After seizing the "Blood Moon Plan" scroll from the Head Acolyte, Lynn, along with Kaylan, and the remaining members of the Wolf Clan led by Gareth and Bruna, traveled to Moonlit Shadow Valley to rest. This neutral zone on the border of the three clans, shrouded in miasma, could block the Holy Light detection of the Church. The "Moonlight Spring" flowing through the valley healed Holy Light burns—Wolf Clan wounded, soaking in the spring, watched their burns scab and heal at a visible rate. Gareth stood on a boulder by the spring, gazing at the dense jungle beyond the valley, his brows furrowed tightly—Church forces spread across the three clans' borders, and this rest could be interrupted at any moment.
On the early morning of the third day of rest, a scout from the Red Claw Tribe rushed into the camp, sweating profusely and clutching a blood-stained trial token: "Chieftain! Church men are active near the Trial Valley! The Tri-Clan Trial Tournament, held once every five years, will begin in three days!" Gareth took the token. Beside the three clan totems carved on it, faint scratches of the Church's "Purification Seal" were visible. His expression darkened, and he immediately summoned Lynn and Kaylan for a meeting.
"The Tri-Clan Trial Tournament is ostensibly to select the 'Border Arbitrator,' allowing young warriors of each clan to compete and exchange," Gareth spread the "Blood Moon Plan" scroll on the stone table, his finger tapping the chapter on "Essence Collection," "The scroll clearly states that the Church needs the pure essence of the three clans to activate the Purification Array. The trial tournament is their best chance to secretly harvest this essence—when participants unleash their power, the scattered essence is easiest to collect with extraction devices."
Kaylan condensed a wisp of shadow between his fingers, sketching the terrain of the Trial Valley on the scroll: "The Trial Valley lies on the plain at the junction of the three clans. Its barrier is jointly maintained by all three. If the Church intends to act, they must tamper with the barrier runes in advance. But they dare not intervene openly, so they will infiltrate by disguising themselves as participants or staff." He looked at Lynn, his scarlet-gold eyes filled with consideration, "Your mixed heritage is unique—you can blend into the Wolf Clan team and sense the Church's Holy Light fluctuations. You are the best candidate for infiltration."
Gareth unfastened a black token engraved with the Stone Fang Tribe's totem from his waist. Inlaid with worn beast fangs along its edges, it was a token of the tribe's "Honorary Clan Member": "Take this. You will participate as an honorary member of the Stone Fang Tribe. Bruna will arrange for young warriors of the clan to assist you. Kaylan, your identity is too sensitive—stay in Moonlit Shadow Valley to monitor the Church's movements through the Shadow Network. Bruna and I will lead the main force to set up defenses on the outskirts of the valley. Once you send a signal, we will immediately raid the Church's extraction stronghold."
Lynn took the token, running his fingers over the rough totem patterns. He had already mapped out his actions after infiltration: "I will first investigate the human faction participants. The scroll mentions that the Church has planted many moles in the Holy See—this time, they will most likely disguise themselves as clergymen to compete. Additionally, the trial tournament is an opportunity to contact anti-Church forces. Rumor has it that a Knight Commander in the Holy See has repeatedly opposed the Church's extreme tactics. If we can make contact with him, we might form an inter-clan alliance."
Bruna then entered the tent, followed by a agile young Wolf Clan maiden. With a beast bone dagger at her waist and alert wolf ears twitching, the maiden said: "This is Lina, the top young warrior of the Red Claw Tribe. She excels in rune interpretation and tracking. Let her accompany you in the tournament—she can help you navigate the trial stages and deliver messages promptly." Lina stepped forward, saluting Lynn solemnly: "I saw you fight under the ancient oak tree. I am willing to follow you on this mission."
Three days later, before the morning mist over Moonlit Shadow Valley had lifted, Lynn had changed into the Wolf Clan's leather armor. With the honorary token and "Kiss of Shadow" at his waist, he blended into the Wolf Clan team heading for the Trial Valley alongside Lina. Kaylan stood on a high slope at the valley entrance, shadow energy weaving into thin threads that wrapped around Lynn's wrist: "This is a Shadow Communication Thread. Inject energy into it to send a signal if you encounter danger or discover clues. Remember, your primary task is to locate the Church's extraction devices—do not expose yourself rashly."
Lynn nodded in response, turning to follow the team toward the distant plain. As sunlight pierced the morning mist, the barrier of the Trial Valley came into faint view. He tightened his grip on the shadow threads around his wrist, knowing well that this infiltration mission disguised as a trial participant would be the crucial step to sabotage the "Blood Moon Plan."