Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8676: Poisonous bug (1)

Chapter 8676: Poisonous Bug (1)

Observing the bustling activity below, Li Ruohai's brow furrowed in deep concern. He was uncertain of the Shadow Realm's intentions. Logically, with their forces now positioned beyond the gray fog and a defense line being established, those within the fog should have detected their presence. An assault should have been imminent, yet the opposing side remained inactive, a perplexing situation indeed.

At this juncture, an elder approached Li Ruohai. "Sect Master," he reported, "the defensive lines of each sect are progressing admirably. By nightfall, they will possess a considerable degree of defensive strength. Do you believe we should allow everyone to rest tonight? Continuous effort will undoubtedly impact their combat efficacy."

Li Ruohai assented. "We must allow for rest. Relay the order: a contingent of disciples will maintain guard duty when darkness falls. The remainder are to rest, but caution them against deep meditation. They must remain prepared for battle at any moment." The elder acknowledged the command and promptly departed to disseminate the instructions.

Li Ruohai gazed at the nascent defensive perimeter taking shape and murmured, "Bloody Massacre Sect, you have truly performed a commendable deed." Without further words, he turned and retreated to his quarters. The strategy for constructing this defense line was adopted from the Giant Demon Sect, which in turn had learned it from the Bloody Massacre Sect, albeit with modifications. Originally, the Giant Demon Sect's defenses relied on several islands linked by an array. Such an approach was untenable now; instead, they devised a new method: establishing multiple defensive array points. These formations would serve as the foundation for a defense line spanning approximately a thousand miles. This length was a deliberate choice, not a limitation. Li Ruohai understood that an excessively long defense demanded more personnel, and despite a million soldiers, spreading them too thin would invite defeat. Dispersion would leave them vulnerable to being overwhelmed by the enemy, inching closer to failure.

As the sky gradually darkened, disciples from various sects returned to their massive magical artifacts. Aside from the few tasked with guard duty, the rest retired to rest, meditating to replenish their magic power. Consequently, no one noticed the peculiar quiet emanating from the large magical artifact housing Wei Zhen and his companions – it was utterly deserted. Wei Zhen and his group were nowhere to be found on the artifact.

In reality, Wei Zhen and his cohort had already plunged into the depths of the blood sea, venturing towards the Shadow Realm Army. They had deliberately refrained from taking the large ritual implement, aware that its disappearance would alert the Corpse Demon Sect, leading to their inevitable capture. By leaving it behind, they ensured a temporary reprieve from discovery, securing their immediate safety.

Though Wei Zhen and the others yearned to return to the gray fog swiftly, they proceeded with utmost caution. They were acutely aware of the numerous hidden sentries Li Ruohai and his forces had strategically positioned along their route. Discovery by these patrols would spell certain doom. Thus, their progress was painstakingly careful.

Approximately an hour later, they collectively exhaled in relief. They were now mere ten miles from the gray fog's perimeter. They knew with certainty that Li Ruohai had not deployed any concealed sentries in the immediate vicinity of the gray fog, assuring them of their safety.

Upon nearing their destination, they increased their pace. However, after traversing less than three li, several dark figures materialized directly before them. These figures, brandishing weapons and clad in formidable armor, were none other than the Shadow Soldiers of the Shadow Realm. Seeing them, Wei Zhen immediately called out, "Please do not misunderstand; we are on the same side. Kindly examine this—it is our identification token." With that, he produced a palm-sized, completely black yet translucent and exquisitely crafted identity card, bearing the inscription of a shadow.

Upon confirming Wei Zhen’s credentials, the shadow Soldiers lowered their weapons. Nevertheless, they maintained their encirclement, escorting the group into the swirling gray fog. The moment they breached the mist, Wei Zhen’s vision became disoriented. Abruptly, a shadow general, astride a colossal python, materialized before Wei Zhen and his companions. Wei Zhen swiftly executed a salute, exclaiming, "My Lord!"

