Chapter 83: A Great Victory

Chapter 83: A Great Victory

As night fell, everything became silent. The oppressive heat and humidity of the tropical day faded, and a coolness filled the air.

The special operations team members had already trekked to the hills near the field of mutated poppies. A gentle breeze carried a mysterious and alluring fragrance.

The moonlight was faint tonight, and the visibility was poor. The special operations team members activated the infrared night vision function on their helmet visors, revealing the forbidden poppy field surrounded by layers of electric fences.

The enchanting poppies, their flamboyant and dazzling petals now drooping in the dark night, appeared larger and more magnificent than ordinary ones, exuding an eerie and unpredictable aura.

Occasional barks from the guard posts near the poppy field indicated the presence of armed guards with mutated dogs.

Ge Chen whispered, "The villa complex enclosed by the wall over there is where Luo Yisen is stationed. There are many guards, and he has over twenty psychics under his command, including quite a few experts above the third tier."

"Since we detained Li Xiong, he has led several assaults. He's tough to deal with. If we go in directly, there might be traps, not to mention the dogs."

Zhang Guangming reminded them, "The mutated dog packs are extremely dangerous. Some can breathe fire, some are metal-based, and others are wind-based and incredibly fast. Once they bite, they won't let go, and they attack in groups. Everyone must stay vigilant."

"Light-based powers can only heal wounds. Fatal injuries to the throat, major arteries, or missing limbs and sensory organs can't be healed. Everyone must protect their vulnerable areas and avoid direct confrontation with the mutated dogs."

He was concerned that the special operations team members might not fully understand the threat posed by the mutated dog packs, as such creatures were rare outside, and he couldn't help but remind them.

Guan Yuanfeng observed through binoculars for a while and said, "We don't need to enter their territory. Let them come out to find us."

"Tang Anchen, Qin Sheng, take a few people and guard the villa entrance. Eliminate anyone who emerges."

Qi Shuhong instinctively glanced beside her. Shortly after ascending the hill, Shen Lan had already disappeared into the ground. Fortunately, with so many people around, Captain Guan and the others probably didn't notice.

She said, "Luo Yisen is extremely cautious. Even if we stir up trouble, he won't easily come out. Plus, his wind control makes it nearly impossible to get close..."

Her words suddenly trailed off as, in the pitch-black night, she saw countless tornadoes rising from the ground, like numerous black dragons. Within the dark, swirling tornadoes, flashes of lightning could be seen.

Qin Sheng chuckled beside her, "Isn't a big enough commotion enough to draw him out?" With a wave of his hands, countless gleaming flying daggers floated around him, ready to strike. He, along with Tang Anchen, Ge Chen, and a few others, stealthily approached the villa under the cover of night.

Guan Yuanfeng had already issued the order: "Destroy all the mutated poppies. Leave not a single plant."

The massive tornadoes surged into the poppy field like a world-ending beast opening its maw.

The high-speed rotating winds uprooted and devoured every plant in the field. Lightning struck the delicate and beautiful flowers, their tender petals and slender leaves quickly curling, blackening, and shattering, scattering in the chaotic winds.

The once serene, flower-filled land was now barren, with only bare roots and scattered, charred remnants of petals and leaves.

The merciless tornadoes wreaked havoc, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake.

The armed guards in the poppy field began shouting in panic, and the frenzied barks of dogs echoed everywhere. Faced with what seemed like a natural disaster, they could only run and hide, trying to escape the terrifying reach of the tornadoes.

The massive tornadoes surged toward the poppy processing workshop, effortlessly tearing it apart. The drug-making equipment inside was shattered and twisted, lifted into the air by the whirlwind, accompanied by a cacophony of noise.

Qi Shuhong stood there, mouth agape, utterly stunned.

Beside her, Taoist Master Yunyin laughed heartily and shouted, "How exhilarating!" He raised his arm, formed a hand seal, and chanted loudly, "I respectfully invite the Thunder Ancestor, the Heavenly Lord of Universal Thunder, to subdue demons and slay evil!"

