Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8719 8719: Breadth of mind (1)
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
The events that befell the Corpse Demon Sect were mirrored in other locations, yet the leaders of the remaining sects remained oblivious. Even those aware chose not to protest, possibly even initiating contact with the Blood Slaughter Sect. Past animosities were deemed irrelevant; in the cultivation world, holding onto grudges meant an early demise. The inheritance of one's sect was paramount, compelling them to yield even to adversaries like the Blood Slaughter Sect.
Three days swiftly passed. On this particular day, the Blood Slaughter Sect's forces advanced upon the six major sects. Curiously, the six major sects exhibited an unusual lack of unified resistance. While not entirely absent, only the Rahu Sect, Poison Bug Valley Sect, and Sharp Sword Sect mustered some of their disciples. The Corpse Demon Sect, Heaven Crippling Sect, and Sick Man Sect remained conspicuously inactive, showing no inclination to engage in the conflict.
This inaction signaled to all within the Blood Sea Realm that the Alliance of the six major sects had likely fractured. The ultimate allegiances of the Sick Man Sect, Heaven Crippling Sect, and Corpse Demon Sect remained uncertain. Despite having suffered considerable losses at the hands of the Blood Slaughter Sect, their potential surrender would not come as a surprise.
The passive stance of these three sects appeared to be anticipated by the Rahu Sect and its allies. Consequently, they maintained a measured response, focused on observing the Blood Slaughter Sect's next move. At this juncture, the Blood Slaughter Sect's army was drawing near to the Sick Man Sect.
Just as the Blood Slaughter Sect's forces approached the Sick Man Sect's territory, the Sect Master of the Sick Man Sect declared their surrender to the Blood Slaughter Sect. This outcome had been largely expected, eliciting no significant astonishment. The primary interest lay in how the Blood Slaughter Sect would integrate them. However, Zhao Hai's subsequent actions left all cultivators in the Blood Sea Realm utterly stunned.
Zhao Hai promptly declared the Sick Man Sect's reformation into the Sick Man Hall of the Blood Slaughter Sect, appointing the former Sect Master as the Hall Master. This decision sent shockwaves through the other sects of the Blood Sea Realm. Essentially, the Blood Slaughter Sect had absorbed the Sick Man Sect while remarkably granting them a substantial degree of autonomy. The former Sect Master retained considerable authority, a development none had foreseen.
Even more astonishing was Zhao Hai's direct approach to the Heaven Crippling Sect, which subsequently surrendered. Their integration mirrored that of the Sick Man Sect, transforming them into the Heaven Crippling Hall under the Blood Slaughter Sect's banner. The voluntary submission of two major sects sparked widespread bewilderment throughout the Blood Sea Realm. No one had anticipated Zhao Hai possessing the audacity to reinstate power within these previously vanquished sects.
As the Blood Slaughter Sect neared the Corpse Demon Sect, a portion of its disciples attempted to resist but were swiftly eradicated. Under the guidance of the Corpse Demon Sect's Great Elder, the sect then surrendered to the Blood Slaughter Sect. Following this, the Blood Slaughter Sect announced the Corpse Demon Sect's establishment as the Corpse Demon Branch, with the Great Elder assuming the role of Branch Master.
The unfolding events were far from concluded. Zhao Hai did not immediately move against the remaining three sects. Instead, he proclaimed a grand ceremony at the Corpse Demon Sect to honor the fallen Li Ruohai. He personally commanded a search for Li Ruohai's and the Corpse Ancestor's remains, decreeing the construction of a magnificent tomb on Corpse Demon Island. Zhao Hai himself bestowed upon Li Ruohai the posthumous title of 'Hero of the Blood Sea Realm,' ensuring him a place of reverence for all future disciples of the Blood Slaughter Sect.
When this command was issued, everyone was understandably astonished. Zhao Hai's decision had taken them completely by surprise. The Corpse Demon Sect had once annihilated the Blood Slaughter Sect, and yet, under these circumstances, Zhao Hai chose to treat Li Ruohai with such deference. It was something no one could have fathalammed. The Blood Slaughter Sect and the Corpse Demon Sect were bitter enemies, their animosity seemingly irreconcilable. How could he possibly show such courtesy to Li Ruohai? Yet, Zhao Hai did exactly that.
Following this, Zhao Hai genuinely located Li Ruohai's remains and even managed to collect a portion of the Corpse Ancestor's relics. Subsequently, Zhao Hai personally oversaw the construction of a grand mausoleum for both Li Ruohai and the Corpse Ancestor within the Corpse Demon Sect's territory. He personally inscribed the monument with the words "Tomb of the Blood Sea Hero" and then proceeded to pay his respects to Li Ruohai.
Zhao Hai's actions sent shockwaves throughout the Blood Sea Realm, causing a profound silence to fall upon the entire region. A realization dawned upon everyone: Zhao Hai of the Blood Slaughter Sect was a truly exceptional individual. Setting all other matters aside, his breadth of vision and magnanimity alone were qualities unmatched by others. Such an act was unprecedented.
Zhao Hai's behavior deeply resonated with all the disciples of the Corpse Demon Sect. Any residual disgust they felt towards him vanished completely. Instead, they transformed into his most fervent supporters, even willing to lay down their lives for him.
This series of actions by Zhao Hai also cast a formidable shadow over the other three major sects. A significant number of disciples, including several Island Lord-level experts, had defected from their ranks, fleeing to join Zhao Hai. This instilled immense apprehension in the three sects, making them acutely aware of the terrifying impact of Zhao Hai's strategic brilliance. His single act of tribute had not only captured the hearts of the Corpse Demon Sect disciples but also won over the cultivators of the entire Blood Sea Realm. Furthermore, it had ignited a unified hatred among the Blood Sea Realm's inhabitants towards the Shadow Realm Army. Consequently, the three major sects found themselves under immense pressure, both externally and internally.
