Chapter 178

The rain intensity continued to weaken over the next two days, turning from moderate rain to drizzle, and finally, on the fifth morning after the city defense battle, the days-long rainstorm disaster completely ceased.

After a long absence, sunlight pierced the much-thinned clouds and fell upon the land that had suffered greatly.

Inside and outside Guangtan Fortress, everything was muddy with standing water everywhere, but the suffocating dampness and oppression in the air had dissipated, replaced by the fresh scent of vegetation after rain… and the hidden crisis lurking behind the revival of all things.

Inside the fortress, cleanup and repair work continued urgently.

The lower level of the fortification was thoroughly cleaned and dried; damaged supplies were sorted and organized, and everything salvageable was rescued as much as possible.

Traps on the outer city wall began to be re-laid; although progress was slow, at least the defense of the core area was gradually recovering.

The greenhouse underwent a comprehensive inspection and reinforcement, with Jiang Xiu'e carefully tending the surviving crops alongside Li Qingge and Li Xinxin, trying to minimize losses.

Under the Earth Affinity trait and manual maintenance, the city wall's Protection Value slowly rose back to 80%.

Everyone knew this rare spell of clear weather was a precious window of opportunity.

……

Meanwhile, deep within a mountain range where sunlight never reaches, inside a magnificent hall.

Dim torches flickered on the walls, casting twisted shadows.

Around a massive circular stone table at the hall's center sat five figures shrouded in thick shadow, their aura obscure yet powerful—the highest decision‑making body of the Shadow Hall, the Five Shadows Council.

"The failure of Grey Shadow, and the total annihilation of the subsequent 'Water Ghost' squad during the rainstorm night, has confirmed that the target 'Guangtan Fortress' and its lord Li Qingxuan possess defensive capabilities and personal strength beyond expectations." A cold, emotionless voice spoke—it belonged to the 'Shadow Eye' of the Five Shadows, responsible for intelligence and analysis.

"Li Qingxuan ranks first on the Personal Strength Ranking, suspected of possessing a special profession or ability. His shelter 'Guangtan Fortress' has special mist defense, sturdy walls, and self‑repair capability. Its resource reserves are believed to be extremely abundant." A hoarse voice added, belonging to the 'Shadow Throat,' in charge of external operations.

"Two probes have incurred considerable losses. Is this target worth continued investment?" A voice with a slight metallic grating tone spoke—it was the 'Shadow Blade,' responsible for internal punishment and eradication.

Seated in the chief position, the figure who had remained silent all along slowly opened his mouth; his voice was not loud, yet it carried a palpably awe‑inspiring majesty, as if it could pierce the soul directly—he was the leader of the Five Shadows, the 'Shadow Sovereign'.

"Losses are within expectations. The establishment of any top‑tier shelter is no accident; its lord must possess extraordinary qualities, and its resource accumulation must be vast."

He paused, his shadowed gaze sweeping over the other four, then continued: "The rules have changed; all races now struggle. Clinging to a corner will only lead to elimination. My Shadow Hall shall make hunting those premier shelters our primary goal—plundering their resources, seizing their legacies, deciphering their techniques—only then can we rise to the pinnacle in this chaotic age."

"Sovereign, wise." The Shadow Eye gave a slight nod, "Based on current intelligence, Li Qingxuan and his fortress match the traits of a 'top‑tier shelter.' Their resources, defensive technology, and the lord's hidden secrets are of immense value."

"But the target is formidable; a direct assault would be too costly and likely draw the covetous attention of other forces." The Shadow Throat raised a concern.

The Shadow Sovereign's finger lightly tapped the stone table, producing a dull thud that echoed in the silent hall.

"Hunting need not rely solely on a frontal assault. The rain has just ceased—this is when all sides are busy recovering and neglecting defenses. It is also… when certain 'things' are most active."

He turned to the Shadow Eye: "Confirm whether the seal at 'that place' has loosened because of this rainstorm."

A glimmer of eerie light flashed in the Shadow Eye's eyes: "Confirmed. The ancient seal deep within the Fu Hua Zhao Ze has cracked due to a surge of energy, and the activity of the 'Corrupted Nest Mother' and its progeny—imprisoned for countless years—has markedly increased; their spread… now includes the area where Guangtan Fortress stands."

A hint of a cold smile seemed to appear beneath the Shadow Sovereign's shadow.

"Excellent. Issue the order to launch the 'Drive the Tiger to Devour the Wolf' plan. Send out the 'Guides'; they need not clash directly with Li Qingxuan, only ensure the main force of the corrupted creatures is 'guided' to Guangtan Fortress. Let us see how this top‑ranked lord deals with these immortal, land‑polluting ancient monsters. When they both suffer losses, that will be our day to reap."

"Yes!" The Shadow Throat and Shadow Eye replied in unison.

"Furthermore," the Shadow Sovereign added, "intensify intelligence gathering on other ranked shelters. Elizabeth, Ye Fan, Iron Wall… they will all be our potential targets. The hunt has only just begun."

A new conspiracy, like a silent undercurrent, began to surge silently toward Guangtan Fortress beneath the facade of post‑rain clear skies.

……

Guangtan Fortress remained unaware of this. Li Qingxuan was making final preparations for departure.

"I will scout along this direction," Li Qingxuan said, drawing a line on a rough map toward the northwest and north, "focusing on areas where Grey Shadow might appear and traces of last night's attackers' origins. I will also watch for any new resource points."

"Be careful and stay in touch." Huang Rong handed him some dry rations and clean water, plus a waterskin that Wang Hongmei had urgently enchanted with the 【Purify】 effect as a precaution.

"Brother, come back soon." Li Qingge and Li Xinxin gazed at him eagerly.

Li Qingxuan ruffled the heads of his two sisters, then told Jiang Xiu'e, "Mom, I leave the fortress to you."

"Go ahead without worry; we're holding down the home." Jiang Xiu'e nodded warmly yet firmly.

Li Qingxuan's gaze swept over everyone present; their eyes held worry, but more so trust and support.

He said no more, turned, and with a few leaps lightly crossed the outer city wall, vanishing into the wilderness that was still muddy but no longer dangerous.

Sunlight shone on the puddles, reflecting rippling light. The post‑rain world was fresh yet perilous.

Li Qingxuan's first proactive outdoor reconnaissance was about to begin.

Neither he nor the fortress realized that a terrifying crisis, originating from an ancient seal and guided by the Shadow, was slowly approaching them.

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