29: Venturing deep into the tiger's den, fraught with danger.

After Jun Xiaoyao learned of the clue regarding Black Wind Valley, he immediately realized it was the key to uncovering the Shadow Cult's conspiracy. He decided to dispatch his most elite forces to delve into Black Wind Valley and investigate.

“Qiao Feng, Fu Hongxue, West Gate Blows Snow, Ye Gucheng, the four of you will accompany me to Black Wind Valley. This operation is extremely dangerous, so you must be cautious. Our goal is to investigate the Shadow Cult's arrangements in Black Wind Valley and their next conspiracy. Unless absolutely necessary, do not easily expose your whereabouts, and certainly do not rashly start a fight.” Jun Xiaoyao conveyed the order to the four through special means.

“Yes, Master!” The four responded in unison, their eyes revealing determination and fearlessness.

Night fell, and the moonlight was like water. The four, led by Qiao Feng, moved through the mountains like phantoms, rapidly heading towards Black Wind Valley. Along the way, relying on their superb Movement Technique and keen senses, they avoided various potential dangers.

As they approached Black Wind Valley, a chilling Qi rushed toward them. A faint layer of black mist permeated the valley, and strange sounds vaguely emanated from the mist, as if countless wronged souls were weeping.

“This Black Wind Valley is indeed strange. Everyone, be careful,” Qiao Feng whispered, his gaze cautiously scanning the surroundings.

The four cautiously stepped into Black Wind Valley. Inside the valley, strange rocks jutted out, and trees were twisted and winding, as if corroded by an evil force. They proceeded along a narrow path when suddenly, a group of people wearing black robes appeared ahead, gathered together, seemingly discussing something.

The four, led by Qiao Feng, quickly hid themselves and crept closer. Through the guards' conversation, they learned that these people were Shadow Cult guards responsible for watching the Black Wind Valley stronghold, and deep within the valley, there was a mysterious palace where the Shadow Cult was planning a large-scale operation targeting Beyond Heaven.

“It seems we found the right place. We must relay this information back as soon as possible,” Fu Hongxue whispered.

Just then, a black crow suddenly flew over their heads, letting out a sharp cry. The group of guards heard the sound and immediately became alert.

“Crap, intruders! Search quickly!” one guard shouted loudly.

Knowing their whereabouts had been exposed, the four, led by Qiao Feng, reacted quickly. Qiao Feng unleashed the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, charging toward the guards first. “Vast Dragon Regrets!” A golden Dragon-shaped palm print struck out, instantly sending several guards flying.

Fu Hongxue, West Gate Blows Snow, and Ye Gucheng also made their moves. Fu Hongxue's Bright Moon Blade of the Horizon released horizontal and vertical Saber Qi, instantly slaying several guards; West Gate Blows Snow and Ye Gucheng's sword techniques were fluid and elegant, and as their Sword Qi flashed, a few more guards fell.

However, the guards quickly organized a counterattack. They utilized the Shadow Cult's unique Cultivation Technique, and black Spiritual Power coiled toward the four, led by Qiao Feng, like snakes.

“Be careful, this Spiritual Power seems to be poisonous!” West Gate Blows Snow shouted. He quickly swung his long sword, shattering the approaching black Spiritual Power.

Ye Gucheng, meanwhile, unleashed the Flying Immortal from Beyond the Heavens. A brilliant sword light soared into the sky and shot toward the guards. The guards scattered to avoid it, but many were still struck by the sword light, screaming repeatedly.

Qiao Feng observed his surroundings while fighting. He noticed a tall tower not far away, which seemed to have a signaling device on top. If the guards sent a signal, the Shadow Cult experts deeper in the valley would swarm out.

“We can't let them send the signal! Fu Hongxue, you come with me to the tower. West Gate Blows Snow, Ye Gucheng, you hold these guards here!” Qiao Feng shouted.

“Understood!” Fu Hongxue replied, charging toward the tall tower with Qiao Feng.

West Gate Blows Snow and Ye Gucheng fully resisted the guards' attacks. Their sword techniques were exquisite, making it difficult for the guards to break through their defense for the time being.

Qiao Feng and Fu Hongxue quickly arrived at the base of the tall tower. Several stronger guards were stationed around the tower, and upon seeing Qiao Feng and Fu Hongxue, they immediately surrounded them.

“Hmph, do you think you can easily approach the tall tower?” a guard sneered.

Qiao Feng coldly snorted and said nothing, directly unleashing the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms. The powerful palm force shook the guards back several steps. Fu Hongxue seized the opportunity to attack; the Saber Qi from the Bright Moon Blade of the Horizon was like a black lightning bolt, instantly slaying one guard.

The two continued charging up the tall tower. However, a group of Shadow Cult experts suddenly poured out from inside the tower, wielding various weapons and attacking Qiao Feng and Fu Hongxue.

“Bring it on!” Qiao Feng roared, fighting fiercely back-to-back with Fu Hongxue. Qiao Feng's Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms were incredibly fierce, each strike carrying the momentum of overturning mountains and seas; Fu Hongxue's Bright Moon Blade of the Horizon possessed sharp Saber Intent, and his Saber Qi crisscrossed, repelling the approaching experts.

Outside the tall tower, the battle between West Gate Blows Snow, Ye Gucheng, and the guards also entered a fierce stage. The guards were numerous and continuously poured in. Although West Gate Blows Snow and Ye Gucheng possessed superb sword techniques, they gradually started to feel strained.

“We can't keep going like this. We must quickly deal with these guards and go support Qiao Feng and Fu Hongxue!” Ye Gucheng said.

West Gate Blows Snow nodded. The two unleashed their strongest sword moves. West Gate Blows Snow executed “Sword Twenty-Three,” releasing a powerful burst of Sword Qi that sent the surrounding guards flying. Ye Gucheng, meanwhile, used a variant sword move of the Flying Immortal from Beyond the Heavens; the sword light was like a bright moon, illuminating the entire battlefield, and under this formidable sword move, the guards suffered heavy casualties.

Just as West Gate Blows Snow and Ye Gucheng were preparing to support Qiao Feng and Fu Hongxue, a powerful wave of Spiritual Power suddenly erupted from the depths of the valley. Immediately afterward, a group of even stronger Shadow Cult experts rushed toward them.

“It seems the Shadow Cult experts have been alerted. We are in serious trouble,” West Gate Blows Snow said with a solemn expression.

Ye Gucheng tightened his grip on his long sword, his eyes resolute: "No matter how many people come, we cannot retreat!"

Meanwhile, atop the tall tower, Qiao Feng and Fu Hongxue were engaged in a fierce struggle with the Shadow Cult experts. Would they successfully prevent the guards from sending the signal? And could West Gate Blows Snow and Ye Gucheng withstand the attacks of the Shadow Cult experts? This operation, deep into the tiger's den, was becoming increasingly perilous...