Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8706 8706: The plan (1)

Zhao Hai moved along with the other cultivators, emotionless. They exited the murky gray fog and entered the crimson sea, only to emerge from the fog once more. Today was finally the day for their departure. Zhao Hai, granted an open opportunity to leave, did not act impulsively. He remained with the group. While in transit, he dispatched a missive to Chang Jun and his associates, urging them to make ready.

Standing upon the spirit array island, Chang Jun examined the Jade slip in his hand, a perplexing expression gracing his features. Without delay, he addressed those gathered near him, stating, "The Sect Master has decreed that all cavalry units are to purge surrounding cultivators. Any who offer resistance shall be slain without mercy." A moment of stunned silence followed Chang Jun's declaration, then swift agreement, and the individuals dispersed to carry out their orders.

Though Chang Jun harbored no understanding of the command, he uttered no query. As Zhao Hai's subordinate, he was bound to execute orders without hesitation. He trusted Zhao Hai's judgment, convinced that his master acted with purpose. Thus, Chang Jun personally oversaw the preparations, being a member of the cavalry himself.

After parting ways with the main group of cultivators, Zhao Hai proceeded discreetly towards the Blood Slaughter Sect's defensive perimeter. Simultaneously, he awaited the signal from Chang Jun and the others. Soon, he perceived movement; squads of uniquely designed cavalry, dispatched from the spirit array island, began to sweep through the area, eradicating any cultivators not affiliated with the Blood Slaughter Sect. Those swifter cultivators managed to flee, but the slower ones were caught and eliminated outright. Zhao Hai harbored no remorse for their demise. These exterminated cultivators were primarily from the six major sects or those who had sworn allegiance to the Shadow Realm. Mediocre sects had long since departed; some had integrated into the Blood Slaughter Sect, while others had forged the Blood Sea Alliance. As allies, the Blood Sea Alliance would not deploy forces to scrutinize the Blood Slaughter Sect. Consequently, the cultivators acting as watchers were exclusively from the six major sects or had submitted to the Shadow Realm – none were benevolent. Their eradication was, therefore, inconsequential.

As a contingent of Blood Slaughter Sect cavalry approached his vicinity, Zhao Hai promptly dissolved Ye Daozhen's bloodline and spirit. In doing so, he assumed the guise of a deceased Ye Daozhen, ensuring no suspicion would fall upon him. Evading the Blood Slaughter Sect cavalry proved exceedingly simple; they remained oblivious to Zhao Hai's subtle transformation.

Following the thorough clearance, the Blood Slaughter Sect cavalry withdrew. Zhao Hai's form flickered as he melted back into the spirit array island. Upon his return, the Formation Elder materialized. Observing Zhao Hai, the Elder inquired with bewilderment, "Little Hai, you've returned. What prompted the order you gave Chang Jun?"

Zhao Hai offered a placid smile. "It suffices. I merely required their movement as a diversion for myself. You need harbor no concern. Upon their return, I shall enter a period of secluded cultivation. When I emerge, it will be time to march against the film industry's forces." Zhao Hai refrained from divulging specifics to the Formation Elder, as his magical artifact was yet incomplete.

The Formation Elder acquiesced without further comment, nodding his assent. "Very well, I shall await your emergence. Incidentally, word from the sects indicates the Blood Sea Alliance has formalized an accord with us. Within days, they will dispatch personnel to establish a defensive line opposite the Shadow Realm's army. At that juncture, we shall ascertain the presence of Shadow Realm spies within the six major sects." The Formation Elder was privy to Zhao Hai's stratagem; no matter Zhao Hai's undertaking, he invariably directed Chang Jun and his cohort. Thus, the Formation Elder had been informed.

Zhao Hai inclined his head. "Indeed. Instruct the sect's members to prepare and erect the defensive formation at the Blood Sea Alliance with utmost expediency. Should we succeed in evolving the Three Talents Formation into the Four Symbols Formation, our confidence will soar when confronting the onslaught of the Almighty beings from the upper realms. The array's coalesced power will prove immensely formidable."

The array elder nodded. Being an array expert himself, he naturally understood the immense power arrays could unleash when combined. Therefore, he entirely supported Zhao Hai's strategy. They conversed briefly before Chang Jun and the others reappeared. Upon arriving at the spiritual array island, Chang Jun immediately noticed Zhao Hai's return. He swiftly approached Zhao Hai, bowed, and reported, "Greetings, Sect Master. Your task is complete. I’ve eliminated over two hundred cultivators. However, their cultivation techniques were quite varied, some completely unfamiliar to me."

Zhao Hai grasped the reason behind Chang Jun's observation. The cultivators who had pledged allegiance to the Shadow Realm hailed from diverse sects within the Blood Sea Realm, alongside a significant number of independent practitioners. Their cultivation methods were consequently peculiar and assorted, making it understandable that Chang Jun hadn't encountered them before. Zhao Hai, thus, was unsurprised. He acknowledged with a nod, "Understood. No need to concern yourself with that. Over the next few days, the Blood Sea Alliance will likely establish a defensive line on the other side. Maintain vigilance and cooperate with them. I will be entering seclusion shortly. Upon my emergence, it will be time for our counteroffensive."

