The intelligence package arrived precisely at dawn, delivered by Chen Yue and Lian Yue from Azure Sky Sect. The package consisted of three jade slips containing detailed reconnaissance data, two scroll cases with hand-drawn diagrams, and a sealed letter from Patriarch Zhang Tian marked with his personal formation seal.
Lin Feng accepted the materials in Patriarch Cloud Heaven's strategy chamber, where the full tactical council had assembled—Cloud Heaven, Grand Elder Bingxin, Elder Wei, Mei She, and Yun Qingxue. The presence of all these high-level cultivators indicated how seriously they were taking this operation.
Chen Yue gestured to the materials spread across the central table. "Three weeks of continuous surveillance condensed into actionable intelligence. The jade slips contain spiritual recordings from multiple observation angles. The scrolls are structural analyses. The sealed letter contains Patriarch Zhang Tian's personal assessment of tactical vulnerabilities."
Lin Feng picked up the first jade slip and pressed it to his forehead, allowing the recorded information to flow directly into his consciousness. Immediately, his awareness filled with three-dimensional spatial data—the pocket dimension viewed from seventeen different angles over a three-week period.
The dimension was larger than he had expected. Approximately five hundred meters in diameter, shaped like an irregular sphere with internal structures that suggested deliberate architectural design. The boundaries flickered constantly, maintained by an active formation network rather than natural stability. Seventeen anchor points connected the dimension to normal reality, each one pulsing with the corrupted spiritual energy characteristic of demonic cultivation.
Lin Feng's consciousness automatically divided into multiple streams to process the information more efficiently. Three streams analyzed the overall spatial structure. Two focused on the anchor formations. Two more examined the internal architecture—buildings, cultivation chambers, storage facilities. One tracked movement patterns of the thirty-seven demonic cultivators inhabiting the dimension. The ninth maintained tactical awareness of the current situation.
"The dimension is maintained by continuous spiritual energy input," Lin Feng said after several minutes of analysis. "The seventeen anchor points aren't just connections to reality—they're supply conduits. Demonic cultivators inside channel corrupted spiritual energy through the anchors to maintain dimensional stability."
"Correct," Lian Yue confirmed. "We estimate the collective energy expenditure is approximately equivalent to maintaining a Cloud Transformation Level 4 technique continuously. That's how Elder Shadow can sustain a dimension this large—distributed effort across multiple subordinates."
Lin Feng examined the second jade slip, which contained detailed formation analysis. Azure Sky's specialists had identified the specific demonic techniques used in the anchor formations—modifications of traditional pocket dimension methods, corrupted and enhanced through blood sacrifice and soul binding.
"These formations are... sophisticated," Elder Wei said, reviewing the same data through his own jade slip. "Whoever designed them had master-level understanding of spatial theory. They've incorporated fail-safes, redundancies, and active defense mechanisms. If you disrupt one anchor, the others will compensate."
"Which means I need to disrupt multiple anchors simultaneously," Lin Feng concluded. "Or identify the central control formation and destabilize that."
"There is no central control formation," Lian Yue said. "That's the sophisticated part. The seventeen anchors form a distributed network with no single point of failure. Elder Shadow designed this dimension to survive even if he's killed—his subordinates could maintain it indefinitely as long as enough anchors remain functional."
Lin Feng considered this tactical reality. Standard infiltration wouldn't work. He couldn't simply enter the dimension, destroy formations one at a time, and expect the structure to collapse. The distributed network would adapt, compensate, and potentially trap him inside a destabilizing but not-quite-collapsing dimension.
He needed a different approach.
"Show me the natural foundation points," Lin Feng said.
Chen Yue looked momentarily confused. "Natural foundation points?"
"The pocket dimension has to be built on natural spatial fluctuations," Lin Feng explained. "Elder Shadow couldn't create this much stable space purely through spiritual energy. He must have identified naturally occurring pockets and linked them together, then reinforced them with the anchor formations. If I can locate those natural foundations and destabilize them, the artificial formations won't matter—the entire dimensional structure will collapse because the underlying spatial framework disappears."
