Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8666: Decision _1
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
Zhao Hai’s sudden appearance indeed caught the members of the Giant Demon Sect off guard. Some individuals harbored displeasure regarding statements made by Zhao Hai and his companions. However, Yao Jianhao understood Zhao Hai’s intentions perfectly. The Blood Slaughter Sect already possessed a questionable reputation within the Blood Sea Realm, and its recent destruction had only worsened matters. If Zhao Hai failed to take steps to salvage the Blood Slaughter Sect’s standing, its reputation would deteriorate further. The mere issuance of a statement had significantly bolstered the Blood Slaughter Sect’s image, a certainly positive development. As for the conflict with the Corpse Demon Sect, Yao Jianhao was certain Zhao Hai wouldn't simply let it slide.
Consequently, instead of displaying anger at Zhao Hai’s arrival, Yao Jianhao promptly led his retinue out of the room to greet him. Ushering Zhao Hai and Cheng Wanchun into the main hall, Yao Jianhao invited Zhao Hai to take a seat. “Little Hai,” Yao Jianhao inquired, “what brings you here today?”
Zhao Hai observed the expressions of those present but paid them no mind, offering a smile. “I’ve come to discuss how we should handle the Shadow Realm Army. Previously, members of my sect engaged in a heated debate before me. One faction insisted we absolutely must not cooperate with the Corpse Demon Sect, while another argued that the greater good was paramount. Heh, ultimately, we reached a consensus, which is why I’m here to consult with you, Martial Uncle.” Zhao Hai had noticed the subtle anger on the faces of many Giant Demon Sect members and had quickly surmised their thoughts, prompting his explanation.
Yao Jianhao was initially astounded by Zhao Hai’s words. He then looked at Zhao Hai and smiled. “Tell me, what was your final decision? I won’t hide the fact that we’ve also been fiercely debating this very issue. You’re aware of the deep animosity between us and those from the Corpse Demon Sect.” Yao Jianhao was keen to hear Zhao Hai’s proposed solution, hence his question.
Zhao Hai smiled and replied, “It’s quite straightforward, actually. The Corpse Demon Sect issued that statement primarily to avoid being outmaneuvered and to gauge our current situation, likely awaiting an opportune moment when the Almighty from the higher realm could assist them in dealing with us. However, I have no intention of genuinely cooperating with the Corpse Demon Sect. My approach is simply this: while the Shadow Realm Army remains in the Blood Sea Realm, I will refrain from dispatching troops against the Corpse Demon Sect. As for collaborating with the Corpse Demon Sect to confront the Shadow Realm Army… they shouldn’t count on it. My idea is simple: we should unite with other sects. If they are willing to join forces with us, we will proceed together. If not, so be it. It’s perfectly acceptable if only our two sects cooperate. The Corpse Demon Sect can be disregarded. They can handle their own battles, and we will handle ours. It won’t be too late to address the Corpse Demon Sect after we’ve dealt with the forces from the Shadow Realm. For now, we must prioritize the bigger picture and set aside our grievances.”
Yao Jianhao listened, momentarily stunned, before bursting into laughter. “Not bad, not bad at all! It seems we were all mistaken. We truly didn't consider that setting aside our animosity didn’t necessitate cooperating with the Corpse Demon Sect. We can fight our own battles, and they can fight theirs, simply by ceasing hostilities. As for cooperation, let’s simply forget about it. Hahaha.” He then glanced at the members of the Giant Demon Sect, who all nodded in agreement, feeling a touch of embarrassment as the solution had eluded them.
Zhao Hai spoke with gravity. “An inevitable conflict awaits between the Corpse Demon Sect and us. We cannot let them off the hook, nor will they let us go. However, the time is not yet right. The forces of the Shadow Realm will undoubtedly show no mercy to us, making their elimination our immediate priority. Furthermore, they are not to be underestimated. The Lone Island Market has always been a place of concern, yet they remained inactive for so long. Their current move suggests they must be thoroughly prepared, so we must proceed with utmost caution.”
Zhao Hai responded with grave conviction, "Previously, our Blood Slaughter Sect compiled certain methodologies for contending with individuals from the Shadow Realm. These might serve as a reference for you. However, deploying forces to confront the Shadow Realm's Army necessitates meticulous deliberation. My proposed strategy is quite straightforward: firstly, we must activate all defensive formations within our Sect to guarantee our security. Subsequently, we shall dispatch troops to engage the Shadow Realm's Army. Otherwise, we risk a perilous flank attack."
Yao Jianhao inclined his head in understanding. Zhao Hai continued, his voice lowered, "When I was merely an ordinary disciple in the Blood Sea Realm, I engaged in combat with those from the Shadow Realm. Their prowess is indeed considerable, and their capacity for void transformation renders them exceptionally formidable. Notably, they also possess abilities for positional tactics and shared vitality, which amplifies their difficulty as adversaries. Therefore, utmost caution is paramount."
