Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8708 8708: The big net (1)
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
Zhao Hai found himself enveloped in a sea of blood. Instead of immediately employing his fist runes to refine this crimson expanse, he surveyed his surroundings with a wistful gaze. This location was once the heart of the Blood Slaughter Sect, the very land upon which Blood Slaughter Island stood. However, the island was gone, its departed Qi and blood mist entirely consumed by his unassuming boat. The miasma now present was newly formed, indistinguishable from any other in the Blood Sea Realm. Yet, Zhao Hai recognized it as the true genesis of the Blood Slaughter Sect.
Initially, Zhao Hai harbored ambitions of resurrecting this place in the future. However, shifting circumstances outpaced his contemplative plans. Following the dissolution of the Yin Ghost Sect and the Yin Yang Sect, Zhao Hai ceased contemplating a reconstruction here. The oceanic expanse housing these three sects lay too distant for such an endeavor. To rebuild the Blood Slaughter Sect on this former site would mean abandoning the very foundations he had painstakingly acquired. Thus, he remained unmoving.
For numerous years, this territory had been under the dominion of the Blood Light Sect. After the Blood Kill Sect's demise, few cultivators ventured here. In the past, some itinerant cultivators had explored the area, seeking remnants of the Blood Kill Sect's heritage, but to no avail. Now, the place remained utterly deserted.
Zhao Hai cast another glance around, exhaling a long, steadying breath. He would indeed resurrect this place, but not presently. His intention was to wait until the Blood Slaughter Sect achieved greater strength before undertaking its rebirth, and in a distinct fashion. When that opportune moment arrived, this very locale would be reinstated as the Blood Slaughter Sect's headquarters.
With his emotions subdued, Zhao Hai descended to the blood sea's floor, settling down. With a mere thought, a talisman detached itself from his person and ascended. It was a unique artifact, blood-red and resplendent, akin to liquid life itself.
Once airborne, the rune hovered above Zhao Hai’s head, emanating waves of crimson light. The surrounding blood mist seemed irresistibly drawn to it, flowing into the talisman with great speed. In an instant, it was absorbed, causing the rune's glow to intensify remarkably.
At this juncture, crimson threads, not of solid matter but of vibrant energy, emerged from the rune. Upon these ethereal lines, further runes materialized, bearing a resemblance to the initial artifact but with subtle distinctions. From these new runes, additional energy threads unfurled, extending in three divergent paths. At intervals of several meters, these threads branched out anew, forming an expansive network of runes centered above Zhao Hai. This intricate web continued its outward expansion, eventually encompassing a colossal diameter of approximately ten thousand miles.
The rune ceased its emission of energy tendrils once the immense net was formed. This vast network commenced its slow absorption of the ambient blood mist. Though the crimson vapor seeped into the net bit by painstaking bit, it seemed unyielding in its volume, replenishing itself as it was drawn in. The runes' absorptive capacity was gradual, giving the impression of little discernible decrease in the blood mist.
However, the sheer scale of the network was undeniable. While each individual rune assimilated a minuscule quantity of blood mist, their collective effect was staggeringly immense. Zhao Hai remained seated in the nexus of the net, seemingly detached from the external phenomena. Yet, he held the Fudo seal firmly in his grasp.
As time wore on, the net began another phase of expansion, this time increasing its size tenfold to a diameter spanning one hundred thousand miles. Following this impressive growth, the net stabilized, diligently continuing its silent absorption of the surrounding blood mist. Unbeknownst to any, a formidable divine tool was gradually taking form within the depths of the blood sea.
Zhao Hai himself was taken aback. A net with a peripheral measurement of one hundred thousand li was an awe-inspiring sight. Even for him, controlling such a vast construct presented a significant challenge. Nevertheless, he deemed it sufficient for his purposes, having no need for further enlargement. He held the conviction that, even in its current state, this creation would far surpass the formidable gray mist wielded by the Northern Wei King.
The day following the completion of the Blood Sea Alliance's defensive perimeter, Chang Jun, accompanied by several adept cultivators from the Blood Slaughter Sect, journeyed towards the newly established defenses. Having been apprised of their arrival by Cheng Wanchun, Situ Jingyu had marshaled the leading figures of the Blood Sea Alliance to await Chang Jun and his contingent near the teleportation array.
Upon their arrival via the teleportation array, Chang Jun and his companions were immediately greeted by Cheng Wanchun. With a cupped fist salute, he addressed Chang Jun with a smile, "Martial Uncle Chang, you have finally arrived. We've been anticipating your presence for a considerable time." Despite Cheng Wanchun being only a few years younger than Chang Jun, the age difference in their seniority meant Chang Jun had to be addressed as martial uncle, even though Cheng Wanchun possessed slightly greater strength.
Chang Jun responded with a smile, "You... you must be Alliance Master Situ, correct?" Chang Jun offered his salutations, bowing respectfully to Situ Jingyu. Chang Jun held a deep respect for Situ Jingyu, noting this was the first time Situ Jingyu had ventured out from the Chang family to establish his own Alliance. Chang Jun genuinely admired such an individual.
