Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8319: Opportunity (1)

Zhao Hai waited in silence before Jin Yongchang. Offering a pleased smile, Jin Yongchang observed him and remarked, "Excellent, truly excellent. It appears those three months of training were highly effective. You have developed a certain ferocity and grown significantly stronger than before." It was clear that Jin Yongchang held Wu Hao in high regard, treating him with genuine care. Zhao Hai remained motionless, offering no verbal response.

Fixing his gaze on Zhao Hai, Jin Yongchang spoke in a solemn tone, "Take a few days to recover from your return. I have a particular mission for you. It is somewhat unique, so you must give it your full concentration, understood?" He did not elaborate on the details of the assignment, and Zhao Hai did not press for information. He simply acknowledged the command with a bow to Jin Yongchang and departed.

Jin Yongchang smiled as he watched Zhao Hai’s retreating figure. He had always viewed Wu Hao as a vital disciple. While Wu Hao had been somewhat arrogant in the past, he seemed much improved following his three months of hardship. Naturally, Jin Yongchang was satisfied. He remained tragically unaware that the disciple he favored was no longer the person he thought.

Upon returning to his quarters, Zhao Hai entered his meditation room immediately. He required a secluded space to process his thoughts. He suspected that the mission Jin Yongchang alluded to was likely connected to the God-killing blade. He could think of no other task that would warrant such significant concern from Jin Yongchang.

If this assignment truly involved the God-slaying saber, he would need to exercise extreme caution. While this represented a prime opportunity, it was one fraught with peril. He had to remain vigilant, fearing that a single mistake could cost him his life in this place.

After a period of rest, Zhao Hai stepped out of his room to find Wu Hong waiting. With a smile, Wu Hong asked, "Have you rested well? This recent stint was difficult, but you seem to have performed admirably. I spoke with Wu Jiang earlier; I heard you earned yourself a nickname?"

"It is merely a title," Zhao Hai replied deeply. "Uncle Hong, what is the status of the metal puppet research? Will they be effective? Men are falling every day at the front lines. I fear our endurance is reaching its limit." Zhao Hai was stating a fact; casualties were mounting daily. While high-level disciples were mostly safe, the lower-level ranks were being decimated. If this persisted, their forces would eventually collapse.

Zhao Hai’s inquiry wasn't born of genuine concern for their safety. He wanted to gauge the progress of the metal puppets. If they proved useless, the situation would turn dire. A massive loss of low-level disciples might force the Blood Sea Alliance into a desperate, all-out counterattack, making a total war unavoidable. If he failed to secure the God-killing blade before that happened, he would be in a difficult position. Such a conflict would claim the lives of experts, including those in the Refinement Realm and even Island Lord levels.

Wu Hong spoke gravely, "The primary versions have been deployed, but their utility is limited. Their power is insufficient and their movement too sluggish. They require further refinement, though they should be combat-ready in a few months. Do not worry about the resource consumption; it is manageable. No war is fought without loss of life. Once the weak are weeded out, only the elites remain. This could be viewed as a positive outcome."

Zhao Hai nodded silently before asking, "Has the Alliance Master considered forming alliances with other Sects?" This was a point that had puzzled the original Wu Hao as well. He couldn't understand why Bai Xin hadn't reached out to others. Among the ten great Sects, many wished to see the Blood Slaughter Sect suffer. Since the Alliance had split from them, the Blood Slaughter Sect was weakened, making them a prime target for others to exploit. Yet Bai Xin had made no such moves, leaving Zhao Hai perplexed.

Wu Hong shook his head and explained, "It isn't that simple. As things stand, the Blood Slaughter Sect can afford to engage in a war of attrition until we break. However, if we officially ally with another Sect, they will strike immediately with everything they have. Even if they must wield the Blood Slaughter Saber, they will fight to the death. This is their territory, and they will never permit another Sect to gain a foothold here."

