The intelligence experts of the Linghe Chamber of Commerce fled desperately through the narrow, dimly lit passages, the footsteps of the "Dark Alliance" members growing ever closer behind them, like a death knell. The pungent smell and tense atmosphere made their breathing increasingly rapid, but the glimmer of light ahead was like a beacon of hope in the darkness, driving them to push forward with their last ounce of strength.
Finally, the intelligence experts burst out of the passage. Before them lay a dense forest, sunlight filtering through the leaves and creating dappled patterns. However, they had no time to savor the joy of seeing the light of day again; they hurriedly sought cover, concealing themselves and observing the movement at the passage entrance behind them.
Before long, members of the "Dark Alliance" reached the entrance of the passage. They searched the surrounding area, cursing, "Where did these guys go? Did they just vanish into thin air?"
"They definitely didn't go far. Keep searching! If we can't find them, we'll all be in deep trouble if the higher-ups blame us!" a man who seemed to be the leader said menacingly.
The intelligence experts lay prone in the grass, barely daring to breathe. They knew that if discovered, with their spiritual energy depleted and severely injured, there would be no chance of survival. Fortunately, after searching the forest for a while, the members of the "Dark Alliance" found no trace of them and had to return disappointed.
After confirming that the members of the "Dark Alliance" had left, the intelligence experts breathed a sigh of relief and helped each other to their feet. "This was really close; we almost didn't make it back," one of the intelligence experts said with lingering fear.
“Yes, but we must get back to Lingxu Market as soon as possible and tell Lin Yang about the ‘Dark Alliance’ secret stronghold and that strange magic array,” the leading intelligence expert said firmly.
The group nodded, suppressing their pain and exhaustion, and hurried towards the Lingxu Market. Along the way, they looked after each other, not daring to slacken their efforts in the slightest. After several days of arduous travel, they finally returned to the Lingxu Market.
Upon learning of the return of the intelligence experts, Lin Yang immediately summoned the leaders of various factions to the council hall of the Linghe Chamber of Commerce to hear their reports. The intelligence experts recounted in detail what they had seen and heard in the secret passage, including the black magic circle guarded by members of the "Dark Alliance" and the strange items placed on the magic circle.
“Based on our observations, that magic circle appears to be carrying out some kind of evil ritual, and it is extremely important to the ‘Dark Alliance’,” said the leading intelligence expert.
The Pavilion Master of Wanbaoge frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Judging from the description, this might be a magic array that can enhance evil power or open some kind of forbidden place. The 'Dark Alliance' must be plotting a bigger conspiracy."
The elder of the Spirit Sword Sect stroked his beard, his expression solemn: "Whatever they are plotting, we cannot sit idly by. We must find a way to break the formation as soon as possible and stop their conspiracy."
Lin Yang nodded slightly, his gaze firm: "Everyone is right. We need to split into two groups. One group will continue to closely monitor the movements of the 'Dark Alliance' secret stronghold to ensure we have a grasp of their every move; the other group will be handled by Wanbaoge, who will consult all the ancient books and materials to find clues to break the magic array."
After receiving the order, the Pavilion Master of Wanbaoge immediately returned to Wanbaoge and organized all the learned elders and disciples in the pavilion to immerse themselves in the vast sea of ancient books. They read day and night, not letting go of any record that might be related to the evil magic array.
Meanwhile, the Linghe Chamber of Commerce once again dispatched its most elite intelligence agents to infiltrate the vicinity of the "Dark Alliance's" secret stronghold. These agents used various ingenious concealment methods to establish a tight surveillance network around the stronghold, promptly transmitting any activity within the stronghold back to the Lingxu Market.
After several days and nights of arduous searching, Wanbaoge finally made some discoveries. A disciple found a record of a magic array in an ancient, fragmented scroll. "This is an evil magic array called the 'Evil Spirit Gathering Array.' By collecting evil spiritual power, it can open a passage to the 'Evil Abyss.' Once the passage is opened, evil creatures from the 'Evil Abyss' will flood into the cultivation world, with unimaginable consequences," the disciple reported to the Pavilion Master.
Upon hearing this, the Pavilion Master of Wanbaoge's expression changed drastically, and he immediately informed Lin Yang. Lin Yang, realizing the gravity of the situation, declared, "We absolutely cannot allow the 'Dark Alliance' to open the passage. We must formulate an action plan as soon as possible to destroy that magic array."
Therefore, Lin Yang once again convened the leaders of various forces to discuss countermeasures. "We cannot attack rashly. Since the 'Dark Alliance' attaches so much importance to this formation, they must have set up multiple defenses around it," said the elder of the Spirit Sword Sect.
