In the following conversation, no matter how Chen Dafu pressed, Chen Xun refused to take the bait. As the dialogue continued, it became clear that Chen Xun had realized the true intentions behind Chen Dafu's questions. His responses grew more guarded, and he fell silent.
Mike, left with no other choice, let Chen Dafu drop the matter and focus on his own work. Pressing further could draw unwanted attention from the shadowy figure pulling the strings behind the scenes. After all, Chen Xun had the ancient god's watchful eye on him, and every move he made could be under surveillance.
It was because of this that Mike had refrained from sending anyone to Chen Xun's shelter or sending a team westward. Stirring things up could lead to disastrous consequences.
"His adversary might not even know the full extent of my information," Mike thought. "I should try to keep him distracted for as long as possible. If I can buy more time, things might work out."
Mike lay back on the couch with his eyes closed, feeling the weight of the situation. His best move for now was to delay. Delay until Jiang Xiaoci found more leads or until the rewards from his ability manifested—either would tip the balance in his favor.
"If only I had the sharpness of those protagonists in mind games novels," he mused. "Just one glance and they know everything about their enemies. I'd kill for that kind of insight."
Rubbing his brow, Mike's fatigue was evident. When he finally glanced outside, he realized the day had turned to dusk. Chen Dafu's team was already returning.
Over the course of the day, Chen Dafu had personally wiped out twenty-two shelters housing armed enemies. No doubt, he'd racked up a substantial number of survival points, further strengthening his abilities due to the effects of his talent.
Mike couldn't care less about the points Chen Dafu was earning. His own steady earnings far outpaced whatever Chen Dafu managed to gather. Besides, Chen Dafu's brutal methods had inadvertently aided Jinling's rescue efforts, eliminating the most stubborn resistance in Xinchang and saving the team a lot of trouble.
By the time Chen Dafu and his team returned to the Brave Alliance's base, it was already past 10 PM.
"Everyone, take a break," Chen Dafu clapped his hands, casually calling out to his team. "Eat, sleep, recharge—we continue tomorrow."
The group nodded, but Lu Nianxin glanced at Chen Xun and waved him over. "Come, let's discuss something."
"Mr. Lu, what can I do for you?" Chen Xun approached, his tone respectful. He noted the amused expression on Lu Nianxin's face and sighed inwardly. "This has to do with Chen Dafu, doesn't it?"
Lu Nianxin raised an eyebrow, his voice laced with a hint of mockery. "Oh? So you understand?"
Before Lu could continue with any warnings regarding Chen Dafu's authority, a commotion broke out outside.
"What's going on?" Chen Dafu, about to head to his room with Wuqing, turned to look.
Torches flickered in the distance, and a crowd gathered.
"Quick, get the gear!"
"Gather the men! Get suited up!"
Soldiers sprinted out, weapons in hand, shouting instructions.
Moments later, an urgent voice shouted, "Captain Chen Dafu! Captain Chen Dafu!"
"I'm here!" Chen Dafu barked. "What's happening? Why is the base in chaos?"
"Captain, something's happened in Xinchang!" The soldier rushed forward with news. "The rescue teams on their return trip were ambushed by a sudden attack from the cannibal fungi!"
"These cannibal fungi are out of control—they've mutated and are immune to our suppressants!"
The soldier continued urgently, "Reports from all rescue teams indicate widespread outbreaks across the city, with the worst hit areas being the western and northern districts, where unknown, giant mutated fungi are appearing!"
The soldier's face was grim as he relayed orders, "Jinling's command center has already escalated the situation to war status. They need our full support."
Chen Dafu, still processing the information, was thrown into confusion. "What the hell's going on up there?"
"Me? Rescue people? Organize this mess? I can't clone myself! How am I supposed to do all that?"
"Captain, Vice Captain Qin hasn't returned yet—he's also trapped," the soldier replied quickly.
"Well, damn it!" Chen Dafu cursed. "And now they expect me to handle everything!"
Frustrated, he shot a look at Lu Nianxin, but the man, no longer interested in discussing personal matters, stepped forward, taking charge. "Dafu, go save Qin. I'll handle things here."
"I'll assist Mr. Lu," Chen Xun quickly volunteered. "This is urgent—go now, Chen Dafu! We've got this covered!"
Lu Nianxin gave Chen Xun a brief glance, his expression unreadable, but he didn't comment.
"Fine, I'll go get Qin," Chen Dafu said with a nod. "You handle the rest."
Before he could leave, he turned to the soldier again. "Where's Liu Wenbo?"
"He's organizing logistics at the base," the soldier answered. "He's planning to head into the city soon."
"Keep an eye on him—don't let him wander!" Chen Dafu ordered. "That's an order!"
The soldier nodded firmly, "Yes, sir!"
"All right, Wuqing, you're with me. No more distractions—let's go!"
Wuqing, looking like a frightened child, nodded eagerly, not daring to speak out of turn.
"Ten minutes, I'll be back with Qin!"
With that, Chen Dafu strode off, leaving Lu Nianxin to handle the base. His gaze lingered on Chen Xun for a moment, but there was no time for further interaction.
Chen Xun, his mind still swirling with worries, turned towards the west, his expression heavy.
He had received a warning prompt earlier—someone had attempted to destroy his shelter.
He had suspected for a while that he was being watched, but he hadn't expected them to act so quickly.
Was the secret exposed? Or had something else triggered this sudden move?