Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8340 - 317-strategy (1)

"Relocating those concealed sentries is a wise decision. While our Blood Slaughter Sect hasn't hit its lowest point yet, the current situation is undoubtedly precarious. By shifting those posts and gathering intelligence, our subsequent maneuvers will be much more effective," Du Wan Sha remarked with a heavy tone.

The surrounding Elders signaled their agreement with nods, except for Ha Jing, who remained still. He observed the group before speaking solemnly, "I actually have a suggestion. Grand Elder, do you recall Zhao Hai? Although the boy’s current cultivation level is negligible, his foresight far exceeds that of most disciples. In fact, he was the one who proposed the current Western Defense line. I believe that a person's strategic vision and intellect aren't always tied to their raw power. Why don't we summon him to hear his perspective on this crisis? Even if his ideas are off the mark, we lose nothing. But if his logic holds up, it could resolve a great deal of our trouble."

Du Wan Sha and the others were taken aback by Ha Jing’s proposal. It was unexpected, even for the Sect Master, who looked at Ha Jing with a puzzled expression. "Who exactly is this Zhao Hai?" the Sect Master inquired. "What are his achievements? I don't recall ever hearing that name."

Ha Jing immediately briefed the Sect Master on Zhao Hai’s background, detailing the significant contributions he had made to the Sect, specifically highlighting his role in the Western line of defense. He concluded by saying, "Lei Gang informed me that Zhao Hai is currently researching metallic puppets. He aims to design a variant that is both easy to manufacture and formidable in battle. If he succeeds, our concerns will vanish. The boy is exceptionally clever; there’s no harm in hearing his thoughts."

After Ha Jing finished, Du Wan Sha nodded in agreement. "This Zhao Hai sounds capable. Listening to his input won't hurt. Sect Master, perhaps we should have Ha Jing bring Zhao Hai here and explain the situation to him. We can use his ideas as a reference if they are sound; if not, we will proceed with our own plans. It won't cost us much time either way."

The Sect Master contemplated for a moment before replying, "Since you have such faith in Zhao Hai, we shall hear him out. However, let’s have him meet only with Ha Jing while we observe from the shadows. Ha Jing, make the arrangements." Ha Jing acknowledged the command and immediately sent a message to Lei Gang, instructing him to escort Zhao Hai to the main hall for questioning.

Lei Gang was in the middle of meditation when the message arrived. Though confused by the sudden summons, he quickly sent word to Zhao Hai, telling him to drop his current tasks and report to Blood Drop Island immediately for an urgent matter at the main hall. Once the message was sent, Lei Gang stood and waited for his disciple to arrive.

Within thirty minutes, Zhao Hai reached Blood Drop Island. Lei Gang wasted no time, leading him through the teleportation array behind his quarters directly to the main hall to find Ha Jing. Ha Jing was waiting in the same room, though he appeared to be alone now, as Du Wan Sha and the others had moved to a concealed area.

Upon entering, Lei Gang and Zhao Hai bowed simultaneously to Ha Jing. With a wave of his hand, Ha Jing said, "Dispense with the formalities and sit. Zhao Hai is the one I need to speak with, though Lei Gang, you may stay and listen." Lei Gang was slightly baffled but obeyed. He assumed this was about the metallic puppet project and didn't suspect anything deeper.

Turning his gaze toward Zhao Hai, Ha Jing spoke seriously, "Zhao Hai, I’ve summoned you to get your take on a matter that involves the very survival of the Blood Slaughter Sect. Listen carefully, weigh your thoughts, and speak your mind without fear. I will judge the merit of your words; your job is simply to provide your honest opinion. Do you understand?"

Zhao Hai was startled by the gravity of the request, but he nodded firmly. "Yes, Grandmaster. This disciple will listen and reflect with the utmost care." He was internally confused about the situation, but the somber atmosphere made him instinctively tense. He sat with a disciplined, serious expression.

Ha Jing nodded and continued, "The Sect has just received an invitation from the leaders of the Corpse Demon Sect, the Yin Yang Sect, the Poisonous Insect Valley, the Sick Man Sect, and the Heaven Crippling Sect. Their stated goal is to invite our leaders and Elders to play chess, drink tea, and discuss the Dao. In your view, what is their true intention?"

