Intelligence Gathering, Zhou Ming's Role

As dawn broke, sparse figures could already be seen at the assembly point outside the North City Gate.

Lin Fan was the earliest to arrive. Carrying a bulging pack on his back, a sword at his waist, and the Evil-Breaking Jade Pendant given by Old Man Li in his embrace, he stood quietly in the morning mist, waiting. He had barely slept last night, but after circulating the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art for a few cycles, the fatigue vanished, leaving his Spirit exceptionally clear instead.

The second to arrive was Sun Wanting.

She had changed into a dark gray combat suit, layered with light leather armor, her long hair tied into a neat ponytail, and twin blades hanging at her waist. Upon seeing Lin Fan, she nodded without a word and began checking her equipment.

Next was Chen Dahu. The bandages on his hands had been replaced with lighter but tougher beast-hide bracers. He carried a door-sized heavy shield on his back, and the ground trembled slightly with his steps. He grinned at Lin Fan, revealing a mouthful of white teeth.

Bai Susu also arrived on time. She carried a specially made medical kit, a size larger than usual, clearly filled with various medicines and instruments. As a physician, her combat strength might not match others, but her importance in the wilderness was irreplaceable.

Finally, there was Shadow.

He appeared beside the group almost silently, startling Chen Dahu.

"Whoa! When did you..." Chen Dahu's eyes widened.

Shadow didn't answer, merely nodding slightly towards Sun Wanting to indicate his arrival. He was still wearing his gray combat uniform, but with several small tool pouches attached to his waist. He also carried a long, cloth-wrapped bag in his hand, its contents unknown.

"Everyone's here," Sun Wanting glanced at the sky. "Before we depart, there's one thing to handle."

She looked at Lin Fan. "Zhou Ming can't make it, but he asked me to bring you some things. He said they're very important."

Lin Fan blinked. "What things?"

Sun Wanting took out an oil-paper packet and a roll of sheepskin map from her embrace. "He said to look at them now."

Lin Fan took them and first opened the oil-paper packet. Inside were several pages densely covered with writing. The handwriting was messy but clear, obviously rushed overnight. He used the growing daylight to read carefully.

The first page was Zhou Ming's compiled latest intelligence on "Cannibal Valley":

"Cannibal Valley, a perilous area on the southeast side of the Shadowy Mountain Range. Based on current information:

1. Geographical Features: Surrounded by mountains on three sides, with a narrow rift valley as the only entrance. The valley is perpetually shrouded in gray mist, resulting in low visibility.

2. Danger Records: In the past five years, there have been seven recorded exploration missions. Only two teams had some survivors, and those survivors all experienced symptoms such as memory loss and mental confusion.

3. Anomalous Phenomena: The temperature inside the valley is about ten degrees Celsius lower than outside, yet there is no ice or snow. The mist contains trace amounts of neurotoxins (continuous inhalation may cause hallucinations). Unidentified light sources flicker at night (suspected energy fluctuations).

4. Recent Activity: According to a black market informant named 'Rat,' black-robed figures were active near the valley entrance last month. Their numbers and purpose are unknown.

5. Related Clues: A military investigation record from fifty years ago (high security level, only fragments obtained) mentioned 'altar,' 'crystal,' and 'black-robed organization,' which highly matches the current situation."

Lin Fan was shaken.

Zhou Ming's intelligence not only validated Old Man Li's words but also provided more specific details. Especially the "black-robed figures active near the valley entrance"—this almost confirmed that the Shadow Society was already there.

He continued reading.

The second page was Zhou Ming's "Spatiotemporal Distribution Map of Anomalous Events":

A detailed map of the area around Jiangnan City, with all anomalous events from the past three months marked in different colors. Red represented abnormal Demonic Beast congregations, blue represented energy fluctuation detection, and green represented sightings of black-robed figures.

The three colored markers showed a clear convergence trend—all pointing towards Cannibal Valley in the Shadowy Mountain Range.

