LIGHTNOVELWORLD Chapter 46: THREADS OF DECEPTION
Chapter 44: Threads of Deception
The Azure Sky Sect was a hive of activity as Zhang Wei returned with the maps and artifacts from the Veil's safehouse. Elder Hua and Liang Feng immediately convened the council to review the findings, their faces grave as they pored over the documents spread across the chamber's table.
"These maps confirm what we suspected," Liang Feng said, pointing to several marked locations. "The Veil has multiple safehouses scattered across the region. They're using these to regroup and redirect their operations."
Elder Hua nodded, her expression stern. "This gives us an opportunity. If we strike swiftly, we can dismantle their network before they recover."
Zhang Wei stood at the head of the table, his arms crossed. "We'll need to act carefully. The Veil is cunning—they'll have defenses in place. But if we coordinate our efforts, we can eliminate their foothold entirely."
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The system chimed: New Quest: Dismantle the Veil of Oblivion's regional network.
Objective: Neutralize the identified safehouses and disrupt the Veil's ability to regroup.
Reward: Sect Contribution Points, advanced strategy techniques, and rare cultivation techniques.
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The council decided to divide the forces into smaller teams, each assigned to target a specific location. Zhang Wei was tasked with leading the assault on the largest of the safehouses, hidden deep within the Forest of Echoes.
"This won't be easy," Liang Feng warned. "The Forest of Echoes is treacherous, even without the Veil's interference. Its natural Qi is chaotic, making it difficult to navigate or use techniques effectively."
"Then we'll adapt," Zhang Wei replied. "If we can take down their largest safehouse, it'll send a message to the rest of the Veil that their time is up."
Lin Xiyu stepped forward, her blade resting against her shoulder. "You're not going alone, of course. Someone has to keep you out of trouble."
Zhang Wei smirked. "I'd expect nothing less."
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The journey to the Forest of Echoes was long and arduous. Zhang Wei's team consisted of elite disciples from the Azure Sky Sect and a few skilled fighters from the Crimson Blade Sect. Their combined strength gave them confidence, but the forest's reputation loomed large in their minds.
The Forest of Echoes lived up to its name. The air was thick with swirling Qi, and every sound seemed to reverberate endlessly, making it difficult to determine the direction of even the faintest noise. The dense canopy above blocked out most of the sunlight, casting the forest in a perpetual twilight.
"Stay close," Zhang Wei said, his voice low. "This place is designed to disorient us. Don't trust what you see—or hear."
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The system chimed: Host must navigate the chaotic Qi environment and maintain team cohesion.
As they ventured deeper into the forest, the disorienting effects of the chaotic Qi became more pronounced. The team encountered strange phenomena—trees that seemed to shift positions, whispers that echoed from nowhere, and flickering lights that danced just out of reach.
Zhang Wei relied on his enhanced perception and the system's guidance to keep the team on track. "Ignore the distractions," he said firmly. "Focus on the energy signatures ahead. That's where we'll find the safehouse."
After hours of navigating the forest's twisting paths, they arrived at a clearing where a massive structure loomed. The safehouse was larger than any they had encountered before, its walls etched with glowing runes that pulsed with dark Qi.
"They're prepared for us," Lin Xiyu said, her grip tightening on her blade.
"Good," Zhang Wei replied. "Let's show them they're not prepared enough."
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The system chimed: New Sub-Quest: Infiltrate and neutralize the Forest of Echoes safehouse.
Objective: Disrupt the safehouse's operations and eliminate its defenders.
Reward: Rare artifacts and enhanced cultivation techniques.
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The team split into two groups, one to create a diversion while Zhang Wei led the main assault. As the diversionary team launched their attack, drawing the attention of the Veil's operatives, Zhang Wei and his group slipped through the safehouse's side entrance.
Inside, the air was thick with the hum of dark Qi. Operatives moved through the halls, their focus on organizing supplies and coordinating their forces. Zhang Wei's team moved silently, dispatching guards with swift, precise strikes.
At the heart of the safehouse, they found a central chamber filled with artifacts and documents. Standing at its center was a figure cloaked in black, their aura radiating power.
"You've come far," the figure said, their voice calm but cold. "But this is as far as you go."
Zhang Wei stepped forward, his spear at the ready. "We'll see about that."
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The battle was intense. The figure's dark Qi attacks were relentless, their techniques designed to overwhelm and disorient. Zhang Wei relied on his Shadow Step Technique to evade their strikes, countering with precise thrusts that forced the figure onto the defensive.
The system chimed: Host must exploit the environment to overcome the enemy's superior Qi reserves.
Zhang Wei used the chaotic Qi of the forest to his advantage, channeling it into unpredictable attacks that disrupted the figure's rhythm. With a final, powerful strike, he shattered their defenses, sending them crashing to the ground.
The figure coughed, their dark Qi flickering weakly. "You… don't understand," they rasped. "The Veil is… everywhere."
"Not for long," Zhang Wei replied, his voice steady.
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The system chimed: Sub-Quest complete. Rewarding rare artifacts, enhanced cultivation techniques, and Sect Contribution Points.
As the safehouse collapsed in flames, Zhang Wei and his team retreated into the forest. The chaotic Qi no longer felt oppressive—it was a reminder of their victory and the Veil's growing desperation.
"This is just the beginning," Zhang Wei said as they emerged from the forest. "We'll dismantle every shadow they hide in until there's nothing left."