Chapter 212: with translation of chapter title

The alliance at the Rift Glacial Valley concluded, and Mo Ying led the members of the Shadow Hall, just as they had appeared, silently merging into the shadows and disappearing.

Li Qingxuan held two heavy crystals in his hand: one was the "Shadow Leap Stone" leading to the Star Sea, and the other was an information crystal containing detailed intel on the "Howling Wind Pass".

On the way back to the North Wind Outpost, the atmosphere was heavy and grim.

The alliance with the Shadow Hall meant that the war had escalated to another level; what they would face was no longer a mere monster tide, but an enemy possessing wisdom and strength, backed by a terrifying overlord.

Inside the Stone House of the outpost's council, the core members gathered once again.

Li Qingxuan told everyone the contents of the alliance covenant and the intelligence he had obtained, holding nothing back.

"Howling Wind Pass… Frost Bishop Carlos…" the Tongxu Clan Chief (via projection on the communication stone) stroked his beard, his eyes blazing with battle intent, "Perfect! I've long wanted to settle accounts with those scum who collude with monsters! Wiping out their nest will not only avenge us but also weaken the False Emperor's influence here, clearing the way to destroy the core."

Queen Aister (projection) focused more on the clues of the "Life Rune"; her silver eyes glimmered: "The Mother Tree of Life… indeed is related to the 'Primordial Source.' That so-called 'Dark Elf Camp' certainly has a purpose beyond the superficial. We must be wary."

Li Feifei analyzed the intelligence: "According to the Shadow Hall's information, the Howling Wind Pass is easy to defend but hard to attack; under Carlos's command, aside from the Black Blade marauders, there are also a batch of frost trolls corrupted by evil energy and a few elite Ice Wraiths, making their strength not to be underestimated. A forceful assault would incur heavy losses."

Li Qingxuan pondered for a moment, then made his decision: "We will split our forces into two routes."

Li Qingxuan looked at the Tongxu Clan Chief and Queen Aister: "Tongxu Clan Chief, Queen Aister, you will lead the main force of the Guangtan Alliance, joining forces with the support provided by the Shadow Hall in this area, to remove this nail, the Howling Wind Pass. The specific tactics are to be discussed between you and the Shadow Hall's person in charge; you must take it with minimal cost."

"No problem!" the Tongxu Clan Chief assured, patting his chest.

"I will obey the lord's command." Queen Aister nodded elegantly.

"Another route," Li Qingxuan turned his gaze to Huang Rong, Li Jing, and Chen Xiulan, "I will lead, together with some elites, back to the Ice Tower Forest to prepare to destroy the core of the Corruption Root. The Shadow Hall will send people to assist us and provide information on the core's weakness."

He paused, then added: "The operation to destroy the core must be synchronized with the assault on the Howling Wind Pass. Once we begin attacking the core, Carlos is likely to receive the news and send reinforcements, or the core itself may erupt, tying down our forces. Therefore, you must launch the general attack at the scheduled time, on time, to pin down the enemy's main force."

"Understood!" everyone replied in unison.

The plan was set, and the Guangtan Alliance's war machine began operating with greater efficiency.

The Tongxu Clan Chief and Queen Aister, via the Void passage established by Li Jing, swiftly returned to the rear to mobilize troops, and linked up with the liaison officer sent by the Shadow Hall—a Star Elf warrior named "Yin Claw," swift as wind, skilled in assassination and intelligence—beginning to draft a detailed attack plan.

Li Qingxuan then took Huang Rong, Li Jing, Chen Xiulan, and those ten Jungle Iron Guards, once again setting out on the road to the Ice Tower Forest.

Accompanying them were also two Star Elf members sent by Mo Ying.

One is Yan Xin, a Rune Master, who has profound research into energy structures and seals, responsible for analyzing the core's weakness.

The other is the Wind Whisperer, who can communicate with elements, especially excelling at concealment and reconnaissance in extreme cold environments.

The group traveled light and moved swiftly.

With prior experience and guidance from the Star Elves, they avoided several obvious patrol points and energy traps, quickly reaching again the valley surrounding the Ice Sealed Throne.

The valley remained silent, the Ice Sealed Throne hovering above the Ice Abyss, emitting a faint blue light; but upon close sensing, one could notice that the light had dimmed slightly compared to before, and the runes at the junction of the throne's base and the Ice Abyss were turning much slower.

After the Ice Soul dissipated, the suppressive force was indeed slowly waning.

Beneath the Ice Abyss, the unsettling dark-green light seemed to grow more active, faintly transmitting a low hum like a heartbeat.

"The core's energy activity is increasing." Yan Xin the Rune Master crouched at the edge of the throne, holding a complex compass made of energy, his face grave: "At this rate, at most another half month, the throne's suppressive effect will be greatly diminished, and the core's power will surge out."

"We must act swiftly." Li Qingxuan said in a deep voice.

Half a month—time is extremely tight.

Just as they began to conduct a detailed survey around the Ice Abyss and the throne, seeking the best attack point and deployment plan, the Wind Whisperer and Chen Xiulan, who were in charge of outer perimeter watch, almost simultaneously issued a warning.

"Someone is approaching! Coming from another direction of the Ice Tower Forest!" the Wind Whisperer closed her eyes to sense the wind's information, "Not many, about a dozen or so; their energy aura is… very pure, carrying a natural taste, but mixed with a hint of… unsettling obscurity."

Chen Xiulan also confirmed via Night Vision Reconnaissance: "They are elves! But not the style of the Shadow Moon Tribe; their attire is… more elaborate, and also more ancient."

Li Qingxuan's heart stirred—could it be that "Dark Elf Camp" that has been trying to make contact with them?

He signaled the group to conceal themselves and observe quietly.

Soon, a group of elves appeared at the edge of the valley.

They were indeed different from the Shadow Moon Tribe's elves: their skin was fairer, almost translucent, their hair mostly silver or platinum, they wore splendid silver armor or robes studded with star-like gems, and their bearing carried an aloof, elegant elegance.

The leading male elf, whose features were handsome to the point of being almost demonic, held a staff entwined with emerald vines; his aura was powerful, having reached A-level Peak, seemingly just one step away from S-level.

This group of elves was obviously also shocked by the scene in the valley, especially the Ice Sealed Throne and the dark-green light seeping from the Ice Abyss beneath it.

They conversed in low voices, their glances continually scanning; eventually, the leading male elf turned his gaze toward the direction where Li Qingxuan and the others were hidden, the corner of his mouth curling into a meaningful smile.

"No need to hide, strangers." His voice was clear and lofty, carrying a strange magic, "Especially you, who carry the Mother Tree's aura… fellow kin." His gaze precisely fell upon Li Qingxuan.

Li Qingxuan frowned slightly; the opponent could actually sense that faint aura on him originating from Aister and the Tree of Life?

He signaled the group to reveal themselves.

"Are you people of the Dark Elf Camp?" Li Qingxuan got straight to the point.

"You may call us the Xingtong Clan." The male elf performed an ancient elf salute gracefully, "I am the clan elder, Olaien Star-Eye. We came following the guidance of the Mother Tree of Life; I never expected to encounter… such an intriguing situation here, and you, such a special… human."

His gaze shifted between Li Qingxuan and the Ice Sealed Throne, full of probing intent.

Olaien Star-Eye's appearance, and the information revealed in his words, added another variable to an already complex situation.

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