Chapter 40｜Core Tactics Decide Victory: Deep Clashes with Unknown Forces and Team Growth to the Limit

Deep within the abandoned outpost, the air seemed to freeze. Mist hung thickly, while the broken beams of the wooden hut swayed slightly in the breeze, emitting eerie creaks.

Li Xing crouched beneath a half-collapsed beam, his Tang sword gripped tightly in hand, his gaze cold and sharp. Each breath felt like sensing the lurking danger in the air.

Zhao Yun lay prone on the flank, Desert Eagle gripped firmly. His gaze was as sharp as a hawk's, fingers tight on the trigger.

Li Yu lay flat on the windowsill, Type 56 semi-automatic rifle pressed against his shoulder. His eyes scanned every potential corner.

Zhou Xiaoyu lay prone at a higher vantage point, her sniper scope locked onto every movement inside the house and the surrounding woods. Each breath was slow and precise.

Zhou Yan guarded the rear, his hound pressed close, growling low to warn of airborne threats.

Li Xing spoke in a low voice: “The heart of the core is their true stronghold. This time, we must seize complete control of the situation, leaving them no breathing room.”

Deep into the Core

The team advanced according to their well-rehearsed coordinated tactics. Li Xing led Zhou Xiaoyu on a flanking maneuver, attempting to suppress the rooftops and potential defensive positions from elevated ground. Zhao Yun and Li Yu pushed forward head-on, creating overlapping fire suppression.

A muffled shout erupted from within the building as several elite operatives of an unknown faction burst out, moving with synchronized precision—clear signs of rigorous training.

Without hesitation, Li Xing swung his Tang sword, swiftly engaging in close combat. Simultaneously, the system interface flashed:

[Extreme Combat Mode Activated]

[Close Combat and Ranged Coordination Optimized]

[Team Reaction Speed Increased by 20%]

Every action was system-optimized. Li Xing's blade sliced through defenses with precision, Zhao Yun's gunfire formed a suppressive arc, and Li Yu's semi-automatic rifle pinpointed the flanks.

Zhou Xiaoyu suppressed distant enemies from an elevated position while marking potential ambush routes, ensuring the team avoided encirclement.

Zhou Yan coordinated with the hound to sever enemy retreat routes. The hound lunged at foes attempting flanking maneuvers, its low growls and bites slowing their movements.

Fierce Clash

The core battle reached a fever pitch. Enemies exploited narrow passages, cover, and elevation differences to counterattack, but the squad's coordination was near flawless.

Li Xing, guided by system alerts and his own experience, precisely anticipated enemy movements, while Tang Dao parried close-range attackers with swift strikes.

Zhao Yun's Desert Eagle unleashed sustained fire, forcing enemies to alter their routes.

Li Yu's Type 56 semi-automatic rifle coordinated with Zhao Yun to create crossfire, blocking enemy counterattack paths.

Zhou Xiaoyu maintained surveillance from the high ground, meticulously analyzing every subtle movement through her sniper scope to provide real-time tactical adjustments for the team.

The system prompt flashed again:

[Core Combat Experience Upgraded]

[Team Coordination Efficiency Maxed Out]

[Life-or-Death Strategy Mastery Significantly Enhanced]

Every shot, movement, and block was recorded and optimized by the system, pushing the team's reaction speed and coordination to unprecedented limits.

Final Showdown

The enemy was gradually forced into the deepest recesses of the building, unable to move. Li Xing gave a low command: “Full suppression! Don't give them any chance to counterattack!”

Zhao Yun and Li Yu provided covering fire, Zhou Xiaoyu sniped from the high ground, while Zhou Yan and the Hound cut off the retreat route, forming an encircling pincer movement.

With a flash of his Tang sword, Li Xing engaged the nearest enemy elite in close combat, each exchange precise and efficient.

After a brief, intense firefight, the enemy lost all initiative, forced to surrender or retreat.

Li Xing slowly sheathed his blade, scanning the entire core area. A tense, oppressive atmosphere hung in the air, but the team was safe.

Zhou Xiaoyu murmured, “The core is largely under control, but these were clearly only peripheral elites. The true deep-seated forces likely lie further within.”

Li Yu nodded. “At least we've achieved our first core tactical breakthrough. The team's coordination and extreme tactics have reached unprecedented heights.”

Zhao Yun holstered his rifle and took a deep breath. “This battle proves we're no longer mere hunters—we're a genuine core combat unit.”

Zhou Yan soothed the hunting dog, murmuring, “We've crossed the first threshold in the life-and-death game beyond the hunting grounds, but the core of the unknown force remains hidden.”

Li Xing gazed into the darkness deep within the room, his expression resolute and cold. “Our extreme tactics have shown their power, but the true test... has only just begun.”