Understanding dawned on Lian Yue's face. "That's why your approach might work when traditional assault would fail. You're not attacking the formations—you're attacking the space itself."
"Exactly. But I need to identify which parts of the dimension are built on natural foundations versus purely artificial construction. The jade slips show me what exists now, but not the underlying spatial structure."
"That information wasn't part of our reconnaissance," Chen Yue admitted. "We didn't know it would be relevant. Can you identify natural foundations from inside the dimension?"
"Yes," Lin Feng said with confidence. "My spatial perception can distinguish between natural and artificial pocket spaces. But it will take time—I'll need to survey the entire five-hundred-meter diameter while avoiding detection by thirty-seven demonic cultivators."
"That's impossible," Mei She said quietly. It was the first time she had spoken since the council began. "Even with your consciousness division and spatial manipulation, you cannot remain undetected while conducting a comprehensive survey of that scale. The demonic cultivators will sense spiritual energy usage. They'll find you within minutes."
"Not if I'm not using active techniques," Lin Feng countered. "Spatial perception is passive—I'm observing structure that already exists, not manipulating or altering anything. If I can enter the dimension without triggering defensive formations and maintain minimal spiritual signature..."
"You'd still need to physically move through five hundred meters of hostile territory," Grand Elder Bingxin said. "Even with teleportation, the distances involved are too great. Your current range is five to seven meters. You'd need hundreds of individual jumps, each one creating spatial disturbance that could be detected."
Lin Feng turned to the third jade slip, which contained movement pattern analysis of the demonic cultivators inside the dimension. Azure Sky's specialists had tracked their routines over three weeks, identifying patrol schedules, cultivation periods, and dead zones where surveillance was minimal.
The demonic cultivators operated in shifts. At any given time, approximately twelve were actively patrolling while twenty-five rested or cultivated in their personal chambers. The patrol patterns were irregular but not random—they followed specific routes designed to cover all major areas while avoiding interference with each other.
More importantly, there were gaps. Small windows of time when specific areas went unobserved for ten to fifteen minutes. Not long, but potentially sufficient if Lin Feng could move efficiently.
"I see three viable approaches," Lin Feng said, his consciousness streams having completed tactical analysis. "First approach: Speed infiltration. Enter the dimension, survey as quickly as possible using maximum consciousness division, identify natural foundations, and destabilize them before being captured or killed. Success probability approximately fifteen percent—too many variables, too little margin for error."
He paused, allowing the council to absorb that assessment before continuing.
"Second approach: Stealth infiltration. Enter during a patrol gap, move slowly through dead zones, conduct piecemeal survey over multiple hours while avoiding detection. Success probability approximately thirty-five percent—better than speed approach, but requires perfect execution over extended duration. One mistake means detection and probable death."
"And the third approach?" Patriarch Cloud Heaven asked.
Lin Feng smiled slightly. "Distraction infiltration. Enter the dimension while a separate team creates chaos at the external anchor points, drawing demonic cultivators to the boundaries to defend against apparent assault. Survey the interior while they're distracted, identify foundations, destabilize from within while they're focused outward. Success probability approximately sixty percent—still risky, but significantly better odds."
"That requires Azure Sky to commit forces to a diversionary assault," Chen Yue said. "We agreed to intelligence provision and defensive support, not offensive operations."
"I'm aware," Lin Feng said calmly. "Which is why I'm offering modified terms. Azure Sky provides the diversionary assault—twenty cultivators, Divine Domain Level 5 or higher, attacking the external anchor points for a fifteen-minute window. In exchange, I provide Azure Sky with complete documentation of my spatial-geometric formation techniques, excluding only void cultivation specifics. That knowledge is worth considerably more than fifteen minutes of combat from twenty cultivators."
The chamber fell silent as everyone absorbed this proposal. Lin Feng was offering to share techniques that made him unique—capabilities that Azure Sky had been evaluating for potential recruitment. The strategic value was immense, easily justifying the military commitment required.
