integrity of the dark ghost sect. Had it not been for that, he would have struck against these elders long ago. Yet, Yama Ling understood perfectly that attacking them outright would likely fracture the dark ghost sect. This realization kept him silently enduring for years. He bolstered his own power while covertly eroding ties among the elders. His efforts hadn't yielded much success, however. He merely stirred discord between Jing Changtian and Lin Dong, stemming from their inherent mutual dislike.
Still, Yama Ling could overlook the elders' lack of respect toward him. He even facilitated their rise in strength. After all, these elders remained part of the dark ghost sect. No matter their faults, they belonged to the same family. Thus, he stayed hidden, refraining from any direct moves against them.
This occasion, though, ignited true fury in him. He hadn't anticipated Jing Changtian's alliance with the Yin Yang sect. While he only knew of the Yin Yang sect's assault on Yu Qing, uncertainty lingered about Jing Changtian's involvement, and proof was absent.
For such treachery, evidence proved unnecessary. Jing Changtian's recent actions screamed abnormality. He deliberately stalled with Lin Dong and the rest, refusing to depart. He agreed to every demand from Lin Dong, solely to prolong the deadlock, infuriating Lin Dong greatly.
Before, Yama Ling ignored this and secretly wished for its continuation, as ongoing friction would deepen the rift between Jing Changtian and Lin Dong. Other elders with minimal prior disputes would get drawn in, allowing him to seize control. But Lin Dong's revelation changed everything. Yama Ling instantly grasped the reason for Jing Changtian's odd conduct—it stemmed from collusion with the Yin Yang sect, an outrage he could never abide.
Yama Ling gazed at Lin Dong and spoke gravely, “Elder Lin, we cannot allow this to linger further. Here's my plan: Jing Changtian and his allies are all gathered on ghost island. I can rally every force at my command to eliminate them swiftly. Once they're gone, their sea area will descend into leaderless turmoil like dragons sans head. We can then strike, conquering their domain in one decisive blow.” At those words, a chilling glint flashed in Yama Ling's eyes.
Lin Dong was stunned by Yama Ling's proposal. He never imagined Yama Ling would propose such a bold gambit. Slaying Jing Changtian and the others risked plunging their territories into anarchy. They'd need to intervene to restore order, a perilous endeavor that could unravel the entire dark ghost sect if mishandled.
Yet Yama Ling's logic held merit. Removing Jing Changtian and his group would chaos their sea regions. Their intervention might then stabilize things more readily, though the dangers remained immense.
Noticing Lin Dong's silence, Yama Ling recognized his hesitation and pressed on, “I know the risks are high, but action is essential. Delay means Jing Changtian and his faction truly ally with the Yin Yang sect, turning their might against us—a dire threat. Let's summon the second elder and seventh elder for counsel. Your thoughts?”
Lin Dong found no grounds to refuse. The venture was hazardous, yet vital. Inaction promised greater peril. With that in mind, he nodded firmly. “Very well, it's workable. Dispatch someone now to bring the second and seventh elders. We'll plan our next steps.”
Yama Ling nodded, ready to issue commands, when a disciple's urgent voice rang from outside. “Reporting, Sect Master! Moments ago, the great elder, fourth elder, fifth elder, sixth elder, eighth elder, and several others used the teleportation array to flee dark ghost Island. We dared not block them, so they escaped.”
Hearing this, Yama Ling and Lin Dong leaped to their feet. Yama Ling flicked his hand, flinging the study door wide. With another gesture, an unseen force yanked the reporting disciple inside. Fixing him with icy eyes, Yama Ling demanded, “What did you say? Repeat it clearly.”
Truthfully, Yama Ling had heard every word, but the shock hit too hard. They'd just plotted against Jing Changtian, only for him and his allies to vanish. Unable to process it, Yama Ling reacted thus. Trembling, the disciple restated the report.
Yama Ling's visage darkened to ashen as he hurled the disciple out with a wave. Though gravely wounded, the disciple uttered no complaint, rising to flee. Yama Ling turned to Lin Dong, face grim. “Jing Changtian and his group must have gotten wind of our plans. Else, why flee? Their flight validates our suspicions—they've indeed schemed with the Yin Yang sect. Someone, fetch the second elder and seventh elder.” A disciple outside acknowledged and dashed off.
Lin Dong's expression soured too, his voice low and heavy. “Jing Changtian and those traitors leaving now is no accident. They learned something. Who knows their next move? We must stay vigilant, Sect Master. With Yin Yang sect backing, given his ruthless nature, they'll stop at nothing. That man is a formidable foe.”
Yama Ling stomped lightly, his tone profound. “Best case, they slink back to their domains quietly. Worst, they secure Yin Yang sect aid to fracture our sect. That would prove nightmarish, endangering the Yin ghost sect and inviting rival sects to exploit our weakness.”
In a hushed tone, Lin Dong replied, “We must prepare thoroughly. If they push for schism, war looms inevitable. We cannot permit the dark ghost sect's division—that spells doom. Recall the blood slaughter sect's ordeal; swift action saved them from splintering. Never thought it'd be our crisis now. We can't lag behind.”
Yama Ling nodded gravely. “Prolonged delay favors their rebellion utterly. Ruthlessness is our only path. Regrettably, we moved too slowly. A touch more speed might have sealed it.”
By then, the second and seventh elders arrived at the study. Yama Ling recounted events, draining color from their faces. Such a turn stunned them. Absorbing Yama Ling and Lin Dong's breakdown, they grasped the peril's depth.
Gazing at Yama Ling and Lin Dong, the second elder ventured, “So, you propose we return, rally armies, and brace for war? Is it truly that dire? Would Jing Changtian dare fracture the sect? Surely they fear the repercussions.” Doubting his audacity, they hesitated.
Lin Dong shook his head. “Entirely plausible. Jing Changtian's always been daring, now bolstered by Yin Yang sect's superior forces. They might act. Preparation is key, lest they seize initiative and doom us.”
All nodded in agreement. Yama Ling eyed them sternly. “Elders, the dark ghost sect teeters on abyss's edge. Hear my decree as Yama King: no empty words. Prioritize our sect above all. Its ten-thousand-year legacy must endure beyond us. Should we eradicate Jing Changtian and his ilk this time, you three ascend as Grand Elders, status rivaling the Sect Master.”
Yama Ling's declaration left Lin Dong and the others dumbfounded. Such elevation to near-sovereign rank stunned them. It granted feudal lordship, an extravagant lure. They knew Yama Ling's desperation birthed this vow, yet its allure was undeniable. Exchanging glances, excitement gleamed in their eyes.
Noting their reactions, Yama Ling's gaze sharpened coldly, though his voice remained steady. “No more words needed. Return now, marshal forces, and await my signal. Should Jing Changtian declare rebellion, rally here at once. If not, stand by for orders. Agreed?”
They assented. Yama Ling's resolve to purge Jing Changtian was ironclad, even unto war. Necessity dictated it; Yin Yang sect alliance posed existential threat to Yin ghost sect. Elimination was paramount.
Yama Ling escorted them to the teleportation array personally. As they vanished within, his face twisted darkly. He bellowed, “Mogg, assemble all hands covertly. Gather our brothers—we face true battle now. This turns deadly serious.” Mogg affirmed and departed swiftly.