Chapter 1180: Chapter 1169: Talents of the Nalan Clan
But walking on the rugged mountain path consumed a lot of energy and water. They finished their dry food and drank the water from their flasks. At this moment, they were so exhausted that their throats were burning, yet they still couldn’t see the end of the road.
The leader of this team was Nalan Xiaotian.
He was a member of the same Nalan family branch as the previously deceased Nalan Shi, Nalan Hu, and Nalan Pao.
This person exuded heroism and youthful vigor. When practicing martial cultivation in the Nalan family, his strength was comparable to, or even better than, the core disciples of the Nalan family.
If it were usual times, no matter how superior his martial skills were, as a side branch member of the Nalan family, it would be difficult for him to be highly utilized.
However, this time, the one leading the team was Nalan Jiuhuang.
She always treated Nalan family members equally and selected people based on talent alone.
So Nalan Xiaotian was selected, promoted, and appointed as the captain of this hundred-person team.
“Captain, continuing like this is not a solution. What should we do?”
Hoo…
Nalan Xiaotian wiped the sweat from his forehead, feeling a bit anxious at the moment. He especially cherished this rare promotion.
If he could seize this opportunity to perform well, shine during the battle, perhaps he could earn the respect of the Nalan family’s family head, and his future prospects would be limitless.
He looked around at the environment. The rocky terrain was treacherous, like a maze, and at this moment, with the sun high in the sky, there was not even a shadow to use as a reference, making it especially difficult to determine direction.
For a moment, he furrowed his brow.
A young man speculated, “Could it be that we encountered a ghost wall?”
“Impossible, even if we encountered ghosts, that would be at night. Under such broad daylight, it’s completely impossible.”
This hypothesis was immediately refuted by another person and set aside.
Nalan Xiaotian listened to their remarks and closed his eyes, contemplating deeply.
Suddenly, he lifted his head and looked at everyone, “Everyone, we are very likely trapped in the Soul Confusing Formation of the Ning family, otherwise, it doesn’t make sense at all.”
“Then what should we do now?” Everyone looked at each other in shock and asked.
“Like this, everyone go chop down small trees, each person grabs one, then we line up in a straight line and move forward. You hurry, I will determine the position first.”
Nalan Xiaotian said thoughtfully.
“Yes, Captain.”
The group didn’t go far, just chopped down small trees or thick branches nearby for personal use.
Nalan Xiaotian took out a military compass, placed it on a flat rock, and began positioning.
“We started from the southwest of Ning family, which means we need to go all the way northeast to enter the core area of the Nalan family.”
“That’s correct.”
The group nodded in agreement.
“Then it’s manageable!”
Nalan Xiaotian put away the compass, grabbed a sturdy branch amongst them, and ordered, “We’ll connect the branches and line up to advance northeast. Everyone mustn’t fall behind. Report any clues or disturbances immediately, understood?”
“Understood!”
They connected one branch to another, forming a line of over a hundred people stretching several hundred meters, advancing forcefully towards the northeast.
Indeed, Nalan Xiaotian’s method was effective.
In no time, their surroundings changed completely, indicating they had successfully exited the Soul Confusing Formation and reached a new area.
“Hehe, the captain is truly the captain; Jiuhuang’s judgment is indeed unparalleled.”
“Exactly, Jiuhuang is over a hundred years old, she’s wise and precise in judging people.”
“Yes, thankfully, Xiaotian was the captain this time. Otherwise, with those core disciples leading, who knows, we might still be circling in the Soul Confusing Formation.”
“What the hell are you saying, daring to look down on core disciples. Believe it or not, I’ll kill you?”
“What’s so special? Core disciples, so what? Why aren’t you the captain?”
Amidst the noise, they couldn’t hide the excitement on their faces.
“Alright, stop arguing, let’s keep moving. It’s already been half a day, we can’t delay any longer.”
All disputes ceased under Nalan Xiaotian’s persuasive words.
They continued to move forward quietly.
What they didn’t know was that, on a high ridge not far away, two Ning family members were watching them with surprise in their eyes.
“It seems the Nalan family members aren’t all useless, they do have some talents.”
“Now that they’ve escaped the Soul Confusing Formation, what should we do?”
“We must quickly report to Steward Zhang and them, and continue devising methods to deal with them.”
“Yes, yes…”
The two of them quickly ran in a direction, and before long, saw a few dilapidated thatched huts.
This was the headquarters for the Ning family’s defensive operations this time.
Here, alongside Steward Zhang and other Ning family experts, were Ouyang Feifei and the Shadow Team.
To coordinate operations, these groups operated under the leadership of Steward Zhang and Ouyang Feifei, discussing things without any quarrels.
They were observing the offense and defense situation across the area with drones, engaging in heated discussions.
“Who is defending this position? This approach is incorrect. Direct confrontation leads to unnecessary casualties and gains nothing.”
“Overall, given the big picture, having one or two skirmishes is inevitable, but it doesn’t overshadow the overall good defensive stance.”
“Have you noticed that except for the positions defended by the Cloud Breaking Sect being completely overrun, the effectiveness of killing the enemy in other positions has been mediocre? This won’t do.”
“…”
As they were discussing, two Ning family disciples burst in, panting, “Leaders, the hundred-person team we’ve been monitoring has crossed through the Soul Confusing Formation and is advancing rapidly from the southwest towards the Ning family villa. How should we respond?”
“Oh?”
Ouyang Feifei and Steward Zhang exchanged a glance, quickly checked the map for the mentioned area, following their guidance.
“According to the arrangement, besides the Soul Confusing Formation, there should be further arrangements behind this area.”
“That’s right, they think they’ve left the Soul Confusing Formation, and it’s a straight road to the Ning family? It’s not that simple.”
Ouyang Feifei thought for a moment, exchanged strange glances with the others, and signaled the two Ning family members, “You can go rest now. Regardless of how swiftly this hundred-member team advances, all they will face is death.”
“Yes, yes…”
Hearing there were additional arrangements below, the two relaxed and left peacefully.
Steward Zhang sneered, “The Nalan family, with its thousands of members, has developed to this day thanks to its talents. However, for them to think they can easily overcome our Ning family’s defensive positions, it’s not that easy.”