Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8710 687-betrayal (1)
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
Li Ruohai observed them, a touch of disappointment registering in his heart. Still, he voiced his thoughts, "The Rahu Sect might have been in league with the forces of the Shadow Realm for a considerable time, possibly forging secret pacts with other sects. It appears our Corpse Demon Sect is merely a figurehead now. We hold the title of Alliance Leader, yet possess none of the associated authority. If the other five sects decree something, can our Corpse Demon Sect truly object?" He continued, "I did not consent to the prior assault on the Bloody Massacre Sect. However, with all five sects in agreement, I was compelled to concur. At the time, I harbored the notion that it might present an opportunity. After all, the Bloody Massacre Sect poses a significant threat; they are our greatest adversary."
He paused momentarily before elaborating, "However, we never anticipated our own defeat against the Bloody Massacre Sect. Following that setback, our vassal sects began to break free from our control. It was then that the Shadow Realm dispatched an envoy, proposing an alliance to confront both the Bloody Massacre Sect and the Blood Sea Alliance. The Rahu Sect was the first to step forward and accept. The other sects followed suit. Under these circumstances, we had no choice but to agree. But does this not strike you as too convenient? Do you not find it peculiar?"
The assembled group turned their gaze to Li Ruohai, awaiting his further words. Li Ruohai looked at them, let out a sigh, and declared, "Even if we were to successfully dismantle the Blood Sea Alliance and the Bloody Massacre Sect, what then? If we truly annihilate the Blood Slaughter Sect, the Giant Demon Sect, and the Blood Sea Alliance, will we possess the strength to repel an assault from the Shadow Realm? Should the Shadow Realm's forces suddenly descend upon us, could we adequately defend the Blood Sea Realm? I suspect it would prove exceedingly difficult."
At this juncture, Li Ruohai rose to his feet, tilting his head upward. Naturally, the sky was beyond his sight, as he was situated within the inner confines of a ritual artifact. Nevertheless, he proclaimed, "The Blood Sea Realm is where we have always dwelled; it is our home. Are you truly prepared to surrender it to the denizens of the Shadow Realm? To have us, the disciples of the Blood Sea Realm, reduced to slaves of the Shadow Realm henceforth? I, for one, am unwilling to accept such a fate."
At that moment, an Elder inquired, "Sect Master, what are your intentions? If you do not agree, then why did we embark on this expedition?" This question also perplexed the others. If Li Ruohai genuinely disapproved, why take this course of action? Furthermore, they hadn't come alone; they'd even brought Ancestor Corpse along, seemingly preparing to launch a full-scale assault on the Blood Sea Alliance. This presented a puzzling contradiction.
Li Ruohai cast his gaze upon the crowd and stated in a grave tone, "My purpose in emerging this time is to teach the other sects a lesson. Do you truly believe the Blood Sea Alliance is so easily subdued? Have you forgotten their ongoing contact with the Blood Slaughter Sect? I've heard they've agreed to the Blood Slaughter Sect's request to enhance their defensive arrays. If that is the case, we may find ourselves facing the same predicament as our last attempt against the Blood Slaughter Sect – unable to even glimpse their defenses before suffering heavy losses. What we must do this time is betray them, consolidate the strength of our Corpse Demon Sect, and in one swift move, eliminate the elites dispatched by the other five sects. You are aware that the individuals sent by the other five sects are their finest. Once we eradicate these elites, they will be incapable of challenging us further. We will gain direct control over the Six Great Sect Alliance, and from there, we can dictate our own course."
Upon hearing Li Ruohai's declaration, the Elders were momentarily dumbfounded. Subsequently, their expressions shifted dramatically. They truly hadn't anticipated Li Ruohai harboring such a daring scheme. This plan was fraught with peril. If they were to enact this betrayal, they would not only face the wrath of the five major sects but also contend with the Blood Sea Alliance simultaneously. The potential casualties would be immense, wouldn't they?
An Elder immediately voiced his concern, "Sect Master, are we truly committing to this course of action? Will we not face grave danger? If the forces of the five great sects and the Blood Sea Alliance strike us together, our losses will be catastrophic. Would that not lead to an even more perilous situation?"
Li Ruohai declared gravely, "This gamble is necessary. Our objective is to cripple the five major sects solely to ensure their obedience. This is the only path to preventing their defection to the Shadow Realm. Should we fail to act, our only recourse would be a pact with the Shadow Realm to confront the Blood Sea Alliance and the Bloody Massacre Sect. However, even if we eliminate them, what if the Rahu Sect unilaterally pledges allegiance to the Shadow Realm? Or what if other sects follow suit? Would we then capitulate? Surrender would brand us as traitors to the Blood Sea Realm. Refusal, on the other hand, would likely spell the annihilation of our Corpse Demon Sect. Therefore, this singular opportunity is all we have."
The elders, hearing Li Ruohai's impassioned plea, were plunged into contemplation. One amongst them, clenching his jaw, voiced with conviction, "Let it be done. If we triumph in this endeavor, the Corpse Demon Sect may very well ascend to dominate the five great sects. Our past grievances with the Bloody Massacre Sect would then be inconsequential, provided our might is sufficient to deter them."
