Immortal Sovereign's Ascension

Chapter 38: The Veil's Countermove

The Azure Sky Sect bustled with activity as disciples worked tirelessly to fortify the sect's defenses. The Veil of Oblivion's bold intrusion had left no doubt in anyone's mind—war was imminent. Zhang Wei stood atop the main courtyard's walls, overseeing the preparations with a sharp eye.

Lin Xiyu joined him, her arms crossed as she surveyed the scene below. "I'll admit, it's impressive how quickly the sect can mobilize," she said. "But do you really think we're ready for whatever the Veil throws at us?"

"No," Zhang Wei replied bluntly. "But waiting for readiness is a luxury we don't have. Every moment we delay, the Veil strengthens their position."

Lin Xiyu sighed, leaning against the wall. "You really know how to lift spirits."

Zhang Wei allowed a faint smile. "We'll face whatever comes. One step at a time."

The system chimed: New Quest: Anticipate and intercept the Veil's next move.

Objective: Use gathered intelligence to predict the Veil's actions and strike preemptively.Reward: Advanced strategy techniques and Sect Contribution Points.

Hours later, Elder Hua summoned Zhang Wei to the council chambers. The air was heavy with tension as the council deliberated over the next steps. Liang Feng pointed to a map spread across the table, marked with red symbols representing potential enemy strongholds.

"Based on the intelligence from the captured operatives and Zhang Wei's findings, we believe the Veil is concentrating their forces here," Liang Feng said, tapping a location near the Whispering Chasm. "If they secure this area, they'll have a direct path to our mountain."

Elder Hua turned to Zhang Wei. "We need someone to lead a preemptive strike. Disrupt their plans before they can consolidate their forces."

Zhang Wei nodded. "I'll take care of it."

The system chimed: Sub-quest: Launch a preemptive strike on the Veil's assembly point.

Objective: Disrupt the enemy's operations and weaken their forward position.Reward: Sect Contribution Points and advanced combat techniques.

Zhang Wei gathered a small team of elite disciples, each one skilled in stealth and combat. As they traveled toward the Whispering Chasm, the atmosphere grew heavier. The jagged cliffs loomed above them, and the faint traces of dark Qi grew stronger with each step.

The team moved cautiously, their Qi masked as they approached the Veil's encampment. From their vantage point atop a rocky outcrop, Zhang Wei observed the enemy forces below. Dozens of operatives moved about the camp, their movements precise and disciplined.

"They're preparing for something big," Lin Xiyu whispered, crouched beside Zhang Wei. "Look at all the supplies they're stockpiling."

Zhang Wei's eyes narrowed. "We can't let them keep those supplies. If we hit their storage caches and disable their leaders, it'll set them back significantly."

The system chimed: Tactical targets identified. Host must prioritize high-value objectives to maximize disruption.

Zhang Wei split his team into three groups, each assigned a specific target within the camp. Lin Xiyu would lead the attack on the supply caches, while Zhang Wei focused on the command tent at the camp's center.

As the team moved into position, Zhang Wei activated his Shadow Step Technique, weaving through the camp's perimeter like a ghost. He reached the command tent undetected, where two Veil operatives were deep in discussion.

"You're certain the Azure Sky Sect hasn't discovered this location?" one asked.

"Our scouts confirmed it," the other replied. "Their attention is elsewhere. We'll move out in three days."

Zhang Wei didn't wait for them to finish. He struck swiftly, his spear slicing through the air to incapacitate both operatives before they could react. With the command tent cleared, Zhang Wei rifled through the maps and documents spread across the table, committing their contents to memory.

The system chimed: Critical intelligence obtained. Host must complete the mission and retreat safely.

Meanwhile, Lin Xiyu's group set the supply caches ablaze, the flames spreading rapidly through the camp. Alarms rang out as Veil operatives scrambled to respond, their formation thrown into chaos.

Zhang Wei regrouped with his team at the edge of the camp, their mission complete. As they retreated into the night, the Veil's encampment was engulfed in flames, its once-coordinated forces reduced to disorder.

The system chimed: Sub-quest complete. Rewarding Sect Contribution Points and advanced combat techniques.

The journey back to the Azure Sky Sect was quiet, each member of the team reflecting on the battle. Zhang Wei's mind raced with the intelligence he'd gathered. The Veil's plans were far more extensive than he'd imagined, and their next moves would test the Azure Sky Sect's strength to its limits.

When they returned, Elder Hua and Liang Feng were waiting. Zhang Wei relayed everything he'd learned, his findings adding urgency to the council's deliberations.

"This isn't just about the Azure Sky Sect anymore," Elder Hua said, her tone grim. "The Veil's actions could destabilize the entire cultivation world. We must prepare for the worst."

Zhang Wei nodded, his resolve firm. "Then we'll face it head-on. Whatever it takes."

The storm was gathering, and the Veil of Oblivion's shadow loomed larger than ever. Yet, within the Azure Sky Sect, a flicker of hope remained—a determination to stand against the darkness, no matter the cost.