But it also meant revealing capabilities he had carefully protected, making himself less unique and therefore potentially less valuable.
Chen Yue and Lian Yue exchanged glances, conducting silent communication through spiritual perception that Lin Feng couldn't intercept. After thirty seconds, Chen Yue spoke. "We cannot authorize this exchange without Patriarch Zhang Tian's approval. We need to communicate with Azure Sky Sect directly."
"Understood," Lin Feng said. "I'll continue preparation while you coordinate with your Patriarch. The operation timeline remains unchanged—six days until infiltration. If Azure Sky declines the exchange, I'll proceed with stealth infiltration despite the lower success probability."
"You're serious about proceeding even without the diversion?" Lian Yue asked.
"Elder Shadow's pocket dimension is a strategic threat that will only grow more dangerous with time," Lin Feng said. "Eliminating it now, even with higher personal risk, is better than waiting until he's prepared for confrontation. The Crimson Empress operation is scheduled for approximately two months from now. Every week we eliminate Elder Shadow early is a week we can spend preparing for that larger threat instead of defending against his attacks."
Grand Elder Bingxin nodded slightly, acknowledging the strategic logic. Patriarch Cloud Heaven's expression showed approval mixed with concern—proud of Lin Feng's tactical thinking, worried about the personal risk he was accepting.
Yun Qingxue remained silent, but through their dao companion bond, Lin Feng felt her mixture of emotions. She understood the necessity, supported his decision, and was simultaneously terrified of losing him to an operation that gave him at best sixty percent survival probability.
"We'll contact Patriarch Zhang Tian immediately," Chen Yue said. "Expect response within twelve hours. In the meantime, I suggest you review the detailed structural analyses in the scrolls. They contain information about internal architecture that might prove useful for navigation."
After Chen Yue and Lian Yue departed, the tactical council continued for another two hours, working through contingency planning and backup scenarios. Elder Wei analyzed the anchor formations in detail, identifying potential weak points that might be exploited if the natural foundation approach proved insufficient. Mei She discussed combat tactics for fighting while maintaining minimal spiritual signature. Grand Elder Bingxin explained the mechanics of anchor point maintenance—how she and Yun Qingxue would hold his connection to normal reality even if he was hundreds of meters deep in hostile pocket space.
By midday, Lin Feng's mind was saturated with tactical information, formation theory, and strategic contingencies. He needed to process everything, integrate it with his own capabilities, and develop a comprehensive operational plan.
But first, he needed to cultivate.
Lin Feng found Yun Qingxue in their shared cultivation chamber, already in meditation position, waiting for him. Without words, he settled across from her and began synchronizing their spiritual energy circulation.
The dao companion bond activated immediately, their cultivation rhythms aligning instinctively. Spiritual energy flowed between them in patterns that had become natural over weeks of synchronized practice, each one accelerating the other's progress through resonance.
You're afraid, Qingxue's consciousness touched his through the bond.
I would be foolish not to be, Lin Feng responded. Sixty percent success probability means forty percent chance of death or corruption. Those aren't comfortable odds.
We could request more time. Another month of cultivation, advancing to Level 7 before attempting the operation. Better odds.
And a month for Elder Shadow to strengthen his dimension, recruit more demonic cultivators, or detect Azure Sky's surveillance and relocate entirely. Time cuts both ways.
Through their bond, he felt her acceptance of this logic mixed with persistent fear for his safety. She wouldn't argue against the operation—she understood tactical necessity too well. But she would maintain her emotional honesty about the personal cost it required.
I won't lose you, Qingxue's consciousness conveyed with absolute certainty. Whatever happens inside that dimension, I'll maintain the anchor. If you need extraction, I'll pull you back. If the dimension starts collapsing unpredictably, I'll pull you back. If you're captured and I can sense it through the bond, I'll pull you back even if it means abandoning the operation.
That could leave Elder Shadow's dimension intact and us with no tactical advantage.
