You, a living person, are telling me I've served in the underworld for ten years?

"We have the armor and the weapons."

Chen Yang looked at Jiang He and Luan Huang.

"Those auxiliary drugs you mentioned before, inspired by the Men in Black's 'genetic agents,' should also have finished products, right? Could you let us see them?"

"Of course."

Jianghe gestured to Luanhuang.

"Luanhuang, bring over a batch of relatively stable drug samples that can be tested on a small scale, and show them to Sect Leader Chen and everyone else to see their effects. However, it should be noted that many are still in the testing and optimization stage, and their stability and long-term side effects need to be observed. It is not recommended to use them indiscriminately unless in an emergency."

Luanhuang nodded and addressed Xing Sandao.

"Xing San, go to the A-7 drug reserve and bring back two samples each of 'Swift Type I', 'Power Type II', and 'Spirit Gathering Type III', along with the corresponding syringes."

"Yes!"

Xing San accepted the order and quickly left.

Huang Zhenren, Liu Yu, and the others continued to study various weapons with great interest, especially the "psychic weapons" and special cold weapons that combined modern technology and energy circuits, which they thoroughly enjoyed.

A few minutes later, Xing San returned carrying a temperature-controlled storage box.

He opened the box, inside which were neatly secured several transparent ampoules, each about the thickness of a finger, filled with liquids of different colors, and next to them were several specially made syringes with miniature displays.

Luanhuang picked up a vial that shimmered with a pale green light and began to explain.

"This is 'Swift Type I' cell activity stimulant. After injection, it can significantly improve the user's nerve reaction speed and muscle explosive power in a short period of time."

The effect stacks with the armor's 'speed boost' module. It lasts approximately fifteen to twenty minutes, followed by a slight feeling of fatigue for several hours, which is within an acceptable range.

She then picked up a dark red vial.

"'Strength Type II' muscle enhancer. Similar effects, but focuses on explosive improvement of absolute strength, with some protective and strengthening effects on bones and internal organs. The duration is slightly shorter, about ten minutes."

Finally, she picked up a deep blue potion that seemed to have a nebula slowly swirling inside, her expression becoming even more solemn.

"This is the 'Gathering Spirit Type III' temporary amplification and compression agent for spiritual energy. It cannot generate spiritual energy out of thin air, but it can stimulate the user's Qi Sea or Golden Core, making it operate, compress and output spiritual energy more efficiently in a short period of time, which is equivalent to temporarily increasing the spiritual energy output power and spell power of a small realm."

It has the strongest effect, but also the most obvious side effects. It causes a prolonged period of weakness after use and puts a certain strain on the meridians; continuous use is not recommended.

Chen Yang listened carefully, memorizing the properties of each medicine.

He paid particular attention to the "Spirit Gathering Type III," as it could be used as a trump card in crucial moments.

He selected two samples of each type to take back for research, and discussed with Xing San the timing of injection, the linkage with the armor system, and possible risk avoidance measures.

On the other side, Jiang He called Luanhuang aside and whispered some instructions.

"Luanhuang, go and check the perimeter monitoring and early warning systems again to ensure the safety of our camp. At the same time, have the reconnaissance drones conduct another low-altitude rapid scan of the target area to see if there are any unusual movements before evening. Qiuniu and I will stay here and keep watch."

"Yes, Minister Jiang!"

Luanhuang accepted the order, greeted everyone, and then left the equipment warehouse first.

Jiang He remained where he was, watching Chen Yang, Huang Zhenren, and the others enthusiastically interact with Xing San and try out various equipment, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.

These are all important forces and partners in dealing with future crises; their strength is the strength of the whole.

Time flew by as we learned and became familiar with the material.

Two hours later, everyone had a basic grasp of their chosen armor type, weapon combination, and the basic operation of the "Shadowbringer" node. At least they knew how to wear it, how to use it, and where the key buttons were.

Jiang He clapped his hands, drawing everyone's attention.

"Everyone, are you familiar with the equipment by now? Is there anything you don't understand, or anything you feel is unsuitable and needs to be replaced? You can bring it up now."

Chen Yang stretched his arms, which were covered in light armor, feeling the almost imperceptible weight and flexibility, and shook his head.

"We understand the basic operations, but the specific effects and coordination can only be fully understood in actual combat. There are no other problems at the moment."

Master Huang nodded as well.

"Although I am still a bit unfamiliar with these electronic gadgets, I have memorized the basic usage, which is enough."

Liu Yu was more cautious.

