Afterward, the pace was such that even the soldiers executing the mission with Huo Jingrui could barely keep up.
Not to mention Jian Zhenzhu, even Lu Jingming was chasing after them so hard he could barely catch his breath.
However, Yunyi had no intention of stopping for a rest. This made Si Huaida’s assistant, Guan Xiuyuan, smile.
He liked this girl’s spirit—it was truly satisfying. Jian Zhenzhu had often caused them trouble on usual days, but Lu Jingming was protective of his own people. While Jian Zhenzhu did indeed have some talent in his field, Guan Xiuyuan couldn’t agree with him on other aspects.
When the sky had brightened slightly, Jian Zhenzhu could not hold on any longer. Leaning against a nearby tree, he wiped the sweat from his forehead and asked breathlessly, "Comrade Huo, how much longer do we need to walk?"
Huo Jingrui did not answer his question but instead looked ahead at Yunyi.
As if sensing something, Yunyi stopped in her tracks and turned to look at Huo Jingrui, who was staring at her. "At this pace, we should get there in another forty-odd minutes. Let’s push a little harder, everyone."
When she said this, not only Jian Zhenzhu’s but even Lu Jingming’s face turned sour. They had been walking all night, and it had been a rough journey.
Jian Zhenzhu looked at Huo Jingrui. "Comrade Huo, can we take a break before we continue? I really can’t hold on anymore."
Huo Jingrui did not immediately agree but instead his gaze swept over to Chuyunyi, who was still facing him.
Seeing that Si Huaida and Guan Xiuyuan, who had not spoken all along, were also thoroughly exhausted, Yunyi then nodded at Huo Jingrui.
Huo Jingrui spoke up, "First squad, on guard. The rest, rest on the spot."
After speaking, he walked over to one of his teammates. "Distribute some of the food we brought. Let everyone replenish some energy during this time."
Each person was given a large steamed bun and was told to take a pickled vegetable stick from the communal lunch box to eat with it.
Jian Zhenzhu complained with disdain, "My hands are this dirty. How can I eat?"
The comrade, who had long found him annoying, replied, "You can choose not to eat."
That comment left him extremely embarrassed. He was tempted to refuse the food out of pride, but the thought of the long journey ahead made him swallow his anger and take the steamed bun. However, he did not reach into the lunch box for a pickled vegetable stick.
As the man moved on to the next person, Jian Zhenzhu protested to Huo Jingrui, "Comrade Huo, we are here to work, not to be treated this way." Follow current novels on N0v3l.Fiɾe.net
Huo Jingrui, expressionless, replied, "You’re right. But our duty is to escort you to the destination. The higher-ups didn’t mention any additional tasks."
Lu Jingming frowned as he watched them. He felt somewhat guilty; he had been too protective of Jian Zhenzhu on a daily basis, which hadn’t helped him develop a proper sense of right and wrong.
Just as before, Jian Zhenzhu looked to his mentor, Lu Jingming, for support, but this time Lu Jingming did not speak up for him and just ate the food in his hand.
It was Guan Xiuyuan, fearing Jian Zhenzhu might hold them back later, who urged, "Comrade Jian, you better eat quickly. We need to move on soon."
Huo Jingrui pulled a piece of chocolate from his pocket and handed it to Yunyi. "Eat this. It will replenish your energy."
Yunyi didn’t make a fuss, took the chocolate, and flashed him a brilliant smile. "Thank you, Comrade Huo."
Half an hour later, they set off again. As the sky grew brighter, everyone’s pace quickened considerably.
Over half an hour later, they arrived at the entrance of the cave that Yunyi had concealed.
Yunyi observed for a good while, confirming that no one had been there recently and that there were no people in the vicinity, before she pulled aside the vines covering the entrance. "We go down from here."
Jian Zhenzhu looked at the cave entrance with skepticism. "You didn’t lead us the wrong way, did you? There aren’t even any stairs. How do we get down?"
Yunyi couldn’t be bothered with him. She truly pitied his future wife; living with such a man, she’d probably suffer a mental breakdown early on.
Lu Jingming and Si Huaida, having already surveyed the perimeter, were eager to descend. They were keen to see what lay below and if it was the place they were searching for. Was the material they sought behind that specially made door in the cave?
Huo Jingrui ordered, "Set up the rope ladder. Second squad, go down first to scout."
Following his order, several soldiers quickly unfolded the rope ladder they had brought and began to set it up.
After assigning personnel for entering the cave, Huo Jingrui was the first to step onto the rope ladder and descend.