Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8730: The traitor (1)

Zhao Hai was unaware of their thoughts, nor did he have the inclination to ponder them. Residing at the head seat, he surveyed the assembled group and declared, "Today marks the inaugural assembly of the Blood Slaughter Sect since our unification of the Blood Sea Realm. All high-ranking officials of the Blood Slaughter Sect are present. This is a momentous occasion for us. However, we find ourselves in a critical juncture, thus I shall dispense with pleasantries and focus directly on the current conflict."

As Zhao Hai spoke, everyone in the hall straightened their postures, their minds absorbing his words. A collective nod rippled through the assembly. Zhao Hai's gaze swept over them. "The encroaching grey fog from the Shadow Realm continues to expand, a development that bodes ill for us. Its relentless spread suggests a corresponding increase in their power. Without significant enhancement, their vast forces would be incapable of managing such an extensive grey fog."

The others readily concurred. They were hardly obtuse and had observed the Shadow Realm's movements firsthand. It was precisely these observations that led them to the same conclusions as Zhao Hai. Yet, their most pressing concern remained the enigma of how to counter the Shadow Realm's pervasive grey fog.

Zhao Hai, with a profound tone, addressed them. "I surmise that the grey fog of the Shadow Realm presents your greatest challenge. However, it is not an insurmountable obstacle for us. In a prior endeavor to understand this grey fog, I infiltrated it myself. By adopting the guise of those who had capitulated to the Shadow Realm, I was able to penetrate their lines. It was through this infiltration that I discerned the methods by which they controlled their subjugates and, more importantly, uncovered the origin of their grey fog."

Zhao Hai paused, then continued. "Yet, dismantling the grey fog from within proved exceedingly difficult due to their stringent control. Furthermore, this fog is actually dispensed by a specific celestial artifact. By channeling Dharma power into it, the fog can be deployed. I have since replicated this mechanism, refining my own celestial artifact. My initial test proved highly successful, yielding an effective countermeasure against the Shadow Realm's grey fog."

At this juncture, Zhao Hai's gaze met theirs. Their eyes, reflecting the flickering light, were fixed upon him. The revelation that Zhao Hai possessed the means to counter the grey fog genuinely astonished them. Still, they remained reticent, their attention solely on Zhao Hai.

Zhao Hai addressed the gathering once more. "Their strategy hinges on the grey fog. Once we neutralize this advantage, their threat diminishes significantly. Therefore, prepare yourselves to confront the forces of the Shadow Realm. I do not anticipate a swift victory; we must brace for a protracted engagement."

A unified chorus of assent arose. Zhao Hai, glancing at the passage of time, declared with firm resolve, "You shall have three days to make all necessary preparations. Three days hence, we shall launch our offensive against the Shadow Realm's forces. Any individual found unprepared after this stipulated period will face disciplinary action according to the sect's regulations. Is that understood?" A tremor ran through the assembly as they responded in unison.

Zhao Hai nodded. "Very well, it is decided. You are dismissed to make your preparations. Remember, three days. The general assault commences in three days." The crowd acknowledged his command and departed to ready themselves. In truth, Zhao Hai had already outlined the precise preparations required. As long as they fulfilled the tasks assigned by Zhao Hai within the three-day timeframe, they would be adequately equipped to face the Shadow Realm's forces.

The defense lines of the Blood Slaughter Sect and the Blood Sea Alliance were now seamlessly integrated. Numerous formidable magical artifacts were strategically positioned alongside the Spirit Array Island. The Blood Slaughter Sect's defensive perimeter, though extended, retained its crucial mobility. The array platforms within this perimeter could be repositioned, facilitating both advances and strategic retreats.

A substantial contingent of cultivators had now converged upon Spirit Array Island. These cultivators were meticulously preparing for the impending conflict. In three days, they were scheduled to launch an assault on the Shadow Realm's occupied territories. This prospect filled them with a palpable sense of excitement. Regardless of their original affiliations, none harbored any favorable sentiments towards the people of the Shadow Realm, making the impending attack a source of considerable anticipation.

Time flowed by, and barely two days had passed since the last incident. The once-tranquil gray fog in the Shadow Realm began to churn violently. Soon, this swirling mist surged towards the Bloody Massacre Sect's defensive perimeter. Zhao Hai, instantly aware of the shift, promptly led his forces to the edge of the Spirit Array Island. He positioned them there, intently observing the encroaching fog.

Witnessing the spectacle, Zhao Hai's countenance shifted. "Pass down my command," he stated in a low, resonant voice. "The defensive line is to execute a gradual withdrawal. I declared our attack would commence in three days, and so it shall be. We grant everyone an additional day for preparations tomorrow, and the assault will proceed the day after." A subordinate immediately acknowledged the order and departed to relay the message.

At this juncture, Situ Jingyu, Yao Jianhao, and Elder Array had arrived. Zhao Hai had initially intended for Elder Array to skip the preceding meeting, but he had declined. Such a gathering held little necessity for him; as the sole Grand Elder of the entire Bloody Massacre Sect, his presence was largely ceremonial. However, this particular situation necessitated his participation.

