C11 Attack

Half a month later, at the Mistmantle Mountain Range, within the Skyhaven Clan.

Qin Mu observed the Oathbreakers' disciples, bloodied and with their clothing in tatters, their hair resembling bird nests. He couldn't help but feel the urge to laugh.

How had they turned into wild people after just two months in the Mistmantle Mountains?

Qing Shu gazed upon these disciples, her eyes brimming with compassion.

These past two months had been grueling for them. They had struggled with inadequate food and sleep, constantly fearing for their lives, living in a state of perpetual anxiety.

Initially, Stormwrack had planned to ally with the Oathbreakers to assault the Skyhaven Clan. However, the tables had turned, and now the Oathbreakers were allied with Skyhaven to strike at Stormwrack.

Clearing his throat, Qin Mu addressed the crowd, "In the last two months, we've lost disciples in the Mistmantle Mountains who will never return. Yet, they did not shy away from battle; they fought valiantly for the Oathbreakers! I'm sure everyone has gained much from this past month, but let's not grow complacent. Return to the Oathbreakers to recuperate. In one month's time, we will launch our attack on Stormwrack!"

The disciples listened in silence, showing little reaction, their eyes reflecting a steely resolve. They were still emerging from the shadow of the Mistmantle Mountains, their very presence radiating a readiness for battle.

The group made a triumphant return to the Oathbreakers. Along the way, an elder excitedly reported the outcomes of their time in the Mistmantle Mountains: "On average, each disciple has advanced two levels in their cultivation and has gathered numerous demonic beast pelts, bones, teeth, as well as an abundance of spiritual herbs and fruits! The Oathbreakers have truly struck it rich this time!"

After hearing the report, Qin Mu responded calmly, "All the spoils should still be distributed among the disciples! They've earned it!"

The elder, initially taken aback, quickly regained his composure and acknowledged, "Understood!"

Back at the Oathbreakers, Qin Mu discreetly moved about and spotted an elderly man wandering the grounds. Qing Shu, equally astonished, caught up with him and inquired, "Grandfather, are you feeling better?"

It was then revealed that Qing Shu belonged to the Oathbreakers, and she had a grandfather named Qing Min.

Qing Min offered a faint smile and gently touched Qing Shu's forehead, saying, "Indeed! Grandfather is feeling much better now!"

An unprecedented smile spread across Qing Shu's face.

Qin Mu, however, was deeply concerned. He sensed that Qing Min's health hadn't improved; in fact, it had deteriorated. It seemed like a fleeting rally, a final burst of energy.

"Don't tell her. Let her enjoy this moment of happiness," Qing Min's voice reached Qin Mu, revealing that he knew the young man had discovered his true condition.

Qin Mu looked at Qing Min and mentally communicated, "How long do you plan to deceive her? She's bound to find out eventually!"

Qing Min offered no response.

With a heavy sigh, Qin Mu left Qing Shu to her blissful ignorance. He had preparations to make for the assault on the Stormwrack Sect. Being well-prepared was crucial to avoid being caught off guard by any unforeseen events.

The Oathbreakers' compound soon quieted down. The disciples and elders, exhausted from two months of intense combat, needed nothing more than a restful sleep.

Qin Mu located the storage area, gathered up the demonic beast furs, and carried them off to where the factotums were stationed.

Three days flew by in an instant, and the Skyhaven Clan's disciples had completed their rest, brimming with vitality. Their cultivation had improved significantly in just two months, and the relaxation left them tingling with excitement.

Qin Mu observed the eager disciples and with a flick of his wrist, a stack of neatly arranged leather armor appeared before them.

"Any disciple below the Foundation Building level, come and claim a set of leather armor. When we strike at the Stormwrack Sect, exercise caution and protect yourselves."

Watching the disciples queue up to receive their demonic beast leather armor, Qin Mu announced, "Today, we march on the Stormwrack Sect!"

His declaration sent a ripple of commotion through the ranks.

"What's happening? Weren't we told it would be in three months? It's only been two!"

"Exactly, it's only been two months!"

"Come on, get moving! This is what's called a surprise attack. If it's unexpected to us, how could the Stormwrack Sect anticipate it?"

The disciples of the Oathbreakers had an epiphany; they hadn't realized that the elder was also a scholar, adept at devising strategies.

Qin Mu paid no mind to the disciples' chatter. Once the leather armor was distributed, he gave the command, "Move out! We're attacking Stormwrack!"

The disciples and elders echoed, "Move out! Victory to the Oathbreakers!"

Spies from Stormwrack heard the rallying cry and took off running to warn their own sect.

The Oathbreakers' procession embarked with great fanfare.

On the way, Qing Shu asked Qin Mu, "Do you really plan to surprise them?"

Qin Mu gave her a slight smile and countered, "What do you think?"

"I don't believe that's your plan," Qing Shu murmured.

Qin Mu quickened his pace and called back, "You've got a good instinct!"

Qing Shu's mouth hung open in shock. She was right! But where were they headed?

She held back her questions, knowing she would find out soon enough.

Midway, Qin Mu halted the troops and directed them northward.

But wasn't Stormwrack to the south? The ranks were filled with unspoken questions, yet no one voiced them; they were committed to following orders.

Some elders calculated silently. To the north lay the Skyhaven Clan and the Stonehammer Clan.

A realization dawned on them, bringing a surge of excitement.

If Stormwrack were truly vanquished, they could simply flee. What was a sect compared to their own lives?

Meanwhile, on the route between the Skyhaven Clan and the Oathbreakers.

The Skyhaven Clan's disciples had been eliminated by those from Stormwrack.

Clearly, the culprits were the Ling sisters and Chu Feng.

Having completed their task, they rested on a nearby boulder.

Nothing was left to do but wait for the Skyhaven Clan's arrival.

Soon enough, a Skyhaven disciple appeared. The Ling sisters and Chu Feng stretched leisurely, but the disciple turned tail before they could speak.

With a resigned sigh, the trio set off in pursuit.

"Report: three formidable individuals ahead, along with signs of a recent battle. I inadvertently alerted them to my presence!"

The young face of the Skyhaven Clan disciple was etched with regret. Had he been just a bit more vigilant, he might have avoided detection altogether.

Qin Mu observed the disciple's self-reproach and offered a gentle smile, "Don't worry. They're with us!"

The disciple settled down, muttering to himself, "With us? Oh! It really is true!"

As the disciple looked up, the Ling sisters and Chu Feng had already caught up.

Upon seeing the Ling sisters, the disciple's face flushed with embarrassment for not recognizing them earlier.

Qin Mu inquired of the Ling sisters and Chu Feng, "What's the situation?"

The Ling sisters responded with due reverence, "We've apprehended them all. The Oathbreakers surely haven't gotten wind of anything!"