Rise of the Otherworld.

The reconnaissance team sent by Lin Yu cautiously approached the secret base of the Shadow Gate indicated by the system. Along the way, they did not dare to be careless and tried their best to conceal their presence and whereabouts. The breeze blew gently, and the leaves rustled, as if playing a tense melody for their actions.

The team members shuttled through the dense jungle, the dead branches and leaves under their feet making a slight sound, which was particularly clear in the silent environment. With every step, they seemed to be able to sense the potential danger around them.

"Everyone, be careful. Pay attention to the surroundings," the team leader said in a low voice. His eyes were alert, his hand tightly gripped his sword, and beads of sweat oozed from his forehead.

Finally, they arrived near their stronghold. A shadowy castle loomed before them, shrouded in a strange mist. Its walls, mottled and worn, seemed to reveal the passage of time and countless secrets.

"This place exudes an evil aura, everyone be careful," one team member muttered softly, his voice trembling slightly, clearly shaken by the sight before him.

The captain gestured for everyone to disperse and slowly approach the castle. Like ghosts, the team members moved silently towards the castle.

One of the team members quietly climbed a large tree and observed the situation inside the castle. He saw many disciples of the Shadow Sect patrolling inside. They were dressed in black robes, with stern faces and fierce eyes.

Just as he was about to come down to report the situation, he accidentally stepped on a dead branch.

There was a "click" sound, which was particularly loud in the silence.

The patrolling disciples in the castle immediately became alert and walked towards the direction of the sound.

"Oh no, we've been discovered!" The team members on the tree thought to themselves that something was wrong.

The captain made a quick decision: "Prepare for battle!" His voice was decisive and resolute.

The team members quickly drew their weapons and prepared for battle. In an instant, the air seemed to freeze, and the tense atmosphere made it almost impossible to breathe.

A fierce battle erupted instantly. The Shadow Sect disciples surged forward like a tide, their attacks vicious and merciless. The reconnaissance team fought back fiercely, the clash of swords and cries of killing resounding through the air.

The captain's swordsmanship was sharp, and each strike could repel an enemy, but the enemies were numerous and coordinated well, and they gradually fell into trouble. The captain's clothes were stained with blood, and the pain from his wounds slowed his movements slightly, but his eyes remained firm.

"We can't be trapped like this, we must rush out and bring back the information!" The captain thought to himself. He shouted loudly, boosting the morale of the team members.

Just then, a team member discovered a weak link in the castle.

"Captain, this way!" he shouted.

The captain led the others to break out in that direction. They fought with all their might and broke through the enemy's encirclement. After a hard fight, they finally carved out a bloody path.

However, during the breakout, many members were seriously injured. Some had their arms chopped off and were bleeding profusely; others had arrows in their legs and were limping. But none of them gave up, supporting each other as they advanced.

"Everyone, hold on. We must bring back the intelligence!" the captain said through gritted teeth. His voice was hoarse with fatigue, but full of determination.

Covered in wounds, they desperately fled the stronghold, with the disciples of the Shadow Sect still hot on their heels.

The team members ran wildly in the jungle, branches scratching their skin and sweat soaking their clothes. But they did not dare to stop, with only one belief in their hearts: to return to the Zhenwang Sect.

Finally, they saw the mountain gate of Zhenwang Sect.

"They are back!" The disciples in the sect discovered them.

When they returned to the Zhenwang Sect, they were exhausted. Some team members collapsed on the ground as soon as they entered the sect.

After Lin Yu learned about the situation, his face became heavier. He looked at the injured team members, his heart filled with guilt and anger.

"It seems that this Shadow Gate is more powerful and cunning than we imagined." Lin Yu thought to himself. He knew that the next battle would be more difficult.

In the room, Lin Yu summoned the sect's senior leaders to discuss countermeasures.

"Although we suffered heavy losses during this investigation, at least we have some understanding of the Shadow Gate's stronghold." said an elder.

"But their defense is so tight, how can we attack?" another elder asked.

Lin Yu pondered for a moment and said, "We need to make a more thorough plan and not act rashly."

Everyone nodded and began to study the next strategy.

Whether the True King Sect can win this battle against the Shadow Gate remains uncertain, but their determination, like a burning flame, will never be extinguished.