Situ Jingyu and the others regarded the encroaching gray fog with grim expressions. After a period of silence, Yao Jianhao voiced his concern, "Sect Master, are we not going to intercept them? Are we simply allowing their advance?" Yao Jianhao struggled to grasp Zhao Hai's strategy. With the enemy launching an offensive, logic dictated an immediate counterattack. Why, then, had Zhao Hai ordered a retreat? It defied his understanding.

Zhao Hai offered a slight shake of his head. "Have patience," he advised, his voice deep. "The enemy's timing is somewhat peculiar. We only just resolved to attack them the day after tomorrow, and they suddenly advance today. Does this not strike you as an unusual coincidence? Therefore, I intend to yield ground for the moment and observe their subsequent reactions."

Situ Jingyu and his companions exchanged stunned glances upon hearing Zhao Hai's words. Their expressions transformed as a shared memory surfaced: the initial appearance of the Shadow Realm forces in the Blood Sea Realm. The six great sects had forged an alliance to confront the Shadow Realm army. However, they were subsequently betrayed and poisoned by cultivators who had defected to the Shadow Realm, resulting in a devastating defeat. The prospect of a recurrence of such treachery filled them with apprehension.

Zhao Hai observed their contemplation. "You have indeed considered the possibility, have you not?" he stated, his tone weighty. "I suspect a traitor within our ranks has divulged the timing of our planned offensive to the Shadow Realm. My only uncertainty lies in whether the Shadow Realm is aware of my artifact capable of neutralizing their gray fog. Should they possess this knowledge, have they devised a countermeasure?"

Upon hearing Zhao Hai's suspicions, Situ Jingyu's expression darkened further. After a moment's pause, he inquired, "Sect Master, what is our course of action now? If we cannot identify this traitor, the danger will be immense should they orchestrate a surprise assault while we are engaged in battle."

Zhao Hai again shook his head, his voice firm, "Worry not. It is improbable that these spies can act effectively even if they wished to. We are not susceptible to their poisons. Their numbers are likely limited. Lacking the element of poison, disrupting our offensive would be an exceedingly difficult feat. Therefore, you need not be overly concerned."

Situ Jingyu offered a nod of understanding. Zhao Hai concluded, his voice grave, "Withdraw. We shall wait for one more day. I wish to ascertain what further stratagems they might possess." A palpable anger simmered within Zhao Hai. The presence of a traitor had not been anticipated. Despite exhibiting such formidable strength and extending the promise of lifting restrictions on Shadow Realm inhabitants, these cultivators still chose to betray them. Such an act was unforgivable in his eyes. Should he uncover the culprits, he vowed there would be no leniency.

In accordance with Zhao Hai's directives, the Bloody Massacre Sect's defensive line commenced a slow, orderly retreat. While withdrawing, they did not cease their resistance. Vines extended from the Spirit Array Island, and arrays situated on platforms continuously assaulted the Shadow Realm's gray fog. Yet, the mystical artifact Zhao Hai had referenced remained conspicuously absent, leaving the Shadow Realm forces utterly perplexed.

Meanwhile, within the oppressive gray fog, in the grand hall of Lord Beiwei's domain, the Lord himself was engaged in a tea ceremony with another individual. They were seated opposite each other, a low table between them bearing a delicate tea set. Crafted from exquisite white jade, the set emanated a warm, smooth texture, a testament to its beauty and fine workmanship.

However, the two of them clearly paid no mind to the tea set. The Lord of Beiwei was observed speaking to the individual seated opposite him, "Old Man Nan, are you concerned about me? You arrived so swiftly! Do you also covet a portion of the spoils? I'll tell you now, don't even entertain the thought. I am on the verge of claiming this territory; you stand no chance."

Facing the King of Beiwei was a gaunt elder. Clad in a suit of armor that appeared somewhat oversized and ill-fitting, he cut a comical figure. This elder was not only thin but also possessed a head shaped like an inverted triangle. Coupled with a goatee, he bore a striking resemblance to an old goat, a rather peculiar sight.

Upon hearing the Lord of Beiwei's words, the elder could not suppress a laugh. His laughter was jarringly unpleasant, akin to the caw of an ancient crow. Nevertheless, the Lord of Beiwei seemed accustomed to it, meeting the elder's gaze with an unperturbed expression. After a sustained period of laughter, the elder finally spoke, "Xiaobei, cease such thoughts; they are futile. You must understand, this is His Majesty's decree. While His Majesty is highly pleased with your accomplishments, you are also aware that His Majesty has summoned ancestors from the upper realm to assist this time. There can be no room for error, which is why I have been dispatched. However, it appears your departure has not been entirely smooth, has it?" As he uttered these words, the elder's gaze held a subtle hint of mockery, sparking anger in the King of Beiwei.