Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8428: Divine armament (1)
Previously on Living In Another World With A Farm...
With a resounding explosion, the final first-generation puppet detonated itself, yet the second-generation puppet stood unharmed. It bore no scratches whatsoever, maintaining its flawless condition from the moment it was first revealed. At this sight, Thousand Blade and his companions erupted in delight.
Thousand Blade burst into a hearty guffaw. "Outstanding, simply outstanding. These second-generation puppets are fully manufacturable. Let's return and converse." With that declaration, Dao Qianzhan ascended from the Blood Sea, trailed closely by the group. They hastened back to the island and proceeded into Dao Qianzhan's study chamber.
Once inside the study, Thousand Blade invited Zhao Hai to take a seat and grinned. "Zhao Hai, share your intentions. Don't claim you lack any strategy. I recognize you never move without spotting the rabbit. Without a solid scheme, you wouldn't have unveiled the second-generation puppet."
Zhao Hai couldn't suppress a smile upon hearing Thousand Blade's remark. "Indeed, Sect Head. I possess certain notions. I believe we ought to explore the Divine Secrets Sect's secret realm. Long renowned for their puppet mechanisms, the Divine Secrets Sect holds potential treasures there. Venturing into their secret realm could yield valuable items, greatly aiding our cause."
Dao Qianzhan paused briefly, his brow furrowing as he responded, "Elaborate further." Thousand Blade held no opposition to Zhao Hai investigating the Divine Secrets Sect's secret realm. Still, as a secret realm, it carried inherent perils—especially one tied to the Divine Secrets Sect. Should misfortune befall Zhao Hai within, the consequences would prove dire.
Zhao Hai spoke gravely, "The Divine Secrets Sect earned its fame through masterful puppeteering arts. Those techniques inflicted massive casualties across the Cloud Sea Realm. Disciples of the Divine Secrets Sect could direct hordes of puppets, far surpassing our current numbers. Yet, how did they achieve such control?" "In my view, only two explanations exist. First, they possess methods to enhance mental strength, enabling command over numerous puppets. Second, their puppets boast partial autonomous fighting capabilities. Upon receiving directives, the puppets engage independently—much like our integration of dark spirits into puppets for guidance. Though, theirs lack the dark spirit's intelligence."
Pausing momentarily, Zhao Hai pressed on, "Whichever approach it is, acquiring it would immensely bolster our sect. Additionally, I ponder the Divine Secrets Sect's mechanism arts—a profoundly enigmatic craft, though its might may not rival others. I'd like to pursue obtaining this technique. Success would be ideal. Securing these assets from the Divine Secrets Sect would prove invaluable to us. Moreover, post-exploration of the Divine Secrets Sect, I intend to restore the Senluo Temple. Once a legendary slayer for Blood Sea Realm cultivators, it holds immense promise."
Thousand Blade and the others froze at Zhao Hai's proposal, their gazes igniting with excitement. They were all familiar with the Divine Secrets Palace of the Divine Secrets Sect, distinct from the Senluo Palace. Legends described the Divine Secrets Palace as a multifaceted stronghold, brimming with intricate mechanisms and endless puppets that could alter forms. It served as an impregnable battle fortress of tremendous might.
In the Blood Sea Realm, the Divine Secrets Palace had achieved legendary status. Whispers claimed that to eradicate the Divine Secrets Sect, the Cloud Sea Realm amassed vast armies, suffering grievous losses—including droves of experts at the Island Lord level and beyond.
Dao Qianzhan contemplated deeply before nodding. "Very well, it's decided. We'll first probe the Divine Secrets Sect's secret realm. We've longed to inspect it, though uncertainties about restrictions linger. Here's the plan: In a few days, Ha Jing will join you. How many companions do you require?"
Zhao Hai shook his head. "No necessity, Sect Leader. Entry to the Divine Secrets Sect's secret realm appears restricted to those below the Refined Arts Realm—no others permitted. I can proceed alone. With the bronze statue in tow, safety seems assured. Rest easy, Sect Leader."
Dao Qianzhan gave a firm nod and intoned seriously, "Fine, venture solo then. Exercise utmost caution. Ha Jing, accompany him regardless. Though unable to enter, stand vigil outside. Should peril strike Little Hai within, shatter the secret realm if needed to rescue him."
