Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8675: The traitor (1)

A cultivator from the Illusionary Demon Sect looked with a heavy heart at his leader, Wei Zhen, the sect master, and questioned, "Sect Master, are we truly going to proceed with this? Assisting the Shadow Realm against us cultivators – won't this tarnish our name for eternity?"

Wei Zhen had previously led his sect to surrender. They had been residing in structures formed by a grey fog, continuously channeling their magic power into a luminous array. Despite periodic rests after expending their energy, the act left them profoundly exhausted.

However, two days prior, a cultivator astride a colossal python had sought Wei Zhen out with a specific mission: to infiltrate the allied forces of the Corpse Demon Sect. Fulfillment of this task, he was told, would secure the Shadow Realm's promise to re-establish the Illusionary Demon Sect and preserve its lineage. Failure meant the immediate annihilation of every Illusionary Demon Sect member and the permanent cessation of their orthodox teachings.

Had the Shadow Realm presented these terms at the outset of their siege, Wei Zhen and his followers might have resisted, perhaps even fought back. But surrender had a way of softening resolve; the initial act of yielding unconsciously paved the way for further compromise and self-justification. Now, Wei Zhen had acquiesced to the Shadow Realm's proposition, accepting the role of a spy. He had even crafted a noble justification: preserving the legacy of the Illusionary Demon Sect, a rationale so lofty no one could logically refute it.

Upon hearing his disciple's words, Wei Zhen turned, a cold glint in his eyes. "Have you forgotten the jinzhi imprinted within us?" he demanded, his voice a deep growl. "And what of our fellow disciples held captive in the Shadow Realm? Do their lives mean nothing? Do not equate us with those from the great sects; they have never treated us as equals. When we were under attack, did they offer aid? Hmph, even now, the cultivators from Poisonous Bug Valley offer no solace, only accusations and threats. For them, we are mere fodder, disposable at any moment. It would be better to align with the Shadow Realm. You are aware of the sheer number of their forces this time. Do you genuinely believe the Corpse Demon Sect's alliance can withstand them? Can a mere collection of scattered forces truly defeat the Shadow Realm's army?"

The Illusionary Demon Sect disciple fell silent, acknowledging the truth in Wei Zhen's words. The seal within their bodies was a constant threat; any misstep from the Shadow Realm's side could result in their swift demise, and the complete eradication of their sect. More importantly, the actions of the Corpse Demon Sect and the other major sects had profoundly disillusioned them.

Wei Zhen surveyed the assembled disciples. "We have already set foot upon a path from which there is no return," he declared. "We can only press onward. Prepare your weapons and artifacts, and unleash them when the allied sects engage the Shadow Realm's army. That will be their undoing. Once they are shattered, no force in the Blood Sea Realm will be able to oppose the Shadow Realm. Should the Shadow Realm conquer this realm, we few can establish our own sects and pass on our teachings. The renown of the ten great sects will likely be reshuffled!"

A spark ignited in the eyes of Wei Zhen's listeners. Ambitious at heart, they had long awaited such an opportunity. The prospect of their sects ascending to a status comparable to the ten great sects filled them with fervent anticipation.

Wei Zhen and his companions felt no apprehension about their conversation being overheard, as they were currently aboard Wei Zhen's substantial Dharma artifact. Though this artifact originally belonged to the Illusionary Demon Sect, it had been rendered useless to them after their surrender. Now, however, it served a crucial purpose. Their formidable Dharma artifact maintained a discreet distance from the Demon King's coffin. Since no other sects, including those from the Corpse Demon Sect, had vessels nearby, they were unconcerned about the secrecy of their discussions.

The assembled army was progressing steadily, with their destination being the sea region controlled by the Shadow Realm Army, estimated to be reached in approximately two hours. Anticipation of an inevitable engagement filled Wei Zhen and the others with a palpable nervousness, for their role as spies meant dire consequences should their true intentions be revealed.

As the army continued its deliberate advance, the ominous gray fog on the horizon became distinctly visible. This seemingly endless expanse of gray differed starkly from the crimson mist, its conspicuous nature compelling the army to reduce its speed once more.

Despite their considerable numbers, they appeared minuscule against the backdrop of the immense fog. This humbling sight caused a collective unease, casting doubt upon their prior assessments. Could it truly be that only two hundred thousand souls occupied such a vast domain?