The head of Wanbaoge Pavilion chimed in, “That’s right, we need to devise a meticulous plan. I suggest that Wanbaoge first develop some targeted magical artifacts to weaken the power of the magic array; then, the sword cultivators of Lingjian Sect will be responsible for breaking through the defenses and destroying the core of the magic array; and Linghe Chamber of Commerce will be responsible for disrupting the enemy’s vision and providing intelligence support and logistical support.”
Everyone agreed to the plan, and the various factions quickly sprang into action. The weapon refiners of Wanbao Pavilion worked day and night to develop the "Evil-Slaying Spirit Pearl" and the "Evil-Suppressing Talisman" based on the characteristics of the "Evil-Gathering Spirit Array." The "Evil-Slaying Spirit Pearl" could release powerful purifying spiritual energy to interfere with the array's energy gathering; the "Evil-Suppressing Talisman" could be affixed to the array to seal off a portion of its power.
Within the Spirit Sword Sect, sword cultivators intensified their training, practicing various sword formations in response to the Dark Alliance's potential defensive arrangements. Elders personally provided guidance, teaching the cultivators techniques for dealing with evil forces.
On the one hand, the Linghe Chamber of Commerce arranged for intelligence agents to closely monitor the defensive changes of the "Dark Alliance" stronghold, and on the other hand, it organized personnel to prepare logistical supplies to ensure the smooth progress of the operation.
With everything prepared, Lin Yang led the elite forces of the Lingxu Market toward the secret stronghold of the "Dark Alliance." Could they successfully destroy the "Evil Spirit Gathering Array" and thwart the "Dark Alliance's" sinister plot? A thrilling battle was about to begin, and the contest between the Lingxu Market and the "Dark Alliance" entered a crucial moment.
As the group from Lingxu Market stealthily approached the secret stronghold of the "Dark Alliance," they discovered that the defenses were far more stringent than they had anticipated. The stronghold was surrounded by various restrictions, and patrolling puppets controlled by members of the "Dark Alliance" hovered in the sky. These puppets emanated a black spiritual energy, their eyes flashing with an eerie red light, vigilantly scanning their surroundings.
"Everyone be careful not to trigger the restrictions. Proceed according to plan," Lin Yang said in a low voice.
The disciples of Wanbaoge took the lead, cautiously approaching the restriction and placing the "Evil-Dispelling Spirit Pearl" and "Suppressing Evil Talisman" around it. The "Evil-Dispelling Spirit Pearl" released gentle purifying spiritual power, slowly seeping into the restriction and interfering with its spiritual energy flow; the "Suppressing Evil Talisman" was affixed to the restriction, its runes flashing, sealing off a portion of the restriction's power.
Thanks to the efforts of the Wanbaoge disciples, the power of the restriction was gradually weakened. The Lingjian Sect sword cultivators seized the opportunity and unleashed the "Lingyin Ice-Breaking Sword Formation." The sword formation shone brightly, its sword energy crisscrossing as it attacked the restriction. With a flash of light and a deafening roar, the restriction was finally broken.
"Charge in!" Lin Yang ordered, and the crowd surged into the stronghold like a tidal wave. Upon discovering the intruders, the members of the "Dark Alliance" immediately launched a counterattack. In an instant, magical light flashed, and shouts of battle shook the heavens.
The sword cultivators of the Spirit Sword Sect engaged in fierce combat with members of the Dark Alliance. The sword cultivators' sword formations were unpredictable and their sword energy sharp, gradually tearing apart the Dark Alliance's defenses. Meanwhile, disciples of the Myriad Treasures Pavilion controlled magical artifacts from the rear, providing support to the sword cultivators. The Demon-Suppressing Pagoda released a powerful suction force, drawing some Dark Alliance members into the tower; the Shadow Tracking Crossbow continuously fired bolts, accurately striking the enemy.
The members of the Linghe Chamber of Commerce were also busy, using various means to disrupt the Dark Alliance's focus. Some members used illusions to create chaotic scenes; others secretly sabotaged the Dark Alliance's logistical facilities, throwing them into disarray.
Under the fierce attack of the crowd in the Lingxu Market, the members of the "Dark Alliance" gradually became unable to withstand the onslaught. However, they knew the importance of the magic array and fought desperately to protect the defensive line around it.
"Don't let them get close to the magic circle!" shouted one of the leaders of the "Dark Alliance".
Just then, Lin Yang discovered a flaw in the Dark Alliance's defenses. He quickly directed the sword cultivators to concentrate their power on attacking this flaw, and the power of the sword formation erupted instantly, successfully breaking through the Dark Alliance's defenses.
Lin Yang led the group towards the "Evil Spirit Gathering Array." However, as they approached the array, the leader of the "Dark Alliance" suddenly produced a black token and began chanting incantations. Instantly, the array shone brightly, and a powerful evil force surged towards the group.
"Oh no, they're strengthening the magic array!" Lin Yang shouted.
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