Chapter 164 The calm before the storm

The Holy Empire is busy and peaceful at the same time. After successfully crushing the conspiracy of the Dark Cult, the Empire began to gradually restore order and stability. However, Qin Feng and his companions knew that although the current peace was precious, the real challenge might still be ahead. They received a warm welcome after returning to the Empire, but they did not forget to continue to strengthen the surveillance and prevention of the Dark Cult.

On this day, Qin Feng, Ling Yun, Ye Li, Chu Tian and other partners gathered in the military headquarters of the Holy Empire, in a tall, spacious and ornately decorated conference room. In the conference room was a huge map with various important areas and the activity tracks of the dark sect marked on it.

"We must have a clear understanding of the current situation." Qin Feng said, "Although we have won in the North, the remnants of the Dark Cult are still operating in secret. Our mission is to completely eliminate their influence."

"Indeed, the Dark Cult's plan is far from over." Ling Yun nodded. "According to intelligence, they are still carrying out secret activities in certain areas. We must strengthen monitoring of these areas."

Ye Li flipped open a new intelligence report, "Recently we have obtained some new clues about the Dark Cult. They have established a secret base in the 'Blackwood Forest' in the southwest, which is full of mysterious dark forces."

"'Blackwood Forest'?" Chu Tian frowned slightly. "That place is considered extremely dangerous. There are many unknown dangers in it."

"Yes, these dangers are the perfect hiding place for the Dark Cult." Qin Feng said, "We must go there to investigate, find their hiding place, and completely eliminate the remaining forces of the Dark Cult."

The team members quickly moved to prepare for the Blackwood Forest. After several days of preparation, they were ready to go, bringing all the necessary equipment and supplies to prepare for the upcoming challenges.

The day of departure was sunny, with sunlight shining through the treetops. However, the team members knew that such tranquility was often the calm before the storm, and they had to be fully prepared.

"We are going to enter the Blackwood Forest, and we must remain vigilant." Qin Feng said to everyone, "It is full of unknown dangers, and we need to pay attention to our surroundings at all times."

After several hours of traveling, the team members finally arrived at the edge of the "Blackwood Forest". The gloomy atmosphere in the depths of the forest made people feel uneasy. The huge trees seemed to cover the entire sky, making it difficult for sunlight to penetrate.

"There's something wrong with the atmosphere here." Ye Li said, "We need to be careful and pay attention to everything around us."

The team members entered the forest and began to walk along a trail. The dense forest and humidity made their movement difficult, but they did not stop.

Soon, they discovered some strange signs: the trees were covered with dark runes, and there were some traces of corrosion by dark energy on the ground.

"These runes are likely left by the Dark Cult." Ling Yun analyzed, "We must move on and look for more clues."

The team members continued to go deeper into the forest and finally found an area shrouded by dark energy. The atmosphere here was extremely heavy, and the surrounding trees were eroded and shattered by the power of darkness.

"This is where the Dark Cult hides." Qin Feng said, "We must find their base."

After further searching, they found an ancient ruin hidden in dark energy. The exterior of the ruins was covered with dark runes, which were obviously carefully arranged.

"This is the secret base of the Dark Cult." Chu Tian said, "We need to be careful to break through the defense of this relic."

The team members decided to take action, using various skills and equipment to break through the defense of the ruins, and on the other hand to detect the situation inside. After some efforts, they successfully entered the interior of the ruins.

Inside the ruins is a huge dark hall, surrounded by ancient dark runes and strange devices. In the center of the hall is a huge dark altar, which radiates strong dark energy.

"This is the altar used by the Dark Cult for rituals." Ye Li said, "We must destroy it and stop their plan."

Just as they were about to take action, members of the Dark Cult suddenly rushed out from all directions and surrounded them. The Dark Cult warriors had obviously been prepared to fight against the invaders.

"It looks like we are going to face a fierce battle." Qin Feng said, "Everyone get ready!"

The battle broke out immediately, and the warriors of the Dark Sect launched a fierce attack, and the dark energy filled the hall. Qin Feng, Ling Yun, Ye Li and Chu Tian quickly launched a defense and launched a counterattack at the same time.

"Everyone be careful, these dark sect warriors are very powerful!" Ling Yun shouted, "We must split up and concentrate our strength to defeat them!"

The team members were divided into several groups according to the plan, one group was responsible for blocking the dark sect warriors, and the other group focused on attacking the altar. Although the battle was extremely fierce, they gradually gained the upper hand with their superb skills and tacit cooperation.

"The dark energy on the altar is getting stronger and stronger. We must destroy it as soon as possible!" Ye Li said, "Qin Feng, come and help me. Let's attack the altar together!"

Qin Feng and Ye Li quickly approached the altar, using their martial spirits and skills to concentrate their attacks. Meanwhile, Ling Yun and Chu Tian continued to fight against the dark sect's warriors, making sure not to be interrupted.

After some effort, the altar was finally destroyed, and the dark energy quickly dissipated in the hall. The warriors of the Dark Cult also became weak and powerless because they lost the support of the altar.

"We succeeded." Qin Feng said, "The Dark Cult's plan was completely stopped."

The team members packed their equipment and prepared to leave the ruins. They knew that although this operation was a success, the threat of the Dark Cult had not been completely eliminated, and they had to remain vigilant.

"We need to report the situation of this operation to the Holy Empire's headquarters." Ling Yun said, "At the same time, we must continue to pay attention to the movements of the Dark Cult."

The team members returned to the Holy Empire with their achievements and reported the situation to the headquarters. The senior officials of the Empire spoke highly of their actions and said that they would continue to intensify the crackdown on the remaining forces of the Dark Cult.

Although victory has brought a brief peace, Qin Feng and his partners know that future challenges still exist. They will continue to shoulder the responsibility of protecting the world and fight for future security.

"We have successfully prevented a conspiracy of the Dark Cult, but true peace requires more efforts." Qin Feng concluded, "The road ahead is still full of challenges. We will continue to move forward and meet new tests."

The team members look firmly into the distance, knowing that no matter what difficulties they face, they will work tirelessly to protect the peace and security of this world.