Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8725: Proposal (1)

The annihilation of the six major sects brought an eerie silence over the Blood Sea Realm. It was now common knowledge that the Blood Slaughter Sect stood as the sole supreme power in the entire realm. Historically, the Giant Demon Sect and the Blood Slaughter Sect had maintained a steadfast alliance, a bond forged in antiquity and proven resilient through countless trials. Consequently, it was presumed that the two sects were operating in concert.

An alliance of mid-tier sects, known as the Blood Sea Alliance, also declared their allegiance to the Blood Slaughter Sect. Their loyalty had been unwavering, mirroring the Blood Slaughter Sect's stance and potentially indicating a future integration. Thus, their compliance with the Blood Slaughter Sect's directives was assured.

Beyond these allied factions, numerous unaffiliated cultivators existed, some genuinely independent, others remnants of minor sects. The seismic shift within the Blood Sea Realm had prompted many to seek refuge, abstaining from any involvement in the realm's conflicts, including the attacks on the Shadow Realm or the Blood Slaughter Sect. Their lack of participation, understandable given their limited strength, meant they were overlooked and posed no threat to the burgeoning dominance of the Blood Slaughter Sect.

Nevertheless, the Blood Slaughter Sect's near-complete subjugation of the Blood Sea Realm remained a staggering development. Few had anticipated such a resurgence, especially considering the sect's previous near-destruction only a few years prior. At that time, their disciples had to conceal their affiliation when venturing out, facing persecution from all corners of the realm, with many believing the Blood Slaughter Sect had ceased to exist entirely.

Yet, against all odds, the Blood Slaughter Sect reappeared, its return marked by the swift destruction of the Yin Yang Sect and the Yin Ghost Sect, instantly catapulting them to the apex of power in the Blood Sea Realm. Their subsequent dismantling of the six major sects and their current aim to unify the realm was an outcome no one had foreseen.

Regardless of private thoughts or disbelief, the reality was undeniable: the Blood Slaughter Sect now held sway over the Blood Sea Realm. Even the Giant Demon Sect and the Blood Sea Alliance would hesitate to defy them, let alone the lesser sects. The Blood Slaughter Sect's might had surpassed all previous expectations.

On a more positive note for the realm, the Blood Slaughter Sect seemed disinclined to target the smaller sects. Instead, they began consolidating their forces to confront the Shadow Realm. This strategic focus shifted some perceptions within the Blood Sea Realm. Previously, accusations of the six major sects colluding with the Shadow Realm, used as justification for the Blood Slaughter Sect's assault, were met with skepticism by many. While acknowledging the six major sects had committed transgressions, the notion of treason was difficult for some to accept, particularly given the history of conflict between those sects and the Shadow Realm, which had resulted in many casualties.

Some whispered that the Blood Slaughter Sect merely sought retribution, fabricating charges to legitimize their attack. Such is the nature of public opinion; beliefs diverge, alliances shift, and consensus remains elusive.

However, the current mobilization of the Blood Slaughter Sect's forces to engage the Shadow Realm army was universally acknowledged and accepted. In the eyes of the Blood Sea Realm's inhabitants, the Shadow Realm was the common enemy. Therefore, directing efforts against this shared foe legitimized the Blood Slaughter Sect's actions, irrespective of the truth behind their conflict with the six major sects.

At this very moment, Zhao Hai had already made his way back to the spiritual array Island. The encroaching gray fog from the Shadow Realm had, by some grace, yet to advance towards the spiritual array Island or the Blood Sea Alliance’s army. However, in the two other directions, their territorial expansion had been considerable, nearly encompassing an area equivalent to twenty Corpse Demon Sects.

The Corpse Demon Sect, mind you, stood as the most expansive sect within the Blood Sea Realm, their occupied sea territory being remarkably vast. It was highly unusual for the inhabitants of the Shadow Realm to claim such a colossal domain, which compelled Chang Jun and his cohort to dispatch constant surveillance on the Shadow Realm's movements, even at the cost of valuable subordinates.

Upon his arrival at the spiritual array Island, Zhao Hai promptly convened a meeting with Chang Jun, Situ Jingyu, and the others. Situ Jingyu and his associates had not previously encountered Zhao Hai in person. The moment they observed Zhao Hai seated with an air of calm authority in the primary seat, a unified bow was offered in his direction. Simultaneously, Situ Jingyu’s voice resonated, stating, "Situ Jingyu pays his respects to Sect Master Zhao Hai. Your esteemed reputation precedes you, and it is my profound honor to meet you today."

Despite Zhao Hai’s rather unremarkable appearance, Situ Jingyu refrained from underestimating him. He was acutely aware of Zhao Hai’s formidable strength. Even though Zhao Hai presented no discernible aura and appeared quite ordinary, Situ Jingyu dared not dismiss him lightly.

Zhao Hai regarded Situ Jingyu with a smile, remarking, "Alliance Master Situ, you are far too gracious. We stand as allies, united against a common enemy that threatens the entire Blood Sea Realm. Such formality is hardly necessary. Pray, be seated." Zhao Hai extended this politeness to Situ Jingyu not out of deep respect. In truth, Zhao Hai had already firmly resolved that should an opportune moment arise in the future, he would undoubtedly absorb the Blood Sea Alliance. His ambition for the Blood Sea Realm was singular: to establish one dominant voice – that of the Blood Slaughter Sect. Consequently, he felt no compunction regarding the eventual absorption of the Blood Sea Alliance.

