Immortal Sovereign's Ascension

Chapter 40: The Calm Before the Tempest

Zhang Wei's return to the Azure Sky Sect was met with a mixture of relief and tension. The council convened immediately upon hearing of his arrival, eager to learn what he had uncovered. In the central chamber, Elder Hua, Liang Feng, and the other senior members awaited Zhang Wei's report.

"They've fortified their staging ground in the valley," Zhang Wei began, unfurling a hastily drawn map of the Veil's camp. "They've set up an altar at the center, and their forces are far larger than we anticipated. Their leader was there, radiating a level of dark Qi unlike anything I've seen before."

Elder Hua's brow furrowed. "Did you learn anything of their next move?"

"I disrupted their altar and took down their leader," Zhang Wei said. "But their forces remain intact. They'll retaliate, and soon. The Veil of Oblivion isn't just planning to attack the Azure Sky Sect—they're amassing power to destabilize the entire region."

Liang Feng leaned over the map, tracing the route Zhang Wei had marked. "This valley connects to other key sects in the area. If they control it, they can strike at multiple targets simultaneously."

Elder Hua nodded grimly. "We must act swiftly. If they've lost their leader, now is the time to strike. But a direct assault will require careful planning."

The system chimed: New Quest: Prepare the Azure Sky Sect for an offensive strike on the Veil's staging ground.

Objective: Fortify alliances, gather reinforcements, and devise a strategy to ensure victory.Reward: Sect Contribution Points, advanced strategy techniques, and a rare cultivation breakthrough opportunity.

After the council dismissed, Zhang Wei lingered with Elder Hua and Liang Feng. The weight of the impending conflict hung heavily in the air.

"Zhang Wei," Elder Hua said, her tone uncharacteristically soft. "You've done more than anyone could ask, but this next step will demand everything you have. The Veil of Oblivion is not an ordinary foe."

"I understand," Zhang Wei said, his voice steady. "But we can't afford to hesitate. The longer we wait, the stronger they'll become."

Elder Hua gave a small nod, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and worry. "Then go. Gather what we need and prepare the sect. We will stand with you when the time comes."

The first task was rallying the sect's disciples. Zhang Wei called an assembly in the main courtyard, where hundreds of Azure Sky Sect members gathered. Their faces reflected a mixture of anticipation and trepidation as they waited for him to speak.

Zhang Wei stood at the forefront, his voice firm as he addressed them. "The Veil of Oblivion threatens everything we hold dear. They are not just our enemy—they are a force of chaos seeking to destroy the cultivation world. We cannot wait for them to come to us. We must take the fight to them!"

A wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd, but Zhang Wei's unwavering confidence began to quell their doubts.

"I have seen their strength," he continued, his tone rising. "But I have also seen their flaws. They can be beaten—if we stand together. Every one of you is a vital part of this fight. Train harder, prepare yourselves, and trust in the Azure Sky Sect's strength!"

The disciples erupted into cheers, their resolve visibly strengthened.

The system chimed: Host has rallied the Azure Sky Sect. Morale significantly increased.

Next, Zhang Wei visited the Jade River Sect and the Crimson Blade Sect to solidify their commitments. Both sects pledged their support, their leaders recognizing the urgency of the situation. Master Liu of the Jade River Sect offered logistical assistance, while Master Bai Yun of the Crimson Blade Sect volunteered elite fighters to join the strike force.

Returning to the Azure Sky Sect, Zhang Wei met with Lin Xiyu in the training grounds. She was sparring with a group of disciples, her fiery determination shining through with every strike.

"You're pushing them hard," Zhang Wei observed, leaning against a nearby post.

"They need it," Lin Xiyu said, wiping sweat from her brow. "If we're going up against the Veil, they need to be at their best."

"You're right," Zhang Wei said, his tone thoughtful. "But don't burn yourself out. The real fight is coming."

Lin Xiyu smirked. "Worried about me, are you?"

Zhang Wei shrugged. "You're one of the best we've got. Can't afford to lose you."

Lin Xiyu's smirk softened into a smile. "Don't worry. I'm not going anywhere."

The final step was devising the strategy. Zhang Wei and Liang Feng spent hours poring over maps and reports, planning every detail of the assault. The Veil's staging ground was heavily fortified, but Zhang Wei's firsthand knowledge of the layout provided crucial insights.

"We'll divide our forces into three groups," Zhang Wei explained. "One will create a diversion at the northern entrance, another will secure the perimeter, and the main force will strike the altar and disable their dark Qi generator. Without it, they'll lose their advantage."

Liang Feng nodded. "It's risky, but it's our best shot. I'll lead the diversion team."

"And I'll handle the altar," Zhang Wei said firmly.

The system chimed: Quest preparations complete. Host is ready for the offensive.

As the sect prepared to march, Zhang Wei stood atop the main gate, watching the gathered forces with a sense of pride and responsibility. The rising storm had brought them to the brink, but the Azure Sky Sect had risen to the challenge.

"We're ready," Zhang Wei thought, gripping his spear tightly. "The Veil of Oblivion will learn that the light of unity is stronger than their shadows."

As the first rays of dawn broke over the mountains, the sect moved out, their collective resolve unshakable. The battle ahead would test them like never before, but Zhang Wei knew they would face it together.