Jiang Chen was still in shock, as if he had heard the world's greatest secret.

He had originally thought The Fallen were like them, belonging to a sect under a God and possessing a badge.

The power The Fallen used turned out to be True Qi.

What is True Qi?

Isn't that the same as the Ancient Qi Cultivators?

Jiang Chen came from Earth. Although he had never seen True Qi, he could understand this power—a unique power he had always longed for.

Jiang Chen looked at Rachel and asked, "Has anyone really tried to obtain this power before?"

Rachel nodded. "Of course. It's not just you who is curious about their power; we are too. But no one has ever succeeded, so don't even fantasize about it."

"And even if you did succeed, the Alliance of All-Gods would stop you and hunt you down."

Soon, many people had gathered in the square.

This was an operation to encircle and suppress The Fallen, initiated by the Alliance of All-Gods, with many Families joining the battle.

The Fallen were all experts. Most of the Heroes participating in the suppression were from ranged attack classes and Melee Classes, as well as warriors clad in Armor.

There were also Magicians, but no Priests.

Priests simply could not participate in this battle.

A commander stood on the stage in the square, facing everyone, his voice cold. "You are all very clear about this encirclement operation: to surround and eliminate the evil Fallen."

"Heroes participating in the encirclement of The Fallen, please accept this mission!"

Soon, Jiang Chen received a prompt.

[Do you accept the operation to encircle The Fallen?]

[Accept.]

[You have joined the encirclement of The Fallen.]

[Encirclement operation commences.]

[Kills: 0]

Matt introduced, "Commander Patrick is a Third-stage Angel Envoy. If this encirclement operation is successful, he will be promoted to the [Cataclysm] Sequence, becoming a Disaster-rank powerhouse. He is from the Pettis Family."

"In fact, the Pettis Family had long discovered traces of The Fallen. This operation was organized for the purpose of his promotion to the [Cataclysm] Sequence."

"When the time comes to clash with The Fallen, it's best not to rush to the forefront," Matt warned.

Jiang Chen suddenly understood. Minimum effort, maximum gain, huh?

He was adept at this!

As a former 996 worker from Earth, this was a piece of cake for him.

Rachel laughed. "Just don't get caught. It's very dangerous to clash with The Fallen. In any case, prioritize saving your own life."

Patrick said sternly, "I will divide you into twenty squads, five people per squad. You will be randomly assigned to one."

"No matter which Family you come from, or which Legion, you must unconditionally accept your squad leader's orders."

"If you refuse to follow orders, punishment awaits you."

"I also know you all harbor a glimmer of hope to slack off and just get by. That is something I absolutely do not permit."

"If I find out anyone attempting such a thing, I will kill them myself."

A chill went through the crowd below.

Jiang Chen's brow also furrowed.

It seems slacking off isn't an option this time.

Matt's expression changed. "It seems this operation is serious business."

"Let's hope we're assigned to the same squad."

Soon, twenty people were standing on the stage. Without a doubt, these twenty were Patrick's subordinates, ready to execute his orders.

The twenty squads were assigned.

Jiang Chen looked at his temporary squad; he had been assigned to the Tenth Squad.

[Tenth Squad Leader: Clemence]

[Members: Simmons, Lusseford, Reynolds, Jiang Chen]

Matt reminded kindly, "Jiang Chen, be careful."

The squads began to assemble.

Jiang Chen also walked towards Clemence, a middle-aged man who appeared to be around forty years old. Jiang Chen specifically checked his information: a level 145 Paladin.

The others were Simmons, level 100; Lusseford, level 120; and Reynolds, level 115.

As for Jiang Chen, he was level 50.

Clemence walked up to Jiang Chen, frowning deeply. "You're from the Gregory Family's Secret Sword Legion? Is this how the Gregory Family handles things?"

"A level 50 Swordsman like you? Are you here to die?"

Jiang Chen smiled faintly. "I am a Hero participating in the encirclement and suppression of The Fallen."

"Hmph! Trying to earn military merits in this operation? Don't even think about it! Didn't you hear what was just said? Don't even think about slacking off. There's no place for such people in my squad."

"Whatever your motive for joining this suppression operation, I won't let you just skate by. Those who are supposed to fight will fight, even if it means dying on the battlefield."

The other three looked at Jiang Chen with a hint of schadenfreude.

A level 50 Swordsman?

Is he here on a suicide mission?

The squads were quickly assembled, and the main force followed Commander Patrick into the Teleportation Array. After a series of teleports, they soon arrived in a city district.

Outside the city walls, a thick white mist blanketed everything, obscuring the sky. Visibility was no more than a hundred meters.

"What is this place?"

"This is the Castro Region. Its main feature is the abundant white mist."

"That's good. Visibility is about a hundred meters, so we can see that far."

"Hmph, what do you know? The Fallen are hidden deep within. There's even more white mist further in—so thick you can't see your hand in front of your face."

"No wonder they hide here; it's hard to find them."

"Don't be afraid. The Fallen aren't that powerful."

"That's because you haven't actually seen The Fallen."

Patrick walked ahead, speaking loudly, "Do not fear The Fallen! Follow me into the depths. As your Commander, I must lead by example. I will take the lead; just follow me!"

Patrick strode forward.

Jiang Chen followed closely.

The group of one hundred people ventured deeper into the region.

As they moved further away, the city disappeared from view, leaving only the white mist.

「Two hours later.」

The group of one hundred reached a small town.

There were many wooden houses here, covered in cobwebs, clearly once inhabited by humans.

Beyond the small town, the white mist grew even thicker...

Visibility dropped to merely ten meters.

The group entered the town. As soon as they did, Jiang Chen sensed people moving around them with incredible speed. Clearly, this is indeed a stronghold of The Fallen.

Patrick announced, "We will rest here tonight. First thing tomorrow morning, we enter the mountains to hunt down The Fallen. Be vigilant tonight; The Fallen likely know we're here and may attempt an ambush."

"The Fallen are a despicable and shameless bunch. Beware their Sword Qi!"

Clemence and his squad of five chose a room.

Clemence took out food and wine, then instructed, "Someone needs to stand guard tonight. Simmons, you take the first watch. Lusseford, you take the second. This is to prevent The Fallen from launching a sneak attack."

"The rest of you, get some sleep. Be cautious; The Fallen are extremely fast. If you spot anyone, wake us immediately."

Clemence, Simmons, Lusseford, Reynolds, and Jiang Chen—the five of them—stayed in one room. Jiang Chen went to the window, watching every movement outside.

At that moment, Jiang Chen sensed individuals hidden in the mist within a kilometer radius; he could even hear their heartbeats.

Simmons laughed and said, "Swordsman, come have a drink. With over a hundred of us here, The Fallen won't dare to ambush us."

"Exactly, no need to worry."

"Our squad even has three Archers. No matter how fast The Fallen are, can they outrun our arrows?"

Clemence ate his meal without saying a word.

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