What concerned Lin Fan even more was the time annotation: three days before each anomalous event occurred, an energy pulse was detected from the direction of Cannibal Valley. The pulse intensity increased sequentially, with the most recent one (seven days ago) being three times stronger than the first.

"The energy pulses are strengthening..." Lin Fan murmured.

Sun Wanting leaned over to look, her expression grave. "If this trend continues, the next pulse might trigger a large-scale anomaly, or even... an early beast tide."

Lin Fan nodded and turned to the third page.

This page contained Zhou Ming's analysis and speculation:

"Based on the comprehensive intelligence, the following deductions are made:

1. The Shadow Society has a base or altar in Cannibal Valley and is conducting some kind of ritual.

2. The ritual requires gathering Demonic Beasts (possibly as sacrifices or energy sources).

3. The ritual is related to the lunar cycle (all anomalies occurred around the full moon).

4. The ritual has been conducted for multiple rounds and is nearing completion (strengthening energy pulses indicate accumulation is approaching a critical point).

5. The next full moon (three days from now) might be a key node.

Recommendation: If possible, prevent the ritual before the full moon. Once the ritual is completed, the consequences are unknown but will inevitably be severe."

The analysis was clear and logical.

Lin Fan couldn't help but admire Zhou Ming's intelligence analysis skills. If he had to gather this information himself, it would have taken at least half a month, whereas Zhou Ming accomplished it in just one night.

"What about the map?" he looked at the sheepskin scroll.

Sun Wanting helped him unroll it.

It was a hand-drawn detailed map of the Shadowy Mountain Range, with precise scale and clear terrain markings. Mountains, rivers, valleys, known Demonic Beast lairs, areas with frequent Spatial Rifts, dangerous plant distributions... everything was included.

The Cannibal Valley area was specially enlarged and detailed with red ink:

The rift valley at the entrance was about three li long, only wide enough for two people to pass at its narrowest point. The cliffs on both sides were a hundred zhang high, easy to defend and difficult to attack.

The terrain inside the valley was bowl-shaped, with a question mark marking the central area—this was an unknown region. Zhou Ming had written: "According to fragmented memories from survivors, there is a 'huge stone structure' in the center, but the memories are chaotic and cannot be confirmed."

Several possible routes into the valley were marked, with notes in small print indicating precautions:

"Route A: Along the western cliff face. High concealment, but may encounter 'Shadow Bat' nests (third-tier pack Demonic Beasts, afraid of light)."

"Route B: Traverse the central fog zone. Shortest distance, but highest toxin concentration. Requires taking detox pills throughout."

"Route C: Detour through the eastern rocky area. Longest route, but relatively safe, with no known Demonic Beast nests."

Each route was marked with estimated travel time, risk level, and recommended supplies.

This was no longer a simple map, but a complete operational guide.

"Zhou Ming... he..." Lin Fan looked up. "Did he do all this overnight?"

Sun Wanting nodded. "He barely slept. When I went to find him at three in the morning, he was still organizing the final data. His ribs were hurting badly, so he was leaning against his headboard while writing. He said this was the greatest contribution he could make."

Lin Fan gripped the map, a warmth rising in his heart.

This seemingly smooth-talking, money-grubbing information broker had shown touching responsibility at a critical moment.

"Please thank him for me," Lin Fan said earnestly. "When we get back, I'll treat him to a drink."

"He'll definitely say, 'You're paying'," Sun Wanting said, a rare smile appearing. "But now, we should set off. According to Zhou Ming's map, it will take two days to reach the outskirts of the Shadowy Mountain Range. We must enter Cannibal Valley before the full moon."

The team officially set out.

Shadow took the lead, disappearing silently into the woods ahead. As a scout, he needed to reconnoiter the path, eliminate dangers, and leave markers to guide the following team.

Chen Dahu and Bai Susu were in the middle, with Sun Wanting and Lin Fan at the rear.

