Gou Zai Fei Men made up myths

That evening, the setting sun was like blood, dyeing the clouds on the horizon a crimson red.

As the lights were just coming on inside the Flowing Cloud Palace, Shen Mo was discussing the final issuance of contribution jade coins with Han Lin and Su Xiao when a rapid whooshing sound came from afar and arrived in an instant!

"Whoosh—"

A dim, dark light pierced through the palace gate's protective barrier and landed precisely in Su Xiao's hand, transforming into a black jade talisman that was still trembling slightly.

On the surface of the jade talisman, a blood-red line was exceptionally conspicuous, representing the Shadow Guard's highest-level emergency message!

Su Xiao's expression changed slightly, and she immediately placed the jade talisman on her forehead. A moment later, she removed the talisman, her usually cool face now covered with a layer of frost, her words rapid yet clear:

"Sect Leader, Elder Han, urgent report from the border! Two unusual movements!"

"Northern Route, Black Wind Gorge! An hour ago, the Shadow Guard Team Three discovered at least thirty unidentified cultivators who had infiltrated the gorge. Their cultivation levels ranged from a minimum of Qi Refining Stage 7 to a maximum suspected mid-Foundation Establishment stage!"

"They're acting stealthily, constructing makeshift fortifications and setting up concealment and early warning systems in a narrow section of the canyon. Judging by their actions, they're trying to establish a forward outpost!"

"Southern Front, Swampy Miasma Forest! At the same time, an unusual disturbance of monsters has erupted deep within the miasma forest. A large number of low-level poisonous insects and ferocious beasts have been driven out of the forest, forming a small-scale beast tide that is currently attacking 'Streamstone Village' on the edge! The village guards have sent out a distress signal; casualties are unknown!"

Upon hearing this, Han Lin frowned deeply and gasped, "Black Wind Gorge... although it's a no-man's-land, it has always been within the sphere of influence of the Blazing Sun Sect! Who would be so bold as to establish a stronghold here?"

"And what about those swampy, miasma-ridden forests? While the monsters there are often unruly, it's rare in recent years for them to form hordes that attack villages! How could it be such a coincidence that they all attacked at the same time?"

Su Xiao's gaze was icy: "The cultivators on the northern front, though they don't fly any banners, have a style of operation and spiritual energy attributes extremely similar to the 'Crimson Flame Guards' under the Blazing Sun Sect! As for the beast tide on the southern front, according to observations from the front lines, it doesn't seem like a natural disaster, but rather shows signs of being guided by beast-taming spells!"

"The timing was so precise, with the north and south working in unison—it's clearly a test! Let's see how we respond!"

Shen Mo sat upright in the main seat, his fingers tapping lightly on the sandalwood table, producing a soft, steady sound. His expression was calm and composed, except for a hint of coldness that flashed deep in his eyes.

He did not speak immediately, and the hall fell silent for a moment, with only the flickering light of the lamps illuminating the solemn faces of the three men.

After a moment, Shen Mo stopped knocking, looked up at Su Xiao, and asked in a steady voice, "What's the situation in Xishi Village? Are the defenses sufficient?"

"There's only one retired soldier at the fifth level of Qi Refining and a dozen militiamen left in the village, struggling to hold on with a makeshift fence and a low-level warning talisman. According to the last message, the fence has been breached, casualties are heavy, and rescue is urgently needed!" Su Xiao spoke rapidly.

"Blackwind Gorge Outpost, construction progress?"

"The concealment array base has been initially completed, and the early warning array is being deployed. It is expected that a basic defense can be formed as early as tomorrow morning."

A cold glint flashed in Shen Mo's eyes. Without further hesitation, he abruptly stood up: "This is outrageous! Do you really think my Qingyun Alliance is made of clay?"

His gaze swept over Han Lin and Su Xiao, and his command was as clear and decisive as metal striking the ground:

"Elder Han, stay at the central command, coordinate resources, ensure the contribution points and jade coins are released as planned tomorrow, maintain internal stability, and there must be no mistakes!"

"Su Xiao, order the Shadow Guard's southern squad to infiltrate Xishi Village at all costs and assist in holding it until reinforcements arrive! At the same time, strictly control all news from both the north and south fronts. Only announce to the outside world that it's routine bandit suppression and monster clearing to avoid causing panic, and also to see which other demons and monsters might emerge!"

"Yes!" Han Lin and Su Xiao answered in unison.

"Summon Shi Tie and Jin Hao!" Shen Mo said in a deep voice.

