You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

Any intelligence, whether true or false, must be reported immediately through the most secretive channels!

A cold glint flashed in Liu Yu's eyes, and she clasped her hands firmly in a fist salute.

"Disciple understands!"

"Junior Brother Huang."

Chen Yang looked at Master Huang.

"You are responsible for coordinating all 'undercover' and peripheral intelligence personnel to ensure smooth and confidential communication!"

Master Huang quickly assured him.

"Don't worry, Senior Brother Sect Leader! This old Daoist will do his utmost!"

Chen Yang suddenly stood up, placed his hands on the armrests of the chair, and a powerful pressure filled the entire hall.

"Gentlemen! What I have said today is for the safety of Qingwei! Each team has a clear task, and everyone must perform their duties diligently! Be relaxed on the outside but tight on the inside! Defend the foundation, cut off the claws and teeth, and probe the enemy's heart!"
He thinks the Heavenly Dao Alliance can stir up trouble? Then let him see just how sharp the sword of my Qingwei Xuanmen, forged through countless trials, truly is! Disperse…

Before the word "disperse" could be uttered, the anxious yet slightly joyful voice of the disciple on duty came from outside the main hall.

"Reporting to the Sect Leader! Fellow True Immortals! Director Jianghe of the Special Administration Bureau, along with Captain Qiuniu, Captain Bifang, and others... have presented their name cards outside the mountain gate, saying they have important matters to discuss with the Sect Leader!"

"Rivers and rivers? Qiuniu?"

Chen Yang's eyes flickered. An unexpected ally from the Yunmengze Swamp last night? Arriving at this critical juncture... Could it also be related to the Heavenly Dao Alliance?

Master Liuyun frowned and whispered.

"The Special Administration Bureau? What are they getting involved in now?"

Chen Yang slightly raised his hand to suppress the discussions in the hall and said in a deep voice.

"Please! Open the main gate wide, I will personally greet you!"

Whether friend, foe, or potential ally, in this turbulent time, the Qingwei faction cannot ignore any force.

Even when the sun was shining brightly, the atmosphere was harmonious and peaceful in the private room on the top floor of "Zui Xian Ju," a top-class restaurant in Qingwei School that was antique and not open to outsiders.

A continuous stream of delicacies were served on the table, mainly using local Ling Shan specialties. The dishes were prepared by the sect's most skilled chefs, and were perfect in color, aroma, taste, and presentation, imbued with spiritual energy.

There is also the Qingwei School's secret brew, 'Yunlu Niang,' which has been treasured for many years. The liquor is sweet and fragrant, with a smooth and lingering taste and a long-lasting aftertaste.

Chen Yang naturally sat in the main seat. On the Special Administration Bureau's side, Jiang He was in the center, with Qiu Niu to his left. Qiu Niu's imposing figure was extremely imposing even when he suppressed his aura. To his right sat a graceful red-haired woman with a wild and untamed spirit between her brows. She was none other than Captain Bi Fang, who controlled fire-attribute abilities.

Huang Zhenren, Li Zhengguo, and Liu Yu from the Qingwei Sect were also present. After several rounds of drinks and five dishes, the Qingwei Sect had finished their meal.

"Director Jiang, gentlemen, this is a simple meal from Qingwei Mountain, just some coarse tea and light wine, to express my heartfelt sentiments."

Chen Yang raised his glass with composure.

"Sect Leader Chen, you're too kind!"

Jiang He laughed heartily and raised his glass in return.

"This Cloud Dew Brew is sweet and refreshing, and it also contains a faint spiritual energy to nourish the internal organs and bones. It is a rare and wonderful product! Even the fine wine specially supplied to our bureau is inferior to it."

"Thank you for your hospitality, Sect Leader!"

His words were indeed true; after drinking a cup of spiritual wine, even his supernatural abilities became more acute. Qiuniu and Bifang both nodded in agreement.

After a few drinks, the atmosphere became more lively. Jiang He put down his glass, the smile on his square face faded slightly, and his tone became low and serious.

"To be honest, Sect Leader Chen, fellow Daoists, the reason why our Special Administration Bureau has suddenly come to bother us is because... we empathize with your situation and are seeking cooperation."

Master Huang, Li Zhengguo, Liu Yu, and the others' expressions changed instantly! The Special Administration Bureau's predicament... was exactly the same as their Qingwei Sect's! They were practically cut from the same cloth!
"Hmph! Lawless!"

Sitting to the left of Chen Yang, Li Zhengguo couldn't help but let out a heavy snort.

"Even your official agencies dare to act so blatantly!"
What exactly are these people trying to do?

Although he was speaking to the Special Administration Bureau, the indignation in his words clearly stemmed from shared hatred of the enemy.

Chen Yang's expression was calm, but a cold glint shone deep in his eyes as he put down the jade cup in his hand.

