42: Using a counter-strategy and a "fishing" plan

The news of taking on the Black Wind Cave mission spread through the Outer Sect as if it had grown wings.

Most people were mocking the D-7 Courtyard for overestimating themselves.

"A Qi Refining Fourth Layer leading a team dares to take on the Black Wind Cave? Even if they're looking for death, this isn't the way to do it!"

"They probably got some benefits from the Ancient Ruins and now they don't know their own weight."

"Senior Brother Chen's open scheme is truly brilliant; let's see how they die!"

A few people took a wait-and-see approach, feeling that Wen Youyi and the others didn't seem that stupid and might have something to rely on.

At this moment, inside the D-7 Courtyard, The core five people were sitting together, but the atmosphere was completely different from the solemnity the outside world imagined.

"Little Wen, are we really going to that Black Wind Cave? I heard it's pitch black inside, with a terrifying number of bats and poisonous gas!" Although Zhao Iron Pillar wasn't afraid of a fight, he was instinctively a bit wary of that kind of environment.

"We're going, of course we're going." Wen Youyi's finger lightly tapped the tabletop, his eyes sparkling with the light of wisdom. "However, we're not going to die, but to... 'fish'."

"Fishing?" Wang Wu said thoughtfully, "Junior Brother Wen, you mean...?"

"Chen Jian pushed this mission onto us for nothing more than two purposes," Wen Youyi analyzed. "First, to use the Demonic Bats to get rid of us. Second, if we're lucky enough not to die, he will likely bring people to play the 'oriole behind' while we're at our weakest, killing and seizing treasures!"

Senior Brother Li nodded in agreement. "Exactly, with Chen Jian's personality, he would definitely do that!"

"Therefore, we not only need to complete the mission but also save enough strength to 'welcome' Senior Brother Chen's arrival." A cold arc curled at the corner of Wen Youyi's mouth. "This Black Wind Cave is the... burial ground we've chosen for him!"

Hearing this, everyone was not afraid; instead, they were all eagerly rubbing their hands, their Battle Intent high. Having been in seclusion for a month, their strength had increased greatly, and they were just looking for a place to test it!

"But, Junior Brother Wen," Senior Brother Zhang raised a doubt, "the environment of the Black Wind Cave is complex, with many Demonic Bats and poisonous miasma. How can we ensure we clear the Demonic Bats while also preserving our strength to deal with Chen Jian?"

"That's the key," Wen Youyi said confidently. "We have the 'Star Domain'!"

He detailed his plan:

First, use the "Star Domain" to counter the poisonous miasma inside the cave. Within the Domain, it forms its own world, isolating the harmful external environment so the miasma cannot enter at all. This solves the greatest environmental threat.

Second, utilize the Demonic Bats' aversion to light (which he analyzed from the mission description and the Yao Beast Encyclopedia). The starlight emitted by the "Star Domain" is the strongest stimulus and interference for the Demonic Bats accustomed to darkness! They can rely on the Domain to create safe zones and mobile fortresses within the cave to gradually clear them out.

Finally, and most importantly, show weakness to the enemy! After clearing the Demonic Bats, especially after killing that Qi Refining Fifth Layer Bat King, they can pretend to have gone through a bitter struggle, with exhausted spiritual energy and everyone injured, to lure Chen Jian into the trap!

"We'll set a pocket trap right there in the Black Wind Cave and wait for Chen Jian to walk into it himself!" Wen Youyi clenched his fist.

"Good idea!" Zhao Iron Pillar slapped his thigh excitedly. "I've wanted to beat that guy up for a long time!"

With the plan set, The core five people immediately began targeted preparations. They exchanged for some Medicinal Pills that could quickly recover spiritual energy, checked their weapons and Talismans, and repeatedly practiced the coordination of the "Star Domain" and team tactics in the narrow cave environment.

Three days later, everything was ready.

Wen Youyi and The core five people did not hide their tracks, leaving the Sect openly and heading towards the Black Wind Cave.

Their movements naturally reached Chen Jian's ears immediately.

"They really went? Just five of them?" Chen Jian was somewhat surprised; he thought Wen Youyi would at least pretend to find some cannon fodder.

"Absolutely certain! Just the five of them, they've already set off!" the lackey confirmed.

A cruel smile appeared on Chen Jian's face. "They really don't know how to die! Gather the men, we'll set off after them! When they and the Demonic Bats are both exhausted, that's when we'll reap the rewards!"

He could almost see the scene of Wen Youyi dying miserably in the cave, with the star core fragments and other treasures all falling into his hands.

The Black Wind Cave was located in a desolate mountain on the edge of the Qingxuan Sect's territory. The cave entrance was deep, and black wind with a foul stench constantly whistled out, hence its name.

Standing at the entrance, one could hear the dense flapping of wings and sharp screeches coming from inside, making one's skin crawl.

"Brothers, 'Star Domain', open!"

Wen Youyi gave a low shout, and a pale silver light shield instantly enveloped The core five people, isolating them from the nauseating foul wind and the faint poisonous miasma.

The light shield emitted a soft and pure starlight, standing out like a lighthouse in this pitch-black cave.

"Advance as planned!"

The core five people maintained a tight formation, like a mobile starlight fortress, resolutely stepping into the bottomless darkness.

The Demonic Bats inside the cave were startled by the sudden light and let out even more piercing screeches, pouncing from all directions like a black tide!

The true test had begun. And the venomous snake hidden in the shadows was also quietly baring its fangs.

(End of this chapter)