Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8685: Worried _1

Chapter 8685: Worried _1

Within his chambers, Zhao Hai occupied a space characterized solely by its vastness. Lacking conventional furnishings like tables or chairs, the occupants found themselves seated directly on the floor. This floor, however, was generously carpeted with vine leaves, providing a remarkably soft and comfortable seating surface.

Beside him sat the array elder, while across from them were Chang Jun and other high-ranking members of the Bloody Massacre Sect, alongside Tie Feng and the leaders of the Giant Demon Sect. It was Zhao Hai who had convened this assembly, deeming an urgent meeting necessary following the day's events.

Once everyone was settled, Zhao Hai addressed the group. “I, Shang Changjun, have just assessed our losses from this engagement. While we have indeed incurred significant casualties, the overall outcome is a victory. Had we not breached the gray fog at the critical moment, our losses would have been far more severe. Nevertheless, they cannot be entirely faulted; I did not anticipate the gray fog's formidable power.”

Zhao Hai paused, his gaze sweeping over the assembled leaders. He then declared in a weighty tone, “Upon your return, you must impress upon all disciples that venturing into the gray fog is strictly forbidden. Unless we devise a method to counter it, entry is to be absolutely prohibited. Do you understand?”

A unified chorus of assent met his command. They were acutely aware of the devastation the gray fog had wrought. Some among them had foolishly ventured into its depths and possessed firsthand knowledge of its terrifying nature. Quick reflexes and Elder Zhen’s timely intervention had averted certain death for a few; the gray fog was undeniably a horrifying threat.

Satisfied with their agreement, Zhao Hai nodded. He continued, “This fog represents an unprecedented magical artifact. We currently lack any means to contend with it, and this necessitates extreme caution. Our immediate priorities are to fortify our defenses, preventing any enemy advances, and concurrently, to unravel the mystery of this fog and discover a method for its dissolution. Therefore, relay this to the disciples: do not harbor ambitions of immediate annihilation of the enemy. Such a feat is impossible. You witnessed the sheer numbers of the Shadow Realm’s forces today; they far outnumber us. With our present strength, eradicating them in a single blow is simply unfeasible. It is sufficient for everyone to focus on rigorous training.”

Nods of understanding rippled through the group. They recognized the futility of attempting a swift victory and accepted that the conflict would likely devolve into a protracted war of attrition, a scenario for which they had mentally girded themselves.

Zhao Hai pressed on. “I do not fully grasp the motivations of the Shadow Realm inhabitants, nor am I well-versed in their situation. However, I surmise that the Shadow Realm possesses a supreme overlord in the upper realm. This overlord may be engaged in a struggle, effectively immobilizing the Blood Sea Realm’s supreme overlord in the upper realm, thereby preventing interference in our terrestrial affairs. This situation may not bode well for us, as who knows whom the freed upper-realm overlord might target. Regardless, I believe… I certainly cannot escape unscathed.”

A ripple of laughter went through the attendees. They acknowledged the truth in Zhao Hai’s words: if the upper-realm overlords were to become disentangled, not only Zhao Hai but also they themselves would be in grave peril. Zhao Hai, observing their reaction, chuckled, “However, I am uncertain how long the Shadow Realm’s forces can maintain their engagement with the upper-realm overlord. Judging by their current strategy, it seems unlikely they can sustain the delay for an extended period. This implies that the Shadow Realm forces have ample time to wage a war of attrition against us.”

The laughter ceased this time, replaced by somber contemplation. Zhao Hai’s words resonated deeply, appearing increasingly plausible. The Shadow Realm’s forces seemingly harbored no immediate concern regarding the upper-realm powers, evidenced by their measured, step-by-step advance and their unhurried demeanor even amidst conflict, lacking any apparent urgency to achieve immediate destruction. This strongly suggested a strategic advantage.

Zhao Hai concluded, “We must not only prepare for a prolonged war of attrition but also brace ourselves for the most dire contingency: the potential defeat of our Blood Sea Realm overlords in the upper realm. Should that occur, their overlords might then turn their attention to us. In such a scenario, we would face the dual threat of confronting the upper-realm powers and repelling the Shadow Realm’s assault, a truly perilous prospect.”

A chill permeated the hearts of everyone present upon hearing Zhao Hai's words. If his assessment held true, the danger was immense, potentially threatening not just them but the entirety of the Blood Sea Realm. The question of whether such a catastrophic event would truly unfold, however, remained uncertain.

Zhao Hai's voice deepened as he continued, "I always prefer to anticipate the worst-case scenario while meticulously planning for the best. This approach ensures that even if disaster strikes, we won't be caught completely off guard. The same principle applies now. Should the powers of our Blood Sea Realm be annihilated by the enemy, they will undoubtedly turn their attention to us. Facing an assault from both the Shadow Realm and the forces of the film and television realm would lead to unimaginable consequences."