Chang Jun's eyes brightened upon hearing Zhao Hai's declaration. He responded with palpable excitement, "Yes, Sect Master. Rest assured, we will secure this position steadfastly and deny the enemy any opportunity." The prospect of Zhao Hai's counterattack immediately invigorated Chang Jun, explaining his swift and enthusiastic agreement.

Zhao Hai offered a smile. "Are you all feeling disheartened by our current defensive stance and inability to press the attack? Let everyone know not to fret. We will launch an offensive eventually, but extreme caution is paramount in the coming days. A considerable number of those I instructed you to eliminate today had surrendered to the Shadow Realm. Their presence observing our Bloody Massacre Sect's defenses suggests potential hostile intent, so we must remain vigilant. Especially before I conclude my closed-door cultivation, they may attempt an assault. Furthermore, if the Blood Sea Alliance indeed establishes their defense line, instruct them not to panic if their sect comes under attack. Defending their designated perimeter is sufficient. The same applies to all of you. Do not dispatch troops to aid the Blood Sea Alliance without cause, as the enemy might employ a feint to lure you into a trap. It will be opportune to act only upon receiving the verified secret signal; otherwise, you risk falling into the enemy's snare. In essence, exercise extreme prudence. If you harbor any doubt, consult Laura rather than acting rashly."

"Yes, Sect Master. We understand our directives and will proceed with utmost caution," Chang Jun affirmed. Absorbing Zhao Hai's counsel, Chang Jun took it to heart and readily concurred. He now realized the significance of Zhao Hai's order to deal with those individuals, all of whom had defected to the Shadow Realm. Reflecting on Zhao Hai's words, Chang Jun felt their actions that day hadn't been sufficiently severe. Had they known the true identities of those cultivators, they should have been far more ruthless. He harbored a deep disdain for cultivators who had switched allegiance to the Shadow Realm.

Zhao Hai nodded, casting his gaze towards the expanse of sea occupied by the Shadow Realm forces. It remained shrouded in an oppressive gray fog, rendering all visibility impossible. However, Zhao Hai was unhurried. He stated to Chang Jun, "Alright, proceed as previously instructed. I am entering closed-door cultivation." With that pronouncement, he moved and vanished from sight.

Witnessing Zhao Hai's departure, Chang Jun remained silent for a moment before turning to the array elder. He inquired in a low tone, "Elder Array, did the Sect Master indicate he has already deciphered the secret of the gray fog?" Chang Jun had barely exchanged words with Zhao Hai before his sudden exit. He had intended to pose several questions, but the opportunity slipped away, compelling him to turn to Elder Array instead.

"Are you foolish?" the array elder chuckled. "If he hadn't unlocked the secret of the gray fog, why would he speak of preparing for a counterattack?" The elder continued, "Worry not, I am certain he has grasped the mystery of this gray fog and formulated a method to breach it. That is precisely why he intends to strike back. This period of seclusion is undoubtedly linked to this very objective."

Chang Jun's eyes gleamed with understanding as he immediately grasped the implication. He nodded, stating, "Alright, then I shall be responsible for safeguarding the premises. Nothing must go awry before the Sect Master emerges. I request your assistance, Elder Array." Chang Jun was acutely aware of Elder Array's formidable power, deeming it wise to cultivate a strong relationship with him.

Chang Jun recognized his own predicament. With his island razed, any hope of enhancing his strength had vanished. In truth, his current cultivation had surpassed only those novice Island Lords, yet he still lagged behind seasoned ones. It was precisely this disadvantage that fueled Chang Jun's desire to foster goodwill with the Array Elder.

Despite Zhao Hai's unwavering trust and high regard for him, and his considerable standing within the Blood Slaughter Sect, Chang Jun understood his own limitations in terms of strength. The inability to improve his cultivation was a significant concern, especially as the Sect's power escalated. For someone like him, to maintain his future position, securing a reliable backer was paramount. Aligning himself with the Array Elder would provide that crucial support, allowing him to weather any storms.

This situation was not of Chang Jun's making. Though he yearned for eternal life, the destruction of his island rendered any advancement in his strength impossible. Therefore, he felt compelled to pursue this alternative path. He harbored no ill intentions, believing his experience and status warranted his current standing. However, in the realm of self-cultivation, strength reigned supreme. Consequently, he felt obligated to make these arrangements to prevent Zhao Hai from facing any undue difficulties.

Zhao Hai, as the Sect Master of the Blood Slaughter Sect, needed to command popular support as the sect flourished. Fairness was the only path to true conviction. Chang Jun felt his own lack of formidable strength could lead to gossip if Zhao Hai continued to rely on him, potentially causing significant issues for the Sect Master. However, with Elder Array's patronage, such criticisms would likely cease, as everyone acknowledged the elder's might, thereby sparing Zhao Hai further complications.

The intricacies of the human heart are complex. Chang Jun's foresight in contemplating these matters was considerable. He harbored no malicious intent, merely prioritizing his own security while remaining steadfastly loyal to Zhao Hai and the Blood Slaughter Sect. Such considerations were understandable.