"Right, let's go. If it really is a mutated tiger, it's not going to be easy to handle."

"I hope this isn't another one of those rascal's tricks."

Zhou You stood up, "Rest up here. I'm going to check the city."

Shao Qi reassured everyone, "How much can each of you truly contribute right now? Don't add to the chaos, just rest. It's just a mutated tiger. Can't we either fight it or outrun it?"

Zhou You sprinted at lightning speed. The others, though they tried, couldn’t keep up. Memories of the protective barrier he cast during the explosion brought tears to their eyes, "But Captain Zhou has overexerted his energy. It's too dangerous for him to go alone."

"Still, he's better off than you," Shao Qi retorted, his face a mask of cold indifference, revealing no hint of concern.

Someone murmured, "That's pretty cold, especially since that's his partner."

"It's not coldness, it's trust. Look at the speed Captain Zhou ran - does he seem weak to you?"

"Wonder what martial arts school Captain Zhou trained at to recover his energy so quickly."

"Ha, I'm thinking of asking him to be my master. I wonder if he’d take me as his disciple." The mystical nature of internal energy is both a source of aspiration and a realm out of reach for many. A guiding master, even if younger, would be a blessing.

"Haven’t you seen the training videos Captain Zhou recorded at the Jiangnan base?" Lin Yuan Kang, upon hearing the admiration, said, "I’ve gone through his lessons thrice. He’s taught everything he knows. The rest is up to personal enlightenment. I just can't grasp it."

Everyone fell silent, their enthusiasm dampened. True, internal strength is something you have to feel and understand; mere words can't convey its depth.

When Zhou You found the white tiger, it was perched atop a statue, grooming its fur. He couldn't resist snapping a photo with his phone. The sight of such a large, fluffy creature being docile was simply irresistible.

The white tiger, upon seeing Zhou You, leapt from the statue, barreling into him and knocking him into the snow. It then playfully licked his face.

The size difference between man and beast was considerable. Zhou You was enveloped by the tiger's warm fur, making it tempting to just stay cocooned.

"Alright, Little White, let me get up. We need to think of a strategy," Zhou You said as he got up, hugging the tiger's neck. As he stroked its fur, he murmured, "Now that they've seen you, you can stay close to our team. Shao Qi will ensure no one harms you. However, this means you won’t be as free anymore."

The tiger obviously didn’t understand, but Zhou You continued brainstorming, considering feigning the capture of this mutated beast or marking a trail for it to follow.

"Remember that perfume of mine you seem to like? I can sprinkle it as we go, so you can track us. If you’re hungry, you can find me." Noticing the time, Zhou You patted the tiger's head, "Go on, we should part ways now. Avoid any large groups. You might be formidable, but you can't handle an ambush."

As Zhou You returned to the outskirts, the teams had already converged. Before Qin Li Feng could even brief him on events, he saw Shao Qi zoom past, grabbing Chen Shu by the neck and hurling him to the ground. Others quickly tied up Chen Shu.

Once they learned of Chen Shu's betrayal, many wished they could tear him apart. He had deceived them into a trap that could have wiped out the entire team - a malicious plan!

"No, you... you have no proof. You’re framing me! I... I just wanted to get help. Zhuo Hao disagreed, so I ran. I thought he didn’t want to save everyone. I haven’t betrayed anyone!" Chen Shu repeatedly cried, desperate for the group to believe him.

Some believed he was too honest to commit such a deed, thinking there must be some misunderstanding and urging against using torture to extract the truth.

"Chen's been with the Yang City base for many years. Many people know him. How could he possibly be a spy?"

"Captain Shao, we need evidence for such accusations. We've already lost and injured many. We can't afford more casualties." Seeing Chen Shu's pitiful state, some felt sympathy.

Zhuo Hao and Long Gan had changed clothes, hiding their injuries. Hence, many couldn't empathize and thought that a perceived weakling like Chen Shu couldn't possibly outmaneuver so many.

As Chen Shu sat forlornly on the ground, silent, more voices of sympathy arose.

Shao Qi silently noted the individuals speaking, and remarked calmly, "There are indeed unresolved matters concerning this. Death is spared for now. However, the fact remains that he acted against military orders. He'll be punished with thirty military lashes and is restricted from moving freely for ten days, especially disembarking the vehicle."

"Aren't thirty lashes a bit excessive?" someone proposed. "We are on a forced march, and it may be hard to carry an injured man. It might be better to deal with him severely once we get back."

Recognizing him as an ally of Chen Shu, Shao Qi mused, "A few middle-aged men always forming a clique, wonder if their status can pass muster."

"Military law is absolute and shows no mercy. Rest assured, it's only thirty lashes. He can withstand it." Shao Qi signaled to Qin Lifen, who promptly seized Chen Shu, undertaking the punishment personally.

Zhuo Hao whispered, "Boss, why keep him? Half of us can testify, right?"

"He might still be of use. Keep an eye on him and ensure he doesn’t escape."

"Understood."

Chapter 176: A Woman’s Intuition

Zhou You emerged carrying a large bag of thick cotton clothes, explaining to everyone, "I chanced upon a shop selling old-style military coats in the city earlier. Anyone lacking proper attire can take one. As for that mutated tiger, I've lost track of it. We should set off quickly lest it emerges and causes harm."