Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8611: Choice _1

Right now, Zhao Hai gazed upon Yama Ling's token with a faint smile. “Yama Ling, you're a clever fellow, so you've probably figured this out long ago. The ancestor knows full well that you can't defy me directly. If you tried, I'd seize total control over you and annihilate the Yin Ghost Sect. That's precisely why he aims to reach out to the old ancestor in the upper realm. You intend to inform him of everything occurring here, all without alerting me. Hence, you've bided your time for over a month, acting impeccably obedient. Your goal is to convince me of your complete surrender, prompting me to ease my surveillance so you can strike. Am I correct?”

Zhao Hai's smile lingered on. Though his features were concealed, Yama Ling sensed the amusement in Zhao Hai's eyes, souring his own mood. He hastily replied, “Master jests; I wouldn't dare.”

Zhao Hai eyed Yama Ling's token, grin widening. “No, you wouldn't dare now. Did you assume I couldn't decipher those symbols, leaving you safe if you denied it? Regrettably, I do recognize them. Your message amounts to a dispatch to your upper realm ancestor, detailing the events here. Oh, and those special paper, brush, and ink you employed—quite fascinating.”

Upon hearing Zhao Hai's revelation, Yama Ling's face finally twisted. His hunched posture straightened gradually as he fixed Zhao Hai with a piercing stare. “What are you implying, Master? I fail to comprehend. Are you attempting to frame me? If so, won't those beneath us question your authority?”

Zhao Hai paused in surprise at Yama Ling's retort, then chuckled. “Fascinating, truly fascinating. Very well, let me demonstrate my proof. Mogg, fetch Lin Dong and the others.” Mogg acknowledged promptly and hurried off to summon them.

Yama Ling stared at Zhao Hai, baffled. He couldn't fathom why Zhao Hai summoned Lin Dong and company at this juncture. Zhao Hai lacked hard evidence yet; punishing him openly now would be unwise, especially with Lin Dong and the rest witnessing. They'd sympathize, thinking Yama Ling innocent and unjustly targeted. This could breed resentment, portraying Zhao Hai as fabricating charges against them all.

Yet Zhao Hai remained silent, merely beaming at Yama Ling. Within half an hour, Lin Dong and the others arrived in Yama Ling's study, faces etched with confusion as they regarded Zhao Hai and Yama Ling. Unaware of the summons' purpose, they bowed deeply to Zhao Hai, standing rigidly without seating.

Zhao Hai surveyed Lin Dong and the group, smiling warmly. “I've gathered you all today for an important announcement. Moments ago, Yama Ling performed his ancestral rites. In the midst, he attempted to secretly communicate with the Yin Ghost Sect's Grandmaster in the upper realm, relaying the situation here. He hoped the Grandmaster would intervene against me, enabling him to eradicate us. When confronted, he denies it flatly. I believe he's guilty, so I've called you here.”

Lin Dong and the others froze at Zhao Hai's words, then swiveled toward Yama Ling, puzzlement deepening. Why involve them in such a matter? Zhao Hai should handle it privately. Had they colluded with Yama Ling? Did Zhao Hai suspect them too?

Such thoughts spurred Lin Dong to speak up swiftly. “Master, we're completely unaware of this. Please conduct a thorough investigation!” The other two elders echoed him, bowing low. “My Lord, we had no knowledge whatsoever. Kindly investigate!” Yama Ling seethed inwardly at their statements, which effectively affirmed his attempt to contact the upper realm ancestor. Though factual, denial had kept him safe thus far—now Lin Dong and the others handed Zhao Hai the leverage he needed.

He dared not voice his discontent right now. Silently, he stood motionless, uttering not a single word. Zhao Hai gazed at him with a smile and said, “I know you’re unaware of this, but it makes no difference. I didn’t summon you here to verify the truth or falsehood, nor to question your offenses. My reason for calling you is to make clear that your opinions mean nothing. I now hold the ultimate authority in the Dark Ghost Sect, and my will takes precedence above all. Yama Ling still fails to comprehend this rule. He believes his refusal to confess protects him from my reach. That’s correct. To prevent the Dark Ghost Sect’s ancestor in the upper realm from discovering my dealings with the sect, I cannot eliminate him. Yet, other actions remain possible. Like slaying others!”

