Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8663: Accident (1)
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
Elder formation's words left Zhao Hai in shock. He truly did not anticipate such a coincidence. Elder formation had already detected the unusual aura emanating from the market and was observing it all along. He promptly responded, "I too had noticed this market and had dispatched individuals to monitor it. However, recently, this area has become enveloped in an energy, preventing me from contacting my operatives. Elder formation, what exactly is transpiring here?"
Upon hearing Zhao Hai's query, the formation elder spoke in a hushed tone, "So, you've noticed it as well? I was paying attention to this place earlier, but recently, it was suddenly obscured by a layer of gray mist. The power within it is even more potent. I sensed that if my energy were to penetrate that gray energy, I would be instantly detected, so I refrained from acting. It is precisely because of this alteration that I found you, as I recognize this power."
At this juncture, the formation elder's expression grew solemn. He declared in a deep voice, "This power originates from the Shadow Realm. I have encountered this power before, though not for a considerable time, which is why I didn't recognize it initially. Now that this power has intensified, I recall that it is the might of the Shadow Realm, and it is no ordinary manifestation. This is a remarkably potent force from the Shadow Realm."
Zhao Hai exhaled deeply and stated gravely, "I had a persistent feeling that the power here resembled that of the Shadow Realm. I did not expect it to be accurate. It appears all my disciples stationed here are in peril. This must be an ingress point for the Shadow Realm to invade the Blood Sea Realm. Elder formation, what are your intentions now?"
The formation elder turned towards Zhao Hai with a smile. "Now that you are the Sect Leader of the Blood Slaughter Sect, I believe it is fitting for me to join. I have no other place to turn, and the Spiritual Array Sect vanished long ago. However, the Shadow Realm constitutes an enemy to the entirety of the Blood Sea Realm. Despite being merely an array spirit, I cannot stand idly by and witness the people of the Shadow Realm invade our home. I can still contribute in some capacity. Moreover, by joining the Sea Exploration Sect, I can be of assistance to you. What do you say?"
Zhao Hai was overjoyed upon hearing this. "Excellent, absolutely excellent! Hahaha, I eagerly welcome you! Elder formation, let us depart. Return to the Blood Slaughter Sect with me. From this moment forth, you shall serve as the Grand Elder of the Blood Slaughter Sect." Although the formation elder was an array spirit, Zhao Hai had consistently esteemed him as an elder, never as a mere spirit. Furthermore, Zhao Hai was acutely aware of the formation elder's formidable strength. He surmised that the formation elder had absorbed the majority of the energy bequeathed by the Almighty from the upper realm within his being. Perhaps it was this absorption and transformation of energy that had elevated him to such power.
Zhao Hai distinctly recalled that this energy possessed immense power, surpassing even that of the Corpse Demon Forefather. This underscored the hierarchy of Almighties in the upper realm. However, this was of little consequence to Zhao Hai, as this development was unequivocally beneficial. The current might of Elder formation undoubtedly placed him among the most powerful beings in the Blood Sea Realm.
"Very well," the formation elder chuckled. "It is good that you agree. Let us go." The instant he finished speaking, Zhao Hai felt the ground beneath his feet stir. In the next moment, the earth rose, soaring towards the direction of the Blood Slaughter Sect. It was evident that the formation elder was well-acquainted with the locations of both the Yin Yang Sect and the Yin Ghost Sect.
Zhao Hai contemplated how best to integrate the formation elder into their ranks. Ultimately, he decided that the formation elder would reside on the island serving as their headquarters once he was officially assigned. During times of conflict, the formation elder could then join their forces.
It was crucial to recognize the immense territory controlled by the formation elder's island. After all, this had once been the primary base of the Spiritual Array Sect. Therefore, in future engagements, having a mobile island like the one commanded by the formation elder would significantly amplify their combat prowess.
Concerned that Laura and the others might worry, Zhao Hai contacted them first, informing them of his delayed return. Simultaneously, he apprised Laura that the market on the island was indeed under the influence of the Shadow Realm. He also instructed her to disseminate this information to the Giant Demon Sect and to the wider Blood Sea Realm populace, ensuring everyone was aware.
Following Zhao Hai’s directives, the Giant Demon Sect was the first to receive the intelligence. Yao Jianhao swiftly commanded the mobilization of their entire forces, placing the sect on high alert, a Level 1 combat readiness. They understood this threat differed from past conflicts within the Blood Sea Realm, where surrender was an option. This time, they faced an enemy from the Shadow Realm, a foe known for its ruthlessness and a complete refusal to accept surrender.
