Steady Cultivation: Starting With the Perk “Work Hard, Rest Hard” Chapter 651: Traitor!

The Second Frontline was a series of cities connected end-to-end.

These coalesced into an unbreachable Great Wall, successfully repelling the relentless onslaught of the Scavengers.

Beyond this formidable barrier, Scavengers advanced in unending waves, appearing to be an inexhaustible tide.

Behind the main body of Scavengers, more formidable Scavengers were orchestrating the assault.

Ten of these were Seventy-Two Rank Scavenger elites, their eyes sharp and clear, betraying none of the dullness common to lower-rank Scavengers; they showed signs of independent thought and unwavering resolve.

One Scavenger, appearing humanoid, declared, "A weakness has been found in the Chaos Dominators' defensive formation. It appears to have reached its operational limit. Victory for us, the Nothingness Dominators, is within our grasp!"

"Indeed! Those Chaos Dominators constantly deride us, calling us Scavengers. What audacity! Nothingness is our rightful domain. They are the blight upon it, the invaders," agreed another, an angelic Scavenger possessing majestic wings.

"It is time to sound the horn for our counterattack!" a Scavenger added with a wide grin.

"Let the internal dissenters create chaos! The hidden forces can strike at any moment!" the humanoid Scavenger leader commanded.

Twenty of them shared a knowing look. These Nothingness Dominators were not simpletons; they had laid intricate traps for the Chaos Dominators as well.

The Scavenger leader then transmitted a signal, activating their internal agents and intensifying the Scavenger assault to exert greater pressure on the Second Frontline.

Meanwhile.

Within the official residence of the Seventh Speaker.

The Seventh Speaker, engrossed in his official duties, suddenly paused. His brow furrowed slightly as he picked up an order token.

Several glowing characters materialized on its surface.

"You may commence operations."

A peculiar glint flickered in the Seventh Speaker's eyes.

He proceeded to review the logistical status of the military encampments.

"Supplies have begun to vanish."

The Seventh Speaker allowed himself a faint smile; this was precisely the scenario he had orchestrated.

His responsibilities included overseeing logistics and supervising all artificers, alchemists, and similar personnel within the Second Frontline.

Over the years, he had subtly weeded out numerous promising artificers and alchemists. Consequently, the Second Frontline's resupply capabilities had gradually diminished – this was the primary reason for its encroaching weakness.

His machinations were exceedingly subtle and executed over a prolonged period, ensuring that no one had detected his methods until this very moment.

"If I can achieve the Nothingness baptism, I am certain I can shatter the Seventy-Two Rank barrier..."

The Seventh Speaker's resolve was absolute. To him, the labels of Chaos Dominator or Nothingness Dominator held little significance; they were merely distinct manifestations of power. Only one factor truly mattered: the cultivation realm.

He had reached the zenith of the Seventy-Two Rank, his Dao foundation hindering further advancement, and the Alliance's fated opportunities were beyond his reach. Naturally, he had to forge his own path.

He reassured himself that this was not betrayal, but a rational course of action.

"Within the army, Dominator Artifacts are consumed at the highest rate. Even if they miraculously reform after self-destruction, the Dominator Artifacts remain on the battlefield and must be retrieved. Pills and similar items are consumables; a single battle rarely depletes many, so shortages in those areas won't be critical!"

The Seventh Speaker understood perfectly that the most critical logistical concern was the replenishment of Dominator Artifacts; in nearly every engagement, a defeat would result in the substantial loss of these vital items.

Thus, he had secretly eliminated many artificers and imposed various overt and covert restrictions on artificers, making their progression exceedingly arduous.

"Since preparations are complete, arrange for them to make their move. Once the current master-level artifact crafters are eliminated, the resupply of Dominator Artifacts will cease immediately. The collapse of the Second Frontline will be inevitable!"

The Seventh Speaker grinned.

This would be a monumental stratagem!

He envisioned himself as a master surgeon, severing the lifeline of the Second Frontline!

Dominator Artifacts dictated the course of victory or defeat, and he intended to remove that crucial element.

The Seventh Speaker covertly initiated a clandestine order.

Instantly, the message permeated every segment of the Second Frontline.

Chaos Dominators throughout the front received the directive.

Some were found relaxing in taverns, others engaged in prolonged cultivation retreats, many worked in camp logistics, and some were even traveling merchants.

Upon receipt of the orders, they began to discreetly converge on the locations of the Artifact Refining Masters and master-level artificers.

These artificers were all officially registered, their whereabouts meticulously documented. After years of surveillance, their movements had been tightly controlled.

Now, with a coordinated elimination operation imminent, their targets could be pinpointed instantaneously.

An unseen undercurrent began to ripple through the cities of the Second Frontline.

First Speaker Ying Wenzheng, engrossed in contemplating a secret technique, suddenly frowned, his gaze shifting outwards.

“Is the movement finally starting? Who is it this time? I swear I'll drag them out!”

Ying Wenzheng’s expression turned grim. He had long suspected a traitor within the Alliance but had been unable to pinpoint the individual.

A message was dispatched.

The Third Speaker, Xie Tingfeng, promptly arrived.

“Tingfeng, our target is likely preparing to make their move!” Ying Wenzheng stated in a hushed tone.

Xie Tingfeng’s face grew serious. “Could it be Old Seventh?”

Ying Wenzheng’s brow furrowed. “I cannot confirm that yet. While I can definitively say it’s not you, singling out anyone else is impossible.”

Xie Tingfeng’s countenance darkened further. “If a betrayal occurs and the hidden force attacks, we will suffer immense damage. Combined with the depletion of our high-tier fighters, how can our Second Frontline possibly hold its ground? Should we request assistance from the First Frontline?”

“The First Frontline has already entered its most crucial stage of battle and cannot spare any personnel,” Ying Wenzheng responded, shaking his head. “We must depend on ourselves! The moment we detect even a hint, we will act in unison to apprehend the traitor!”

“Very well!”

Xie Tingfeng gave a firm nod.

Time felt agonizingly slow.

One by one, figures—some barely perceptible, others more distinct—began to materialize near various artificers.

However, these artificers remained completely unaware of any anomaly.

The individuals poised to strike were masters of their craft, having possibly lain in wait for countless kalpas. Some had even cultivated friendships with the very artificers they intended to betray.

Their actions were entirely normal, making it impossible to arouse suspicion.

Outside the workshop of Qi Wuhui.

A young attendant was engaged in conversation with a Seventy-Two Rank master.

This esteemed individual was a known associate of Qi Wuhui.

“Has Old Qi not emerged from his seclusion yet? I have a matter of great urgency to discuss with him!” the cultivator expressed to the attendant.

The youth responded with a helpless sigh. “My Master is currently engrossed in researching a Dominator Artifact. As you are aware, once he enters such a state of deep contemplation, he absolutely cannot be disturbed!”

“Oh? Researching a Dominator Artifact? That doesn’t sound like something that could not wait, does it? Please go and inform him of my presence!”

“Kindly wait a moment. I shall send word to Master!”

“Make haste!” The cultivator discreetly checked the time, aware that the operation’s commencement was drawing near.