As the defenses gradually took shape, Mu Chen knew that detailed, accurate intelligence was indispensable if they were to effectively withstand the Black-Robed People's attacks. He therefore summoned the companions in the clan who excelled at concealment and reconnaissance and began assigning intelligence-gathering missions. In the clan's secret chamber, the lighting was dim and the atmosphere somber. Mu Chen stood before a huge map of the area surrounding the clan, his gaze resolute as he looked at the companions seated around him. He had carefully selected every one of them, each possessing unique skills and exceptional courage. "We all know that the Black-Robed People pose an ever-growing threat to our clan. Although we have new defenses, we must understand their every move if we want to drive them back for good. This intelligence-gathering mission is crucial. I hope everyone returns safely with valuable information," Mu Chen said solemnly. Beside him, Tan Qingshan nodded firmly. "Be careful, everyone. Those Black-Robed People aren't easy to deal with. If you run into danger, don't try to be a hero. Retreat immediately." Tang Qian'er looked at them with concern. "I've prepared some pills to help you conceal yourselves and restore your spiritual energy. I hope they'll help when it matters most." Determination shone in the eyes of the companions chosen for the mission. They understood the dangers, but for the sake of the clan, none had any intention of backing down. One companion skilled at concealing his presence, Lin Feng, rose to his feet. "Don't worry, Mu Chen. I'll use my concealment skills to get as close as possible to the Black-Robed People's camp and see whether I can uncover their plans." Another companion, Su Yao, who was proficient in tracking techniques, also spoke. "I can follow the traces the Black-Robed People left behind to find their strongholds and investigate their troop deployments and supply reserves." Mu Chen nodded slightly. "Good. Lin Feng, when you approach their camp, make sure you conceal your spiritual energy signature. Whatever you do, don't let them discover you. Su Yao, if you encounter danger while tracking them, leave a marker. We'll send support in time." Once their individual tasks had been assigned, the companions set out. Lin Feng became a faint shadow and vanished into the night. He followed a secluded path connecting the clan's grounds to the outside world, carefully avoiding the Black-Robed People's patrols along the way. His concealment skills were superb, allowing him to blend seamlessly into his surroundings and even suppress his aura until it was almost imperceptible. As he approached the Black-Robed People's camp, he found it heavily guarded. Layers of checkpoints surrounded the camp, along with spiritual energy alarm barriers and patrolling Black-Robed guards. Lin Feng carefully skirted the alarm barriers, searching for a weak point. He discovered a secluded valley behind the camp where the spiritual energy fluctuations were relatively weak. It seemed to offer a way through. He slipped quietly into the valley, moving through it with his masterful concealment skills. Deep within, he discovered a cave from which the faint voices of Black-Robed People drifted out. Holding his breath, Lin Feng slowly approached, pressed his ear against the cave wall, and listened closely. "We must conquer that clan this time. We cannot fail again," a low voice said. "But they've strengthened their defenses recently. We can't underestimate them," another voice replied. "Hmph, no matter how they defend themselves, we have a new plan. Our leader has already found a flaw in their defenses. Once the time is right, we'll launch an all-out assault." Lin Feng's heart jolted. He knew this intelligence was vital. He had to bring the news back to the clan as quickly as possible. Just as he prepared to leave, he suddenly sensed a powerful surge of spiritual energy coming from inside the cave. This is bad, he thought. His aura might have been detected. Meanwhile, Su Yao followed the traces left by the Black-Robed People. She discovered that their strongholds were scattered across several hidden locations around the clan, seemingly linked by some sort of spiritual energy passage. She concealed herself near one stronghold and observed their movements. She found that the Black-Robed People were transporting strange black crates inside. The crates were covered in engraved runes and radiated powerful, sinister spiritual energy. Su Yao knew there was more to these crates than met the eye. She found a way to approach one, hoping to examine its runes. Just as she was about to touch it, the Black-Robed People suddenly sensed something amiss and began closing in on her. In that moment of danger, Lin Feng relied on his speed and concealment skills to escape the pursuit of the Black-Robed People inside the cave. He raced toward the clan, silently praying that Su Yao was safe as well. Before she could be surrounded, Su Yao left a special marker, then unleashed her skills and plunged into a heart-stopping chase with the Black-Robed People. She had to shake off her enemies as quickly as possible and bring the intelligence she had gathered back to the clan. The fate of the entire clan hung on this information. Whether they succeeded would determine the course of the war between the clan and the Black-Robed People.
Before you continue