Primordial Era: The Holy Maiden Shiji, a woman of exceptional talent and beauty

Seeing the situation was turning against them, the other prisoner's mental defenses began to crumble. He hurriedly said, "No, no, we did come to scout, but we don't know what we're scouting. The leader only told us we found something important, but we really don't know what it is!"

The elder pondered for a moment, then said, "Since you are willing to confess, I can consider sparing your lives, but you must explain in detail the Black Wind Gang's plans and the identity of its leader."

Shi Ji also emphasized, "If you continue to conceal this, not only will your own lives be in danger, but your leader and companions will also be hunted down by us."

Faced with such a threat, the two finally broke down completely and began to confess the truth. The calmer prisoner said, "Our leader is named Zhao Chuang. He ordered us to find the core of an ancient formation, which is said to be hidden in the back mountain of Lingyun Sect. He believes that by mastering that formation core, we can greatly enhance the strength of our Black Wind Gang."

The Grand Elder and Shi Ji exchanged a glance, both feeling a sense of unease. The Grand Elder immediately made a decision: "Zhao Chuang... we must find out his background as soon as possible, and at the same time strengthen the sect's defenses. Shi Ji, you immediately organize manpower to reinforce the defenses of the back mountain and ensure the safety of the array's core."

Shi Ji nodded and replied, "I will take care of it right away. Please rest assured, Elder."

Afterwards, Shi Ji quickly left the main hall and began to strengthen security measures in the back mountain. The Grand Elder summoned the sect's high-ranking members to deploy strategies to counter the Black Wind Gang, while also sending messengers to contact friendly sects, requesting support and sharing intelligence.

Inside the main hall, although a crisis had been temporarily quelled, both the Grand Elder and Shi Ji knew that this was merely the tip of the iceberg. Much remained to be done; a major battle that could potentially shake the entire martial world seemed to be quietly brewing in the distance.

In the main hall, the Grand Elder summoned the sect's high-ranking members for a meeting. Everyone sat around a long table, their faces etched with seriousness and worry. The Grand Elder spoke first: "Gentlemen, today we face not only the threat of external enemies, but also a major test of the sect's security. Zhao Chuang and his Black Wind Gang's ambitions have jeopardized our core interests."

An elder named Wang Yi suggested, "Elder, I think we should immediately strengthen the sect's outer defenses and set up multiple layers of formations to ensure the safety of the back mountain. We must not allow anyone to approach the core of the formations."

The Grand Elder nodded approvingly: "Elder Wang is absolutely right. Shi Ji is already handling this part of the work. However, we still need to take further measures. This struggle may not end soon, and we must be prepared for a protracted battle."

Another elder surnamed Li continued, "Elder, I suggest we send some disciples skilled in stealth and intelligence gathering to the Black Wind Gang's territory to secretly gather more information about Zhao Chuang. Knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in every battle."

“Elder Li’s suggestion is very insightful,” the First Elder affirmed. He then asked the other elders present, “Any other suggestions?”

A young elder stood up, his voice firm: “We should also strengthen internal unity. Recent events have shown that there may be loopholes within us. We need to ensure that every disciple is utterly loyal to the sect and unwavering in their loyalty.”

The Grand Elder nodded in agreement: "This is also a problem that must be addressed immediately. We will conduct a series of internal reviews to ensure the purity of the sect."

The meeting continued, with each item on the agenda being carefully discussed and properly arranged. After the meeting, the Grand Elder kept Shiji behind for a private discussion.

Shi Ji reported the measures he had taken: "Elder, the defenses of the back mountain have been reinforced, and we have also set up several misdirection formations to confuse the enemy. At the same time, I have sent several reliable disciples to gather intelligence on Zhao Chuang."

The elder nodded, his expression slightly tired but still firm: "Shiji, you have done well. I have always had full confidence in you. We must plan this struggle carefully and cannot afford any mistakes."

Shi Ji replied respectfully, "I have always kept the Grand Elder's teachings in mind. I will continue to work hard to ensure the safety of the sect."

Their conversation was filled with trust and a sense of responsibility. As night deepened, every corner of Lingyun Sect was preparing for the possible storm. Both the Grand Elder and Shiji understood that the road ahead was fraught with challenges, but they were ready to face whatever came their way and protect the sect and all its disciples.