Both Zhao Hai and Lei Gang were stunned. They hadn't expected a question regarding such a high-level political crisis. Even Lei Gang had been kept in the dark about this. Zhao Hai’s mind began to work rapidly. While he didn't know why he was being consulted, he already had suspicions about the other major sects. He asked, "Grandmaster, may I ask—is it true that the Thirteen Family Alliance is restless and intends to move against the Western Defense line?"

Ha Jing’s eyes flashed with interest. The fact that Zhao Hai immediately linked the invitation to the Western Defense line proved his sharp intellect.

"It is true," Ha Jing confirmed. "The Thirteen Family Alliance is mobilizing their forces, seemingly preparing for an assault on our Western line. We suspect the invitation from the five sects is connected. What are your thoughts?"

Zhao Hai paused to think before answering, "I believe this is a coordinated conspiracy against the Blood Slaughter Sect. On the surface, it seems these five sects are merely creating a distraction so the Thirteen Families can strike, potentially costing us the Western Defense line. However, the true danger lies in what follows that loss."

"Explain that in detail," Ha Jing commanded, leaning in. He was genuinely curious to see if the boy’s perspective matched or exceeded their own. He wondered if Zhao Hai believed they were after more than just territory—perhaps the entire Sect itself.

Zhao Hai looked directly at Ha Jing. "Grandmaster, the surface logic is simple. Five sect leaders sent an invitation, but we must also consider the Dark Ghost Sect and the Harsh Sword Sect. They aren't named because of their open enmity with us, but they are certainly involved. This means seven major sects are acting in concert. Would seven giants collaborate just for the barren West Sea region? That's impossible. If the Sect Master and the Elders attend this meeting, you will be unable to intervene when the Thirteen Families attack. Without your presence, holding the Western line is unlikely. I suspect the Thirteen Families wouldn't dare act without the backing of these seven sects. If we lose that line, the seven sects will likely incite all the smaller and medium-sized sects to join them in a massive coalition against us."

He continued, "They will likely claim that the Blood Slaughter Sect has been crippled by internal conflict and is no longer fit to hold its status among the top ten sects. With the seven sects leading the charge, the smaller factions will follow like a pack of wolves. At that point, the Blood Slaughter Sect will be the enemy of the entire Blood Sea Realm. In such a scenario, I doubt even the Giant Demon Sect would risk helping us."

Ha Jing was visibly shaken by the analysis as the full weight of the threat became clear. The plan was devious: use the invitation to paralyze the Sect's leadership while the Thirteen Families broke their defenses. Once the Sect appeared weak, the "Seven-Sect Alliance" would declare them unfit and trigger a realm-wide crusade to dismantle them.

The Blood Slaughter Sect had many enemies. If the Western Defense line fell and the major sects signaled it was open season, the resulting tide of aggression would be catastrophic. The Sect would face total annihilation or, at best, be left a hollow shell.

Ha Jing and the other Elders had viewed the invitation as an attempt to weaken them, but they hadn't fully grasped the scale of the potential "backup plan." It was a terrifying realization.

Suddenly, the door to the inner chamber burst open. The Sect Master and the other Elders stepped out, their expressions grim. Zhao Hai’s logic was so sound and the implications so dire that they could no longer remain hidden.

Zhao Hai and Lei Gang stood up in surprise and bowed immediately. The Sect Master waved them off, saying, "Sit down. So, you are Zhao Hai? Excellent work. I’ve heard your analysis, and it is quite compelling. Continue—do you have a solution for this predicament?"

The Sect Master was now deeply intrigued by this young man. He wanted to see if Zhao Hai’s strategic mind could provide a way out of the trap. Since the Elders were struggling for an answer, listening to the boy's perspective seemed like their best option.

Zhao Hai acknowledged the request and looked at the assembled leadership. He stated firmly, "I believe our priority must be to project a position of absolute strength to the seven Sect Masters while simultaneously working to dismantle their alliance. Once their unity is broken, the threat they pose will evaporate."