88: The Black Wind Mutation and "Dual-Line Operation"

The "Stability Talisman" that Mu Feng seemingly bestowed casually was like a key, opening a new door for the Mutual Aid Society.

Senior Brother Zhang and the Disciples of the Research Hall worked tirelessly to study this Talisman, discovering that its brilliance lay not in forcibly constraining energy, but in guiding it to spontaneously form a more stable circulatory structure, consuming very little while achieving surprisingly good results.

"Brilliant! Simply brilliant!" Senior Brother Zhang, sporting two dark circles under his eyes, said excitedly to Wen Youyi, "The logic behind this Talisman is completely different from our previous crude reinforcement methods! If we can master this approach, not only can the stability of 'ark 1.0' be greatly improved, but it can also be used in many future Formations!"

Wen Youyi nodded, his wariness toward the Mu Feng deepening. Something casually produced was already so extraordinary; the foundation behind him must be unfathomable.

Under the guise of "improving the Spirit Gathering Formation" and using the newly mastered stability technology, the construction of "ark 1.0" entered the fast lane.

More underground nodes were cleared and connected; although the energy intensity increased slowly, the coverage area gradually expanded, and the stability of the network was no longer what it used to be.

The core members had already begun attempting short periods of Cultivation within the areas covered by the "ark," and the feeling of their Spiritual Qi not being invisibly drained left everyone feeling both curious and exhilarated.

Meanwhile, the training of "Internal Test Players" was also progressing steadily.

The first batch of three Outer Sect Disciples, who had been strictly screened and whose Heart-Nature and Aptitude were recognized, began Cultivating the improved version of the "Hibernating Dragon Art" after swearing an oath of secrecy.

Although they did not yet know the truth about the "Ranch" and the "Harvesting," they could already vaguely sense that this Cultivation Technique seemed to make their perception and control of Spiritual Qi much sharper.

Everything seemed to be developing in a positive direction.

However, the tree desires stillness, but the wind will not cease.

Just as Lijian Valley was focused on farming and developing, more unsettling news arrived from Black Wind Mountain.

The "rotten crow" reconnaissance drones that had been lurking previously sent back the latest footage—the evil Cultivators of the Blood Fiend Cult had become abnormally manic and... efficient in their behavior?

In the footage, those evil Cultivators who had Cultivated the "Soul-Devouring Blood Transformation Art" often had eyes flashing with an unnatural blood-red light, their attacks were more ruthless, yet their coordination with each other was eerily tacit, as if guided by some invisible force.

They were no longer satisfied with occupying Black Wind Mountain and began to expand outward in an organized manner, wiping out surrounding weak Yao Beast tribes, and even attacking lone Cultivators and Mortal villages; their methods were extremely cruel, and wherever they passed, lives were devastated, and resentment soared to the heavens.

Even more alarming was that they seemed to be refining a new type of "Blood Puppets" on a large scale.

These Blood Puppets were no longer slow-moving monsters relying on instinct, but retained a certain level of their combat skills from when they were alive, moving more swiftly, and could even use some simple Blood Fiend Spells; they moved in groups, obeying orders as strictly as an army.

"They are training troops!" Wang Wu said, his face pale as he watched the footage of the Blood Puppet legion drilling sent back by the "rotten crow," "And the speed is too fast! At this rate, within a month, they will be able to field an army capable of threatening the Outer Sect of the Qingxuan Sect!"

"Bloody Fierce's strength is likely about to Breakthrough as well," Senior Brother Li added. "According to vague news from Senior Sister Mu, there have been several abnormally strong energy fluctuations near Black Wind Mountain recently, suspected to be signs of a Foundation Establishment Heavenly Tribulation."

Pressure, like dark clouds, descended once again.

The external threat was expanding rapidly, while their internal "ark" had only just begun.

"We cannot sit idly by!" Zhao Iron Pillar said in a muffled voice. "If we let them continue like this, who knows how many people will suffer! And once they become a real threat, they will definitely come to settle the score with us first!"

"But the 'Observer' is still in the Sect. If we take large-scale action, will it attract his attention?" Senior Brother Zhang said worriedly.

Wen Youyi was silent, his fingers gently tapping the tabletop as his brain raced.

Given the current situation, dual-line operations were necessary. On one hand, the base construction at Lijian Valley could not stop; this was the foundation. On the other hand, the expansion of Black Wind Mountain had to be curbed; they could not be allowed to successfully form.

Moreover, he faintly felt that the Blood Fiend Cult's high-efficiency, frenzied expansion was likely not just about Bloody Fierce and that new Cultivation Technique. That eerie coordination and purposefulness seemed more like a... programmed "virus," frantically replicating and spreading, collecting "nutrients" (life and resentment).

Could this also be part of some plan from "above"?

"We must act, but we cannot be reckless." Wen Youyi finally spoke, his eyes flashing with a familiar light—the precursor to when he was about to start "not acting like a human."

"Iron Pillar, have the War Hall select the smartest brothers who are best at concealment and speed to form a 'Rapid Response Team,' and you will lead it."

"Boss, are we going to fight?" Zhao Iron Pillar rubbed his hands together.

"No, we are going to sabotage and fight a guerrilla war!" Wen Youyi explained. "Your mission is not to engage in direct combat, but to harass and delay their expansion speed. Utilize our familiarity with the terrain and the advantage of 'Mind Net' communication to attack their patrols, destroy their supply transport, and rescue the common people they have abducted. Remember the sixteen-character principle: When the enemy advances, we retreat; when the enemy camps, we harass; when the enemy tires, we attack; when the enemy retreats, we pursue!"

Although Zhao Iron Pillar didn't quite understand what the sixteen-character principle was, he understood "fighting a guerrilla war" and "sabotage," and immediately perked up: "I'm good at this! I guarantee I'll make sure they can't sleep well!"

"Senior Brother Wang, Senior Brother Li, your logistics need to keep up. Prepare enough Medicinal Pills, Talismans, and disposable Magical Artifacts, especially those for detoxification and concealment."

"Senior Brother Zhang, the Research Hall must step up the development of a batch of gadgets suitable for guerrilla warfare, such as small time-delayed explosive Talismans, smoke bombs that can create chaos, and... binding Magical Artifacts targeting the joints of the Blood Puppets."

After arranging the matters for dealing with Black Wind Mountain, Wen Youyi looked toward the depths of the valley.

"As for home, the construction of the 'ark' cannot stop, but it must be more covert. We can use the Stability Talisman given by Mu Feng as a cover to disguise some key nodes as 'Spirit Gathering Formation Test Points'."

"Additionally," he took a deep breath, "I want to try to contact that 'Co-frequency Person'."

Everyone was stunned.

Wen Youyi took out the star core fragment: "He (or she) warned us last time; perhaps they know more intelligence about the 'Observer' and 'above.' Having more friends means more paths, especially at a time like this."

He had a premonition that communicating with this mysterious "Co-frequency Person" might become the key to breaking the deadlock.

The gears of the dual-line operations began to turn slowly.

Lijian Valley continued to develop quietly under the nose of the "Observer," while a lean and capable guerrilla team, like a dagger in the dark night, silently struck toward the frantically expanding Black Wind Mountain.

(End of Chapter)