Yet, he recognized that the present was not the time for such a maneuver. Regardless, the Blood Sea Alliance had been their ally, consistently dedicating their forces against the Shadow Realm and, in essence, adhering to their directives. To make a move against the Blood Sea Alliance under these circumstances would undoubtedly spark discontent among many, potentially even eliciting disapproval from the Giant Demon Sect itself.

Zhao Hai then addressed Situ Jingyu with a smile, continuing, "The purpose of inviting Alliance Master Situ here today is to deliberate on our joint strategy against the Shadow Realm. We have, after all, eliminated the six great sects. Frankly, this event has not brought me unqualified joy, for in eradicating them, we have also diminished the overall power of our Blood Sea Realm. The Shadow Realm, seizing this opportune moment, has expanded its dominion. However, we can now finally concentrate our efforts on confronting the Shadow Realm without the lingering fear of betrayal from within. This, in itself, should be considered a positive development, wouldn't you agree? The Blood Slaughter Sect is currently consolidating its disciples. This time, we intend to engage the Shadow Realm in a decisive battle, aiming to vanquish these invaders in one decisive blow."

Situ Jingyu nodded, responding in a deep, serious tone, "Indeed, the forces of the Shadow Realm have been expanding with alarming rapidity of late. I suspect they may have reinforced their numbers. If that is the case, they will prove even more formidable adversaries. Clan Leader Zhao Hai, our visit today is not solely to discuss troop deployment against the Shadow Realm. In fact, there is another crucial matter that requires our discussion, a decision that has been unanimously reached by all members of the Blood Sea Alliance."

Zhao Hai turned to Situ Jingyu, his curiosity piqued, inquiring, "Oh? And what might that be? Pray tell." Zhao Hai was genuinely intrigued by what Situ Jingyu intended to discuss. Though they were allies and Situ Jingyu’s faction had consistently followed his lead, the Blood Sea Alliance had maintained its independence. Zhao Hai generally did not interfere in their internal affairs, making Situ Jingyu’s statement a source of surprise.

Situ Jingyu looked directly at Zhao Hai and declared, "Sect Leader Zhao Hai, a unanimous decision has been made by all members of the Blood Sea Alliance: effective today, we shall formally disband the Blood Sea Alliance. Every single member pledges to join the Blood Slaughter Sect unconditionally. We earnestly hope for your acceptance of this proposal." Following his declaration, Situ Jingyu awaited Zhao Hai’s response with a palpable sense of anticipation.

Situ Jingyu spoke the truth; it was indeed a decision unanimously agreed upon by all within the Blood Sea Alliance. However, he personally harbored reservations. His own aspirations involved nurturing the Blood Sea Alliance’s growth, believing it would be more advantageous for the alliance to operate under its own command rather than submitting to another’s authority.

Nevertheless, he found himself with no other recourse. They functioned as an Alliance, and his solitary voice would be disregarded. The vast majority favored aligning with the Blood Slaughter Sect, with some even proposing the dissolution of the Alliance itself. If Situ Jingyu refused, those sects would undoubtedly abandon the Blood Sea Alliance and flock to the Blood Slaughter Sect. In doing so, they would only diminish their own strength, making them an easier target for the Blood Slaughter Sect. Consequently, Situ Jingyu was ultimately compelled to consent, fully aware that underestimating the Blood Slaughter Sect would be a fatal mistake. He knew that arrogance would likely lead to an ignominious end, a death without even understanding its cause.

Since their resurgence into the martial arts world, the Blood Slaughter Sect had exhibited an unyielding, domineering presence. While their actions might have appeared to be in response to external pressures, they had meticulously advanced, step by step. They had, it seemed, annihilated ten major sects entirely. Though the Giant Demon Sect still stood, they were staunch allies of the Blood Slaughter Sect, and a merger seemed imminent. Even if a formal union didn't occur, the Giant Demon Sect would invariably follow the Blood Slaughter Sect's lead. This left the Blood Sea Alliance as the sole entity outside the Blood Slaughter Sect's pervasive influence. Under such circumstances, could the Blood Slaughter Sect truly afford to ignore them? He harbored no such illusions.

It was for this precise reason that, upon witnessing the sect leaders of the Blood Sea Alliance overwhelmingly agree to join the Blood Slaughter Sect, he offered no objection. Instead, he readily assented. He even took it upon himself to act as their representative, traveling to the Blood Slaughter Sect to personally convey this decision to Zhao Hai.

Zhao Hai was taken aback by Situ Jingyu's declaration. He had never anticipated such a proposal from him, and it was a genuine surprise. The Blood Sea Alliance had been forged with the explicit purpose of resisting the dominion of the six major sects. They had actively fought to break free from that control, forging their independence through conflict. Crucially, they had no desire to fall under the sway of any new power. This was the fundamental reason Zhao Hai had established the Alliance. In his view, the Blood Sea Alliance would never capitally surrender. He had anticipated a future confrontation if he ever intended to bring them under his command. The suggestion of joining the Blood Slaughter Sect, therefore, was entirely outside his expectations. He gazed at Situ Jingyu, a flicker of confusion in his eyes, seeking to ascertain the truth of his words.