Villain: I transmigrated with Mind Control Powers

Aric noticed Mei Xian nodding thoughtfully beside him. He leaned over slightly, whispering, "Looks like they're really serious about this."

She replied, keeping her voice low. "The stakes are high. Our sect can't afford any slip-ups, especially with Edsmith Palace involved."

Peng Falcon resumed. "The third phase will be the extraction. After we secure our members, we'll need to escape the Dremar region. This will likely be the most dangerous part, as the enemy might be on high alert if they notice our presence."

Another disciple raised his hand. "What if the enemy forces outnumber us during extraction?"

Lin Cai answered, her tone firm. "In that case, we'll employ defensive formations to hold them off while our team escapes. We've prepared a few strategies, but we'll need everyone to stay sharp and work as a cohesive unit."

Aric chimed in, feigning concern, "How do we handle reinforcements from Edsmith Palace? Are we expecting any?"

Peng Falcon glanced at him, appreciating the insight. "Good question, Adolf. We've received intel suggesting that most of their forces are deployed elsewhere, but we cannot completely rule out reinforcements. That's why it's crucial we maintain stealth throughout."

Xu Mevan scoffed quietly from the side, muttering just loud enough for Aric to hear, "Typical. Acting like he's the only one thinking ahead."

Aric shot him a brief smirk, not taking the bait, while Mei Xian subtly elbowed Xu Mevan to keep him in line.

With the plan set, Peng Falcon took a final look around. "This mission will test each of us, but I trust in all of you. Remember, the honor of our sect is in your hands. Stay disciplined, and we'll bring our members home safely."

The assembled disciples nodded, a mix of excitement and apprehension in their eyes. A few murmurs of "For the sect!" rippled through the group, sparking a sense of unity and determination among them. They were gathered at the edge of the Holy Sect's grounds, standing on a stone platform where the sect's large flying boat awaited.

"Let's get ready," Falcon continued, gesturing toward the ship. "We'll use the flying boat to get us close to the Dremar Region. Once we're about a thousand miles away, we'll disembark and approach on foot, using our flying swords to ensure stealth. We don't want to attract any unnecessary attention."

Aric noted the sense of tension as everyone began boarding the boat, taking in the stern expressions of his teammates. Peng Falcon had chosen a mix of core and inner disciples, each one trusted for their skills. Beside Falcon stood his vice-leader, Jia Lin.

Xu Mevan stood by the edge of the boat, watching the others with a smirk, clearly confident in his own abilities. His sister, Xu Amber, stood beside him, her expression serene and unreadable. Mei Xian offered Aric a nod and a small smile as he passed her, clearly reassured by his presence on the mission.

As they settled in, Falcon's voice rang out, "Everyone, take your positions. We'll reach our destination in about three hours."

The hum of excitement was tempered by focused whispers as everyone took their seats. Aric settled near Mei Xian, who looked over at him with a smile.

"Impressive progress lately, Junior Brother Adolf," she said with a hint of admiration. "It seems like every day, you're growing stronger."

Aric returned her smile, meeting her gaze with genuine warmth. "Thank you, Senior Sister Mei Xian. It's all thanks to the guidance of the elders and the determination to uphold the sect's reputation."

Jia Lin, standing nearby, chuckled softly. "Adolf, you're humble, but your reputation has spread fast. I'm looking forward to seeing your skills in action."

"Likewise, Senior Sister Jia," Aric replied smoothly, nodding in respect.

The conversation shifted as disciples began discussing what little information they had about the Dremar Region. "I've heard it's freezing there, even in the middle of summer," one disciple commented. "I hope we're prepared for that."

"It's a region filled with harsh terrain and minimal visibility due to the constant snowfall," Mei Xian added, her voice thoughtful. "It won't be an easy journey, especially since we have to stay hidden."

Peng Falcon, overhearing them, gave a slight nod. "That's why we'll disembark a thousand miles out. The snow will help cover our tracks as we use our flying swords to approach the area." He paused, addressing the whole team. "Remember, our mission is divided into three phases. The first is reconnaissance. We need to understand the enemy's formation, their numbers, and their defenses."

As the boat traveled through the skies, Aric couldn't help but watch the interactions among the team. They all seemed to respect one another, but there was an underlying competitiveness. Xu Mevan, in particular, was eager to prove himself.

