PREPARING FOR THE COUNTEROFFENSIVE

Chapter 27: Preparing for the Counteroffensive

The Azure Sky Sect's council convened early the next morning. The tension in the air was palpable as the elders and senior disciples gathered in the main chamber, their expressions reflecting a mix of exhaustion and determination. Zhang Wei stood among them, his spear resting against his shoulder.

Elder Hua addressed the group, her voice calm but resolute. "The Shadow Fang Sect has overreached. Their attacks have weakened them, and their supply lines are vulnerable. This is our chance to strike at their core."

She gestured to a large map spread across the table. "Their main supply depot lies here, in the Blackthorn Gorge. It is heavily fortified, but without it, they won't be able to sustain their operations. Zhang Wei, we are entrusting you to lead the infiltration."

Zhang Wei nodded, his expression steady. "I'll see it done."

The system chimed: New Quest: Destroy the Shadow Fang Sect's supply depot.

Objective: Infiltrate the depot, plant explosives, and escape undetected.

Reward: Sect Contribution Points and advanced infiltration techniques.

For the next two days, Zhang Wei and his team prepared for the mission. They trained tirelessly, reviewing the depot's layout and practicing the techniques they would need to bypass its defenses. Every detail mattered—the guards' patrol patterns, the locations of key supply caches, and the timing of their escape.

Lin Xiyu watched from the sidelines as Zhang Wei sparred with one of his teammates, her arms crossed and a faint smirk on her lips.

"Always the overachiever, aren't you?" she teased.

Zhang Wei parried his opponent's strike and countered with a precise thrust before replying, "If we're going to pull this off, we can't afford to leave anything to chance."

Lin Xiyu's smirk faded slightly, replaced with a more serious expression. "Just don't push yourself too hard. The sect needs you in one piece."

"I'll be fine," Zhang Wei said, his tone calm but resolute.

---

On the morning of the mission, Zhang Wei stood at the gates of the Azure Sky Sect, his team assembled and ready. Elder Hua approached him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Remember, Zhang Wei," she said, her voice steady. "This mission is critical, but your safety and that of your team are equally important. Trust your instincts and use everything you've learned."

Zhang Wei bowed deeply. "I won't let the sect down."

As the gates creaked open, Zhang Wei and his team set off, the weight of the mission heavy on their shoulders. The path ahead was fraught with danger, but Zhang Wei's resolve burned brightly.

"The Shadow Fang Sect thinks they can break us," Zhang Wei murmured as they disappeared into the horizon. "They're about to learn how wrong they are."