Immortal Sovereign's Ascension

Chapter 42: The Veil's Fortress

The rising sun painted the jagged peaks of the mountains in hues of gold and crimson as the combined forces of the Azure Sky Sect, Crimson Blade Sect, and Jade River Sect pressed forward. The battle in the forest had hardened their resolve, but the path ahead was fraught with uncertainty.

Zhang Wei walked at the forefront, his senses on high alert. The lingering traces of dark Qi in the air were stronger now, a sure sign that they were closing in on the Veil of Oblivion's stronghold.

"The energy here is oppressive," Lin Xiyu said, walking beside him. "It feels like the air itself is trying to suffocate us."

"It's their domain," Zhang Wei replied, his tone grim. "The Veil has infused this area with their dark Qi. The closer we get, the stronger it will become."

Liang Feng joined them, his gaze scanning the cliffs above. "Our scouts report that the fortress lies just beyond the next pass. It's heavily fortified, with multiple layers of defenses."

Zhang Wei nodded. "Then we'll need a strategy. A direct assault will cost us too many lives."

---

The system chimed: New Quest: Penetrate the Veil's fortress and neutralize their command structure.

Objective: Infiltrate the fortress, disrupt the Veil's defenses, and eliminate their leaders.

Reward: Sect Contribution Points, advanced combat techniques, and access to hidden knowledge.

---

The allied forces halted at the edge of the pass, setting up a temporary camp while Zhang Wei, Lin Xiyu, and Liang Feng convened to plan their next move. They spread a map across a makeshift table, marking key points of entry and potential vulnerabilities.

"The fortress is built into the cliffside," Liang Feng said, pointing to the map. "Its main gate is impenetrable, but there are smaller entrances along the eastern and western faces. These are likely guarded but less fortified."

"We'll need a diversion," Zhang Wei said. "A small team can infiltrate through the eastern entrance while the main force draws their attention at the gate."

"I'll lead the diversion team," Liang Feng offered. "Our job will be to keep their focus on us while you and Lin Xiyu handle the infiltration."

Lin Xiyu smirked. "Sounds like a plan. Let's see if their defenses are as impenetrable as they think."

---

The system chimed: Host must lead the infiltration team and neutralize critical targets within the fortress.

---

As night fell, the allied forces moved into position. The main force, led by Liang Feng, approached the fortress's massive gate, their torches casting eerie shadows on the rocky terrain. Zhang Wei and Lin Xiyu, accompanied by a small group of elite disciples, flanked to the eastern side, their Qi masked to avoid detection.

The fortress loomed above them, its dark stone walls blending seamlessly with the cliffside. Faint lights glowed from the windows, and the air buzzed with the oppressive hum of concentrated dark Qi.

Zhang Wei gestured for the group to halt as they neared a narrow tunnel leading into the eastern side of the fortress. "This is it," he whispered. "Stay close and move quietly. We can't afford to alert them."

The group entered the tunnel, their footsteps muffled by the damp stone floor. The passage was narrow and winding, forcing them to move single file. Zhang Wei led the way, his enhanced perception alerting him to faint energy signatures ahead.

---

The system chimed: Enemy patrol detected. Host must neutralize them silently to maintain stealth.

Zhang Wei signaled for the group to stop as two Veil operatives came into view, their dark robes blending with the shadows. Activating his Shadow Step Technique, Zhang Wei closed the distance in an instant, his spear striking with lethal precision. The operatives crumpled silently to the ground.

Lin Xiyu nodded approvingly. "Clean work."

"Let's keep moving," Zhang Wei said.

---

The tunnel opened into a large chamber filled with supplies and weapons. Several Veil operatives were stationed here, their movements methodical as they organized crates of dark Qi-infused artifacts.

"This must be their armory," Lin Xiyu whispered.

"We can't leave it intact," Zhang Wei replied. "If they use these during the battle, it'll tip the scales in their favor."

The system chimed: Secondary objective detected: Sabotage the armory to weaken enemy forces.

Zhang Wei and Lin Xiyu moved swiftly, placing Qi-explosive talismans on key structural points. The other disciples stood guard, ensuring no one entered the chamber unnoticed.

Once the talismans were in place, Zhang Wei activated them, and the chamber was engulfed in a controlled explosion. The sound was muffled, but the damage was catastrophic—crates of weapons and artifacts shattered, and the armory collapsed in on itself.

"That should slow them down," Zhang Wei said, motioning for the group to continue.

---

The system chimed: Secondary objective complete. Enemy forces weakened.

---

As they pressed deeper into the fortress, the resistance grew stronger. Veil operatives patrolled the halls in greater numbers, their dark Qi radiating menace. Zhang Wei's team engaged in several skirmishes, each one a test of their skill and coordination.

Finally, they reached a massive chamber at the heart of the fortress. At its center stood an ornate throne, and upon it sat a figure cloaked in flowing black robes. Their aura was overwhelming, the air around them distorting under the weight of their dark Qi.

"You've come far," the figure said, their voice a low, resonant echo. "But your journey ends here."

Zhang Wei stepped forward, his spear gleaming faintly. "You've manipulated and destroyed countless lives. It ends tonight."

The figure rose from the throne, their dark Qi surging as they descended the steps. "You're bold, but arrogance will be your downfall."

The chamber erupted in chaos as the figure attacked, their dark Qi manifesting in jagged waves that tore through the air. Zhang Wei activated his Shadow Step Technique, evading the strikes and countering with a flurry of precise thrusts.

The system chimed: Host must exploit enemy's overconfidence and identify vulnerabilities.

Zhang Wei analyzed the figure's movements, noting the slight delay between their attacks and their defensive maneuvers. With each clash, he pressed harder, forcing the figure to overextend.

Finally, Zhang Wei delivered a decisive strike, his spear piercing through their defenses and shattering their core. The figure staggered, their dark Qi dissipating into the air.

"It's over," Zhang Wei said, his voice firm.

The figure's gaze darkened. "You've only delayed the inevitable. The Veil of Oblivion cannot be destroyed—it is eternal."

With that, the figure collapsed, their body dissolving into shadows.

---

The system chimed: Quest complete. Rewarding Sect Contribution Points, advanced combat techniques, and access to hidden knowledge.

As the fortress fell silent, Zhang Wei turned to his team. "We've dealt a major blow to the Veil, but this isn't the end. Their forces are scattered, but they'll regroup. We need to be ready for whatever comes next."

The rising storm was far from over, but Zhang Wei's resolve burned brighter than ever.