Chapter 75: Countermeasures

"But how did they get past the outer sentry posts on the mountain? When we fled back, we specifically told the guards along the way to heighten their vigilance," Li Feiyu muttered to himself, puzzled.

"There's nothing strange about it," Han Li said calmly. "The Wild Wolf Gang must have planned this major offensive for a long time. Planting a few infiltrators in the outer perimeter would be easy. With those moles leading the way, it's quite normal for the outposts to be taken silently."

"However, it's impossible for the Wild Wolf Gang to easily capture all the branch halls. I suspect they intend to encircle all the peaks where our various halls are located without attacking, and then concentrate their other experts to focus on attacking Sunset Peak, where our main hall is. As long as they can capture or kill our sect's leaders, the remaining halls will fall without a fight."

"So what should we do now? Should we go to Sunset Peak?" Li Feiyu pressed, a hint of urgency in his voice.

Han Li remained silent. After a moment, he suddenly turned to Li Feiyu and said in a low voice:

"You still haven't told me how the negotiation team, with so many experts, was completely wiped out. Logically, the Wild Wolf Gang shouldn't have such immense power."

Upon hearing this, Li Feiyu's facial muscles twitched. He involuntarily licked his dry lips and offered a bitter smile as he replied:

"They used a large number of repeating crossbows, and they were all enhanced military-grade models."

"Military repeating crossbows?"

"That's right."

"At the time, we had only been off the mountain for two days and were walking through a grassy area. Everyone was relaxed because we were still within our own territory. Suddenly, countless members of the Wild Wolf Gang emerged from underground all around us, each holding a heavy crossbow. A volley of crossbow bolts rained down, so dense that any disciples with weaker martial arts skills died on the spot. Only a few, those with exceptional martial arts or sheer luck, managed to survive the attack, but even they were wounded and their fighting abilities significantly weakened. I was one of the fortunate ones; otherwise, I wouldn't have made it back."

Li Feiyu still showed lingering fear as he spoke, a hint of dread appearing in his eyes. It was clear that the terrifying sight of that crossbow volley had left a deep impression on him.

"After the crossbow attack, their experts moved in, and we were forced into a desperate battle. To increase our chances of survival, those of us remaining decided to split up and break through on our own."

"I was fortunate. In their eyes, I wasn't a high-priority target, so the pursuers were fewer and their martial arts skills weren't exceptionally strong. I actually managed to fight my way out. However, when I was rushing back, I discovered that all the strongholds we had established along the way had been cleared out by the enemy at some point and now were occupied by Wild Wolf Gang members, waiting for us stragglers to walk into their traps. After falling for their tricks once or twice, I no longer dared to seek assistance."

"Wanting to know what happened to the others, I eventually made up my mind and ambushed a Wild Wolf Gang enforcer in a blue robe. From him, I learned that Sect Master Wu and several elders had died in battle, overwhelmed by numerous enemy experts. Only a few individuals, like myself, who weren't highly prioritized but still possessed decent martial arts skills, managed to escape."

"Knowing this news, I didn't dare to delay for another moment and rushed back to the mountain. Along the way, I unexpectedly encountered two other devotees who had also escaped. We then fled together for a day and a night, finally returning to the mountain."

"As soon as we arrived, those two devotees went to Sunset Peak to inform Sect Master Wang about the complete annihilation of the negotiation team. I, however, fabricated an excuse about needing to heal my injuries and secretly came here to you first, to discuss our next steps."

"You see, Sect Master Wu and so many others died in that ambush, yet only a few of us, whose status is neither high nor low, managed to escape. To avoid blame, who knows if the higher-ups will vent all their anger on us and make us scapegoats?"

"And now, before I could even explain everything to you, the Wild Wolf Gang has already stormed the mountain. Tell me, what should we do now?!"

Li Feiyu had rattled off a long explanation, and his expression now showed a hint of helplessness.

After listening, Han Li frowned and tilted his head in thought.

At that moment, the shouts of battle on the mountain intensified, punctuated by a few horrific cries from the dying, sending shivers down one's spine.

"Do you still have subordinates on the mountain now?" Han Li's voice became very low.

"Yes, I have over twenty subordinates. They're all staying in a few rooms near Elder Li's residence. I had originally planned to take them out of the mountain to handle some tasks after the negotiation."

"Alright then. Let's go to Elder Li's residence first. We'll gather with your men there and also meet up with Miss Zhang Xiuer and Elder Li. As for the next steps, we'll decide after we have a clearer understanding of the situation," Han Li said calmly, appearing very rational.

"Okay, I'll follow your lead."

"It's so chaotic out there now, I'm really worried about Xiuer!" Li Feiyu admitted, sounding anxious.

Han Li shot a glance at Li Feiyu, wondering what this guy was thinking. On one hand, he was extremely nervous and concerned about Zhang Xiuer; on the other, he knew his own life was short, yet he insisted on marrying her. Was he clearly trying to make her a widow?

"What a contradictory fellow!" Han Li quietly made an unflattering assessment of his friend.

Han Li lightly jumped down from the rooftop first, and Li Feiyu followed.

"I'll pack my things, then we'll leave immediately."

"Alright, hurry up. I'm truly worried about Xiuer's safety."

Upon hearing this, Han Li was speechless.

The way Li Feiyu kept repeating "Xiuer" was quite sickeningly sweet, making Han Li feel a mix of disdain and a touch of envy.

Han Li ignored Li Feiyu, who had suddenly transformed into a lovesick fool, and calmly returned to the room to quickly pack a few essential items.