Shao Qi knew how perilous the world outside the city was. But with their team's strength, unless they encountered an exceptionally ferocious high-level mutated creature, their lives weren't in immediate danger. Even if they couldn't win a fight, they had the means to escape.

"Stop worrying so much. They are seasoned soldiers capable of leading their own squads. A minor mission like this is a piece of cake for them. Besides, no mission is without its dangers," Shao Qi said, sitting down by the barbecue. He patted the little white tiger's head and chuckled, "Come on, let's enjoy some grilled meat in this snowy weather. Nothing beats it."

Zhou You inspected the ingredients and then brought out a pot to prepare hot pot. While the meat was somewhat scarce, they didn't have to worry about vegetables at the base. Even though they were grown in greenhouses, their taste was impeccable.

"Hot pot with grilled meat, such delightful times," mused Shao Qi, remembering there was a wine cellar in the house. He fetched two bottles of white wine.

Taking one, Zhou You exclaimed, "Goodness! This is a century-old fine wine. Must be quite valuable."

"Is the Heavy Sword Sect really that wealthy?"

"Every sect is wealthy nowadays. Why else would everyone be eager to establish their own? Those with high social status can easily earn money. While ordinary people's wages are low, martial artists earn dozens of times more and have other sources of income. If they're diligent, given our proximity to the Yunlan Mountains, they could earn a fortune hunting."

"Like the Dragon Team, for instance?" Zhou You had interacted with the Dawn Squad and Dragon Team, and overall, they seemed like good teams. They genuinely worked for the good of the nation, despite a few bad apples.

"I wonder where Captain Li and his team are now," Zhou You said with genuine concern. With the weather as it was, he wished they had left the city a couple of days later to avoid the snowstorm.

Shao Qi glanced at the boiling soup as a piece of frozen tofu expanded. Swiftly picking it up, he noted that the food cooled down rapidly when exposed to the cold air. Any delay and you'd bite into icy chunks.

"In this weather... I fear the worst," Shao Qi murmured. The journey from Jiangnan base to Yang City base had become easier, but the current conditions made it unpredictable.

The pleasant sound of a doorbell rang out. Zhou You and Shao Qi exchanged glances. Their house was a distance from the main gate, but neither wanted to move.

"Who could it be at this hour?"

Shao Qi went back to the living room and answered the video call. A young man in military attire, looking anxious, stood at the mansion's entrance.

"What is it?" Shao Qi asked.

The young man hesitated before saying, "Mr. Shao, is Mr. Zhou there? Lieutenant Colonel Zhao has returned. He brought a woman and specifically asked for Mr. Zhou."

"Zhao Jinghao? Didn't he go to the supply station outside the city?"

"Yes, he did, with five hundred men. But... less than half returned," the young man's voice broke, struggling with the grief.

"We'll be right there," said Shao Qi and ended the call.

Leaving a note inside, Shao Qi told Zhou You, "Keep the tiger inside the courtyard. We need to head to the military base."

Seeing Shao Qi's grave expression, Zhou You quickly locked up the little white tiger, instructing it not to leave, before joining him.

Once outside, Zhou You asked, "Is there a problem?"

"Brace yourself. It might be bad news."

A pang of dread hit Zhou You. "Is... it the Dawn Squad?"

With few ties to people or events, Zhou You knew Shao Qi's words were related to him. Just moments ago, they had discussed the Dawn Squad, not expecting grim news so soon.

At the military base, Zhou You immediately noticed Li Yunxi, wrapped in someone's military coat, her hair disheveled, and face smeared with blood.

Seeing Zhou You, she rushed to him, crying hysterically, "Zhou You! They're all gone! All of them! Please help me!"

Comforting her, Zhou You inquired, "What happened? Did they encounter mutant beasts?"

Li Yunxi continued sobbing, seemingly unaware of his questions.

Zhou You turned to Zhao Jinghao, hoping for an explanation.

With a deep wound on his back being treated, Zhao Jinghao pounded the table in frustration, "When my men and I arrived, all we saw were limbs scattered everywhere, nearly consumed by mutant beasts. Only she survived, hiding in a metal box. But she's been silent, just crying!"

Zhao Jinghao was equally infuriated. Had he been privy to certain crucial information, perhaps his men wouldn't have suffered such heavy losses.

"On our way back with her, we were surrounded by a horde of mutated beasts. Damn, these creatures have grown incredibly cunning, even employing tactics. Many of us died during our escape. This woman, upon seeing those beasts, went wild, wielding her hammer left and right. She saved many of us, and it seemed she even had a breakthrough mid-fight."