Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8615: Waiting _1

Lin Dong paced anxiously back and forth inside his study. Zhao Hai had promised him twenty days to decide, yet he had only needed under twenty minutes to make up his mind. Still, he couldn't just inform Zhao Hai, since without Zhao Hai seeking him out, he had no opportunity to meet him at all. For these past few days, he had simply been waiting for Zhao Hai's arrival.

A full month had now passed since Zhao Hai granted those 20 days, but Zhao Hai still hadn't shown up. This left him in utter distress. He dreaded the thought that Zhao Hai might choose someone else, perhaps approaching the second elder or the seventh elder to take his place. Lin Dong knew full well that those two would likely jump at Zhao Hai's proposal. That was why he felt so tormented. He despised himself for not accepting Zhao Hai's offer right away; if he had, he might already hold the position of sect leader in the dark ghost sect.

Right as he paced restlessly in his study, a voice abruptly sounded: “What’s wrong? Lin Dong, have you thought it through?” Though the tone remained utterly serene, it instantly invigorated Lin Dong, for he recognized Zhao Hai's voice immediately. He spun around toward the source, and the scene before him left him completely stupefied.

A figure occupied his own chair. Clad in black robes that flowed lightly yet didn't hinder motion, the man had an utterly unremarkable face, nothing standout about it.

This was Lin Dong's own quarters, after all. Previously, Zhao Hai had always concealed his features, but now they lay bare, catching Lin Dong off guard. He quickly recovered, however, and bowed deeply to Zhao Hai. “Greetings, master. This subordinate has given it full thought.”

Zhao Hai gazed at Lin Dong with a smile. “Tell me.” Even as he smiled, a shiver ran through Lin Dong's back. He had come to fear that smile deeply. Moreover, he sensed that Zhao Hai's entire presence had vanished. Despite sitting right there, no aura emanated from him whatsoever. Were it not for seeing him, Lin Dong wouldn't have detected his arrival. Even now, his mind kept trying to overlook Zhao Hai. This realization made Lin Dong's heart race—he understood it signaled another leap in Zhao Hai's power.

Lin Dong bowed his head even lower and declared to Zhao Hai, “I am willing to assume the role of sect leader for the dark ghost sect. I vow to serve you with all my effort. Should I ever betray you, may inner demons strike me down.” With those words, he dropped to one knee before Zhao Hai. His choice was set: he would claim the dark ghost sect's leadership, driven by fears that prolonging the Yama King’s token would sever the sect's lineage.

Zhao Hai nodded at Lin Dong. “Rise and come with me.” Lin Dong stood promptly. With a casual wave from Zhao Hai, both vanished from the room. In the next instant, they materialized elsewhere. Lin Dong hadn't sensed the spatial shift at all, deepening his awe for Zhao Hai.

Surveying the new room, Lin Dong froze in shock. He realized they were now in the second elder’s study, where the second elder sat engrossed in a Jade slip, brow furrowed in concentration. He hadn't noticed their arrival.

Zhao Hai addressed the second elder calmly. “Second elder, how are you?” That simple greeting jolted the second elder, who leaped to his feet yelling, “Who’s there!” He whirled toward Zhao Hai and Lin Dong, hands poised to attack.

Yet upon recognizing them, he paused in astonishment. Then he bowed to both. “Greetings, master. Greetings, elder Lin!” Inside, the second elder reeled. He never imagined Zhao Hai and Lin Dong would visit his domain, appearing straight in his study. Worse, had they stayed silent, he wouldn't have sensed a thing.

Zhao Hai nodded to the second elder before strolling to the chair and taking a seat. He then fixed his gaze on him. “Second elder, I have news. I plan to shatter Yama’s token and install Lin Dong as the dark ghost sect's sect leader. I need your backing. Any objections?”

Zhao Hai’s words caused the second elder’s face to shift dramatically. He glanced over at Lin Dong, who stood there with a blank expression, acting as if the statement had zero connection to him. The second elder realized that Lin Dong had already consented. Even though Zhao Hai appeared to seek his view, it wasn’t a real question—it served as a declaration. No matter his choice, Lin Dong was destined to lead the Dark Ghost Sect. Agreement would keep things smooth; defiance might bring dire repercussions he couldn’t predict.

