Enlightenment: Attaining the Dao at Age 8

"Roger that!" Everyone quickly split up.

Shen Qiuyue knelt, using her sword to prod at the fallen Martial Artist’s equipment as she searched for clues.

She said in a low voice,

"The gear on these Martial Artists is far superior to that of your typical rogue Martial Artist. They might be backed by a major faction!"

Li Chang’an nodded and tucked a tracking device into his backpack.

"This really doesn’t look like a typical Martial Artist outpost.

We’ll figure it out later. Let’s focus on the mission for now!"

Sun Yang excitedly pried an Energy Core from the body of the heavy weapons Martial Artist and held it up, giving it a little shake.

"Captain, this thing’s pretty good! We can use it to charge the drone. See? I told you this guy looked loaded!"

"Cut the crap!" Han Ruoxi shot him a glare.

"Just grab it and let’s go. Stop wasting time!"

After clearing the battlefield, Li Chang’an had the squad regroup.

He looked ahead and took a deep breath.

"We’re pushing forward. Target: the inner compound.

This is just the beginning, so stay sharp!"

The Insect Hunter Squad continued their advance toward the target outpost. After passing through a patch of low-lying brush, the terrain started to grow more complex.

The terrain ahead showed clear signs of being artificially altered, with excavated trenches and makeshift defensive walls.

Li Chang’an gestured for the squad to halt. He crouched down, picked up a fragmented metal plate, and examined it closely.

"The defensive layout here was clearly established over a long period," he said in a low voice.

"Looks like this outpost isn’t just a temporary setup. It might have deeper structures. We need to be extra careful."

Standing behind him, Shen Qiuyue scanned their surroundings.

"If they have underground facilities, we’ll likely face more complex defense mechanisms after we’ve cleared the perimeter."

Sun Yang couldn’t help but grumble while standing guard.

"Underground facilities? Can’t you guys ever think positive? Why does it have to be so complicated? You really think we’re some kind of do-it-all squad?"

Biting her lip, Han Ruoxi stared at the drone’s terminal screen.

"Stop complaining. The mission’s the mission.

Besides, the underground part isn’t our job. We just clear the perimeter. The main force will take over from there."

Bai Lin, who had been focused on his terminal, suddenly looked up.

"Captain, new signals. Not many, three to four moving targets approaching from our left, about two hundred meters out.

Probably a patrol."

Li Chang’an immediately gave a hand signal, motioning for the squad to disperse and take cover.

He said in a low, serious voice,

"A patrol. We can’t afford to alert them. We need to take them out clean.

Qiuyue, take the right. Ruo Xi, find high ground for overwatch. Sun Yang, prep for fire support. Linzi, keep monitoring the signals!"

"Understood!" The team quickly dispersed, taking their assigned positions.

The sound of the patrol’s footsteps grew closer.

Li Chang’an lay prone behind a large rock, gripping his Saw Chain Sword tightly as he waited for the perfect moment to strike.

Ahead, a tall Alien Martial Artist stepped out of the shadows, his eyes warily scanning the area.

Shen Qiuyue moved first. She burst from the side like a bolt of Lightning, her Dueling Sword a silver flash as it plunged directly into the back of the nearest patrol member.

The Martial Artist let out a muffled grunt and collapsed, unable to sound a warning.

The remaining three were instantly on alert, whipping their heads around to find their attacker.

Li Chang’an seized the opportunity to strike from the other side, his Saw Chain Sword roaring to life as he swung it at another Martial Artist’s chest.

The Martial Artist raised his weapon to block, but the immense cutting power of the Chain Sword tore straight through his Armor, cleaving him in two.

"Perfect opening!" Han Ruoxi’s voice came over the comms, followed by the faint crackle of an electric charge.

The arc of electricity she unleashed struck the third Martial Artist squarely in the head, and the powerful current sent him crumpling to the ground.

The last Martial Artist tried to fight back, but as soon as he raised his weapon, he was sent staggering backward by blasts from Sun Yang’s Pulse Gun.

A look of Despair crossed his face. He struggled, trying to flee, but Shen Qiuyue silenced him with a sword to the throat, and he collapsed.

"And that takes care of that!" Sun Yang whistled, leaning back against the rock and wiping the sweat from his brow.

"Captain, this squad’s gear was just average. Not much of a threat.

Felt like they were just free XP!"

Li Chang’an got to his feet and quickly surveyed the area.

"Don’t get complacent.

We were lucky this patrol didn’t expose our position, but there could be other teams behind them."

Han Ruoxi hopped down from her concealed position and activated the drone’s thermal imaging scanner.

"I’m not picking up any more targets in the immediate vicinity. Looks like that patrol was operating on its own."

Bai Lin, still analyzing the data on his terminal, spoke up.

"Something’s strange, though.

The defensive density on the outpost’s perimeter is low, but their units are widely dispersed.

It’s almost like they’re testing us."

Shen Qiuyue sheathed her sword and added calmly,

"If they’re deliberately spreading out their forces, it means their strength inside the compound is greater than we anticipated.

These patrols might just be a way to wear us down."

Li Chang’an nodded.

"That’s highly likely.

They know we’re here, but they haven’t committed their main force. That means they’re either waiting for reinforcements or they have a more important plan in motion.

Either way, we can’t let our guard down."

"So, what’s the plan?" Sun Yang asked, half-joking as he cradled his Pulse Gun.

"Do we keep pushing or fall back? You gotta make the call, Captain!"

"We push on, of course," Li Chang’an said, his gaze sweeping over the team.

"But we need to be more cautious.

Linzi, keep the drone on high-altitude surveillance.

Ruo Xi, be ready to provide cover at a moment’s notice.

Qiuyue and I will handle any close-quarters threats.

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