With Master Xuanlin's tacit approval and support, Xiao Qi's last concern also vanished. He immediately took action; the first thing was to persuade the indispensable companions for this mission.
Senior Brother Mu Qingfeng, upon learning the plan, his brow furrowed, falling into deep thought. He was steady, considered the big picture; deeply aware of the matter's significance. "Xiao Qi, I understand your feelings. But this concerns great significance — are we sure we should not wait several more days, see if the Alliance can..."
"Senior Brother," Xiao Qi interrupted, gaze burning: "When we rescued villagers in the cave, did we hesitate even a moment? Now at Blackwater Marsh, possibly thousands are in the same despair — we delay every moment, possibly someone dies. The Alliance... we cannot wait."
Mu Qingfeng looked at Xiao Qi's undeniable determination, recalling the disappointing bickering in the council hall; ultimately, he sighed heavily, gaze becoming resolute: "You are right. Some things cannot wait. I am going with you."
After convincing Third Senior Sister and Senior Brother, Xiao Qi's next target was finding Second Senior Brother Luo Feng, who was fiddling with a bunch of parts. "What? Going to Blackwater Marsh? Investigating Shadow Snake Pavilion's old nest?" Second Senior Brother, with messy hair, raised his head from a pile of glittering metals and talismans, eyes suddenly brightening — not the least bit scared, instead appearing excited, "Perfect! I have been dying to test my new treasures! Wait, let me pack, I am coming with you!" His "packing" meant sweeping all those bizarre objects into a huge storage bag, muttering: "Explosive Qi must bring, take several more... hmm, smoke talismans might come in handy too, good for distraction..." Xiao Qi watched Second Senior Brother's expression, as if not heading to a dangerous mission but going on an outing; he could not help feeling amused, yet his heart was also at ease. With Second Senior Brother's endless stream of weird inventions, perhaps unexpected effects could indeed happen.
Finally came Zhao Tiezhu and the rabbit spirit. Upon learning the news, Zhao Tiezhu, without a word, slapped his chest: "Xiao Qi Ge, where you go, I go! In fighting I might not match Senior Brother Mu and Senior Sister Liu, but in taking hits I am good at!" His simplicity and camaraderie were heartwarming. The rabbit spirit, from who knows where, appeared holding in its mouth a stalk of silvery grass with faint spatial fluctuations, hopped onto Xiao Qi's shoulder, rubbed its furry head against his cheek. Its ruby eyes full of "His Majesty approves" pride — an expression clearly intending to go together.
Thus, a brand new team preparing secret action silently assembled. Core members included: Team Leader Tang Xiao Qi (Qi Refining stage, purifying power), Main Combat Liu Yun (Foundation Establishment early stage, sword cultivator), Mu Qingfeng (Foundation Establishment middle stage, dual cultivator of technique and body), Support/Technical Luo Feng (Qi Refining late stage, inventor), Frontline Tank Zhao Tiezhu (Foundation Establishment early stage, body cultivator), and Mysterious Scout Rabbit Spirit (abilities unknown).
Night fell; in a secret room of the Clear Void Temple Tianshu City residence, six people (plus one rabbit) sat together. Oil lamp flames danced, illuminating faces with varied yet equally determined expressions. Xiao Qi distributed Master-gifted Minor Teleportation Talismans to Liu Yun, Mu Qingfeng, and himself, for emergencies. That Cyan Spirit Flying Shuttle was also taken out, entrusted to Mu Qingfeng who had the finest control over magic treasures.
"This mission's purpose is to infiltrate Blackwater Marsh area, investigate Shadow Snake Pavilion activity traces, find possible Myriad Soul Devouring Spirit Formation related clues. Remember — we are here to scout, not to fight decisively!" Xiao Qi emphasized the operational guidelines once more, gaze sweeping each member: "Once we discover overwhelming danger, or confirm key intelligence, we immediately withdraw, send news through transmission talismans."
Liu Yun nodded, adding: "Blackwater Marsh's environment is complex, miasma pervasive, poisonous insects everywhere, plus many dangerous locations. We must disguise as ordinary wandering cultivator teams heading to the marsh to collect resources or hunt demons. Avoid drawing attention. All actions prioritize concealment."
Second Senior Brother Luo Feng rubbed his hands excitedly, pulling out several treasures from his storage bag: "Hehe, concealment is easy! These are my improved Qi Concealing Cloaks — not only concealing aura, but also distorting surrounding light; effectiveness three tenths better than market versions! One for each!" He distributed several gray, unremarkable cloaks. Then he produced several dragon-eye-sized pearls flickering with unstable red light: "Chain Explosion Pearls, power acceptable; key is creating chaos — good for covering retreat or feinting east and striking west." Then several palm-sized metal discs inscribed with complex runes: "Simple warning formation disks, lay around temporary camp to warn of Foundation Establishment level and below creatures approaching." Watching Second Senior Brother produce various uniquely functional gadgets like conjuring tricks, everyone's slightly tense mood could not help but relax somewhat. With these preparations, their survival odds had increased considerably.
"Well then, since everyone is ready," Xiao Qi stood, gaze sweeping each companion, finally landing on the window's heavy darkness: "Tonight at midnight, we depart under cover of darkness — destination: Blackwater Marsh!"
No grand declarations, no grand send-off. Exactly at midnight, six figures in gray qi-concealing cloaks, like phantoms departing at dawn, silently left the Clear Void Temple residence. Boarding the Cyan Spirit Flying Shuttle, transforming into an almost imperceptible wisp of cyan light, heading southwest toward that marsh region shrouded in ominous clouds. The Alliance's clamor and debate were thrown behind; ahead lay unknown dangers and weighty responsibilities. This small team, carrying unwillingness to wait's pure determination, resolutely embarked on the journey of independently confronting darkness.