Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8717 8717: Exiting seclusion (1)

Though the afflicted man sect and the heaven crippling sect managed to repel the blood slaughter sect's onslaught, leading to their withdrawal, the cost was immense. Their sanctuary had been breached, every cultivation technique pilfered by the blood slaughter sect. All accumulated treasures vanished. More than half the island stronghold lay in ruins, utterly stripped bare by the invaders, not even the structures left standing. The blood slaughter sect had systematically destroyed every water source, even tainting them, rendering them unusable. The most devastating loss, however, fell upon the devoted slaves, all of whom were abducted, leaving not a single one behind on the ravaged islands.

Such a catastrophe was akin to complete annihilation for a sect. The current might of the two sects paled in comparison to their former glory, diminished by at least half. A deep sense of regret permeated their ranks as they questioned their decision to align with the Rahu sect and provoke the blood slaughter sect, especially since no prior animosity existed between them.

Regret, however, came too late. A binding restriction had been placed upon them, ensuring their immediate demise should they disobey the Rahu sect. This left them with no alternative but to continue their subservience.

Following the blood slaughter sect's retreat, personnel from the afflicted man sect and the heaven crippling sect immediately commenced salvage operations. Despite their crippled state, the idea of seeking refuge with the Rahu sect or any other faction was unthinkable. As one of the top ten sects, such a course of action would be utterly humiliating.

Yet, the Rahu sect dispatched envoys to their territories, demanding their complete integration into the Rahu sect. Predictably, this proposal was met with refusal. The Rahu sect representatives departed without offering any support, leaving the two sects deeply discontented.

The common disciples, lacking any decision-making power, were unaffected by the Rahu sect's decree. The true targets of the restrictions were the Island Lords; however, these leaders had already sealed the fate of their respective sects. Thus, despite their profound dissatisfaction with the lack of aid from the Rahu sect, they dared not voice their grievances, focusing instead on salvaging what they could.

With the withdrawal of the six major sects, the conflict finally drew to a close. The engagement between the Shadow Realm Army and the Blood Sea Alliance Army concluded first. The Blood Sea Alliance Army successfully repelled the Shadow Realm Army's assault. Though they sustained casualties, their formation remained intact upon retreat, a significant morale booster for all involved.

The Shadow Realm Army achieved no substantial gains, but their losses were also minimal, resulting in a stalemate. The six major sects bore the brunt of the devastation. Sect Master Li Ruohai of the Corpse Demon Sect perished in the conflict, as did Protector Shi Zu. Nearly six thousand disciples of the Corpse Demon Sect who participated in the battle were lost, with the remainder suffering injuries. The Corpse Demon Sect was effectively crippled.

The plight of the Heaven Crippling Sect and the Afflicted Man Sect mirrored this grim reality. Both sects were devastated by the surprise attack from the Blood Slaughter Sect. Only through their desperate last stand did they narrowly avoid complete extermination. These three sects suffered total defeats, rendering them incapable of further combat.

While the Rahu Sect, Poisonous Bug Valley, and Sharp Sword Sect retained some fighting capacity, they too endured substantial losses. The overall cost of this conflict was immense, with all accountability directed towards Li Ruohai, a turn of events no one had foreseen. Consequently, the current strength of the six major sects was severely diminished. It could be said that even if all six joined forces, their collective power would only equal that of the ten major sects at their zenith. Their former might was now a distant memory.

With the conclusion of this colossal battle, the truth behind Li Ruohai's demise and the internal conflicts of the six great sects became widely known throughout the Blood Sea Realm. Upon learning that Li Ruohai had sacrificed himself to resist the conspiracy between the Rahu Sect and the forces from the Shadow Realm, the entire Blood Sea Realm fell into a state of solemnity. Everyone's perception of Li Ruohai underwent a profound transformation; they had never anticipated such fiery passion from him.

Li Ruohai's unyielding spirit, which led him to destroy both the enemy and himself, far surpassed everyone's expectations. This act significantly reshaped the perception of him within the Blood Sea Realm. Nevertheless, the collective focus soon shifted to the Blood Slaughter Sect. This sect had emerged from the conflict with a substantial advantage, having annihilated two other sects in a single decisive blow. Such formidable combat prowess left all observers astonished. The mid-tier sects that had aligned themselves with the Blood Slaughter Sect naturally regarded their decision with immense satisfaction. The greater the power demonstrated by the Blood Slaughter Sect, the more validated their choice appeared. Naturally, they were overjoyed. Even those sects that had not yet joined the Blood Slaughter Sect now saw it as their most advantageous option.

The Blood Sea Alliance also reaped considerable rewards from this engagement. Not only did they receive a substantial influx of resources from the Blood Slaughter Sect, but their disciples also underwent a trial by fire, experiencing the brutal realities of large-scale warfare. It could be asserted that the disciples of the Blood Sea Alliance had truly matured through this ordeal.

