Shao Qi entered some codes into the control panel, and a 3D map of the surrounding area appeared on the screen.

Adjusting the map's viewpoint, he remarked, "We're just a kilometer from our target. Let's scout the situation first."

Zhou You leaned in to observe Shao Qi's operations, secretly memorizing the steps. Upon glancing at the screen, he spotted several red silhouettes.

"Found them," said Shao Qi, zooming in. The figures were unmistakably human, five in total. Their faces weren't discernible, but even if they were, he wouldn't recognize Master Wei. Their previous encounter had the latter fully cloaked, making him elusive.

"What's our next move? These five are likely tougher than the ones we faced earlier. If Master Wei is truly among them, I'm unsure if even the two of us combined could match him."

Shao Qi acknowledged the concern, realizing that they couldn't call for backup now. These five were probably waiting for their comrades to return. By dawn, if their fellows hadn't returned, they'd know something was amiss.

"Let's wait and see," said Shao Qi, closing his eyes for a brief respite. His energy flow felt blocked, making combat a non-option. Relying solely on Zhou You posed too great a risk.

Zhou You, respecting his comrade's need for rest, began curiously inspecting the vehicle. It was lavishly decorated with leather seats, a mini fridge, and several hidden compartments.

Upon opening one compartment, Zhou You discovered an array of guns. They seemed different from older models – more compact and similar to the one Shao Qi had gifted him.

Hearing the commotion, Shao Qi looked over and commented, "Impressive stockpile. This group isn't ordinary."

Zhou You handed a gun to Shao Qi, seeking instructions.

Shao Qi showed him how to operate it, adjusting the laser's intensity based on the program. The weapon was designed for efficient energy use, ensuring optimal power without waste.

"Incredible. Who invented this? It's user-friendly, even a child could operate it. Is the handgun you gave me from the same manufacturer?"

"Yes, it's a patented product from the Sixth Military Factory. The smaller the size, the higher the price. While there are no restrictions on gun ownership now, not everyone can produce them. Military weapons are produced exclusively by central government-designated factories. Still, there's no shortage of illicit weapons in the black market. These guns, however, are legitimate. Their owners must be of significant stature."

Chapter 039: Fate Decides Life and Death, Fortune Lies in the Heavens.

Shao Qi opened the hidden compartment behind his right hand to reveal numerous illicit drugs. These substances were harder to come by than arms and ammunition. It seemed the deaths of those men weren't unjustified.

"Should we split it evenly since we're all here?" Zhou You asked excitedly.

Shao Qi glanced at him, suggesting, "You wouldn't have much use for these drugs. Give them all to me, and you can have the weapons."

"Alright," Zhou You was genuinely uninterested in the prohibited drugs, "Wow, they even have poison! Lucky they didn’t use it on us earlier; otherwise, we'd already be corpses."

Shao Qi picked up the smallest glass vial, which had a capacity of just one milliliter. He recognized such vials; they contained venom extracted from mutated beasts. A single vial could poison an entire convoy.

"Few dare to use this kind of lethal venom; it's easy to accidentally poison oneself. These men came so prepared; they must've committed countless crimes before."

"Being a disciple of Master Wei alone suggests they are questionable. The techniques they practice clearly deviate from the orthodox path. However, these few don't seem to have mastered it, probably haven't learned for long."

"It might also be that their technique isn't easy to cultivate. Do you think they can easily find thousands of people for their ritual sacrifice?"

"So, what's the plan now? Do we launch a surprise attack or strategically take them down one by one?"

Shao Qi looked at him in astonishment, "You know strategic warfare?"

"It's just a euphemism. Essentially, we send someone to lure them in. Given Master Wei's stature, he'll send his disciples and guards. We should neutralize them first."

"Who will we send?" Shao Qi stared intently at Zhou You, who quickly retorted, "Obviously you. Since you can't fight, you'll serve as bait. Don't worry, I've got your back."

Shao Qi clenched his teeth, replying sarcastically, "Do you really think I'm that charismatic? We have a more suitable candidate right here."

Both men's eyes shifted to the white tiger cub in the backseat. The speed of the recent car chase nearly made it pass out. Now, it was napping deeply on the seat.

"No way!" Zhou You refused. "It's too weak. They'll capture it before it can draw them out."

"You underestimate it. As long as it stays away, they won’t easily catch it when it runs."

"But..."

Shao Qi sighed with an air of resentment, "Alright, since you're so attached, I'll go. With my current injuries, I'll probably only lure one or two. After that, it's all up to you. Fate decides life and death; fortune lies in the heavens. If something happens to me, please deliver my body and belongings to 28 Chaoyang Street, Dawn City."

Zhou You turned away, irritated. Shao Qi was truly shameless, pulling this move on him.

As Zhou You cursed Shao Qi for his deceit, he hugged the white tiger cub, repeating his instructions thrice. He even animatedly acted them out, fearing the cub might not understand.

Leaning against the car, Shao Qi watched Zhou You patiently teach the cub, finding the scene amusingly heartwarming. It looked just like a parent guiding a child. No wonder the cub was so attached to Zhou You—it probably saw him as its mother.

If Shao Qi recalled correctly, he had killed a mutated white tiger on that fateful night. It didn't have wings, and he wondered if it could have been this cub's mother.