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Chapter37
Someone then exclaimed, "Right, something similar did happen a few days ago. I woke up feeling hungry and drained, as if I slept for ages. But there's no evidence."
"What's he trying to do?" Zhou You whispered to Shao Qi, sensing that he knew a lot about the mysterious man. Was Shao Qi from the government, the type who deals with dark forces?
"Isn't it obvious? He's killing people."
"Who is he, exactly? Those formations look like what wizards in novels would use for rituals. Why is he killing so many? What's his motive?"
"If we had to label him, he'd probably be a charlatan, the blood-drinking kind. As for his motive? In this world's end, anyone with a bit of power wants to get stronger, by any means necessary." Shao Qi's voice grew colder, "If we let this Wei Master escape today, who knows how many he'll kill next time."
He asked a worker to count the survivors. As night approached, they realized they wouldn't be able to leave and would have to camp overnight. At least the forest fire kept the wild beasts away.
After counting, the man said with despair, "We were over a hundred when we started. Many have died from intensive work over these three months, and many died today. Only forty-five of us remain. Can... can we ever return home? Our vehicles are destroyed, and surely, we can't walk all the way out?"
Zhou You comforted them, "Why worry? We're not that far from the outside world. It won't take too long even on foot."
Thinking of Li Hongxi's convoy, the best solution would be to have the convoy pick them up and together, they could navigate their way out of the mountains.
He asked Shao Qi, "Mr. Shao, where is the convoy now? Can we get in touch with them?"
Shao Qi, sharing the same thought, nodded and replied, "Not too far. A half-day's drive. But catching up with them in the forest won't be easy."
Just then, the sound of an airplane echoed from above. Everyone looked up to see a fleet of fighter jets swiftly approaching against the backdrop of the evening glow. Excitedly, they all waved and shouted, "Help...!"
There was a raging fire on this side of the mountain, billowing with thick smoke. It would be easy for the fighter jets above to spot the scene. Sure enough, after circling above, the jets began to descend slowly.
All the workers were overjoyed. However, Zhou You was curious. It was so coincidental. He had been walking in the forest for so long and hadn't seen a single plane. Yet now, in their time of need, a fleet of jets arrived. How fortunate could they be?
He sneaked a glance at Shao Qi, becoming more convinced that this man was no ordinary person. Perhaps he had connections beyond their world.
"What are you looking at?" Shao Qi stared back sharply.
Touching his nose awkwardly, Zhou You laughed it off, "Nothing, just feeling lucky."
Shao Qi sarcastically retorted, "Feeling lucky even after almost getting killed? You have quite the heart."
Old Qiao, finally recovering from the shock, patted his chest, saying, "It's not luck, it's Zhou's capability. Otherwise, we would've been doomed."
Zhou You hadn't told Shao Qi what he had done. Giving Old Qiao a glance, he chuckled, "It was thanks to Mr. Shao blowing up the entrance barrier. And it's also because of his explosion that the array formations in the cave failed. Otherwise, we would still be trapped inside."
Zhou You's curiosity about the man grew. Being in a position of power often meant trouble, and Zhou You, being a rookie, was wary of getting involved in unnecessary conflicts.
As the twelve fighter jets landed, everyone stared in awe at the figures disembarking. Seeing them in military uniforms, many couldn't help but weep with relief.
Zhou You's gaze settled on the twelve officers. Each of them exuded an intense presence, a deadly aura that suggested they had been through the harshest of battles, commanding respect.
The lead officer scanned the scene and immediately gave orders, "Li Yan and Situ, put out the fire. Taozi and Wang Pei, stay and protect them. The rest, split into pairs and search for survivors. If you find any suspicious individuals, signal immediately."
"Yes, sir!"
Zhou You helpfully added, "There were originally over twenty guards in this cave. They fled in vehicles."
The officer's piercing gaze lingered momentarily on Zhou You and Shao Qi beside him, then he nodded politely, "Thank you. We've already pinpointed their location from above. They won't escape."
The troops dispersed to carry out their tasks. Seeing the formidable jets and heavily armed soldiers, everyone felt at ease. For centuries, civilians have placed their trust in the regular army, a testament to the security and trust they bring.
Chapter 029: The Flame Squad
Zhou You found a rock to sit on, finally having a moment to inquire, "Mr. Shao, how's your injury?" He suspected that the military's arrival might have something to do with Shao Qi.
Shao Qi casually sat next to him, tapping his knee and remarked, "I'll live, but I won't be using my hand for a while."
Zhou You observed his posture, thinking maybe he was over-analyzing earlier. Shao Qi didn't exude the disciplined demeanor typical of a soldier. Real soldiers should be like the fleet they just saw.
Curiously, he asked, "Do you know which unit these soldiers are from? Their jets look quite advanced."
Shao Qi replied dismissively, "That just shows your limited knowledge. In this era, even birds have mutated and dare to fly. If the jets weren't formidable, they'd be courting death." He glanced at the jets and added nonchalantly, "Their codes are written on them. Take a closer look and you'll know."
Someone had already gone ahead to take a look. Soon after, a voice exclaimed, “Oh my God, it's the Blaze Squadron's fighter jet! We're saved!”
The survivors, who moments before looked like terminally ill patients, now surged forward with newfound vigor, surrounding the jet, hesitant to touch yet laughing like fools.