Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8721: Trap (1)
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
Zhao Hai's actions served as a clear ultimatum to all within the blood sea realm: he extended an offer of clemency, but should they persist in their defiance and aid the Shadow Realm, he would show no mercy. In essence, allegiance meant prosperity, while opposition guaranteed ruin. His assertion was absolute, yet no one dared to voice dissent.
Following Zhao Hai's declaration, an increasing number of disciples began to defect from the poisonous bug Valley. Curiously, however, not a single disciple from the Rahu sect managed to escape. Even those disciples whom Zhao Hai and his allies had painstakingly swayed with considerable effort were eliminated by the Rahu sect's forces. This grim reality impressed upon Zhao Hai that the Rahu sect was resolved to fight him to the bitter end, and he, in turn, would not hold back.
Yet, Zhao Hai opted not to engage the Rahu sect directly. Instead, he directed his Army towards the poisonous bug Valley. To his astonishment, upon their arrival, the inhabitants of the valley yielded peacefully. This unexpected submission caught Zhao Hai slightly off guard. He soon learned that the Sect Master of the poisonous bug Valley had already departed with the sect's elite forces and loyal followers, heading towards the Rahu sect. Those remaining were merely disciples deemed unimportant by the poisonous bug Valley's leadership; even if they had wished to resist, the Sect Master had no intention of bringing them along, as trust was evidently absent.
Upon understanding the circumstances, Zhao Hai issued no further pronouncements. He immediately moved to seal the cultivation of these surrendered individuals and arranged for their return to the blood slaughter sect. He then personally led his Army on a charge toward the Rahu sect. This marked the culminating confrontation between Zhao Hai and the six major sects—the decisive engagement.
As Zhao Hai and his forces neared the Rahu sect's domain, Zhao Hai felt a sense of calm. Gazing upon the territorial waters of the Rahu sect, he reassembled his gathered forces. When the current leadership of the blood slaughter sect convened on the platform, Zhao Hai addressed them, stating, "The Rahu sect lies directly ahead. Our victory hinges on its destruction, which will finally eradicate the last sect that betrayed the blood sea realm. Subsequently, we can concentrate our efforts against the Shadow Realm's Army. This battle carries immense significance, so absolute obedience to my command is paramount. No one is to act independently. Do you understand?"
A resounding "Yes!" echoed in unison. Zhao Hai surveyed them, then declared in a grave tone, "Establish camp immediately and set up our defensive perimeter. My intention is to infiltrate the Rahu sect's core first. Upon my return, it will be the signal for our full assault on the entire Rahu sect. Proceed with your preparations." With a wave of his hand, he dismissed them to carry out his orders.
However, Zhao Hai's words left everyone stunned. Yama Ling, positioned at Zhao Hai's side, voiced his profound concern, "Sect Master, you intend to personally enter the Rahu sect? No, that is absolutely out of the question. The danger is far too great. Throughout our history, the Rahu sect's territory has remained an enigma to us. This region is shrouded in mystery. The sea areas surrounding the Rahu sect are strictly off-limits to other sects, meaning we have been unable to gather any intelligence. Under such conditions, your personal entry is exceedingly perilous. Furthermore, the Rahu sect is unequivocally committed to defecting with the Shadow Realm forces this time. It is entirely possible that Shadow Realm experts are lying in wait within the Rahu sect. For you to enter is akin to a lamb entering a tiger's maw—unacceptably dangerous. You cannot proceed with this plan."
The others unanimously concurred. The Great Elder of the corpse demon sect added, "Indeed, Sect Master. Such a risk is unthinkable. You must remember that you bear the mantle of Sect Master now and represent the sole hope of the entire blood sea realm. Should anything befall you, the blood sea realm faces utter ruin. A noble cannot place himself in such jeopardy. You must not undertake this personal gamble."
The remaining members also implored Zhao Hai to reconsider exposing himself to such peril. Zhao Hai, observing their earnest pleas, offered a reassuring smile. "Enough," he stated calmly. "There is no need for such alarm. Previously, I underwent closed-door cultivation. My purpose during that seclusion was to contend with the Shadow Realm's gray fog celestial device. Since I successfully refined this celestial artifact, I have yet to test its capabilities in battle. This time, I shall utilize it against the Rahu sect forces to ascertain if the celestial device I created possesses power comparable to the Shadow Realm's gray fog celestial device. You have my assurance; you need not worry. I shall depart now. Go and make your preparations, and await my command." With his final words, Zhao Hai's figure flickered and vanished.
A wave of speechlessness washed over everyone as Zhao Hai vanished. Eventually, Yama Ling stated, "Alright, since the Grandmaster has instructed us to prepare, let us go and prepare. I am confident nothing untoward will happen to the Grandmaster. Everyone, proceed with preparations. It would be quite embarrassing if we were found unprepared when the Grandmaster calls for an attack."
A general nod of agreement followed, and everyone dispersed to make their preparations. The seasoned veterans of the Blood Kill Sect harbored minimal concern for Zhao Hai's safety; their faith in him was unshakeable. They trusted in his formidable strength, believing he could emerge unscathed, as no one could impede his progress. However, those who had recently surrendered harbored lingering anxieties. While the Grand Elder and his peers possessed some grasp of Zhao Hai's capabilities, their understanding was far from complete, leaving them susceptible to worry about potential injuries to Zhao Hai. Their faces were etched with concern.
