Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8732: Spy (1)

The clock struck seven in the morning, and the sky was already ablaze with light. Today’s weather proved exceptionally fine, with nary a cloud to mar the brilliant azure expanse, and the sun cast its radiant beams downwards. As it had only just emerged, the sun retained a touch of its rosy hue, painting the crimson sea and the entirety of Spirit Array Island in shades of deep red. A palpable aura of slaughter seemed to permeate the very air.

Every disciple of the Blood Slaughter Sect stood in hushed silence, not a soul daring to utter a sound. Even those with words to impart held their peace, simply standing vigil, uncertain of what might transpire next. Yet, all eyes were fixed upon the grand platform, where, despite its current emptiness, an expectant gaze was held, for all believed someone would soon appear.

In that moment, a flash of crimson streaked across the platform, and a figure materialized. All gazes snapped to the newcomer, revealing Zhao Hai. Though not exceptionally tall, his attire, the blood-red robes of the Blood Slaughter Sect, gave him the appearance of an unsheathed blade, commanding an attention that dared not meet his direct gaze.

Without a clear instigator, a single voice broke the silence, exclaiming, "Greetings, Sect Master." This cry was instantly echoed by countless others, a unified chorus that seemed to be the world's sole remaining sound. In that instant, a wave of envy washed over many as they observed Zhao Hai, their hearts yearning for the day they too might stand in such a position, receiving the salutations of the masses.

Zhao Hai surveyed the assembly and offered a slight nod. "Three days ago," he declared, his voice carrying a firm resolve, "I gave you three days to prepare. After these three days, we shall launch our counterattack against the Shadow Realm. Now that the time has elapsed and you are ready, it is time for us to move forward with our preparations." He paused, allowing his words to resonate, his voice not booming but clearly reaching every ear, stirring their spirits.

Zhao Hai continued, observing the faces before him. "I am aware," he stated, "that in the past three days, certain events have transpired. The Shadow Realm forces initiated hostilities, and we have been in a state of tactical retreat. Consequently, some among you have questioned our decision to hold back, to continually withdraw. I can now reveal that the reason for our forbearance was deliberate; I was awaiting the opportune moment for certain provocateurs to reveal themselves." As he spoke, Zhao Hai gestured with his hand. A few startled cries erupted from the crowd, followed by their immediate cessation. In the next instant, several figures appeared upon the high platform, bound and ensnared by writhing vines.

Zhao Hai cast his gaze upon the restrained individuals, noting their inability to even speak. He paid them little mind, turning his attention back to the assembled disciples. "I have long pondered," he mused aloud, "the uncanny coincidence of the Shadow Realm's assault precisely as we resolved to strike them. It seemed too convenient." He continued, "Therefore, I waited another day. As anticipated, these individuals could not resist exposing themselves. While murmurs of discontent arose, they actively fanned the flames, spewing divisive rhetoric. Whether they are spies for the Shadow Realm, I have apprehended them to ascertain the truth through experimentation. Even if they are not spies, their actions warrant severe repercussions, as they undoubtedly compromised the army's morale."

With that, Zhao Hai addressed the crowd again. "I have informed you previously that the Shadow Realm implants a restriction upon cultivators who pledge allegiance to them, a method of control previously unknown to us. This malediction targets our very bloodline, rendering it undetectable by conventional means. However, we have long since devised a method to expose this insidious restriction. Hall Master Situ, please come forth and conduct the examination."

On the ground floor, Situ Jingyu was caught off guard when Zhao Hai pointed him out. After a moment of surprise, he instantly reacted. He leaped from the building and approached the men, producing an array disc. “This formation disk,” he stated gravely, “is specifically designed to detect any Shadow Realm restrictions on an individual. Originally, it was intended for those who had been affected by the Shadow Realm’s restrictions and later freed, to verify if any lingering effects remained. Naturally, it functions perfectly for simply checking for restrictions on a person. If this formation disk is placed upon someone and they bear restrictions, the disk will glow red. Let’s see if any of them are under the Shadow Realm’s influence.” Situ Jingyu then placed the array disc on one of the men. The disc immediately flared red, eliciting gasps of astonishment from the onlookers, though the sounds quickly subsided.

Witnessing the crimson glow, Situ Jingyu’s expression turned icy. Gazing at the man, she declared, “This person is under the Shadow Realm’s restriction. Let’s examine the others.” As Situ Jingyu retrieved the formation disk from the individual, its red light vanished. She then placed it on another man. Instantly, the formation disk on him blazed with a brilliant red light once more.

