Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8669: The Secret War.1

Zhao Hai regarded Tie Feng with astonishment. He had never anticipated that Yao Jianhao would act in such a manner. Zhao Hai had previously tasked Tie Feng with bringing a contingent of elite disciples from the Giant Demon Sect for what was ostensibly a joint training session at the Blood Slaughter Sect, a plan Zhao Hai had genuinely not foreseen.

Turning his gaze to Tie Feng, Zhao Hai inquired, "Elder Tie, are you truly intending to proceed with this? Joint training and relinquishing command to us? One must understand that even among allied sects, such a level of trust is rarely extended. To completely entrust one's own disciples to the care of allies is a significant gamble. Should the allies harbor even a sliver of ill intent, those disciples would be irrevocably doomed."

Tie Feng affirmed with a nod. "Indeed, the Sect Master has given his assent. Therefore, please be at ease, Sect Master Zhao. Commencing today, the hundred thousand disciples of the Giant Demon Sect, myself included, shall operate under your command. Rest assured." Tie Feng was acutely aware that having committed to collaboration with the Blood Slaughter Sect, the partnership had to be genuine. A superficial alliance, rife with hidden agendas, would only serve to fracture any semblance of unity, ultimately leading to the dissolution of their cooperation.

Moreover, Tie Feng had prior interactions with Zhao Hai and recognized him as a person of broadmindedness, devoid of petty grievances. In his experience, Zhao Hai was unlike anyone he had encountered – exceptionally magnanimous and not one to deliberately endanger his allies. This very conviction had motivated Tie Feng to strive for this arrangement.

Zhao Hai offered a smile in response to Tie Feng. "Excellent. I appreciate your trust, Elder Tie. Elder Tie, please accompany me. Chang Jun, escort the disciples of the Giant Demon Sect to their quarters and ensure their settlement. Proceed." Chang Jun acknowledged the command and promptly led the Giant Demon Sect contingent to their accommodations.

Zhao Hai then guided Tie Feng and the other elders of the Giant Demon Sect to his study. Once seated, Zhao Hai disclosed, "I have recently received intelligence indicating that several mid-sized sects have fallen victim to the forces of the Shadow Realm. The expansion of the gray fog encroachment is becoming increasingly alarming, and no cultivators have managed to escape from the afflicted regions. It appears this gray fog might be an offensive weapon employed by the enemy."

Tie Feng expressed shock at Zhao Hai's revelation. He responded swiftly, "The gray fog's reach extends so far? How could it possibly be an enemy weapon? Could they have employed some arcane technique to draw entities from the Shadow Realm?" Tie Feng found it difficult to reconcile the information. The sheer scale of the gray fog was staggering, having already enveloped dozens of sects, large and small. The territory it consumed surpassed even the vast sea domain controlled by the Giant Demon Sect. The notion of such an expansive area being dominated by an enemy's weapon was, frankly, beyond comprehension.

Zhao Hai countered with a resolute shake of his head, his voice deepening. "This gray fog is unequivocally under enemy control. Otherwise, they would not be able to propagate it with such systematic regularity. In truth, for this type of phenomenon, there likely exists a central control mechanism, a 'core.' If we can seize control of this core, we can effectively manage the gray fog. This is a characteristic inherent to such potent magical artifacts. We must exercise extreme caution."

Tie Feng nodded, his expression grave. "And what of the Corpse Demon Sect? What has been their response?" Given their existing animosity with the Corpse Demon Sect, Tie Feng remained deeply concerned about their potential actions. He harbored fears that the Corpse Demon Sect might engage in clandestine plotting against them, a scenario that would spell significant trouble.

Zhao Hai chuckled softly. "I have preemptively addressed this. Henceforth, our Blood Slaughter Sect and the Giant Demon Sect shall forge an alliance and launch our offensive against the Shadow Realm in one month's time. Furthermore, I have proposed a strategy involving a two-pronged attack: our forces will advance from one direction, while the Corpse Demon Sect will operate independently from another. Neither army will be subject to the other's command. This was my proposal. Should the Corpse Demon Sect approach us again seeking joint operations, we will engage them. Otherwise, they could have approached us and requested collaboration to confront the Shadow Realm forces. If we had refused, they could have leveraged the accusation that we were unwilling to fight external threats to pressure us. By presenting this counter-proposal, I have effectively nullified any such leverage they might possess."

A smile touched Tie Feng's lips upon hearing Zhao Hai's astute strategy. "Sect Master Zhao, your foresight is truly remarkable. Had that opportunist from the Corpse Demon Sect seized this chance, it would have severely impacted our reputation. They could have easily accused us of lacking genuine resolve against the Shadow Realm, questioning why we wouldn't cooperate with them. Such a predicament would have been highly unfavorable for us. However, with your maneuver, they are now deprived of that possibility."

Zhao Hai chuckled, "Those fellows from the Corpse Demon Sect had the advantage before," Ye Mo stated. "They will undoubtedly seek retribution. But now, by informing them that I'm disengaging, they must fend for themselves. I'm curious how they'll cope. If they dispatch more forces here, I won't have to confront them directly. Furthermore, all the sects under their banner are entangled with them, so they should be more concerned than we are. Rest assured, all the sects under our banner remain unified. It's highly improbable for the inhabitants of the Shadow Realm to launch an assault under these circumstances."