I don't care. Her consciousness carried fierce protectiveness that transcended strategic calculation. You are more valuable than any tactical advantage. If the choice is between mission success and your survival, I choose your survival every time.
Lin Feng absorbed this declaration, feeling the depth of her commitment through their bond. The dao companion relationship wasn't just spiritual resonance or cultivation acceleration—it was profound emotional connection that made each one's wellbeing inseparable from the other's.
I promise I won't take unnecessary risks, Lin Feng conveyed. If the situation becomes untenable, I'll request extraction immediately. Mission success is preferable, but not at the cost of my life or corruption.
Good. Now stop thinking about the operation and focus on cultivation. You need to advance as close to Level 7 as possible in six days. That means dedicated synchronized training, not tactical planning.
She was right. Lin Feng released his tactical consciousness streams, allowing them to collapse back into unified awareness focused entirely on cultivation. His spiritual energy circulation accelerated, guided by the resonance with Qingxue's complementary ice-element techniques.
Divine Domain Level 6 was fully consolidated now—his meridians operating at peak efficiency, his spiritual energy reserves stable and substantial. The threshold to Level 7 felt tangible, a barrier he could perceive clearly through his cultivation awareness. Not close enough to break through in six days, but close enough that the pressure of actual combat might trigger advancement.
Combat breakthroughs were dangerous—forcing advancement during life-threatening situations created unstable foundations if not managed carefully. But they were also powerful, crystallizing months of preparation into sudden realization.
Lin Feng had broken through during combat twice before. Against Shen Wei in the Jade Lotus Tournament, achieving Level 4 mid-battle. Against Elder Shadow's demonic assault, reaching Level 6 under terrible conditions while purifying sect-wide corruption.
Both times, the breakthrough had been genuine rather than forced, his cultivation naturally reaching the point where advancement was ready and combat simply triggered recognition. If he could bring himself to that same edge over the next six days, the operation itself might provide the pressure needed for Level 7.
They cultivated together through the afternoon and into evening, their spiritual energies intertwining in patterns that maximized resonance efficiency. By the time they concluded the session, Lin Feng felt noticeably stronger—perhaps two percent closer to Level 7. Not dramatic progress, but steady advancement.
At this rate, six days would bring him perhaps ten to twelve percent closer to breakthrough. Not enough to guarantee Level 7, but enough that combat pressure might complete the transition if circumstances aligned correctly.
A knock at the chamber door interrupted their recovery meditation. "Enter," Lin Feng called.
Zhao Hai stepped inside, carrying a sealed message tube marked with Azure Sky's formation signature. "This arrived thirty minutes ago," Zhao Hai said. "Chen Yue said it contains Patriarch Zhang Tian's response to your proposal."
Lin Feng accepted the tube and broke the formation seal. Inside was a single sheet of paper with precisely written characters in Patriarch Zhang Tian's hand:
Lin Feng of Celestial Dawn Sect,
Your proposal is accepted with the following terms:
Azure Sky commits twenty-five Divine Domain Level 5-7 cultivators for diversionary assault on Elder Shadow's pocket dimension anchor points. Assault duration: twenty minutes, providing extended operational window. Assault will create maximum visible threat while avoiding lethal force against demonic cultivators—we want them focused on defense, not martyrdom.
In exchange: Complete documentation of spatial-geometric formation techniques, including theoretical principles, practical implementation methods, and three representative examples of original formations. Documentation to be provided within thirty days following operation completion. Void cultivation specifics explicitly excluded as agreed.
Additional commitment: Azure Sky places three Cloud Transformation Level cultivators on standby during operation for emergency reinforcement if dimensional collapse creates unforeseen hazards. This support extends to extraction assistance if needed.
Operation timeline: Six days as specified. Azure Sky forces will position covertly within strike range forty-eight hours prior to operation. Final tactical coordination meeting scheduled for twenty-four hours before operation begins.
Your tactical assessment is sound, your capabilities are verified, and your commitment to eliminating this threat is appreciated. Azure Sky looks forward to successful operation and continued alliance.
