The remaining demons, having lost continuous earth vein demonic energy supply, were like trees without roots. Under Ao Zhan and Ling Shuang's crushing cleanup, they were quickly swept clear. The originally demonic-shrouded, roaring boulder pile area temporarily returned to deathly silence. Only that temporarily spiritual light chain sealed array eye and faint demonic aura not yet completely dissipated in the air proved the existence of that fierce battle.
The demonic suppression squad gathered around Xiao Qi. Although they successfully completed the temporary reinforcement task, everyone's faces showed little joy. Instead, due to Xiao Qi's previously grave expression, an uneasy atmosphere pervaded.
Xiao Qi did not immediately explain. He first let Su Zhi check everyone's injuries and distribute recovery pills. After everyone's breath slightly settled, he looked around at everyone and said heavily: "The situation is like this." Xiao Qi's voice was low: "The northwestern demonic disaster is very likely just a scheme jointly set up by Shadow Snake Pavilion remnants and ancient demonic cultivator families, intended to attract our Alliance main force here. Their true target is probably elsewhere, possibly even directly aimed at the re-sealed demonic entity's main body, or some important area of Alliance heartland. Moreover, there may be their spies within the Alliance."
These words were like thunder on level ground, exploding in everyone's hearts.
"What?!?!" Ao Zhan was greatly angered, dragon eyes blazing: "These hiding, cowardly rats actually dared such calculation!"
Ling Shuang's gaze was ice-cold, gripping his sword: "If true, we must immediately rush back to Alliance headquarters to warn!"
Elder Shadow furrowed his brow deeply: "If there really are spies within the Alliance, if we loudly return, they will likely be alerted before our news arrives, either launching early or changing plans."
Shi Yi's expression showed worry: "But if we don't return, their scheme succeeds."
Everyone discussed animatedly, all realizing the problem's severity and complexity.
Xiao Qi raised his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet. His gaze was calm, clearly he already had a decision in his heart.
"We cannot all return, and we cannot not return." He slowly said, thought clear: "Since the enemy set this scheme, they must be closely watching northwestern movements, especially our 'Chief Patrol Demon Envoy' led squad. If we all quietly leave, the enemy will immediately sense the plan is exposed, either launching early or hiding deeper, harder to find."
He paused, continuing: "Therefore, we need to divide into two forces, implementing a feint strategy!"
"Divide forces?" Everyone looked at him.
"Exactly." Xiao Qi nodded: "Ao Zhan, Ling Shuang."
"Here!" The two immediately responded.
"You two lead Shadow, Hui Ren, Jing Wuxin, Su Zhi, and Shi Yi, escorting several demonized cultivators with research value captured here, carrying detailed reports on the seal cracks and demonic energy characteristics, loudly returning to Alliance headquarters!" Xiao Qi ordered: "Your mission has two parts. First, personally presenting to Alliance highest council the intelligence that northwestern demonic disaster has been initially controlled but a larger conspiracy may be hidden behind, must attract attention, strengthen vigilance everywhere, especially at the demonic entity's main seal location and major hub defenses. Second, your overt action is the 'feint' to attract enemy attention! Let everyone think my demonic suppression squad's main force has already returned to Alliance headquarters with initial results and important prisoners."
Ao Zhan and Ling Shuang exchanged glances, immediately understanding Xiao Qi's intention. They were the strongest and most attention-grabbing besides Xiao Qi. Their return with the squad was logical, sufficient to attract most gazes.
"Then what about you, True Lord?" Ling Shuang asked.
Xiao Qi's gaze swept everyone, finally landing on the Rabbit Spirit on his shoulder that seemed to still be savoring the recent battle, gnawing on spirit fruit, a barely perceptible arc appearing at the corner of his mouth.
"I will leave quietly with the Rabbit Spirit." Xiao Qi lowered his voice: "We go investigate the Shadow Snake Pavilion remnants and those ancient demonic cultivator families' strange movements that Aunt Su mentioned. They are key executors of this conspiracy. Finding them may uncover the true target, even stop their plan."
This decision was extremely bold and dangerous. It meant Xiao Qi would leave the main squad, alone (with Rabbit Spirit) sneaking into the dark, facing unknown, possibly extremely powerful enemies.
"True Lord, this is too dangerous!" Shi Yi said anxiously: "You alone."
"Not alone." Xiao Qi patted the Rabbit Spirit on his shoulder: "It has talents for treasure-finding and sensing good/bad fortune. In certain times, it is more useful than an army. Moreover, I am in the dark, they are in the light,. You in the light attract fire, creating opportunities for me."
Everyone was silent. They knew Xiao Qi's decision was correct. This was the optimal response under current circumstances. But having the Chief Patrol Demon Envoy alone execute the most dangerous mission, their hearts were truly uneasy.
"True Lord, let me go with you!" Elder Shadow stepped forward: "Subordinate is skilled in concealment and tracking, will surely help!"
Xiao Qi shook his head, patting Shadow's shoulder: "I am clear about your abilities, but this time what I need is absolute concealment. More people would easily cause exposure. You return with the main squad. On the way you also need your vigilance, ensuring intelligence safely arrives."
He looked at everyone, tone permitting no dispute: "This matter is decided, no need for further discussion. Everyone, Alliance safety, northwestern follow-up, even whether we can crush the demonic conspiracy, all rest on our actions this time. I hope everyone acts cautiously, communicates!"
Seeing Xiao Qi's resolve set, everyone stopped arguing. They cupped fists and accepted: "We obey True Lord's orders!"
Plan set, immediately executed.
Ao Zhan, Ling Shuang, and others quickly organized supplies, brought those several specially restricted sealed demonized cultivators, deliberately created some commotion, then rode escape light, without concealment rushing toward the southeast, Alliance headquarters direction, momentum swaggering, afraid others would not know they were "triumphantly returning."
And just about one incense stick's time after they left, Tang Xiao Qi, even the Azure Lotus Origin was extremely internalized, like the most ordinary mortal. He used the space gliding technique comprehended from "Swimming Dragon Nine Turns." His figure was like a ghost, several flickers, silently disappeared into the northwestern wasteland's depths. Direction was not southeast but southwest—that was the area Aunt Su's message vaguely mentioned, where those ancient demonic cultivator families might be active.
Openly repair the plank road, secretly cross the river.
The demonic suppression squad split in two. Openly, led by Ao Zhan and Ling Shuang, "returning with honors," attracting all potential enemies' attention. Secretly, Tang Xiao Qi was like the sharpest dagger, silently piercing toward the conspiracy's core.
A shadow war surrounding intelligence, calculation and counter-calculation began. Final victory would depend on which side could faster see through the other's cards.