Following this momentous battle, a profound silence descended upon the Blood Sea Realm. However, it was universally understood that this was merely the quiet interludes preceding an inevitable storm. A collective anticipation permeated the air, a sense of waiting for something unknown. Despite the outward calm, the atmosphere gradually grew more charged, akin to a keg of gunpowder with a lit fuse, its eventual explosion an uncertainty.

At this juncture, Zhao Hai remained secluded, undisturbed by the external world’s turmoil. He sat serenely, his expression placid, as the immense net woven from intricate runes and energy conduits expanded further. This vast network pulsed rhythmically, like a living entity drawing breath, its undulations causing the very waters of the Blood Sea to churn. The crimson mist was drawn inexorably into its embrace.

Abruptly, Zhao Hai's eyes flew open. With a graceful sweep of his hand, the colossal net began to contract, drawn by an unseen force. The runes shifted and converged, their interweaving causing their inherent red luminescence to intensify. Finally, a single rune detached itself and descended into Zhao Hai's palm. This rune appeared tangible, solidifying into a substance resembling red jade, emanating a soft, warm light.

A faint smile graced Zhao Hai’s lips as he beheld the captured rune. With another casual gesture, he secured it. Then, a swift movement propelled him skyward, and in an instant, he stood suspended above the Blood Sea. Gazing down at the crimson expanse, Zhao Hai's gaze swept across the horizon. "Just you wait," he murmured to himself, "One day, I shall ensure the Blood Slaughter Sect re-emerges dominant in these waters." With that declaration, he vanished from sight.

In the ensuing moment, Zhao Hai materialized within the grand assembly hall of the Blood Slaughter Sect. The sect disciples, upon his appearance, immediately offered him respectful salutations. Zhao Hai acknowledged them with a nod before effortlessly disappearing and reappearing within the same hall. This chamber, formerly the main hall of the Dark Ghost Sect, had been repurposed and renamed the primary hall of the Blood Slaughter Sect following Zhao Hai's intervention.

Seated within the hall, Zhao Hai intently listened to Laura's detailed report. Her comprehensive account of recent events provided him with a clear understanding of the tumultuous affairs within the Blood Sea Realm. Concluding her update, Laura turned to Zhao Hai, inquiring, "Big Brother Hai, what are our plans moving forward?"

Zhao Hai's gaze swept across the assembled figures in the hall. Besides Laura and her companions, several high-ranking members of the Blood Slaughter Sect were present, all awaiting his pronouncements. Noticing Zhao Hai's attention, their postures grew more rigid, and they instinctively straightened their backs.

Addressing them, Zhao Hai spoke in a resonant tone, "Our initial strategy involved neutralizing the forces of the Shadow Realm before confronting the six major sects. However, with the six major sects now effectively crippled, there is little more to discuss on that front. We shall issue a formal declaration, exposing the six major sects' collusion with the Shadow Realm. The Blood Slaughter Sect will commence military action against them in three days. I am eager to observe the reaction from the Shadow Realm."

The collective gasp from everyone was palpable upon hearing Zhao Hai's proclamation. The abrupt alteration in his strategy, pivoting to an assault on the six great sects, caught them entirely off guard. Yet, their collective sentiment was that such aggression was not only justified but overdue. These six sects had long harbored animosity, and their recent alliance with the denizens of the Shadow Realm sealed their fate. Eradication, they agreed, was the only appropriate course of action.

With a chorus of assent, Zhao Hai continued his strategic discourse. "First, dispatch our operatives embedded within the six great sects. Their mission is to establish contact with select Elders, conveying a crucial message: any afflictions stemming from the Shadow Realm's impositions can be alleviated. I possess the means to shatter these restrictions. Should they pledge allegiance to our Bloody Massacre Sect, I shall personally attend to their affliction and nullify the Shadow Realm's influence. A prerequisite, however, is the absolute assurance of their disciples' safety. Zhu Yong, you shall oversee this delicate operation."

Zhu Yong, as the chief of intelligence and head of the Intelligence Division within the Bloody Massacre Sect, naturally assumed responsibility for this critical task. Upon receiving Zhao Hai's command, he offered a respectful bow. "Yes, Young Master. Rest assured, Young Master, I shall execute this flawlessly." As Zhao Hai's devoted servant, Zhu Yong consistently addressed him as 'Young Master.' The members of the Bloody Massacre Sect had long since grown accustomed to this form of address, rendering it a commonplace norm.

Zhao Hai offered a nod of approval. "Prepare the forces. In three days' time, we march forth to obliterate the six great sects. Dispatch a missive to the Giant Demon Sect. Should Martial Uncle Yao harbor any inclination to join us, he is welcomed. Be gone!" The assembled individuals acknowledged his orders, turning to depart and commence their duties.