Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8314: Frontlines (1)

Zhao Hai shook his head, declining the offer. "Uncle Hong, I cannot accept that this time. I don't want the family providing me with too much protection. My Master previously pointed out that my progress stagnated because I was coddled. That is precisely why he sent me to the front lines to temper myself. He would be displeased if he discovered the family was still shielding me. Therefore, there is no need for excessive care, though intelligence support remains a necessity."

Understanding Zhao Hai’s position immediately, Wu Hong replied, "Understood, I will handle the arrangements. Rest for now, and do not hesitate to reach out if you require anything at all." With that, Wu Hong exited the room.

Left alone, Zhao Hai began to meditate. In truth, his wounds had already healed completely. However, such a rapid recovery would be impossible for the real Wu Hao. To maintain his cover, he had to feign a slow recuperation. During this period, he utilized his spell bugs to keep the entirety of Blood Shadow Island under surveillance.

He exercised caution, avoiding the residences of the Island Lord level experts and staying clear of Bai Xin’s quarters. He had successfully located the Copper Palace where the God-killing saber was enshrined, but he refrained from making a move. The palace was situated near Bai Xin’s home and was heavily guarded by cultivators. Under Bai Xin's constant vigilance, Zhao Hai knew that acting rashly now would be a mistake.

As the days passed, Zhao Hai pretended to slowly regain his strength. Eventually, he began practicing with his scimitar in the courtyard. He used this time to master Wu Hao’s specific combat style. Although Zhao Hai was proficient with a scimitar, his natural technique differed from Wu Hao’s; any discrepancy would surely arouse suspicion among those familiar with the young master. He focused on mimicking every movement perfectly to ensure his disguise remained flawless.

A month went by. Throughout this time, the Blood Massacre Sect maintained a steady but restrained pressure on the Sea Alliance. The Sea Alliance leaders understood that the Sect was wary of the God-slaying saber’s devastating power. Even though the Blood Massacre Sect possessed their own legendary blade capable of countering it, they knew that failing to eliminate the wielder would result in eternal vengeance. If the wielder escaped, the Sect would never know peace again.

Despite their reputation for being ruthless and direct, the Blood Massacre Sect was patient. They were waiting for the perfect moment to dismantle the Sea Alliance in a single strike. Consequently, their current incursions were limited to small-scale skirmishes that lacked true lethal force.

Once Zhao Hai’s "injuries" had fully mended, he visited Jin Yongchang to announce his departure for the front lines. Jin Yongchang expressed his approval, offering parting advice before seeing him off. Zhao Hai then traveled via the teleportation array to the heart of the conflict.

The front lines consisted of several islands, and Zhao Hai arrived at Blood Lion Island. As one of the five islands closest to the Blood Massacre Sect’s territory, it bore the brunt of their aggression. The Sea Alliance had suffered heavy casualties here, necessitating constant reinforcements of disciples.

Stepping off the teleportation array, Zhao Hai was met by a stern cultivator in his thirties who exuded a palpable murderous intent. The man cupped his fists respectfully. "You must be Young Master Hao. Wu Jiang is here to welcome you."

Zhao Hai observed Wu Jiang, remembering what Wu Hong had told him. Wu Jiang was a member of the Wu family who had risen from the lowly status of a death warrior through sheer grit and combat prowess. Now a True Disciple at the Essence Technique realm on Blood Lion Island, he held significant standing within the family hierarchy.

Despite his success, Wu Jiang remained fiercely loyal, viewing himself as a humble servant to the main family line. Zhao Hai found such unwavering devotion rare in the treacherous world of Cultivation, but he maintained his persona.

Adopting Wu Hao’s cold demeanor, Zhao Hai gave a curt nod. "Rise. There is no need for such formalities in the future; it draws unnecessary attention. Take me to my quarters and brief me on the current situation."

Familiar with Wu Hao’s temperament, Wu Jiang didn't take offense. He led Zhao Hai to a modest courtyard. "Young Master Hao, I have prepared this place for your rest. Because Blood Lion Island is a frontline hub, it is crowded with cultivators, so I must ask for your patience with these accommodations."

“It is acceptable. Tell me what is happening here,” Zhao Hai said, his voice deep and aloof. He perfectly mirrored Wu Hao’s characteristic arrogance and sense of superiority toward those he deemed social inferiors.

To Zhao Hai, this "noble" attitude Wu Hao prided himself on was ridiculous. Truly powerful figures were often the most composed and approachable, while only those insecure in their status felt the need to act in such a manner. Nevertheless, to avoid detection, he played the part of the haughty genius. After entering the living room, he sat down and looked at the standing Wu Jiang. "Speak."

Wu Jiang reported solemnly, "In the last month, the Blood Massacre Sect has launched over a hundred and thirty attacks against Blood Lion Island. They strike at all hours, usually led by one or two Island Lord level masters. Their vanguard consists of Dharma Refining and Dharma Essence realm disciples, supported by those in the Dharma Usage and Dharma Reserves realms. Our protective formation was shattered long ago, forcing us to engage them in open combat. Our losses have been severe."

Zhao Hai narrowed his eyes. "That implies they are attacking more than four times a day? Is that the reality?" His voice remained flat, though it carried a hint of skepticism.

Unfazed, Wu Jiang nodded. "Indeed. Their harassment is relentless. While they haven't managed to seize the island, they strike three to six times daily. They are incredibly bold. In fact, we just repelled an assault two hours before your arrival."

Zhao Hai nodded slowly. "I am here for my trial. Should I present myself to the local Elders before joining the fray?" He watched Wu Jiang closely, maintaining the exact expression Wu Hao would have worn.

Wu Jiang shook his head. "Young Master, you should rest for the day. Per sect regulations, you can report to the Elder tomorrow before heading into battle." Wu Jiang was used to this; he had seen Wu Hao at family gatherings many times. Despite Wu Jiang's own high status in the sect, the internal family hierarchy always placed the 'genius' Wu Hao above him, even if Wu Hao had never previously bothered to notice him.

Zhao Hai replied coldly, "That won't be necessary. My Master sent me here to train and grow stronger. Lead me to the report station now. If the Blood Massacre Sect dares to strike again, I intend to be on the field. We must teach them a lesson they won't forget."

Wu Jiang had expected this. He knew Wu Hao was a proud man whose ego had been bruised by his recent injury. It was obvious the youth was looking for a way to vent his frustration. "As you wish, Young Master Hao. Follow me. The commanding Elder here is my master, the Blood Jade Lion, Yu Feilong."

Zhao Hai recalled what he knew of Yu Feilong. The man was powerful, though his title was nearly identical to that of the Great Elder, Tie Zhantian, the 'Blood Lion.' The fact that Yu Feilong dared to use such a similar title and even named his domain Blood Lion Island spoke volumes of his audacity and arrogance.

As they left the courtyard, Zhao Hai placed a restriction on the door. It wasn't a complex array, but a standard spell restriction used by cultivators to seal a room and signal their absence. Most cultivators preferred these quick spells over the labor-intensive process of setting up actual formations for simple privacy.