Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8637: Calculation, deception, courage (1)

Zhao Hai examined Yama Ling’s battle plan. Though not particularly brilliant, it shone with exceptional detail. He had pondered every angle meticulously. Despite lingering flaws, proper nurturing would make it fully viable.

With a nod, Zhao Hai set the plan aside. He reviewed his selected battle plans. Apart from Yama Ling’s submission, the standout came from an unlikely source—Xu Gang, whom he hadn’t foreseen.

Xu Gang, a rogue cultivator, towered with a sturdy build. His voice rumbled coarsely, painting him as a brutish fellow. Surprisingly, his battle plan proved outstanding. True to his nature, it struck directly yet with ruthless dominance—ideal for grueling clashes.

Besides those two, Chang Jun’s plan also impressed. It lacked Yama Ling’s depth and Xu Gang’s raw power, yet it offered a rare feature: a thorough retreat strategy unmatched by others.

Anticipating defeat amid thoughts of triumph marked a skilled commander. Still, all three displayed clear weaknesses, signaling more training ahead. No matter—this was trivial, with countless future chances to hone skills. Zhao Hai felt no rush. He stored the plans away, then called his subordinates together.

Once assembled in the study, Zhao Hai eyed them gravely and spoke deeply, “I’ve reviewed the battle plans you submitted. Most lack quality, as you’re unaccustomed to vast-scale warfare. In coming fights, observe keenly, reflect deeply, and summarize thoroughly afterward. Massive battles far exceed just deploying troops for a brawl. Thus, focus intently and study this realm diligently!”

All responded swiftly. Zhao Hai shifted his gaze to Xu Gang, declaring deeply, “Xu Gang!” Xu Gang shot to his feet promptly, booming deeply, “Sect master!” Nerves churned within him. He’d crafted his plan from pure instinct, bracing for reprimand, which left him deeply uneasy.

Zhao Hai fixed his stare on Xu Gang, intoning deeply, “Your battle plan outshines the rest. It brims with gaps and oversights, lacking any retreat fallback, yet its strengths abound. Shortcomings persist, though. Moving forward, watch closely and absorb lessons. Understood?”

Xu Gang froze in shock at first, then joy surged through him. “Yes, gratitude for your praise, Sect master!” he exclaimed at once, dropping back into his seat elated. Such acclaim from Zhao Hai was unimaginable, sparking pure bliss tinged with smug delight.

Next, Zhao Hai faced Chang Jun. “Chang Jun!” Chang Jun acknowledged calmly and rose. Composure defined him. Conscious of his gaps and endless lessons ahead, poor performance wouldn’t deter him.

Zhao Hai regarded Chang Jun steadily and stated, “Chang Jun, your devised battle plan excels. It rivals Xu Gang’s quality. Your focus leans defensive, his offensive—you must draw from him henceforth. Our clashes seem straightforward: I lead the charge into grand combat. Yet beforehand, we dissect every intel scrap and orchestrate myriad preparations. These demand extended deliberation and precise reckoning. Only exhaustive pre-battle computations allow such effortless victories. Ultimately, every battle distills to three essentials: first, calculation; second, deception; third, courage. Calculation entails foreseeing what foes cannot, weighing both armies’ merits and flaws, pinpointing enemy strengths and vulnerabilities alongside our own; then striking our advantages against their frailties to conquer. Deception fools the foe: portray weaknesses as fortresses, strengths as frailties; feign an Eastern thrust while hitting Westward, or pretend Westward to assault East. That’s deception.”

Zhao Hai halted briefly before pressing on, ""The final aspect is courage. This term chiefly applies to valiant warriors, yet it equally fits commanders like ourselves. In decisive moments, bravery is essential. Lacking it while the foe possesses it means defeat. Hence, courage holds immense importance. Grasp these three qualities, and you merit the role of commander.""