With that, Zhao Hai turned his gaze to the four men and grinned. “I realize this tactic holds no surprises for you. Countless Dark Ghost Sect cultivators have fallen by your hands before. But this time, let’s switch up the game. Yama Ling erred this round, so his followers escape death. Each of you commands vast numbers of loyal subordinates within the Dark Ghost Sect—men devoted solely to you, ignoring the sect or its master. Here’s the plan: Yama Ling’s blunder spares his own, but your people will pay the price instead. How does that sound?”

Though Zhao Hai delivered these words smilingly, they drained the color from Yama Ling and his three companions. Deeper terror flickered in Yama Ling’s stare as he eyed Zhao Hai. Never had he anticipated such a ruthless scheme. His own mistake went unpunished in blood, while Lin Dong’s forces suffered. Far beyond mere slaughter, this move aimed straight at sowing discord among them.

Relations between him and Lin Dong’s group had always strained, and Zhao Hai’s ploy would only worsen it. What thoughts would stir in Lin Dong and the rest? Your error leads to our losses? Why us? Their fury at Zhao Hai would pale against the resentment they’d direct at him, the true instigator. A masterful mental assault—an overt stratagem laid bare, promising division. Yet few could resist its pull.

Yama Ling opened his mouth to protest, but Zhao Hai shot him a sharp look, cutting him off. “I’ve made it clear: in the Dark Ghost Sect, only my commands hold power. My decrees define justice. Even if they err, what recourse do you have? Defy me? Thus, obedience is your sole path. Grasp that essence. Don’t miss the point.”

Zhao Hai’s declaration sparked anger in Yama Ling and the others. Yet they stood powerless. Precisely as he stated, his rule over the Dark Ghost Sect was absolute. Resistance lay beyond their grasp. Hence, Yama Ling and his allies fell utterly silent.

Turning to Yama Ling, Zhao Hai smirked. “I see your defiance lingers, but what of it? Today, a thousand shall perish. Three hundred from each of your clans, slain by Yama Ling’s own hand. Speaking of which, here they come.” The chamber door swung wide then, admitting ten figures. Unlike Ren Bao, raw dread shone in their eyes. Control held them firmly.

Zhao Hai swept his eyes over the ten captives, then fixed on Yama Ling with a smile. “Go on, execute them!” He fell quiet after, reclining calmly. Yama Ling froze in shock. Lin Dong and the others sensed the shift too. All eyes turned to Yama Ling, then back to the poised Zhao Hai. A cold dread gripped Lin Dong’s group, for they perceived Zhao Hai had not seized Yama Ling’s body this time.

Previously, Zhao Hai’s kill orders came with full bodily domination, forcing the deed while offering a mental shield: not my choice, mere puppet. The victims died by his hand, yet not by his will.

This occasion differed sharply. Lacking control over Yama Ling, the man retained command of his form. Should he strike now, no such alibi would save him. Another devastating mental blow.

Zhao Hai noticed Yama Ling hesitating without taking action for an extended period, yet he stayed completely calm without any panic. With a steady voice, he declared, “Yama Ling, you can decide against killing these people, but then I’ll pick two thousand from your subordinates and have Lin Dong and the others execute them. If Lin Dong and his group won’t kill these people, no problem—all three thousand here will meet their end. I always follow through on my words; it’s your choice.”

Yama Ling’s frame shuddered fiercely. Glaring at Zhao Hai with eyes red as blood, he growled, “Devil, you’re nothing but a devil! How could someone like you exist in this world? You’ll surely be overcome by the heart devil. You’ll surely be overcome by the heart devil. Ascension will elude you. Immortality is beyond your reach. It’s completely impossible.”

“Hahahaha, think you can brush this off so easily? Which of those who ascended didn’t have blood on their hands? Didn’t they ascend anyway? Know how many I’ve slain? This is trivial to me! Yama Ling, you underestimate me far too much. Will you act or not? If you refuse, I’ll summon your men too, then command Lin Dong and the others to handle it. If they balk, all three thousand assembled here today will die. Up to you. I’ve made my stance clear; you pick who dies.” Zhao Hai said no more. He reclined into his chair, eyes closing as if ready for a nap.