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

Although the sickly man sect and the heaven crippling sect managed to halt the blood slaughter sect’s assault, leading to their withdrawal, the cost was devastatingly high. Their headquarters had been breached, and their cultivation techniques pilfered by the blood slaughter sect. Furthermore, all the sect’s accumulated treasures vanished. A significant portion of the island headquarters lay in ruins, with the blood slaughter sect leaving nothing behind – not even the structures. They destroyed all water sources on the islands and, to compound the devastation, poisoned them, rendering them unusable. The most severe blow, however, fell upon their loyal slaves, with every single one taken by the blood slaughter sect from the invaded islands, leaving none.

Such catastrophic losses were tantamount to a sect's annihilation. The current might of the two sects paled in comparison to their former strength, arguably by more than half. This stark reality filled the people of both sects with profound regret as they questioned their decision to align with the Rahu sect and provoke the blood slaughter sect. They had never harbored any animosity towards the blood slaughter sect prior to this, yet now they found themselves in such a dire predicament.

However, remorse came too late. A binding restriction had been placed upon them, ensuring their immediate demise should they defy the Rahu sect. With no alternative, they were compelled to continue their allegiance.

Following the retreat of the blood slaughter sect, members from the two afflicted sects immediately commenced the arduous task of cleanup. Despite their crippled state, the notion of seeking sanctuary with the Rahu sect or any other sect was unthinkable. As one of the top ten sects, the humiliation would have been unbearable.

Nevertheless, emissaries from the Rahu sect arrived at their territories, unequivocally demanding their merger into the Rahu sect. Predictably, this proposal was met with refusal. The Rahu sect representatives departed without uttering another word, offering no support whatsoever, a move that deeply dissatisfaction the enfeebled sects.

Ordinary disciples within the two sects held no decision-making power and thus faced no restrictions from the Rahu sect. The true targets of the restrictions were the Island Lord level experts. These very experts had, in essence, sealed the fate of their respective sects. Consequently, despite their considerable displeasure at the lack of support from the Rahu sect, they dared not voice their grievances, contenting themselves with silently gathering their remaining belongings.

With the withdrawal of the six major sects, the conflict finally drew to a close. The initial engagement concluded between the Shadow Realm Army and the blood sea Alliance Army. The blood sea Alliance Army successfully repelled the Shadow Realm Army's offensive, maintaining an intact formation upon their retreat. Although some disciples were lost, their success in blocking the assault was a cause for celebration.

The Shadow Realm Army gained no significant advantage from this encounter, yet their losses were also not overly severe. The outcome was a stalemate. The greatest casualties were borne by the six major sects. Sect Master Li Ruohai of the corpse demon sect perished in the resistance, the sect protector Shi Zu fell in battle, and nearly six thousand disciples of the corpse demon sect who participated in the war met their demise. The remaining forces sustained injuries. In essence, the corpse demon sect was crippled in a single, devastating blow.

The plight of the heaven crippling sect and the sickly man sect mirrored this grim reality. Both sects were effectively crippled by the surprise onslaught from the blood slaughter sect. Only their ferocious final stand prevented complete extermination. These three sects suffered total defeat, rendering them virtually incapable of further combat.

While the Rahu sect, the poisonous bug Valley, and the sharp sword sect retained some capacity for fighting, they too sustained immense losses. The overall casualties from this conflict were dire. Unforeseenly, all these devastating losses could be attributed to Li Ruohai. Consequently, the current strength of the six major sects was severely diminished. It could be asserted that even if every sect within the six major alliances joined forces, their combined power would merely match that of the ten major sects at their zenith. The strength of the two sects was now a shadow of its former glory.

With the conclusion of this monumental 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 oppose the collusion between the Rahu Sect and the forces of the Shadow Realm, a somber mood enveloped the entire realm. A new respect dawned in everyone's eyes as they realized Li Ruohai's unexpected fervor and dedication.

Li Ruohai's unwavering resolve had far surpassed all expectations, demonstrating a willingness to bring ruin upon all in his pursuit of justice. This revelation profoundly altered the perception the Blood Sea Realm held of him. Yet, the focus swiftly shifted to the Blood Slaughter Sect. They had emerged victorious, achieving a significant advantage by annihilating two sects in a single engagement. Such formidable combat prowess left all astonished. Naturally, the mid-tier sects that had allied themselves with the Blood Slaughter Sect felt an immense sense of vindication for their choice; the greater the sect's power, the more astute their decision. Conversely, those who had not joined the Blood Slaughter Sect now viewed them as their most viable option.

