Vol. 1 - Chapter 103 - Entering the Mountain
To ensure victory, one must first plan for defeat.
On the eve of their departure, the clan worked out a detailed strategy. Wolf-like ferocious beasts are notoriously suspicious and vengeful. If they failed to kill the green wolf and it escaped, it could bring significant trouble to the clan.
While the clan’s main base was protected by the Divine Tree and was likely safe from the green wolf, the clan members would still need to work outside in the spring, giving the green wolf an opportunity to attack. Therefore, the clan’s plan required a decisive strike.
The green wolf’s head must be severed. Without its leader, the pack would collapse on its own. Otherwise, the clan would suffer greatly. This plan had to succeed.
Considering the complex terrain of Chaotic Burial Mountain and the time it could take to locate the green wolf, Chen Xingzhen decided that the hunting party would enter the mountain through the clan’s secret tunnel.
The tunnel should not just be an escape route; if necessary, some established rules could be set aside. This would shorten the battlefront and ensure that the clan members were adequately supplied.
After thoroughly considering all aspects, the clan members prepared to leave the next day. Despite the meticulous preparations, this mission carried significant risks. However, the resources of Chaotic Burial Mountain were too valuable for the clan to abandon.
Besides, once the green wolf had established a foothold in Chaotic Burial Mountain, who could say that it wouldn’t have expansionist ambitions? Two tigers cannot share a mountain. Instead of playing passive defense, it was better to take the initiative.
The night before the departure, many clan members were visibly excited. This mission was different from previous clan conflicts. In the past, they had been the weaker side, but now the clan was taking the offensive.
This marked the clan’s growing strength. The more the clan grew stronger, the more confident the clan members became. As their confidence increased, the clan grew even stronger.
The next day, Chen Tianjing, Chen Tianyu, and about ten other clan members gathered at the shrine, fully prepared. Of these ten, half were Blood Coagulation Realm martial artists, while the rest were late-stage Body Tempering Realm martial artists or skilled hunters who knew how to set traps. In addition, there was Chen Qingyu, who had just entered the Innate Realm.
This formidable lineup was the strongest force in the clan, ensuring that nothing would go wrong. Before leaving, Chen Xingzhen led everyone in a silent prayer to the Divine Tree, and only then did they set out.
This time, Ji Yang did not bestow the locust leaves. With the Five Viscera Ascension Technique, as long as their heads and hearts remained intact, they could be saved even if they were on the verge of death.
This confidence stemmed from the protection of the Divine Tree, which gave the clan members a sense of security. After leaving the tunnel, the group left the emergency supplies prepared by the clan at the exit of the tunnel, taking only two days’ worth of dry food with them to travel lightly.
Among the group, Chen Qingyu had already suppressed his aura and blended in with the others. If he released his aura, the green wolf might sense the danger and avoid a confrontation. Chaotic Burial Mountain was vast, and if the green wolf truly wanted to escape, no one in the clan could stop him.
“Tianjing, you and Tianlu take the lead.”
“I’ll bring up the rear with Tianmo.”
“Qingyu, keep an eye on both sides. If you see any movement, let us know immediately.”
...
Soon, the group had arranged their formation and set out.
The group consisted of the elite members of the clan, most of whom were from the Tian generation. They had a strong sense of coordination among themselves. With Chen Qingyu, an Innate Realm martial artist, even the Innate Realm green wolf was not beyond their confidence to kill.
Without saying much, the group left the tunnel and slowly made their way to the center of Chaotic Burial Mountain.
The place where the wolf pack lived would surely have traces. With their experience, it wouldn’t take long to find their lair.
On the way, they encountered several green wolves that attacked them. However, these wolves were only at the Body Tempering Realm stage. Without Chen Qingyu’s intervention, they were easily killed by Chen Tianlu and a few other Blood Coagulation Realm martial artists who were leading the way.
However, the appearance of those green wolves made the clan members more vigilant. Although they had only been on the road for a short while, several green wolves had already appeared. This indicated that the number of green wolves in Chaotic Burial Mountain might be greater than they had expected.
This did not dampen the enthusiasm of the clan members, though. Despite the many green wolves, they were not weak.
Wolves are pack animals and often return to their dens at night. Therefore, the group soon made a discovery and found a place that seemed to be the lair of the green wolves.
"Wait!"
As the group advanced, Chen Qingyu suddenly raised his hand, signaling for everyone to stop. Seeing Chen Qingyu’s reaction, Chen Tianyu and the others also became serious, thinking that the Innate Realm green wolf was nearby.
...
"Qinghe, are we really going to do this? What if your parents find out?"
In the dense forest, two fully armed youths cautiously surveyed their surroundings, listening intently to the sounds in front of them.
Upon hearing Chen Qingmeng’s doubts, Chen Qinghe sighed, "We’ve already come this far. If we’re discovered, so be it. Remember last time? I didn’t make a sound when I was punished."
"Didn't your mother shove something in your mouth?" Chen Qingmeng asked, skeptical.
Chen Qinghe glared at him, "Did I make a sound?"
Chen Qingmeng thought for a moment and shook his head.
"Exactly. Now that we're both mid-stage Body Tempering Realm martial artists, we know the clan’s fighting techniques."
"Why do you think they won't let us participate in this mission? It's such an important event for the clan. What do you think my father and the clan leader are thinking?"
"Besides, aren't we here to gain experience? How else will we be able to help the clan in the future?"
Chen Qinghe paused for a moment, then continued, "We’ve already made up our minds. If we’re caught, we’re caught. Remember, we're doing this for the clan."
Chen Qingmeng nodded resolutely, “You’re right. It’s for the clan’s future.”
"Huh? Why is it so quiet?"
"Hurry, follow them, we can’t let them get away!"
Suddenly, Chen Qinghe raised his hand and gestured for Chen Qingmeng to follow him. Though both youths had some courage, they kept a distance from the main group to avoid being noticed.
If they got lost in the dense Chaotic Burial Mountain, it would be extremely dangerous.
They both moved quickly along the cleared path in front of them. However, after a while, they still couldn’t find any sign of the others.
Chen Qinghe, frowning, crouched down and carefully examined the tracks around him.
He muttered, "Where is everyone?"
"Qinghe, stop looking. Let’s go back."
Chen Qingmeng’s voice came from behind, but Chen Qinghe waved his hand, motioning for him to stay quiet. “We can't stop now. I don’t think they could have shaken us off. Just wait—let me take a closer look.”
He suddenly froze.Nôv(el)B\\jnn
At that moment, a cold, mocking laugh echoed behind them. Startled, Chen Qinghe turned around to find one of the clan elders standing not far behind them, smiling.
And then, Chen Qinghe froze. His father, Chen Tianjing, was standing there, his expression stern.