Thus, those ideas flashed through the second elder’s head only briefly before he bowed swiftly to Zhao Hai and declared, “Yes, I’m willing to back Elder Lin as the new sect leader of the Dark Ghost Sect. I have no objections.” He understood perfectly that resistance was futile now. Any bold words or actions would ensure Zhao Hai wouldn’t spare him.

Like Lin Dong, the second elder had long trembled at Zhao Hai’s ruthless techniques. They both knew resistance was pointless under his control, and refusal could mark him as the next victim, explaining his instant compliance.

Zhao Hai gave a nod. “Good, that’s fine. Glad you’re on board. Let’s head out—follow me to meet the seventh elder.” With a hand gesture, the trio vanished from the second elder’s study. Instantly, they materialized in the seventh elder’s study. A few others were there with him, clearly his close allies, deep in discussion. Zhao Hai’s group went unnoticed, emerging silently in the room’s shadows without sound or energy ripples.

The seventh elder and his group chatted about routine affairs in his managed sea region—nothing noteworthy—so Zhao Hai waited patiently, listening attentively. He couldn’t help nodding in approval. The seventh elder excelled at administration; he was undoubtedly capable.

Once the seventh elder and his confidants wrapped up, the room’s occupants finally spotted Zhao Hai and the others. They rose warily, eyeing the newcomers. Two even seemed ready to snap. The seventh elder jumped up at once, bowing to Zhao Hai. “My Lord!” His aides froze in shock upon hearing that. As trusted followers, they knew of Zhao Hai and the Dark Ghost Sect’s plight, yet they’d never laid eyes on him, only hearing rumors without a face to match.

Truth be told, the seventh elder hadn’t seen Zhao Hai either, but spotting Lin Dong and the second elder trailing him confirmed it immediately, prompting his bow. The rest hurried to imitate.

Zhao Hai nodded and gestured dismissively. “Seventh elder, remain. Everyone else, depart.” The words stunned them momentarily. They glanced at the seventh elder, who nodded and commanded, “You’re dismissed.” They bowed to Zhao Hai before exiting.

Observing their discipline, Zhao Hai smiled and nodded. “No order from the general, no armor from the troops—impressive work, seventh elder.” He strode to the seventh elder’s chair, sat, then eyed him. “I’ve brought these two today for an announcement. Lin Dong will take the sect leader role in the Dark Ghost Sect. Your thoughts?”

The seventh elder paused briefly, then responded gravely, “This subordinate has no issues—it’s all up to master!” His reply came swift and direct, sparking Zhao Hai’s interest as he watched closely. “You act like you anticipated this?”

In a solemn tone, the seventh elder affirmed, “Yes, I suspected as much. When Yama’s order tried contacting the upper realm ancestors before, I figured this moment loomed. Just didn’t think it’d arrive so fast.” He spoke plainly, neither dodging nor concealing, owning his insight outright.

Zhao Hai gave a nod. "You're a clever one. Fine, let's move. We'll discuss it once Yama's order is taken care of." With those words, he flicked his wrist, and the four vanished from the chamber. In the blink of an eye, they materialized inside Yama Ling's study. Yama Ling sat there, face serene. He stayed put in his seat, eyes shut tight, as though expecting someone.

Truthfully, he was waiting indeed. He understood Zhao Hai wouldn't spare him, so Yama Ling awaited his foe. That explained his inaction over the past month—he'd simply lingered in quiet anticipation. Just then, Zhao Hai and his three companions popped into the study. Yama Ling remained unaware. His current power couldn't pick up on Zhao Hai anymore.

Eyeing Yama's token, Zhao Hai declared in a grave tone, "Yama's order—you're waiting for me, aren't you?" Yama Ling's eyes flew open upon hearing this. He'd figured that by staying composed and scanning around, he'd catch the sneaking Zhao Hai. Yet now he saw his error. Zhao Hai had slipped in undetected, and spotting Lin Dong plus the other two stunned him more—he hadn't felt their presence either.

But realization struck swiftly. He'd missed Lin Dong and the pair because they'd arrived alongside Zhao Hai, slipping past his senses. Even so, Yama Ling rose without bowing to Zhao Hai. He merely regarded him steadily and replied, "Yes, I'm waiting for you."