The Blood Sea Alliance also reaped substantial rewards from this conflict. Not only did they acquire a vast quantity of resources from the Blood Slaughter Sect, but their disciples also underwent a crucible of war, gaining invaluable experience in the harsh realities of great battles. It could be said that the disciples of the Blood Sea Alliance had truly matured through this ordeal.

Following this conflict, a profound silence descended upon the Blood Sea Realm. However, a collective understanding quickly formed: this was merely the ominous calm preceding a tempest. All awaited an event, though its nature remained unknown. Despite the outward stillness, the atmosphere grew increasingly tense, akin to a powder keg with its fuse lit, poised to detonate at any unpredictable moment.

Meanwhile, Zhao Hai remained in seclusion, undisturbed by the external world. He sat in quiet contemplation, his expression serene. Around him, a colossal net, intricately woven from runes and lines of energy, pulsed with life. The net expanded and contracted rhythmically, like a breathing organism, drawing in the surging Blood Sea and its mist with each inhalation.

Suddenly, Zhao Hai's eyes snapped open. With a wave of his hand, the enormous net began to contract, drawn by an unseen force. The runes converged, their crimson luminescence intensifying as they overlapped. Eventually, a single rune detached and descended into Zhao Hai's palm. It possessed a tangible quality, glowing like red jade.

A faint smile touched Zhao Hai's lips upon beholding the rune. He then gestured, securing it within his being. Swiftly ascending, he soared above the Blood Sea, surveying the waters with a calm gaze. A determined murmur escaped him, “Just wait. One day, I will make the Blood Slaughter Sect prominent in these waters once more.” With that, he vanished.

In the ensuing moment, Zhao Hai materialized within the grand hall of the Blood Slaughter Sect. The assembled disciples immediately offered their respects. Zhao Hai acknowledged them with a nod before vanishing and reappearing within the same hall. This structure, formerly the main hall of the Dark Ghost Sect, had been repurposed and renovated by Zhao Hai and his followers.

Zhao Hai presided in the hall, absorbing Laura’s comprehensive report detailing recent events and providing him with a thorough understanding of the Blood Sea Realm's current situation. Laura then turned to him, inquiring, “Big brother Hai, what are our next steps?”

Zhao Hai surveyed the individuals present. Alongside Laura and her companions were several high-ranking members of the Blood Slaughter Sect, all assembled to report to him. Noticing his gaze, their postures immediately stiffened, and they instinctively sat straighter.

Addressing them, Zhao Hai declared in a deep voice,

The entire assembly was taken aback by Zhao Hai’s declaration. No one had anticipated that he would pivot his strategy, aiming to strike directly at the six great Sects. Yet, in their eyes, this course of action was entirely justified. The six great Sects had perpetually been at odds with them, and now, they had even conspired with the denizens of the Shadow Realm. Under such dire circumstances, leniency was out of the question; their annihilation was the only logical recourse.

With the unified assent of the group, Zhao Hai proceeded, stating, "First, dispatch word to our operatives embedded within the six great Sects. Instruct them to make contact with select Elders from these Sects. Convey to them that any afflictions stemming from the Shadow Realm’s restrictions can be alleviated. I possess the means to dismantle these barriers. In exchange for their allegiance to our Bloody Massacre Sect, I shall personally intervene to lift these restrictions. However, they must also guarantee the safety of their disciples. Zhu Yong, you will oversee this operation."

As the Chief of Intelligence for the Bloody Massacre Sect and the head of its intelligence division, Zhu Yong was the natural choice for this crucial task. Upon hearing Zhao Hai's directive, he immediately bowed and affirmed, "Yes, Young Master. Rest assured, Young Master, I will handle this matter with utmost diligence." Zhu Yong, being Zhao Hai's servant, had consistently addressed him as 'Young Master,' a title that the members of the Bloody Massacre Sect had grown accustomed to, thus eliciting no surprise from anyone present.

Zhao Hai offered a nod. "Prepare the forces. In three days' time, we march to obliterate the six great Sects. Dispatch a formal invitation to the Giant Demon Sect. Should Martial Uncle Yao wish to participate, he is welcome to join us. Proceed!" A chorus of affirmations followed, and the assembled individuals turned to carry out their respective duties.