His voice resonated like metal striking stone. Thunder rumbled across the heavens, and lightning illuminated the sky. Brilliant bolts of lightning, like furious swords, split the sky and struck down upon this land of sin, as if divine punishment had been unleashed.

===

Luo Yisen took a bottle from the wine cabinet, poured its contents into a glass filled with ice, and drank it in one gulp. He drank urgently, as if parched, or perhaps a restless fire in his chest drove him to swallow the cold yet fiery liquor.

He was of mixed descent, with deep-set eyes, a prominent hooked nose, and thin lips that gave him a sinister appearance. Suddenly, he turned and demanded coldly, "Who's there?" As soon as he spoke, a rapidly rotating wall of wind rose around him, shielding him.

From the shadows of the opulent dining room's corner, a man stepped forward.

Luo Yisen saw him, his gaze sharp and fierce, and sneered, "So it's you. How about it? Have you given up after meeting the so-called Survivors' Alliance government representatives?"

"The Alliance Special Forces, huh? I've inquired about them. Guan Yuanfeng, dual psychic abilities of wind and thunder, peak combat power, so what? The high-ranking military of the Alliance has already approached Li Xiong, offering a hefty price for the method to awaken psychic abilities and the formula to control psychics."

"Moreover, they promised seats in the Alliance government council, city lord positions, tax exemption for a hundred years, no Alliance garrison, permission to organize their own armed forces, and even military commander positions..."

"The Special Forces only brought thirteen people, do you know why? Because they came ahead, they also want this formula. I'm not bothering with them because I'm waiting."

"The Alliance officials have already sent another negotiation representative, who has contacted me and will arrive in a couple of days. They will definitely ally with me for the formula in Li Xiong's hands."

"Once they arrive, the Special Forces will have to follow their orders."

"I advise you to obediently hand over Li Xiong, so I can persuade him to be a bit gentler with you, maybe leave you one eye."

He glared fiercely at the man in the shadows, "Your supply of the drug is running low, isn't it? You dog... Interpol officer." His words were thick with sarcasm.

"You'll never complete your undercover mission, why not strip naked, kneel, and crawl over to me, begging in tears? I might spare you an extra box of the drug, so you won't look so pathetic in front of the new Alliance delegation."

He suddenly laughed heartily, "What do you think, should I send photos of you naked, crying, and begging Li Xiong for mercy to the Special Forces for their enjoyment?"

His sinister face bore a crazed smile of satisfaction, "You came tonight, not out of desperation, but still delusional enough to think you could get the formula from me, right?"

"I tell you, only Li Xiong has the formula, it's his psychic ability. If you want to survive, you can only beg him. If you harm even a hair on his head, I will repay you tenfold."

The man standing quietly in the dark was Shen Lan, his face pale but his posture upright, he said calmly, "I came to kill you."

He raised his eyes, his dark eyes cold, but his voice was calm, "The Alliance Special Forces will come to annihilate this place tonight. But if you die by someone else's hand, I would die with unfinished business."

Luo Yisen was first stunned, then laughed disdainfully, "Just you?" But his expression had already turned serious, the Special Forces are coming tonight? That's impossible! Didn't they just promise to notify us to delay the action today?

Shen Lan's voice was soft, "You and Li Xiong are alike, both afraid of people getting close."

"So when you see us, psychics controlled yet filled with hatred, you either shackle us or catch us at our weakest during withdrawal... and demand we be naked, because you fear we carry weapons."

He reached out, holding a gun in his hand.

Looking at the sinister black muzzle, Luo Yisen sneered fiercely, waved his hand, and a strong gust of wind rushed towards Shen Lan!

Shen Lan moved his feet and disappeared into the ground!

At that moment, alarms blared outside, flames shot into the sky, and a confidant shouted, "Enemies are destroying the poppy fields and the workshop!"

The psychics in the mansion had come out, someone was knocking on the door, "Young Master Luo!"

Luo Yisen's face turned fierce, "It's the Special Forces! Be careful, they have many psychics, kill them all!" He waved his hand and quickly dived to the side, not heading towards the door.

Someone outside exclaimed, "Intruders!"

Then the sound of automatic gunfire rang out!