A chorus of assent arose, with all voices united in their determination. "Indeed, Sect Master, your command is our will." They offered a respectful bow to Li Ruohai, awaiting his directive. It was evident that Li Ruohai's strategy had swayed them, their minds now focused on the immense potential rewards of success.
Noticing the resolute expressions before him, Li Ruohai offered a smile. "Excellent, your agreement is most welcome. Proceed now to rally the sect's disciples and convey my instructions. Their very survival hinges on this decisive moment." "Yes!" came the immediate reply, and they promptly departed. Li Ruohai exhaled a slow, deep breath. This undertaking was fraught with peril, yet success promised to herald a profound transformation for the Corpse Demon Sect, elevating it to unprecedented levels of power.
Unbeknownst to the others, Li Ruohai had secured an understanding with the sect's Grand Elder prior to his departure. Upon initiating their move, the Grand Elder and his cohorts would be alerted, ensuring the Corpse Demon Sect was adequately prepared to counter any retaliatory actions from the five major sects. Survival through this critical phase would pave the way for the systematic subjugation of the remaining sects.
Time, as ever, marched relentlessly onward. Five days vanished in the blink of an eye. Li Ruohai's formidable host had reached the outer fringes of the Blood Sea Alliance's territory. Convening his assembled forces within a colossal magical artifact, Li Ruohai noted the singular presence of the Rahu Sect Master; the sect leaders of the others had dispatched only elders in their stead. These representatives, however, now deferred to the Rahu Sect Master.
Li Ruohai surveyed the gathered individuals and declared, "We now enter the Blood Sea Alliance's domain. This region, formerly the Green Wind Sect's, possesses rudimentary defenses. However, their recent interactions with the Bloody Massacre Sect suggest potential reinforcements, possibly bolstering their defenses. Therefore, coordinated action is paramount. I propose our primary target be their headquarters. We shall infiltrate via the sea, executing a swift, surprise assault. Overcoming their central command will, I believe, resolve all subsequent challenges. What are your thoughts?"
A wave of nods swept through the assembly. The Rahu Sect Master, however, interjected with a furrowed brow, "If they have indeed received aid from the Bloody Massacre Sect, their formation techniques are likely formidable. Infiltrating their headquarters, under such circumstances, would be akin to unleashing lambs into a wolf's den. Gaining entry may be feasible, but a successful egress seems highly improbable. Furthermore, if the Bloody Massacre Sect has provided assistance, we risk detection the moment we breach their waters. They could very well turn our strategy against us, leaving us clueless as to the cause of our demise."
A collective gasp rippled through the assembled group, followed by looks of stark apprehension. The grim scenario vividly recalled their prior disastrous assault on the Bloody Massacre Sect, and the potentially catastrophic consequences of such a miscalculation sent shivers down their spines.
Li Ruohai turned his gaze to Sect Master Rahu, posing a question in a low tone: "Then what course of action do you propose?" Li Ruohai had already foreseen Rahu's objection; the escalating friction between them had become quite apparent. Thus, the Sect Master's dissent was well within Li Ruohai's expectations.
Sect Master Rahu met Li Ruohai's gaze and stated gravely, "Our primary concern at this moment is that the Blood Slaughtering Sect might dispatch reinforcements to the Blood Sea Alliance. By launching an assault from the periphery, we can implement a strategic retreat if necessary. Furthermore, our offensive is designed to synchronize with the actions of the Shadow Realm. As we engage, the Shadow Realm forces will also launch a full-scale attack on the Blood Sea Alliance's defenses. Should the Shadow Realm succeed, the Blood Sea Alliance will be finished. After all, their main fighting force is currently engaged at the front lines, confronting the Shadow Realm's army."
Li Ruohai let out a cold snort. "Do not forget that we harbored the same strategy last time. In the end, the Shadow Realm's army faltered in their attempt to breach the Blood Slaughtering Sect's defenses. Effectively, our efforts were in vain. If we repeat this strategy and the same outcome occurs, what measures will we take then? Are we to be thwarted once more?"
Upon hearing Li Ruohai's words, Sect Master Rahu's expression shifted. He responded in a firm voice, "Alliance Master Li, your assessment is inaccurate. The circumstances surrounding our previous attack on the Blood Slaughtering Sect differ vastly from the current situation. Last time, we were not allied with the Shadow Realm; they acted independently. This time, we are partners in an alliance with the Shadow Realm, coordinating our efforts. The dynamics are entirely distinct. Moreover, the Blood Sea Alliance is not comparable to the Blood Slaughtering Sect. The Blood Slaughtering Sect possesses a strategic island at the frontline, which the Blood Sea Alliance lacks. Additionally, the Blood Sea Alliance is a coalition of multiple mid-sized sects. If the Shadow Realm forces commit to a full-scale assault, they are certain to overpower the Blood Sea Alliance. We absolutely must not underestimate the combat prowess of the Shadow Realm's contingent. Consequently, I maintain that a peripheral attack is the more prudent approach. Should the Blood Sea Alliance find it necessary to dispatch troops back for reinforcement, our chances of victory will significantly improve."