The target was a Void Spirit Clan patrol squad made up of eight units.
Leading them was a gray shadow far more solid than the others, dark red points of light flickering within its core. Its mental fluctuations resembled the cold tentacles of a jellyfish, continuously radiating probing waves outward. Following it were four ordinary Void Spirit Clan energy forms and three bizarre Parasitic Puppets—one vaguely humanoid, covered in jagged bone spurs; one like a many-legged beetle, clad in a shell of metal and flesh; and the last, half of a damaged small spacecraft wreck, wrapped and driven by gray energy.
They were patrolling along a fixed curved route near the edge of a relatively sparse fold zone.
Like a deep-sea predator patiently waiting for its chance, the Phantom Shadow Ship slowly approached under Night Owl's precise guidance, using the natural cover of the spatial folds.
The distance narrowed to five hundred kilometers.
"Energy core confirmed. It is located two-thirds below the mental convergence point of the leading entity. Its fluctuations are the strongest and meet the criteria." Night Owl's voice was as faint as a mosquito's buzz.
"The ambush point is the fold depression ahead to the left. The space there is relatively stable and suitable for encirclement." Coordinates appeared on Xuan's light screen.
"Stoneforce, handle area lockdown and gravity suppression. Especially those three Parasitic Puppets—don't let them interfere. Flame Calamity, take the lead target. Make sure to severely damage its core in one strike. Shadowweave, pin down the other four energy forms from range. Night Owl, stay concealed and prevent unexpected reinforcements. I'll provide support and extract the core."
Neji's orders entered everyone's minds with crystal clarity.
Everyone held their breath and focused.
The Phantom Shadow Ship silently glided into the designated fold depression.
The area resembled an