Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8597: Agree (1)

When Yama Ling caught Lin Dong's words, a flicker of astonishment crossed his face. He gazed at Lin Dong with bewilderment and spoke gravely, “You’re not wrong? You mean the ghost shadow group? They want to cooperate with us? And the Tang family’s matter, was it really them?” Yama Ling struggled to wrap his mind around it. He simply couldn't fathom how a minor assassin outfit dared to propose a partnership with them. Were they even worthy? Sure, they wiped out the Tang family, but that hardly made them equals for collaboration, did it?

In a solemn tone, Lin Dong replied, “I’m not wrong, they truly seek cooperation with us. Yu Qing mentioned that the contact from the ghost shadow group was no weaker than myself. Furthermore, the ghost shadow group claimed they've earned the enmity of the Yin Yang sect through their strike on the Tang family. They crave vengeance against the Yin Yang sect too, so they're proposing an alliance with us to target the Yin Yang sect. In return, they'll accept reduced payment!” Here, Lin Dong glanced at Yama’s token and fell silent.

Far from angered, Yama Ling appeared stunned. He regarded Lin Dong steadily and asked, “Do you believe we should proceed? Are you capable of handling it?” Yama’s query showed considerable respect for the ghost shadow group. Their swift annihilation of the Tang family demonstrated undeniable power. Plus, Lin Dong's report of their representative matching his own prowess heightened Yama Ling's interest.

Among the eight great elders, Lin Dong ranked at the pinnacle of strength. Beyond the nine great sects, few mid-tier sect leaders or Grand Elders could rival him. Thus, if the ghost shadow group boasted members on Lin Dong's level, they warranted serious consideration.

Gazing at Yama’s token, Lin Dong declared deeply, “Sect leader, we must weigh our dire circumstances. You understand better than I that our foes overwhelm us. The Yin Yang sect allied with Jing Changtian matches one-and-a-half sects' might, while we muster barely half a sect's force. The other seven major sects won't aid us sincerely—even if they did, they'd eye our lands or the entire Yin ghost sect. This group operates as assassins for hire, shrouded in secrecy, with no designs on our territory. They're our sole potential partner now. Offer them treasures, and they'll eliminate Jing Changtian and his ilk. Success lets us crush Jing Changtian's domain outright. Failure costs mere treasures—a price we can bear.”

Yama Ling nodded thoughtfully, then responded, “That holds merit. Cooperation seems viable then, but is it truly? What drives the ghost shadow group to ally with us? Regardless of hidden agendas, we should deliberate further.”

“I suggest summoning the second elder and seventh elder for discussion,” Lin Dong proposed gravely. “This concerns us all deeply.” Lin Dong knew well that bypassing them could breed resentment among the second and seventh elders. Even if they proceeded together later, lingering grudges would fester—something Lin Dong wished to avoid. He recognized their current weakness demanded unity, or doom awaited.

Yama Ling raised no objection. He dispatched a message at once to the second and seventh elders, urging them to Ghost Island without delay. He also instructed outer disciples to escort them straight to his study upon arrival. Only then did he settle into his seat and turn to Lin Dong. “Elder Lin, are you truly convinced this will work?”

Lin Dong affirmed with a nod, speaking deeply, “Yes, Sect master, it’s highly feasible. We desperately need a strong ally now. Without one, rooting out Jing Changtian and his forces soon proves arduous. The ghost shadow group fits perfectly. Through this pact, they gain treasures, strike back at the Yin Yang sect for past pursuits, and boost their fame.”

Lin Dong eyed Yama Ling and added, “Though an assassin outfit, the ghost shadow group lacks renown. Word of the Tang family wipeout hasn't circulated widely, so trust in them remains low. Success here will trumpet their name. They thrive in shadows, yet without reputation, business dries up. Publicizing their exploits—without exposing identities—benefits them greatly.”

Continuing, Lin Dong warned Yama Ling, “Naturally, we must remain vigilant. Their mystery demands caution. Like wolves, they merit alliance but eternal wariness—lest they turn and bite.”

Yama Ling nodded as a voice announced from outside: the second and seventh elders had arrived. He bade them enter promptly. After greetings in the study, Yama Ling had Lin Dong recount the proposal, then solicited their views.

The pair pondered deeply after Lin Dong finished. This twist astonished them. They turned to Lin Dong, and the second elder inquired, “Elder Lin, what’s your stance?” They sought his perspective first.

Lin Dong endorsed it fully, reiterating his rationale. The two nodded, inwardly concurring. They knew their power fell short against the Yin Yang sect and Jing Changtian. Such an ally, however unreliable, beat standing alone.

Yama Ling eyed them both and pressed gravely, “Your thoughts?” He'd read their faces but required explicit consent, respecting their positions.

“Agreed!” they chorused. No choice existed—their inferiority was plain. Sans alliance, they couldn't best the Yin Yang sect and Jing Changtian, forcing desperate battle. That would shatter the Yin ghost sect irreparably, dooming unification.

Yet, should the ghost shadow group fell Jing Changtian and crew, the Yin ghost sect could reform. This prospect proved irresistible, compelling their assent.

With all three on board, Yama Ling nodded approvingly. “Excellent, your agreement pleases me. I favor it too. But Elder Lin, how do we reach the ghost shadow group? Our position weakens by the hour. The Yin Yang sect and Jing Changtian amass troops. Once ready, war erupts—and the ghost shadow group might arrive too late.”

Lin Dong produced a jade slip and intoned deeply, “Yu Qing provided this. Crush it upon agreement, and the ghost shadow group learns. They'll contact us swiftly. Best to activate now—I wish to test their boldness in approaching us, and their prowess in doing so. Lacking either disqualifies cooperation.”

Yama Ling and the others examined the jade slip, nodding at Lin Dong's logic. Without daring or might to meet them, how could they dispatch Jing Changtian et al.? Those foes packed serious punch. Yama Ling commanded deeply, “Very well, shatter it—let's see their arrival time.” Lin Dong complied, crushing the jade slip instantly.

The jade slip burst into white light upon shattering, absorbing its contents. The glow coalesced into a formation that descended to the floor. Instantly, a black-clad figure materialized within. As he emerged, the array vanished.

Yama Ling and companions stared in shock. Such speed defied expectation—the jade slip freshly crushed, and here he stood, as if summoned by magic. Amazement gripped Yama Ling and the rest.

The black-robed man surveyed Yama Ling and the elders, then grinned and boomed deeply, “Ghostshadow Regiment’s leader, ghostshadow, greets Sect Master Yama and the three elders. This one pays respects!” Absent his dark garb and face veil, he'd seem a casual visitor to old comrades.

Tension gripped Yama Ling, Lin Dong, and the other two. Their eight eyes locked on the man in black. Yama Ling spoke first. “You lead the ghost shadow group? Your power impresses—do you genuinely seek alliance?” Yama Ling guarded against him keenly, unable to gauge his cultivation. Perhaps artifacts concealed it, but weakness was impossible.