Chapter 7: The Path to Harmony in the Squad's First Gathering

In the days that followed, they threw themselves wholeheartedly into training. Chu Feng devised a strict regimen, and everyone followed it methodically. During one simulated combat exercise, the base alarm suddenly blared—swarming monsters were attacking. The four reacted swiftly, with Sun Yue leading the charge, weapon drawn.

In battle, Sun Yue revealed extraordinary prowess. He pulled out a dagger that shimmered with an eerie blue light, radiating an unusual energy. Agile and ghostlike, he weaved among the monsters. The azure dagger flashed in his hand, leaving behind afterimages, each striking precisely at a monster’s vital point.

The creatures didn’t even have time for a roar before dissolving into wisps of black smoke.

Before Chu Feng could react, Sun Yue was already before him, the dagger flickering deftly in front of his eyes.

“What are you waiting for, Captain?” Sun Yue raised an eyebrow with a sly smile.

Chu Feng snapped back to focus and joined Sun Yue in clearing the incoming monsters.

“Everyone,” Chu Feng cleared his throat, “welcome to my squad. Now, we need to quickly establish a defensive system...” He began assigning tasks: Liu Yong was in charge of upgrading the base’s defenses, Feng Yao handled supplies and healing, and Sun Yue was tasked with reconnaissance.

“Reconnaissance?” Sun Yue sneered, “My abilities aren’t just for scouting. Captain, you should give me more important missions, like… raiding enemy bases.” He brandished his dagger, the blue glow flashing briefly.

Liu Yong adjusted his glasses calmly. “Reconnaissance is important too. We need to know what’s around us.”

“Knowing the situation? Hmph, as soon as I strike, all problems are solved,” Sun Yue said arrogantly.

Liu Yong frowned slightly but said no more.

A tense atmosphere hung between them.

Sensing the shift, Chu Feng stepped in to smooth things over. “Sun Yue, your strength is undeniable, but reconnaissance is vital. We need your speed and stealth. Once we gather enough intelligence, I’ll assign you more critical tasks.”

Though reluctant, Sun Yue accepted Chu Feng’s arrangement.

Yet cracks had already formed within the squad, shadows lurking quietly, ready to erupt.

Late at night, faint footsteps sounded outside the base.

“Someone’s coming,” Feng Yao whispered softly.

The footsteps drew nearer, like a serpent flicking its tongue, stirring everyone’s nerves.

Feng Yao’s healing rune glowed gently, illuminating her pale face.

Liu Yong adjusted his glasses, the dim light reflecting off the lenses, obscuring the emotions in his eyes.

Sun Yue toyed with his dagger, a cold smirk playing on his lips, seemingly indifferent to the impending danger.

Chu Feng approached the base entrance and pressed his ear against the cold metal door, listening intently.

He sensed a strong rune energy nearby—clearly not ordinary wandering spirits but another adventuring squad.

He knew this underground parking lot was geographically advantageous and rich in resources, bound to attract others’ attention.

“Looks like we’re being watched,” Chu Feng said calmly.

Sun Yue vanished into the darkness.

Moments later, he reappeared before them, a teasing smile on his face. “It’s the Black Serpent squad. Five members, all beginner-level rune users. Their leader’s called Black Serpent—a ruthless character.”

“Black Serpent squad...” Liu Yong pondered. “They’re no pushovers. We must be cautious.”

A confident smile crept across Chu Feng’s lips. “Don’t worry, I have a plan.” He quietly shared it with the team.

As night deepened, a shadow silently approached the base entrance.

It was a scout sent by the Black Serpent squad, cautiously observing the surroundings, unaware of the looming danger.

Suddenly, the ground gave way beneath him. He fell into a deep pit, caught off guard.

Before he could react, sharp metal spikes sprung from the pit’s bottom, trapping him firmly.

“What’s going on?!” The rest of Black Serpent’s team hurried over at the noise.

“Captain, our man’s trapped!”

Black Serpent’s face darkened as he stared into the pit. He knew it was a trap, but abandoning a comrade would devastate morale.

From the shadows, Chu Feng’s voice rang out: “Black Serpent, long time no see.”

Black Serpent’s pupils contracted. “Chu Feng! It’s you!”

Chu Feng stepped forward, followed by Feng Yao, Liu Yong, and Sun Yue.

“Black Serpent, I know you want to seize our base, but it won’t be so easy,” Chu Feng said coldly.

Black Serpent’s expression flickered but ultimately chose to retreat.

He cast a lingering glance at Chu Feng before leading his men away.

Inside the base, everyone exhaled in relief as the Black Serpent squad disappeared into the distance.

“Chu Feng, you’re incredible!” Feng Yao’s eyes shone with admiration.

Chu Feng smiled but said nothing. He gently took Feng Yao’s hand.

Feeling her gaze, a warm current surged through him.

He held her hand firmly, giving her a resolute look.