The shadow general bestowed a glance upon Wei Zhen, his voice a deep rumble as he inquired, "Are these the individuals dispatched for the venomous insect initiative?" The venomous insect initiative, as referenced by the shadow general, was precisely the undertaking Wei Zhen and his group were assigned. Prior to their mission, they were informed that the operation bore the codename 'venomous insect'.

Faced with the shadow general, Wei Zhen dared not display any laxity. He immediately bowed his head and responded, "Yes, my lord. We were tasked with the venomous insect mission, which we have successfully concluded and returned from." The progression of Wei Zhen and his group’s mission had, in truth, been remarkably smooth. Even Wei Zhen himself had not anticipated such an effortless completion. It was perhaps due to Li Ruohai and the others’ underestimation of cultivators willing to act as spies for the Shadow Realm, leading to their easy success.

Ying Jing cast a glance at Wei Zhen, nodding in acknowledgment. "Very well, follow me." With that, the giant python beneath him pivoted, slithering back into the gray fog. Wei Zhen and his entourage hastened to keep pace. Before long, they arrived at the imposing hall, supported by eight gargantuan flood dragons. The shadow general then proceeded inside to deliver his report. Wei Zhen and the others lacked the standing to enter the hall, compelled to wait outside with expressions of profound respect.

A moment elapsed, and a voice emanated from within the hall, "Detail the mission's completion and its timing." The voice, though not overtly loud, carried an undeniable aura of majesty, causing Wei Zhen and the others to bow their heads even lower.

Wei Zhen promptly recounted the events of their mission's execution—when it was completed and the specifics of their escape. He divulged all pertinent details before standing in silent deference. He was acutely aware that his right to speak was limited, only to convey necessary information and refrain from any extraneous commentary, lest it prove detrimental to his own interests.

A brief silence ensued within the hall, after which the voice declared, "Excellent work. You may now disperse and rest." Following this, all sound ceased. At this juncture, the shadow general who had initially guided them approached Wei Zhen and the others. "Follow me," he commanded in a low tone, before turning and disappearing into the gray fog. Wei Zhen and his group quickly followed in his wake.

Swiftly, Wei Zhen and his companions reached the vicinity of their previous lodgings—an edifice constructed of gray fog. However, before they could enter their quarters, the shadow general addressed them: "For the coming days, refrain from channeling magical energy into the formation. Naturally, you may do so if you wish. Such actions will be duly rewarded in the future." Having spoken, he left them without further acknowledgment.

While Wei Zhen and the others experienced a degree of puzzlement, they grasped the shadow general's directive. Put plainly, their future stays would allow them the option to either channel magical energy into the array or not. However, choosing to do so would bring future rewards, a departure from the mandatory channeling required previously. This signified a clear elevation in their standing.

Wei Zhen surveyed his companions and stated resolutely, "Very well, everyone may retire. While the master has granted us the discretion to channel magical energy or not, I strongly advise we channel more. This will ensure we receive the promised rewards. Of course, the ultimate decision rests with each of you." With his pronouncement, Wei Zhen retreated to his chambers. He no longer identified himself as a cultivator of the Blood Sea Realm. Instead, he fully embraced the identity of an individual belonging to the Shadow Realm, recognizing with stark clarity that following the completion of the venomous insect plan, any opportunity for a reversal of fortune had vanished. His path now lay solely with the denizens of the Shadow Realm, to its very end.

Unbeknownst to Wei Zhen, the Shadow Realm Army had commenced its own mobilization concurrently with his return to the gray fog-shrouded edifice. Preparations for battle were underway across the ranks. Yet, due to the ubiquitous gray fog, the Allied forces outside remained oblivious. Only a handful of Allied soldiers were designated for guard duty, while the majority were at liberty to recuperate. Given that all major ritual implements were concealed in darkness and maintained a profound silence, Wei Zhen's own large ritual implement was equally unnoticed. All assumed that these, too, had retired for the night.