Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8360: Prepared_1

Dao Qianzhan set the Jade slip down with a calm expression before lifting his gaze to meet the elders. Du Wan Sha looked toward the Sect Master and inquired, "Sect Master, did Zhao Hai send that Jade slip? What is the situation?" Du Wan Sha was aware the message was intended for Dao Qianzhan and felt a surge of curiosity. Having just parted ways with Zhao Hai, he wondered why a letter had arrived so quickly. Had something occurred? Was Zhao Hai already seeking the Sect Master's intervention again? If so, Du Wan Sha couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment.

In a low, serious tone, Thousand Blade spoke, "Zhao Hai confirmed he reviewed the Jade slip I provided, which originated from Han Lei. The contents detailed vulnerabilities in the defensive formations across the islands. These flaws appear to be man-made, suggesting a mole within our Hall of Arrays. This traitor likely holds a high rank, as they managed to sabotage the formations during construction without detection. Zhao Hai has requested we investigate this. He also warned that during the initial phase of the conflict with the Thirteen Family Alliance, the Western Defense Line might surrender nearly half of its islands. However, he urged us not to panic. Once his preparations are complete, he intends to begin a counterattack."

The expressions of those present shifted drastically upon hearing Dao Qianzhan’s report. Identifying a traitor in the Hall of Arrays was manageable through a thorough investigation, but the prospect of losing half the Western Defense Line was a massive blow. The stakes were incredibly high; if Zhao Hai were secretly aligned with the Thirteen Family Alliance, surrendering that territory would be a catastrophe. Furthermore, since they were aware of his plan, they would become the laughingstock of the cultivation world if he betrayed them. Everything now rested on their level of trust in Zhao Hai.

Suddenly, a flash of white light appeared in Ha Jing’s hand as a Jade slip materialized. Looking startled, he scanned the message with his divine sense before addressing the group. "I have received a Jade slip from Zhao Hai. He is requesting that I dispatch several trusted individuals to assist him. He needs them to help maintain strict control over the personnel stationed at the Western Defense Line."

Almost immediately, a similar light flashed before Du Wan Sha, and a Jade slip appeared in his grasp. As the others watched, a faint smile touched his lips after reading the contents. He stated firmly, "One of my honorary disciples just reported that Zhao Hai has issued a new command. He has banned all disciples from deploying puppets. While he is permitting them to retreat or even fail in combat, he has ordered that any puppets used must be destroyed rather than captured. He explicitly forbade any puppet from falling into enemy hands, declaring that anyone who allows it will be executed."

The Sect Master was momentarily taken aback by Du Wan Sha’s words but soon broke into a smile. "Zhao Hai is certainly an interesting character. It appears he has a specific strategy in mind. Very well, I shall place my full trust in him for now. I will support his requests and see exactly what he can achieve. If he fails to deliver, however, I will certainly hold him accountable. Ha Jing, send the men he requested."

Ha Jing gave a nod of affirmation. The Sect Master then turned his attention to Du Wan Sha. "Wan Sha, I am charging you with the task of rooting out the traitor within the Hall of Arrays. Ensure you follow every lead to its end. I want to know exactly how deep the rot goes within the Blood Massacre Sect." Du Wan Sha voiced his compliance.

The Sect Master surveyed the room and continued in a deep voice, "We will leave the Western Defense Line in Zhao Hai’s hands, but the rest of our affairs remain our responsibility. Monitor the other major Sects closely. If they show any unusual movement, report it to me at once. The Blood Slaughter Blade hasn't been drawn in a long time, but it has not grown dull. If they have forgotten its edge, we shall provide a reminder."

The elders signaled their understanding. With a wave of the Sect Master's hand, they stood, offered their bows, and exited. Watching them leave, the Sect Master smiled to himself and whispered, "Intriguing. This young man is truly intriguing. I hope he doesn't let me down." He then closed his eyes, falling into silence.

As the days passed, the Thirteen Family Alliance intensified their assault on the Western Defense Line, their strikes growing increasingly brutal. Meanwhile, agents of the Blood Massacre Sect noted that cultivators from various other Sects had joined the Alliance's ranks. This influx of outside strength allowed the Thirteen Family Alliance to pressure the entire defensive line simultaneously. Conversely, the Blood Massacre Sect disciples were strictly prohibited from using metal puppets by Zhao Hai. Outmatched in numbers and restricted in power, they were forced into a constant retreat, seemingly unable to offer any real resistance.