Sure enough, at that moment, Shen Lan emerged from the ground behind him, bang bang bang! Fired several shots!

Luo Yisen rolled on the ground just in time to dodge the bullets from Shen Lan's pistol, Shen Lan's body was immediately swept up by a whirlwind, countless wind blades spinning, instantly raising countless blood flowers on his body!

Shen Lan's expression unchanged, his figure vanished like a phantom into quicksand, disappearing into the ground again, only leaving a few drops of blood on the ground.

Luo Yisen knew well the tenacity of his opponent, now that the other had burned his bridges and no longer wanted the drugs, this was a desperate move to drag him down even if it meant death! If so, is Li Xiong still alive?

Ever since he found out that Shen Lan had the ability to burrow into the ground, he had been persuading Li Xiong to kill him.

But Li Xiong was actually unwilling to let go! He even said that the other party had completely lost their dignity and was just groveling for his mercy. It's rare to have such a durable plaything, so why not toy with it a bit longer? In the coming apocalypse, it won't be easy to find another Interpol officer to be a pet.

Li Xiong is just too stupid! As expected, he was ambushed and counteracted! When the alliance officials arrive, control the special operations team, and rescue Li Xiong, he must have Shen Lan sliced into a thousand pieces, not one slice less!

He gritted his teeth and moved swiftly, leaping out of the window like a cheetah. Outside was a spacious courtyard, more suitable for him to unleash his wind-based skills.

He indeed fears close combat, but he is a fourth-tier psychic! As he landed from the window, he immediately rolled on the ground, almost simultaneously dodging a deadly strike from underground.

Shen Lan missed again and continued to burrow underground.

Continuous burrowing had drained his strength, and he was still bleeding continuously. His facial features felt uncomfortable from prolonged breath-holding. He hid in a rock cave in the courtyard, briefly bandaging the more dangerous wounds with a tourniquet, resting and adjusting his breathing.

His psychic powers gradually began to recover. He realized that after drinking the ginseng and lingzhi chicken soup tonight, his energy was exceptionally vigorous. The exhaustion from suppressing his drug addiction these past days suddenly lifted, and he felt his blood and energy were abundant, filled with endless fighting spirit.

It was the perfect night to raid the workshop, and with the determination to die, he naturally wanted to kill his enemy with his own hands.

The night was dark, and a cool breeze carried the scent of something burnt. A dandelion seed drifted past his eyes.

He could not hesitate any longer. Gritting his teeth, he burrowed into the ground again. His figure, ghost-like, ignored all physical boundaries, silently reappearing in the courtyard.

This time, his strength was insufficient, and he couldn't accurately appear behind Luo Yisen, but he still managed to surprise Luo Yisen with a few shots before disappearing into the ground again.

The wind barrier around Luo Yisen deflected the bullets, and he sneered, "I wonder how many more times you can burrow, Officer Shen Lan. Today, this place will be your burial ground."

With a wave of his hand, the airflow seemed to accelerate, and sharp wind blades whistled through the courtyard, weaving into an impenetrable net, forming an indestructible three-dimensional defense line. As soon as Shen Lan emerged, he would be instantly shredded.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment. Gritting his teeth, he looked into the distance and saw a huge tornado ravaging the delicate poppy fields, countless tiny petals and leaves flying in the air. The roof of the workshop had been completely lifted into the sky, and countless pharmaceutical equipment and utensils were shattered into ruins.

He had to get out quickly and face the so-called strongest combat force of the alliance. How could they act so fast? Those unreliable fools from the alliance military! They were supposed to wait for the arrival of the Psychic Research Institute!

He gritted his teeth, making the wind blades even denser, covering all around him. To gauge Shen Lan's abilities, he had forced Shen Lan to fight a mutated leopard in the arena. The longest Shen Lan could burrow was less than fifteen minutes, just a third-tier!

A dandelion seed drifted in the wind, quickly shredded into fine particles by the tiny wind blades.

Unnoticed, some fluff entered his rapidly breathing mouth and nose.

