Chapter 458: Infiltration Team

"If you succeed in rescuing your companion, or discover and destroy the evil ritual core they are attempting to perform—desecrating the peace of earth and rock—we hope to gain the mining rights to the portion of the 'Vortex of Rotting Breath' near our territory, the black obsidian mining area now polluted by them. You must help us remove the contamination."

The Shi Chui leader's thought carried a trace of longing and resolve: "That place originally had high-quality black obsidian veins, now corrupted by filth. We believe that if the contamination is cleared, it will resume production. This will aid our tribe's development."

This demand was not excessive; it could even be called mutual benefit.

Cleaning the mineral area polluted by the Beast God benefits the Shi Gui tribe and indirectly hinders the Beast God's plans.

Chen Mu and Tian Xi Xingjun quickly exchanged thoughts through divine intent; Tian Xi Xingjun expressed agreement.

"We accept this exchange."

Chen Mu solemnly promised the Shi Chui leader: "If successful, we will do our utmost to assist in removing the contamination from the black obsidian mining area. Now, could you please tell us the approximate location and precautions of those hidden passages?"

Seeing Chen Mu agree so readily and his promise align with the Shi Gui tribe's interests, the Shi Chui leader conveyed satisfaction through thought.

It turned, using its massive stone fingers to carve into the hard ground a simple yet clearly structured map, drawn with unique, forceful lines.

"Look here, beneath the third ventilation shaft, three hundred zhang down in the Seventh Hive Zone of Qianku Mountain, there is an old exploration tunnel entrance buried under rubble—only a pure force strike on specific rock layer nodes can open it..."

"Travel northeast along this passage for about fifteen li, and you will encounter an underground river; cracks in the rock ceiling above allow climbing..."

"Beware the 'Ning Sha Stone' zones..."

"Ultimately, the exit of this passage should lie near a discarded ore dump on the western lower level of the 'Xue Ya Cave'—a place typically lightly guarded..."

As it carved, the Shi Chui leader detailed the route, key nodes, and potential dangers—such as collapse risks, lurking yin-sha creatures, and special mineral radiation zones—through divine intent.

And also shared Shi Gui tribe experience in similar environments: how to judge rock stability, how to resist yin-sha erosion, and other techniques.

Though spoken concisely, the information was extremely valuable.

Chen Mu focused entirely on memorizing it, while secretly recording a backup on a jade slip.

Tian Xi Xingjun listened carefully beside him, occasionally asking one or two detailed questions.

It took nearly half an hour before the Shi Chui leader finally stopped.

The pattern on the ground had become highly complex, covering a rough three-dimensional route from the outer edges of Qianku Mountain to the lower levels of the 'Xue Ya Cave'.

"Remember, this is merely one possible path—filled with unknown dangers. The chance of success is no more than three in ten."

The Shi Chui leader issued a final solemn warning: "Those ritualists are no fools; they may know of these ancient passages and have laid traps."

"Moreover, deep within the 'Xue Ya Cave,' it is said a collective of resentful spirits born from ancient mining disasters still slumbers—extremely dangerous."

"Thank you, Shi Chui leader, for your honesty and aid. This information is vital to us."

Chen Mu sincerely expressed his gratitude: "No matter what lies ahead, we will forever remember this bond."

The transaction was complete; the information was obtained.

Chen Mu and Tian Xi Xingjun did not linger; they bid farewell to the Shi Chui leader and the other Shi Gui.

The Shi Gui remained expressionless, yet their thoughts conveyed the ancient blessing: "May you be as hard as stone, and return safely."

Leaving the Shi Gui tribe's activity zone, the two swiftly retraced their path, passing through the Iron Thorn Forest, racing toward Flying Eagle Rock.

"I didn't expect it to go this smoothly!"

Tian Xi Xingjun's tone carried a hint of excitement: "Not only have we confirmed that Ju Men Xingjun is likely trapped in the 'Xue Ya Cave,' we've also obtained a hidden infiltration route! Wu Quxing, your physical body has truly earned great merit."

Chen Mu, however, remained calm: "Don't celebrate too soon. The Shi Chui leader said the success rate is under three in ten—and the dangers are everywhere."

"The Beast God's people are no pushovers. We must devise a meticulous plan. The immediate priority is to return to Flying Eagle Rock as soon as possible and share this intelligence with Tian Fu Xingjun and the others—to jointly plan our next move."

"Yes, you're right."

Tian Xi Xingjun also calmed down: "I wonder if Po Jun Xingjun and the others have made any new discoveries."

The two quickened their pace, their figures darting swiftly through the gray mist and jagged rocks.

On the return to Flying Eagle Rock, Chen Mu and Tian Xi Xingjun remained cautious; fortunately, they encountered no further major setbacks.

As the two silently passed through the concealment array and stepped back onto the rock platform, the four stationed Xingjun—Po Jun, Tian Fu, Tian Kui, and Di Kong—immediately approached.

"How did it go?"

Po Jun Xingjun cut straight to the point, his voice tinged with urgency through his mask.

"We gained important intelligence."

Chen Mu spoke concisely, recounting the entire process of contact with the Shi Gui tribe and the intelligence obtained.

