Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8684 8684: The confrontation _1

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Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
Zhao Hai's saber array was shattered by the enemy's gray fog. While the Bloody Massacre Sect inflicted heavy casualties, many disciples rushed into the fog and were lost. Zhao Hai recognized the effectiveness of the enemy's mounts and realized they could be targeted, but ultimately focused on the shadow generals themselves. The enemy retreated into the fog, and Zhao Hai ordered a full retreat to the spiritual array island, vowing to find a way to counter the mysterious gray mist.
Sect Master, the casualty report is in. We've suffered 3865 confirmed deaths in battle. Additionally, over 1300 individuals sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving treatment. The combined losses amount to over 5000, a devastating blow that pains my heart. Even with over a thousand wounded, I understand they'll be out of commission for a significant period. "That's right," Zhao Hai responded gravely. "The losses this time are indeed substantial. Can you ascertain how many entered the gray fog and who ultimately perished?" Zhao Hai was intensely curious about the survival rate of those who ventured into the ominous mist. "I shall compile the figures immediately," Chang Jun stated firmly. Just as he prepared to depart, Elder Zhen materialized beside them and addressed Zhao Hai, "There's no need to tally. I've already counted. Out of the three thousand plus who entered the gray fog, fewer than two thousand emerged alive. This means over a thousand perished the instant they stepped into the mist. That accounts for roughly a third of our total combat casualties." Zhao Hai's expression shifted upon hearing Elder Zhen's report. He shook his head and sighed, "I truly didn't anticipate such a swift and heavy loss. It appears this fog is formidable. If they intend to advance methodically using this mist, we may find ourselves powerless. Elder Zhen, what was your experience when you extended your hand into the fog?" Zhao Hai finally turned his attention to the veteran Daoist. The Elder contemplated for a moment before replying in a deep voice, "It was not a pleasant sensation. The gray fog possesses a potent Qi of death, which can impede the vines to some extent. However, it couldn't harm them directly due to their robust life Qi. While I could contend with it, their gray fog seems inexhaustible. That is the more troublesome aspect." Zhao Hai nodded thoughtfully. He retrieved a communication artifact and activated it. "Laura, I've identified the gray fog utilized by the Shadow Realm forces as a type of extremely overbearing death energy. Immediately recalibrate the energy systems of our arrays and those within the Giant Demon Sect's sea region to a natural energy configuration. This should offer some degree of suppression. Even if they attempt an ambush, it won't be as straightforward. Furthermore, begin transforming all islands within the Giant Demon Sect's domain. We shall commence our own island transformations promptly." "Understood," Lola replied, disconnecting the communication circle without further comment. Zhao Hai also put away his artifact, his brow furrowed as he gazed at the oppressive gray fog. "This mist is truly vexing," he declared. "It functions as a magical weapon seemingly exclusive to our adversaries, making it incredibly difficult to counter. Do either of you have any strategies?" The Elder shook his head. "To be frank, this is my first encounter with such a magical artifact. It's formed from fog, capable of shape-shifting, and possesses significant offensive power. Most importantly, this fog provides the Shadow Realm army with a mobile and expanding base. Should they falter in battle, a simple retreat into the gray fog renders pursuit impossible. This presents a genuine quandary." Chang Jun also conveyed his helplessness with a shake of his head. Having never witnessed such a spiritual artifact himself, he naturally could not devise a solution. Seeing their lack of ideas, Zhao Hai could only offer a wry smile. He understood the futility of pressing them further. Despite his extensive travels across numerous worlds and encounters with countless cultivators, he had never encountered a spiritual artifact like this gray fog, let alone the two men before him. Zhao Hai pondered for a moment before issuing instructions. "For the time being, let's focus on maintaining our defenses here. With our presence, their expansion will be considerably hampered. Any individuals suffering severe injuries should be sent back to the Sect for recovery. Frequent skirmishes are inevitable in this region, leaving little opportunity for peaceful recuperation."

"Yes, Sect Master. I will make the arrangements immediately," Chang Jun responded with a deep voice. Zhao Hai nodded and gestured with his hand, prompting Chang Jun to bow and depart. Though Chang Jun's cultivation was only at the Island Lord level and his personal island had been destroyed, hindering further advancement, his talent for internal affairs management was undeniable. This proficiency was why Zhao Hai consistently kept him close, recognizing that any sect required skilled administrators like Chang Jun. Consequently, Zhao Hai held him in high regard.

Once Chang Jun had left, Zhao Hai gazed at the pervasive gray fog, a frown creasing his brow. After a moment, he stated gravely, "We can only remain here for the time being. Our priority must be to gain a deeper understanding of the Shadow Realm inhabitants and this mysterious gray fog. Only then can we devise a strategy to penetrate it. Otherwise, confronting the people of the Shadow Realm, let alone defeating them, will be impossible."

