Years have passed, and it's surprising how little has changed here. Back then, wasn't I just like this?
As Elder Tie drifted into memories, he was soon drawn back by his subordinate's report.
"Boss, according to the news from the front, our dark team found Hei Long and his companions being attacked by unknown individuals. His companions chased after them and still haven't returned."
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.
No way, who's so bold as to attack Hei Long directly?
Bai Zhanfei was also shocked and quickly asked, "Did you get a clear look at who it was?"
Whether it was him or not, he hadn't heard of any internal conflicts within Hei Zi's group over the years, even if there were, they were just minor skirmishes.
After all, they were guarding such a vast treasure trove and had no need to fight others for it.
The subordinate shook his head, "Boss, who would dare get too close to them? We were all observing from within and outside the vicinity."
Then, the subordinate recounted what his own people had seen.
Everyone knew Hei Long's strength. Only the newcomer, Li Chonglou, dared to follow behind him. Normally, they would stay several kilometers away.
At such a distance, even someone with excellent vision would have difficulty seeing the full picture in this dense jungle. In fact, they hadn't even seen the people.
They only heard the sounds of fighting and fluctuations, and then one of the auras disappeared.
So, what the subordinate reported just now was his own conjecture...
Old Wang's expression was a little strange, but among the people present, everyone else seemed accustomed to it.
However, Elder Tie quickly reacted, "Wait a minute, isn't it the Hei Ling period now? Did you send anyone out on a special mission?"
As an old member, Elder Tie was very familiar with the rules and operational style here and immediately hit upon the key point.
Everyone subconsciously turned their gaze to Bai Zhanfei. Special missions usually required the approval of the camp leader, and some were known only to the camp leader himself.
Bai Zhanfei shook his head, "Don't all look at me. I just returned from their branch and don't have the energy to handle anything else."
Elder Tie's expression changed instantly, and he blurted out, "Could it be that kid?"
That kid?
Who?
At this moment, everyone turned their questioning gazes to Elder Tie. Only Sword Master realized what Elder Tie meant and spoke softly.
"It's probably impossible, right? He's just a newcomer, and the Hei Ling period is more than halfway through. Can he handle it?"
Although it was a question, Sword Master's tone was clearly disbelieving.
Elder Tie didn't argue with him. Few people would know how strong Li Chonglou was. Even he only roughly knew that this kid from the Hei Ling period had a high chance of surviving!
"Tell me about the situation at the time."
Elder Tie's expression became serious. Sword Master looked at Bai Zhanfei, who nodded.
Then, he explained the entire situation in detail, even stating the strengths of Xiong Da and Mei Niang.
After listening, Elder Tie suddenly asked, "So, after the Hei Ling period arrived, there was no more news of those three? And no one tried to break through the blockade?"
Breaking through the blockade referred to the act of breaking through the blockade of Hei Zi experts surrounding the camp during the Hei Ling period.
Clearly, being surrounded during the Hei Ling period was a traditional custom.
Sword Master shook his head.
A look of doubt appeared on Elder Tie's face. He muttered to himself, "That shouldn't be the case. With that kid's strength, it should still be enough time to rush back during the Hei Ling period, right?"
Sword Master heard the implication and asked with a slight frown, "You mean he's hiding his strength?"
At this point, Elder Tie no longer concealed anything and nodded, "Otherwise, why would they send him to complete the Wu family's mission? This kid's strength might not be much weaker than yours."
Elder Tie glanced at Sword Master. Sword Master's first reaction was disbelief. After all, although he wasn't at the peak of the seventh level, he was around the middle stage.
If he was similar to himself, wouldn't that mean he was also a master who had entered the seventh level?
But that was impossible! Once they reached the seventh level, there would be a soul connection between them, which was one of the characteristics of the seventh level. But when he met Li Chonglou back then, he didn't feel anything in that regard!
Just as he was about to retort, Bai Zhanfei, who knew Elder Tie's personality very well, suddenly spoke, "That's strange. If that's the case, he shouldn't not return to the camp. As long as he gives some signal, we can charge out and rescue them."
This clearly confirmed Elder Tie's words, and Sword Master's frown deepened.
The others also looked at each other, completely unable to join the conversation.
Elder Tie thought for a moment and then asked, "Have there been any other special incidents in the past two days?"
Li Chonglou was accompanied by two elders. With his strength, he should not have failed to return to the camp. The only variable, in Elder Tie's opinion, was that he encountered a reason not to return.
Thinking of this, Elder Tie's instinctive reaction was that Li Chonglou had encountered the target!
Based on his understanding of Li Chonglou, this guy was likely to seek wealth in danger, which was why he hadn't returned to the camp.
However, no one present spoke. After all, the high-ranking officials of the entire camp were seated here, knowing almost all the major and minor matters.
Their silence meant there was none...
Elder Tie himself quickly dismissed this thought. Even he, outside the Hei Ling period, could at most hold on for two days.
The Hei Ling period was no joke. The camp leader himself had rushed back immediately. In their history, no one had ever managed to survive outside for three full days!
Everyone fell silent again. The more Elder Tie thought about it, the more he felt that Li Chonglou had likely indeed met with an accident.
"Um, Boss, I have one more thing to report..."
The subordinate who had just entered spoke cautiously, and Bai Zhanfei's expression froze again.
"There's more? What's wrong with you, kid? You can't even speak properly?"
Bai Zhanfei was clearly a little displeased. If it were just a matter of lacking manners, it would be fine, as they were like that too. But when it came to work, the camp had strict rules! No matter how carefree you were usually, you could never falter at a critical moment!
The subordinate's voice immediately became smaller, "I wanted to report yesterday, but I was afraid it would affect your plan."
"So, do we have to give you the position of camp leader? Hurry up and say it!"
The subordinate immediately stood at attention again and shouted loudly, "Understood, Camp Leader!"
"Yesterday, someone delivered a person outside the camp. It was the traitor the Wu family has been looking for recently. It was confirmed that a Hei Zi delivered him. The contact person has already left secretly. It was Lao Ying from the Sixth Team."
...
Happy New Year everyone. I've been feeling unwell lately, but I'll try to post more once I've fully recovered.