"Is this internal energy?"

"Could he be a psychic manipulator?"

"I...I have no objections." Don't underestimate the young. As long as their martial arts skills are advanced, age is not an issue.

"Now that there are no issues, let's distribute weapons and equipment. Keep your preferred weapons, and depending on the situation, carry some extra. Each vehicle is stocked with ample supplies, so there's no need to worry about running out of ammunition."

As Zhuo Hao and his team began unloading boxes of firearms and ammunition, everyone was taken aback. This was not something an ordinary household could possess. It was incredibly professional. Besides the weapons, there were also boxes of auxiliary tools. Everyone watched in awe as Zhuo Hao launched several drones, informing them, "These are for reconnaissance. They're deployed at the front, middle, and back of the convoy. You can monitor them anytime. If a drone detects any anomalies, it will sound an alarm. If you're unfamiliar with the tools you receive, ask early on. You all need to familiarize yourselves quickly during this journey."

In addition to weapons, each person also received a suit of armor. Miao Miu demonstrated how to wear it. The all-black armor covered from head to toe. As she donned it, she explained, "The helmet is the most crucial part. I recommend wearing it at all times except when sleeping. The ear covers have built-in radios with a range of one kilometer. The visor offers night and telescopic vision, which you can experiment with. The chest plate is made from the hardest material. Currently, no weapon can penetrate it. However, its protection is limited. A martial artist with profound internal energy can shatter bones with a single palm strike, rendering even the toughest armor useless."

"The gloves and arm guards can adjust their rigidity, suitable for both offense and defense. This armor is resistant to both water and fire, unaffected by cold or heat. Don't consider it cumbersome; you wouldn't be able to buy this even if you wanted to. You should get accustomed to wearing it in battle, as it can enhance your combat capability by twenty percent."

Everyone was in awe. This kind of advanced technology surpassed their current understanding. It was clear that this mission was of utmost importance. Otherwise, such invaluable equipment and substantial rewards wouldn't be offered.

"I have a question." A nondescript middle-aged man raised his hand.

"Go ahead."

"Is this mission very dangerous?"

Miao Miu circled him, scoffing, "What do you think? Would you have received these weapons if it wasn't?

"So... will we die?"

"We haven't even left, and you're already fearing death? Those afraid can go home. But let me kindly remind you that our group isn't the most dangerous one. You're in luck. There will be military forces on the front lines drawing enemy fire. Be grateful."

Sang Li Wu, touching his suit, said contentedly, "Fortune favors the brave. Besides, our mission carries great significance. Even without the rewards, this journey is worth it."

Shao Qi lifted his helmet visor, revealing a resolute face. He addressed the group, "Alright, if there are no more questions, get on the vehicles. We won't be stopping mid-journey today. Food and water are on board. Brace yourselves." He walked to the lead vehicle, with only Sang Li Wu being a familiar face. The rest were elated; in terms of combat prowess, their vehicle was undoubtedly among the top.

The convoy set off. Within a hundred miles from the base, mutated creatures were nowhere to be seen, a testament to the regular patrols conducted by Yang City. Thus, those living in the base felt relatively safe.

By dusk, the convoy reached the banks of the Yangtze River. The former bridge that spanned the river no longer existed. Now, there was only a suspension bridge. To prevent mutated creatures from destroying it, both ends of the bridge had to be re-anchored each time.

Shao Qi disembarked, leading Miao Miu and the others over. They efficiently anchored the bridge using their toolkit. Zhuo Hao then ziplined across, securing the other end in just ten minutes and signaled for the others to follow.

Xuan Jue curiously inquired, "Does Mr. Shao frequently travel this route?"

Shao Qi, putting away his tools, replied, "I designed this bridge. Even the warning stele at the beginning of the bridge was erected under my instruction. Let's cross now."

The armored vehicle swayed precariously as it rolled over the suspension bridge. Though everyone rationally knew it wouldn't fall, the intensity of the wobbling was unnerving. In Tang Jiu's vehicle, Tang Jiu was at the wheel, and the young man in the co-pilot seat gripping the armrest tightly asked, "Captain, have you crossed this before?"

"Several times. The bridge is stable; there's no need to worry."

"This... this is your idea of stable?"

"Absolutely. No one will die, so relax."

The reassurance did little to comfort his teammate, but once all the vehicles had safely crossed, those crossing for the first time heaved a sigh of relief, including Zhou You. Honestly, he would have preferred to walk across the bridge rather than ride over it; it felt too unstable.

After the bridge crossing, as night rapidly approached, Shao Qi led the convoy to an abandoned supply station for rest. The dilapidated station had nothing left inside but the roof and four walls. Though the ground floor was littered with animal droppings, the second floor was relatively clean. Everyone settled in, made a fire, boiled water, and after their meal, they wrapped up in temperature-regulating sleeping bags and went to sleep.

Shao Qi and Zhou You shared a tent, which was warmer than the outside. Their double sleeping bag and the warmth of their bodies ensured they weren't cold.

"Today went too smoothly," Zhou You murmured, resting his head on Shao Qi's shoulder. "It seems like everyone's guard is down."

"Don't worry. This stretch is the peaceful part. Tomorrow won't be as easy. This journey will test them enough."

Chapter 166: Midnight Escape

The night was not as tranquil as hoped. Around 3 a.m., while the night watch was struggling to stay awake, they began to hear faint rustling sounds, as if someone was moving on the snowy ground.

Before he could fully open his eyes, a spider the size of a human head rapidly crawled up his calf. His warrior instincts kicked in, and he jumped up, shaking his leg. Another person nearby swiftly shot the blue mutated spider, which fell to the ground and quickly scurried into the crowd.