Li Ruohai stood observing the gray expanse, his countenance grim. Frankly, confronting such a colossal fog instilled a deep sense of regret within him. Even if the enemy force numbered merely two hundred thousand, their discovery within this pervasive mist would prove immensely challenging. Furthermore, their initial analysis indicated the fog's capability to obstruct both vision and spiritual power, rendering them effectively deaf and blind upon entry. The prospect of attacking under such incapacitated conditions darkened Li Ruohai’s expression further.

At this juncture, several Elders from allied sects approached Li Ruohai, their faces etched with concern. While they had been forewarned about the fog, the sheer reality of the situation left them profoundly taken aback. The circumstances here presented a formidable puzzle, leaving them at a complete loss for a viable course of action.

“Alliance Master, what are our next steps?” Cheng Feiying inquired of Li Ruohai, his question implicitly directed to the assembled leaders. He genuinely couldn't fathom a prudent approach. Plunging directly into the gray fog to seek out the Shadow Realm forces? Wouldn't that be tantamount to suicidal recklessness? The Shadow Realm's established presence within the fog suggested they possessed unimpeded sight, while their own forces would be rendered utterly helpless. This imbalance would grant the enemy an overwhelming advantage, potentially crushing any chance of effective retaliation.

Li Ruohai gazed at the swirling gray mist, replying in a grave tone, “Entering the fog recklessly is far too perilous. We must proceed with utmost caution. My proposal is this: Upon reaching a point fifty miles from the fog's edge, we shall establish a fortified encampment and construct a defensive perimeter. A solid base will be established before any offensive action commences. Vigilance against any surprise assaults from the Shadow Realm is paramount.”

A chorus of affirmations met Li Ruohai’s suggestion. In truth, no one present had conceived a superior strategy, making his proposal an immediate consensus. Regardless of the specifics, reinforcing their position with a defensive line offered undeniable advantages, providing a secure staging ground for future operations against the Shadow Realm forces.

Acting upon the command, disciples from the various sects descended from their grand magical artifacts, commencing the assembly to erect a defensive perimeter. The proximity to the gray fog necessitated swift action in fortifying their position, though maintaining heightened alertness against potential Shadow Realm incursions remained crucial.

Wei Zhen, who had been diligently monitoring the movements of Li Ruohai's army, promptly issued his own directives upon receiving the order. “Proceed according to our original strategy. Disperse and make all necessary preparations. We will initiate our actions at the opportune moment. Following our operation, regroup here immediately for our withdrawal. Remember, the poison's effects will manifest ten hours post-administration; therefore, our departure must precede this window. It is currently SI; do not act prematurely. Our operation will commence at Shen, and we will return swiftly thereafter. Yu will see us departed by then. Move out.”

With resonant acknowledgements, the assembled individuals departed Wei Zhen's large-scale Dharma artifact. Wei Zhen himself then descended from his vessel, flying directly towards Li Ruohai's location. He soon reached the Demon King's coffin and requested an audience with Li Ruohai, which was promptly granted.

Wei Zhen swiftly noticed Li Ruohai and immediately offered a salute. "Greetings, Alliance Master. Though my strength is meager, I wish to contribute to the Army. Please grant me the opportunity to assist in constructing the defense line." He was keenly aware that Li Ruohai held the ultimate authority in this place, making it imperative to formally greet him.

Li Ruohai cast a glance at Wei Zhen before nodding, stating, "Very well, proceed." Wei Zhen feigned overwhelming joy, bowed once more to Li Ruohai, and departed with evident happiness. As he watched Wei Zhen's retreating figure, Li Ruohai let out a soft sigh, remaining silent. Perhaps, in his estimation, Wei Zhen was consumed by a blinding hatred. After this affair, it was unlikely Wei Zhen would fare well, not to mention that Liu Caiwan certainly wouldn't let him off the hook.

However, in Li Ruohai's perspective, this was a trivial matter, one he did not dwell on. It was important to remember that he was now the Alliance Master of this million-strong Army. While he had previously led the Corpse Demon Sect, commanding a larger number of individuals, this was an Alliance Army forged from millions of troops across various sects. The sentiment was entirely distinct, and Li Ruohai found himself truly invigorated.

Meanwhile, Wei Zhen and his companions had commenced their tasks, dispersing amongst the diverse sects to aid their disciples in fortifying the defense line. Naturally, their covert objective was to monitor the status of each sect, remaining poised to act at a moment's notice. A surprising development for the Alliance Army was the utter stillness of the Shadow Realm Army within the gray fog, a complete deviation from their anticipated actions.