Feng Yao’s cheeks flushed softly, her heart racing, a sweet sensation spreading within.

Rather than directly mediating the rift between Liu Yong and Sun Yue, Chu Feng assigned them a joint mission: to find a rare mineral called “Nether Crystal.”

This mineral could strengthen runes and raise rune levels—vital for the squad.

“Nether Crystal?” Sun Yue scoffed. “What use is that? I’d rather go kill more cursed beasts.”

Liu Yong calmly pushed his glasses up. “Nether Crystal can fortify defenses and improve base security.”

Ignoring their complaints, Chu Feng handed them a map. “This is where the Nether Crystal veins are. You two go together and bring it back.”

Although reluctant, Liu Yong and Sun Yue obeyed and set out.

They traveled in silence, the atmosphere tense.

Sun Yue, used to working alone, looked down on Liu Yong, the tech enthusiast; Liu Yong found Sun Yue frivolous and unreliable.

However, during their search, they gradually discovered each other’s strengths.

Sun Yue’s speed and agility helped them evade countless cursed beasts; Liu Yong’s knowledge and analysis guided them on the right path, eventually leading them to the Nether Crystal veins.

“Didn’t expect you to be useful,” Sun Yue patted Liu Yong’s shoulder, his tone tinged with appreciation.

Liu Yong adjusted his glasses, a slight smile on his lips. “You’re not bad either.”

They exchanged a smile, their previous rift dissipating.

Back at the base, they handed the Nether Crystals to Chu Feng.

He nodded with satisfaction, knowing his goal was achieved.

“Captain, what kind of mediation was that?” Sun Yue asked curiously.

Chu Feng smiled without answering.

He approached Feng Yao and whispered a few words in her ear.

Feng Yao paused, then covered her mouth, stifling a laugh.

“All right, everyone, get ready. Tomorrow we depart for our next destination—the City of Mists,” Chu Feng declared firmly, his eyes shining.

“The City of Mists?” Sun Yue’s eyes lit up. “I heard there are many powerful cursed beasts and treasures there!”

Liu Yong adjusted his glasses.

Night fell, and the base was quiet.

Chu Feng stood by the window, gazing at the distant twinkling stars, lost in thought.

Suddenly, a rapid knock shattered the silence.

“Captain, bad news!” Sun Yue’s voice trembled with urgency. “Outside... outside...”

His panic was unlike his usual carefree manner, breaking the underground parking lot’s stillness like a stone thrown into a calm lake, sending ripples outward.

Frowning, Chu Feng strode to the door and flung it open.

Outside, Sun Yue’s face was pale, breathing hard, sweat beading on his forehead, looking as bedraggled as a cat just pulled from water.

“Outside... outside...” he stammered, unable to finish a sentence.

Liu Yong hurried over, his gaze behind his glasses serious. “What happened?”

Sun Yue took a deep breath, steadying himself. “While scouting, I found... a large force heading our way! Their momentum is overwhelming—definitely not an ordinary adventuring squad!” His voice trembled, a stark contrast to his usual nonchalance, revealing his shock and fear.

Feng Yao rushed over, holding Sun Yue’s cold hand gently. “Don’t be afraid. Tell us slowly—who are they?”

Sun Yue gathered himself. “They wear black armor, marked with a fierce skull emblem. There are at least a hundred of them, and... I sense their rune energy is far stronger than ours!”

Listening, Chu Feng’s heart sank. He felt the unease and anxiety in Sun Yue’s words. If someone like Sun Yue was afraid, their enemy’s strength was formidable.

His gaze sharpened as he surveyed each team member. “It seems we face a new challenge.”

Liu Yong, who had been silent, spoke up. “This is likely the largest force near the City of Mists—the Black Skull. They’re known for brutality, plundering resources, and killing without mercy.”

“Black Skull?” Feng Yao gasped, her face paling. Though skilled in healing runes, she was not a fighter.

Chu Feng’s face showed no fear; instead, a fierce fighting spirit ignited. “When the enemy comes, we meet them head-on. Since they’re here, we’ll give them a proper welcome!” He knew now was no time for fear. He must remain calm and lead his squad through the crisis.

Turning to Liu Yong and Sun Yue, he said, “Sun Yue, continue reconnaissance—find their exact location and numbers. Liu Yong, improve our defenses.”

“Understood!” they answered together.

“Feng Yao, keep everyone’s spirits steady and prepare to heal,” Chu Feng assigned.

“Got it,” Feng Yao nodded.

Suddenly, a deafening roar erupted outside, like distant thunder, causing the ground to tremble faintly.

Chu Feng’s face darkened; a bad premonition stirred.

“They’re here!” Sun Yue shouted, pointing toward the base entrance, his voice trembling.

Chu Feng slowly drew the short knife from his back, gripping it tightly. He moved to the entrance, staring into the darkness, a faint smile curling his lips.

“Looks like tonight won’t be peaceful after all...”