The various teams had now been assembled, with Xia Qiuxi of the Qingcheng Sect and the Emei Sect joining forces, forming a group of eight.
The Maoshan Sect, along with Bai Daozi and a few unaffiliated cultivators, made up another team.
The Dragon Tiger Mountain, Shaolin, and Wudang Sects each combined their elites with promising disciples from smaller sects to form their own units.
Overall, the majority were elite members from the major sects.
As for the unaffiliated cultivators, it seemed we were essentially that team.
With the teams formed, the Alliance Leader spoke again:
“Everyone, this mission is extremely important and critical, and also very dangerous.
We hope you will complete it successfully and return safely.
This time, the Dao Alliance has prepared three pills for everyone.”
Saying this, he picked up a white pill from a nearby plate.
“This is a high-grade Replenishing Spirit Pill, capable of rapidly restoring lost spiritual energy.”
Then, he picked up a green pill:
“This is a Soul-Calming Pill, which, after consumption, can restore clarity of consciousness.
Afterward, he picked up a red pill:
“This pill is called the Blood Pill. It can temporarily enhance vitality and strength, but it has severe side effects. Please do not consume it unless it is a last resort.”
With that, Bai Daozi stepped forward and picked up a large tray.
On it were these three colored pills.
He then brought it over to us, and each of us took three.
After distributing the pills, Bai Daozi addressed everyone:
“Everyone, the journey ahead will be fraught with peril.
You will depart with the first wave of cultivators at the midnight hour.
Please return to your quarters to prepare, and we will set off in half an hour.”
Upon hearing this, everyone cupped their fists in salute and said:
“As you command!”
With that, the main gate was opened, and everyone could leave in an orderly fashion.
However, my Martial Uncle came over.
Lao Mo and I looked at Martial Uncle and both called out:
“Martial Uncle!”
“Master!”
Martial Uncle nodded, then patted both my and Lao Mo’s shoulders:
“This Misty Swamp is extremely perilous. Once you enter, you must be extremely careful and cautious, never letting your guard down.”
“Martial Uncle, I understand!”
I replied.
“I have no worries about Xiao Qin; you are prudent and decisive. Xiao Mo, when you go, do not be rash. You must listen to Xiao Qin before taking any action.”
“Master, don’t worry! The two of us are the Twin Demon Exterminators. Old Qin is in charge of command, and I’m in charge of charging forward. We’ve been cooperating seamlessly for more than a day or two.
Besides, we are both children of destiny.
We are the arbiters of justice; darkness cannot defeat light…”
Lao Mo’s chuunibyou acted up again, and he began to ramble.
Martial Uncle rolled his eyes:
“Enough, enough. Just knowing is good. In any case, just be careful. After you leave, Xiao Mei can stay with me. We will advance from the northern route and hope to see you safely at Black Demon Gorge.”
Martial Uncle was reluctant, reiterating his warnings.
He was even becoming a bit motherly.
But thinking about it carefully, Martial Uncle had no children.
With us three juniors, he had likely already come to regard us as his own children.
“Understood, Martial Uncle. This journey is led by Senior Bai, so it will go smoothly.”
Martial Uncle hummed in response and said no more.
Afterward, Lao Mo and I bid farewell to Martial Uncle and turned to leave.
As soon as we stepped outside, we saw Xia Qiuxi standing at the entrance.
“Qiuxi…”
We called out to her.
Xia Qiuxi then said to Lao Mo and me:
“You two won’t blame me, will you?”
Although Qiuxi didn’t explicitly state it, her meaning was clear.
She was referring to the team assignments.
But Lao Mo and I weren’t petty or narrow-minded.
We naturally understood why Qiuxi wasn’t on our team.
“It’s fine, you still have your senior brothers and disciples! Besides, we’re not going to be completely separated; we can still look out for each other on the road.”
I said with a smile, telling Qiuxi not to take it to heart.
Sometimes, if you don’t clarify small matters with girls, they can start to overthink things.
Hearing this, Qiuxi instantly smiled happily.
However, Lao Mo, that rascal, made a flourish with his hand:
“My heart has been severely wounded; after this is over, remember to treat me to a meal!”
“Alright, I’ll treat you to a meal. I’ll even invite a few of my girlfriends. Let’s see if Xiao Yao gets jealous then.”
As soon as I said that, Lao Mo’s face turned green:
“No, no, no, I won’t eat…”
“Hahaha…”
The atmosphere became harmonious once more.
We left the square together and went to our respective accommodations.
Now, most of the Daoists on the entire Withered Wood Temple had been assigned tasks.
Some had even already set out.
As a special operations team, we needed to blend in with the main force to confuse the enemy.
Upon arriving at the tent, we found Xiao Mei licking her paw.
Seeing us return.
She curiously asked:
“What was all that noise outside?”
Seeing Xiao Mei, Lao Mo and I didn’t waste any words.
We quickly said:
“The great battle has begun, and tasks have now been issued. Lao Mo and I are about to depart, but this time you cannot come with us. You will stay with Martial Uncle and Xiao Yao.”
Xiao Mei was taken aback:
“Why? Great-Grandmother told me to follow you, and with me here, I can summon Great-Grandmother and the others anytime. I’ve already sensed that our Fox Clan forces have arrived.”
I pinched my chin, then continued:
“I’m afraid that’s still not possible. This is a surprise attack, and the path is very treacherous, a misty swamp, which is not suitable for immortals to display their powers.
If a large contingent of people comes, they definitely won’t be able to pass.
I think it’s best for you to follow Martial Uncle!
That will be the main attack route, and the pressure should be greater.
Furthermore, the Fox Clan and the Dao Alliance’s high command have already made contact.
The combat plan might have already been allocated…”