Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8713 8713: Choice _1

"Reporting, Sect Master, the scouts ahead have reported that there are abnormal fluctuations in the gray fog!"

"Reporting, Alliance Master. The left wing's hidden Sentry has reported that a large shadow Realm Army is pressing towards our defense line from the left wing. There are about 200,000 people."

"Reporting, Alliance Master, the right wing's hidden Sentry has reported that a large Army of the Shadow Realm is pressing towards our defense line from the right wing. There are about 200,000 of them."

Situ Jingyu's face became even more grim as the reports continued to flood in. He immediately turned to the subordinate beside him and commanded, "Quick, send a letter to the sect and inquire about the situation there. Inform them if the people of the six major sects have attacked our sect and report the status at our headquarters." The subordinate immediately acknowledged the order and turned to dispatch the message.

Then, Situ Jingyu addressed the other Sect Masters, stating, "It appears our operation this time has been exceedingly successful. Everything is proceeding according to the Bloody Massacre Sect's grand design. They long anticipated an attack from the six major sects. Therefore, I am confident our headquarters will remain secure. Our current priority is self-preservation. Everyone, let us proceed with our previously laid-out preparations." A chorus of affirmations answered him. Without further ceremony, Situ Jingyu gestured for them to depart. The others dispersed with solemn expressions, leaving him alone.

Once everyone had departed, Situ Jingyu promptly sent a message to Chang Jun. He needed to relay the current predicament and implore Chang Jun for assistance. Even if direct aid was not forthcoming, they required Chang Jun to devise a strategy to divert the Shadow Realm's Army and alleviate some of the immense pressure they faced.

After dispatching the message, Situ Jingyu exited his spiritual artifact. He felt compelled to personally inspect the preparations underway outside, seeking the reassurance that only direct observation could provide. After all, the formidable powers of the Shadow Realm were their adversaries this time, and their combat prowess was not to be underestimated.

Not long after Situ Jingyu emerged, a reply arrived from Chang Jun. In his letter, Chang Jun confirmed awareness of their situation and stated that action had already been taken. However, instead of dispatching reinforcements, he instructed their defense line to advance, thereby applying pressure on the Shadow Realm's Army. Chang Jun also granted them permission to retreat if necessary, even to the point of abandoning their current defense line. As long as the array platform did not fall into Shadow Realm hands, they were permitted to relinquish all large-scale spiritual artifacts. The Bloody Massacre Sect pledged to compensate them fully for any resulting losses.

Upon perusing Chang Jun's letter, Situ Jingyu immediately grasped the underlying strategy. Chang Jun's decision stemmed from concern that sending direct reinforcements might expose the Bloody Massacre Sect's defense line to a swift attack due to their depleted numbers. Thus, rather than reinforcing, they would have their allies press forward, creating pressure that would force the Shadow Realm's Army to withdraw, but not in a full-scale engagement that could be countered with their entire might. This indirect approach would significantly ease the burden on Situ Jingyu's forces.

Chang Jun's directive was unequivocal: retreat and abandon even major magical implements if necessary, with the Bloody Slaughter Sect guaranteeing full restitution for all losses incurred. Situ Jingyu held no doubt that the Bloody Slaughter Sect would honor their commitment. He had absolute faith in Chang Jun's word.

Putting the letter away, Situ Jingyu summoned the other Sect Masters. He then relayed Chang Jun's instructions and elucidated the strategy. "The Bloody Massacre Sect's intentions are quite clear," Situ Jingyu declared. "Our objective in establishing this defense line was to create a pincer movement against the Shadow Realm's Army. However, that was not the primary goal. The most crucial objective was to ascertain if any spies from the Shadow Realm were embedded within the six major sects. It now appears that this is indeed the case. The situation is evident, and they will need to re-evaluate their operational direction. Our immediate task remains ensuring our own safety."

Everyone nodded. Situ Jingyu addressed the group, stating, "I am quite certain that given the cunning nature of the Bloody Massacre Sect, the six major sects will find themselves in a precarious situation this time. Should events unfold unfavorably, the six major sects could face considerable losses. The Bloody Massacre Sect will undoubtedly seize such an opportunity to strike. If that happens, the six major sects will be in dire straits."

Situ Jingyu paused, surveying the assembled crowd before continuing, "Once the Bloody Massacre Sect eradicates the forces of the six major sects, no one in the entire Blood Sea Realm will possess the strength to oppose them." Therefore, my intention is quite straightforward. By fully cooperating with the Blood Slaughter Sect at this juncture, we aim to foster a closer connection with them. As for the extent of our future development, we can only observe the unfolding circumstances. Does anyone have any objections?" Situ Jingyu's words were unambiguous. The Blood Kill Sect stood as the preeminent power within the Blood Sea Realm, a position virtually unassailable. It would require a major intervention from formidable figures of the higher realms, those connected to the six major sects, to dismantle the Blood Kill Sect. Otherwise, they themselves would likely be the first to be destroyed. At that point, who in the Blood Sea Realm could stand against the Blood Kill Sect? It would be inevitable for them to seek refuge under the Blood Slaughter Sect's banner.