Suddenly, his heart and lungs felt a sharp pain, as if they were being torn apart from within. An indescribable pain instantly swept through his body, making it hard for him to breathe, each breath accompanied by more intense and vivid stabbing pain.

The burning and tearing sensation in his chest made it difficult to maintain his psychic abilities, and the wind blades in the courtyard paused for a moment.

At that moment, Shen Lan appeared behind him, his gun aimed at Luo Yisen's back, firing several shots!

All the wind blades suddenly stopped.

A flash of unwillingness and shock crossed Luo Yisen's eyes. He slowly turned to look at Shen Lan, wanting to say something, but the unbearable burning pain in his heart and lungs made him spit out blood foam as soon as he opened his mouth. He felt a fatal suffocation, and the shadow of death descended.

Shen Lan's dark eyes, filled with deep-seated hatred, coldly watched him, his chest still heaving with heavy breaths.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

Without any hesitation, Shen Lan raised his gun again, aiming at Luo Yisen's head and heart. The gunshots rang out, and as Luo Yisen fell weakly, Shen Lan walked over and fired several more shots into his forehead.

The gunfire at the courtyard gate also ceased. Several fully armed special operations team members rushed in. Qin Sheng saw Shen Lan lowering his gun and shooting at the person on the ground, exclaiming, "You're so amazing to have broken through first!"

He glanced at Luo Yisen, whose head was smashed like a rotten tomato, "Who is this?"

Ge Chen, who followed Qin Sheng, said with hatred, "This is Luo Yisen." He looked at Shen Lan, "Xiao Shen, you've improved, actually managing to kill him despite the tier difference!"

Shen Lan lowered his eyes, staring at the corpse on the ground, his expression indifferent.

Qin Sheng tsked: "I can see it, buddy, you really hated him. Congratulations on your revenge!"

Tang Anchen and several special operations team members walked in: "Hurry up and clear the area, no more chatting, Xiao Sheng. If anyone slips out, the captain will deduct points."

Qin Sheng quickly said to Shen Lan: "You're covered in blood, hurry back and let Teacher Zhang treat you! We'll handle the cleanup here!" He then rushed into the building.

Shen Lan looked down at Luo Yisen's cold, stiff body, a faint smile appearing at the corner of his mouth. Revenge served?

There's still one more.

==

At dawn, the aftermath of the battlefield from the entire night was clearly visible. The tornado had left its mark, mercilessly tearing through the fields, leaving a scene of devastation. The once lush and vibrant mutated poppy fields were completely ravaged, devoid of any life.

The high walls and electric fences of the workshop had collapsed, turning it into ruins. The roof was torn off, windows shattered, and the machinery and equipment on the production line were all damaged. Medicines and raw materials were scattered everywhere, completely contaminated.

Tang Anchen and Shen Lan, along with several earth psychics, stood by the raw material tanks in the factory, using their powers to create a massive pit, burying all the damaged and contaminated materials.

Shen Lan's wounds had already been healed by Zhang Guangming. He stood by the pit, gazing intently as water psychics summoned water to flood the sinful materials.

The labor camp where the workers were imprisoned was opened, and all the mutated dogs had been killed. The workers were organized into groups, with some collecting all the mutated poppies from the fields and transporting them to the pit, while others shoveled lime and industrial salt from trucks into the pit.

Once they confirmed that not a single mutated poppy remained in the fields, all the raw material tanks in the factory, the finished products from the warehouse, and the products found in Luo Yisen's villa were dumped into the pit, thoroughly mixed with lime water and industrial salt water. The earth psychics then worked together to fill the massive pit.

After disposing of the mutated poppies, they searched Luo Yisen's villa.

The villa's furniture and decor were incredibly luxurious. In the safe, they found a box of gold bars and several boxes of high-quality Crystal Cores, categorized by psychic abilities.

Beyond that, Luo Yisen's extensive storerooms were truly astonishing.

Aside from an armory and ammunition depot capable of equipping an entire regiment, there was a separate storeroom filled with paintings, antiques, and jewelry made of gold, silver, and precious stones. Another storeroom contained high-end teas, coffee beans, and many nourishing health products like cordyceps, ginseng, bird's nest, shark fin, seahorses, and deer antlers—rare delicacies and valuable medicinal ingredients. In the underground wine cellar, there were various expensive wines from before the apocalypse.