All responded together. They hadn't fully grasped Zhao Hai's explanation yet, but he trusted that several more clashes would make it clear. Thus, Zhao Hai went on, ""Very well, I've covered plenty. Now, let's shift to this operation. The Yin Yang Sect has opposed us relentlessly. We must deal with them decisively. This also lays groundwork for what's ahead. Should we crush or seize the Yin Yang Sect, our power surges ahead.""

Zhao Hai stopped momentarily, then rose with fervor, declaring deeply, ""We hail from the Blood Slaughter Sect," he emphasized. "Never lose sight of that. Though we linger here now and can't proclaim our name openly, remember always: we are Blood Slaughter Sect members. This place won't hold us eternally. Fine as it is, our true arena lies in the Blood Sea Realm. We must dominate the Blood Sea Realm and make every sect recognize the Blood Slaughter Sect's enduring presence. The Blood Slaughter Sect ranks among the Blood Sea Realm's top ten sects!""

Zhao Hai's declaration stirred everyone's passion. They leaped to their feet, chorusing, ""We pledge eternal loyalty to the Sect Master!"" Clearly, his speech had kindled the flames within them. The realm offered comfort, yet the Blood Sea Realm was their destined stage. They yearned to stride it proudly, proclaiming their Blood Slaughter Sect origins.

Gazing upon them, Zhao Hai intoned gravely, ""The Corpse Demon Sect lies half-ruined now. With their ancestor unmoving amid this, some constraint binds him. His prior strike on our Blood Slaughter Sect exacted a toll he can't ignore. Absent their intervention, the Corpse Demon Sect poses no threat. Now holding the Yin Ghost Sect, seizing the Yin Yang Sect would provoke both ancestors' potential wrath—uncertain if they'll act. Yet dominating the Yin Yang Sect grants two major sects under our sway. Add our controlled minor sects, personal forces, and the Giant Demon Sect's renewed alliance, and our might grows formidable. Soon, even surfacing in the Blood Sea Realm, none would challenge us successfully. Then, we plant our flag there solidly!""

The group boomed their assent, fervor blazing. Though Zhao Hai drove this expansion to Blood Sea Realm stature, their own labors fueled it. Sharing in this triumph filled them with profound pride and glory.

Eyeing them steadily, Zhao Hai declared solemnly, ""To hasten our Blood Sea Realm return, this mission demands victory. Yet caution reigns. Our prime objective: the Yin Yang Sect headquarters, Yin Yang Joyous Island. Mastering it seizes the entire Yin Yang Sect.""

All nodded firmly. Zhao Hai proceeded, ""Approaching Yin-Yang Harmony Island proves simple enough. But post-clash with the Yin Ghost Sect, the Yin Yang Sect withdrew to their domain, summoning myriad Island Masters there. Many converge on Yin-Yang Harmony Island now, posing a challenge.""

The assembly quieted. Chang Jun furrowed his brow, voicing, ""Intelligence shows at least two or three thousand Island Master-level experts on Yin-Yang Joyous Union Island. With their island defense formation and sect-guarding celestial artifact, capturing it won't be straightforward. That celestial device packs serious power. Our barrier won't easily seal the island or block their formations. Targeting Yin-Yang Joyous Union Island head-on feels perilous, no?""

"What are your thoughts?" Zhao Hai inquired of Chang Jun. Chang Jun possessed a cautious demeanor, evident in the meticulous battle plan he had drafted. Precisely because of this quality, Zhao Hai sought Chang Jun's viewpoint, keen to discover his insights.

After pondering momentarily, Chang Jun responded gravely, "Sect Master, as we prepare to confront the Yin Yang Sect, there's no necessity to strike their strongest defenses. You previously stated that we ought to employ our strengths against the enemy's vulnerabilities. The Yin Yang Sect controls numerous islands devoid of Island Master-level experts. Why not target those islands?" Capturing them would equate to severing the Yin Yang Sect's roots. Should they rally all their experts, it would prove futile. At that juncture, they may desperately engage us in battle, allowing us to dispatch them with ease."