Chapter 28: The Infiltration
Blackthorn Gorge was as treacherous as the maps had suggested. Steep cliffs surrounded the Shadow Fang Sect's supply depot, creating a natural fortress that was both difficult to access and easy to defend. Zhang Wei crouched behind a cluster of rocks at the gorge's edge, surveying the compound below with a critical eye.
The depot was a sprawling structure carved into the cliffs, with storage buildings, barracks, and watchtowers spread across the rocky terrain. Guards patrolled the perimeter, their dark robes blending with the shadows cast by flickering torches.
The system chimed: Host must utilize Shadow Step Technique and advanced stealth methods to bypass enemy defenses. Detection will compromise mission success.
Zhang Wei turned to his team, their faces illuminated faintly by the torches below. Each member of his group was a seasoned disciple, handpicked for their skills in infiltration and combat.
"We move silently and quickly," Zhang Wei whispered. "Our goal is to plant the explosives at the depot's key supply points and retreat before they know we're here. Stick to the plan, and we'll make it out alive."
The team nodded, their determination evident.
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Activating his Shadow Step Technique, Zhang Wei led his team down the cliffside, their movements silent as they navigated the rocky terrain. They reached the depot's outer perimeter without drawing attention, their Qi carefully masked to avoid detection.
Zhang Wei motioned for his team to split up, each group tasked with targeting a specific supply cache. He himself moved toward the central storage building, where the largest concentration of supplies was kept.
The system chimed softly: Host must remain vigilant. High-level enemies detected in the area.
As Zhang Wei approached the storage building, he spotted two guards stationed at the entrance. Their postures were relaxed, suggesting they weren't expecting an attack. Zhang Wei used the Shadow Step Technique to close the distance, dispatching them with swift, precise strikes before they could react.
Inside the storage building, Zhang Wei planted the explosives at key structural points, each one glowing faintly as it was armed. He moved quickly, his senses on high alert for any signs of danger.
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Outside, the rest of the team completed their tasks, each group planting explosives and retreating to their designated rendezvous point. The depot remained blissfully unaware of the intruders in their midst.
Zhang Wei activated the final explosive and stepped out into the night air, his heart pounding as he signaled for his team to retreat. They regrouped at the edge of the gorge, their breathing heavy but their spirits high.
The system chimed: Objective complete. Host must trigger explosives from a safe distance.
Zhang Wei raised his hand, channeling a small burst of Qi to the detonator in his palm. Moments later, the gorge lit up with a series of deafening explosions, the shockwaves shaking the ground beneath their feet.
The Shadow Fang Sect's supply depot was reduced to rubble, its stores of weapons and resources consumed by the flames.
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As they retreated into the forest, Zhang Wei couldn't help but smile. "We did it," he said, his voice filled with quiet satisfaction.
The system chimed: Quest complete. Rewarding Sect Contribution Points and advanced infiltration techniques.
The knowledge of new techniques flooded Zhang Wei's mind, sharpening his skills and enhancing his ability to move unseen.
But his relief was short-lived. The destruction of the depot would undoubtedly provoke a fierce response from the Shadow Fang Sect.
"This war isn't over," Zhang Wei murmured as he led his team deeper into the forest. "But we've taken a major step forward."