Patriarch Zhang Tian, Azure Sky Sect
Lin Feng read the message twice, his consciousness streams analyzing every detail. The terms were better than he had proposed—twenty-five cultivators instead of twenty, extended duration, and emergency reinforcement capability he hadn't requested. Azure Sky was investing heavily in this operation's success.
Which meant they believed his capabilities were worth that investment, or they had secondary objectives beyond Elder Shadow's elimination.
Probably both.
"Good news?" Zhao Hai asked.
"Azure Sky has committed to the diversionary assault," Lin Feng confirmed. "The operation proceeds as planned in six days."
After Zhao Hai departed, Lin Feng shared the message with Yun Qingxue through their dao companion bond. She absorbed the information silently, her emotions complex—relief at the improved odds, concern about Azure Sky's increasing investment in Lin Feng's capabilities, determination to maintain the anchor regardless of circumstances.
Six days, she observed. We should spend them in synchronized cultivation as much as possible. Every percentage point closer to Level 7 improves your survival probability.
Agreed. But I also need to practice dimensional entry techniques, refine my formation disruption methods, and coordinate with Grand Elder Bingxin on anchor point maintenance. Pure cultivation isn't sufficient preparation.
Then we balance. Four hours daily in synchronized cultivation, two hours in tactical practice, two hours in coordination meetings, and the remainder in individual preparation. That schedule should optimize both advancement and readiness.
Lin Feng considered this proposal and found it sound. "That works. We start immediately—synchronized cultivation for the next four hours, then tactical practice tomorrow morning."
They settled back into cultivation positions, their dao companion bond synchronizing automatically. As spiritual energy flowed between them, Lin Feng felt the familiar acceleration of resonant cultivation, pushing him steadily closer to Divine Domain Level 7.
Six days until the operation. Six days to advance as far as possible, prepare as thoroughly as possible, and transform impossible odds into achievable reality.
The countdown had truly begun.
The next five days passed in a blur of intensive preparation. Lin Feng maintained the schedule Qingxue had proposed—four hours daily in synchronized cultivation, two hours in tactical practice, two hours in coordination meetings, with the remainder split between individual study and necessary rest.
His cultivation advanced steadily. By day two, he was five percent closer to Level 7. By day four, ten percent. By day six, approximately fifteen percent closer to breakthrough—not enough to achieve Level 7 through meditation alone, but close enough that combat pressure might trigger advancement if circumstances aligned correctly.
The tactical practice sessions focused on dimensional entry techniques. Grand Elder Bingxin created small test pockets similar to what Lin Feng might encounter in Elder Shadow's dimension, and he practiced entering them repeatedly until the process became instinctive. Enter, orient, survey, exit. Over and over until the spatial contradiction of existing in two frameworks simultaneously felt natural rather than disorienting.
Elder Wei worked with him on formation disruption methods specifically tailored to demonic cultivation techniques. The corrupted anchor formations in Elder Shadow's dimension used blood sacrifice and soul binding principles fundamentally different from traditional spatial theory. Standard disruption wouldn't work—Lin Feng needed to understand how demonic energy flowed through the formations, identify the corruption points specifically, and target those rather than the geometric structures themselves.
Mei She taught him combat techniques optimized for minimal spiritual signature. How to fight using physical skill rather than technique manifestation. How to kill quickly and silently. How to disable opponents without triggering their defensive formations. Skills that felt uncomfortably assassin-like but were necessary for survival in a hostile dimension where detection meant death.
The coordination meetings with Grand Elder Bingxin covered anchor point maintenance in exhaustive detail. She explained how she would hold the spatial connection between Lin Feng and normal reality, maintaining it even if he traveled hundreds of meters deep into the pocket dimension. The connection would function like an invisible thread, always present, always ready to pull him back if needed.
Yun Qingxue would maintain the primary anchor while Grand Elder Bingxin provided backup stability. If Qingxue's connection weakened—unlikely but possible if Lin Feng encountered something that disrupted dao companion bonds—Bingxin would immediately reinforce. Between them, they could maintain the anchor for up to six hours before spiritual energy depletion forced termination.