He detailed the nature of the 'Vortex of Rotting Breath,' the Beast God's ritualists' activities in the 'Xue Ya Cave,' and the hidden ancient mine passage—

Simultaneously, he displayed the path map carved into the ground by the Shi Gui.

After hearing Chen Mu's report—especially learning that Ju Men Xingjun was very likely imprisoned deep within the 'Xue Ya Cave' and that the Beast God was preparing a large-scale evil ritual—the four Xingjun's breaths stirred noticeably behind their masks.

"'Xue Ya Cave'... so it was there."

Tian Fu Xingjun said gravely: "Earlier, through star charts and residual aura analysis, I also vaguely pointed toward that region. The Shi Gui's information aligns with our partial deductions and adds critical details and routes."

"That hidden passage, though extremely risky, is currently the only viable way to avoid direct confrontation and quietly approach the core area."

Tian Kui Xingjun carefully examined the path map in the jade slip, his fingers lightly tapping key nodes: "The Seventh Hive Zone, the old exploration tunnel, the underground river, the Ning Sha Stone zones... I recall these places. They exist, and match fragments of ancient maps. The Shi Gui did not deceive us."

"Less than a three-in-ten success rate..."

Di Kong Xingjun's hoarse voice spoke: "Add the cave's inherent dangers and the Beast God's guards, the actual chance may be even lower. But this seems our only option."

Po Jun Xingjun fell silent for a moment, then suddenly raised his head, eyes blazing with sharp light.

"Three in ten—or one in ten—if there's even a glimmer of hope, we must go!"

"Ju Men Xingjun is trapped, his life in peril—how can we retreat because of danger? Now that we have a route, there is no time to waste! Immediately formulate an infiltration plan and prepare for action!"

His resolve infected the others.

The urgency to rescue their companion and hatred for the 'Beast God' overrode concerns over risk.

"The infiltration team must not be too large; otherwise, exposure is likely."

Tian Fu Xingjun swiftly assumed the role of strategist: "Wu Quxing knows the route and has already interacted with the Shi Gui; Tian Xi Xingjun excels in support and adaptability; Po Jun Xingjun, with the strongest combat power, will handle assault and rearguard. The three of you form the ideal infiltration team."

"I, along with Tian Kui and Di Kong, will provide external support. Once you trigger commotion inside, or need direct reinforcement, we will immediately launch feints or ambushes from the front or other directions to distract the enemy and create opportunities for you."

This division of roles was reasonable.

Chen Mu, Tian Xi, and Po Jun formed an ideal sharp-point squad, with one knowing the route and dangers, one assisting with agility, and one excelling in breakthroughs.

Meanwhile, Tian Fu, Tian Kui, and Di Kong—each skilled in coordination and tactical simulation, familiar with ancient terrain, and proficient in spatial techniques—could maximize their effectiveness in outer support.

"I have no issues," Tian Xi Xingjun immediately declared.

"Agreed," Po Jun Xingjun nodded.

"Good," Chen Mu replied in a low voice.

"Then the infiltration team shall have Po Jun Xingjun as temporary leader, with Wu Qu and Tian Xi as assistants."

Tian Fu Xingjun finalized it: "Now, let us meticulously simulate the route, devise contingency plans for every possible scenario, and allocate supplies…"

For the next hour, the six sat together, using the more detailed fragment of the ancient site map brought by Tian Kui Xingjun and Chen Mu's copied passage diagrams to conduct an extremely precise simulation.

They marked every node where guards, traps, treacherous terrain, or special environments might be encountered, discussing methods to pass through or respond.

Tian Fu Xingjun provided several formulas for crafting pills and talismans to counter poison mists, yin煞, and mental interference.

Tian Kui Xingjun, based on memory, supplemented details on natural cover or side paths along the passage that could be exploited.

Ultimately, a relatively comprehensive infiltration plan was formulated.

Using the cover of night and gray mist, depart from Feiying Rock, swiftly reach the Seventh Nest Zone of Qianku Mountain, locate and open the entrance to the old survey tunnel.

After infiltration, prioritize stealth and speed, avoid combat whenever possible; if encountering small patrols or unavoidable guards, Po Jun Xingjun shall swiftly eliminate them with Lei Ting.

Upon reaching the lower exit of Xueya Cave, conduct covert reconnaissance first, determine the likely imprisonment location and guard distribution of Ju Men Xingjun, then decide whether to execute a secret rescue or create chaos for a direct assault.

Regardless of success or failure, they must ultimately find a way to retreat back into the passage or, depending on circumstances, request aid from the outer support team.

The plan was finalized, supplies distributed.

The six each cultivated their breath, adjusting their states to peak condition.

The sky gradually darkened.

The night of the Tianhan Ancient Site was deeper and more dangerous than day; the gray mist seemed thicker, and from afar, toward the Poison Dragon Pond, low, unsettling beast roars drifted faintly. The countless black holes of Qianku Mountain resembled the breathing vents of a slumbering giant, inhaling and exhaling faint, multicolored currents.

"The time is nearly right."

Po Jun Xingjun rose, his silver-white star robe seeming to emit a faint glow in the thickening night.

"Depart!"