He paused for a moment before elaborating, "Therefore, we must brace ourselves for the direst possibilities. In truth, the inhabitants of the Shadow Realm are not the primary concern. Their true vulnerability lies in the gray fog. If we can penetrate that barrier, the Shadow Realm's army will be broken. As for the Corpse Demon Sect and the other six great sects, I frankly hold them in low regard now. Those individuals are truly foolish."

A ripple of chuckles went through the group. Zhao Di then addressed them, "Currently, the seas belonging to our Blood Slaughter Sect and the Giant Demon Sect are fully secured by our formations. It would prove exceedingly difficult even for Almighty beings from the upper realm to breach them. Consequently, our rear is relatively safe, alleviating excessive worry. Since our contribution to upper realm affairs is limited, we needn't dwell on it. Our paramount objective remains the gray fog. Overcoming it is of utmost importance."

Nods of agreement met Zhao Hai's statement. He then announced, "Very well, everyone return to your posts. Assist the disciples and instruct them to steer clear of the gray fog. Our immediate course of action must be defense. Regarding the gray fog's penetration, I shall devise a strategy."

The group readily concurred. However, Chang Jun immediately voiced his concern to Zhao Hai, "Sect Master, surely you aren't contemplating entering the gray fog to assess the situation? That is far too perilous. King Beiwei is undoubtedly a master, his power unfathomable. Most critically, if this gray fog is indeed a magical artifact, you would be instantly detected upon entry. At that juncture, should their army attack, you would be in grave danger."

"Rest assured," Zhao Hai replied with firm conviction. "I am fully aware of the risks. You need not worry. Return and relay my instructions to the disciples below." The others then rose and departed, leaving only the array master. He regarded Zhao Hai with a concerned expression, "Little Hai, do you truly intend to venture into the gray fog? It is exceedingly dangerous."

Zhao Hai's voice resonated with determination, "We must confront the peril head-on. Without entering, we will never comprehend the fog's formation, which places us at an even greater disadvantage. I intend to enter the sea of blood and investigate the gray fog. I need to ascertain if it is truly assimilating the blood sea. If their gray fog can indeed absorb and transform the blood mist within the sea, the situation becomes infinitely more dire, as they would be systematically dismantling our Blood Sea Realm from its very foundations."

The array elder's expression shifted with alarm. "You are correct. If they can truly convert the blood mist into gray fog, the implications are indeed terrifying. A reconnaissance is warranted, but I urge you not to venture too deeply to avoid enemy detection. As Chang Jun pointed out, discovery would put you in immense peril. Your safety is paramount to the entire Blood Slaughter Sect; you must not take such a gamble."

Zhao Hai nodded, his voice low and serious. "Fear not, I will be cautious. Besides, I shall not depart immediately. I require a few days of rest to observe the unfolding events. While I declared that we need not overly concern ourselves with the six great sects, our surveillance must remain vigilant. They are formidable adversaries, particularly Li Ruohai, who acquired a fragment of the Yin-Yang Mirror from me. Although his objective seemed to be confronting the Corpse Demon old man, it's evident he hasn't defeated him, otherwise, the Corpse Demon Sect wouldn't have appointed him as their master. This individual is undoubtedly a cunning opponent."

The array elder had encountered Li Ruohai previously. Their paths had crossed when Zhao Hai joined the Spiritual Array Sect, and Li Ruohai had also been present. A prior conflict between them had culminated in a pact, at which point Zhao Hai had grasped Li Ruohai's underlying intentions. Now, it appeared Li Ruohai had failed to overcome the wily Corpse Demon elder, a fact underscored by the Corpse Demon Sect's subsequent reunification. Thus, he wholeheartedly believed Zhao Hai's assessment.

Zhao Hai stated gravely, “Even though the six great sects endured severe damage previously, their foundations remain intact, and their sect experts are still present. The prowess of these cultivators is not to be trifled with, and each possesses their sect’s unique treasures. Should they truly make a move, it would profoundly impact us. Therefore, if I am to venture into the gray fog, I will require your assistance, Elder Formation.” Zhao Hai continued, “While we have several formidable individuals here, without your guidance, Elder Formation, they may find themselves unable to contend against forces from the Shadow Realm or the six major sects.”

“Rest assured,” the Elder of Formations replied in a deep tone. “As long as I am present, they will be protected.” The Elder radiated confidence, remembering his past might. With the addition of those vines, he felt certain that within the entire Blood Sea Realm, no one could match him, excluding Zhao Hai himself.