This was a standard formation for long-distance travel, balancing reconnaissance, defense, and support.

About thirty miles outside Jiangnan City, the wilderness began to look primitive. Man-made roads disappeared, replaced by faint trails trodden by beasts. Towering ancient trees blotted out the sun, and the air was filled with the scent of decaying leaves and damp earth.

Occasionally, the roars of Demonic Beasts could be heard in the distance, but the team tried to avoid them, focusing on making progress.

During a break, they gathered to study the map and intelligence provided by Zhou Ming again.

"According to Zhou Ming's analysis, the Shadow Society's ritual requires Demonic Beasts to gather," Sun Wanting pointed to the location of Cannibal Valley on the map. "So, it's likely that a large number of Demonic Beasts have already gathered inside or near the valley entrance. When we go in, the first thing we'll face won't be the Shadow Society, but a horde of beasts."

Chen Dahu scratched his head. "Then what do we do? Force our way through?"

"Forcing our way through is the last resort," Bai Susu said softly. "I'm wondering, how is the Shadow Society controlling the gathering of Demonic Beasts? If it's by attracting them with the energy fluctuations of that crystal, can we interfere with or block these fluctuations?"

Lin Fan's heart stirred.

The system mission required "eliminating or reporting the threat." Eliminating could mean destroying the source, or rendering the source ineffective.

If they could find a way to interfere with the crystal's fluctuations, perhaps they could stop the ritual, or at least buy time.

"Zhou Ming's intelligence mentioned that the military tried to destroy the crystal fifty years ago but failed," Lin Fan said. "This indicates the crystal has defenses, or the Shadow Society has a way to protect it. Direct destruction is too difficult; interference might be more feasible."

Sun Wanting pondered for a moment. "Interference requires specific methods. I have some research in formations. If we can get close to the altar, I might be able to try and disrupt key nodes of the formation. But the prerequisite is that we need to know what type of formation it is."

"We'll play it by ear when the time comes," Shadow said, appearing beside them at some unknown point, his voice calm. "Thinking too much now is useless. We'll only know the actual situation when we get there."

He had a point.

There were too many variables in the wilderness; plans never kept up with changes.

After a short rest, the team continued their advance.

In the afternoon, they encountered their first real danger—a pack of Iron Tooth Wolves.

There were over a dozen 2nd Tier Demonic Beasts, with grayish-black fur, crimson eyes, and sharp teeth glinting coldly. They clearly saw the team as prey and began to surround them.

"Prepare for battle!" Sun Wanting commanded.

Chen Dahu immediately raised his heavy shield, protecting Bai Susu. Lin Fan and Sun Wanting formed a triangular defensive formation on the left and right.

Shadow had already disappeared into the woods—scouts typically concealed themselves during ambushes to find opportunities for surprise attacks or interference.

The wolf pack let out a low growl and then launched their attack.

Three wolves lunged at Chen Dahu from the front, only to be violently thrown back by his heavy shield. Two more attacked Sun Wanting from the side, and were sliced into four pieces by her crossed blades. The remaining wolves focused their attack on Lin Fan.

Lin Fan did not draw his sword.

He took a deep breath, circulated the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art, and infused his fists with Origin Energy.

Basic Fist Technique—but already at the proficient level.

"Roar!"

An Iron Tooth Wolf leaped at him from mid-air, its cavernous maw opening wide.

Lin Fan sidestepped, evading the pounce as his right fist shot out like a cannonball.

There were no fancy techniques, only pure Strength and Speed.

"Bang!"

His fist struck the wolf's head, the sound of cracking bone clearly audible. The Iron Tooth Wolf let out no cry, falling to the ground and twitching twice before going still.

[Killed Iron Tooth Wolf (2nd Tier Lower Rank): Proficiency +30] [Basic Fist Technique Proficiency +5] [Combat Intuition Proficiency +3]

System notifications flashed.

