Chapter 865: Short-lived Victory and New Mission

Zhang Meng was still sitting on the ground, breathing heavily, his face full of pride and relaxation: "Qin Feng, do you think we have made a great contribution this time? We must celebrate when we go back, and prepare a big meal for me! Oh, no, we have to prepare several meals!"

Qin Feng stood aside, looking into the distance, but he was not completely relaxed. Although they destroyed the core base of the Dark Cult and successfully escaped the collapse of the underground castle, he always felt that things were far from over. He frowned and said, "Mengzi, you did a good job this time, but we can't take it lightly. The power of the Dark Cult is unfathomable, and we only destroyed part of their power."

"Here we go again!" Zhang Meng complained, waving his hands. "Can't you be more optimistic? We just had a fierce battle, we have to celebrate! My stomach is growling with hunger."

Qin Feng couldn't help but smile. Zhang Meng's optimism and carelessness really made him feel relaxed. He patted Zhang Meng on the shoulder and said, "Okay, don't think too much about it for now. Let's talk about it when we get back to the camp. Didn't you keep asking for a big meal? I'll treat you when we get back."

"That's better!" Zhang Meng stood up immediately, his signature smile returning to his face. "Let's go back quickly. We can't let those brothers wait anxiously!"

The two set out on their return journey. The mountain air was fresh and cool, forming a sharp contrast with the dullness of the underground castle. As Zhang Meng walked, he stretched his arms vigorously and kept muttering what he wanted to eat.

"To be honest, Qin Feng, after such a fierce battle, I think I can eat three roast lambs, five plates of roast chicken, and a whole plate of prawns!" Zhang Meng enthusiastically described his dream dinner, his tone full of anticipation.

"Can't you eat less?" Qin Feng said with a smile, "If you eat a few more meals, your waistline will probably be bigger than the giant axe."

Zhang Meng touched his belly nonchalantly and said with a grin, "Haha, it doesn't matter if my waist is a little bigger. As long as my axe is heavy enough, I can chop a way out!"

The two chatted and laughed as they hurried along. Not long after, they finally returned to the camp. The atmosphere in the camp had not changed much from when they left. The soldiers were still training, and the camp was full of fighting spirit and order.

As soon as they entered the camp, a guard came up to them quickly, looking nervous: "Master Qin Feng, Master Mengzi! You are finally back, the commander is waiting for you!"

"Oh, a new mission so soon? We just got back!" Zhang Meng looked reluctant, "You can't not even give us time to catch our breath!"

Qin Feng looked at the guard's serious expression and realized that the matter was not simple. He said to Zhang Meng, "Don't complain for now. Let's go see what the commander has to say."

The two followed the guards and quickly walked into the camp headquarters. In the headquarters, the commander was pacing back and forth in front of the table, frowning, as if he was troubled by something.

"Commander, we are back." Qin Feng said politely.

As soon as the commander saw them, he immediately came over with a look of anxiety on his face: "You're back just in time! There's an urgent mission that needs you to execute immediately."

"What? Another mission?" Zhang Meng's eyes widened. "We just destroyed the Dark Cult's stronghold. What's going on this time?"

The commander ignored Zhang Meng's complaint and said in a deep voice: "We have just received intelligence that the Dark Cult has a more powerful force hidden in a secret base in the north, and their plan is far from over. If we can't stop them in time, the entire continent may fall into a greater crisis."

"A more powerful force?" Qin Feng frowned. "Isn't the stronghold we destroyed before their core?"

The commander shook his head, sighed and said, "That is just one of their branches. The real core power is hidden deeper. Moreover, according to the latest intelligence, they are planning a conspiracy involving multiple countries, trying to awaken an ancient existence through some kind of taboo ritual."

“Ancient existence?” Zhang Meng’s eyes flickered, and he suddenly said excitedly, “It sounds like a big monster! I love fighting this kind of big monster the most!”

Qin Feng glanced at him and shook his head, saying, "Mengzi, this matter may be more complicated than you imagined. These rituals of the Dark Cult involve ancient forbidden powers and should not be underestimated."

"I know, I know." Zhang Meng waved his hand, "But don't worry, no matter what kind of monster it is, it will eventually be chopped down by my axe!"

Qin Feng turned to the commander and asked seriously: "Commander, how many people do we need? What is the enemy situation?"

The commander pondered for a moment and replied, "According to intelligence, the enemy's base is located in the Frost Mountains in the north. The environment there is harsh and only a few elite troops can penetrate deep into it. You two are the warriors we trust the most, so this mission can only be entrusted to you."

"It's the two of us again?" Zhang Meng scratched his head. "Well, although it sounds a bit difficult, you always trust us so much, I can only bite the bullet and do it."

Qin Feng nodded and said, "We will set off as soon as possible. However, this mission sounds very dangerous. I suggest that we make some preparations before we set off to ensure that everything goes well."

The commander nodded in agreement: "You are right. This mission is extremely dangerous. You can prepare first and make sure everything is ready before setting off."

Zhang Meng patted his chest and said confidently: "Don't worry, Commander! We are not novices. We are already familiar with the preparations!"

Qin Feng smiled helplessly, then said to the commander: "We will be ready to go before sunset."

After leaving the headquarters, Zhang Meng and Qin Feng came to their camp and started to organize their equipment. Zhang Meng stuffed food into his bag and couldn't help complaining: "Oh, it's really an endless task! But it's good, at least there is a big monster to fight this time. I really hope it can be tougher, otherwise my axe will be in vain!"

"You only think about fighting." Qin Feng joked, "But you are quite optimistic. The Dark Cult's plan this time is not simple. We must be fully prepared."

"Of course I'm optimistic!" Zhang Meng said with a grin, "Don't you think it's great to go home and have a big meal after a fierce battle? Just think about the monsters I killed this time, it's so satisfying!"

Qin Feng shook his head and said with a smile: "After we complete the task, I will treat you to a real feast. You can eat as much roast lamb and roast chicken as you want."

"You said that!" Zhang Meng's eyes lit up, "I'll remember it!"

After everything was ready, the two packed their bags, took their weapons, and headed for the Frost Mountains in the north. Although the mission ahead was full of unknown dangers, they were already accustomed to facing such challenges. Along the way, Zhang Meng kept talking about his food plan, while Qin Feng focused on planning the next move.

As they gradually approached the Frost Mountains, the temperature around them began to drop sharply, and the air was filled with icy cold. The mountains stood in the distance, like a sleeping beast, waiting for their arrival.

"It's really cold here." Zhang Meng shrank his neck and complained, "I don't like the cold, but I endured it in order to fight the big monster!"

Qin Feng looked at the towering mountain in front of him, and a hint of determination flashed in his eyes. He knew that this battle would be a real test for them.