Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8348: Token-1

Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...

The Blood Slaughter Sect has successfully maneuvered the seven major sects into a strategic stalemate, shifting the conflict toward a controlled confrontation at the Western Defense Line. By appearing to concede, the sect has funneled the aggression of their enemies into a war of attrition limited to low-level disciples. The seven major sects intend to use this opportunity to wipe out the next generation of Blood Slaughter Sect cultivators, unaware that Zhao Hai has already prepared a massive reserve of battle puppets to mitigate these losses. With his predictions proven accurate, Zhao Hai has gained the full confidence of the sect leadership and now advises them on how to handle potential escalations. He proposes a ruthless "targeted retaliation" strategy: if the enemy breaks the rules by deploying high-level experts, the Blood Slaughter Sect will focus its entire destructive might solely on the Yin Ghost Sect. This plan aims to shatter any remaining unity among the allied families and sects by forcing one specific rival to bear the total cost of the war.

Zhao Hai’s strategy was not without its flaws. In fact, one could argue it possessed a significant weakness. If they focused exclusively on the Dark Ghost Sect and maintained a constant state of conflict, what would happen if other sects intervened? There was a high probability that rival sects might simply stand aside, watching the two powers exhaust one another to seize an opportunity to weaken them both.

However, this outcome was precisely what Zhao Hai anticipated. If external sects attempted to exploit the friction between the two, it would likely drive the Blood Massacre Sect and the Dark Ghost Sect into an alliance. Such a turn of events was far from impossible. Among the top ten sects, there are no permanent enemies, only shifting interests. Despite any deep-seated feuds between the Dark Ghost Sect and the Blood Massacre Sect, cooperation remained a viable tool. A precedent already existed in the Bloodshed Forest; when other sects sent assassins to cull their lower-level disciples, the two sects immediately joined forces to deceive and strike back at the intruders.

Should the other great sects ignore the Blood Massacre Sect’s offensive against the Dark Ghost Sect, the two might once again form a pact to trap the outsiders. At that point, they could potentially bring in the Giant Demon Sect and the Sharp Sword Sect—who maintained good relations with the Dark Ghost Sect—into a four-way coalition. If such an alliance formed, the remaining sects would have no choice but to withdraw.

When Zhao Hai presented these layers of his plan to the Sect Master and the Elders, they finally grasped the depth of his vision. They couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for his tactical mind, realizing that his schemes had a high probability of success. The notion of partnering with the Dark Ghost Sect to fend off external threats was not just a theory; it was a very practical reality.

After Zhao Hai finished his explanation, the Sect Master nodded in approval. "Very well, that is a sound strategy. We will proceed with this plan. Regardless of whether we can pull the Sharp Sword Sect into an alliance through the Dark Ghost Sect, the combined strength of us, the Dark Ghost Sect, and the Giant Demon Sect will force the others to back down. They wouldn't dare face such a front. Now, onto the next matter. The conflict will center on the Western Defense Line, where your island is located. We intend to unify all disciples on that front under a single Supreme Commander. Are you willing to take that position?"

The Sect Master and his peers had discussed this beforehand. They recognized Zhao Hai's brilliance and felt it would be a missed opportunity not to utilize him as a leader. They believed he was the most qualified for the role.

Zhao Hai, however, shook his head. "Sect Master, Elders, I must decline the command. My Cultivation is insufficient; I am only at the Power Essence Realm. If I were to lead, my lack of strength would make it difficult to command respect, especially since many cultivators in the Power Refinement Realm will be involved. If the masses do not accept my authority, I cannot manage them effectively, which would jeopardize the war effort."

The leadership was momentarily stunned by his refusal, falling into a thoughtful silence. Zhao Hai continued, "Sect Master, Elders, you haven't revealed to the public that I am the creator of the puppets, correct? To the world, I am merely a disciple in the Profound Qi Realm. What right would I have to give orders to an Elder in the Refinement Realm? Even if they obeyed me publicly, I could do nothing if they chose to ignore my directives behind my back."

