Shao Qi's jet was the first to rise. He saw several jets taken down by the flock, relayed information to the ground leader, and asked for a rescue operation.

"These geese don't seem to be mutated," Zhou You observed after a while.

"Indeed, they aren't. They're probably migratory birds. They used to migrate south past the Yunlan Mountains, but this year, perhaps they can't make it over the range."

"Whether human or animal, adaptation to the environment is essential. Otherwise, they'll be outpaced by evolution."

The jets that managed to evade hovered at high altitude. The freezing air at this height could crack glass, so they couldn't linger. The flock, having lost many geese and disrupted by the jets, began to disband. Overly exhausted and chilled, many geese plummeted into the snow below—some immediately captured by beasts, while others managed to rest on tree branches.

However, this rest meant they'd never catch up to the rest. Death awaited them regardless.

Few survivors were retrieved from the crashed jets. The rest succumbed to grave injuries. No one expected that the first casualties would result from a passing flock of geese.

"Collect yourselves and move on. Those with minor injuries, stay with us. The severely injured, get to the jets." Zhuo Hao commanded methodically.

The mood grew somber. Zhuo Hao quipped, "You can't be this shaken, right? It's the apocalypse; harsh conditions are expected. Every mission has its casualties. To make it back alive, you must be on high alert. Small oversights can cost lives. The path ahead is perilous, so be extra careful."

Someone retorted, "We didn't have to venture into the mountains. Why did we?"

With a stoic expression, Zhuo Hao nodded, "You're right. Today you can roam and return with the carcasses of a few wild beasts as proof. But what about tomorrow? They'll come back, following the scent you've left, tracking it all the way to the base. You'll end up fighting again."

"But even if we clear out these creatures in the mountains today, will there be none descending tomorrow?"

"It's not possible to eliminate them all. However, we can reduce their numbers and let them feel the might of humans early on. Highly intelligent mutated creatures won't attack rashly."

"First Squad, be aware—there's a large pit about fifty meters to your left. Watch your step."

Upon hearing the warning, Zhuo Hao signaled the team to halt. The sparse trees around this area differed from other places. Underneath the thick snow, the ground remained obscured.

He explained to his team, "Areas with fewer trees usually hide beast dens or are home to insects that significantly change the terrain. Stay cautious."

All soldiers skated with snow poles. Reactivity in times of danger was crucial. As soon as they heard "watch your step", many swapped their ski poles for guns.

Zhou You also noticed something off about First Squad's location. He slowly landed his fighter plane at the earlier spot, hovering about fifty meters above ground. He used his psychic power to get a clearer sense of the surroundings.

"Is there something beneath?" Shao Qi inquired.

"I haven't noticed anything. But haven't we passed here before? It seems familiar."

Recalling Zhou You's reminder, Shao Qi remembered that they had once rested here one night, clearing a patch of forest. The new trees probably hadn't grown fully, and the stumps were hidden by the snow.

"Seems we worried for nothing."

Zhou You had resumed his seat, looking down at the cautious crowd below. He said to Shao Qi, "I'll lead them. We can't afford to lose any more from the Jiangnan Military Region, especially considering the explanation we'd have to give to Commander Ren upon return."

After all, it was Shao Qi and his team that had insisted on venturing into these woods. Significant losses would severely diminish their reputation.

Shao Qi seemed unbothered, "Danger is everywhere. As long as they follow instructions, there won't be major casualties... Hey, what are you doing?"

Shao Qi watched in astonishment as Zhou You opened the aircraft door and jumped straight out. Bouncing lightly off the tree canopy, he landed smoothly, his legs buried in the snow.

Everyone heard the whistling of the wind. When they looked up, they saw Zhou You free-falling from the aircraft, landing effortlessly.

"Isn't that as high as a ten-story building? Can he fly?"

"Perhaps he's mastered some secret martial art that allows him to. At this point, I'd believe humans have superpowers."

"Don't we all have some abilities? Just not elemental ones like earth, fire, water. I wonder what kind of martial arts Mr. Zhou practices. I wish he'd offer lessons."

Zhou You pulled his legs free, gesturing an 'OK' sign to the aircraft above. Approaching Zhuo Hao, he said, "I'll scout ahead. Follow cautiously."

Familiar with Zhou You's capabilities, Zhuo Hao agreed, "Alright, we'll follow your lead."

Chapter 081: Close Calls without Danger

The First Squad witnessed the epitome of 'walking on snow without leaving a trace'.

Zhou You's feet left no imprints on the snow, an unheard-of skill.

Soldiers admire strength. Power doesn't represent everything, but it can earn respect. Zhuo Hao's leadership and prowess highlighted the gap the Jiangnan Military Region soldiers saw in themselves.

Crossing a mountain, they encountered only a few wild beasts—some injured, some weak. Powerful mutants typically reside deeper in the mountains, seldom seen on the outskirts.