A moment later, heavy, hurried footsteps echoed outside the hall. Shi Tie, shirtless and steaming hot, had clearly just arrived from the training ground. He carried his signature giant axe on his shoulder. (Author "Mayday" recommends reading "Making Myths in the Ruined Gate" using the "Renren Bookstore" app.)

Jin Hao followed closely behind, dressed in a neat blue robe, sharp as a sword.

"Sect Leader! Has a fight broken out?" Before Shi Tieren even arrived, his loud voice made the hall buzz, and his large, copper-bell-shaped eyes gleamed with excitement and a desire for battle.

Jin Hao, on the other hand, was much more composed. He cupped his hands in a salute and asked, "Sect Leader, what are your orders?"

Shen Mo briefly explained the situation, then gave the order, his voice as firm as iron:

"Ironclad!"

"I'm here!" Shi Tie puffed out his chest.

"I order you to immediately assemble the first and second elite teams of the Battle Hall, a total of one hundred elite disciples, equipped with armor-piercing crossbows and flame talismans, and ride the 'Azure Falcon' speedboat to reinforce Streamstone Village at top speed!"

"Upon arrival, crush the beast horde with swift and decisive action, and eliminate any potential beast drivers!"

"After rescuing the villagers, establish a temporary defensive line outside the malaria-ridden forest. No one is to venture deeper without orders! I want you to demonstrate your strength, but more importantly, you must ensure the safety of the villagers! Understand?"

"Understood!" Shi Tie grinned, revealing his white teeth, and gripped the axe handle tightly. "Don't worry, Sect Leader! I, Old Shi, will definitely squeeze out all those beasts' balls! I guarantee that not a single hair on the villagers' heads will be missing!" He turned and was about to rush out.

"Wait!" Shen Mo called out to him, his gaze stern. "Remember, your primary mission is to rescue people and repel the enemy, not to pursue them! The situation in the miasma forest is unclear; do not advance rashly! Any mishap will be dealt with according to military law!"

"Jin Hao!" Shen Mo turned his gaze to another general.

"Disciple is here!" Jin Hao stepped forward.

"I hereby order you to lead the Third Gale Team and the Fourth Shadow Strike Team of the War Hall, a total of eighty elite troops, aboard the 'Flowing Cloud' Sky-Piercing Ship, to secretly infiltrate the outskirts of Black Wind Gorge. Closely monitor the movements of the stronghold and ascertain the identity, strength, and intentions of the enemy."

"If the other side only establishes an outpost and does not take any further action, do not attack for the time being, continue to apply pressure, and record their reactions."

"If the other side dares to launch a preemptive strike or attempt to consolidate its stronghold, you are authorized to make a decisive, on-the-spot attack! Make sure to establish momentum and force them back! However, be mindful of the degree of force to avoid prematurely escalating into a full-scale conflict. Can you do it?"

A glint flashed in Jin Hao's eyes. After a moment of contemplation, he said in a deep voice, "Sect Leader, rest assured! This disciple understands! We will feign strength to observe their true capabilities, blunt their attacks, and avoid falling into their trap!"

"Very good! Let's set off immediately!" Shen Mo waved his hand.

"Yes!" Jin Hao clasped his hands in acceptance, turned around and left quickly, his steps steady and agile.

Shi Tie also roared, shouldered his axe, and charged out like a whirlwind. His rough shouts could still be heard from afar: "You bastards from Team One and Team Two! Get your asses out here! Grab your weapons! A tough battle is about to begin!"

Watching the two figures disappear into the distance, Han Lin said with some worry, "Sect Leader, isn't attacking on two fronts too risky? Especially Black Wind Gorge. If it really was the work of the Blazing Sun Sect, what about Jin Hao and the others..."

Shen Mo stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the deep night outside the hall, his eyes profound: "Elder Han, the tree may wish to be still, but the wind will not cease. Someone has a knife to our throats; if we don't show our teeth, the next blow will be an axe. The alliance is newly formed; we cannot afford to show weakness."

"This battle must not only be fought, but fought beautifully! We must show everyone that the Qingyun Alliance not only has rules, but also the fist to uphold them!"

He paused, then said coldly, "As for whether it's the Blazing Sun Sect... we'll only know after we fight them. If it is, we can test their mettle. If not, we'll let the people behind it know that not just anyone can trample on the boundaries of the Azure Cloud Alliance!"

Su Xiao said softly, "Sect Leader, should we notify our allies, such as the Xuanbing Pavilion and the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, to show that we are united in our actions?"

Shen Mo pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "No need for now. This is an internal matter of our alliance, and we should handle it ourselves first. If necessary, we will report back. For now, let's just observe how things develop."