As the two walked and talked, hurried footsteps suddenly sounded behind them. It was Cheng Hao, his expression urgent. "Elder Ling, Young Master, seniors Dugu Lin and Yang Buren have led their men to secure the poison forest formation behind us. They're clearing the last obstacles. Please give us our next orders."
Ling Yunxiao turned with his hands behind his back and said evenly, "Pass along the order: have them head to the front immediately to reinforce our forces. Leave the cleanup to the Soul Masters following us. I saw quite a few Soul Masters pouring down from the mountain earlier. Heavenly Wolf Mountain has sheer slopes on three sides, so they probably ran into us while fleeing or coming to reinforce their people."
"Yes!"
Chen Xiaojun raised an eyebrow and asked calmly, "Uncle Hao, the Heavenly Wolf Sect only has a few possible escape routes. We're counting on your Sword Shadow Hall. Are you confident?"
Cheng Hao cupped his fist. "Rest assured, Young Master. The two hall masters, Chen Wenchao and Chen Shihua, have already made all the arrangements. Whether they fly through the sky, run along the ground, or swim through the water, we've spread a net across heaven and earth. They won't escape."
A glint of resolve flashed through Ling Yunxiao's eyes. "Good! Notify the others. Stay alert and pick up the pace."
"We must not only seize this treacherous mountain path into the Heavenly Wolf Sect and reinforce the Young Chief's forces, but also show everyone how the Chen Clan crushes the Heavenly Wolf Sect!"
Chen Xiaojun smiled faintly and exchanged a glance with Ling Yunxiao. Then both sprang into motion, taking the lead as they raced up the mountain path.
When Ling Yunxiao and Chen Xiaojun reached the summit with their men, the Heavenly Wolf