Zhou Yun looked around the storerooms and sighed, nodding: "The teacher would definitely like this."

Guan Yuanfeng said: "Then let's take it all. Once things here are settled, we'll send you back to Danlin City and take these along. There's also a helicopter here, with plenty of fuel."

Zhou Yun nodded with a smile, reminding him: "You're working overtime now, aren't you? Can't you take some compensatory leave? You haven't even gone home for your family visit yet."

Guan Yuanfeng smiled: "Alright, I'll try to arrange it."

Zhou Yun then opened the double-door refrigerator and was pleased to find some goodies: several boxes of black and white truffles, black caviar, seafood, steak, lamb, and other high-end foods and fruits.

This kind of extravagant lifestyle was truly eye-opening for those who had been poor before the apocalypse.

The special operations team members decided to eat right there, even taking the opportunity to use the solar-powered water heater to wash away the grime and dust from last night's operation.

The resounding success of the operation left everyone in high spirits.

But upon returning to the city lord's mansion in Cangshan, Ge Chen's addiction flared up.

He had been the worst off among the rebellious psychics, yet he had insisted on joining the captain in the operation that night.

Although his teammates had repeatedly reminded him that he didn't need to fight, the sight of the intense battle, especially against some psychics who had bullied them before, had driven him to act.

After the exhilarating fight, he was hit with the backlash of his psychic powers and the early onset of withdrawal symptoms.

He refused further injections, tears streaming down his face as he said: "No more, leave it for the others. Seeing the captain before I die, killing Luo Yisen—I've lived enough!"

He howled in pain: "Xiao Hong, lock me up, lock me up. Everyone, get out. Captain, don't look at me. Captain, if I can't hold on, just let me die! My life has been worth it!"

Qi Shuhong expertly locked the shackles on him, securing his hands and feet to the steel bed, putting on a helmet and gloves to prevent him from injuring himself, and gagging him. She looked up at Guan Yuanfeng, Zhou Yun, and the others, saying: "Everyone, get out. When his powers go out of control, he'll spew fire."

This is their dedicated detoxification ward, with bare, fireproof stainless steel beds and furniture, windows and railings resembling those in a prison cell.

Zhou Yun brought his medicine bag over: "Let me try. You all go out."

Qi Shuhong was somewhat worried: "You want to treat him with acupuncture?" After last night, she had a deep understanding of the special forces' strength, but she was still somewhat skeptical about Zhou Yun's medical skills.

Zhou Yun said: "Yes, don't worry. I'm a water element user, not afraid of fire."

Guan Yuanfeng led everyone out. Zhou Yun closed the door and looked down to see Ge Chen already starting to lose his mind in pain, frantically banging his head against the bed, the helmet hitting the steel bed frame, producing loud, clanging sounds.

Zhou Yun took out silver needles and quickly inserted them into his acupoints, then summoned a mutated lingzhi first.

The huge mutated lingzhi was summoned in the small detoxification ward, emitting a faint red light, enveloping Ge Chen in its glow. This was the "Tranquility Skill" from the mutated lingzhi, its powerful calming effect gradually soothing his nerves that were overstimulated due to withdrawal symptoms.

Seeing Ge Chen's expression gradually stabilizing, Zhou Yun summoned a mutated cacti and cast "Anesthesia" and "Regeneration."

Ge Chen slipped into a dreamlike trance. The meridians ravaged and destroyed by the violent Fire Psychic energy were nourished and repaired by the wood element energy. He murmured to himself, tears falling, but his lips were smiling.

Zhou Yun took out a test strip and a blood collection device to test Ge Chen's affinity.

After a while, the result came out: water.

Water and fire are incompatible; no wonder he's struggling.

He thought for a moment and walked out, seeing Qi Shuhong and Guan Yuanfeng and others outside, all concerned and asking: "How is it?"

Zhou Yun said: "He's asleep now. Let him rest. I need to speak with Li Xiong."