The Sect Master and the others remained quiet, acknowledging the truth in his words. Disobedience in the heat of battle would be disastrous. Furthermore, it was vital to keep Zhao Hai’s role as the puppet master a secret. If rival sects discovered his talent, they would stop at nothing to assassinate him or seize the secrets of Blood Gale Island. They could not risk the puppet-making techniques falling into enemy hands.

Recognizing the logic, the Sect Master finally spoke. "Very well. You won't be the official commander, but I will grant you a token. If you spot a critical opening or a mistake in their strategy, you may point it out. If they refuse to listen, you can use my token to command them. I will appoint another as the formal leader, but they will be instructed to heed your counsel. Does this suffice?"

Understanding that further refusal would be a slight to the Sect Master’s authority, Zhao Hai bowed. "Yes, Sect Master. I accept." He knew the token provided significant protection and influence without the burden of a formal title.

The Sect Master nodded and flicked a jade token toward him. Zhao Hai caught it and examined the piece. It was simple in design, featuring the character for 'Lord' on the front and a blood-red saber on the back. Despite its plain appearance, it carried the weight of the Sect Master’s own presence. Holding it was equivalent to the Sect Master being there in person.

Tucking the token away, Zhao Hai thanked him again. The Sect Master waved it off, saying, "I know you intend to use this war to temper your Cultivation. This is commendable; no cultivator becomes truly powerful without the fires of combat. I won't stop you, but you must prioritize your life. Survival is the foundation of all things. If you fall, everything ends."

"I understand," Zhao Hai replied. He had heard this advice many times and took it to heart. While he might not yet be a match for an Island Lord, he was confident in his ability to survive by retreating into his Space. Against a standard Refinement Realm expert, he felt capable of holding his own—or even taking their life if he used his full strength.

For this campaign, Zhao Hai had prepared two formidable protectors. The first was the battle corpse acquired from Li Ruohai. Its combat power rivaled a master in the Dharma Refinement Realm. Unlike Li Ruohai, who needed complex spells to control it, Zhao Hai had brought it into his Space, where it was fully subdued. It now possessed a level of intelligence that allowed it to fight autonomously with even greater efficiency.

The second was the bronze statue derived from the Bronze Palace. Within the Space, Laura and the others had refined it with rare materials and integrated numerous arrays. It now functioned similarly to Zhao Hai’s Liquid Silver artifact, capable of shifting its form and casting spells. Though it could not change its massive size—standing as tall as a nine-story copper tower—its raw power was enough to challenge any Dharma Cultivation Realm practitioner.

Additionally, Zhao Hai prepared a detachment of the Undead Race. Since arriving in the upper realm, they had yet to see combat. He intended to let them officially debut within the Blood Sea Realm during this conflict.

He also readied several smaller, human-sized puppets. Standing two meters tall and clad in heavy armor, they wielded massive sabers resembling Guan Daos. These units were possessed by ghosts, granting them incredible combat instincts. Zhao Hai had specifically enhanced their defense, strength, and speed, while their weapons were imbued with extreme sharpness. These were the prototypes for the second-generation metal puppets he planned for the Blood Massacre Sect. Though difficult to manufacture, the twelve he had completed were far superior in intelligence and durability.

With these preparations, Zhao Hai felt ready. Even if an Island Lord targeted him, he was certain he could escape without exposing his secrets. This confidence fueled his desire to join the front lines.

While Zhao Hai already possessed vast combat experience, he needed a real battlefield to refine his self-created 'Golden Lotus Nine Transformations Scripture.' The technique was still imperfect and required the pressure of life-and-death struggle to reach completion.

After departing from the Sect Master's residence, Zhao Hai returned to Blood Gale Island. Shortly after his arrival, Yan Bei joined him. Even though Zhao Hai wasn't the official commander, he intended to look after his allies.

Yan Bei was capable, but as a standard disciple in the Profound Cultivation Realm, the upcoming war posed a grave danger to him. Zhao Hai didn't want to see his friend fall, so he arranged for Yan Bei to stay by his side. He planned to gather other disciples from Blood Drop Island under his wing as well, ensuring their safety rather than leaving their lives in the hands of an unknown commander.