Chapter 1024: Chapter 1024

An intense atmosphere of solemn killing pervaded the entire battlefield, and as Du You approached, he himself was affected by this atmosphere.

It wasn’t that Du You had never seen such a scene before; rather, there were just too many experts here. Feeling the oppressive air, even the people’s voices involuntarily lowered quite a bit.

"What’s going on?" Du You looked at the information that had been made public. "After the battle begins, sixth tier experts will not easily engage in a fight. Indeed, once these people take action, it signifies that the battle has entered its final stage."

The front lines had attracted almost all the fifth tier professionals, with the remaining fifth tiers mostly guarding their dens. As long as he wasn’t extremely unlucky, he wouldn’t encounter fifth tier experts in the upcoming battles.

Even so, for most people, some missions were still very dangerous, especially those involving infiltrating the enemy’s rear. Most people were reluctant to undertake them, despite them being early-stage missions.

Yet some people were willing to take risks, gathering in large teams to stealthily infiltrate. This method of mutual attacks deep in enemy territory was prevalent even in this world.

Even Du You had discovered that some organizations had secretly formed spy networks to help them gather intelligence on their targets.

"We should also accept the mission; there’s none more suited to us than this." Du You pointed out a mission.

On the panel, there were a few missions that nobody had taken; these involved going deep behind enemy lines to deal with the Demon Extermination Power specialists, the Shadow Demons. Dealing with them was not very appealing, and it was difficult to find partners for such teams.

"This type of mission is safest for us; the Shadow Demons are focused on opponents from the light and dark factions. By doing the opposite, we’re less likely to encounter fifth tier enemies."

Lin Yucha agreed, so Du You stepped forward without hesitation and accepted the mission. Amidst the publisher’s bewildered and disdainful looks, Du You took up the mission and left with the sisters.

As they walked, Du You glanced at the panel. Although their levels hadn’t increased during this time, their skills eligible for advancement had all reached level 36. Their greatest gains from the long period spent in their territory were these advanced skills.

Advanced Skills: High Dark Magic Power (34), Advanced Spiritual Perception (35), Magic Power Stabilization (34), Mysterious Revival (35), Spiritual Shield (35), Dark Element Affinity (36), Night Body (35), Magic Nebula (34), Skill Handyman (34)

Du You looked at his fully fourth-tiered advanced skills and was very satisfied. Just these advanced skills alone provided him considerable enhancement, but with so many skills, it was not easy to improve.

Then, Du You looked at the sisters’ skill panels; they too had made huge progress.

Advanced Skills: Intermediate Demon Extermination Power (36), Concentration and Calmness (34), Rapid Shooting (34), Mysterious Revival (35), Magic Nebula (34), Advanced Spiritual Perception (35), Spiritual Shield (35), Pursuit Hunting (33), Magic Power Stabilization (35), Skill Handyman (35)

Not only had various skills improved, but the previously unadvanced locking skills had finally broken through the maximum level and evolved into a new skill, Pursuit Hunting. Over this period, this skill had also advanced to level 33.

Pursuit Hunting: Advanced Skill, prerequisites include Basic Archery level 9, Spiritual Lock level 7. Significantly enhances the Archer’s accuracy, increases shooting range, reduces the impacts of adverse environments, and increases the success rate of hitting weak points. Enhances the user’s speed and tracking ability. (Level 33)

The description was still quite simple, but it provided significant enhancement to personal skills.

After reviewing, Du You closed the panel. By then, they had left the military camp and arrived among towering mountains. Many others had also arrived here, although everyone was very well concealed.

The first battle started with such stealth and caution. Accompanied by two sisters, the group proceeded quietly without speaking. In the forest, few caused any disturbance, and combat fluctuations were even rarer.

In the sky, hidden Ghost Pattern Crows secretly observed the surroundings and relayed information to Du You.

"I see, those who refrain from engaging are all Professionals. Those who actively attack are mostly natives. Very interesting, really interesting."

Professionals, to minimize their own casualties, implemented all kinds of trickery. Though Professionals in this world were members of different factions, after all, they were all from Earth. There was no direct conflict among them; everyone was here for the benefits.

Along the way, Du You hadn’t encountered any natives, only two groups of Professionals like him. These people, upon seeing him, signaled an agreed gesture, verified each other’s identities, and then silently bypassed each other to continue advancing.

So, they carefully moved through the forest and crossed the enemy lines. After two days, Du You and his group finally reached the rear of the part of Shadow Demons known as Demon Exterminators.

"Most of them are just weak civilians; let them be. Let’s look for a better target."

Just arriving here, Du You saw many villages and gathering places. Since the powerful ones had left, only the old, the weak, the sick, and the young remained. Du You was here to reap benefits, not to be a slaughterer.

He was unwilling to massacre civilians, and there was no point in doing so. These people, though, appeared somewhat abnormal—specifically, their hands, which were blood-red.

The more powerful individuals had more intensely red hands. However, the weaker ones and the children had only slightly reddened hands, making them look almost indistinguishable from ordinary humans.

Even if war resulted in deaths and unintended casualties, Du You would definitely not initiate an attack on these innocent people. This was the ethical line that Du You maintained, established since his days in the Three Kingdoms Battle world. ᴛʜɪs ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ ɪs ᴜᴘᴅᴀᴛᴇ ʙʏ 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝘯𝘦𝘵

For ordinary people accidentally injured by the aftermath of his battles, Du You felt no sympathy, but he absolutely forbade any direct attacks on civilians.

Bypassing these people, the trio continued to delve deeper. Having reached this point, there was no one else with them; Du You preferred this, as cooperating with others would cost him much of his income.

After two days of deep exploration, Du You finally identified a target. "Not bad, a military fortress, and one converted from a city. It might have what we need."