Lin Fan's movements didn't stop. He turned, his left fist smashing towards another wolf that was lunging at him.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

Three punches, and three wolves were dead.

The remaining Iron Tooth Wolves finally realized that this seemingly frail human was not to be trifled with and began to retreat. But at this moment, Shadow appeared behind the wolf pack like a ghost. His short blade slashed, and the throats of two wolves were cut open.

Caught between enemies, the wolf pack broke and scattered in all directions.

The battle ended in less than three minutes.

"Clean up the battlefield and leave quickly," Sun Wanting ordered. "The smell of blood will attract other predators."

Everyone quickly collected valuable materials—wolf fangs, wolf skins, and Demonic Cores. Lin Fan specifically checked the Demonic Cores and found that their energy fluctuations were normal, without those strange gray patterns.

This indicated that the Iron Tooth Wolves had not been affected by abnormal energy and were merely engaging in normal predatory behavior.

"It seems the area of abnormal activity hasn't spread here yet," Lin Fan judged.

"But it will soon," Sun Wanting said, looking towards the northwest. "According to Zhou Ming's map, another twenty miles ahead is the zone where abnormal events frequently occur."

As expected, as they continued forward, the environment began to change.

The branches and leaves of the trees were unnaturally withered, and the remains of Demonic Beasts could occasionally be seen on the ground—not from battle, but like dried corpses that had been drained of their vital essence, just as Zhou Ming had described.

A faint, sweet, fishy smell permeated the air, causing dizziness if inhaled for too long.

"It's a toxin," Bai Susu took out a few pills and distributed them to everyone. "Clear Heart Pills. Keep one under your tongue, and it can resist most neurotoxins."

Lin Fan took one and swallowed it. A cool sensation spread from his throat, and the dizziness immediately subsided.

Shadow returned from the front, his expression more serious than usual.

"Two miles ahead, there's a situation," he said. "An open area, and I found traces of a ritual."

The team followed Shadow and quietly arrived at the location he mentioned.

It was a clearing in the forest, about half the size of a basketball court. In the center of the clearing stood a simple altar made of black stones, about a person's height, carved with complex runes.

Scattered around the altar were over a dozen Demonic Beast corpses—no, dried husks. All the corpses shared the same characteristic: intact, but with shriveled flesh, as if all their moisture and essence had been drained.

Most bizarrely, on top of the altar rested a purple crystal about the size of a fist.

Light flowed within the crystal, flickering on and off like breathing. Each time the light brightened, an invisible wave spread out, causing the surrounding air to distort.

"It's this thing..." Lin Fan whispered.

The energy fluctuations of this crystal were the same as those on the armor plates of the Rock Armored Boars he had encountered before, but a hundred times stronger.

Sun Wanting carefully examined the altar. "This is not a permanent structure; it's temporary. Judging by the wear on the stones, it was erected at most ten days ago."

"A temporary altar?" Bai Susu asked, confused. "What's its purpose?"

"It might be a 'node'," Lin Fan recalled Zhou Ming's intelligence. "The Shadow Society needs to transmit energy from the main altar in Cannibal Valley to attract Demonic Beasts from further away. These temporary altars are like relay stations, expanding the range of influence."

He took a few steps closer, and the system immediately gave a prompt:

[Detected abnormal energy source]
[Item: Soul Power Crystal (Fragment)]
[Quality: Earth Tier Low Grade]
[Status: Activating, continuously releasing mental interference waves]
[Function: Attracts and influences Demonic Beasts within a five-mile radius, causing them to gather towards the wave source]
[Warning: The crystal contains a faint evil aura. Prolonged contact may lead to mental pollution.]

Soul Power Crystal... Fragment?

Lin Fan noticed that phrase. This implied that there might be a larger, complete crystal at the main altar in Cannibal Valley.

"Can we destroy it?" Chen Dahu asked.

"Let's try."

Lin Fan drew his sword, infused it with Origin Energy, and slashed at the crystal.

