Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8354: 331-crime (1)

Yan Bei sat across from Zhao Hai, his face twisted in a look of disgust. "I’ve been gathering information, and word is that two islands have already fallen to the enemy. Luckily, these outposts weren't large; they were managed by Refinement Realm elders. Because their defensive arrays were still unfinished, their fall was somewhat expected. Even so, the Commander’s conduct in this disaster is absolutely pathetic."

Zhao Hai watched Yan Bei and let out a small smile. "It seems you’re the one feeling the shame on his behalf. I doubt anyone else even knows I tried to warn him. Why are you so worked up? You’re only frustrated because he ignored my advice and lost two islands as a result, aren't you?"

Zhao Hai understood the root of Yan Bei's fury. Yan Bei was essentially offended on Zhao Hai’s behalf. Despite Zhao Hai’s prior warnings, the Commander had remained idle, failing to even bolster the islands' security. This negligence allowed the Alliance of 13 Families to capitalize on the weak defenses and seize the territory. The death of numerous Blood Massacre Sect disciples was the fuel for Yan Bei’s rage.

At Zhao Hai’s comment, Yan Bei turned to him sharply. "What? You aren't furious? You gave him a clear warning, yet he refused to listen. Now, he’s suffered a massive defeat. I’ve heard thousands of disciples perished, and several of our puppets were captured by the enemy. Does that not make you angry?"

Zhao Hai chuckled softly. "No, there is no reason for me to be upset. I don't hold the rank of Commander, Sect Leader, or Elder. What happens isn't my burden. As long as the Alliance of 13 Families stays away from Blood Gale Island, I’ve fulfilled my duty to the Sect Master. Why should I be angry?"

Yan Bei stared at him skeptically. "Do you truly feel that way? If you were genuinely indifferent, you wouldn't have labored over those puppets. I don't buy that you're completely calm. Aren't you tempted to use that token the sect gave you to just remove that fellow Han Lei?"

The Han Lei mentioned by Yan Bei was the Commander dispatched by the Sect Master, also serving as the Sect Master’s nominal disciple. Even though Han Lei was a Refinement Realm cultivator, Yan Bei held him in zero regard. To Yan Bei, Han Lei couldn't even compare to a single hair on Zhao Hai’s head.

Zhao Hai smiled and shook his head. "Alright, calm down; getting frustrated won't change anything. I am acquainted with Senior Brother Han. He may be arrogant, but he isn't a fool. His lack of action this time was likely just a stubborn reaction to me. I suspect that after this defeat, he will finally wake up. He wouldn't have become the Sect Master’s in-name disciple otherwise—the Sect Master hasn't taken a student in ages."

Yan Bei let out a cold snort. "Who cares if he’s a nominal disciple? He’s committed a massive blunder. Surely the Sect Master will penalize him? I’m eager to see how he intends to fix this mess." It was clear Yan Bei was still stewing over the matter, mainly feeling that Zhao Hai had been treated unfairly.

Zhao Hai offered a smile but remained silent. Suddenly, the teleportation array on the island shimmered with light, and several figures appeared. Zhao Hai blinked in surprise, staring at the newcomers with confusion. They were all at the Refinement Realm, yet their faces were completely unfamiliar to him.

Though puzzled, Zhao Hai flew out to meet them, with Yan Bei following close behind. Yan Bei was equally curious about the sudden arrivals on Blood Gale Island, which had been isolated for quite some time. Zhao Hai had even placed restrictions on the island's formation, ensuring only specific sect portals—including those at the Western Defense Line—could connect to it.

Because of these precautions, Blood Gale Island had become a secluded spot. Neither the Sect Master nor the Western Defense Line typically sent personnel there. Even as the Alliance of 13 Families took two nearby islands, Blood Gale Island had remained peaceful. This sudden intrusion was a shock, and Zhao Hai was eager to learn the purpose of their visit.

Before Zhao Hai and Yan Bei could even reach the teleportation platform, the cultivators who had just arrived took flight toward them. Their aggressive posture and hostile expressions were immediately apparent. Zhao Hai grew suspicious and instantly heightened his alertness. Despite his outward loyalty and contributions to the Blood Massacre Sect, he never fully lowered his guard, even against his own sect members. He waited to see what these cultivators intended to do.