Aric leaned closer to Mei Xian and whispered, "I hear you'll be responsible for tending to the wounded and taking them to a safe place"

She nodded, a look of determination crossing her face. "Yes. The lives of our sect members depend on it. But you, Adolf—you're assigned to retrieval. That's no small feat."

"It's an honor, truly," Aric replied, glancing over at Xu Mevan and Xu Amber, who were nearby, listening with interest. "Though I hear Xu Mevan and Xu Amber have been tasked with gathering information."

Xu Mevan glanced over, catching the hint of admiration in Aric's tone, and offered a self-satisfied grin. "Naturally. We're well-suited to slipping in undetected and retrieving vital information," he said. "Master wouldn't have chosen us otherwise."

Aric nodded, masking his true thoughts. Inwardly, he thought,

So the heavens really do favor these two. They're bound to come across something valuable out there.

Falcon's voice interrupted Aric's musings as he addressed the team. "When we arrive, take the time to rest up before nightfall. We'll need everyone in top condition when the reconnaissance phase begins."

"Understood, Senior Brother Falcon," Mei Xian replied firmly.

The boat sailed through the skies, and three hours later, they reached the icy outskirts of the Dremar Region. The team disembarked, feeling the sting of the cold immediately.

Falcon rallied the group, his tone serious. "Remember, stay hidden. Avoid any contact with locals or other travelers. This is enemy territory, so be vigilant."

Everyone nodded, gripping their swords tightly as they activated their concealment techniques and took off on their flying swords, blending seamlessly into the white winter landscape. They flew low, skimming just above the snow-dusted ground to avoid drawing attention.

Before reaching the edge of the Dremar Region, Falcon addressed them once more, "We'll begin our scouting mission at night. Rest up and conserve your energy. The cold will drain you if you're not careful."

The disciples murmured their agreement, excitement and determination in their eyes. Despite the cold, a few disciples chatted quietly, eager to save their fellow sect members.

One disciple named Lei Huang turned to Aric with a grin. "This will be my first mission this close to enemy territory. Exciting, isn't it?"

Aric smirked. "Exciting, yes. But stay focused, or this cold might be the least of our worries."

Falcon and Yuhan gathered everyone around a small campfire they managed to set up within a concealed formation. Falcon began detailing their approach.

"The area we're heading into has multiple hidden entrances. The people of Edsmith Palace are known for their tight security, but they often underestimate intruders from outside due to the harsh climate. That's our advantage," Falcon explained.

Jia Lin added, "We'll split into small groups to cover more ground. Xu Mevan and Xu Amber will handle infiltration. They'll be moving quietly, looking for any signs of our members or clues about their whereabouts."

Xu Mevan nodded confidently. "Leave it to us. We'll get the information without leaving a trace."

"Good," Falcon said. "Mei Xian, you'll be stationed at a safe point outside their hideout. Your role is crucial—any injured we rescue will need immediate treatment. We can't afford any losses."

Mei Xian's face was resolute. "Understood. I'll do my best."

Aric's role was then assigned. "Adolf," Falcon said, his eyes meeting Aric's with a firm look, "you're on the retrieval team. Once we locate the prisoners, your team will lead the charge to get them out. It's a dangerous task, but I believe you're up for it."

Aric nodded, hiding his excitement. "I won't fail."

Peng Falcon continued assigning roles to the rest of the team. Lei Huang would act as a scout, watching for patrols, while another disciple, An Hao, would lay down diversions if they encountered resistance.

As they prepared to rest before nightfall, Xu Amber approached Aric. "Strange that the sect would send so many of its disciples into dangerous territory," she said, her tone thoughtful. "It speaks to the importance of this mission."

Aric nodded, matching her serious expression. "Indeed. Rescuing our members is important"

"Let's hope this mission doesn't come with more surprises than we can handle," Xu Amber replied, a rare hint of concern in her voice.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the air grew colder and thicker with tension. The group gathered, ready to embark on the reconnaissance mission. Falcon's eyes swept over them, his voice low and resolute. "This is it. Stay sharp, stay disciplined. We bring our people back—alive."

With those final words, they launched into the night, moving swiftly and silently through the frozen landscape.