Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8662: Elder array (1)

Yao Jianhao's expression shifted. He then asked Zhao Hai, "Little Hai, are you certain about what you're saying? If this information is accurate, we must treat this matter with the utmost gravity. The Shadow Realm is certainly not to be trifled with. If this situation truly involves them, it bodes ill for the entirety of the Blood Sea Realm."

Zhao Hai affirmed with a nod, "Indeed, that's precisely my assessment. If the Shadow Realm is implicated, it's a monumental development. This could signify an impending invasion of our Blood Sea Realm. Given our current circumstances, repelling such an attack would necessitate a united front."

Yao Jianhao concurred, recognizing the truth in Zhao Hai's words. Should the Shadow Realm be the aggressor, the Blood Sea Realm, in its current weakened state, would indeed require collective action. The realm had already endured significant losses, including over ten thousand Island Master level experts and several top-tier cultivators during the destruction of the Blood Kill Sect. Furthermore, the conflict between the Corpse Demon Sect and the Giant Demon Sect had also resulted in considerable casualties, depleting the number of island-level experts. A large-scale invasion by the Shadow Realm would be exceedingly difficult to counter without solidarity.

Zhao Hai stated gravely, "However, this remains unconfirmed. Therefore, we should refrain from disseminating this information widely. Prematurely announcing our suspicions about the market's connection to the Shadow Realm would be tantamount to offending the market's inhabitants, who are not without their strength. We should avoid creating unnecessary adversaries."

Yao Jianhao agreed, proposing, "How about this? We will diligently prepare for potential conflict while simultaneously monitoring the market's developments. If the changes there are indeed linked to the Shadow Realm, we must neutralize the threat swiftly. Otherwise, our focus will remain on the impending assault from the Corpse Demon Sect. This approach ensures we are prepared for all eventualities."

Zhao Hai nodded, responding, "Very well, let's proceed with that plan. I will dedicate my efforts to observing the situation on the market island. Martial Uncle, you should return immediately to make arrangements for the Sect. I will inform you the moment any significant news arises." Yao Jianhao acknowledged with a nod, ceased his drinking, and rose. He cupped his fists towards Zhao Hai before departing. Zhao Hai accompanied him to the teleportation array. After Yao Jianhao and the other Giant Demon Sect cultivators vanished into the array, Zhao Hai's expression grew even more somber. He turned to Chang Jun and the others, commanding, "Summon everyone to the main hall. I have an important announcement to make."

"Yes," Chang Jun replied promptly and hurried to make the necessary arrangements. Zhao Hai proceeded directly to the hall. Though seated, he was simultaneously observing the market through his spatial abilities, attempting to ascertain the unfolding events. However, his efforts were soon met with disappointment. The market island was enveloped in an impenetrable white void, rendering it invisible to his spatial perception.

Zhao Hai understood this phenomenon perfectly. It indicated the presence of an energy field blanketing the market, obstructing his vision. This further solidified his suspicions. Even if the market's current state was unrelated to the Shadow Realm, a significant alteration had clearly occurred, given this unusual circumstance.

Before long, all the high-ranking members of the Blood Kill Sect had assembled in the main hall. Upon entering, they immediately paid their respects to Zhao Hai and took their silent positions, awaiting his address. Zhao Hai surveyed the assembled disciples and declared in a deep voice, "I have just received intelligence indicating that the Lone Island Market is currently engulfed in a dense, gray fog. We have lost contact with our disciples stationed there. I have already dispatched personnel to investigate the market and ascertain the situation. It is my hope that we will receive updates shortly."

Those unaware of the preceding discussions were taken aback by the news. However, they recognized that Zhao Hai would not have convened this assembly without further cause. Consequently, they remained silent, listening attentively. Zhao Hai continued, "I have maintained a keen interest in the market island due to a peculiar aura I detected there previously. This aura bears a resemblance to the individuals from the Shadow Realm I have encountered. Therefore, I suspect that the current disruption at the market may be connected to the Shadow Realm."

Zhao Hai's pronouncement ignited immediate unrest. Nobody had anticipated such a twist of events. Zhao Hai actually harbored suspicions that the market's fluctuations were linked to the shadow world. Even among the higher-ups of the Bloody Massacre Sect, many were unaffiliated cultivators who, despite their status, had indeed heard of the shadow world and its terrifying reputation. If this matter truly involved the shadow world, it would indeed escalate into a significant crisis.

Surveying the assembled individuals, Zhao Hai declared with gravity, "We cannot definitively ascertain if this matter is connected to the shadow world. However, preparation is paramount. We must not let our vigilance falter. Do you understand?" In truth, Zhao Hai's primary intention was to impress upon them that confronting the shadow realm would present an entirely different challenge compared to the Corpse Demon Sect. The Corpse Demon Sect operated as a typical sect, their combat methods aligning with standard cultivator practices. The shadow realm, conversely, was distinct; their fighting style mirrored that of a disciplined army.