Elder Array nodded in agreement. He remained silent, acknowledging the futility of further discussion at this juncture. They had not truly suffered defeat. Had it not been for the obscuring gray fog, they might have achieved a resounding victory that day. Elder Array, like many others, was brimming with confidence, making any talk of retreat out of the question.

Zhao Hai offered a slight smile. "However, it's not as if we gained nothing today. The Alliance of the six great sects was annihilated by the enemy in a single blow. Yet, we persevered until this point. In truth, we held the advantage in this engagement. The enemy was the one who retreated first."

The Array Elder nodded, surveying their surroundings. "This time, the enemy's losses far outweighed ours. Including the injured, I lost over five thousand men, while their casualties undoubtedly exceed twenty-five thousand. Several experts at the Island Lord level were among them. You even eliminated two experts at or above the Island Lord level. Their losses were consequently much greater, compelling them to retreat into the gray fog. By the way, Little Hai, I am truly curious about those mounts you created. Those constructs are remarkably potent. Possessing formidable defense, incredible speed, and the ability to transform into mist, they are perfectly suited for dealing with those from the Shadow Realm."

Zhao Hai smiled. "It's actually quite straightforward. They are a specialized type of Blood Cloud Beast. As you know, Cloud Beasts can disperse into mist, granting them that unique ability. To be honest, I never anticipated they would be so effective at combating the people of the Shadow Realm. This has been a truly unexpected boon."

Elder Array shook his head. "It is peculiar. I have no idea where you acquired these Blood Cloud Beasts. I have never encountered such creatures before. Even in recent years, while traversing the Blood Sea Realm extensively, I found no trace of such Blood Cloud Beasts. Generally, Blood Cloud Beasts are quite docile. While some powerful variants exist, they rarely attack cultivators. However, your Blood Cloud Beasts are undeniably formidable."

Zhao Hai smiled and then stated in a low, firm voice, "These Blood Cloud Beasts were cultivated by me. I employed a unique methodology, merging ordinary beasts with Blood Cloud Beasts to engineer these specialized creatures. While they differ from the conventional Blood Cloud Beasts, they possess their inherent knowledge and exhibit even greater ferocity."

The Array Elder sighed. "Your demonic beasts are truly too powerful. You must maintain strict control over them. Should they ever run rampant, it would spell disaster for everyone in the Blood Sea Realm." Clearly, the Formation Elder now grasped the terrifying potential of these creatures, prompting his cautionary words.

Zhao Hai smiled reassuringly. "Rest assured, there will be no issues with these Blood Cloud Beasts. They will not turn feral. If they were to truly go wild, then we would all be praying for salvation – indeed, the entire Blood Sea Realm would be praying for deliverance." He then ceased speaking, his gaze fixed calmly upon the enveloping gray mist.

While Zhao Hai and Elder Array conversed, the gray fog did not advance towards them. Instead, it began to recede slowly, retracting by nearly a hundred miles. This meant the opposing forces were now separated by a mere mile. It was evident that the enemy had also recognized Zhao Hai and his allies' inability to breach the gray fog. Furthermore, the magical vines proved capable of dispersing the gray fog, rendering it beyond the control of the Lord of Beiwei.

Zhao Hai realized that he was not the only one powerless against the gray mist. The opposing side also found themselves unable to contend with the vines. If they could, they wouldn't be in this standoff. Separated by a hundred miles, the gray mist ceased its advance, and their assault halted. Zhao Hai and his companions mirrored this pause, maintaining a silent vigil as the two forces faced each other.

Observing the enemy's withdrawal, Zhao Hai addressed the Formation Elder: "Elder, let us halt our advance for now. We must let them believe our attack range is limited to a hundred miles. This will serve us well in the future. It appears we are not the sole observers; they may be studying us as well."

The Array Elder acknowledged his words with a nod, and the vines retreated back towards Spirit Array Island. Simultaneously, the vines shifted, manifesting a colossal vine shed above the island. On the ground, a similar vine structure formed, its leaves carpeting the earth, promising comfort for both walking and resting.

Although they could have requested more, Zhao Hai had previously instructed the Array Elder against it. Zhao Hai's intention was for the disciples of the Blood Slaughter Sect and the Giant Demon Sect to become intimately familiar with the vines, thereby dispelling any fear they might harbor. This familiarity was paramount; without it, effective cooperation would be impossible.

Upon the appearance of the grand vine shed, Zhao Hai re-entered its confines. The interior had been partitioned into numerous small chambers, one of which was now Zhao Hai's own. Despite its simplicity, possessing such quarters in this environment was a considerable luxury. All present were content, particularly the disciples.