Ha Jing acknowledged the order. Zhao Hai, moved by Dao Qianzhan's directive, felt a surge of warmth. He understood a secret realm's vital role to any sect. Unlike the sunken island that once housed the Spiritual Array Sect's base, a secret realm formed an isolated subspace—a self-contained domain. For a sect, it offered an ultimate sanctuary. Its destruction would spell catastrophe.
Yet Dao Qianzhan instructed Ha Jing to raze it for his sake, a clear testament to his regard for Zhao Hai. Deeply affected, Zhao Hai drew a steadying breath, met Dao Qianzhan's eyes, and vowed solemnly, "My gratitude, Sect Master. Fear not—I shall return unscathed."
Dao Qianzhan nodded once more. "You must survive and return. The formations you erected along the Western Defense Line excel remarkably. I intend for you to refine every island's arrays in the sect. Thus, return alive, understood?"
"Affirmative, Sect Master—worry not," Zhao Hai affirmed resolutely. Dao Qianzhan nodded and gestured dismissal. Zhao Hai bowed respectfully before departing the study. He then utilized the teleportation array to reach Blood Gale Island, needing time to ready himself for the secret realm journey.
Five days passed before Ha Jing arrived at Blood Gale Island. Spotting Ha Jing, Zhao Hai promptly welcomed him into his quarters and offered spirit wine with a grin. "Grandmaster, I hadn't anticipated your visit here first. Reassure yourself—preparations are complete. We may depart whenever ready."
Ha Jing savored a sip of the spirit wine and chuckled. "No concerns. Your Blood Gale Island has enjoyed tranquility lately. It strikes me that the bloodsucker team members advance swiftly. Several appear on the cusp of Island Lord attainment, correct?" Ha Jing's formidable prowess allowed a mere divine sense scan to reveal Blood Gale Island's status, naturally spotting the bloodsucker team nearing breakthroughs to Island Lord.
Zhao Hai beamed. "Precisely. They've attained Island Lord potential, though consolidation requires further effort. I've designated spots for their breakthroughs. Upon success, they can venture forth to forge their own islands."
Ha Jing eyed Zhao Hai curiously. "Why so? Are you truly content with that?" "They hold deep loyalty toward you. Allowing independent islands equates to their departure from the bloodsucker team—hardly advantageous for you." Ha Jing genuinely fretted over Zhao Hai's choice. Retaining Island Lord experts under him would accelerate his rise immensely. No threats of rivalry loomed, given their trust, plus the backing of Ha Jing, Du Wansha, and Dao Qianzhan. Few in the Bloody Massacre Sect dared challenge Zhao Hai with such titans in his corner.
Zhao Hai smiled faintly. "No point in coercion. Let them choose freely. Should they desire external islands, I'll back them fully. This fosters alliances. When I ascend to Island Lord, they'll stand as allies. Binding them here serves no purpose—if reluctant, their presence harms more than helps."
Amused by Zhao Hai's stance, Ha Jing laughed heartily. "Impressive lad, your mindset shines with maturity. Very well, manage your affairs as you see fit. Gather your things—we depart. I'm eager to behold the Divine Secrets Sect's secret realm."
"No preparations needed, Grandmaster. We can leave immediately," Zhao Hai replied cheerfully. Rising, Zhao Hai led the way as Ha Jing nodded and followed. En route, Ha Jing remarked to Zhao Hai, "I've noticed many second-generation puppet components derive from refuse. Does this truly suffice?"
Zhao Hai grinned and explained, "Absolutely. Both first- and second-generation puppets incorporate reforged waste. Yet the second-generation's refuse undergoes distinct processing. During reforging, I introduce a catalyst, employ fiercer refining flames at elevated temperatures for extended durations. Tests confirm these novel metals, despite altered traits, remain highly effective. Thus, the second-generation puppets' inner armor, portions of cloaks, shields, and blades utilize this fresh alloy, while bone armor and outer plating draw from premium stock. This balances resource use without compromising battle prowess."
Ha Jing nodded approvingly. "In such matters, I defer to your expertise. Our Bloody Massacre Sect thrives presently, having weathered the prior ordeal. Yet, sharing puppet techniques with allied sects spurs their frantic production. Should war erupt, these puppets will charge the vanguard."
Zhao Hai chuckled. "If they commit thus, it benefits us. Not all sects mirror the Divine Secrets Sect—overreliance on puppets stifles disciple cultivation, yielding long-term drawbacks. Besides, their puppet fabrication costs far exceed ours. In a war of attrition, we hold the edge unyieldingly."