"Oh? Judging from Director Jiang's words, you must have already identified these sneaky individuals?"

Jiang He exchanged a glance with Qiu Niu and Bi Fang, nodded solemnly, and said in a deep voice.

"Although there is no 100% irrefutable evidence, I am 90% certain!"

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice.

"It's that 'Heavenly Dao Alliance' that's recently emerged and is incredibly arrogant!"

As expected! The Qingwei group understood and were not surprised.

"This is outrageous!"

Sitting at the end of the table, Liu Yu's eyes were like knives. She couldn't help but speak out, and although she tried to suppress it, her coldness was still palpable.

"It's not just you! From last night until this morning, the Heavenly Dao Alliance sent people to break into my sect leader's pavilion and assassinate him! Today, they even openly kidnapped villagers in the villages surrounding my spiritual medicine base and injured my Qingwei Elder!"

She had a good relationship with Uncle Li, and her tone carried an undisguised anger and a hint of lingering fear.

Although Master Liuyun was not present, all those seated at this moment were core members of Qingwei. Upon hearing this, Bifang's delicate eyebrows furrowed, and her fiery eyes instantly ignited with anger.

"What?! How dare they be so arrogant! They even dared to assassinate Sect Leader Chen? These bastards are simply courting death!"

The Special Administration Bureau had a very high assessment of Chen Yang's strength and potential, so how could they not be shocked and furious upon hearing about the thrilling assassination attempt last night?

Qiuniu's large, fan-like hands gripped the wine glass so tightly it creaked, and his eyes flashed with a fierce light.

"This is outrageous! Is Sect Leader Chen alright?"

He turned his concerned gaze to Chen Yang.

Chen Yang waved his hand, indicating that he was fine.

"Those petty tricks couldn't take my life. They only damaged my vital energy."

His tone was calm, yet it underscored the weight of his words and the strength behind the perilous situation he had encountered.

Jiang He's expression grew even more solemn, tinged with sorrow.

"So your sect also suffered such a heavy blow this morning... It seems our prediction was correct; the Heavenly Dao Alliance is going all out!"

He slammed his hand on the table, his eyes gleaming with wisdom and decisiveness.

"Sect Leader Chen! Fellow Daoists of Qingwei! The situation has become like this!"

Since they want to cause chaos, they see you traditional sects and our official forces that represent order as thorns in their side!

Rather than fighting individually and being constantly harassed and defeated one by one, it's better to join forces! Let's fight this monster together! Let's unite as one! Let's break their claws completely!

"Okay!" Chen Yang didn't hesitate at all, his eyes sharp as lightning.

"Our Qingwei faction shares the same sentiment! I wonder what specific plans Director Jiang has?"

Jiang He clearly had a prepared answer in mind and immediately replied.

"Based on our comprehensive intelligence analysis, the Heavenly Alliance's large-scale activities this time are by no means just to create chaos! Its core objective is extremely secretive!"
We paid a heavy price to confirm even a small clue—they are conducting an extremely important secret project, likely codenamed "Black Tortoise," on a secluded island near the edge of the 'Misty Sea' in the South China Sea! The resources they've invested are beyond imagination! It might even…involve ancient ruins!

"A deserted island? Ancient ruins?"

Master Huang exclaimed in surprise.

"Exactly!"

Jiang He's eyes were burning.

"The island has a unique geological structure and recently experienced a brief but unusual energy tide, which is highly suspicious!"
They have blockaded the surrounding waters, with security far exceeding that of ordinary outposts! Both of our top-notch infiltration reconnaissance teams returned empty-handed, suffering heavy losses, and only brought back vague and fragmented intelligence, making it difficult to grasp the full picture!
But one thing is certain—this 'Black Tortoise' plan is very likely crucial to whether they can achieve a core stage of their plan! If it thwarts their plans, it will severely damage their arrogance!

Qiuniu hummed.

"A direct assault would result in too many losses and there is no absolute certainty of success. It might also alert the enemy and allow them to disappear into the shadows."

"Sect Leader Chen, we wish to emulate the ancient tactic of 'openly repairing the plank road while secretly crossing the Chencang pass'!"

"Appreciate further details."

Chen Yang picked up his wine glass, took a sip, and looked calm.

Simply put...

Bi Fang took over the conversation, speaking succinctly.

"Disguise! Infiltrate! Fight fire with fire!"

Her eyes shone with a fiery light.

"Director Jianghe has already found an opportunity—three days from now, a supply fleet carrying special materials will bypass the main shipping route at midnight and anchor at a hidden reef chain anchorage less than seventy nautical miles from the target island for a camouflage rotation!"

This is the perfect opportunity for us to slip in unnoticed! We can infiltrate their ranks or supply ships and head straight for the core island!

