Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8728: Decision (1)

Though Yao Jianhao held significant prestige within the Giant Demon Sect, the critical decision looming before them transcended his singular authority. This matter was intrinsically tied to the very future of their entire sect. The Giant Demon Sect had extended a promise to Zhao Hai to align with the Blood Slaughter Sect today. While seemingly a straightforward agreement, the implications for severing ties and re-establishing their former identity in the future were profound. Zhao Hai could certainly invoke the crime of sect betrayal to punish any dissent.

By agreeing to merge with the Blood Slaughter Sect, the Giant Demon Sect would cease to exist as an independent entity, leaving only the Giant Demon Hall as a remnant. This prospect was deeply unpalatable to many within their ranks, making it impossible for Yao Jianhao to unilaterally decide.

Zhao Hai, perceiving Yao Jianhao's indecision, spoke with gravity. "Martial Uncle Yao, I understand the difficulty of this decision. Regardless of your final choice, I will respect it. I shall take my leave now, allowing you ample time for consideration." Zhao Hai then rose, offered a bow to Yao Jianhao and the assembled members, and departed.

Yao Jianhao and the others escorted Zhao Hai out of his chambers but did not accompany him to the teleportation array. They saw him only to the main hall's exit before returning. A heavy silence persisted until a disciple announced Zhao Hai's departure. Only then did Yao Jianhao address the group. "The reason for Zhao Hai's visit is known to all. Share your thoughts."

Silence met his question. No one seemed to know what to say. The ongoing debate about joining the Blood Slaughter Sect had been complex enough; Zhao Hai's personal address had only intensified their predicament. Words failed them.

Yao Jianhao, observing the continued reticence, felt a prickle of impatience. He fixed his gaze upon them. "Still no one speaks? Or do you harbor thoughts but fear eternal damnation should you voice them? Will silence protect you? Cease these delusions. Consider our current predicament. Our decision will irrevocably shape the Giant Demon Sect's future. A correct choice may preserve our legacy. A wrong one, I fear, will relegate the Giant Demon Sect to a mere footnote in the Blood Sea Realm, forgotten in time."

With that, Yao Jianhao rose and surveyed the room. "While Zhao Hai professes respect for our decision and vows to maintain our alliance, even if his words hold true and he upholds them, what of the other members of the Blood Slaughter Sect? Given Zhao Hai's own burgeoning strength, his ascension seems inevitable. Will the Blood Slaughter Sect's members follow suit in their future dealings? Do you truly believe Zhao Hai will place his unreserved trust in us?"

Yao Jianhao paused, then continued with a deep voice. "When the Blood Slaughter Sect faced destruction, Zhao Hai led his people through dire straits. Though their development was rapid, they never disclosed the means of their survival. Their circumstances must have been dire, necessitating outside support. We, their allies, were never approached. Did they not realize our assistance would have eased their burden? Why then did they not seek us out? Zhao Hai cannot place complete trust in us. True allies require parity. When two powers are balanced, an alliance is possible. But when one side is overwhelmingly dominant and the other feeble, can an alliance truly exist? Impossible. Devouring is the only outcome. Zhao Hai is acutely aware of this. It is why, despite their hardships, they did not turn to us initially. They feared being consumed. Now, the tables have turned. The Blood Slaughter Sect possesses immense power, far exceeding our own. In such a scenario, will they truly continue to regard us as allies? I believe not. Therefore, we must choose. Either we join the Blood Slaughter Sect and accept Zhao Hai's terms, or we remain independent and face his potential onslaught. This decision must be made swiftly."

Yao Jianhao's pronouncement sent a shiver down everyone's spine. This was something they hadn't considered before. However, with Yao Jianhao bringing it up, they suddenly remembered that when the Blood Slaughter Sect was annihilated, Zhao Hai had led a small contingent of disciples, living under the guises of the Ghostwind Bandits and the Ghostly Shadow Group. Yet, they never sought them out. It wasn't until Zhao Hai finally revealed his identity that the Blood Slaughter Sect had already recuperated. Their strength was then on par with their own, so why hadn't he approached them during their most vulnerable period? Was it merely because he didn't wish to burden them?

They weren't that naive. Zhao Hai's absence was likely due to his fear of being absorbed by them. After all, the disparity in power between the two factions was immense. It would be perfectly justifiable for them to assimilate Zhao Hai and his followers, and no one would question it. Perhaps, even cultivators from other Sects would have rejoiced.

And what about the present situation? The Blood Kill Sect's consolidation of the Blood Sea Realm was already an inevitable outcome. If the Blood Kill Sect successfully repelled the Shadow Realm's Army, no one would be able to challenge the Blood Kill Sect's dominance. Even if the Blood Kill Sect faltered, the Giant Demon Sect would gain no advantage. The Blood Kill Sect retained the capability to retaliate through their martial arts, ensuring the Giant Demon Sect wouldn't emerge unscathed.

