Chapter 698: 698. Chapter 696: Team Cooperation Against the Enemy

698. Chapter 696: Team Cooperation Against the Enemy

The sound of a distant stream accompanied by the breeze's gentle sway, creating a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere.

Suddenly, a wolf howl echoed, quietly breaking the night's stillness.

Everyone immediately rose to their feet, alert.

In the darkness, several figures of demonic cultivators appeared, fully armed, their gazes cold as blades.

"It seems they've discovered us."

Lu Yuan said calmly.

As the winds and clouds shifted, the Blood Moon Sect demonic cultivators launched an attack on them.

Lu Yuan quickly set up the Heavenly Gang Big Dipper Formation, forming a defensive line together with Huixin, Yuning, and the other teammates.

He brandished the Heavenly Gang Thunder Fire Sword, which flashed with brilliant light in the darkness.

The chilling air permeated, attacks were gathered in gaps, and seamless cooperation was everyone's shared belief and goal.

In battle, Lu Yuan excelled; his profound immortal arts left the enemy helpless.

Huixin coordinated with him, firing ice‑snow arrows that completely blocked the enemy's retreat.

Zi Xi'er and Su Liyan, meanwhile, used their respective treasures to unleash gorgeous attacks, their bodies brimming with confidence and power.

After a fierce battle, the Blood Moon Sect demonic cultivators finally realized that Lu Yuan and his companions were extraordinary.

Sensing their great strength and harmonious cooperation, the demonic cultivators began to retreat.

After the battle ended, everyone wore tired but satisfied smiles.

Lu Yuan barely restored his former appearance, saying, "Zi Xi'er‑sister, Su Liyan, and fellow teammates, you all did great!"

"Without your cooperation tonight, we would absolutely not succeed."

Zi Xi'er smiled faintly: "Yes, only through everyone's joint effort could we achieve such a victory."

"But after this battle, Lu Yuan, your reputation will surely rise greatly."

Yuning muttered.

Huixin shook her head: "Yuning, not everyone seeks fame the way you crave attention."

"In this perilous world of cultivation, survival is the most important thing."

Yuning pursed her lips, murmuring discontentedly: "I just want everyone to see your true strength."

Huixin, hearing this, fell into thought.

She took a deep breath, then said slowly: "Yuning, you're right."

"We truly need to unite, fight together, and rely on each other."

"Only then can we win when facing even tougher challenges in the future."

Yuning lifted her head to look at Huixin, a bright glint flashing in her eyes.

"Sister, why don't you want to reveal your full strength tonight?"

Huixin smiled: "Because in certain situations, concealing one's strength is a wiser choice."

"When the enemy overlooks us, we gain more chances to create achievements."

"Understand?"

Yuning furrowed her brows, thought for a moment, then nodded.

Three days later, Lu Yuan and his team returned once more to the Spirit Stone Mine.

They discovered that, under the Blood Moon Sect demonic cultivators' assault, Lei Huo Dan Ge and other sects had already sensed the abnormality, and a tense, uneasy atmosphere spread throughout the mine.

To ensure the mine's safety, the management decided to send out scouting teams and openly recruit volunteers.

"We need to quickly ascertain the demonic cultivators' details and uncover their origins and purpose."

Lei Huo Dan Ge Pavilion Master Shen Fengyun declared, "For this I need brave and capable cultivators to take part."

Lu Yuan stepped forward to sign up for this mission.

As a core member of Lei Huo Dan Ge, he hoped that through this operation he could increase his contribution to the sect.

"I also wish to participate."

Su Liyan immediately voiced her support: "We should face this threat together."

Upon hearing Lu Yuan and Su Liyan's statements, the other teammates likewise declared they would join the scouting team.

Everyone fully understood the urgency of the situation; only through concrete action could they secure more resources and opportunities to advance their cultivation.

After an initial screening, Lei Huo Dan Ge ultimately selected nine cultivators to form the scouting team.

Lu Yuan, Su Liyan, Zi Xi'er, and others were all included.

Before departing, Lu Yuan went to see Shen Fengyun to report: "Pavilion Master, this mission is a great opportunity for us; I will do my best."

Shen Fengyun nodded: "Lu Yuan, your performance so far has left a deep impression on me."

"This mission is indeed a great opportunity for you; it can not only boost your reputation in the sect but also hone your combat abilities."

"Remember, don't push yourself too hard."

Lu Yuan gave a slight smile: "I will strive."

As night fell, the scouting team set out on their journey into the unknown.

They followed a mountain‑foot path through the dense forest, appearing especially mysterious under the hazy moonlight.

"Lu Yuan‑brother, what do you think we might discover on this mission?"

Yuning asked cautiously.

Lu Yuan gently held her slender fingers: "Yuning, the purpose of this mission is to learn the true origins and purpose of the demonic cultivators, and to help the mine devise targeted countermeasures."

"Regardless of what we find, we must stay vigilant and ensure our safety."

Yuning gave a slight nod, knowing that this mission was not a simple expedition; it carried the hopes of the entire Lei Huo Dan Ge and the mine.

As the only female member of the team, she will use her strength to help everyone.

The night grew darker, and Lu Yuan felt as if an invisible force was watching him from all sides.

He gripped the Heavenly Gang Thunder Fire Sword in his hand and quickly set up the Heavenly Gang Big Dipper Formation to strengthen the team's vigilance.

After several days of travel, the scouting team finally reached their destination—a mysterious and desolate valley.

Here, not a blade of grass grows, and white bones litter the ground.

Su Liyan furrowed her brows, "This place is a land of death."

Zi Xi'er said in a low voice, "It seems the demonic cultivators have been residing here for a while."

A chill seeped into Lu Yuan's marrow; he gripped the Heavenly Gang Thunder Fire Sword and warily scanned his surroundings.

The darkness in the secluded valley seemed to grow denser, as if it harbored boundless danger.

"Lu Yuan brother, what do you think is going on?"

Su Liyan couldn't help but ask softly.

"It might be the ancient and evil power of this secluded valley emanating out."

Lu Yuan replied, "We must proceed cautiously, always ready to respond to any sudden situation."

Su Liyan nodded, feeling the chill permeating the surrounding air, and she activated the Fobao "Cold Jade Ice Shard" on her person.

A cold aura emanated from her, bringing a touch of comfort and protection to the entire team.

They continued forward, and one of the scouting indicators pointed to a huge blue pine tree by the lake.

Under the tree, three demonic cultivators were communicating.

"It looks like they are planning something."

Su Liyan furrowed her brows, "I will deal with one of the Golden Core Stage demonic cultivators; you handle the other two Foundation Establishment enemies." (End of chapter)