Jiang He added.

"The key to this operation lies in two points."

First, the force must be absolutely elite; quality over quantity! The target island's security measures are extremely peculiar, and a large number of people would easily expose them.

Secondly, our personnel must be proficient in adaptability, infiltration, and disguise! Furthermore, they must possess sufficient combat capabilities to handle unforeseen crises!

He looked at Chen Yang, his tone questioning.

"I know that Qingwei Mountain Sect has produced many talented people, and Sect Leader Chen has many capable and extraordinary individuals under his command."

Would you be willing to send personnel to cooperate? If we cooperate, with the intelligence support and some technical cover provided by my Special Administration Bureau, and with the assistance of your expert personnel, our chances of intercepting key information and disrupting their deployment will greatly increase!

All eyes immediately focused on Chen Yang.

Chen Yang tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, his gaze deep. After a moment, a sharp, knife-like smile slowly curved his lips.

"Director Jiang's plan is excellent!"

He was resolute.

"We, the Qingwei faction, have no choice but to shoulder this responsibility!"

He glanced around.

"Senior Sister Liu Yu! You are skilled in tracking and concealment, and your quick thinking is exceptional! You will personally lead the team!"

Liu Yu stood up without hesitation, clasped his hands in a fist salute, and said in a deep voice.

"I will obey the sect leader's decree!"

Chen Yang's gaze then turned to Uncle Li, who was standing beside him and had temporarily regained some of his health.

"Elder Li! Your divine sense perception and your ability to communicate with the earth's veins are unparalleled! This journey is fraught with danger and unpredictable; please be sure to assist me secretly!"

He intends to use this extraordinary person, who possesses the ability to perceive the essence of the mountain god, as his trump card.

Uncle Li's expression was solemn as he clasped his hands in a fist salute.

"Don't worry, Sect Leader Chen! I will risk my life to ensure the safety of this journey!"

His words carried an unyielding weight.

"it is good!"

Jiang He was overjoyed at the sight and suddenly stood up and raised his glass.

"With the assistance of your two powerful allies, this journey is sure to be fruitful! Jianghe hereby pledges his gratitude with a drink—Sect Leader Chen, fellow Daoists of Qingwei! May we unite as one, sever the clutches of evil, and thwart their treacherous schemes! Cheers!"

"Dry!"

The clinking of the wine glasses was crisp and clear!
A sharp glint ignited in the eyes of the key figures of the Qingwei faction.

The luncheon was a pleasant affair for all, but everyone knew that the real storm was just beginning to brew.

To avoid suspicion and ensure absolute secrecy, the two sides agreed to meet at the back gate of "Zui Xian Ju" at midnight three days later, but did not set off immediately.

Until the sun sank behind the western mountains and dusk settled in.

In the depths of Qingwei Mountain, in a few inconspicuous courtyards, the lights went out one by one.

Several figures, each with their auras concealed to the extreme and dressed in different ways, silently left the Qingwei Sect's mountain gate, like ghosts blending into the forest.

They were either elderly men gathering herbs with baskets on their backs, urban white-collar women in stylish trench coats preparing to leave Qingquan Ancient Town, or young men heading to the city for work in groups...

A secret infiltration targeting the core plan of the Heavenly Alliance has already begun under the cover of night!
The next day, the whistling of the propellers tearing through the sea breeze gradually subsided, and the silver-gray Gulfstream business jet glided smoothly across the clear blue sky above the South China Sea, finally landing gracefully on the private tarmac of Binhai City, the largest hub city on the southern coast. The cabin door opened, and a warm breeze carrying the scent of the sea and the warmth of the tropical sun rushed in.

"The weather here is much hotter and more humid than in the mountains."

Disguised as a capable business assistant, Liu Yu adjusted her non-prescription gold-rimmed glasses and said in a low voice.

She wore a well-tailored beige suit, exuding a capable and efficient air, completely different from the aloof and icy image of the Qingwei Sect's cultivators.

Uncle Li next to him had completely changed. His gray hair was neatly combed, he was wearing a brand-new navy blue work uniform, his back was slightly hunched, his face was deeply wrinkled, and he was carrying a worn-out tool bag with a hardware brand printed on it. He looked exactly like an old rural worker who had come to the big city with his "son" to work and supplement the family income.

He responded in a muffled, buzzing voice.

"Yes, Liu... girl, it's very humid by the sea."

Chen Yang was dressed in ordinary casual clothes, his expression calm, his sharp eyes scanning the area around the tarmac.

He concealed all his cultivator aura, appearing like a recent graduate, slightly naive and inexperienced in the ways of the world. Only Jiang He, Qiu Niu, and Bi Fang maintained their true selves; though their auras were restrained, they still possessed the composure of someone long accustomed to high positions. (End of Chapter)