Chapter 36: A Counterattack from the Brink of Despair

The night was as black as ink, and a chilling, murderous atmosphere permeated the ruins of the city. Moonlight filtered through the dilapidated buildings, casting eerie, shifting shadows upon the ground. Chu Feng stood before a crumbling wall, his gaze piercing the darkness as if he could see through to every hidden threat.

The members of the adventure squad gathered, their faces etched with tension and unease. Pan Yue gripped Chu Feng’s hand tightly, a resolute light flickering in her eyes. Liu Yong clutched a modified mechanical rifle, his expression deep and unwavering. Sun Yue moved nimbly, scouting the surroundings and remaining ready to respond to any sudden developments. Chen Qiang stood at the very front of the formation, as sturdy as an impregnable fortress, while Wu Xia remained in the rear, constantly gathering intelligence and rapidly analyzing every possibility in her mind.

"They are all here," Liu Yong said, his voice low and powerful as he pointed into the distance.

In the distance, a group of figures loomed in the gloom. They were well-equipped, numerous, and clearly well-trained. Gang Leader Zhao stood at the forefront with his advisor, Qian, by his side, backed by a vast and advanced force.

"We cannot back down," Chu Feng said, his voice as firm as steel. He swept his gaze over each of his teammates, as if conveying silent encouragement. "Only by standing united can we defeat them."

Pan Yue nodded, gripping her short sword, her eyes shining with determination. "We can definitely do this."

Sun Yue tapped the dagger at her waist, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Don't worry, even my little tricks will come in handy."

Chen Qiang simply nodded, his hands clenched into fists, ready for the coming battle. Wu Xia coolly analyzed the enemy situation, tactical scenarios flashing through her mind. "They have the numbers, but we have the power of the sigils. If our strategy is sound, we still have a chance."

Gang Leader Zhao’s laughter suddenly rang out, cold as a viper. "Chu Feng, you are truly finished this time!"

Chu Feng did not respond; his gaze only grew more resolute. He took a deep breath and turned to his teammates. "Are you ready?"

"Ready!" the squad members answered in unison, their voices filled with determination and courage.

The atmosphere on the battlefield grew increasingly tense as the enemy closed in, every step heavy with murderous intent.

***

Chu Feng’s heart burned with an unyielding fighting spirit. He tightened his fists, his voice low and powerful, as if declaring their defiance. He inhaled deeply, his eyes locked onto the enemy ahead.

"Charge!" Chu Feng commanded. The squad members quickly fanned out, each finding their optimal combat position.

Just as the battle was about to begin, Gang Leader Zhao appeared, his eyes filled with a cold, administrative arrogance. "Chu Feng, do you really think you can win?" His tone was mocking, yet Chu Feng’s gaze never wavered.

"We shall see," Chu Feng said, his eyes sharp as blades. He stared directly at the Gang Leader and, before the words had even faded, charged forward.

### Chapter 36: Counterattack from the Brink of Despair

Night swallowed the city’s wreckage, and the air was thick with the scent of gunpowder. The tension was like a taut string, ready to snap at any moment.

As Chu Feng gave the order, the battle erupted instantly. The lackeys under Gang Leader Zhao swarmed forward like a tide. The crisp sound of clashing steel mingled with the roar of exploding sigil energy, weaving a symphony of death.

The enemy’s assault was fierce, pouring down like a torrential storm and forcing the adventure squad into a desperate corner. Pan Yue wielded her short sword with agility, but she was still grazed by an enemy spear, blood instantly staining her sleeve. Liu Yong’s mechanical rifle spat fire, yet it could not hold back the enemy’s iron ranks; he, too, suffered several grisly wounds. Sun Yue fought with nimble precision, her daggers claiming lives, but she began to feel overwhelmed by the sheer ferocity of the enemy. Chen Qiang stood like a solid fortress, using his body to shield the team, but he was soon covered in blade marks and bruises, letting out low growls as he endured immense pain. Wu Xia kept relaying intelligence, but the enemy’s onslaught was so overwhelming she could barely keep up, her anxious voice tinged with a tremor.

The defensive circle shrank, and a sense of hopelessness spread through the team. The oppressive atmosphere was suffocating. Everyone breathed heavily, blood, sweat, and dirt mixing together as marks of their struggle. The enemy’s sneers echoed in their ears like the call of the Reaper.

Just then, Chu Feng felt a surge of immense power flowing within him. His Shadow Sigil seemed to come alive, hungrily devouring the surrounding dark energy. He felt his understanding of the sigil reach a new level.

The light in his eyes turned sharp, and his body seemed to transform into a black bolt of lightning as he plunged into the enemy ranks. He no longer merely dodged and countered; he pushed the power of his Shadow Sigil to its absolute limit. Every strike was perfectly precise, finding the enemy’s weaknesses with ease, landing lethal blows. His fists carried terrifying power; every swing drew agonizing screams from the enemy. Those once-arrogant lackeys were like paper before him, utterly unable to withstand his assault.

***

Seeing Chu Feng descend like a god of war, the teammates were inspired, their hope for victory reignited. They coordinated their efforts, pushing their potential to the limit, and began to turn the tide, shifting from passive defense to active offense.

The enemy was driven back, terror-stricken as they gazed at this demonic figure, their hearts shattered. Gang Leader Zhao watched his men rout, his expression shifting from confidence to distortion. He roared, trying to stop Chu Feng, but was held back by the other squad members.

Just as the battle neared its end, Pan Yue was struck down while protecting Chu Feng. She collapsed heavily to the ground.

"Pan Yue!" Chu Feng’s heart felt as if it had been cruelly wrenched. He spun around, rushed to her side, and shielded her.

Though injured, Pan Yue’s gaze remained firm. She looked up at Chu Feng, her eyes filled with love. "I’m fine. You must keep going."

Chu Feng held her hand tightly, feeling the warmth and strength she passed to him. His resolve hardened. He placed Pan Yue in a relatively safe spot and charged back into the fray, one thought in his mind: protect her and overcome all of this.

Meanwhile, Liu Yong used his technical ingenuity to craft makeshift weapons. These not only boosted the squad’s combat effectiveness but caught the enemy off guard. Improvised grenades, traps, and even modified explosives detonated within the enemy ranks, leaving them dazed and in complete chaos.

Led by Chu Feng, every member of the squad reached their limit. United, they finally turned the tide of the battle. The enemy retreated, their fighting capacity plummeted, and eventually, under the squad’s resolute counterattack, they scattered.

"Gang Leader Zhao, you’re finished!" Chu Feng’s voice was as firm as iron as he stepped toward the man.

The battle finally ended. The squad members gasped for air, the light of victory sparkling in their eyes. They supported one another, celebrating this great triumph.

Wu Xia quickly searched the enemies' packs and gear, discovering a sigil stone inlaid with a mysterious symbol.

"What is this?" Wu Xia’s voice held a note of confusion and curiosity.

Chu Feng took the sigil stone, his eyes fixed on the symbol, his own confusion deepening. This symbol seemed to harbor some unknown power. Where would it lead them?

Chu Feng took a deep breath, tucked the sigil stone away, and looked at his teammates. "This is a new beginning," he said firmly.