Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8287 - 264-report (1)

While the trio was consuming the stalactites inside, several more figures reached the manor's exterior. They hovered before the stone monument inscribed with the word "stop," staring at the residence that had materialized out of thin air. Expressions of doubt crossed their faces before one inquired, "Senior Brother, what is our next move? Should we attempt to force our way in?"

"Force our way in? Immediately dispatch a message to Young Master Li and seek his instructions. It appears they are fully prepared. This Zhao Hai possesses an incredible grasp of formations; he erected the previous one in no time, and this one is the same. They have undoubtedly established this array and are simply waiting for us to strike. Do you believe your skills rival those of Young Master Li? Even Young Master Li struggled against Zhao Hai. We will notify him. If he commands an assault, let him send the reinforcements to do it. We won't be able to breach it ourselves." The speaker was a disciple of the Corpse Demon Sect. Though they held Li Ruohai in high esteem and feared to cross him, they were unwilling to throw their lives away even if he demanded it. At most, they would offer superficial obedience while following their own instincts.

The companion, another cultivator from the Corpse Demon Sect, nodded in agreement without further argument. He promptly sent a message via a spell. Although the report reached Li Ruohai, the group made no move to provoke Zhao Hai’s manor. The sudden appearance of such a structure was undeniably bizarre, clearly a creation of Zhao Hai. This very fact made them cautious; if Zhao Hai could summon a manor of this scale, there was no telling what other hidden cards he held.

Zhao Hai sensed the presence of those outside but remained indifferent. During his earlier clash with Li Ruohai, he had held back significantly, particularly regarding his formations. He hadn't been serious then. However, the current array utilized formation flags and was constructed with meticulous care. Should Li Ruohai and his followers attempt an invasion now, Zhao Hai wouldn't even need to intervene personally. The automatic functions of the formation alone would be enough to teach them a painful lesson.

The array Zhao Hai had established this time wasn't specifically designed to target Li Ruohai. Despite Li Ruohai’s formidable strength, Zhao Hai didn't fear him. In truth, while Li Ruohai emitted a dangerous aura, that sensation originated from the Demon Seed within his body rather than the man himself. Zhao Hai understood clearly that if Li Ruohai faced a true life-and-death crisis, the Demon Seed would awaken. At that point, he would be facing a soul clone of the Corpse Demon Sect’s Sect Master—a truly terrifying prospect—rather than a mere disciple.

Furthermore, Zhao Hai’s sense of foreboding didn't stem from Li Ruohai, but from the Spiritual Array Sect’s territory itself. Initially faint, this intuition had intensified after he destroyed the array eye. It felt as though he were standing before a slumbering tiger. By breaking the array eye, he had essentially plucked hairs from the beast's hide. Now, the tiger had been jolted awake by the irritation and was glaring at every intruder within its domain.

Driven by this premonition, Zhao Hai had retreated to this spot. He didn't just set up the array; he also deployed the manor to serve as a cover, ensuring the secrets of the Blood Lotus wouldn't be overly exposed. Such a grand residence allowed him to attribute certain phenomena to the manor's own properties. Since he intended to use the manor frequently in the future, it was better to reveal it now so that others would grow accustomed to its existence.

Consequently, Zhao Hai remained unbothered. He sat within the manor, sharing stalactite milk with Yan Bei and the others, conversing while keeping a silent watch on the external situation. He chose this specific location because it was the initial entry point for the various Sect disciples. The original restrictions of the Spiritual Array Sect had been thoroughly cleared here, leaving it the "cleanest" area. Other regions still harbored lingering seals or forbidden zones where ghosts might linger in the ancient arrays. If the threat Zhao Hai sensed truly originated from the Spiritual Array Sect itself, those restricted areas would become epicenters of peril. This entrance was the only truly safe haven.

Shortly after the scouts sent their report, Li Ruohai and his main force arrived. Upon seeing the stone tablet, Li Ruohai’s face darkened. He surveyed the manor, recognizing its extraordinary nature, and bellowed, "Zhao Hai, come out!" Li Ruohai knew Zhao Hai had fortified this position with a formation, making a direct assault likely futile. Nevertheless, he demanded answers to settle his growing unease regarding the current circumstances.