Situ Jingyu observed Chang Jun, recognizing his cultivation base had reached the Dharma-opening realm. This allowed him to easily discern Chang Jun's true strength; he was merely at the Dharma condensation realm, equivalent to the Island Lord level. This revelation surprised him, yet he maintained his decorum. He refused to assume the Bloody Massacre Sect lacked true experts simply because Chang Jun wasn't exceptionally powerful. After all, even Cheng Wanchun's strength was on par with his own. Thus, upon hearing Chang Jun's words, Situ Jingyu promptly approached. "You are most kind," he stated, offering his own greeting, "Situ Jingyu pays his respects."
A smile touched Chang Jun's lips. "Alliance Master Situ, your politeness is overwhelming. I would never presume to trouble you with coming to welcome me. This time, I am merely representing our Sect Master to meet with you. I wish to ascertain the progress of your preparations and determine if there are any further ways we can assist." Chang Jun maintained a very courteous demeanor, fully aware that Situ Jingyu and his allies were their partners, necessitating such respectful conduct.
Situ Jingyu quickly replied, "We appreciate your concern, Sect Master Zhao. We are fully prepared. Our gratitude extends to the Bloody Massacre Sect for your invaluable assistance. Without your support, the Blood Sea Alliance could not have completed our preparations so swiftly, nor would we possess this magical formation platform. We are deeply thankful for your aid."
Chang Jun waved off the praise with a smile. "We dare not accept such thanks. We are allies, both residing within the Blood Sea Realm, and we face a common enemy. It is only natural that we should aid one another. Alliance Master Situ, please do not dwell on it." Chang Jun understood the importance of maintaining a positive public image.
Situ Jingyu offered a smile. "Mr. Chang, you are too modest. Come, let us proceed inside to be seated. Please, Mr. Chang. Everyone, please." Chang Jun replied, "After you," and followed Situ Jingyu into the grand spiritual artifact. Shortly thereafter, they entered a spacious chamber and took their seats.
Once everyone was settled, Situ Jingyu inquired, "I wonder if Sect Master Zhao is currently at the defense line? I would be honored to pay him a visit." Situ Jingyu harbored a strong desire to meet Zhao Hai, having never encountered him before and being keen to understand the nature of the man.
Chang Jun replied with a smile, "Regrettably, that is not possible at this moment. Our Sect Master is currently in closed-door cultivation. As you are aware, we must contend with the forces from the Shadow Realm, whose primary advantage lies in their grey fog. We have never encountered such a peculiar celestial artifact before, and it proves challenging to dismantle. Our Sect Master appears to have devised a method to break this artifact, leading him to undertake this secluded cultivation. However, the Sect Master has indicated that his emergence from cultivation will coincide with the launch of our counterattack."
Upon hearing Chang Jun's words, Situ Jingyu and his entourage were filled with excitement. Situ Jingyu exclaimed, "Excellent! This is truly magnificent news! As long as we can vanquish these Shadow Realm invaders, I am prepared to spare no cost. The success of this endeavor now rests entirely on Sect Master Zhao's shoulders."
Chang Jun smiled and continued, "Alliance Master Situ, prior to his seclusion, our Sect Master specifically entrusted me with a message concerning the Blood Sea Alliance. His directive was that all auxiliary sects need not concern themselves with matters at the Blood Sea Alliance's headquarters; we will handle that. Furthermore, it is highly probable that when the enemy targets the Blood Sea Alliance's headquarters, they will also launch an assault on your forces. Therefore, please exercise extreme caution when that time comes. It is also possible that we may not be able to render immediate assistance. The enemy might exploit an attack on you as a ruse to lure us into a trap, thereby seizing an opportunity to assail our primary defense line. In such a scenario, our presence to aid you may be delayed. The decision will then fall to you, Alliance Master Situ."
Situ Jingyu nodded, a sigh escaping his lips. "It appears this phase will be quite challenging. However, I am eager to gauge the strength of those from the Shadow Realm and ascertain if our Blood Sea Realm truly falls short in comparison."
Chang Jun's voice was grave. "The people from the Shadow Realm possess distinct advantages. Nevertheless, their combat effectiveness has its limits. Once we comprehend their methods, we need not harbor any anxieties. I possess certain techniques, compiled by the Bloody Massacre Sect, to counter the Shadow Realm inhabitants. You may review them. By the way, might I have a private word with Alliance Master Situ?" Chang Jun produced a jade slip and presented it to Situ Jingyu.
Situ Jingyu paused, momentarily surprised. He accepted the jade slip, examined its contents, and then passed it to an attendant. "Certainly. Everyone, please take your leave for a moment. I wish to speak with Mr. Chang in private." None demurred. They turned and exited, leaving Chang Jun and Situ Jingyu alone in the hall.
Once the hall was empty, Situ Jingyu turned to Chang Jun. "Mr. Chang, is there something you wished to convey to me privately? More importantly, what has Sect Leader Zhao entrusted you to tell me in confidence?" Situ Jingyu's curiosity was piqued, eager to uncover the reason for this private conversation.