"Sect Master, Minister Jiang, I believe that the specifics of how to integrate these equipment with one's own cultivation techniques, as well as their limits, still need to be tested in actual combat."

"Elder Liu is right."

Jiang He expressed his agreement.

"Any new equipment needs to be broken in."

"Well, if everyone has no other questions, and it's getting late, let's go to the cafeteria for lunch. Once we've eaten and rested, then... it'll be time to set off!"

"it is good!"

The crowd responded in unison, their fighting spirit already rising.

Xing San took the initiative to speak.

"I'll take you to the cafeteria, this way please."

The group took the elevator again and arrived at the cafeteria on the third basement level. The cafeteria was spacious and bright, but simply furnished, with rows of metal tables and chairs, and the food counter serving what appeared to be rather simple dishes.

Large pieces of synthetic meat patties, various colored nutritional pastes, compressed energy bars, and some dehydrated and specially treated vegetable soup.

Master Huang frowned slightly as he looked at the food on his plate and muttered to himself.

"This... doesn't look appetizing at all. It's all compressed biscuits, meat chunks, and porridge... far inferior to the spiritual food we have on the mountain."

Upon hearing this, Jiang He laughed heartily, picked up a piece of dark red, dense synthetic meat patty, took a bite, and said as he chewed.

"Master Huang, don't be fooled by their appearance."

These are all 'special operations rations' jointly developed by our Special Administration Bureau's nutrition and pharmacy departments. They are not only infused with pure spiritual energy from heaven and earth, but also, depending on the type, mixed with trace amounts of physical recovery agents, nerve-soothing ingredients, and even a diluted version of 'Spirit Gathering Type I'!

It might not taste particularly good, but its effects on replenishing energy, restoring strength, and calming the mind are absolutely top-notch! Why don't you try it?

Huang Zhenren was skeptical, but he used his fork to pick up a small piece of the synthetic meat and put it in his mouth. The meat wasn't dry at all; instead, it had a strange elasticity that made it chewy.

A gentle warmth and a faint, herbal fragrance melted in his mouth and quickly spread to his limbs, invigorating his spirit, which had been slightly depleted from familiarizing himself with the equipment!
"Huh? There's actually something to it!"

Master Huang's eyes lit up, and he took another sip of the seemingly bland vegetable soup. After swallowing the soup, he actually felt his dantian and dantian become slightly more active!
"Not bad, not bad! Although the appearance is a bit lacking, the effect is really good! Elder Liu, you should try some too!"

Liu Yu also tried it and nodded.

"Indeed extraordinary. It not only replenishes spiritual energy and strength, but also seems to slightly relieve fatigue and stabilize the mind. Minister Jiang, you have done a truly meticulous job in logistical support."

Chen Yang ate silently, his opinion of the Special Administration Bureau rising even higher.

These seemingly ordinary foods are backed by extremely sophisticated techniques for preserving spiritual energy, blending medicinal ingredients, and formulating nutritional ratios.

This demonstrates that the Special Administration Bureau has not only invested heavily in combat equipment, but has also accumulated profound experience in supporting the entire cultivator combat system. They keep a low profile, but their depth of expertise far exceeds outsiders' imagination.

Everyone quickly and quietly finished this special "pre-battle meal," feeling refreshed and in peak condition.

Night falls quietly.

Chen Yang and his team returned to the conference room at the ground camp. The heavy curtains were drawn, and only a few tactical lights illuminated the room. On the huge electronic sand table, the terrain of the target area, the known locations of enemy outposts, and several pre-set routes of movement were clearly displayed.

Jiang He picked up a laser pointer and pointed it at the sand table.

"Gentlemen, with the operation imminent, let's finalize the route and timing."

"According to the plan, we split into two groups. I led the feint team, which included myself, Elder Liu Yu, Luan Feng, Qiu Niu, and a special operations team of twelve people."

We will depart from Route A in the southeast and launch our first harassment attack on the enemy outpost near Vulture Rock at exactly 8:00 PM.

The objective is to create a large enough disturbance to attract the enemy's attention, leading them to conclude that we intend to launch a strong attack from the southeast or conduct large-scale reconnaissance.

He moved the laser pointer.

"The reconnaissance and infiltration team will be led by Sect Leader Chen, and its members will include Sect Leader Chen, True Man Huang, Luanhuang, and Night Owl. You will approach from the northwest via Route 'C'—this ancient riverbed. Your departure time is set for 8:30 PM, half an hour later than ours."

This time difference is to allow our feint to take effect, drawing some enemy forces to the southeast and creating a relatively relaxed environment for your infiltration.

"Does anyone have any comments or additions regarding this arrangement?"