"Clang!"

His blade was blocked by an invisible barrier three inches from the crystal, sparks flying. Dense runes appeared on the barrier, the same ones carved on the altar.

"There's a protective array," Sun Wanting came over and crouched down to study the runes. "It's a variation of the 'Seven Star Spirit Protection Array,' built with seven array eyes as its foundation. To break it, you either need to attack with force far exceeding the array's tolerance or find and destroy the seven array eyes."

She pointed around the altar. "The array eyes should be buried underground, corresponding to seven directions. Give me time, and I can find them."

"How long will it take?"

"At least an hour."

Lin Fan glanced at the sky; the sun had already begun to set in the west.

They didn't have that much time. Delaying here for an hour would push back their arrival at the Shadowy Mountain Range, and they might miss the crucial point before the full moon.

"What about breaking it by force?" he asked.

"It would take at least the full power of a fifth-rank Martial Ancestor," Sun Wanting shook her head. "We can't do that."

As everyone was in a difficult situation, Shadow suddenly spoke, "Someone's coming."

He pointed to the woods on the left.

Everyone immediately concealed themselves.

A moment later, three figures in black robes emerged from the woods and walked directly towards the altar.

Their black robes were embroidered with the same eye pattern—the symbol of the Shadow Society.

The leader was a gaunt old man, his face deeply lined like ravines, his eyes cloudy but occasionally flashing with sharp light. The two behind him were one tall and one short, both wearing hoods that obscured their faces.

"Node thirty-seven is operating normally," the tall black-robed figure reported after inspecting the altar. "Energy conductivity is 92%, and 83% of the Demonic Beasts within range have been attracted to the main altar."

The gaunt old man nodded in satisfaction. "Very good. In two more days, the main altar's energy reserves will reach the critical point. At that time, the Venerable Lord can initiate the final ritual."

The short black-robed figure asked, "Emissary, will Jiangnan City notice? Hunting squads have been frequently active in the vicinity recently."

"No need to worry," the gaunt old man—the Nether Emissary—sneered. "Even if those ants discover it, they can't change anything. The main altar is personally guarded by the Venerable Lord. Even if Jiangnan City throws everything they have at us, they'll just be walking to their deaths."

He paused. "However, to be safe, you two go and clear any traces around here. Especially that recent hunting squad. If they dare to get close, deal with them directly."

"Yes."

The two acknowledged and began to search around the altar.

From their hiding place, the members of the squad exchanged glances.

Nether Emissary... was it the same one Old Man Li encountered fifty years ago?

No, it shouldn't be the same person. Fifty years have passed. If the Nether Emissary from back then were still alive, their strength would be at least peak Martial Emperor. It's impossible for them to only have the aura strength of this old man before me (Lin Fan sensed he was around a Rank 4 Great Martial Master).

Perhaps it's a newcomer who inherited the title.

But regardless, they've obtained crucial information:

The main altar is in Cannibal Valley, guarded by the "Venerable Lord."

In two days (which happens to be the night of the full moon), the energy will reach its critical point, and the final ritual will commence.

And their squad has already been targeted.

Lin Fan's mind raced.

There are two paths now: First, take advantage of the three black-robed figures' unpreparedness, launch a surprise attack, kill them, and destroy this node altar. Second, sneak away, avoid alerting the enemy, and head directly for the main altar.

The first path can weaken the Shadow Society's preparations, but it might alert the enemy and cause the main altar to increase its defenses. The second path allows them to remain hidden, but time is pressing, and they must reach it and stop the ritual within two days.

How to choose?

He looked at Sun Wanting, who was frowning, clearly weighing the options as well.

Just then, an accident occurred.

Chen Dahu, due to squatting for too long, accidentally pressed his injured left hand onto a dry twig.

"Snap."

A faint sound, but exceptionally clear in the silent forest.

The three black-robed figures turned their heads simultaneously, their gazes like lightning striking towards their hiding spot.