This turn of events caused great resentment among the Blood Massacre Sect cultivators. Zhao Hai remained unmoved, upholding the ban on puppets. When a few cultivators defied orders and lost puppets to the enemy, Zhao Hai executed them without mercy, including some experts in the Dharma Cultivation realm. This ruthless enforcement finally silenced the vocal opposition.

When Ha Jing’s reinforcements arrived at the Western Defense Line, Zhao Hai immediately placed them in key leadership roles. He unceremoniously stripped the original commanders of their authority and sent them back to their home islands, banning them from the front. While these actions fueled further dissatisfaction, it allowed Zhao Hai to consolidate total authority. It became clear to everyone that he would tolerate no dissent at the Western Defense Line.

Beyond administrative control, Zhao Hai stayed busy leading teams of array masters to overhaul the island formations. Every island, save for those he had personally worked on previously, had its defensive arrays completely rebuilt. This massive undertaking was the primary reason he had kept the cultivators from engaging in major battles.

Two months passed in a flash. During this period, the Blood Massacre Sect lost half of its islands on the Western Defense Line. Driven back by the Thirteen Family Alliance, the disciples were in a state of constant withdrawal. Though bitterness ran deep, no one dared to speak out against Zhao Hai’s absolute rule. Some disciples in the Refinement Realm attempted to report his behavior to the Sect headquarters, hoping for intervention. However, their complaints vanished without a trace. Eventually, those who had complained were simply transferred away from the front. The remaining cultivators stopped reporting, but since they were assigned to the Western Defense Line, they were unable to leave without official orders.

The Thirteen Family Alliance grew incredibly arrogant, assuming the Blood Massacre Sect had suffered such heavy losses that they were preparing to abandon the Western Defense Line entirely. They believed the Sect was merely putting up a token defense to save face while looking for a way out. This narrative spread throughout the Blood Sea Realm.

Thousand Blade and the other leaders heard these rumors as well. Even though Zhao Hai had warned them about the loss of territory, seeing it happen was still nerve-wracking. Had it not been for the reports of Zhao Hai tirelessly installing new defensive arrays—and the lack of evidence of him conspiring with the enemy—they might have arrested him already.

Currently, Zhao Hai stood on a small island positioned right on the edge of the territory seized by the Thirteen Family Alliance. This island was modest in size and had previously been under the command of a Dharma Cultivation realm expert. In the hierarchy of the Blood Massacre Sect, such islands were considered minor outposts.

Zhao Hai let out a long sigh of relief as the final touches were put on the magical formation. He turned to the Refinement Realm cultivator standing beside him, who looked miserable. With a smile, Zhao Hai asked, "Island Lord Dong, why the long face? If something is bothering you, speak up. If it is within my power, I will assist you."

The man, Dong Wanqing, looked at Zhao Hai and replied, "Commander, we are far too close to the Thirteen Family Alliance’s borders. Building a defensive array here feels futile. I believe it would be wiser to abandon this effort and evacuate the people on this island to a safer location."

Zhao Hai chuckled softly. "Island Lord Dong, you must be joking. We are just one step away from finishing the entire Western Defense Line. We cannot retreat now." As he spoke, he produced a large compass, nearly a meter in diameter. A Yin-Yang mirror sat at its center, surrounded by an Eight Trigrams diagram and symbols of heaven and earth. The entire surface was crowded with intricate runes.

Checking the glowing runes on the compass, Zhao Hai nodded and turned back to Dong Wanqing. "Island Lord Dong, remember my instructions. That long sword is the heart of this island's array; you must manage it personally. I am returning to Blood Bone Island to synchronize the entire Western Defense Line. If the Thirteen Family Alliance attacks while I am gone, do not engage them directly. Simply focus on maintaining the defensive array. I promise that if you are diligent, no amount of enemy troops will break through. We are on the verge of a counterattack, and you are at the very front of it. I will return within one to three days. If you cannot hold out for that short time, you might as well end your own life. Do not think of fleeing; if you desert, I will hunt you down myself. Remember: you must hold this ground."