Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8315: The enemy's attack (1)

Zhao Hai and Wu Jiang stood before a seated cultivator. Despite his seated position on the futon, Zhao Hai could sense the man's imposing height, standing nearly eight feet tall with a strikingly handsome face. Clad in a fiery red scholar’s robe with his hair flowing loosely, he held a jade flute, exuding a wild and untamed aura. He was truly a remarkable figure.

The man scrutinized Zhao Hai for a moment before speaking. "Wu Hao, your reputation precedes you. I heard the Sanguine Cloud Beast nearly took your life recently. Is there truth to that?" This individual was Yu Feilong, the master of Blood Lion Island and Wu Jiang’s senior brother.

A flicker of resentment crossed Zhao Hai’s eyes, though he masked it quickly. "It is true," he replied. "I was leading my disciples to hunt those beasts when we were caught in an ambush. I had never encountered that species before; they are vicious, possess long tails, and move with incredible agility and lethality."

Yu Feilong let out a laugh while observing Zhao Hai. "Young man, you are rumored to be a genius. Perhaps this setback is a blessing in disguise. Your master and I share a bond, and he requested that I look after you. However, it seems you aren't interested in my protection?"

Cupping his fists, Zhao Hai addressed Yu Feilong. "Indeed, Senior. This junior requires no special treatment. My goal is to temper my strength and become more powerful!" He spoke no further, but his gaze turned icy, radiating a sharp killing intent. This was a calculated performance; as Wu Hao, this was the expected temperament, and Zhao Hai played the part perfectly.

Yu Feilong gave a hearty laugh. "Very well, brat. I like your spirit. You may go. I shall offer no help, so I hope you understand your own limitations." He then shut his eyes, dismissing them. Zhao Hai bowed and exited the courtyard alongside Wu Jiang.

Once they were clear of the area, Wu Jiang turned to Zhao Hai. "Young Master Hao, although the conflict with the Blood Slaughter Sect is our primary concern, the islands are filled with cultivators from various factions. Grudges are common, and sabotage is frequent. If you truly wish to train effectively, stay by my side during the fighting. Teaming up with others is risky; you would not only have to face the Blood Slaughter Sect but also watch for stabs in the back. That would be detrimental to your progress."

Zhao Hai’s expression darkened at the warning. "Even in these circumstances, they persist with such petty behavior?" he asked grimly. "Very well, we shall fight together. Are the other clans present? How have they been faring?" The families Zhao Hai referred to were the various power structures within the region. Just as the Wu family was prominent, others like the Wan, Cao, Yan, Zhu, and Feng families were equally influential.

These clans were far from a unified front. While their interests were intertwined, they remained bitter rivals, each waiting for a chance to consume the other. They maintained a facade of cooperation while harboring deep suspicion, which prompted Zhao Hai’s inquiry.

Understanding the subtext, Wu Jiang replied, "Their leaders are present and we maintain a level of coordination, but generally, everyone operates independently. They don't trust us, and we certainly don't trust them. It is the nature of things; a tiger will always be a threat to its own kind."

"I see. Inform me when the engagement begins." Zhao Hai nodded, snorted in disdain, and swept his sleeves as he headed back to his quarters. Wu Jiang did not follow, as his duties as a true disciple and host required his attention elsewhere.

Returning to his small courtyard, Zhao Hai deactivated the restrictions and sat down in his room. He closed his eyes, his mind racing. The lack of unity among these families was an advantage, yet he lacked a direct way to exploit it. Even the Blood Slaughter Sect struggled to capitalize on this friction. The families were no fools; they recognized the Blood Slaughter Sect as an existential threat. This external pressure forced a reluctant alliance that might otherwise have dissolved into civil war.

Despite this, the Blood Slaughter Sect could not remain passive. To do so would destroy their prestige as one of the top ten sects. The internal rebellion had already tarnished their name; if they failed to handle the Sea Alliance, their reputation would be utterly ruined.

The primary obstacle for the Blood Slaughter Sect remained the God-Slaying Saber. Without that weapon to worry about, the sect possessed the raw power to eradicate the Sea Alliance easily. However, the saber’s might forced a stalemate, turning the conflict into a war of attrition.

Everything circled back to the God-Slaying Saber. Zhao Hai sat in silence, contemplating. To any outside observer, he appeared to be in deep meditation or cultivation. He maintained total silence to ensure no one could guess the nature of his thoughts.

Two hours passed before a piercing alarm echoed across the island. A knock followed shortly at his door. With a wave of his hand, Zhao Hai opened the courtyard gate. Wu Jiang stood there, gripping a long blade. He saluted Zhao Hai, saying, "Young Master Hao, the forces of the Blood Slaughter Sect have arrived."

Zhao Hai gave a silent nod. He stepped out, sealed his room with a restriction spell, and summoned a scimitar. "Lead the way," he commanded. The weapon was peculiar—narrow and curved to an extreme degree, resembling a warped sword. Zhao Hai had chosen it specifically to master its unique properties.

Without a word, Wu Jiang led the way toward the island's perimeter. As they moved, he signaled his followers, and soon over a hundred battle-hardened men fell in line. Though their cultivation wasn't peak-level, their aura suggested they were veterans of many conflicts.

Zhao Hai noticed numerous other groups taking flight, each led by cultivators in the Power Essence or Power Refinement realms. A heavy, murderous silence hung over the gathering. It was clear this routine was familiar to them.

Zhao Hai’s group merged into the larger force, yet they maintained a deliberate distance from other units. Every team did the same, creating a fragmented formation where everyone technically fought together but remained isolated.

Following Wu Jiang's lead, Zhao Hai listened as the man whispered, "Young Master Hao, stay close to us. Do not drift toward the other teams. If you get too near, they may interpret it as an aggressive move and strike first. The men behind me are my personal confidants; they are reliable."

Zhao Hai nodded, his eyes fixed forward as the sounds of combat began to drift from the front lines. Wu Jiang’s face hardened. He unsheathed his blade and roared, "Rise!" The group ascended into the air. Zhao Hai followed suit, drawing his strange scimitar while maintaining a stoic, detached expression.

By gaining altitude, they separated themselves from the main body of the army. Wu Jiang steered them toward the flank, clearly avoiding being trapped within the central command where they would be forced to follow Guo Xie's direct orders. He wanted the freedom to maneuver.

As they moved, a thunderous voice erupted from below. "Wu Jiang, you coward! Get lost! If you dare fly over my head, I’ll have your skin!" The shout drew the eyes of many nearby cultivators.

Zhao Hai recognized the tone of a long-standing grudge. Looking down, he saw a massive cultivator brandishing a heavy executioner’s blade, wearing a mocking sneer. The provocation was blatant.

Wu Jiang merely snorted and continued on his path, ignoring the taunt. Zhao Hai’s eyes went cold as he asked, "That is the Feng family, isn't it? He’s using their signature Ghost Head Blade."

"Yes," Wu Jiang confirmed. "That is Feng Yongda, one of their scions. He is powerful, but don't let his bulk fool you; he is incredibly craftly. The Feng and Wu families are ancient rivals. They will stab us in the back the moment they see an opening. Ignore his bluster for now; they know better than to start a full-scale feud in the middle of this battle, but they will certainly play dirty if they can. You must remain vigilant, Young Master."