As soon as the shout echoed, Zhao Hai stepped out of the manor. He looked at Li Ruohai, offered a polite cupped-fist salute, and said, "Ah, Senior Brother Li. To what do I owe the honor of this summons?" Zhao Hai acted as though their previous hostility had never occurred, standing there with a calm smile as if greeting a long-lost friend.

Li Ruohai glared at him and spoke in a low, threatening tone, "Zhao Hai, what is the meaning of this? Why have you erected a formation here? Are you attempting to trap us all inside? I am warning you, dismantle this magic formation immediately. Otherwise, even if it costs us dearly, we will tear it down. No matter how powerful your arrays are, they cannot survive the combined might of everyone here."

Hearing Li Ruohai’s words, the surrounding cultivators grew pale. It dawned on them that a formation at this location effectively sealed their only exit. If Zhao Hai remained here when it was time to leave, they would be trapped. Their gazes turned icy as they stared at Zhao Hai, waiting for his justification.

"Senior Brother Li, you have misinterpreted my actions. I have established this formation for the benefit of everyone," Zhao Hai replied with a faint smile. He had anticipated this reaction and remained unfazed, meeting Li Ruohai’s gaze steadily.

Li Ruohai let out a cold snort. "Nonsense! You block the path and claim it is for our sake? Zhao Hai, what are you plotting? Don't think I'm blind; you are clearly seeking retribution for my earlier attack, aren't you?" It was obvious Li Ruohai didn't buy the explanation, convinced that Zhao Hai was setting a trap to get revenge before they could depart.

Zhao Hai’s expression grew grave. He stated firmly, "Senior Brother, you truly misunderstand. I swear upon my Dantian and my Dao heart that such a thought never crossed my mind. The reason I placed a Dharma array here is that I sense a looming catastrophe—something incredibly dangerous. I have no intention of seeking revenge. Consider this: if I truly blocked this path for a personal grudge, I would be antagonizing every Sect present. Even if I were insane, I wouldn't dare invite such a collective wrath. Rest assured, my intentions are pure. If you still doubt me, Senior Brother Li, you are welcome to station your own people inside this manor. That way, if I make any suspicious moves, they can stop me instantly. What do you say?" Since his motives were genuine, Zhao Hai had no fear of oversight.

Li Ruohai frowned, considering the possibility that Zhao Hai was telling the truth. The man had even offered a heart demon vow. Such oaths were not taken lightly even by the most powerful experts, as the consequences of breaking them were mysterious and fatal. Zhao Hai’s willingness to swear proved his sincerity.

Suspicion still lingered in Li Ruohai’s eyes as he asked, "Then tell me, what exactly do you think is going to happen?" He knew that some Cultivators possessed a heightened sixth sense for danger. If Zhao Hai had such a gift, his warning could not be ignored. Li Ruohai had no desire to perish in this place.

Zhao Hai shook his head slowly. "I cannot identify the source, but since entering this realm, I’ve felt an eerie presence, as if a great shadow hangs over us. Initially, it was faint—like being near a powerful Master who is asleep and ignoring you. But now, I feel that Master has awakened and is watching us. This spot is the most secure location available, so I built a large-scale magic formation here. If a crisis erupts, everyone can retreat here to make a stand. If nothing happens, then we’ve simply had a bit of a scare and can leave peacefully when the time comes."

Li Ruohai pressed further, "Do you truly feel that way? Are you really content to sit here and gain nothing? You must realize that by staying here, you forfeit all the treasures of this realm. Are you truly willing to give that up?" It was difficult for Li Ruohai to comprehend a cultivator who would abandon all potential gains.

Zhao Hai chuckled softly. "Senior Brother Li, I will be blunt. We have already acquired enough from this place. We have no desire for more; our only goal is to leave with our lives intact. Does that satisfy you, Senior Brother?"