75: Black Wind Mountain and Thunder Assault

Black Wind Mountain was steep and rugged, shrouded year-round in grey-black miasma, giving one a feeling of gloom and oppression.

In the mountains, one could vaguely see some dilapidated buildings and man-made caves; this was the stronghold of the Blood Fiend Cult.

Wen Youyi and the other four were lurking in the dense forest at the foot of the mountain, observing the situation on the mountain through the Far-Seeing Mirror specially made by Senior Brother Zhang.

"There are two sentries on the mountainside, and the mountain gate has a simple Formation; the energy fluctuations are concealed, likely for early warning and trapping enemies," Wang Wu whispered. He was meticulous and responsible for observation.

"There is a secret path at the back of the mountain, where the guards are relatively relaxed, but the road is narrow and easily susceptible to ambush," Senior Brother Li added. He was responsible for scouting the terrain.

Wen Youyi combined the intelligence obtained previously, his brain working at high speed.

A frontal assault on the mountain gate would inevitably lead to heavy losses and would alert the enemy.

Although the back mountain path was steep, it was an opportunity.

[Adopt the 'Sharp Knife' plan.] Wen Youyi issued the command through the Mind Net, [We will infiltrate from the back mountain, strike straight at the heart module, prioritize rescuing the abducted Mortals, create chaos, and then coordinate from inside and outside.]

[Understood!] The four responded in unison, their eyes sharp.

The five were like ghosts in the dark night, using the cover of trees and miasma to silently circle toward the back of the mountain.

They had taken specially prepared anti-miasma pills and circulated the Hibernating Dragon Art to conceal their breath, moving as lightly as cats.

The back mountain path was indeed rugged and difficult to traverse, allowing only one person to pass at a time, with steep cliffs on both sides.

Two Evil Path cultivators at the Qi Refining Third Layer were leaning against the cliff, dozing off, clearly not expecting anyone to sneak up from here.

[Eliminate them silently.] Wen Youyi signaled.

Zhao Iron Pillar and Wang Wu pounced like cheetahs; before the two Evil Path cultivators could react, their mouths and noses were covered, and their throat bones were precisely shattered, causing them to collapse softly to the ground.

After dealing with the sentries, the five continued deeper.

The further they went, the stronger the smell of blood and resentment in the air became, and the faint sounds of crying and whipping could be heard from the depths of the cave.

According to intelligence, the abducted Mortals were imprisoned in a mine cave deep in the mountain's belly, forced to mine an Evil Path Material called "blood crystal stone".

[Fork ahead, turn left for the mine cave, turn right leads to the Blood Fiend Cult main hall and the Cult Leader's residence.] Wang Wu sent the message.

[According to the plan, save the Mortals first!] Wen Youyi did not hesitate.

The five snuck toward the left mine cave.

At the entrance, there were two Evil Path cultivators at the Qi Refining Fourth Layer on guard, and the shouting of overseers and the sound of whips could be heard from inside.

[Assault! Quick battle, quick decision!] Wen Youyi's eyes turned sharp.

[Star Domain, open!]

A pale silver light shield instantly expanded, covering the cave entrance!

"Who is it?!" The two guards were startled. Just as they wanted to sound the alarm, Zhao Iron Pillar and Wen Youyi had already rushed to the front like lightning!

"Bang! Bang!"

Two muffled sounds, and the guards were instantly defeated!

Wen Youyi and the other four rushed into the mine cave, seeing dozens of sallow and emaciated, raggedly dressed Mortals numbly swinging mining picks, while several Evil Path overseers waved barbed whips, shouting loudly.

"Who dares to trespass..." Before the overseer leader could finish his sentence, he was submerged by the Spells of Wang Wu and Senior Brother Li.

"We are Qingxuan Sect Disciples, here to save you! Follow us quickly!" Wen Youyi shouted loudly.

Those Mortals were stunned at first, then a light of hope erupted in their eyes, and they were moved to tears of excitement.

[Senior Brother Zhang, set up delayed explosive Talismans to create chaos! Everyone else, escort the Mortals and retreat along the original path!] Wen Youyi commanded methodically.

Senior Brother Zhang quickly buried the Talismans at the support points of the mine cave.

Wen Youyi and the other four protected the group of Mortals and retreated quickly along the path they came from.

However, the commotion here eventually alerted the Evil Path cultivators on the mountain!

"Enemy attack! In the direction of the mine cave!" A sharp alarm sounded.

A large number of Evil Path cultivators poured out from various caves, rushing toward the back mountain like a black tide!

[They have discovered us! Speed up!] Wen Youyi urged.

Seeing the Evil Path cultivators getting closer and closer, about to catch up with the end of the team.

A cold light flashed in Wen Youyi's eyes, and he sent a message to Zhao Iron Pillar and the other three: [You all escort the Mortals down the mountain first and fire a signal at a safe location. I will cover the rear!]

[No! It's too dangerous!] Zhao Iron Pillar immediately objected.

[This is an order! Trust me!] Wen Youyi's tone was resolute.

The four knew the situation was critical and did not hesitate anymore, protecting the Mortals and accelerating their retreat.

Wen Youyi stood alone, turned to face the surging tide of Evil Path cultivators, and slowly raised his hand.

It was time to test the practical power of his latest research, the Composite Domain!

(End of Chapter)