Tan Yuan Chun's expression changed abruptly. Whose squad is this? He was sure the Gu family wouldn't send anyone to aid him. Could it be a coincidental encounter with an exploration team?

Yao Chen immediately recognized the cars. He directed his people to retreat, soon finding cover behind the vehicles. He also noticed Shao Qi and his men disembarking.

"Tsk tsk, Captain Yao seems a bit disheveled," Miao Miao remarked with feigned sympathy, one hand on her hip.

"Who are they?" the people in the car asked. It's evident that two groups are clashing here. Now that they've aided one side, the other won't easily let go. It seems a fight is inevitable.

However, they are neither soldiers nor Shao Qi's personal troops. They won't act rashly without a clear understanding.

Yao Chen saluted Shao Qi and reported, "Commander, the first squad has not completed the mission. Awaiting your instructions!"

Observing their injuries, Shao Qi replied solemnly, "Hold off the mutated beasts from the rear. Leave the people on the other side to me."

He addressed everyone, "Those on the opposite side are here to steal the satellite. They're from the Gu family of Dawn City. You can choose to stand aside and not participate in the battle. But if you side with the Gu family, you're no longer needed for this mission. You may leave immediately."

At least half of the team hesitated at the mention of the Gu family. While confronting the group on the other side isn't difficult, the challenge lies in the potential ramifications of going against the Gu family.

It's the Gu family, one of the most influential in Dawn City. While the head of the army bears the surname Shao, the central military isn't united. The Gu family also has significant military power, and it's rumored that the talented head of their family has reached the Martial Marshal realm. The next Marshal position is up in the air.

Engaging in this battle is a clear indication of allegiance. If the Gu family prevails in the future, the families of those involved might face retaliation. In front of a behemoth like the Gu family, they are merely ants.

But the importance of this mission is evident. Even the Gu family has sent people. It's still uncertain who will come out on top.

"Shao..." Before Tan Yuan Chun could say more, he found himself unable to speak. Severe pain coursed through him, and when he looked down, the tail of a steel dart was visible.

"Captain Tan..."

"Leader..." The people behind him were stunned by this sudden turn. How had their leader been taken out so quickly?

"They have a psychic manipulator!" someone exclaimed.

That hidden weapon was both swift and accurate. They had been watching the opponents closely and hadn't missed a move. It could only be a psychic manipulator launching a surprise attack, making it nearly impossible to defend against.

Zhou You stepped out from behind Shao Qi. Shao Qi grasped his hand and said with a smile, "You sure are quick."

"Should we kill them?" Zhou You asked, pointing to the remaining opponents. With their leader down, their will to fight had dissipated.

Shao Qi walked over and without taking action, addressed one of the young men, "Yuan Chen Chen, 25 years old. Your teacher introduced you to the army. A junior martial artist and previously a key trainee in the military. You defected to the Gu family for a woman and then resigned to join the Gu family's private force. Do you regret it?"

Without waiting for an answer, he turned to another, "Xue Jin Meng, 33 years old, a graduate of the National Defense University. You encountered the apocalypse right after graduation. Unable to become a warrior for a long time, you took up clerical duties, and after a brawl with a colleague, you faced disciplinary action. Two years later, you became a warrior, resigning from the military to join the Gu family. I heard you've invented some impressive weapons."

Shao Qi quickly skimmed through several names, recalling their records effortlessly. Most had been from the Central Corps, yet none had seen Shao Qi's true face, leaving them unaware that the man before them was Marshal Shao.

In the army, there wasn't a single person who didn't revere Marshal Shao. Even if they grew disillusioned with the Central Corps, their respect for the Marshal remained. But now, with their positions changed, they wouldn't show Shao Qi any deference.

"What's your intent in mentioning all this? To expose our secrets? To humiliate us before our end?"

Shao Qi shook his head. "You're too pessimistic. I'm merely pointing out that you all are the pillars of our nation, the true elites. Losing any of you for a single cause would be a national loss. I'll let you go, but if you obstruct us again, I won't be merciful next time."

Xue Jinmeng hesitantly asked, "You're letting us go? Why?"

Another man shouted angrily, "Just because you say so, we should leave? You killed Captain Tan. We'll seek vengeance for him!"

"Enough with the diversions! He's just stalling. Everyone, quickly..." The man's voice trailed off as he suddenly found himself immobilized, as if bound by invisible ropes.

"Witchcraft! It must be witchcraft!" He cried out for help. His comrades exchanged uncertain glances until Yuan Chenchen addressed Shao Qi, "We can leave and abandon our mission, but you must guarantee our safety."

"Of course."

The paralyzed man found himself able to move again, quickly retreating, his eyes darting about anxiously.

"One last question," Yuan Chenchen stopped in front of Shao Qi.

Shao Qi nodded, prompting him to proceed.

"Who are you?"

Chapter 178: Setting Off Together

Shao Qi blinked, pointing to a body on the ground, "Didn't he tell you who I am?" He referred to Tan Yuanchun, who had met him before. Their disputes with the Gu family weren't recent news. As one of Gu Zhuo's confidantes, Tan Yuanchun had encountered him several times.

Yuan Chenchen decided not to pursue the question any further, only to hear a soft chuckle, "My last name is Shao."

Yuan Chenchen's pupils contracted. Looking at Yao Chen and the others behind Shao Qi, all former military colleagues, he recognized the Shao surname. But who would dare connect this man to Marshal Shao unless it was explicitly stated?