Chapter 155: The Price

Chapter 155: The Price

The next morning, the nine members of the Spearhead Squad gradually woke up. After getting up, washing, and having a quick breakfast, they began their journey back to Base F City.

With everything done, they had to return to report and hand over the collected chemical materials to General Zou.

Although there wasn't much left, every little bit counts—after all, even a mosquito's leg has meat—and it had to be sent back for review.

Xiao Hua was seated in the SUV, pondering her next steps upon returning.

Zhou Laoer's actions had served as a wake-up call for her. Some issues were unavoidable, regardless of her desire to ignore them.

She could empathize with Zhou Laoer's desire for vengeance for his brother, but a bit of investigation would reveal that the two men were still alive.

They were strong, and the base was in dire need of personnel, so General Zou had consigned them to hard labor. Good behavior could earn them their release.

After all, they were only greedy, far preferable to some irredeemable murderers.

Thus, Zhou Laoer's extreme actions were out of character and inexplicable.

Moreover, Dr. Cao was involved in this, and Xiao Hua instinctively suspected his involvement.

If Dr. Cao had employed his abilities to control or sway Zhou Laoer, driving him to irrationality and extremism, Xiao Hua could completely understand.

But what she had always been curious about was how Dr. Cao, whose abilities were significantly weaker than Zhou Laoer's, could exert such effortless control over him.

Moreover, her own level was higher, yet she had previously fallen victim to Dr. Cao's schemes.

Additionally, "Xiao Hua" had taken advantage of the situation, and if Bai Mu hadn't arrived in time, Xiao Hua would have been lucky to escape with her life.

"Tsk." Xiao Hua raised her hand to rub her temples, feeling puzzled.

"Headache?" Noticing her discomfort, Bai Mu gently took her hand and began to massage her head carefully. "Didn't sleep well last night?"

Bai Mu's technique was excellent, and Xiao Hua comfortably nestled into his arms. "No, just thinking about something."

"Want to talk about it?"

Xiao Hua thought for a moment. Many hands make light work, and more fuel makes a brighter flame, so before Bai Mu took over driving, she quickly shared her thoughts.

Bai Mu's hands paused for a moment, then continued to massage her head, his voice gentle. "There are two potential explanations."

"Hmm?" Xiao Hua hummed in response.

"The first is that Dr. Cao possesses a method to mask his abilities, like that person in City C before. The second is that his powers are special, enabling him to target enhanced individuals above his own level."

"But if that's the case, there would likely be significant side effects."

"Side effects?" Xiao Hua was startled, as if she had thought of something.

Bai Mu, focused on her head, didn't notice her expression change. He nodded and smiled, analyzing, "There's no such thing as a free meal. Gains come with losses."

If Dr. Cao's power attacks could ignore levels, then he must have paid a corresponding price.

Just like himself, because of his dual powers and the ability to traverse time and space, he was immediately condemned by the Heavenly Dao.

Although Heavenly Dao could no longer restrict him now, he had indeed been deeply affected before.

Xiao Hua naturally understood this principle. She was just wondering, what price did Dr. Cao have to pay?

In the book, Dr. Cao...

In the book, Dr. Cao aged rapidly!

The author noted that each time the protagonist saw Dr. Cao, despite little time passing, he seemed even older than before.

The author only touched on it briefly, apparently forgetting this foreshadowing later.

At the time, Xiao Hua treated it as a casual read and naturally overlooked these seemingly trivial details.

Looking back now, Xiao Hua is just thankful for her sharp memory; otherwise, she would have forgotten it ages ago.

So, according to the book, was the price Dr. Cao paid his face?

Xiao Hua hesitated briefly, then shook her head quickly.

Nonsense, it must have been his lifespan.

Bai Mu loosened his grip slightly and leaned in to check her expression, frowning as he asked, "What's wrong? Did I hurt you?"

"No," Xiao Hua said, resting her head on Bai Mu's chest with a slight smile, "I'm just a little tired. Let me rest for a bit."

"Alright," Bai Mu said gently, holding her and softly stroking her back.