Concurrently, Laura and the others disseminated this critical information, causing ripples throughout the entire Blood Sea Realm. Initially, the Corpse Demon Sect and other factions dismissed the news as mere rumor. However, curiosity led them to dispatch scouts to the island market. The subsequent reports, confirming the unsettling developments, instilled a palpable sense of unease.
After more than ten days of swift travel, Zhao Hai and his contingent reached the Dark Ghost Sect's former domain. They landed on Dark Ghost Island, a location Zhao Hai had rebranded as Blood Slaughter Island, now serving as the Blood Slaughter Sect’s new headquarters. Upon the Grand Elder's arrival, he was immediately integrated with Blood Slaughter Island. This connection extended beyond his physical presence, encompassing the island's spiritual and magical arrays. While the Grand Elder could not directly command the island due to the presence of a formation disk, he gained the ability to manifest anywhere within its borders.
Moreover, the Grand Elder discovered numerous previously unknown formations on Blood Slaughter Island, filling him with immense joy. Following Zhao Hai’s introductions to the Blood Slaughter Sect’s senior leadership, the Grand Elder promptly entered seclusion. This seclusion, in essence, was a return to his physical form for dedicated study of these newfound arrays.
Zhao Hai divulged the intricacies of the formation within the bronze statue to the Grand Elder, expressing his hope that the elder could help miniaturize his physical body and create an internal space for it. This would enhance the statue's utility, particularly for formidable techniques like the teleportation formation, allowing for its full potential to be realized.
Overjoyed by the acquired array knowledge, the Grand Elder eagerly dedicated himself to studying them in seclusion. Zhao Hai, with his established friendship and willingness to assist the Grand Elder, felt little concern regarding the ultimate extent of the elder's mastery. His focus, however, was necessarily drawn to more pressing matters at hand.
As the intelligence from the market circulated, every sect in the Blood Sea Realm became aware of the unfolding events. While some remained dubious, others adopted a grave stance, dispatching continuous reconnaissance missions to the market area. The sects situated nearest to the suspected incursion zone were particularly vigilant, understanding their heightened vulnerability should the Shadow Realm indeed seize control.
Just as skepticism lingered, a new development cemented the veracity of the rumors. The grey fog surrounding Lone Island Market had demonstrably expanded. Simultaneously, legions of Shadow Realm soldiers erupted from the market, launching assaults on the surrounding territories and obliterating several minor sects with brutal efficiency.
This revelation sent shockwaves across the Blood Sea Realm. The prior uncertainty evaporated, replaced by astonished disbelief. The audacity of the Shadow Realm’s infiltration, executed with such stealth, left all in a state of profound bewilderment.
In response, Zhao Hai immediately issued a directive to all subordinate small sects: abandon their territories and retreat to the safety of the Blood Slaughter Sect’s domain. Whether this necessitated their complete exposure and rendered them vulnerable was secondary to the paramount importance of preserving their lives.
The members of these smaller sects, initially apprehensive about Zhao Hai's strategy, were filled with immense relief upon receiving his orders. They hastily gathered their belongings and fled towards Blood Slaughter Sect. Though initially compelled to join Zhao Hai’s faction, the sect's ascent to preeminence within the Blood Sea Realm now made them feel exceptionally fortunate for having been brought under its wing.
Yet, Zhao Hai had kept their affiliations undisclosed to the masses, instructing them merely to await further notice. This led to a ripple of unease among them, a fear that Zhao Hai might now disdain sects of their humble stature, rendering them insignificant. Consequently, their desire to join the Blood Slaughter Sect intensified. Zhao Hai's current invitation to integrate directly into the sect was, in essence, an affirmation of their standing – a development they perceived as unequivocally positive. The influx of these minor sects did not escape the notice of other established powers. The Corpse Demon Sect and their peers were taken aback. They had not anticipated that the Blood Slaughter Sect's recent resurgence would not only lead to the eradication of the Yin Yang and Yin Ghost Sects but also the clandestine absorption of numerous smaller factions. Previously, minor sects like the Corpse Demon Sect had held such smaller groups in low regard, deeming them too feeble to warrant attention. Their focus lay in subduing mid-tier sects, leaving the minor ones to be absorbed by their subordinate organizations. These smaller sects were simply beneath their notice. However, the clandestine recruitment of all these minor sects by Zhao Hai proved to be a startling revelation. Witnessing the collective might of these unified minor sects, even a major power like the Corpse Demon Sect found itself astonished. Their combined strength was, in fact, comparable to, if not exceeding, that of any single major sect. This unexpected display of power was truly bewildering to the Corpse Demon Sect.