At this very moment, Zhao Hai had already penetrated the Rahu Sect's domain. Yet, the instant he crossed into their territorial waters, an unmistakable sensation of being observed washed over him, causing him to momentarily freeze. Scanning his surroundings yielded no visible presence. An immediate realization dawned upon him: the opposition likely employed some form of surveillance array, otherwise, such an acute feeling would be impossible.
Nevertheless, Zhao Hai remained unperturbed. He pressed onward towards the Rahu Sect, fully aware that his arrival would undoubtedly prompt countermeasures. He eagerly anticipated this very scenario, keen to test the efficacy of the Blood Mist Talisman he had recently forged.
Zhao Hai’s journey was marked by exceptional speed as he traversed the territory. No one from the Rahu Sect emerged to intercept him; it was as if his intrusion had gone entirely unnoticed. Unconcerned, Zhao Hai maintained his rapid pace. After three days of continuous flight, he finally reached the vicinity of the Rahu Sect's formidable headquarters.
The Rahu Sect's headquarters was situated upon a vast island, yet it possessed an uncanny aura. This island perpetually remained enshrouded in a dense, black mist that defied dissipation even over extended periods. It was precisely this persistent shroud that rendered the Rahu Sect's base the most enigmatic location within the entirety of the Blood Sea Realm. The other major sects among the Ten Great Sects possessed scant knowledge of the Rahu Sect's inner workings, with only a tapestry of unverified rumors circulating about its mysteries.
Upon arriving outside the Rahu Sect's headquarters, Zhao Hai cast a gaze upon the immense, mist-veiled island, a subtle smile gracing his lips. His form then shifted, and he ascended out of the blood sea. Simultaneously, a crimson talisman detached itself from his hand, plummeting into the blood sea below.
Emerging onto the surface of the blood sea, Zhao Hai directed his words towards the Rahu Sect's island, his voice clear and resonant. "Everyone, you were aware of my impending arrival, so why the pretense of ignorance? I have traversed for three days, and I presume your arrangements are nearly complete? Why not reveal yourselves?" Though his tone was exceptionally calm, his voice carried far, causing the oppressive black mist surrounding the Rahu Sect's main island to visibly ripple.
"Hahahaha, I never imagined Sect Leader Zhao Hai would discern our surveillance. Yet, you still dared to approach under such circumstances. Your boldness is truly remarkable." With a hearty burst of laughter, a contingent of individuals emerged from Rahu Island. Leading them was the Sect Master of the Rahu Sect himself. Accompanying him were the Sect Master of the Poisonous Insect Valley and several armored figures from the Shadow Realm. The evident strength radiating from these Shadow Realm individuals suggested they were formidable, nearly matching the power of the various Sect Masters.
Zhao Hai regarded them with a smile. "Do you truly believe victory is assured? However, it seems you have failed to consider that my daring to come here stems not from fear, but from a lack thereof. The moment I entered Rahu Sect's territory, I sensed the presence of a surveillance array, thus confirming your awareness of my approach. You have undoubtedly been preparing for these past days, correct? So, why the charade of ignorance?"
The Rahu Sect Master gazed at Zhao Hai, a smile playing on his lips. "Sect Leader Zhao Hai, your audacity is indeed profound. You were aware this was a trap, yet you chose to enter. Even I find myself beginning to respect you." His words were genuine. He understood that Zhao Hai would have detected the elaborate trap the moment he entered their domain. Yet, Zhao Hai had still proceeded under such perilous conditions, a testament to his sheer audacity."
Zhao Hai offered a smile, stating, "Actually, I've been in secluded cultivation these past few days." Ye Mo questioned, "I aimed to forge a celestial artifact capable of breaching the Shadow Realm's ominous gray mist. Having just perfected this device, I sought to test its potency. Thus, my presence here. Discovering your trap only fueled my curiosity. I wished to gauge the full extent of my celestial artifact's power against you. If even you cannot withstand it, then it's certainly too formidable for the Shadow Realm's inhabitants."
Zhao Hai then paused, his gaze sweeping over the Shadow Realm intruders before settling on the Poisonous Bug Valley's Sect Master. He declared gravely, "It is truly astonishing to find two Sect Leaders from the ten great sects of the Blood Sea Realm revealed to be agents of the Shadow Realm all along. This is a profound revelation."
Sect Master Luohu met Zhao Hai's gaze, responding, "If surprise is the topic, then our surprise far surpasses yours. Zhao Hai, once hailed as the foremost disciple of the Blood Sea Realm, has now ascended to become its paramount figure. Frankly, your transformation is what genuinely astounds us. Had we foreseen your current might, we would have acted decisively long ago, never allowing you the opportunity to mature."
Zhao Hai chuckled, replying, "Alas, that opportunity is lost to you. Your demise is sealed today. Upon your end, a singular voice will command the Blood Sea Realm. Then, we shall unite the realm's full might to expel the Shadow Realm's forces. Following that, preparations for the Millennium War must commence. Our endeavors are pressing, leaving little time to spare. Consequently, we cannot linger in dealing with you. We ask for your understanding."