Chapter 38｜Core Exploration: Secrets of Unknown Forces and First-Round Core Tactical Breakthroughs

The dawn mist lingered, enveloping the abandoned outpost in an eerie stillness, broken only by the occasional chirping of birds and the rustling of wind through distant trees.

Li Xing crouched in the corner of the wooden hut, his Tang sword still clenched in his hand, the back of his palm glistening with sweat.

“The core's up ahead,” Zhao Yun whispered, his Desert Eagle held at chest level, his gaze piercing through the mist toward the depths of the hut.

Li Yu lay prone at the window, his Type 56 semi-automatic rifle braced against his shoulder, eyes tracking every faint shadow and movement.

Zhou Xiaoyu lay low on high ground, her sniper scope trained on the roof and potential observation points in the woods. She exhaled softly. “These people are well-organized. They're not just hunters. They seem to have their own rules and structure.”

Zhou Yan crouched at the rear of the team, his hunting dog pressed close, growling softly, signaling its sense of danger and uncertainty ahead.

Li Xing nodded, signaling the team to maintain formation: “We split into two groups. Zhao Yun and Li Yu apply pressure from the front. Xiaoyu and I flank around. Zhou Yan and the dog provide backup at any moment. Don't act rashly. Verify every route is clear.”

Core Exploration

The team advanced slowly deeper into the wooden hut. With each step, the air seemed to thicken. The broken furniture, scorch marks, and muddy drag trails inside revealed frequent human activity.

Li Yu crouched, scrutinizing the ground. “These footprints show clear division of labor—different stride frequencies. Some for close combat, others for long-range surveillance. Someone meticulously planned the route.”

Zhao Yun murmured, “They left tactical traces during training or missions. This suggests the core group might be larger than we estimated.”

Li Xing scanned the cabin's interior, his system panel flickering faintly. “We must first pinpoint the core's entry points and defensive deployments. Charging in head-on is too risky.”

Zhou Xiaoyu spotted slight movements on the roof from an elevated vantage point and reported in a hushed voice, “Two observers on the western roof. They could spot us at any moment.”

First Wave: Core Tactical Breach

Li Xing issued orders in a low voice. Zhao Yun and Li Yu created diversionary noises to force the observers inside to shift positions.

Li Xing led Zhou Xiaoyu around to the opposite corner of the roof, preparing to flank deep into the building. Zhou Yan brought the hunting dog to assist from the rear, ready to seal off potential escape routes.

Zhao Yun's shots weren't for hitting targets—they were precise strikes against the interior walls, creating fake bullet marks to lure the occupants into revealing themselves. Li Yu coordinated by firing at the flanks, forcing the enemies to divide their attention.

Three core observers inside indeed moved, attempting to reclaim advantageous positions. Li Xing seized the opening, leading Zhou Xiaoyu in a swift flanking charge toward the main room's entrance deep within the house.

Tang swords drew from their scabbards, silently cleaving the first blocking path. The hunting dogs followed close behind, pouncing on observers attempting a counterattack.

Zhao Yun and Li Yu provided crossfire suppression from both sides, forcing the enemy to retreat. For the first time truly penetrating the core, the team seized the initiative.

The system interface flashed again, prompting a tactical synergy optimization:

【Core Conflict Experience Increased】

【Team Synergy Efficiency Enhanced】

【Close Combat and Ranged Suppression Coordination Optimized】

Li Xing felt the system assistance grow more precise, each movement and shot feeling finely tuned, the rhythm flowing naturally.

Clues to the Core's Secrets

Deep within the building, the team discovered a relatively intact room. Maps hung on the walls, and a table held several tattered notebooks marked with intricate routes, timelines, and codes.

Li Yu crouched to examine the notes: “These records aren't left by black market hunters. They're more systematic—operational or hunting logs. The core organization has clear divisions and hierarchies.”

Zhao Yun frowned. “Seems the unknown force we're facing isn't just hunters—it's more like a self-contained mini-organization.”

Zhou Xiaoyu scanned from above. “These logs show they set ambushes, conduct experiments, and even use the hunting grounds to train new recruits.”

Li Xing nodded. “That means future confrontations won't just be life-or-death battles—they'll be strategic and psychological duels.”

Zhou Yan murmured, “We've breached the core for the first time, but it's only the beginning. The real threat lies ahead.”

The team paused briefly for rest, the air thick with a tangled blend of tension and excitement. Each member understood this core breach was merely the first step—they had touched the secrets of the unknown force, yet simultaneously plunged themselves deeper into its tactical vortex.