Yao Jianhao surveyed the assembled individuals and continued, "We are all aware that the Blood Kill Sect possesses a small vessel. The spatial capacity within this vessel is extraordinarily vast, serving as the Blood Kill Sect's ultimate safeguard. Even if the Blood Kill Sect suffers defeat in their conflict with the Shadow Realm, they can retreat into this vessel and confront the Shadow Realm entities. However, if we do not align ourselves with the Blood Kill Sect, will they permit us entry into their vessel? And even if they consent, can we truly maintain our autonomy once inside? Should these critical considerations not be given more thought?"

A heavy silence descended once more. They had indeed overlooked significant aspects. They had been operating under the assumption that the Blood Slaughter Sect remained the same entity as before, an ally. Yet, they neglected to realize that the Blood Slaughter Sect had undergone a profound transformation. It was no longer the organization they once knew.

Yao Jianhao pressed on, "Since no one else will speak, I shall. My proposal is for us to join the Blood Slaughter Sect, thereby unifying the Blood Sea Realm. To be candid, I harbored reservations initially. I was reluctant for our Giant Demon Sect to merge with the Blood Slaughter Sect, fearing our complete dissolution. But now, I endorse this course of action. Do you comprehend my reasoning?" He paused for emphasis. "It is quite straightforward. Zhao Hai's reminder highlighted that even if we surmount the challenges posed by the Shadow Realm, the looming threat of the Thousand Year War remains. We all recall the perilous nature of past Thousand Year Wars. In virtually every iteration, our Blood Sea Realm found itself at a significant disadvantage. During the most recent conflict, the Spiritual Array Sect, a power comparable to the Ten Great Sects, was annihilated. What is the current state of the Blood Sea Realm? The answer should be evident to all.

Yao Jianhao elaborated, "Indeed, the Blood Slaughter Sect has absorbed all the members of the six major sects. However, after their recent formidable engagements, how many individuals from those six sects remain? Following the events in the Shadow Realm, what proportion of our Blood Sea Realm's cultivators have survived? When the Ten Great Sects were at their zenith, how does our current strength compare? To speak plainly, our Blood Sea Realm's power likely stands at a mere 20-30% of its peak capacity. In our prime, we weren't even a match for a Cloud Sea Realm entity, let alone now. The prospect of confronting them currently is sheer impossibility. What course of action will we pursue then? Do you genuinely believe those beings from the Cloud Sea Realm will extend us leniency? Honestly, I harbor no such illusions. At that juncture, I fear our destruction will be inevitable."

A hushed attentiveness fell upon everyone as they absorbed Yao Jianhao's words. Many found themselves in agreement, as some had personally participated in the last Thousand Year War. They were undeniably outmatched in that conflict. The might of the Cloud Sea Realm was a force beyond their comprehension. During that last thousand-year war, they were at their peak, a stark contrast to their present condition. Even then, they were no match for the Cloud Sea Realm; how could they possibly be now?

Yao Jianhao, addressing the assembled crowd with a grave tone, inquired, "What tangible advantages will we gain by integrating with the Bloody Massacre Sect? As Zhao Hai rightly pointed out, the entire Blood Sea Realm will coalesce into a single entity. All resources will be equitably distributed, and every disciple will receive unified training. Following a period of recovery, we may potentially regain some of our lost strength. Furthermore, let us not overlook the formidable array defenses of the Bloody Massacre Sect. How did they manage to vanquish the six great sects and contend against the forces of the Shadow Realm? Their primary reliance was, quite simply, on their magic formations. These formations provided a stable rear, freeing their combat forces to engage without apprehension. Neither the six great sects nor the Shadow Realm could effectively assault their headquarters. Consequently, they were unburdened by the need to protect their families, allowing them to fight the enemy with unreserved commitment. They possessed no exploitable weaknesses that necessitated their withdrawal. In essence, their strategic advantage stemmed from these formations. If we choose not to join the Bloody Massacre Sect, even as allies, will they truly offer us support? Are you not aware of the immense power of their formation platforms? Without their backing, how can we possibly endure the impending millennium war? These are critical questions we must confront."

A sigh escaped Yao Jianhao as he continued, his voice resonating with seriousness, "As I've stated previously, we are on the precipice of a transformation unseen in the Blood Sea Realm for ten millennia. Should we falter in making a wise decision, our Giant Demon Sect may very well face annihilation. It is for this reason that I advocate for our assimilation into the Bloody Massacre Sect. The ultimate decision, however, rests with all of you. After all, the Giant Demon Sect does not solely belong to me."