Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8372: A warning _1

Zhao Hai sat composed within the room, Yan Bei positioned at his side. The remaining officers in charge were also seated nearby. Addressing the group, Zhao Hai remarked, "For the last fifteen days, we have successfully captured one island every twenty-four hours. The coalition of the thirteen families has been in constant retreat, offering only half-hearted resistance. What are your perspectives on this development?"

The assembly was momentarily taken aback by his inquiry. Eventually, one manager spoke up with a heavy tone, "Commander, what is there to consider? The opposition clearly cannot match our strength. Having identified our offensive strategy and realized they lack a countermeasure, they have no choice but to withdraw. Is this not a natural progression?"

Several other managers nodded in agreement, sharing this sentiment. However, a few individuals wore frowns, clearly doubting such a simple explanation. Noticing this, Zhao Hai turned his gaze toward one of them and said, "Chang Jun, speak up. You look troubled. Have you realized something?"

Zhao Hai’s question was aimed at a cultivator in his forties. This man possessed an unremarkable appearance—dark skin, drooping eyebrows, a somber expression, and calloused hands and feet. He resembled a weathered old farmer more than a cultivator. Startled by the sudden attention, Chang Jun nodded and replied, "Yes, Commander. I believe there is something suspicious about this situation."

Zhao Hai smiled and encouraged him, "Explain your reasoning in detail." Zhao Hai had been observing Chang Jun for a while. Though his Cultivation level wasn't the highest in the group and he preferred to remain low-key, he was exceptionally sharp. Among all the stewards, the disciples under Chang Jun’s command were consistently the most disciplined and well-organized. This efficiency was the reason Zhao Hai had singled him out.

Chang Jun began, "The thirteen family alliance is not a weak force, and they are backed by various other Sects. The circumstances of those Sects differ from ours. We have suffered significant losses among our low-level disciples and must remain vigilant against external threats, meaning we cannot spare many troops for this Western line of defense. Our current force is the maximum we can mobilize. Conversely, the thirteen families have vast support. Many of the Sects backing them don't need to fear us because we are too distant to strike them. Logically, they should have sent reinforcements by now. They fought hard to take these islands and shouldn't abandon them so casually. Their current passivity is highly abnormal. It reminds me of the tactics we used when you were resetting the formations on the islands—we retreated while offering just enough resistance to lure the enemy. This suggests they are either setting a trap or have devised a specific scheme to neutralize us."

The leaders in the hall were stunned as they processed Chang Jun’s analysis. Upon reflection, they realized the enemy's behavior mirrored their own previous tactics. It was indeed highly suspicious.

Zhao Hai laughed loudly. "Excellent. Chang Jun, you have a keen eye. Starting today, you will serve as my assistant, aiding me and Brother Yan Bei in managing the Army." Zhao Hai paused, then addressed the rest of the group with a stern expression. "Listen closely. The thirteen family alliance is undoubtedly plotting something. They are backed by a massive coalition led by the seven major Sects. They do not lack manpower, whereas our Blood Slaughter Sect is currently stretched thin. This battlefield is the perfect place for them to grind down our disciples without fearing immediate retaliation. If they manage to slaughter a significant portion of our forces, we would be forced to divert even more disciples here. Such a loss of low-level disciples would cripple the Blood Slaughter Sect’s foundation and damage our reputation. It might even jeopardize our status as one of the ten great Sects. We must be cautious. We cannot afford to ask the Sect for more reinforcements. You all grew arrogant because of our recent victories, assuming the enemy was afraid. How could they be afraid with so many powers backing them? Only Chang Jun remained vigilant. That is why I have appointed him as my Deputy. Does anyone object?"

No one dared to disagree. They understood that Zhao Hai’s final question was a formality; his reasoning was undeniable. They shook their heads, finally grasping the gravity of the situation hidden behind the enemy's retreat.

Zhao Hai continued firmly, "I have recently requested three million puppets from the Sect. They are now at your disposal. However, I have one strict condition: these puppets are not to be deployed yet. They are only to be used once the enemy's trap is revealed. I will decide the timing. Unless I give the order, they remain in reserve. Is that understood?"

The group answered in unison. In the past, such a command might have caused resentment, but Zhao Hai’s string of victories had earned him absolute prestige. No one questioned his authority.

Zhao Hai added, "Select 30,000 men from your ranks. Assign 100 puppets to each man so they can practice. I am limiting it to 100 per person so that controlling them doesn't hinder their personal combat capabilities. This ensures they can react to sudden threats. If the enemy sees the puppets and launches a surprise assault, we won't be caught off guard. The puppets are in these bags. Take them and distribute them." Zhao Hai produced a collection of interspatial bags. The managers took them respectfully, waiting until they returned to their units to inspect the contents.

Since the conflict began, Zhao Hai had been preparing. He had coordinated with Zhu Yong and Gou’zi to work with the Undead race to mass-produce puppets and machinery. He realized the war would be a battle of attrition. The enemy knew the Blood Slaughter Sect could not sustain high casualties among its disciples without destabilizing its core. To counter this, Zhao Hai had ramped up puppet production.

He had already informed Dao qianzhan and the other Elders, who approved the plan. Zhao Hai even provided the Sect with the blueprints for puppet-making machines and specialized refining furnaces. A production line had already been established on Blood Slaughter Island. Now, puppets were being integrated throughout the Sect.

While Zhao Hai had warned the Elders about the potential long-term impact of relying on puppets, the immediate necessity on the Western Defense line was undeniable. Currently, Blood Gale Island was producing 100,000 units a day, which Zhao Hai deemed sufficient for the time being.

Once the bags were distributed, Zhao Hai issued a final warning: "Return to your posts. Be extremely careful in the coming fights. I have been told these new puppets have a self-destruct feature—if the controller dies, the puppets blow up. Warn your men: if their puppets explode and kill our own people because they were careless enough to die, I will extract their souls and turn them into Yin lamps." The managers shivered at the threat, bowed, and departed.

Once they were alone, Zhao Hai turned to Yan Bei. "Big Brother Yan, you must be on high alert. The enemy's strange behavior suggests they are preparing a massive blow. We are heading into a brutal fight. For us, the real war is only just beginning."

Yan Bei smiled. "Don't worry. I have my puppets ready. I'll follow your advice and keep 100 active so my own movements aren't restricted. You don't need to fret over me." Although Yan Bei’s strength had grown, he was still in the Profound Cultivation realm. He was a capable fighter, but he would struggle against those in the Refined Cultivation realm, which kept Zhao Hai on edge.

Zhao Hai nodded, then lowered his voice. "Big Brother Yan, remember the Blood Cloud Beast I gave you. It is a powerful ally. During the next battle, keep it by your side. It will prevent anyone from launching a sneak attack from the Blood Sea. Don't underestimate it; it is incredibly strong. Even if the beast is killed, it can be replaced. Your life cannot. Do you understand?"

The "Blood Cloud Beast" was, in reality, an Alien. Zhao Hai had gifted one to Yan Bei previously, but Yan Bei treated it as a precious treasure and rarely used it in combat. Zhao Hai wanted to ensure that Yan Bei prioritized his own survival over the safety of the creature, as Zhao Hai had plenty of Aliens to spare.