Jiang He looked at the crowd.

The atmosphere in the meeting room was serious, and everyone shook their heads, indicating that they had no objections.

At this moment, Luanhuang walked to the sand table and pointed to the terrain near route "C".

"Minister Jiang, Chief Chen, regarding Route 'C', there are actually two branches about ten kilometers before reaching the target."

One route continues winding along the ancient riverbed, with complex and hidden terrain, but it is longer and is expected to take an extra forty minutes; the other route cuts diagonally across a large area of ​​relatively flat Gobi Desert.

Shorter distance, faster speed, but poor concealment, making it easier for enemy high-altitude reconnaissance or ground sensors to detect. Which route should we choose?

All eyes turned to Chen Yang.

Chen Yang stared at the sand table, pointed to the Gobi Desert area with his finger, looked at the ancient riverbed, and suddenly spoke.

"We don't go down the same path."

"Ok?"

Jiang He was taken aback.

Chen Yang explained.

"What I mean is, within the reconnaissance team, split into two groups. Luanhuang, you are familiar with the terrain, you take Huang Zhenren and Yexiao, and take the hidden but slower ancient riverbed."

Ensure your safety and stealth as you approach steadily. Your mission is to establish remote monitoring upon arrival at the designated observation point, and be ready to provide support and intelligence at any time.

He pointed to himself.

"And I, I will take the fast road through the Gobi Desert alone."

"what?!"

These words surprised not only Jiang He and Luan Huang, but also Huang Zhenren and Liu Yu.

"Sect Leader Chen, this is too dangerous!"

Jiang He immediately objected.

"The Gobi Desert offers almost no cover. If you move alone, you'll be too conspicuous! That's definitely a key area under enemy surveillance! Once you're exposed, you'll be surrounded immediately!"

Master Huang also said anxiously.

"Sect Leader, you mustn't! Your status is too important; how can you take such a risk?"

Chen Yang remained calm, his gaze sweeping over everyone as he spoke slowly.

“I’m going to ‘expose’ precisely this way.”

"what?"

Everyone was even more puzzled.

Chen Yang walked to the sand table and analyzed the situation calmly.

"Minister Jiang's feigned attack was the first step in the decoy, designed to attract and tie down part of the enemy's main force, making them nervous and think that we might attack from the southeast. This would distract them and divert their troops."

He pointed towards the Gobi Desert.

"And me, as their 'old acquaintance' and 'thorn in their side,' if I were 'coincidentally' discovered by their surveillance, 'alone' and 'hurriedly' trying to quickly approach their stronghold from the northwest... what do you think they would think?"

Qiuniu answered instinctively.

"When enemies meet, their eyes are filled with hatred! They definitely want to keep you here!"

"That's right!"

Chen Yang nodded.

"They must think I'm trying to take advantage of the chaos to launch a surprise attack, or to carry out some crucial mission. Out of hatred and concern for me, they're highly likely to draw more elite forces from their stronghold, or even deploy highly skilled fighters, to capture or intercept me. In that case..."

Luanhuang's eyes suddenly lit up, and she replied.

"In this way, the defenses inside the stronghold will be further weakened! And their attention will be completely drawn to the two 'open' threats, Minister Jiang and you! They will think that we have been completely exposed!"

Chen Yang gave Luanhuang an approving look.

"That's exactly right. When their elite forces were drawn away by me and Minister Jiang, leaving their ranks relatively empty and their attention focused on two 'open' directions..."

His finger pointed to the side and rear of the target stronghold that the ancient riverbed ultimately pointed to.

"If you, Luanhuang, lead Master Huang and the Night Owl Group to approach quietly via this most concealed route, you will be in an excellent position where you are in the darkest place!"

The enemy will never expect that while we draw fire from the two visible fronts, we will also send out a third team—the one truly tasked with infiltration and reconnaissance! At that time, the resistance to your infiltration will be greatly reduced, your safety will be improved, and your efficiency will be much higher!

The conference room fell silent; everyone was stunned by Chen Yang's bold and ingenious triple bait and infiltration plan.

Master Huang stroked his beard and muttered to himself.

"A feint to the east while attacking the west, a feint to the east while secretly crossing the Chencang pass... Sect Leader's plan is truly in line with the essence of military strategy!"

Liu Yu looked at Chen Yang with admiration in her eyes, but even more so with worry.

"Sect Master, this plan is ingenious, but the risk of you traversing the Gobi Desert alone is far too great! What if..."

Chen Yang waved his hand, a confident smile appearing on his face. (End of Chapter)