Six hours. That was Lin Feng's operational window. Enter the dimension, survey five hundred meters of hostile territory, identify natural foundations, destabilize them, and escape. All within six hours, or risk being trapped inside a collapsing dimension with no extraction capability.
On the evening of the fifth day, Azure Sky's tactical coordinator arrived—a Cloud Transformation Level 6 cultivator named Wei Shen, whose military precision and strategic expertise were immediately apparent. He brought detailed assault plans, timing diagrams, and contingency scenarios that covered every variable they could anticipate.
The diversionary assault would begin exactly at midnight on the operation date. Twenty-five Azure Sky cultivators would attack all seventeen anchor points simultaneously, creating maximum visible threat across the entire dimensional boundary. The demonic cultivators inside would detect the attacks immediately and deploy to defend the anchors, leaving the interior temporarily under-surveilled.
That was when Lin Feng would enter—not through the anchors, which would be heavily defended, but through a natural spatial weak point that Azure Sky had identified during reconnaissance. A small instability in the dimensional boundary, barely detectable, that could be exploited for covert entry if someone had Lin Feng's spatial manipulation capabilities.
He would have twenty minutes of peak chaos while the diversionary assault maintained maximum pressure. After twenty minutes, Azure Sky would begin gradual withdrawal, simulating failed assault and tactical retreat. The demonic cultivators would likely maintain heightened alert for another ten to fifteen minutes before returning to normal operations.
That thirty-five minute window was when Lin Feng needed to complete his survey and begin destabilization. After that, detection probability increased dramatically as demonic cultivators resumed internal patrols with heightened vigilance.
"The timing is tight," Wei Shen acknowledged during the final coordination meeting. "But achievable if everything proceeds smoothly. And if something goes wrong..."
"Then I request extraction and we abort the operation," Lin Feng finished. "I understand. Twenty minutes of chaos, fifteen minutes of transition, and I need to be in position for destabilization before normal operations resume. That gives me approximately thirty-five minutes to survey five hundred meters of hostile space."
"Which would be impossible for anyone else," Wei Shen said. "But you have consciousness division, spatial perception, and teleportation capabilities most cultivators lack. Azure Sky believes you can achieve this."
"I appreciate the confidence."
The meeting concluded near midnight, leaving Lin Feng and Yun Qingxue one final night before the operation. They returned to their cultivation chamber and synchronized their spiritual energies one last time, not to advance cultivation but simply to reinforce their connection.
Tomorrow night, I infiltrate a pocket dimension controlled by demonic cultivators, Lin Feng observed through their bond. This is significantly more dangerous than the tournament battles.
Yes, Qingxue agreed. But you've prepared thoroughly, Azure Sky is providing capable support, and I'll be maintaining your anchor every second. You're not entering alone—you're entering with an entire alliance supporting your success.
Still feels like I'm walking into a trap I designed myself.
That's because you're intelligent enough to recognize the real risks involved. Her consciousness conveyed steady confidence. But you're also capable enough to achieve what you've planned. You've made impossible things possible repeatedly, Lin Feng. Tomorrow night will be the same.
They remained in synchronized cultivation until dawn, their dao companion bond creating a connection that transcended distance or danger. Whatever happened in Elder Shadow's pocket dimension, this connection would remain—an anchor to reality, a lifeline to safety, and a promise that he wouldn't face the darkness alone.
When morning light filtered through the chamber windows, Lin Feng opened his eyes feeling centered and ready. Divine Domain Level 6, pushing toward Level 7. Consciousness division operating at peak efficiency. Spatial perception refined through five days of intensive practice. Tactical planning complete and contingencies prepared.
Tonight, he would infiltrate Elder Shadow's pocket dimension and attempt to collapse it from within.
Just another impossible achievement to add to his growing collection.
But first, one final day of preparation remained.
End of Chapter 64
Next: Chapter 65 - The Infiltration