"Who's there?!" the Nether Emissary shouted.

They were exposed.

Lin Fan made an instant decision—since they couldn't hide, they would fight!

"Attack!"

He was the first to charge out, his sword light aimed directly at the Nether Emissary.

Sun Wanting moved almost simultaneously, her twin sabers slashing towards the tall black-robed figure. Chen Dahu roared, raising his shield to protect Bai Susu while blocking the short black-robed figure's initial assault.

Shadow moved like a phantom to the side of the altar, his short blade stabbing towards the Soul Power Crystal—he judged that to be the key.

The battle erupted instantly.

Facing Lin Fan's sword, the Nether Emissary didn't dodge or evade. He extended his withered hand and directly grabbed for the blade.

"You're seeking death!"

Lin Fan's sword stance shifted, and he unleashed the Gale Sword Technique, his sword shadows numerous, like a raging storm.

But the Nether Emissary's hand seemed forged of iron, colliding with the blade and emitting a metallic clang. Clearly, he had cultivated some evil technique that strengthened his body, his skin exhibiting a strange grayish-blue hue.

"Little brat, your sword technique is decent, but your cultivation is too shallow," the Nether Emissary sneered and struck out with his palm.

The palm wind was icy, carrying a bone-chilling cold.

Lin Fan sidestepped to avoid it, the palm wind grazing his left shoulder, his clothes instantly frosting over.

What a bizarre technique!

He dared not be careless. He circulated the Nine Revolutions Mysterious Origin Art to its fullest, channeling Origin Energy into his sword, and activating the nascent sword intent.

A faint blue light flickered on the sword's edge, increasing its Speed by another third.

On the other side, Sun Wanting and the tall black-robed figure were locked in a fierce battle. The opponent wielded a pair of short halberds, his moves vicious, each strike aimed at vital points. Sun Wanting's twin sabers danced like butterflies, her defense airtight, occasionally counterattacking with sharp flashes of her blades.

Chen Dahu was under the greatest pressure. The short black-robed figure wielded a heavy hammer, each blow carrying immense force. Chen Dahu's injured hands had not yet healed, and the impact of blocking with his shield caused his wounds to burst, blood dyeing his wrist guards red. But he held firm, refusing to retreat a single step, because Bai Susu was behind him.

Bai Susu did not participate in the battle. Instead, she quickly set up a simple defensive formation and prepared healing potions, ready to provide support at any moment.

The most crucial part was Shadow's action.

His short blade stabbed towards the Soul Power Crystal, but it was also blocked by the protective barrier. However, he was prepared. He took out a talisman from his robes—it was the Space Stabilization Talisman Lin Fan had bought.

The talisman was placed on the barrier, and it shone brightly.

The Space Stabilization Talisman could interfere with the spatial structure, and the defensive formation was essentially a barrier constructed using spatial energy. The two clashed, and the barrier began to fluctuate violently.

"You dare!" The Nether Emissary roared in anger upon seeing this, wanting to turn back and stop him, but Lin Fan held him tightly.

Shadow seized the opportunity, channeling all his Origin Energy into his short blade and thrusting it at the point of most intense fluctuation.

"Crack!"

The barrier shattered like glass.

The short blade continued its momentum, piercing into the Soul Power Crystal.

"No—!" The Nether Emissary's eyes were about to split open.

The moment the crystal was struck, its internal light flashed wildly, and then—

"Boom!"

It exploded.

It wasn't a physical explosion, but an impact of mental energy.

An invisible ripple spread out from the crystal as the center, and everyone caught in the wave felt a sharp pain in their minds, as if countless needles were piercing them.

Lin Fan grunted, biting his tongue to maintain his clarity through the pain.

The Nether Emissary and the two black-robed figures were clearly affected more severely—they had been in prolonged contact with the crystal, and their mental power had been contaminated. Now that the crystal was destroyed, the backlash was intense.