Zhao Hai grasped the logic behind Wu Hong’s words. By fighting alone, they kept the conflict at a manageable simmer. An external alliance would be seen as an existential threat, forcing the Blood Slaughter Sect to risk everything to reclaim their land. If another of the top ten Sects moved in, the Blood Slaughter Sect might never recover the territory, so they would rather face total destruction than allow it.

Zhao Hai nodded. "I see, Uncle Hong. I plan to rest for a few days. Master mentioned a special assignment for me. Do you have any insight into what it might be?" He decided to probe Wu Hong, given his position as the head of the Wu family on Blood Shadow Island.

Wu Hong’s eyes brightened. "I do, certainly. Don't worry, it is a fortunate opportunity. There is nothing to fear; just focus on your recovery for the next two days." Wu Hong then left the room, clearly in high spirits.

Observing Wu Hong’s joy, Zhao Hai remained quiet and closed his eyes to contemplate the situation. Jin Yongchang called it a special mission; Wu Hong called it a "good thing." The only thing that fit both descriptions was the God-killing blade. He felt confident in his deduction.

The God-slaying saber possessed an overwhelming killing intent that most could not endure for long. However, the Copper Palace acted as a filter, allowing only a small, manageable amount of that intent to leak out. For those of the Blood Slaughter Sect who cultivated using killing intent, this was a treasure. Usually, they had to kill to accumulate such Qi, resulting in impure energy that required long periods of refinement. Much of that energy was lost during the process.

This was why many disciples lacked truly potent killing intent. The other Sects would never permit them to go on unrestricted killing sprees; if they did, the Blood Slaughter Sect would have been wiped out long ago rather than becoming one of the top ten.

In contrast, the killing intent from the God-slaying saber was exceptionally pure. Even in its weakened state, it was perfect for cultivation. Spending a long duration refining that intent outside the Copper Palace would provide a massive boost to one's progress.

Guarding the God-slaying saber was technically a mission, but it functioned as a rare cultivation opportunity. Given the circumstances, it was the only logical conclusion. Zhao Hai was certain this was the task Jin Yongchang intended for him.

If his theory held, it was fantastic news. This mission would grant him close proximity to the Copper Palace and the God-slaying saber itself. He could study the defenses and look for a chance to seize the weapon.

During his four months here, Zhao Hai had avoided contacting Lei Gang or the others to prevent any leaks. He intended to wait until his plan was finalized before reaching out to the Sect. At that point, he would coordinate an army to wipe out the Blood Sea Alliance, ensuring that Bai Xin and Yin Wuchang were eliminated to prevent future complications.

For the following days, Zhao Hai stayed in his courtyard, alternating between rest and sword practice. Though his skills were already exceptional, he maintained the appearance of a hardworking martial arts obsessive, staying true to Wu Hao’s established reputation.

A week after his return from Blood Lion Island, Jin Yongchang summoned him. Zhao Hai knew the moment of the special mission had arrived, though he waited to see if his predictions were correct.

Entering Jin Yongchang’s room, Zhao Hai bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Master. What are your commands?" Even though he suspected the answer, etiquette demanded he ask as a loyal disciple.

Jin Yongchang smiled warmly. "Hao’er, I mentioned a special task. I can reveal it now. Starting tomorrow, you will be part of the guard for the Copper Palace where the God-slaying saber resides. You will be stationed there for three months alongside several others. Report here tomorrow morning; an escort will take you to the palace and assign your post. Treat this as a period of secluded Cultivation. No one would dare attack the Divine Blade here, so you are essentially there to train. Do not waste this chance."

Zhao Hai nodded, then looked at Jin Yongchang with feigned curiosity. "Master, is there something unique about this particular seclusion?" He had to ask; showing he already understood the benefits of the location would be suspicious. He couldn't risk Jin Yongchang questioning how he knew so much.

Fortunately, Jin Yongchang suspected nothing. He explained with a smile, "The God-slaying saber constantly radiates killing intent. Once the Copper Palace dampens it, that Qi becomes ideal for your use. You must practice diligently; this experience will significantly elevate your Cultivation level."