Chapter 1375: Chapter 1375: The Enemy of My Enemy Is Not My Friend
On this day, Ye Fan and his team of seven arrived at one of the possible hideouts of the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps.
Surrounding them were towering mountains, dense forests, abundant shrubs, and babbling mountain springs.
Upon approaching a natural small basin, the view became significantly broader.
From the surface, there seemed to be only some vague simple structures, mainly wooden.
Ye Fan and his team lay prone on a mountaintop, surveying everything in sight.
"There are signs of human activity around, yet no one is visible." Zhang Lu said curiously. "It’s strange, there’s not even a sentry or patrol. It’s unnaturally quiet."
"Could this be just a temporary refuge for the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps, not their suspicious lair?" Yang Shu questioned.
"Talking too much is pointless. I think we need to investigate further before making a decision. Maybe there’s a hidden cave under that mountain or among the tree shadows, which is the enemy’s true lair." Shen Tingting speculated wildly.
"It’s quiet to the point of eeriness; that’s what’s most strange here. The intelligence we know is not faulty, and what’s happening here can only mean that either the enemy is hidden and has set a trap for us, or they have already evacuated this place, leaving an empty nest." Ye Fan said flatly.
"The possibility of a trap is not great, right? Are the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps really that cunning?" Yang Shu was puzzled.
"According to the intelligence, this place is one of the most frequented locations by the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps. Could they have already known we uncovered this place, thus evacuating everything and leaving an empty hideout?" Zhang Kui expressed confusion, suggesting that if the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps knew, it would indeed be a significant issue.
"Hawk and the others are not foolish." Ye Fan responded calmly. "The Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps has suffered greatly, and our direct goal, coming to Country M, is naturally their lair. Hawk and the others know this, so they suspect their hiding place might be exposed. Even if it’s a suspicion, they would take corresponding measures to counter us, so we can’t let our guard down."
"If the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps still firmly believes their lair hasn’t been exposed, it’s not normal at all." Zhang Lu stated.
"Isn’t it possible that Hawk and the other commanders gathered all their troops at the real lair, leaving this possible lair empty?" Qian Weiguo pondered.
Gao Qiang immediately added, "If that’s truly the case, wouldn’t it perfectly align with the instructor’s judgment? The Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps knows calamity is near, so they’ve tightened defenses and consolidated all forces at the real lair."
"All kinds of speculations are just guesses. We need to investigate based on real circumstances to make a judgment." Ye Fan’s gaze was ambiguous and deep as he spoke. "With years of experience, I sense danger and a trap. Everyone should be cautious."
"If there really is a trap, then it shows the opponent is formidable. We haven’t discovered anything yet, which is suspicious in itself." Yang Shu’s demeanor was unstable. Everyone, including her, paid great attention to Ye Fan’s experience.
"What should we do next?" Zhang Lu looked at Ye Fan. "Shall we go down for a thorough investigation before making plans?"
"Let’s do it this way: I’ll go down with Zhang Lu to scout the situation. You see the dirt road in the middle of the forest? It should lead outside. Observing the condition of the road will reveal whether anyone has evacuated. You can’t see any people or vehicles, just dead silent wooden structures. Maybe the enemy is hiding where we can’t see them." Ye Fan instructed solemnly. "Yang Shu, you all take positions at advantageous points, observe the surroundings, and see if you can detect lurking enemies."
"Yes!" Yang Shu and the others responded together and began their actions.
Ye Fan and Zhang Lu moved toward the forest, where only a trace of the path was visible.
In a thicket, five or six figures clad in special military uniforms remained dormant.
"Captain, the targets have appeared. Two targets are currently moving." This report came through the earpiece.
These five or six figures were members of the Black Cat Special Forces, among whom was the very robust Captain Ma De.
Throughout the surrounding forests, ten combat teams were positioned, each ambushing distinct areas.
Ye Fan’s team didn’t detect anything, signifying that the Black Cat Special Forces had set up their ambush early, leaving behind few traces which made discovery difficult.
The Black Cat Special Forces that Hawk mentioned are indeed the presently ensconced forces, a specialized force of Country M. Hawk isn’t capable of mobilizing such power.
However, Hawk established connections with Country M’s military and forged a deal. The caves scattered across this area are exceptional, with considerable value, primarily being used for cultivating narcotic plants. It’s a lucrative land.
To secure the army’s cooperation, Hawk ceded massive benefits, demanding only the military protect his interests and eliminate enemies if they appeared.
If no foes surface, the benefits are freely given away, with the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps footing the bill.
Currently, the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps is not what it once was, forced to survive disgracefully and try every means to recruit allies.
The previous allies, more cunning than thieves, naturally enjoyed watching the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps in trouble. Hawk had to resort to leveraging interests, sacrificing much for ally support.
After striking a deal, the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps completely evacuated.
Now, apart from the technical personnel inside the caves maintaining the narcotic plants, no person from the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps remains.
Without exaggeration, this place no longer belongs to the Poison Dragon Mercenary Corps.
It’s been allocated to a prominent figure whom Hawk is trying hard to please.
The Black Cat Special Forces are executing their orders, with ten combat teams surrounding the area. Each team consists of five members, totaling around fifty personnel in ambush.
Ma De and his team weren’t sure if they would encounter external enemies. Following their orders, should target individuals approach, they were to eliminate them without hesitation. They had no authority to question beyond performing their duties.
Ye Fan and his team weren’t aware of these developments nor the adversaries they would soon face.
However, once Ye Fan and Zhang Lu revealed themselves, the Black Cat Team detected them.
This news was relayed to Captain Ma De by the Black Cat Team member.
"Is it one of the targets?" Ma De asked leisurely.
"From the appearance, it’s two of the seven targets, a man and a woman. The man, undoubtedly, is the leader known as Peng Bird." The voice came through the earpiece.
"Be patient, don’t act recklessly, find the other members first." Ma De commanded.
"Yes!" A series of responses rang in Ma De’s ear.