Situ Jingyu’s face grew even colder. She proceeded to place the array on the remaining captured individuals. A few of them also triggered the red light. What astonished Zhao Hai and Situ Jingyu, however, was that two people showed no red light. This indicated they were not under any seals. Yet, they were engaged in the same activities as the spies, a fact that baffled Zhao Hai.

Zhao Hai subsequently employed his spiritual power to scan the two, discovering they both hailed from the Rahu Sect. Zhao Hai’s countenance darkened, and he let out a cold snort. “Rahu Sect, so you two are from the Rahu Sect. This truly opens my eyes. Your Rahu Sect’s Sect Master has long admitted to colluding with the Shadow Realm, which is why I delivered a fatal blow. I never expected you two would dare to reveal yourselves now. You are truly courting death.”

As Zhao Hai spoke, he had already dispelled some of the restrictions on the captured individuals, enabling them to speak. The two from the Rahu Sect glared at Zhao Hai and cursed, “Zhao Hai, stop slandering us! You destroyed our Rahu Sect simply because we refused to submit to your bloody massacre sect. You then accused us of colluding with the Shadow Realm. You truly have no shame.”

Zhao Hai regarded them with a laugh. “I truly did not anticipate you would continue to lie with such conviction. When I attacked your Rahu Sect, your Sect Master personally confessed. While I was battling your Rahu Sect, a Shadow Realm army of a hundred thousand strong aided you. And you claim you did not collude with the Shadow Realm? Hahaha, do you even believe yourselves?”

The two men were visibly stunned upon hearing Zhao Hai’s words. They then resumed their curses, but no longer dared to accuse Zhao Hai of fabricating charges. Ignoring them, Zhao Hai turned his attention to the cultivators who had been under restriction and stated in a deep voice, “You should be the ones who surrendered to the Shadow Realm from the very beginning, correct? Judging by your cultivation, you should be disciples of a sect. I truly did not expect you to be so devoted to the Shadow Realm.”

One of the men confronted Zhao Hai with a snort. “Zhao Hai, do not become too pleased with yourself. It is futile even if you capture us today. You have no idea how terrifying the Shadow Realm is, nor how formidable their army is. Let me tell you, you are no match for the Shadow Realm. You are no match for the Shadow Realm’s army. I advise you to surrender as soon as possible. You are a cultivator. Your pursuit is for power and status, not immortality. Do not lose your life over this.”

Zhao Hai chuckled at the man’s words. “Interesting, truly interesting. It’s one thing to be willing to be someone else’s lackey, but now you want me to be a lackey as well? I, Zhao Hai, am quite content being human. I have no interest in being a dog. As for the might of the Shadow Realm, I have long been aware of it. However, we too possess strength. We will undoubtedly defeat them, but you will not live to see that day.” With a wave of his hand, a flash of red light ensued, and in the next moment, the heads of those individuals fell to the ground, having been killed by Zhao Hai.

Zhao Hai's actions were met with no objections. None of the cultivators present felt his deeds were amiss; after all, they were warriors accustomed to bloodshed, and dealing with a few lives was hardly a significant matter. Especially considering the individuals in question were far from virtuous, their demise was considered just.

With a wave of his hand, Zhao Hai collected Situ Jingyu's Dharma Treasure. He then raised the array, proclaiming, "I shall now activate this magic array. It will encompass the entire Island momentarily. Those unburdened by the Shadow Realm's restrictions will glow with a faint green light. Conversely, anyone bearing such a restriction will emanate a red light. Spot someone beside you emitting red? Do not hesitate. Regardless of their standing, strike them down without mercy."

Zhao Hai's declaration stunned the assembled crowd, soon giving way to a wave of panic. Suddenly, plumes of black smoke billowed from several locations before vanishing swiftly. A handful of individuals were apprehended, but Zhao Hai paid them no mind. He proceeded to activate the array, and a white light enveloped Spirit Array Island. Nearly everyone on the island began to emit a faint green luminescence. Yet, interspersed within the sea of green, a few stark red lights pierced the sky, immediately drawing all eyes.

Upon seeing the crimson glow emanating from their bodies, those individuals erupted in alarm. Black smoke likewise spewed from them, but it proved futile, dissipating instantly. Simultaneously, those nearby reacted, swiftly subduing the afflicted. The white light then faded, and the green and red glows vanished from their persons. However, the targeted individuals were already subdued.