A unified chorus of agreement arose. Zhao Hai gave a nod and then addressed the gathering once more, his voice deep, "Very well, disperse and make preparations. Grandmaster Yin Yang and the others have not troubled us recently, but this does not guarantee they will refrain from doing so in the future. We must remain ready. Go." The assembly acknowledged his directive with nods before turning and departing.

Once the crowd had dispersed, Zhao Hai turned his attention to Laura and the others. "Laura, you must also give this matter close attention. The inhabitants of the shadow realm are somewhat peculiar. I fear our current magical formations may not be sufficient to repel them. Keep a constant watch on this. I am going out to meet someone."

Laura appeared taken aback and inquired with curiosity, "Meet a person? Brother Hai, whom are you going to see?" Laura genuinely had no idea who Zhao Hai might be meeting at this juncture. There seemed to be no immediate requirement for external assistance, leaving Laura and the others quite perplexed.

"I intend to visit the Formation Elder. He dispatched a letter requesting a meeting," Zhao Hai replied with a smile. The Formation Elder Zhao Hai referred to was the original spirit of the Spiritual Formation Sect's mountain-protecting array. He had existed for countless years. Subsequently, Zhao Hai imparted knowledge of energy threads to him, enabling the elder to merge with the island, thus becoming the Formation Elder.

Upon hearing Zhao Hai's explanation, Laura couldn't help but be astonished. She then nodded and stated, "So, it's the Formation Elder. You may proceed; leave the matters here to us." Naturally, Laura was also privy to the Formation Elder's existence. Although they hadn't been physically present in the Blood Sea Realm at that specific time, they were aware of everyone Zhao Hai knew within that realm.

Zhao Hai inclined his head. Turning, he vanished from the room. In the subsequent moment, he materialized within a teleportation array. The instant he arrived, an aged voice greeted him, "Hahahaha, Zhao Hai, we meet again."

Zhao Hai turned to face an old man standing near the teleportation formation. He presented the appearance of an ordinary elder, clad in a simple gray cultivator's robe, with no distinguishing features. However, his eyes gleamed with a profound light, radiating wisdom. This individual was the Formation Elder.

Yet, over time, his appearance had undergone a significant transformation. His physique now resembled that of a normal person, making it impossible to discern that he was once solely a formation spirit. This observation led Zhao Hai to conclude that the Formation Elder's strength had likely surpassed its previous level. Zhao Hai swiftly bowed to the elder and said, "Formation Elder, it has been a while. I have been occupied with numerous matters recently and have not had the opportunity to visit. Please forgive my absence."

The Formation Elder gestured dismissively and spoke, "No need for formalities." He continued, "I am aware of some of the recent events concerning you. I only learned of the Bloody Massacre Sect's predicament later. By the time I managed to reach the location, the affair had already concluded. I believed I might not have another chance to see you. However, I later discovered a means to communicate. My intention was to reach out, but upon reflection, I decided against it. I surmised that you would not be in any grave danger, otherwise, you would have sought me out. I have been anticipating your arrival." He paused, then inquired, "It seems I have waited quite some time. How have you been?"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Hai realized the formation elder was indeed a formation spirit. Despite continuously monitoring the outside world, information acquisition was still challenging for him. He immediately offered a smile. "Very well. I am now the Sect Master of the Blood Slaughter Sect. Following the previous incident, many members of the Blood Slaughter Sect perished. I could only gather the survivors and resurrect the sect. I operated in the shadows, and with my increased strength, the Blood Slaughter Sect has made a return to the martial world. We have already vanquished the Yin Yang Sect and the Yin Ghost Sect."

The formation elder was taken aback by Zhao Hai's words. He gazed at Zhao Hai with curiosity and inquired, "Excellent, truly excellent. I never anticipated you to possess such might. Wonderful. I was recently occupied with a matter and thus paid little heed to the shifts within the Blood Sea Realm. Otherwise, I would have surely gleaned news of you. Now that your Blood Slaughter Sect wields such influence, it will undoubtedly be beneficial for this undertaking."

"Elder Formation, what matter requires attention?" Zhao Hai inquired. He was genuinely perplexed as to why the formation elder sought him out. After all, the formation elder was merely a formation spirit. However, based on their previous encounter, Zhao Hai surmised the formation elder's strength was considerable. This was the reason for his question.

The formation elder's voice deepened as he replied, "When your Blood Slaughter Sect faced its previous calamity, I ventured to the sect's location. I found nothing amiss. Moreover, upon confirming your safety, I departed. However, unexpectedly, as I traversed a particular area, I detected a peculiar aura. I lingered to investigate the cause of this anomaly. Subsequently, I discovered this place to be known as the Isolated Island Market, a trading hub specifically for ordinary itinerant cultivators."