At this critical juncture, a piece of news spread like wildfire, electrifying everyone in the Blood Sea Realm. This announcement, delivered with surprising speed by the Blood Slaughter Sect, was subsequently confirmed by the Blood Sea Alliance and then by representatives from other sects. The Shadow Realm Army had begun its advance.
The nature of this particular movement by the Shadow Realm Army was peculiar. Their encroaching gray fog no longer targeted the defensive perimeters of the Blood Slaughter Sect and the Blood Sea Alliance. Instead, it began to spread from two distinct directions, encroaching upon other territories within the Blood Sea Realm. Within a mere few days, the expanse of the sea under their control more than doubled. This development brought a surge of excitement to the people of the Blood Sea Realm, who finally felt that the situation was escalating beyond mere skirmishes. The Shadow Realm, it seemed, was poised for a full-scale invasion of the Blood Sea Realm.
In response, the Blood Slaughter Sect's forces mobilized once more, launching an offensive directly towards Li Ruohai's former domain. Simultaneously, internal conflict erupted within the Fierce Sword Sect. A contingent of ordinary disciples broke away, seeking refuge and requesting to join the Blood Slaughter Sect. Even some Island Lord-level experts attempted to assassinate their own sect master, aiming to lead the entire Fierce Sword Sect in a full defection to the Blood Slaughter Sect. However, their coup failed, and the disillusioned sect masters themselves fled to the Blood Slaughter Sect. They immediately pledged allegiance, preparing to launch a counteroffensive against the Fierce Sword Sect.
This unforeseen turn of events caught many by surprise. A similar situation unfolded in the Venomous Bug Valley. Although the Grandmaster of Venomous Bug Valley managed to regain control, a substantial number of disciples still managed to escape and joined the Blood Slaughter Sect, becoming its new members.
Having absorbed these new recruits, the Blood Slaughter Sect pressed onward towards the Fierce Sword Sect. After ten days of relentless marching, they finally reached the oceanic outskirts of the Fierce Sword Sect's territory. Following Zhao Hai's directives, the Blood Slaughter Sect's army established a fortified camp just beyond the Fierce Sword Sect's sea expanse. Concurrently, array platforms were erected, and a crucial defensive line was established.
At this very moment, Zhao Hai was situated aboard a colossal magical vessel belonging to the Blood Slaughter Sect. This immense vessel, a self-produced marvel of the Blood Slaughter Sect, resembled an enlarged array platform. Its circular, unadorned appearance belied its extraordinary combat capabilities. The platform lacked any superstructure, featuring only arrays and vast, open spaces.
Now, this area had transformed into Zhao Hai's personal office. He had simply arranged a futon on the ground, placed a desk, and then settled in to handle his affairs. For this crucial meeting, he had summoned the leaders of the Blood Slaughter Sect, the Corpse Demon Sect, the Sick Man Sect, and the Heaven Crippling Sect. Alongside them were the formidable experts from the Severe Sword Sect and the Poison Bug Valley, who had recently pledged their allegiance. This gathering filled the expansive platform, spanning over a thousand meters in diameter, preventing it from feeling vast and empty.
Zhao Hai, seated and observing the assembled crowd, suddenly declared, "Esteemed members, we now stand at the very borders of the Severe Sword Sect. Many from their ranks are stationed here. I am confident you are all well-aware of our current strategic position. I also firmly believe we possess the capability to vanquish the Severe Sword Sect in a single, decisive blow. However, before we proceed, there is a matter I must attend to. I fear this action may cause some dissatisfaction, and for that, I humbly request your understanding and forgiveness."
A wave of confusion rippled through the attendees, each pondering Zhao Hai's cryptic statement. Zhao Hai then addressed them with a grave tone, "To all those from the Severe Sword Sect and the Poison Bug Valley, your courage in breaking free from your former sects and joining our Blood Slaughter Sect to confront the Shadow Realm is truly commendable. Yet, the denizens of the Shadow Realm are known for their insidious cunning; their actions can be unpredictable. Therefore, caution is paramount. While we launch our assault on the Severe Sword Sect, the Poison Bug Valley, and the Rahu Sect, I will be temporarily suspending your cultivation bases and confiscating all spatial teleportation devices. Furthermore, I will institute a system of mutual surveillance among you to thwart any potential infiltration by Shadow Realm spies, which has previously jeopardized our operations. I keenly feel the disservice this causes and beg for your forgiveness."
Zhao Hai's declaration immediately caused a shift in everyone's demeanor. A cultivator from the Severe Sword Sect abruptly rose, his gaze fixed on Zhao Hai with palpable anger. "Sect Leader Zhao Hai, what is the meaning of this? Are you implying that there are Shadow Realm spies among us? If we were truly agents of the Shadow Realm, we would never have endured the hardship of breaking free from our sects only to join the Blood Slaughter Sect. Is this not a grave display of mistrust?"
"Indeed, Sect Leader Zhao Hai, your current approach is profoundly disappointing. We risked everything to escape our former allegiance, and now you cast suspicion upon us? Is this not an excessive measure?" The sentiment was echoed by other cultivators from the Severe Sword Sect and the Poison Bug Valley who had joined them. Their dissatisfaction with Zhao Hai's preemptive measures was evident in their clamorous objections.