"Our plan is simple," Han Mo continued. "We’ll use a small unit to launch a feint attack, drawing the Feathered People into a group. Once they’ve massed, Xu Wuyi will move in to clear the field. The key is a swift battle—we must end the fight and evacuate within ten minutes."
"Why ten minutes?" Xu Wuyi asked.
"Because of the reaction time of a Feathered People Second King," Lu Wenquan interjected, pulling up a data analysis.
"According to statistics from past battles, it takes a Feathered People Second King an average of eleven minutes to arrive at a battlefield after receiving a distress signal. If the battlefield is far from their main fortress, this time can extend to fifteen minutes."
He pushed up his glasses. "We have to complete the kills and evacuate within this time window. If we go past ten minutes, the probability of being entangled by a Second King will rise sharply."
Xu Wuyi understood.
In the Drifting Sand Star Realm, he had fought for fifteen minutes. Although he had won a great victory, it had also given the Feathered People time to react. This time, in Tianshui, he had to be faster, more ruthless.
"Of the three decoy points, which is the most suitable?" he asked, looking at the holographic screen.
"Area G-14." Han Mo zoomed in on that patch of sea. "This place is two hundred and eighty kilometers from the Feathered People’s ’Raging Wave Fortress’ and one hundred and sixty kilometers from our ’Deep Sea Base Three.’ The sea is open, with no large whirlpools or undercurrents, which is suitable for you to utilize Liaoyuan’s area-of-effect advantage."
"The Feathered People have established a temporary ’Crystal Ore Collection Platform’ here, with a garrison of about six hundred. Among them are eight Priests. We’ve confirmed that a Second King is stationed there, but their specific Level is unknown."
Xu Wuyi stared at the patch of sea, his mind already simulating the battle.
The sea surface was open, with no cover. The flames of Liaoyuan could spread to their maximum range. A force of six hundred was well within his field-clearing capabilities.
The only variable was that Second King.
"That Second King—can we confirm when they leave the platform?" he asked.
"Very difficult." Han Mo shook his head. "But according to intel, this Second King patrols the surrounding sea area at a fixed time every day for about twenty minutes. We can choose to launch our attack while he is on patrol. That way, only Priests and regular warriors will be left on the platform."
"What’s the time window?"
"From the start of the attack to his return, twenty-five minutes at most," Lu Wenquan said. "Subtracting the ten minutes of combat time, we have fifteen minutes to evacuate. That’s enough time to get to a safe zone."
Xu Wuyi did a quick calculation.
Twenty-five minutes. Ten minutes to clear the field, fifteen minutes to evacuate. The schedule was tight, but feasible.
"When do we move?" he asked.
"Four o’clock tomorrow morning," Han Mo said. "The Feathered People’s guard is relatively lax in the early morning. Also, the Second King stationed there will be starting his patrol right at that time, giving us the largest possible window."
Tie Zhan grinned. "Kid, just focus on killing. With us here, even if that guy comes back early, we’ll make sure it’s a one-way trip."
Lu Wenquan also nodded. "I’ve already calculated the spatial stability parameters for the area. I can set up an interference barrier in advance to delay the propagation of Energy Fluctuations, buying us an extra three to five minutes."
Xu Wuyi looked at the three men before him.
One was his esteemed mentor, and two were renowned Quasi-Grandmasters of the Federation. ’Such an escort is a luxury even some full-fledged Grandmasters might not receive.’
He didn’t say any words of thanks, just nodded. "Understood."
"Good. Now to assign tasks." Han Mo brought up the operational plan.
"Tie Zhan, you’re responsible for direct engagement. If that Second King returns early, you’ll be the primary offense. Lu Wenquan, set up the barrier and defenses; ensure Xu Wuyi isn’t disturbed. I’ll provide support from the center, ready to fill any gaps."
"Xu Wuyi, you have only one mission: clear all Feathered People from the platform in the shortest possible time. Don’t hold back, don’t hesitate. Evacuate immediately after you’re done."
"Understood."
"Zhao Qingwei. Chu Shanhe." Han Mo looked at the two of them. "You will accompany the feint unit and are responsible for drawing attention on the periphery. Remember: don’t go too deep, don’t get tied down in a fight. Retreat immediately once your objective is complete."
The two of them had been operating with Han Mo before and were already the team’s main Innate Martial Artists.
"Yes, sir!"
The operational briefing lasted for an hour.
Every detail was repeatedly scrutinized, and every possibility was considered in advance. By the time the meeting ended, the sky outside had already darkened.
The nights in the Tianshui Star Realm had no moon, only two dim yellow suns that sank below the sea horizon, leaving behind a sky full of sparse stars.
The sea breeze blew into the conference room through the ventilation system, carrying the chill of the deep sea.
"Everyone, go get some rest," Han Mo said. "We assemble at three in the morning and depart at three-thirty."
Everyone stood up and left.
Xu Wuyi returned to his room but did not rest immediately.
He stood by the window, looking out at the pitch-black sea.
In the distance, the sparse lights of the Federation’s deep-sea base glimmered like a lone island in the dark.
In his sea of consciousness, the Dark Gold Mountain Body stood unmoving. At its peak, the Golden Crow Illusion spread its wings.
The Liaoyuan Long Spear stood in the corner, its shaft faintly glowing with a dark gold luster, as if it, too, was anticipating the coming battle.
Xu Wuyi closed his eyes and began to regulate his breathing.
The Power of Heart Image slowly circulated through his meridians, each wisp as dense as mercury. The Flame True Intention of the Golden Crow Burning Heart drifted within his sea of consciousness, while the Gravity Rules of the Profound Nether Celestial Spear formed a construct within his Heart Image.
He had to bring himself to his absolute peak.
Because tomorrow would be a tough fight.
...
「At three in the morning」, the landing pad of the Mountain Stone Base was already brightly lit.
Six medium-sized assault shuttles were neatly arranged, their engines already preheated and emitting a low hum. Martial Artists in combat gear were performing their final equipment checks, the atmosphere grim and tense.
Xu Wuyi boarded the lead shuttle with Han Mo and the two others.
The cabin wasn’t large, with only eight seats.
Tie Zhan placed his warhammer by his side and closed his eyes to rest. Lu Wenquan was holding a tactical tablet, repeatedly checking energy parameters. Han Mo sat opposite Xu Wuyi, his gaze calm.
"Nervous?" Han Mo asked suddenly.
"A little," Xu Wuyi answered honestly. "But more than that, I’m excited."
Han Mo nodded. "Hold on to that feeling. A Martial Artist must be wary, but never afraid."
The shuttle vibrated slightly and began to ascend.
Through the viewport, Xu Wuyi saw the other five shuttles take off, forming an assault formation as they flew toward the dark sea.
The sea at night was as black as ink, with only the occasional splash of a wave reflecting faint light under the stars.
The shuttle activated its optical camouflage, becoming nearly invisible in the night sky. Only the afterburn from its engines left a faint trail in the air.
"Twenty minutes to the target area," the pilot’s voice came over the comms. "All clear for now. No Feathered People scout units detected."
"Stay alert," Han Mo responded.
Xu Wuyi closed his eyes and began to regulate his breathing.
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