57: A calculated move and a deadly trap in the mine.

The news of "star essence gold" was like honey-coated poison bait, quietly spreading through the celebratory atmosphere of Ding Zi Courtyard.

Wang Wu's concern was not without reason. This news came too conveniently and was too targeted; it practically had the word "trap" written all over it.

"Little Wen, this must be the work of those bastards from the Five Elements Courtyard! They want to trick us into our deaths!" Zhao Iron Pillar said in a booming voice, his knuckles cracking.

Senior Brother Li also agreed, "That's right. We just achieved a great feat, and they don't dare to come at us openly, so they want to use such underhanded tricks!"

Wen Youyi sat in the courtyard, his fingertips lightly tapping the table, his eyes deep. How could he not know it was a trap? But "star essence gold" indeed had a huge attraction for him. The star core fragment was the core, but to construct more complex Formations, especially involving a grand concept like the "Primal Array," high-quality star-attribute Materials were indispensable.

"This is indeed very likely a setup," Wen Youyi spoke slowly. "But, we might not be unable to beat them at their own game."

"Beat them at their own game?" Everyone looked at him.

"They want to lure us to the mine, nothing more than setting an ambush or using the dangers of the mine itself," Wen Youyi analyzed. "If we don't go, they might have subsequent moves. In that case, we might as well enter the game proactively, but... in our own way."

A bold plan formed in his mind.

He didn't intend to lead the entire elite of the Mutual Aid Society to take the risk. Instead, he decided to only take The core five people of Ding Zi Courtyard! But before going, they had to make full preparations.

First, through the Mutual Aid Society's channels, he high-profilely announced that the Ding Zi Courtyard core team would go to the abandoned mine to investigate, and "accidentally" revealed the approximate travel time. This move was intended to paralyze the opponent, making them think they had really taken the bait.

Second, he used the connections and resources rapidly accumulated by the Mutual Aid Society to go all out in collecting all information about that abandoned mine—its history, structure, known dangers, and even accidents that had happened there in recent years.

Intelligence was quickly summarized. That mine was located in a desolate mountain range, long abandoned, with a complex internal structure and many forks. It was said that there were naturally formed mazes and poisonous mists in the depths, and even some strange creatures adapted to the dark environment lived there, making it extremely dangerous. In recent years, several groups of stubborn Disciples had indeed entered and never come out, and the Sect had classified it as a forbidden zone.

"It really is a good place for murder and silencing," Wen Youyi sneered.

Next was the most important preparation of supplies. He used the gains from the Blood Wolf Valley mission and the funds of the Mutual Aid Society to exchange for a large number of targeted Talismans and Medicinal Pills—Strong Light Talismans, Poison-Breaking Pills, Warning Formation Flags, and even a few expensive "Earth Escape Talismans" as a final life-saving measure.

At the same time, he took the time to repair the damage to his Meridians and led Zhao Iron Pillar and the other four to repeatedly practice the application of the "Star Domain" in narrow, dark environments, as well as response plans for various sudden situations.

Five days later, everything was ready.

The core five people, under the worried and admiring gazes of many Mutual Aid Society Disciples, left the Sect once again and headed straight for the abandoned mine.

Their whereabouts naturally fell into the eyes of certain interested parties.

"First Senior Brother, the fish has taken the bait and is heading towards the mine," a Five Elements Courtyard Disciple reported.

Fire Cloud Child showed a cruel smile. "Very good! Notify the people of 'Shadow Fiends' to take action. Remember, I want Wen Youyi's head, and all the secrets on him!"

"Shadow Fiends" was a force in the shadows of the Sect, specializing in handling things that couldn't see the light of day, with ruthless methods; as long as the price was right, they would even kill fellow Sect members... The abandoned mine entrance was like a man-eating beast's black hole, with cold wind blowing from the depths, carrying a decaying scent.

Wen Youyi and the others stood at the entrance, clearly feeling the chaotic energy and the faint sense of danger coming from inside.

"Brothers, 'Star Domain' ready at any time, maintain the highest alert," Wen Youyi said deeply. "According to the plan, we will only move in the periphery and known safe areas, mainly for investigation, and never go deep. Once anything is found wrong, retreat immediately!"

"Understood!" the four replied in unison.

A faint silver light shield lit up, and The core five people, like a moving lighthouse, resolutely stepped into that darkness.

The interior of the mine was far larger and more complex than imagined, with abandoned mine tunnels crisscrossing like a maze. The air was filled with a faint smell of metallic rust and an uncomfortable cold energy that interfered with perception.

They cautiously explored the periphery according to the map and indeed found some scattered, low-quality star ore slag, but it was far from being called "star essence gold," let alone any "light of a rare treasure emerging."

"It really is a ruse," Wang Wu whispered.

Wen Youyi nodded and was about to order a retreat when suddenly, his expression sharpened!

Through the "communicator," he issued an emergency warning: [Ambush! Three o'clock direction, top of the mine tunnel, five people! Nine o'clock direction, fork in the shadows, three people! Strength... very strong!]

Almost at the same time he issued the warning, several pitch-black, silent shadows shot out from the designated positions like ghosts! Aiming straight for Wen Youyi!

The killing trap, activated!

(End of Chapter)