The elder pondered for a moment, then slowly spoke: "Shiji, there is something I need you to do."

Shi Ji immediately replied solemnly, "Please give your instructions, Elder."

"Besides strengthening defenses and gathering intelligence, I think we should take the initiative and put some pressure on the Black Wind Gang." The Grand Elder's eyes flashed with determination. "Select some elite disciples to carry out a targeted raid, targeting some of the Black Wind Gang's key supply points. We need to let Zhao Chuang know that the Lingyun Sect is not something they can provoke at will."

A hint of excitement flashed in Shi Ji's eyes: "Yes, Elder. I will carefully plan this operation to ensure that we can both inflict a heavy blow on the enemy and guarantee the safe withdrawal of our people."

The Grand Elder nodded and instructed, "Very good. Remember, safety is always the top priority. I do not wish for any of my disciples to sacrifice themselves in this operation."

“Understood, Elder. I will devise a detailed plan to ensure everything goes smoothly,” Shi Ji promised firmly.

The Grand Elder added, "Also, Shiji, you must pay close attention to the issue of internal unity. We need to ensure the stability of the sect so that we can better fight against external enemies."

"Yes, Elder. I will keep a close eye on the situation within the sect and promptly identify and resolve any problems," Shi Ji replied.

The Grand Elder patted Shi Ji on the shoulder: "Shi Ji, you are one of my most trusted disciples. In this struggle, we need your wisdom and courage. I believe you can lead everyone through this difficult time."

Feeling the trust of the Grand Elder, Shi Ji felt a surge of warmth in her heart: "Grand Elder, please rest assured, I will do my utmost to fight for the safety and honor of the sect."

After discussing some specific details of the operation, Shi Ji took his leave and began preparing for the upcoming raid. He knew that this struggle was not only against the Black Wind Gang, but also a severe test for himself and his sect.

A few days later, Shi Ji stood in the council hall of Lingyun Sect, facing a group of carefully selected disciples who would be the main force in this surprise attack. Each of their faces was filled with determination and anticipation; they knew that the upcoming mission would be a tremendous test of their courage and ability.

Shi Ji looked around and then slowly spoke: "Gentlemen, this time we will launch a surprise attack on the Black Wind Gang's important supply points. The goal is to destroy their supplies and deal them a heavy blow. But please remember, our primary task is to ensure our own safety."

A disciple raised his hand and asked, "Senior Brother Shi, how exactly should we proceed?"

Shi Ji smiled and replied, "We will operate at night, using the formation as cover to approach the target. Once we reach our destination, we will quickly destroy their supplies and then immediately withdraw. I will lead you to ensure the operation proceeds smoothly."

Another disciple asked worriedly, "Senior Brother Shi, the Black Wind Gang's defenses are tight. Will we be in danger?" "There is indeed a risk," Shi Ji said frankly, "but we have made full preparations. We have detailed maps, understand their deployment, and we have chosen the time when their defenses are weakest. As long as we act quickly and cooperate well, the chances of success are very high."

The disciples were greatly encouraged by this and expressed their determination to give it their all.

Shi Ji nodded: "Okay, let's go!"

As night fell, a group of shadowy figures silently approached the Black Wind Gang's supply depot. Shi Ji and her team executed the plan with ghostly speed and precision. Flames shot into the sky, accompanied by a series of explosions, and the Black Wind Gang's supply depot was engulfed in flames in the night.

On the way to evacuate, a disciple whispered excitedly, "Senior Brother Shi, we succeeded!"

Shi Ji smiled slightly: "Yes, but we cannot let our guard down. We must evacuate quickly and make sure we leave no trace."

The group quickly dispersed into the night, leaving only the blazing firelight of the Black Wind Gang's supply depot.

Back at Lingyun Sect, the Grand Elder listened to Shi Ji's report and a satisfied smile appeared on his face: "Shi Ji, you did a great job. This surprise attack has undoubtedly dealt a heavy blow to the Black Wind Gang."

Shi Ji replied modestly, "This is all thanks to the teachings of the Grand Elder and the support of the sect."

The elder patted Shi Ji on the shoulder: "The battles to come will be even fiercer, and we must be fully prepared. But with this success, I believe that no matter what difficulties we face, we will achieve final victory."

