Upon hearing the news, Zhao Jinghao was also thrilled. Finally, the case at the lab could be concluded. The researchers were still detained in the military prison. Once the case wraps up, they'll be relocated. Leaving such ambitious scientists in their region would attract unwanted attention.

If their research results leaked, they'd surely attract covert interest from powerful groups. Only by handing it over to central authorities could their region find peace.

"So, you're leaving in three days?" Zhao Jinghao asked with a hint of regret.

"Yes, the snow has stopped and our tasks are done. We can't stay here forever, can we?" Miao Miao was eager to return, but she knew Shao Qi's next destination wasn't Shuguang City. Their leader now seemed like a devoted spouse, adapting to wherever life took him.

Zhou You practiced daily, clearly feeling his body strengthening, with increased endurance and power. Coupled with internal energy training, the effects seemed to enhance each other.

The next morning, a plane landed at the Jiangnan base. This time, Shao Qi and his team waited within the military compound.

After a simple case handover—which Shao Qi didn't need to oversee—he introduced the research institute team to Zhou You and gave them a tour of the underground lab.

The place had undergone significant changes. Many of the intricate devices and walls had been damaged during the conflict. But what remained was still impressive.

Everything had been thoroughly inventoried and data backed up, but ultimately, the data would be transferred to the research institute for consolidation.

"I never imagined the Jiangnan base housed such an advanced lab. The investment must've been substantial," remarked Geng Qinglu while photographing a lab room. He continued, "This centrifuge is the latest from Tianhe Pharmaceuticals. Their connections seem extensive."

"I've heard the lab was headed by Jiang Shun, a renowned expert in his time. It's not surprising he had the means to acquire such equipment. But look at this list of chemicals. Some are exclusively developed by our institute. Someone within our walls might've had dealings with him."

Shao Qi observed Geng Qinglu's reactions closely, wanting to see if he'd recognize the anomaly of the research institute's materials appearing in the lab.

Geng Qinglu frowned, murmuring, "These quantities seem familiar." He suggested to Shao Qi, "It's possible they impersonated someone or acquired these through third-party vendors."

"Is that so? I hope you'll investigate further. Once cleaned up, the lab will be transferred to the military hospital for research. Please ensure a smooth transition."

As Shao Qi departed, he switched on an electronic monitor to observe Geng Qinglu's reactions and listen to their conversation.

Zhou You curiously inquired, "You suspect him?"

"Lin Shuqing blurted out that Geng Qinglu betrayed him. That means he likely knew about this lab. But did he act like he was aware?" Shao Qi believed there was more to Geng Qinglu than met the eye.

Zhou You wasn't particularly interested. They were about to leave Jiangnan base, and hitching a ride with the research institute was the easiest way out. With commercial planes no longer in operation, flights to and from Jiangnan base were scarce.

"I'd like to recommend Li Yunxi to Captain Long. Their Dragon Team had some casualties this time, and they might need reinforcements. Li Yunxi has shown rapid progress and is almost a mid-level martial artist now, with a recent breakthrough in her inner strength. Being with them could provide her a more stable life."

After hearing this, Shao Qi's eyes brightened with approval, "That's a good idea. Long Gan is a responsible leader. They've been recognized for their achievements this time, and the government will reward them accordingly. It'd be wise for Li Yunxi to stay with them."

"We should ask her first. If she's reluctant, let's drop the idea. What she wants most is revenge. What if I tell her that those people are already dead? I don’t want her consumed by hatred. Even though anger can drive potential, it can be very consuming."

Seeing Geng Qinglu leave the lab, Shao Qi turned off the surveillance and asked Zhou You, "Where are you heading next? Are you still planning on going to Yangcheng?"

"Initially, our destination was Yangcheng. Unexpectedly, so much happened just by resting at the Jiangnan base. No one needs to settle in the Yangcheng base now, so it doesn't really matter whether we go or not."

"If you want to go to Shuguang City, you can join the researchers."

"What about you?" Zhou You asked curiously, not waiting for an answer he added, "You were heading to Jiangnan base, right? If we hadn't encountered that snowstorm, would you have left as planned?"

Reflecting on their arrival at Jiangnan base, from searching for the life stone to his interim presidency, creating an education platform, and destroying the underground lab – it all felt too planned and not random.

Shao Qi pondered seriously, seeming uncertain himself, "Things happen as they do, and no one can predict what might've occurred under different circumstances."

"I'm still on leave, so you can choose any destination. I can guide you." Shao Qi genuinely offered. He felt more accomplished resolving issues out in the field than attending endless meetings back home.

"What's Shuguang City like?" Zhou You was curious. While he intended to go there, he wanted to explore and understand the world a bit more before venturing in.