Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8737: Giant (1)

Within a hall constructed from interwoven vines on the spirit array island, Zhao Hai addressed the assembled members of the Bloody Massacre Sect. Save for Laura and Yao Jianhao, most of the senior figures were in attendance. Zhao Hai, his voice resonating with gravity, began, "Our recent offensives have proceeded with remarkable smoothness. Are you all feeling pleased?"

A flicker of elation initially crossed the faces present, but upon hearing Zhao Hai's tone, they exchanged hesitant glances, uncertain how to respond. The palpable shift in his demeanor signaled that their elation might be premature. Silence hung in the air as they noted the unsettling undertone in his voice.

Zhao Hai continued, his voice deepening, "Indeed, our assaults have been remarkably smooth. However, does it not strike anyone else as… too smooth? I ask you, in these past few days of attacking, have we encountered any meaningful resistance? Not even a shred, correct? Previously, the encroaching grey mist would actively challenge us, yet now it doesn't even manifest as a celestial device for us to dismantle. Furthermore, the Shadow Realm's army, numbering at least a million, has offered no resistance, no desire to engage. Does this not strike you as peculiar?"

Zhao Hai's words struck the assembly with dawning realization. Their expressions shifted, the initial complacency replaced by a growing unease. They were not fools; victory had perhaps clouded their judgment in recent days. His pointed questions made them question the unprecedented ease of their campaign. The inhabitants of the Shadow Realm were not known for such weakness. To be so utterly unopposed, to allow themselves to be pummeled without retaliation, seemed utterly out of character for them.

Zhao Hai elaborated, "I believe it's not that the Shadow Realm's populace lacks the will to resist, but rather that they are consolidating their strength, preparing for a decisive counterattack. I possess some understanding of the Shadow Realm's grey mist phenomena. Controlling it is significantly more arduous than managing my own blood mist. To unleash such a vast expanse of grey mist all at once indicates a lack of complete mastery. They simply cannot exert fine control over such an enormous area. Consequently, while the grey mist appears immense and intimidating, its actual combat effectiveness has been diminished."

He paused, letting his words sink in, then addressed the assembly again. "The Shadow Realm's inhabitants are undoubtedly aware of this limitation. Hence, their tactical withdrawal to simplify command over the grey mist. Once they achieve sufficient control, they will launch their counterstrike. At that point, we will confront a far more formidable grey mist, capable of attacking from any direction. The methods we employed previously might prove far less effective then. That will be the true crucible of battle."

A wave of apprehension washed over the listeners. The prospect of facing a fully mobilized Shadow Realm, fighting with their backs against the wall, filled them with dread. Their confidence in overcoming such a desperate counteroffensive wavered.

Zhao Hai's gaze swept across them. "I have not summoned you here to devise a strategy against the Shadow Realm at this juncture. Instead, I have another directive. Upon your return, impress upon all disciples that we are not currently engaged in a genuine conflict with the Shadow Realm. Even the destruction of vast quantities of their grey mist holds no true significance for us, as these were merely expendable assets they had already relinquished. It is akin to dismantling a celestial device that its owner no longer values. Does such an act bring any sense of accomplishment? Do not allow your pride to swell unduly. Significant battles lie ahead. Should any individual falter during the true confrontation, the Sect will show no leniency."

A collective tremor ran through the assembled individuals. It wasn't just the disciples; they themselves had harbored a certain smugness, believing they were on the verge of annihilating the Shadow Realm's forces. Zhao Hai's stark assessment shattered this illusion, revealing the laughable miscalculation. The grey mist they had dispersed was mere detritus, cast aside by the enemy. As Zhao Hai had so aptly put it, destroying discarded items offered no cause for celebration.

Thus, upon hearing Zhao Hai's words, everyone responded in unison, their faces becoming serious, and all previous smugness vanished. Seeing their demeanor, Zhao Hai nodded with satisfaction. "Alright," he declared in a deep voice, "let's return and explain the current situation to the disciples. Inform them that there's no need for further attacks. Tomorrow, I will use the blood mist to break through the grey mist. The true battle will commence then."

The crowd acknowledged his command. Zhao Hai then waved his hand, and they immediately dispersed, returning to their respective units to relay his message. Just like that, the previously soaring arrogance within the Blood Slaughter Sect's army dissipated.

The blood mist began to swirl once more, just as before. It spun relentlessly, causing the grey mist to recede. As the grey mist dissipated at an increasing rate, its area steadily diminished. In a mere three days, the grey mist was reduced to a size comparable to two seas of the Corpse Demon Sect. While not insignificant, it was a far cry from its former expanse.

However, the subsequent development made Zhao Hai realize he had reached his limit. No matter how he manipulated the blood mist, the grey mist remained undeterred, showing no signs of further dissipation. Although the opposing force did not launch a counterattack, Zhao Hai's probing assaults proved ineffective. He understood then that it was time. The remaining grey mist likely resided within the control range of the Lord of Beiwei, and a fierce battle was imminent.

Zhao Hai promptly ceased the rotation of the blood mist. Standing on the spiritual array island, he emerged from the mist and approached the periphery of the grey mist. Gazing at the churning grey mass before him, he noticed its color seemed to have deepened.

The high-ranking officials of the Blood Slaughter Sect stood beside Zhao Hai, also observing the grey fog. They, too, had perceived the change in its hue, and their expressions grew grave. Coupled with Zhao Hai's earlier warning, everyone immediately grasped that the forces from the Shadow Realm were poised to counterattack.

Zhao Hai stood outside the grey fog, observing it intently. "Lord Beiwei, Lord Nanwei," he called out in a deep, calm voice, as if extending a casual invitation, "why don't the two of you emerge and meet me? I have something to convey."

The grey mist churned, and a voice responded, "Zhao Hai, I have nothing to say to you. If you wish to fight, then fight. Do not waste my time with pointless chatter. I have no desire to hear it." It was the voice of the Lord of Beiwei, though he remained unseen, clearly unwilling to face Zhao Hai directly.

Zhao Hai looked at the fog and sighed. "Lord Beiwei, why must you insist on this? The Blood Sea Realm is not a territory of the Shadow Realm. Why do you persist in invading? If you withdraw, I can permit your departure, and peaceful coexistence will be restored between our realms. Is this not a beneficial outcome for both sides? What do you say?"

"Hahahaha, beneficial? Beneficial for you, perhaps!" the Lord of Beiwei's voice boomed from within the grey fog, his arrogance undiminished. "Our Shadow Realm possesses unparalleled might, with formidable troops. If we desire to annex a realm, we shall. How can your meager Blood Sea Realm hope to impede us? If I were you, I would surrender obediently and spare yourself future troubles."

Zhao Hai gazed at the grey fog, sighing once more. "King Beiwei, do you truly refuse? If your answer is no, then do not blame me for my lack of courtesy." Zhao Hai had spent this time conversing with the Lord of Beiwei primarily to ascertain his position. If the edge of the grey fog was close to the Lord of Beiwei, Zhao Hai could have eliminated him decisively. If the distance was substantial, another approach would be necessary. Judging by the current circumstances, the Lord of Beiwei was still a considerable distance from the fog's edge, making a direct assault impossible. He would have to resort to alternative tactics. With this realization, Zhao Hai let out another sigh as he looked at the grey fog.

Zhao Hai truly wished to avoid an all-out confrontation with the Shadow Realm forces. For him, dealing with them no longer presented a challenge. His true desire was to confront the Almighty beings from the upper realms. However, it seemed he had to deal with the Lord of Beiwei first.