Starting with SSS-rank talent, I contracted the Forbidden Ferocity.

The night at Zhenmo Pass is brighter than in the capital.

It's not a light.

It was the ceaseless fighting outside the city walls.

Even after the retreat of all the tribes, the Seventh Defense Line did not truly quiet down.

The Demon Suppression Army is counting the casualties, repairing the array patterns, and burning the corpses of the alien race.

The air was filled with the smells of blood, gunpowder, scorched earth, and cracked animal bones.

Shen Ye stood on the city wall, looking at the blood-red clouds in the distance.

Those purple eyes have disappeared.

But he knew that the Shadow Queen was still watching him.

This time, however, it would not treat him as an ordinary human prodigy.

It will see him as a threat that must be eliminated.

Qin Wuji walked to his side.

"That gesture you just made was quite provocative."

Shen Ye said, "It looked at me first."

Qin Wuji remained silent for a moment.

That makes sense.

Li Xuance stood on the other side and said softly:

"The Shadow Demon Clan suffered a great loss this time. Next time they make a move, it won't just be a fifth-tier general."

Chu Jinglan nodded.

"They will wait for an opportunity."

Meng Qianqiu wiped his sword and laughed:

"Then don't give them a chance."

Shen Ye did not respond.

He is looking at the system interface.

Military Merits: 12000

[Exchangeable Clues:]

[Nightfeather Tier 5 Evolution Material Clue: Nether Phoenix Ash Bone, requires 8000 Military Merits.]

[Clues to the fifth-tier evolution material for Candlelight Nine: Nine Nether Shadow Marrow, requires 8000 Military Merits.]

[Clues to Dragon Abyss Tier 5 Evolution Material: War King's Heart Bone, requires 8000 Military Merits.]

[Clue to the fifth-tier evolution material for the Calamity Dust: Calamity Annihilation Thunder Embryo, requires 10000 Military Merits.]

All four beasts are already at the mid-stage of the fourth rank.

However, to advance to the fifth tier, you can't just rely on ordinary resources.

Key materials corresponding to the mythological route are required.

Shen Ye pondered for a moment.

"Exchange for Night Feather Clues".

[8000 military merits consumed.]

[Clue obtained: Phoenix Ashes.]

Location: 300 li southwest of Zhenmo Pass, Crimson Abyss Fire Nest.

[Currently occupied by: The Fifth Vanguard Battalion of the Infernal Clan.]

[Danger Level: Tier 5]

[Note: The Nether Phoenix Ash Bone is one of the core materials for the fifth tier of the World-Destroying Nether Phoenix route, and can greatly enhance the awakening level of Night Feather's bloodline.]

Shen Ye's eyes brightened slightly.

Crimson Abyss Fire Nest.

The Flame Prison Clan.

Just right.

The captain of the Seventh Defense Line happened to be walking over and heard the words "Crimson Abyss Fire Nest," and his expression changed slightly.

"Night King, are you going to the Crimson Abyss Fire Nest?"

Shen Ye nodded.

The captain immediately said:

"That's one of the frontline strongholds of the Flame Prison Clan."

"The Fifth Vanguard Battalion is stationed there, and its commander, Yan Kui, is a late-stage fifth-tier powerhouse."

"Moreover, the terrain of the Crimson Abyss Fire Nest is unique, with crisscrossing underground fire veins. The combat power of the Flame Prison Clan will increase by at least 30% there."

Qin Wuji raised an eyebrow.

"The Fiery Prison Clan?"

"I'll go too."

Li Xuance asked, "What are you going to do?"

Qin Wuji said calmly:

"The young Emperor Thunder Ancestral Peng needs to temper its feathers with fire and thunder."

Chu Jinglan glanced at Shen Ye.

"You guys really know how to pick a place."

Meng Qianqiu sheathed his sword.

"Late stage of fifth rank, sounds good."

The captain looked at the group and his lips twitched.

These people have only been in Zhenmo Pass for one day, and they already plan to raid the vanguard camp of the Yanyu Clan?

He said in a deep voice:

"According to military regulations, launching a proactive attack on an enemy stronghold requires applying for a mission."

Shen Ye asked:

Where do I apply?

The captain remained silent for a moment.

Hall of Military Merit.

Half an hour later.

Hall of Military Merit.

Unlike the treasure troves in the capital, this place doesn't have as many elaborate rules and regulations.

The entire black iron wall was covered with mission signs.

[Clear out the Blood Demon Riders. A Tier 4 squad is recommended. Reward: 3000 Military Merit.]

[Recapture Position 3. Recommendation: Tier 5 leader. Reward: 12000 military merits.]

[Slay the Bone Demon Centurion, reward 5000 military merits.]

Shen Ye walked to the deepest part.

There was a dark red quest sign hanging there.

[Reconnaissance mission for the Crimson Abyss Fire Nest.]

[Objective: Assess the strength of the Fifth Vanguard Battalion of the Flame Prison Clan.]

[Recommendation: Tier 5 scout squad.]

[Reward: 8000 military merits.]

Shen Ye raised his hand and took off the mission token.

Many soldiers from the Demon Suppression Army looked over from inside the Hall of Military Merit.

Someone recognized him.

"The Night King?"

"Is he going to take over the Crimson Abyss Fire Nest?"

"The Flame Prison Clan has recently reinforced their troops in that area; three scouting teams have already been wiped out."

The steward of the Military Merit Hall looked at Shen Ye and reminded him:

"Night King, this is a reconnaissance mission."

"It's not a direct assault."

Shen Ye nodded.

"Know."

Just as the deacon breathed a sigh of relief, Shen Ye continued:

"After reconnaissance, if we can take it out, we'll take it out as well."

deacon:"……"

The hall was completely silent.

Meng Qianqiu laughed out loud from the side.

"Take out the vanguard of the Flame Prison Clan while we're at it."

"I like hearing that."

Qin Wuji said:

Count me in.

Li Xuanze sighed softly:

"You're making it sound so easy."

Chu Jinglan looked at him.

"So you're not going?"

Li Xuance smiled.

"I'll go."

Shen Ye placed the mission card on the Demon Suppression Army Order.

[Task accepted successfully.]

[Target: Crimson Abyss Fire Nest.]

[Basic Mission: Investigate the Fifth Vanguard Battalion of the Infernal Clan.]

[Bonus Merit: Killing Camp Commander Yan Kui, 30000 Military Merits.]

A system notification then appeared.

Side quest unlocked: Crimson Abyss Fire Nest.

[Task 1: Obtain the Ashes of the Nether Phoenix.]

[Mission Two: Slay Yan Kui, the leader of the Yan Yu Clan.]

Mission 3: Destroy the Crimson Abyss Fire Nest.

[Rewards: Nightfeather's fifth-tier evolution path unlocked, 20000 evolution points, 3 Flame Prison Clan talent fragments.]

Shen Ye put away the military order.

Night Feather stood on his shoulder, a hint of dark red appearing in the ghostly flames.

It sensed it too.

It finds what it desires in the Crimson Abyss Fire Nest.

Shen Ye raised his eyes and looked towards the southwest direction of Zhenmo Pass.

"Walk."