Crocodiles can lie motionless for days on end. Their need for food isn't intense. Insects and birds around here are their prey, so the passing caravan of vehicles barely piqued their interest. The convoy passed without incident.

The expanse of the marshland was overwhelming, and the consistent black could lead to melancholy over time. As dusk approached, a heavy rain further reduced visibility. The headlights, instead of helping, attracted swarms of insects. On several occasions, the windshield was entirely covered with bugs, obstructing the view.

Those like Xuan Jue, who suffered from trypophobia, dared not even open their eyes. The sight of countless bugs up close could make him lose his composure.

"What should we do? Should we spray insect repellent again?" someone inquired.

Shao Qi's vehicle was at the forefront, experiencing the worst of the disturbance. He swapped seats with the driver, took the wheel himself, and flipped a switch on the vehicle. Those with keen ears might've detected a faint humming sound.

Shortly after, the mosquitoes on the windows began to scatter, making the view through the glass far less intimidating.

He informed everyone, "These vehicles are equipped with high-frequency vibrators. They're particularly effective against small bugs. Everyone, give it a go. It's the button in the middle of the last row on the right."

Zhou You pressed the button for his driver and, indeed, heard the distinct hum, followed by the frenzied buzzing of mosquitoes fleeing the sound. Their vast numbers created a chaotic symphony. Sometimes, keen hearing isn't always a blessing.

"The vibrator has a time limit. It needs a ten-minute break every hour, so keep track of the time. We don't want to drain the vehicle's battery," he warned.

At night, stopping for a break was impossible. Everyone took turns driving, each vehicle tailing the one before. In such pitch-black surroundings, any lapse in concentration might lead to getting left behind, and no one was brave enough to journey alone in this environment.

While eating and resting were manageable, attending to nature's call was a challenge. The vehicles were packed, personal space was limited, and there were four women among them. The options were to either hold it in or climb atop the vehicle to relieve oneself.

But standing atop wasn't safe either. The moment one was exposed, swarms of mosquitoes would attack. In just a brief moment, any exposed skin would be riddled with bites, causing unbearable itching.

More frighteningly, a young man once tumbled off the vehicle roof while relieving himself. The spot where he landed was a deep pit, and he was instantly swallowed by the muck. Despite efforts with a rope from his companions, they couldn't retrieve him.

After that incident, no one dared to use the vehicle's roof. They drank only when absolutely necessary, even resorting to nutrient fluids to minimize fluid intake. In desperate times, using bags or bottles inside the vehicle, then tossing them out, was deemed safer than risking life.

At this point, no one bothered about modesty. Miao Miao, accustomed to mingling with men during her military service, wasn't fazed. However, the other two women found it a tad uncomfortable.

Of the two women, one hailed from Yueyang Sect, said to be the niece of Master Tong, and was grouped with Li Yunxi. The other was a martial arts instructor in a school and was teamed up with Miao Miao. Both weren't particularly powerful and kept to themselves, following orders efficiently, proving more resolute than some men.

Chapter 168: Marshlands (Continued)

"Everyone, be cautious!" Shao Qi slammed on the brakes, swiftly steering right to avoid an emerging whirlpool, only noticing it as they neared.

The trailing vehicles followed suit, swerving around the whirlpool. Another close shave.

"Shao, let me take over," Sang Liwu offered loudly. Shao Qi had been driving for six hours straight, and the strain of the night was evident.

Shao Qi declined, "When dawn breaks, you can. For now, we'll alternate. We need to be on high alert."

Sang Liwu nodded in understanding. If Shao Qi faltered, it could jeopardize the entire convoy's safety.

"Look ahead! What's that? Black mist?" someone pointed to a moving dark mass, resembling a black tornado.

"No good, it's a swarm of flying insects!" Shao Qi gave a brief glance around the vehicle, then handed the wheel to another, spoke into his headset, "Reduce speed to the minimum, and stay calm." He then handed a gun to Sang Liwu, saying, "Follow me."

The two jumped off the vehicle. The muddy ground beneath felt unsettlingly surreal, especially for someone of Sang Liwu's stature, who constantly felt on the verge of sinking.

"Stay calm. Our armored boots are specialized. As long as you don't step down too hard, they can momentarily bear your weight. Follow me, we must disperse that swarm of dark insects."

In their hands were laser guns of the highest caliber. Once they were close enough, Shao Qi ordered, "You aim low, I'll aim high. Three shots each."

"Understood."

"On three—fire!"

Twin beams of light shot out. Only from a close range could one truly grasp the staggering number of these dark insects. With just two shots, billions of insects were obliterated. Yet, in the grand scheme, it was just the tip of the iceberg, as the void created was rapidly filled.

The duo took careful aim and fired their second and third shots. Sensing the threat, the mutated swarm began to panic. Instead of immediately closing up their ranks, they started to spread outward. The once tornado-like formation now filled the sky, and they all converged on Shao Qi and his companion.

"Back to the vehicle!" Shao Qi yelled, rushing back to the car with Sang Liwu. Then, addressing everyone inside, he said, "Drive faster, keep the windows shut, and ignore these insects." Without their collective strength, individual insects weren't very threatening. Once the windows and doors were shut, they couldn't get in.

Sang Liwu felt a shiver of retrospect. Had the third shot failed to scatter the swarm, they would've been in a tough spot. The laser gun in his hand was still warm. Such a high-energy weapon consumed a lot, and three shots might have been its limit.