Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8415: Difficult problem _1

A burst of white light flashed, and Zhao Hai's form materialized on the island. The moment he set foot there, Zhao Hai scanned his surroundings, noticing that the area brimmed with Blood Slaughter Sect disciples. These countless sect members had been organized into various groups. Not a single one stirred. They all sat cross-legged upon the earth, meditating in silence, as though anticipating the onset of a massive conflict.

While Zhao Hai observed the scene, someone soared up to him and spoke gravely, "Are you Island Lord Zhao Hai? Kindly come with me; the Grand Elder awaits you." Zhao Hai pivoted to face a man in his forties. His appearance was unremarkable, clad in crimson robes. His features showed no emotion, giving off an icy vibe. Yet, the intense killing aura radiating from him was unmistakable. Though merely at the Refinement Realm's pinnacle, it stunned Zhao Hai that a saber rested across his back.

In an instant, Zhao Hai realized this individual hailed from the Hall of Crimson Blade, and not just any recruit—an elite operative. He differed from the prior examiners Zhao Hai had encountered. A distinctive trait marked the Hall of Crimson Blade's core members: they customarily slung their sabers over their shoulders, turning it into their signature emblem. Within the Blood Slaughter Sect, only they adopted this practice. Others might have envied it and tried to mimic, but such imitation was forbidden, reserved exclusively for the Hall of Crimson Blade. They had earned this privilege through endless feats in combat.

Zhao Hai offered a respectful bow to the man and replied, "Yes, Zhao Hai greets senior. After you." The fellow gave a nod, spun about, and guided Zhao Hai onward. Zhao Hai hastened to trail him. Whether it was mere fancy or not, Zhao Hai sensed a trace of animosity from this Hall of Crimson Blade expert, leaving him taken aback.

Still, Zhao Hai held his tongue. He simply trailed the man as they soared ahead. Before long, they reached the island's heart. A grand hall dominated the central spot. Outside it, a contingent of figures stood rigidly. Each bore a lengthy saber strapped to their back. Though the group numbered under a thousand, their presence exuded immense vitality. They resembled a vast legion of warriors poised for war.

The Hall of Crimson Blade operative escorted Zhao Hai to the plaza before the hall and declared, "Island Master Zhao Hai, proceed into the main hall." With that, he retreated to join the Hall of Crimson Blade ranks and halted there. Upon hearing Zhao Hai's name, several front-line Hall of Crimson Blade disciples swiveled their gazes toward him, their stares brimming with antagonism.

Though puzzled by their evident enmity toward him, Zhao Hai still clasped his fists in gratitude to the guide. Then, facing the hall, he announced firmly, "Zhao Hai reports as summoned!" Once done, he positioned his arms at his sides, his posture unyielding.

"Little Hai has arrived; enter," Du Wan Sha's voice echoed. "Yes," Zhao Hai responded, striding into the hall. The Hall of Crimson Blade members watched his retreating figure, their eyes tinged with resentment. Their animosity stemmed from the Bloodsucker Team. Zhao Hai had formed this squad, which had sparred with Hall of Crimson Blade members not long ago. Even though the Bloodsucker Team couldn't match them, the Hall of Crimson Blade dared not dismiss them lightly. This fresh unit's prowess had astonished the blade hall's ranks. Some had even pushed to integrate the Blood Ghost Team into their fold.

Yet, unexpectedly for the Hall of Crimson Blade, the Bloodsucker Team refused to merge. They remained convinced that with Zhao Hai's guidance, victory over the Hall of Crimson Blade lay within reach. They clung to his words too: persistent effort would elevate them beyond the blade hall's might one day.

Hall of Crimson Blade members knew of these sentiments, fueling their irritation. They were the Hall of Crimson Blade, the deadliest force short of Island Lords in the Blood Slaughter Sect. Whenever they mobilized, no conflict proved unsolvable. This reputation bred their arrogance, and rightfully so. They viewed themselves as the supreme warriors below Island Lord rank in the sect.

Now, claims circulated that the Bloodsucker Team might eclipse them. How could such words not ignite their fury? Precisely because of those statements, recruitment efforts for the Bloodsucker Team ceased. Those very declarations sparked the Hall of Crimson Blade's grudge against Zhao Hai. But this ill will didn't extend to murderous intent; they recognized that. Everyone understood Zhao Hai's vital contributions to the sect. Still, they disapproved of him. They yearned to humble him, to demonstrate the blade hall's dominance. Only then might Zhao Hai refrain from boasting of his team's superiority. It amounted to spirited rivalry.

