Chapter 36｜In-Depth Exploration of the Abandoned Stronghold: The Core of the Unknown Force and Potential Threats

The first rays of dawn pierced through the mist, bathing the dilapidated wooden huts of the abandoned outpost. The fog slowly rose, blurring the contours of the forest terrain but also providing greater concealment for the team's movements.

Li Xing stood atop the highest wooden beam of the ruins, surveying the entire outpost. The structures here were more complex than those they'd seen the previous day, resembling a temporary staging area that had been used long-term: the roof beams had been reinforced multiple times, and the ground featured irregular patterns, suggesting deliberate control over sightlines and access routes.

“The layout here... resembles a high-level hunting ground in the black market, but with added traces of strategic planning.” Li Yu crouched on the ground, tracing a shallow scratch with her finger to deduce a route. “It's not just hunting—it feels like training or drills.”

Zhao Yun leaned against the corner of a wooden hut, his gaze sweeping through the gaps between the ruins. “Those people know how to use the terrain, and... there seems to be a clear chain of command. After last night's clash, they didn't retaliate at all. That means they observed us.”

Zhou Xiaoyu furrowed her brow slightly, her sniper rifle pressed against her shoulder. She murmured, “Their core might not be at the front, but deep within this stronghold. The outer layers are just probing.”

Zhou Yan crouched to soothe the hunting dog. The dog growled softly, sniffing the air with a hint of tension. It had followed them through life-and-death situations in the hunting grounds before and now sensed this new threat with acute sensitivity.

Li Xing nodded, signaling the team to advance in formation. He spoke slowly, “We're no longer just reacting. Today, we seek out the core.”

Deep into the Ruins

The team moved cautiously along a makeshift corridor of discarded wooden planks, each step deliberate. Dust and shattered furniture littered the interior of the wooden hut, with several distinct scorch marks. Clearly, someone had used fire for defense or marking.

Li Yu murmured, “These marks aren't like the black market hunting grounds... They focus more on psychological pressure, even using the environment to create intimidation.”

Zhao Yun nodded. “These are traces of their core training and tactical layout.”

Li Xing led the way, his Tang sword partially drawn at his side, ready for close combat. The system interface flickered in the corner but offered no clear alerts—evidently, the threat level in this area exceeded the system's assessment.

Zhou Xiaoyu scanned from an elevated vantage point and detected subtle movement on the roof. She whispered a warning: "Two shadows on the east side—look like sentries. They move swiftly but show no aggressive intent—likely just monitoring."

Li Xing nodded. “Maintain distance, but make them aware we're here.”

Core Traces

Deep within the ruins, the team discovered a wooden hut more structurally sound than surrounding buildings. Its door remained tightly shut with no visible damage, though several crushed twigs and muddy footprints marked the entrance.

Li Xing crouched to examine them, pointing for the others to see. “This is the core activity zone. The traces outside are decoys or probes. Any rash entry will trigger potential traps.”

Li Yu murmured, “We need to determine the core's personnel numbers, weaponry, and tactical layout.”

Zhao Yun gripped his Desert Eagle, his gaze unwavering. “This means... our first close encounter with the enemy's core.”

Zhou Xiaoyu adjusted his sniper stance: “Reconnaissance first. Confirm the internal situation before deciding whether to attack or retreat.”

Zhou Yan stroked the hunting dog and murmured, “It can smell the scent inside... At least three to five people.”

Li Xing paused briefly before nodding. “Alright, split into reconnaissance teams. We can't let our guard down. This isn't a hunting ground—it's a human tactical testing zone.”

Potential Threat

The team advanced slowly toward the wooden hut's perimeter. Fog obscured their vision, yet muffled footsteps and faint metallic clangs echoed from within. Clearly, the core personnel were organizing equipment or setting up defenses.

Li Xing whispered to the group: “The system might not predict their next move. We must rely on our own judgment. If anything seems off, adjust our formation immediately.”

A palpable tension hung in the air, more oppressive than any hunting ground battle. Everyone held their breath, moving with deliberate slowness yet poised to erupt at any moment.

Deep within the ruins, the core of the unknown force lay in wait—silent yet lurking like a predator poised to strike.

Li Xing looked up at the team. “Remember, this isn't just combat—it's a battle of intelligence and psychology. We're not merely hunters; we're explorers.”

Through the mist, a shadow flickered faintly on a distant rooftop, as if someone watched them. Every member of the team understood—stepping into the unknown force's territory for the first time, the true challenge had only just begun.