The sky began to redden as dawn broke, but exhaustion had yet to touch Zhi Hao and his team. They arrived at a remote hillside marked on the map, seemingly a secret rendezvous point for the Shadow Eastern organization.He Lian spread the map over a large stone, pointing at one of the symbols. “This point should be one of their small bases. But we don’t know how many people are inside or how tightly guarded it is.”Black 4 scrutinized the map closely. “If they know we took documents from the warehouse, they’ve likely increased their defenses here.”“Even better,” Zhi Hao replied emotionlessly. “We’ll keep them busy here while I infiltrate the interior.”“Master, it’s too risky for you to go in alone,” Black 5 protested.“I’m not asking for your permission,” Zhi Hao replied firmly. “Black 4, you and He Lian will create a diversion on the western side. Black 5, cover the eastern side. Don’t let anyone escape.”“Understood,” they responded in unison.Zhi Hao moved like a shadow, utilizing

The night was dark, with no moonlight illuminating the sky. A cold wind blew softly, carrying the scent of an impending battle. Zhi Hao stood on a small hill, observing the battlefield that would mark the first stage of his strategy. Behind him, Black 1 and Black 4 reported the readiness of their forces.“Infiltration teams are in position,” Black 1 reported firmly.“The main forces of the Ling and Huai Clans are also moving towards their targets,” added Black 4.Zhi Hao nodded, his gaze fixed on the horizon. “Good. We proceed as planned.”The Ling Clan’s AssaultIn the northeast, the night was eerily silent, as if the world held its breath for the unfolding events. Ling Yuan, with his sword sheathed at his waist, personally led the operation. Ahead of them lay the Eastern Shadow’s Armory, fortified with layered defenses and dozens of well-equipped guards.“We must move quickly and silently,” Ling Yuan whispered, signaling his team.Thanks to the Zhi Clan’s infiltration unit, a small

The night sky was pitch black, mirroring the looming threat about to unfold. Zhi Hao stood firm amidst the ruins of the Eastern Shadow’s base, his breaths heavy from the fierce battle. The wielder of the Dark Sword lay lifeless at his feet, yet the battlefield still bristled with tension.Suddenly, the ground began to tremble. This vibration wasn’t caused by marching troops but by something far greater—a force so immense it made the very air grow heavy.“This… this isn’t normal pressure,” murmured He Lian, his face pale.From the darkness, a figure emerged. He walked slowly, yet each step shook the ground, creating a pressure that forced many of the Zhi Clan soldiers to their knees. The man was tall and muscular, cloaked in black robes adorned with golden patterns that shimmered like stars. In his hand was a massive dark sword, its blade seemingly devouring all light around it.“Zhi Hao,” the man’s voice was deep and resonant, like an echo from the depths of hell. “You’ve challenged t

He Lian stared at the blue crystal orb with curiosity. "Perhaps we should bring it to the Ancient Library Tower in Jingyuan City. There are many old records there that might give us clues.""That's a good idea," Zhi Hao said, storing the crystal orb into his storage pouch. "But before that, we need to ensure there’s no residual energy from the valley that could affect the surrounding areas. We also must keep what happened here a secret."Black 1 nodded. "We will secure the area before returning to headquarters."Zhi Hao walked through the quiet courtyard of his residence after returning from the sealed valley. The moon hung high in the sky, casting a soft glow over everything, creating a serene atmosphere. Yet his mind was restless, occupied with the mystery of the blue crystal orb now safely stored in his possession.As he opened the main hall doors, the bracelet on his wrist—Qianlong—spoke in a voice only he could hear."Hao, enter the World Ring. There’s something you need to know,

The golden light radiating from the formation Zhi Hao had created enveloped the Zhi Clan’s headquarters in a brilliant glow. This energy field not only served as a protective barrier but also enriched the surrounding spiritual essence, fostering cultivation progress among the clan members.Standing at the formation’s core, Zhi Hao carefully guided the flow of energy from the golden-blue crystal he still held. His hands moved methodically, forming intricate seals in the air to stabilize the formation.“This cultivation field will be the backbone of the Zhi Clan,” he murmured to himself.Moments later, the clan’s elders and core members hurried to the site, their faces filled with awe and curiosity.“Young Patriarch, what have you done? The energy around our headquarters feels much denser!” one of the elders asked eagerly.Turning to face them, Zhi Hao smiled calmly. “This is my gift to the Zhi Clan. This cultivation field will accelerate your growth. I want to ensure that the Zhi Clan