East of the Skyward Mountain Range, on the outskirts of the spirit beast forest.
Dusk settled over the land. The evening wind swept through the grass and trees of an abandoned Soul Hunting camp, while eight figures crouched in the shadows behind its crumbling walls, their breathing barely audible.
Ye Lingling surveyed the camp through a crack in the wall and whispered, "The intelligence is confirmed. There are twelve Fallen Spirit Masters in the stronghold. Their leader, Poison Scorpion, is a Level 49 Soul Ancestor who specializes in poison. His three deputies are all low-level Soul Ancestors, and the remaining eight are Soul Elders."
"A Level 49 Soul Ancestor..." Shui Bing'er frowned slightly, a trace of nervousness rising within her.
"What's there to be afraid of? We've got our little junior sister!" Xiao Xiao grinned and nudged Huo Yutong's shoulder with her elbow. "Once Spiritual Detection Sharing is up, we'll know what kind of fart they're about to let out the moment they lift their butts."
"Senior Sister Xiao Xiao... be serious." Huo Yutong blushed and muttered under her breath.
"All right, let's settle the tactics." Ye Lingling interrupted their banter and swept her gaze over the group. "Yu Tong will maintain Spiritual Detection Sharing throughout, synchronizing everyone's vision. Wang Dong'er and Xiao Xiao will launch a frontal feint to draw their fire. Wu Siduo and Dugu Yan will circle around the left and right flanks and strike their rear line. Tang Ya will harass them from range. Shui Bing'er will lay down a frost domain to control the battlefield. Yu Tong and I will support from the center and cover any gaps."
"Understood!"
The seven nodded together.
Night deepened, and the bonfire at the center of the camp burned ever brighter. Several Fallen Spirit Masters sat around it drinking