Naturally, Zhao Hai remained oblivious to all this. He had stepped inside the main hall. Numerous figures occupied seats within. At the center sat Du Wan Sha, flanked by two others. One was Blood Fang Li Da Feng, the other Blood Demon Tu Ling. Both ranked among the Blood Slaughter Sect's six grand elders, their standing just below Du Wan Sha's.

Zhao Hai hurried forward to Du Wan Sha, Li Da Feng, and Tu Ling, offering salutes: "My respects to First Elder, Elder Li, Elder Tu, and the Island Owners!" He followed with cupped hands toward the assembly. His etiquette proved impeccable. The group acknowledged him with nods. They were aware of Zhao Hai's background. The elders backed him staunchly, promising boundless prospects. Even as a mere disciple, provoking such a rising star was unwise. Thus, all extended courteous treatment.

Du Wan Sha gestured dismissively and stated, "Enough with the formalities. Come, allow me to present them. This is Shangguan Jinyang, head of the Shangguan family. Here is Hong Chen, chief steward. And this is Mi Yuzhen, leader of the Mi family. These three clans were key pillars in the 13 Family Alliance before, but they've now aligned with our Blood Slaughter Sect."

Upon Du Wan Sha's introduction, Zhao Hai promptly bowed to the trio: "Greetings to the three patriarchs. Zhao Hai pays his respects." He recognized fully that their integration into the Blood Slaughter Sect would grant them significant rank. As pivotal leaders from the 13 Family Alliance, the sect would hold them in high regard, particularly now. Their defection would shatter the alliance's spirit. In this critical juncture, generous reception from the Blood Slaughter Sect would amplify the damage to the 13 Family Alliance's resolve.

The three patriarchs returned Zhao Hai's courtesy. Each possessed distinct traits. Shangguan Jinyang mirrored Shangguan Qingfeng in looks. Draped in scholarly attire, he wore a warm smile and exuded charm. Observers couldn't help but feel favorably toward him. Mi family's head stood short yet robust, his build imposing and muscular. The steward's leader contrasted sharply. Of average height and slender frame, he appeared in his sixties—a gaunt elder. But Zhao Hai wouldn't underrate him. The Mi head's aura pulsed powerfully; he outshone the other two in strength.

The three leaders appraised Zhao Hai in turn. His reputation preceded him. He was Blood Ghost Zhao Hai, who had commanded the Blood Slaughter Sect's western defenses, expelling the 13 Family Alliance's forces. He bore responsibility for the alliance's dire straits.

Moreover, Zhao Hai had dazzled in the arena clashes, earning the title of top pro-disciple in the Blood Sea Realm. His invitation to this crucial gathering underscored his elevated position in the Blood Slaughter Sect. Antagonizing him would be folly.

As cunning veterans, the three patriarchs grasped the need for restraint. Freshly integrated into the Blood Slaughter Sect, modesty served them best—and would continue to. Sect members despised familial influences and would curb them. Staying subdued remained the wisest path.

Du Wan Sha glanced at the three and grinned: "No need to introduce this one to you all. He's Zhao Hai, the Blood Ghost. I included him because he'll command his own unit, so he must attend. Fine, Zhao Hai, take a seat. With all present, let's discuss our plans."

Zhao Hai acknowledged and claimed a spot. The rest fixed grave looks on Du Wan Sha. He surveyed the room with a smile: "Relax, everyone; no cause for alarm. The thirteen families have retreated to their core islands now. This core comprises thirty-six major isles, twelve fixed at the core. They anchor the region's heart, surrounded by outlying islands housing the thirteen families' elite clans. Truly, it's their final bastion."

At this juncture, Du Wan Sha halted briefly before adding: "On that note, gratitude goes to the three patriarchs. Your choice to abandon shadows for light spurred other minor alliance families to yield to the Blood Slaughter Sect. Those clustered on the thirty-six islands are the die-hard holdouts from the 13 Family Alliance—clans we must eradicate. Thus, thanks again to the three."

Shangguan Jinyang and companions demurred humbly; boasting now invited peril. They maintained utmost deference and restraint. Du Wan Sha merely aimed to acknowledge briefly, not dwell, so he addressed the group: "Fresh intelligence reveals the foes amassing vast forces across these thirty-six islands. An ancient artifact dwells there too—the One Heart Formation Disk. It links every array on the isles, merging their energies. Assault one, and the rest supply power. This fortifies the defenses, rendering breaches far tougher. That's our primary challenge."