The quiet of the Rusty Blade was replaced with an air of urgency as Tang Xiu outlined his strategy. Each word was calculated, each step methodical. His allies listened intently, the gravity of the mission sinking in.
"We'll divide into two teams," Tang Xiu began, his voice calm but commanding. "One team will create a diversion near the base's entrance. The Shadow Sect expects strength, so we'll give them chaos. Meanwhile, the second team will infiltrate from the rear, targeting their leadership and cutting off communication."
Xu Liang frowned, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "And how exactly are we going to pull off this 'infiltration'? Their bases are probably loaded with traps and guards."
Tang Xiu nodded. "That's why I'll handle it. I've dealt with far more complex fortresses in my past life. Lei Xian and Old Hu will join me. Xu Liang, you'll lead the diversion team."
Xu Liang's eyes widened. "Wait, me? Boss, I'm good with my fists, but leading a team? That's not exactly my specialty."
Tang Xiu's gaze was steady. "You've got the instincts and the charisma to rally people. The diversion doesn't need finesse, just boldness. Trust yourself."
Lei Xian slapped Xu Liang on the back, grinning. "Relax, Xu Liang. Just make some noise and throw a few punches. You'll do fine."
Old Hu cleared his throat, bringing the focus back to the plan. "If we're splitting up, we'll need to be careful about timing. One misstep and the Shadow Sect could crush us before we even get close."
Tang Xiu smirked. "That's why we'll strike under cover of night. Their arrogance will work in our favor—they won't expect a group of 'peasants' to attack their stronghold."
The group exchanged glances, their determination outweighing their doubts.
Night descended, blanketing the forest surrounding the Shadow Sect's base in darkness. The air was thick with tension as Tang Xiu and his team moved silently through the undergrowth. Ahead, the faint glow of torches marked their target.
"Remember," Tang Xiu whispered, his voice barely audible, "don't engage unless absolutely necessary. The diversion team will keep most of their forces busy."
Lei Xian nodded, gripping his weapon tightly. "Got it. No heroics."
Old Hu scanned the area, his sharp eyes catching every movement. "The rear entrance should be just ahead. Let's hope their defenses are as lax as your informant claimed."
Tang Xiu smiled faintly. "Lax or not, they won't stop us."
As they approached the rear of the base, the sounds of shouting and clashing steel erupted from the front. Xu Liang and his team had begun their assault.
"Perfect timing," Tang Xiu murmured, leading his group closer to the base.
The rear entrance was guarded by two sentries, their stances relaxed as they watched the distant commotion. Tang Xiu signaled for silence, moving swiftly and precisely. Before the guards could react, he struck with pinpoint accuracy, rendering them unconscious without a sound.
"Quick and clean," Lei Xian whispered, impressed.
Tang Xiu motioned for them to follow as he pushed open the heavy wooden door, revealing a narrow corridor dimly lit by flickering lanterns.
"Stay close," Tang Xiu instructed. "This base might seem primitive, but the Shadow Sect is cunning. Expect traps."
The group moved cautiously, their steps silent as they navigated the labyrinthine passages. Tang Xiu's sharp instincts guided them, his knowledge of formations and hidden mechanisms proving invaluable.
Meanwhile, at the front of the base, Xu Liang and his team were holding their ground against a wave of Shadow Sect enforcers.
"Hold the line!" Xu Liang bellowed, his voice cutting through the chaos. He swung his staff with practiced ease, knocking back two opponents in quick succession.
One of his allies, a wiry young man named Cheng, shouted over the noise, "Xu Liang! They're bringing reinforcements!"
Xu Liang grinned, blood trickling from a cut on his cheek. "Good! Let them come. The more we keep here, the fewer Tang Xiu has to deal with inside."
Cheng shook his head, muttering, "This guy's crazy."
Back inside the base, Tang Xiu and his team reached a large chamber where the Shadow Sect's leadership had gathered.
"They're in there," Old Hu whispered, peering through a crack in the door. "Looks like a council meeting. Five of them, heavily armed."
Tang Xiu's eyes gleamed with cold determination. "Perfect. We'll strike fast and end this before they realize what's happening."
Lei Xian grinned. "Now you're speaking my language."
Tang Xiu pushed the door open, his presence commanding as he stepped into the room. The leaders of the Shadow Sect turned, their surprise quickly replaced with anger.
"Who dares intrude?" one of them barked, drawing his blade.
Tang Xiu's voice was calm but icy. "Tang Xiu. Remember my name, for it's the last one you'll hear."
The battle erupted in an instant, Tang Xiu and his team moving like a well-oiled machine. Old Hu's agility and precision complemented Lei Xian's brute strength, while Tang Xiu's mastery of martial techniques left the Shadow Sect leaders struggling to keep up.
One by one, the leaders fell, their arrogance shattered by Tang Xiu's overwhelming power.
As the last leader crumpled to the ground, Tang Xiu stood over him, his gaze piercing. "Tell your master this: I am coming for him. And when I do, the Shadow Sect will fall."
The leader coughed, blood staining his lips, but he managed a weak grin. "You think this changes anything? The Shadow Sect is bigger than you can imagine. You're nothing but a speck of dust."
Tang Xiu's expression didn't waver. "Then I'll make the dust a storm."
With that, he delivered the final blow, silencing the man's defiance.
As dawn broke over the forest, Tang Xiu and his team emerged victorious. The Shadow Sect's base lay in ruins, a testament to their determination.
Xu Liang greeted them with a weary smile, his team battered but alive. "You made it. Guess the plan worked."
Tang Xiu nodded, his expression unreadable. "This is only the beginning. The Shadow Sect will retaliate, but now they know they're not untouchable."
Lei Xian clapped a hand on Tang Xiu's shoulder. "What's next, Boss?"
Tang Xiu's gaze turned to the horizon, his voice resolute. "We keep moving forward. One battle at a time, until the Shadow Sect is no more."