Though not explicitly stated, the implication was clear to everyone present, and no one voiced any disagreement. Medium-sized sects like theirs typically relied on larger sects for survival. Their current desire to form an alliance stemmed from a lack of security when faced with those powerful major sects. Thus, they sought to establish an alliance, banding together for mutual strength and warmth.

While on the surface it appeared they were now making their own decisions and would no longer be easily bullied by the larger sects, there remained an underlying reluctance for acceptance. Situ Jingyu was the leader of this alliance, and while others seemed to defer to him, it was primarily due to their current challenging circumstances. It was questionable how many of these sect leaders truly respected Situ Jingyu. They might be willing to submit to a colossal power like the Bloody Massacre Sect, but they were far less inclined to bow to a sect like the Green Wind Sect.

Consequently, when Situ Jingyu articulated his intentions, they immediately grasped his meaning and naturally offered no objections. However, upon observing their expressions, Situ Jingyu couldn't help but feel a pang of melancholy. He harbored ambitions of breaking free from the control of the major sects. Yet, seeing the underlying intentions of the other sect leaders, he understood that his aspirations were unlikely to be realized.

Situ Jingyu took a deep, calming breath and announced, "Very well, it is decided then. Everyone, please proceed with your preparations. The enemy is on the verge of arrival. Whether we choose to fight or retreat, we must first withstand their assault. Failure to do so would prove exceedingly perilous."

As everyone nodded and prepared to depart, an Elder from the Green Wind Sect approached Situ Jingyu. He offered a respectful bow and reported, "Sect Master, we have just received intelligence that forces from the six great sects have unexpectedly appeared within the perimeter of our Blood Sea Alliance. They intend to attack us. However, precisely as they attempted to breach the waters of our Blood Sea Alliance's domain, they were confronted by a colossal Vermilion Bird manifestation of energy. They are currently engaged in a fierce battle with this Vermilion Bird."

A wave of relief washed over Situ Jingyu upon hearing the Elder's report. He then declared in a deep, commanding voice, "Issue the order for the alliance to closely monitor the enemy's movements. Should they launch a full-scale attack on our sect, permit all forces to converge on the main island for defense. Concurrently, dispatch a message to the Bloody Massacre Sect requesting assistance."

The messenger immediately acknowledged the order and departed. Situ Jingyu then addressed the gathered leaders, stating firmly, "Let us act swiftly. The Bloody Massacre Sect has already advised us not to concern ourselves with matters at their headquarters, assuring us there will be no issues, and we must place our trust in them. It is now too late for us to return and provide reinforcements. We must concentrate on our own defense."

Everyone concurred. This situation had indeed been anticipated and communicated by the Blood Slaughter Sect, thus causing no surprise. They promptly returned to their respective posts. At this very moment, they also became aware that a vast expanse of gray fog in the distance was rapidly advancing towards them.Fortunately, a plan was already in place. Situ Jingyu commanded, "The army is ordered to maintain formation and retreat slowly." A chorus of agreement followed as they began a measured withdrawal. Their retreat was orderly, the formation unbroken. Toward the encroaching gray fog, fifty magic formation platforms, drawn by a grand ritual implement, initiated their slow advance backward. Flanking them, twenty-five platforms on each side also retreated gradually, pulled by their own large ritual implements. A careful distance was maintained between each unit, neither too close nor too far apart. Within this protective perimeter of platforms were other sizable ritual implements. While not without their own combat capabilities, their offensive power paled in comparison to the formation platforms. Thus, they were shielded by the flanking arrays, retreating at a steady, unhurried pace.The expansion of the enemy's gray fog, though steady, was not impressively swift. It was not a simple matter for them to overtake the retreating force, a potential vulnerability of this strange fog. Consequently, the Blood Sea Alliance's army did not hasten their withdrawal. Their sole objective was to preserve a safe distance from the encroaching threat, deliberately avoiding entanglement within the gray fog. It wasn't a matter of cowardice in facing the Shadow Realm's forces; they harbored no fear. Their apprehension stemmed solely from the peril of being enveloped by the gray fog.The moment their movement commenced, the Shadow Realm's army clearly detected their intentions. Emerging unexpectedly from the depths of the blood sea, the enemy force surged towards them with full speed, attacking from both the left and right flanks, directly pressing upon the Blood Sea Alliance. Simultaneously, another contingent of the Shadow Realm's forces burst forth from the gray fog, charging directly at the Blood Sea Alliance army, assailing them from three directions.