Since this was their first visit and they weren't residents of Blood Gale Island, etiquette dictated that they wait at the array for the island owner to receive them, regardless of their rank. It was a basic gesture of respect.

In the Blood Sea Realm, entering a private island without waiting or announcing oneself was an unwritten sign of hostility. Such an act gave the owner every right to attack. This was a long-standing rule known to every cultivator.

Yet, these individuals skipped all formalities. They didn't say a word upon exiting the array. Instead, they charged toward Zhao Hai with menacing intent, clearly harborring ill will.

As Zhao Hai analyzed the situation, Yan Bei’s voice echoed in his mind via telepathy. "Little Hai, stay sharp. These guys look like trouble. We need to be on our guard." Yan Bei was clearly trying to warn him without alerting the approaching group.

Zhao Hai gave a subtle nod in response and focused on the group. They halted about a hundred feet away. Zhao Hai stopped as well, observing them. They appeared to be in their forties, but as Refinement Realm cultivators, their actual ages were likely much higher. They were clearly Sect Elders.

"Greetings, Elders," Zhao Hai said, cupping his hands in a formal salute. "Might I ask what brings you to Blood Gale Island?" Despite sensing their hostility, Zhao Hai wanted to clarify the situation to prevent any unnecessary conflict. He was currently in the good graces of the Sect Master; starting a fight without cause would only give his enemies ammunition.

The leader of the group stared at Zhao Hai and spoke in a low, harsh tone. "Zhao Hai, we have orders from the Army to arrest you. You are charged with the crime of conspiring with the enemy. Your actions are directly linked to how the Alliance of 13 Families identified the weakest point in our Western Defense Line. Surrender now!"

Zhao Hai was momentarily stunned by the accusation. He hadn't expected them to come for him over this. He looked at them, bewildered, and asked, "Are the Elders playing a joke on me?" He knew they were serious, but the absurdity was hard to swallow. The Commander was incredibly bold—did he think his status as a nominal disciple made him untouchable? Zhao Hai possessed the Sect Master’s personal token, yet they dared to charge him with treason. It felt like a farce.

The Elders glared at him. The leader snorted, "Does this look like a joke? Zhao Hai, just come with us quietly!" The Elder’s disdain was palpable; he clearly had no interest in debating and seemed ready to use force immediately.

Zhao Hai raised his hand, presenting a medallion. "Hold on. I carry a token granted by the Sect Master. To see this token is to see the Sect Master himself. By what authority do you seek to detain me?" He held the token high, meeting their gaze coldly. While he felt a surge of killing intent, he knew these were still sect elders. Killing them would be impossible to justify to the Sect Master. Thus, he relied on the token for protection.

The lead Elder glanced at the medallion and scoffed, "Who’s to say that token isn't a forgery? Zhao Hai, give it up." Although he sounded confident, he didn't attack. The presence of the token clearly gave him pause.

Zhao Hai sneered at the man. "Then why don't you examine it yourself to see if it's real?" With a flick of his wrist, Zhao Hai tossed the token to the Elder, a chilling smile playing on his lips.

The Elder caught the token and inspected it. Then, he abruptly shoved it into his storage space and laughed. "Zhao Hai, this token is a fake. You had better come with us to face the Commander now, or we will have to get rough."

"Ridiculous! What proof do you have that the token is fake? And if it's a fake, why did you bother stealing it?" Yan Bei shouted from behind Zhao Hai, unable to stay silent. "You’re being far too arrogant! To disrespect the Sect Master’s token is an act of rebellion!"

The Elder looked at Yan Bei and gave a cold, mocking laugh. "If I claim it's a fake, then it's a fake. Once I’ve captured you both, I can produce any token I want. Once you're in custody, my word becomes the truth. What can you possibly do about it?"

"Hahaha! Well put. If you can actually capture us, you can rewrite the truth however you like," Zhao Hai laughed, his eyes locking onto them. "But there is one thing you've overlooked. You are currently on Blood Gale Island—my domain. What makes you so certain you can take me down?"