Following the successful raid, the atmosphere within the Lingyun Sect became noticeably more invigorated. The disciples trained even harder in their daily duties, knowing that every effort could play a crucial role in the future struggle against the Black Wind Gang.

However, while everyone was still basking in the joy of victory, the Grand Elder remained calm and vigilant. He knew perfectly well that the Black Wind Gang would not give up so easily, and an even greater storm was likely waiting for them.

One day, the Grand Elder summoned all the elders and Shi Ji for a meeting. He said solemnly, "Gentlemen, although we have just achieved a considerable victory, this does not mean we can rest easy. On the contrary, we should be even more cautious. The Black Wind Gang may launch a fierce counterattack, and we must be fully prepared."

Shi Ji nodded in agreement: "The Grand Elder is right. We cannot let our guard down because of a temporary victory. I suggest we strengthen patrols and vigilance, while continuing to improve the disciples' cultivation and combat abilities."

An elder added, "We can also use the success of this raid to publicize our determination and strength, and let more people know about the justice and power of Lingyun Sect."

The Grand Elder nodded slightly after listening: "These suggestions are all very good. Shi Ji, you are in charge of arranging for increased vigilance and patrols. At the same time, the propaganda work must also keep up, so that more people know about the struggle between Lingyun Sect and Black Wind Gang."

After the meeting, Shi Ji immediately began arranging related work. He was well aware of the heavy responsibility on his shoulders, but he also firmly believed that as long as everyone was united, nothing could stop Lingyun Sect from moving forward.

Meanwhile, the Black Wind Gang was also preparing a counterattack in earnest. Zhao Chuang, the leader of the Black Wind Gang, sat in the hall with a gloomy expression, staring intently at the intelligence report in his hand. It detailed the entire process and outcome of the Lingyun Sect's surprise attack.

"Lingyun Sect, how dare you be so arrogant!" Zhao Chuang roared. "I will make you pay a terrible price!"

He immediately summoned his men and began planning a retaliatory operation against Lingyun Sect. A much larger storm was brewing, and the struggle between Lingyun Sect and Black Wind Gang was about to enter a more intense and complex phase.

Inside the Lingyun Sect, the Grand Elder sat in meditation with his eyes closed. His senses spread out like a net, capturing every subtle movement around him. Suddenly, his brow furrowed slightly, as if he had noticed something.

Just then, Shi Ji rushed into the main hall, her expression grave: "Elder, we have discovered the Black Wind Gang's movements. They seem to be planning a large-scale attack."

The Grand Elder slowly opened his eyes, his gaze sharp: "What are the specifics?"

"Our spies have discovered that the Black Wind Gang has been frequently mobilizing its forces recently, and a large amount of supplies have been secretly transported to their gathering point," Shi Ji reported. "It seems they're coming in with great force this time."

The Grand Elder pondered for a moment and asked, "How are our defenses progressing?"

"We have reinforced the outer defenses as you instructed, and the multi-layered formations have been activated. The disciples are ready for battle," Shi Ji replied.

The Grand Elder nodded: "Very good. Pass down the order to keep everyone on high alert. At the same time, prepare for the worst and ensure that the elderly, weak, women and children in the sect can be safely evacuated."

"Yes, Elder," Shi Ji replied, then turned to relay the order.

Meanwhile, at the Black Wind Gang's gathering place, Zhao Chuang stood on high ground, looking down at his busy subordinates. A cruel smile appeared on his face: "Lingyun Sect, you think strengthening your defenses can stop us? Hmph, this time I'll show you the true strength of the Black Wind Gang!"

As the last rays of the setting sun gradually disappeared below the horizon, both sides were tensely preparing for the upcoming battle. In the darkness, the Lingyun Sect's formation emitted a faint glow, like an unbreakable barrier protecting the sect's safety.

In the darkness, the Black Wind Gang's figures approached Lingyun Sect's defenses like ghosts. A great battle was about to erupt.

At dawn, the Black Wind Gang's attack began. Like a dark tide, they surged towards Lingyun Sect's defenses, their weapons and spells flashing as they roared towards the defending disciples.

The disciples of Lingyun Sect were well-prepared. Led by Shi Ji and the Grand Elder, they relied on their sturdy fortifications and powerful formations to tenaciously resist the enemy's attacks. Every charge was repelled by the Lingyun Sect disciples' resolute defensive counterattacks. (End of Chapter)