Tie Feng nodded, his voice grave, "Are we truly committed to mobilizing our troops in a month's time? Is a single month sufficient for us to achieve proper joint training?" Tie Feng was acutely aware that forging a true synergy between two Sects transcended mere days; it required significant time for mutual acclimatization and the cultivation of a shared understanding. A month seemed exceedingly brief.

Zhao Hai offered a wry smile. "There's little alternative. A month is a considerable period. The invaders from the Shadow Realm are advancing with alarming speed. We cannot predict the pace of their offensive within the coming month. I suspect the Corpse Demon Sect will preemptively strike. Firstly, they aim to prevent further attrition within their affiliated sects. Secondly, they seek to gain strategic initiative, wanting the inhabitants of the Blood Sea Realm to perceive them as the primary force confronting the Shadow Realm. Consequently, our timeframe is indeed restricted to one month."

Tie Feng acquiesced with a solemn nod. "Very well, one month it shall be. Sect Master Zhao, your commands will be our guide, and we pledge our utmost cooperation." Tie Feng understood implicitly that despite their alliance with the Blood Slaughter Sect, the latter held the paramount position. Given the Blood Slaughter Sect's superior might, ceding the leadership role was inevitable.

Zhao Hai affirmed with a low voice, "Agreed, it is settled. Shortly, I will instruct Chang Jun to provide an overview of the Blood Slaughter Sect's training methodologies. Following that, a comprehensive training regimen will be issued. Your Giant Demon Sect disciples must internalize the evolutions of our Blood Slaughter Sect's battle formations with utmost celerity. I must trouble you with this responsibility, Senior Uncle Tie." Zhao Hai recognized that while he could issue directives to the Giant Demon Sect disciples, entrusting Tie Feng with their training was the most judicious approach. Direct command might inadvertently foster resentment among the Blood Slaughter Sect's ranks.

Tie Feng accepted without hesitation, his thoughts unburdened. Zhao Hai then dispatched an attendant to summon Chang Jun. With the Giant Demon Sect contingent suitably settled, Zhao Hai tasked Tie Feng and Chang Jun with expediting Chang Jun's familiarization with the Blood Slaughter Sect's battle formations, thereby enabling him to effectively oversee the Giant Demon Sect's training.

While Zhao Hai and his associates were engrossed in their training preparations, the Corpse Demon Sect was also actively engaged. They too had convened the cultivators from various affiliated sects, preparing for a concerted assault against the Shadow Realm forces. However, at this juncture, news of Zhao Hai's declaration reached them. Upon hearing Zhao Hai's statement, Li Ruohai promptly convened the representatives of the other sects in the grand hall of the Corpse Demon Sect. Once all were seated, Li Ruohai surveyed the assembled representatives and declared with gravitas, "Zhao Hai has just made public his intention, alongside the Giant Demon Sect, to forge an alliance against the Shadow Realm. They propose that we align with them in this endeavor. I fear our prior strategy may now be untenable. He has explicitly signaled his unwillingness to cooperate with us. Even if we were to approach him now, I suspect it would yield no favorable outcome."

The visages of the representatives from the other sects mirrored this somber realization. Their objective had been to approach Zhao Hai, urging him to join their united front against the Shadow Realm. Ideally, Zhao Hai would consent. With such a substantial force at his disposal, Zhao Hai's aspirations for leadership would be summarily dismissed. By preventing Zhao Hai from assuming the role of alliance leader, they could leverage their collective influence to subordinate both him and the Blood Slaughter Sect. Allowing the Blood Slaughter Sect to dictate the course of action would invariably lead to greater losses for them, while simultaneously providing an opportunity to thoroughly investigate the Blood Slaughter Sect's foundations.

Should Zhao Hai refuse an alliance and the task of dealing with the Shadow Realm, they could proclaim his lingering hatred and lack of sincerity. This would tarnish the reputation Zhao Hai had diligently cultivated. Such a situation might even be leveraged as justification to suppress the Blood Slaughter Sect, potentially opening doors for future punitive actions against them. At that point, support for the Blood Slaughter Sect would dwindle to nothing.

However, Zhao Hai's pronouncement at this juncture took them by surprise, thwarting their scheme before it could even commence. Zhao Hai had unequivocally stated his intention to form an alliance only to act independently, refusing to cooperate with their forces. Should they pursue him further, he could cite this as grounds for refusal. Thus, their meticulously crafted plan was rendered moot.

Considerable time was invested in devising this strategy, only for it to unravel before its initiation. This outcome left them with visibly displeased expressions, yet they were powerless against Zhao Hai, whose formidable strength was evident to all. Their frustration only intensified.

Li Ruohai observed their chagrin and declared with gravity, "Furthermore, Zhao Hai's statement indicated that they require time for joint cultivation with the Giant Demon Sect. Their assault on the Shadow Realm forces will be delayed for one month, a specific timeframe provided for the engagement. Esteemed colleagues, what course of action shall we pursue?" Li Ruohai, too, found himself facing a quandary, genuinely taken aback by Zhao Hai's astuteness in preempting all their potential ploys. Under these circumstances, they were left with no choice but to confront the film industry's remnants independently.