The mountain colors were hazy, and a light rain was falling. As the mist gradually retreated, the sound of branches rubbing together echoed in the bustling valley, faint but detectable. A group of people was rapidly approaching.
Shadows flickered, figures intermingled.
By the time Qin Ningyi, having dealt with the people on the other side, rushed through the thick fog to this location, the mist had thinned considerably. He could faintly see trembling figures within the fog, among whom the small, slender figure must be Huo Rou, her movements crisp and decisive, blood mist scattering with each swing of her blade.
Before he could step forward, he heard Huo Rou's sharp, changed voice.
"Cheng Huang!"
As soon as the voice rang out, the gunshot followed. The sound fell, and the bullet arrived.
Perfect synergy!
"Big Brother, you're amazing! You can keep up with Sister Huo's brain!" The big-backed men from the Jiang family were somewhat excited.
Although they called Huo Rou "Sister" out of respect, most of them were older than her. It was merely a term of endearment because they often couldn't keep up with Huo Rou's thoughts...
Now, here was someone who could. They were greatly impressed and even had ideas brewing.
"Big Brother!" The leader, a man with a slicked-back hairstyle, chopped down an enemy with a swift blade and offered sincerely, "Which gang are you from? Come join our Jiang family!"
*Splat—*
He took down another, continuing his persuasion. "Our Jiang family is full of talented individuals, and it's not easy to stand out. But with your skills and intellect, I guarantee you'll be highly valued from the moment you join..."
Like a vendor praising his own wares, he thought gleefully, with this person joining, Sister Huo would have more opportunities to utilize their services.
How wonderful that would be!
"Pfft!" a young, tender voice chimed in.
"What are you laughing at, little milk bun?" someone from the Jiang family was displeased. They were being kind enough to recruit him, and people clamored to join the Jiang family like a rushing river. To gain their recognition was quite an achievement!
The young man flashed in front of the disgruntled individual, deliberately kicking an enemy that belonged to him away. His voice was light and effortless, "Our Captain Huang isn't interested in coming! What is the Jiang family to him..."
He trailed off mid-sentence, suddenly feeling Captain Huang's gaze, and quickly shut his mouth. He darted to Huo Rou's side to help.
Upon arriving, the young man noticed there was another person beside Huo Rou, and their combat skills were quite impressive!
They even used their brains when they fought!
Hmm, this probably wasn't someone from the Jiang family, was it?
He thought, and then, repeating his earlier tactic, darted in front of the person, intending to intercept his opponent.
"Ah!" The young man's yelp coincided with the person in front of him.
The latter's throat was slit by a thread, while the former was sent flying by a kick.
"My butt!"
Even through the mist, one could see a bouncing figure.
Huo Rou couldn't help but chuckle. Young people were truly energetic.
Ever since they arrived, this person's mouth hadn't stopped.
"Gu..." the young man's voice paused, "Sister Huo! You're still laughing!!"
Before Huo Rou could speak, Cheng Huang spoke first, "Little brat! Who are you talking to like that??"
His tone was cold and indifferent, yet full of authority.
As his voice faded, the young man stopped bouncing and yelling, becoming as docile as a quail.
After a moment of quiet, he gripped his knife and charged forward with a "hmph" to deal with the mechanisms.
After all, the enemies were almost dealt with. He'd clear the traps on the path, saving Huo Rou some trouble when they left.
Yes, he was quite sensible!
As the young man departed, Huo Rou apologized to Qin Ningyi, "He's a bit lively, don't take it to heart."
It was the first time Huo Rou had spoken up for someone else in front of him.
Qin Ningyi was momentarily stunned.
As the thick fog dispersed, the obstacles before them were all cleared.
Only then did Qin Ningyi get a clear look at the young man.
The group were all clad in sharp camouflage, their hats, goggles, and masks all in the same color scheme, almost blending into the jungle. It would have been difficult to distinguish them without a close look. The equipment they carried, however, was familiar to Qin Ningyi.
They were new weapons manufactured by factories under their group's banner.
This group was already using them!
Qin Ningyi observed them one by one. Though not many, their presence together was unified. Scattered, they were like piercing arrows; gathered, they formed an unbreakable blade!
They were not simple!
This was Qin Ningyi's first intuition.
Then, he saw a familiar pair of eyes.
The person met his appraising gaze and nodded.
Captain Huang and Wen Hu were both here!
Earlier, Huo Rou had called out a name—Cheng Huang.
So, that was Captain Huang's codename?
He had many questions, but now was not the time to ask.
The group pursued down the mountain together.
"Let's go!" Huo Rou put away her knife and casually picked up a wooden stick to maintain balance on the muddy mountain path. "Rendezvous!"
Qin Ningyi descended the mountain with her, while Cheng Huang's men paved the way and covered their rear.
The young man, laughing and joking, came to their side. His eyes behind the goggles were clear, and after observing Qin Ningyi with curiosity for a moment, he suddenly let out a meaningful "Oh."
Huo Rou, hearing his teasing tone, unconsciously blushed.
Of course, this change was only visible to Qin Ningyi. In the young man's eyes, Huo Rou merely shot him a cold glance, her eyes like a frigid pool instantly dousing all his gossiping desires. Before he could leave, he heard Huo Rou say in a cold voice, "Hmm?"
A single syllable caused cold sweat to trickle down his back.
Oh dear!
He no longer cared about the slippery mountain path and scrambled ahead to clear the way.
"Oh dear, Captain Huang!" he exclaimed, clutching Captain Huang's arm. "She's still so scary!"
Captain Huang, glancing at the stern-faced Huo Rou from the corner of his eye, helplessly ruffled the young man's head fiercely. "Focus on the task!"
Wen Hu, watching from behind, couldn't help but laugh out loud.
The atmosphere was quite good. It would have been even better if they weren't chasing a traitor.
The distant coastline grew closer.
A group of people was blocking their path, locked in a fierce struggle.
"Captain!" The young man stood beside Cheng Huang and shouted back, "I see them!"
Qin Ningyi noticed the person beside him suddenly look up from the terrain towards where the young man was pointing, as if instinctively.
The young man continued to report the situation while moving ahead to support. "Sun Zhiyuan is trying to escape!"
With his shout, the Jiang family members rushed down, waving their sabers, "Damn it! Stop him!"
Meanwhile, Sun Zhiyuan's henchmen, engaged in a desperate fight, looked up at Sun Zhiyuan, who had just spoken of fighting and dying together.
With a chance of survival right before their eyes, everyone wanted to be the first. It was Sun Zhiyuan who had said there weren't many people coming and they should fight together for survival.
Sun Zhiyuan glanced at the nearby coast. A yacht was docked there, its dim lights shining, appearing as the only glimmer of hope in the gloomy weather!
He wanted to live!
He disregarded everything else and, with Qi Yu's support, sprinted towards the yacht!