Living In Another World With A Farm Chapter 8490: Betrayal (1)

If a typical cultivator managed to seize the flag, they would surely slaughter others to gain strength. Once the body count rose too high, an addiction to the thrill of killing would take hold. Beyond that, the flag could draw in the essence of souls, blood, and flesh from victims, converting it all into Dharma power and blood Qi to fuel the one wielding it. Should the cultivator lack a sturdy enough willpower, they would surrender to the ecstasy of murder. Relying on the sinister Wind Ghost flag for ongoing power would inevitably twist them into frenzied killers.

A heavenly artifact such as the cold wind Ghost flag was undoubtedly a demonic treasure, ranking among the finest of its kind. Zhao Hai even wondered if the creator of this heavenly artifact had fallen victim to it themselves. While the flag could boost the holder's cultivation rapidly in the short term, it carried a severe drawback. As one lost themselves in the rush of growing stronger, the embedded killing aura would subtly corrupt them, sparking an insatiable bloodlust. Furthermore, since this Dharma power and blood Qi came straight from the sinister Wind Ghost flag rather than personal effort, extensive refinement and practice would be essential. Without it, even though the impure energies might elevate strength quickly, progress would grind to a halt at some point. It could even trigger outright Qi deviation.

Yet for Zhao Hai, such issues held no sway. The Dharma power and blood Qi flowing from the sinister Wind Ghost flag first filtered through his own Dharma power. Acting like a forge, Zhao Hai's energy purified it all automatically. In the end, it became pure primal force that merged seamlessly into his body. This process accelerated his cultivation dramatically without touching his mental state.

The matter of killing intent influencing Zhao Hai was even clearer. To him, such malice served merely as extra nourishment. He paid it no mind whatsoever. That's how he could unleash the flag's full might. In anyone else's grasp, it wouldn't be long before they devolved into a rampaging murderer and perished from Qi deviation.

Naturally, Zhao Hai had also noticed he could channel the qi and blood essence inside the sinister Wind Ghost flag outward, sharing it across the entire Ghostwind bandits group. Put another way, the burden of qi and blood that was meant for him alone now spread to a thousand individuals. The killing intent divided among them too, naturally lightening its toll on him. True, this diluted the pace of qi and blood buildup somewhat, but it greatly reduced the strain on the flag's master.

Still, this approach would turn those other thousand into raging bloodthirsters, derailing their cultivation paths severely. Ultimately, they might all spiral into Qi deviation. It was merely a temporary fix, akin to slaking thirst with poison—far outclassed by Zhao Hai's own technique.

Zhao Hai felt deep intrigue about the sinister Wind Ghost flag's origins. Who had forged such a tool? Why craft a magic weapon like this? Did its maker remain ignorant of the dire repercussions, or did they wield it fully aware? If the latter held true, then that creator must have been utterly deranged.

But Zhao Hai had no time to dwell on it. With a wave of the flag, he called a halt. He touched down on the earth and faced the group. "Okay, we'll take a break right here. I'll scout ahead and check for any dark ghost sect islands close by. I'll find a good target island for our strike. The dark wind Ghost flag stays planted here. You all can train inside the barrier."

With those words, Zhao Hai jammed the flag into the soil and vanished in an instant, abandoning the Ghostwind bandits to their thoughts. They never imagined he'd pull a stunt like that. After all, they'd witnessed the flag's terrifying might firsthand. By leaving it behind, what if someone snatched and refined it?

That idea shifted everyone's gaze toward the flag, igniting a blaze of hot greed in their eyes. Some even began panting with excitement. The flag's allure proved overwhelming. Claiming it would make them the Ghostwind bandits' ruler. They'd hold sway like Zhao Hai, commanding lethal force and boundless cultivation aids. Plus, with a tool rivaling the sect's top treasures, their prospects would shine endlessly.

Even so, a shred of reason held them back. They feared Zhao Hai. For him to abandon the artifact here meant he trusted no one would touch it. Without that certainty, why risk leaving such a prize? This caution kept them from rash moves.

Greed, though, can devour the soul. At last, one among them cracked under the pressure. This was a refinement realm cultivator—no surprise, as only they dared challenge him. Weaker ones wouldn't even try, no matter the temptation.

The man's name was Gu mengfei, a quiet type who always showed Zhao Hai deference. No one foresaw him striking first now. He lunged forward, aiming straight for the cold wind Ghost flag. His robust power let him close the gap swiftly, nearly grasping it in moments.

But then, a fierce Qi blast struck from behind. Its force was immense. If he'd reached the flag, that Qi would have slammed into him full-on. Such power promised grave wounds, if not instant death.

Gu mengfei's face twisted in shock. He twisted away, evading the Qi surge. A thunderous crash followed as a massive hammer shadow smashed his former spot. Had he lingered, it would have crushed him. Staring darkly at Xu Gang, Gu mengfei growled deeply, "Xu Gang, what's your game? You aiming to clash with me?"

Xu Gang eyed Gu mengfei with a chilly grin. "I've never liked you. You're like a lurking viper, biding time until the perfect strike with your venom. Gu mengfei, what's your angle? The boss is out scouting, and you reach for the cold wind Ghost flag now? Planning to turn on the boss?"

"Hmph, turn on him? Zou Xiao dragged us into the Ghostwind bandits by force. Quitting meant death at his hands. I just refused his control. Why stay a lone cultivator so long? He leans on that cold wind Ghost flag alone. Once it's mine, I'll surge in power, and Zou Xiao can't touch me. With the cold wind Ghost flag's aid, I'll rise to Island Lord strength, free from his temper."

Xu Gang snorted at Gu mengfei. "The boss has been fair to us. He shares everything—no secrets—and hands out all the loot we seize. I'm no scholar, but I know he's treated us right. If you grabbed the top spot, we'd all suffer under you. Gu mengfei, better straighten up quick, or don't fault me for getting rough."

"Xu Gang, don't play the hero. Folks fear you, but not me. Want to stay Zou Xiao's lapdog? Fine by you. Not for me. Truth is, plenty here feel the same—no more being Zou Xiao's hound. You can block me, Xu Gang, but all of us? Zou Xiao's away now. Snag the flag, and the realm's ours. We'll chart our course freely. No more waiting—everyone, let's move." Gu mengfei called out to the rest.

At his words, glances darted around, stirring unrest. Xu Gang's face darkened. He snorted again. "Gu mengfei, cut the lies. We all see how the boss cares for us. Plus, think you'd thrive after splitting? Some likely know our faces already. Bolting now just spells doom."

"Xu Gang, enough nonsense," Ye Mo cut in. "No one recognizes us. We lurk in the blood sea usually. In battles, ghost soldiers shield us—no faces exposed. They spot only Zou Xiao's, not ours. He views us as mere muscle. He's claimed the prime prize already. Know what that is? The cold wind Ghost flag—that's the real haul. Whoever claims the Yin wind Ghost flag can aim for Island Lord might. Any faction would value you highly with it. That's the top reward. Our scraps? Just crumbs. You call that fair? Xu Gang, step aside, or don't cry foul when I act." With that, Gu mengfei drew his arms. Odd choices they were—twin curved blades, slender and quivering faintly in his grip. Sharpness gleamed obvious, marking them as exotic tools.

By now, several stepped forward, weapons drawn, encircling Xu Gang. His face paled at the sight. He hadn't anticipated so many turning against Zhao Hai.