As an ally of the Blood Slaughter Sect, Yao Jianhao was well-acquainted with Zhao Hai's points. The incident at Blood Coagulation Island had reverberated significantly within the Blood Slaughter Sect. Though considerable time had elapsed, the intricacies of Blood Coagulation Island remained vividly understood. It was, arguably, the most substantial offensive launched by the Shadow Realm against the Blood Sea Realm in recent memory. On that occasion, the Shadow Realm had mobilized a contingent of ten thousand individuals, even drawing in Ha Jing, one of the Blood Slaughter Sect's eight Great Elders, signifying the gravity of the situation.
Consequently, upon hearing Zhao Hai's pronouncements, Yao Jianhao merely gave a nod and stated, "Indeed, your assessment is accurate. I shall instruct them to remain vigilant regarding this matter. Are there any further points requiring attention?" Yao Jianhao and his associates had encountered individuals from the Shadow Realm infrequently. Thus, their comprehension of these adversaries was primarily derived from textual records, lacking direct experiential insight. Zhao Hai, conversely, had firsthand combat experience, suggesting his insights would be more profound and invaluable.
Zhao Hai declared with a resolute tone, "The hierarchy within the Shadow Realm is structured according to military ranks. In essence, their combat methodologies closely mirror those of a conventional army. While armies employ diverse tactics, they ultimately resolve into shifts between reality and illusion. This aligns with my prior assertion regarding the necessity of safeguarding our Sect from covert assaults. The objective of any army is to vanquish the opponent, irrespective of the means employed. Hence, if we commit our full strength to confronting the Shadow Realm forces, they may retaliate by directly targeting our Sect. The fall of the Sect would shatter the disciples' morale, leading to an inevitable defeat. Therefore, every action must be meticulously considered, leaving no room for error."
Yao Jianhao nodded in agreement. He placed his trust in Zhao Hai's assertions, recognizing the military-based ranking system prevalent in the Shadow Realm, which lent significant credibility to Zhao Hai's analysis. Furthermore, Yao Jianhao held immense respect and admiration for Zhao Hai. The ability to resurrect the devastated Blood Slaughter Sect and elevate it to its current formidable state was an accomplishment far beyond the capacity of ordinary individuals.
Zhao Hai then addressed Yao Jianhao once more, his voice deep, "Furthermore, our vigilance must extend beyond the Shadow Realm forces; we must also guard against the Corpse Demon Sect. While we may strategically defer direct confrontation with the Corpse Demon Sect, this does not preclude them from initiating hostilities against us. Although the probability is not exceedingly high, we must maintain a cautious stance."
Yao Jianhao affirmed, then stated resolutely, "We will complete all necessary preparations here. When the opportune moment arrives, our two Sects will collaborate. Given your extensive experience in confronting the Shadow Realm, you shall assume leadership should our Sects unite to face them in the future."
Zhao Hai was taken aback by Yao Jianhao's declaration but chose not to comment. Instead, he met Yao Jianhao's gaze and spoke with gravity, "Very well, I shall not hold back my words. Martial Uncle, I will return now. Please finalize your arrangements and then inform me. We must spend these coming days observing the Shadow Realm's individuals, understanding their next maneuvers, and then charting our own course based on their actions.
Yao Jianhao affirmed with a deep nod, "Understood, we will expedite our preparations. You need not fret." Zhao Hai gave a slight nod before rising to depart. He understood that collaboration with the Giant Demon Sect was feasible, and commanding their forces during joint operations was even within reach. However, he suspected that meddling in the Giant Demon Sect's internal planning and personnel selection might provoke discontent. After all, they were distinct sects, and the Giant Demon Sect's internal matters were not his purview to interfere with.
Yao Jianhao escorted Zhao Hai to the teleportation formation, watching until he vanished. He then reconvened the Giant Demon Sect members in the main hall. Once all were seated, Yao Jianhao addressed them, "Now that the Bloody Massacre Sect's objective is clear to all, let us deliberate on our subsequent actions."
The assembly was momentarily stunned by his words. Iron Feng then rose and stated to Yao Jianhao, "Sect Leader, I believe your prior decision was sound. Cooperation with the Bloody Massacre Sect is indeed the right path. Furthermore, allowing Zhao Hai to lead is entirely appropriate. His command capabilities are undeniable; I have witnessed them firsthand, and they are exceptional. Crucially, the Bloody Massacre Sect boasts a formidable combat contingent. Our alliance with them will undoubtedly mitigate considerable casualties. I propose that, if conditions allow, our disciples should first… undergo training with the Bloody Massacre Sect members for a period. This will foster greater familiarity and mutual understanding."