"What happened? Tell me slowly." Ning Yu asked in a deep voice, trying to remain calm, but his slightly trembling fingertips betrayed his inner unease.

The squad leader took a deep breath, his voice tinged with fear: "Their ability users... can control shadows! Our attacks can't even touch them; instead, we're attacked by our own shadows! Many of our brothers... are..."

The squad leader choked up, unable to speak, and Ning Yu's face grew increasingly grim. This was the first time he had encountered an ability user who could control shadows; it seemed that the "Steel Fang" organization was even more troublesome than he had imagined.

“Leader,” a squad leader stepped forward, his voice tinged with obvious panic, “We can’t go on like this! 'Steel Fang' is too strong; we’re no match for him! We have to find a way…”

"Shut up!" another squad leader roared. "Cowards! When have we ever been afraid? Our leader will definitely lead us to victory!"

"Shut up!" Ning Yu roared, silencing the crowd's argument. "Now is not the time for infighting! 'Steel Fang's' goal is clearly to wear us down. We can't afford to lose our composure!"

He surveyed his surroundings, his gaze resolute: "Pass down the order: all troops are to increase their vigilance and closely monitor 'Steel Fang's' movements. At the same time, establish a special operations team specifically responsible for studying the abilities of 'Steel Fang' and finding a way to counter them!"

As night fell, Ning Yu stood alone on a high point, gazing at the flickering lights in the distance—the area occupied by "Steel Fang." Behind him, the sounds of arguing rose and fell within the base; some advocated a strong counterattack, others suggested temporarily avoiding confrontation, and some even proposed compromising and seeking peace with "Steel Fang"...

Ning Yu took a deep breath. He knew that he was now facing not only external threats but also internal divisions.

“Ning Yu…” Mu Xue walked to his side and gently took his hand, “You’ve done your best…”

Ning Yu turned to look at Mu Xue, his eyes filled with complex emotions. He knew he had to make a decision quickly, a decision that would determine everyone's fate... He remained silent for a moment, finally uttering only one sentence: "Some things... cannot be said now..."

Ning Yu gently pulled Mu Xue's hand from his own, walked to the window, and gazed at the area controlled by "Steel Fang" in the distance. The area was brightly lit, as if mocking his powerlessness and predicament. He knew all too well that he had done his best, but the appearance of "Steel Fang" was like a boulder, pressing heavily on his heart, making it hard for him to breathe.

"Go to sleep, I'll think about it some more." Ning Yu didn't turn around, his voice low and weary. He knew this was not the time to be weak; he had to find a solution as soon as possible, otherwise not only would his own power crumble, but Mu Xue, along with the brothers who had followed him through thick and thin, would also be plunged into an abyss of no return.

Mu Xue watched Ning Yu's retreating figure silently, her eyes filled with worry and heartache. She understood Ning Yu; this man, though seemingly cold, was actually more loyal and righteous than anyone else. Over the years, he had carried far too much, rising from an ordinary transmigrator to where he was today—the hardships he had endured were unimaginable.

"I will always be by your side." Mu Xue walked to Ning Yu's side, gently hugged him, rested her head on his back, and felt the warmth emanating from his body. There wasn't much she could do, but she would always be with him, facing all the storms together.

Ning Yu closed his eyes, feeling Mu Xue's warmth, and a sense of warmth welled up in his heart. He knew he wasn't alone; he still had Mu Xue, and his loyal companions, and they would get through this difficult time together.

The next day, Ning Yu convened all senior members to discuss strategies for dealing with "Steel Teeth." The atmosphere in the meeting room was tense, and anxiety and unease were written on everyone's face.

"The strength of 'Steel Teeth' should not be underestimated. Their goal is clearly to annex us. We must unite to overcome this crisis!" The speaker was Li Qiang, Ning Yu's capable lieutenant and a staunch advocate of war.

“Captain Li is right, we can’t just sit here and wait to die! Although ‘Steel Fang’ is powerful, we’re not to be trifled with!” another squad leader chimed in.

“I disagree!” A middle-aged man who had been silent all along stood up. He was the logistics director of the base and had always advocated peace. “The strength of ‘Steel Teeth’ is obvious to all. If we confront them head-on, we will only sacrifice ourselves in vain! I think we should negotiate with them and seek a way to coexist peacefully.”

"Negotiation? Are you crazy? Don't you know what kind of people 'Steel Teeth' are? Do you think they'd coexist peacefully with us?" Li Qiang slammed his hand on the table, glaring at the middle-aged man.

"Then what do you suggest we do? Fight them to the death?" the middle-aged man retorted defiantly.

"Enough!" Ning Yu abruptly stood up, his powerful aura instantly intimidating everyone. He glanced around, his gaze sharp as a knife. "What time is it now? You still have the mind to argue here?!"

He took a deep breath and slowly said, "We must take the threat of 'Steel Fang' seriously, but we can't panic..." His gaze swept over everyone, finally settling on a corner where a short man sat silently, seemingly unconcerned... A glint flashed in Ning Yu's eyes, and he slowly asked, "Professor Liu, what do you think?"