"Ahhh!" The shorter black-robed figure clutched his head and screamed, blood flowing from his seven orifices.

The taller black-robed figure faltered, and Sun Wanting seized the opening, severing his right arm with a single slash.

The Nether Emissary, after all, was a Rank Four cultivator. He forcibly suppressed the backlash, but his face turned as pale as paper, his strength greatly diminished.

"Retreat!" He made a decisive move, pulling out a black talisman and crushing it.

Black smoke billowed, enveloping the three of them.

"Trying to run?" Lin Fan slashed at the black smoke with his sword.

The sword light cut through, severing a corner of their robes, but the three had already vanished—it was a teleportation-type escape talisman.

The battle was over.

The team members panted, checking their injuries.

Chen Dahu's hand wounds had all reopened, and Bai Susu was urgently treating them. Sun Wanting had a shallow cut on her left arm from a short halberd. Lin Fan had frostbite on his shoulder, but it wasn't serious. Shadow had expended too much energy and was sitting on the ground to recuperate.

The altar was completely destroyed, and the Soul Power Crystal had turned to dust.

"We've been exposed," Sun Wanting said gravely after bandaging her wound. "If that Nether Emissary escapes and reports our existence, the main altar will definitely increase its security."

Lin Fan nodded. "But we've also gained crucial intelligence—we still have two days. We must reach Cannibal Valley before the full moon to stop the ritual."

He looked at Shadow. "Thank you just now. Without you destroying the crystal, we wouldn't have won."

Shadow shook his head. "It was my duty. However..." He paused. "When that crystal exploded, I sensed... something else nearby, not just us and the black-robed figures."

"Something else?"

"I can't quite describe it, like... a gaze," Shadow frowned. "It could be a Demonic Beast, or something else. In any case, the road ahead will be more dangerous."

Lin Fan's heart grew heavy.

He remembered Old Man Li's words about "living darkness" and the "unidentified light source" mentioned in Zhou Ming's intelligence.

What was hidden within Cannibal Valley?

"Let's leave here first," Sun Wanting said. "The explosion of the crystal was too loud; it will soon attract Demonic Beasts or other black-robed figures."

The team quickly cleaned up any traces, took valuable items (mainly a few items and documents found on the black-robed figures), and rapidly left the area.

The sky gradually darkened, and night fell.

The team set up camp for the night in a relatively safe stone forest area.

The campfire flickered, illuminating their tired but resolute faces.

Lin Fan took out a small booklet he had found on the black-robed figures and began to read it by the firelight.

The booklet recorded the operational data of the altar at this node and the number of Demonic Beasts attracted. Most of it was numbers and symbols, which he couldn't fully understand. But on the last page, there was a line of small handwriting:

"Venerable Lord's orders: On the night of the full moon, by sacrificing three thousand Demonic Beasts and the souls of ninety-nine living people, the 'Abyssal Eye' can be awakened. At that time, Jiangnan City will become the first offering."

Sacrificing three thousand Demonic Beasts...

Ninety-nine souls of living people...

The Abyssal Eye...

Lin Fan closed the booklet, a chill crawling up his spine.

The Shadow Society's plan was more insane than he'd imagined.

"What's wrong?" Sun Wanting noticed his expression.

Lin Fan handed her the booklet.

After reading it, Sun Wanting's face also turned grim: "What are they trying to summon... The Abyssal Eye, it doesn't sound like anything good."

"We must stop them." Lin Fan looked towards the northwest. In the darkness, the Shadowy Mountain Range lay like a crouching behemoth. "No matter the cost."

The campfire crackled.

The howl of an unknown Demonic Beast echoed from afar, long and mournful.

The night passed without incident.

The next morning, the team continued their journey.

According to Zhou Ming's map, they would reach the outskirts of the Shadowy Mountain Range by evening. Tomorrow, they would officially enter the mountain range and head for Cannibal Valley.

Time remaining: one and a half days.

The full moon night was drawing nearer.