Shao Qi stood up, instructing Zhao Jinghao to clear the area and deal with the remaining insects. With proper protection, a single insect has limited damage. Their psychic attacks would be as ineffective as a tickle.

"Perhaps there's a leader among them that can command and concentrate their psychic power."

"It's not unlikely. Such a massive swarm usually has a leader, but whether it's alive or dead remains unknown."

By the time they finished clearing the battlefield, it was dawn. The alarm was lifted, and residents who had sheltered underground overnight started returning home. Soon, many workers were instructed to repair the roads at the city gate.

With ready supplies, the area was restored in a few days. However, the losses were significant. The Jiangnan military lost 90% of its heavy weapons accumulated over the years, a squad perished, and 36 civilians didn't make it back.

Two days later, a commendation ceremony was held. Zhou You was to receive the City Hero Medal. Apart from his previous achievements, he was the first to spot the insects and played the most significant role in their defeat.

Zhou You had another mission today. However, in the morning, he was spotted by the media in formal attire heading to the city center. Journalists briefly interviewed him as he entered the grand hall.

But after entering, he quickly changed outfits and exited through the back door, leaving a body double with a similar stature behind.

Long Gan kept a close watch on the Ren family. At dawn, the Ren siblings left their home, carrying a basket, claiming to pay respects to their deceased parents. At the cemetery, they placed items in a stone box, camouflaged as part of a gravestone.

Before Zhou You could act, an old figure in black appeared from among the gravestones. He passed by the Ren family's grave without any noticeable gesture, but now had a bag in his possession.

"A psychic manipulator!" Zhou You and Shao Qi exclaimed simultaneously.

"And seemingly a powerful one at that."

"No wonder the Ren family employs him. His origins remain a mystery, likely from another region."

"Since the revival of ancient martial arts, various reclusive families have emerged. They keep a low profile; perhaps he's one of them."

"Regardless, we need what he has first. We'll act once he leaves the base." Zhou You followed discreetly, with only Shao Qi and Long Gan beside him. Xuan Wei was still in seclusion, and the other disciples were near the Ren residence, watching for any changes.

"Psychic manipulators have a broad observational range. Since we know he's leaving the city, it might be best to wait outside to avoid detection." Shao Qi suggested.

Zhou You sent the two away, and followed the man himself, "I need to ensure he doesn't switch out midway. Once we arrive at the rendezvous, we'll act together."

"Agreed," nodded Shao Qi.

Chapter 203: On the Trail

Zhou You trailed the man all over the base, and on several occasions, he doubted if he had been discovered. The man's route was clearly deliberate and circuitous. Eventually, the man entered a museum, and Zhou You almost gave up.

But today, Zhou You was determined to retrieve the item from him. So, he changed his outfit in a nearby store, purchased a hat, and followed the man into the museum.

The museum was packed over the weekend. At first, Zhou You couldn't spot the man, thinking he had lost him. But as he was heading to the restroom, he recognized the man as they brushed past each other.

Zhou You casually entered the restroom and quickly exited, trailing the man again. Internally, he marveled at the man's disguising skills. Had it not been for the distinct surge of psychic energy he felt, Zhou You wouldn't have recognized him.

This time, the man was more direct. At the museum's entrance, he hailed a taxi which took him to a subway station near the inner city exit.

Inside the subway station's restroom, the man changed his appearance once again, now looking like a middle-aged man in city defense uniform. His facial features were almost unchanged, but his demeanor was entirely different.

"Is this man an Oscar-worthy actor or what?" Zhou You also changed his outfit, wearing a backpack, easily passing as a college student.

The two headed towards security, one after the other. The man flashed an ID and passed right through. Zhou You had an ID too, but he chose to queue up for the security check.

When Zhou You came out, the man had disappeared. However, there was only one way out of the city, and only one available vehicle, unless the man had his own ride.

Zhou You assumed the man would drive himself, given his cautious nature. It seemed unlikely he would risk taking public transport for a long journey.

Zhou You headed to the armored vehicle parking area, which housed all the base's armored cars. At that time, he saw only one vehicle leave.

They had parked there earlier, so Zhou You started up another car and quickly followed. He carefully extended his psychic energy, maintaining a distance, and identified the man from his silhouette.

The man's caution was remarkable; anyone else might have lost his trail a while ago.

Once outside the city, there was just a narrow path for vehicles. The road was still wet, with several areas cordoned off. On the vast open square, Zhou You's and the man's vehicles stood out. The man soon noticed the car trailing him. After driving on the new path for a bit, he pulled over, seemingly letting Zhou You pass.

Zhou You stopped beside him, greeted, "Brother, are you traveling alone? Aren't you afraid of the creatures outside?"

Pointing to his arm badge, the man replied, "I'm on a job. What about you? You're so young; isn't it too risky traveling alone?"

"No worries. My companion is waiting ahead. I got held up for a bit. I'll be on my way. Goodbye." Zhou You drove off. Through his rear-view mirror, he could see the man smoking, watching him with a caution that was unnerving.