Inside the Lingxu Market, the Linghe Chamber of Commerce's intelligence agents, like a flock of keen-eyed hawks, darted through the streets and alleys, closely watching any suspicious strangers. They utilized the Chamber's network of informants throughout the market to investigate every individual acting suspiciously.

A young intelligence agent noticed a man who frequently loitered near Wanbaoge. The man appeared ordinary, but he always seemed to be subtly observing the people entering and leaving Wanbaoge and its defensive layout. The agent casually approached the man and struck up a conversation.

"Brother, you seem quite interested in Wanbaoge? I've been in this market for a long time and know Wanbaoge quite well. If there's anything you want to know, just ask me," the intelligence officer said with a smile, trying to get information out of the man.

The man gave him a wary look, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "I've heard that Wanbaoge recently acquired a rare magic treasure. Is that true?"

The intelligence officer felt a chill run down his spine, but remained outwardly calm: "There are no rare treasures out there; it's all just hearsay and rumors. Don't believe them, brother." However, the man didn't seem to believe him, his eyes revealing suspicion.

Realizing the gravity of the situation, the intelligence officer made an excuse to leave and quickly reported the matter to the Chamber of Commerce president. Upon learning of this, the president immediately relayed the information to Lin Yang and other leaders of various factions.

"It seems that forces like the Bloodblade Sect have already noticed the existence of the 'Chaotic Spiritual Pivot' and have sent people to gather information," Lin Yang said with a solemn expression.

The Pavilion Master of Wanbaoge frowned: "Our research has reached a critical stage, and we must not let them sabotage it. From now on, strengthen the protection of the 'Chaotic Spiritual Pivot,' set up more hidden defensive formations, and arrange for experts to guard it day and night."

The elder of the Spirit Sword Sect nodded: "The sword cultivators will increase patrols and conduct a thorough search of the market, leaving no suspicious person unchecked. Once a Blood Blade Sect spies are discovered, they will be arrested and interrogated immediately."

The president of the Linghe Chamber of Commerce also said, "The Chamber of Commerce will further expand its intelligence gathering scope, not only to investigate suspicious persons in the market, but also to closely monitor the movements of surrounding forces. Perhaps the Bloodblade Sect is joining forces with other forces to prepare an attack on us."

While the Spirit Ruins Market was intensifying its defenses, the alliance formed by the Blood Blade Sect was also growing stronger. Besides the Black Flame Cult, several other forces, including the Poison Scorpion Gang and the Shadow Gate, had joined. These forces harbored different motives, but all coveted the wealth of the Spirit Ruins Market and the "Chaotic Spiritual Pivot."

At the alliance meeting, the Bloodblade Sect Master stood before the massive map of the Spirit Ruins Market, his eyes flashing with a sinister light: "Gentlemen, the Spirit Ruins Market may seem powerful now, but as long as we plan properly, we will surely be able to break through it in one fell swoop. According to reports from our spies, they seem to have already detected our people's activities within the market, so we must be even more cautious in our next move."

The leader of the Poison Scorpion Gang was a short man with a ferocious face. He sneered, "What are you afraid of? With so many forces united, are we afraid of them? Let's just kill our way in, grab the magic weapon, and leave."

The Bloodblade Sect Master snorted coldly: "Acting rashly will only lead to heavy losses for us. The defensive arrays and sword arrays of the Spirit Ruins Market are not to be underestimated, as are that mysterious magic weapon, whose power we know nothing about. We need to formulate a detailed plan to defeat them one by one."

After intense discussion, the alliance devised a meticulous attack plan. They intended to first send small elite units to feign attacks on several directions of the Spirit Ruins Market, thus dispersing its defenses. Simultaneously, a strike team composed of experts from the Blood Blade Sect and the Black Flame Cult would infiltrate the Spirit Ruins Market amidst the chaos and seize the "Chaos Spirit Pivot." Once successful, a signal would be sent immediately, and the alliance's main force would launch a full-scale attack to destroy the Spirit Ruins Market's defenses and loot it completely.

To ensure the plan's successful execution, the alliance members began intensive training and preparation. The Bloodblade Sect disciples practiced the Bloodblade Technique day and night, attempting to rapidly increase their strength; the Black Flame Sect refined large quantities of Black Flame Poison Pills, preparing to create chaos among the people of the Spirit Ruins Market during the battle; the Poison Scorpion Gang trained a group of assassins skilled in stealth and ambush; and the Shadow Sect used shadow magic to provide stealth and cover for the assault teams.

Meanwhile, at the Lingxu Market, although security had been strengthened, the enemy's specific plans and timing remained unclear. The Linghe Chamber of Commerce's intelligence agents were busy searching for more information. However, forces like the Bloodblade Sect seemed to have sensed the danger and were tightening their control over the spies, putting intelligence gathering in a difficult position.

Lin Yang knew that the enemy could launch an attack at any time, and the Lingxu Market must make comprehensive defensive preparations as soon as possible. He summoned the leaders of various forces again and said, "We cannot passively wait for the enemy to attack. On the one hand, we must continue to strengthen our defenses, improve our defensive formations and sword formations, and enhance their power and resilience; on the other hand, we must take the initiative to find the enemy's weaknesses and flaws."

The Master of Wanbaoge suggested, "We can use our newly developed tracking magic weapon to track those suspicious individuals. Perhaps we can find their hideouts and contact information, thereby disrupting their plans."

The elders of the Spirit Sword Sect also agreed: "Sword cultivators can form raiding squads to scout out places where enemies might be hiding. Once they discover traces of the enemy, they should strike first."

The president of the Linghe Chamber of Commerce stated, "The Chamber will strengthen its ties with friendly forces in the surrounding area and seek support. At the same time, we will continue to find ways to break through the enemy's intelligence blockade and obtain more crucial information."