Chapter 563: Chapter 558: The Grand Finale (Part 8)
Nanling Pollution Zone.
Hundreds of superpower warriors wielding heavy weapons cautiously approached the mission area.
The warriors who had just endured a bloody battle were drenched in blood.
Since the black fog re-emerged in that area two years ago, the surrounding mutant beasts have become increasingly ferocious.
Ye Xingyan once wanted to lead the warriors inside using the mutated orchids left by Du Mu, but discovered that some originally mild and harmless mutated plants suddenly became aggressive.
Especially the warriors wearing orchids would receive concentrated attacks.
With no choice, the Huazhou Alliance had to order the area to be sealed off, halting exploration missions, though research tasks continued.
Over two years, they found that superpower warriors stationed in the black fog saw a significant increase in personal physical fitness levels, better even than the effects of the superpower medicine researched in Beizhou.
The First Base began stationing increasingly more camps within the Pollution Zone, and the defense line gradually advanced, yet they could never break through the high-level mutant beast defense area.
Until two hours ago, the Beizhou Space Research Center sent the latest weather notification.
The rotating cloud mass over Region 318217 suddenly disappeared, and even the black fog below the cloud mass vanished.
The satellite could clearly capture a several-story-high black inverted triangle building appearing in that area.
This matched the report information from the superpower warriors who executed the mission two years ago.
The First Base immediately ordered the dispatch of helicopters for reconnaissance, but the area still had an unknown magnetic field, and all equipment would break down if approached.
Fu Lishen had no choice but to let the superpower warriors set foot in that area once again.
You Le, as part of the second group of superpower warriors entering, was tasked primarily with protecting the accompanying researchers and military doctors.
"You’re really brave, you’re not on the list." As he guarded against any imminent danger, You Le whispered to a fully armed base warrior beside him.
Bai Xiaotang was stunned for a moment, pursing his lips, "I’ve already applied to the teacher."
You Le was helpless, but very supportive in terms of action.
In their quest to find Sister Ning, they were all making efforts.
"Stay close to me."
Bai Xiaotang nodded slightly, a faint white light emanating from his fingertips as he carefully healed the cuts on his arm.
The recent melee had resulted in many injuries for their group.
Fortunately, no one was severely injured or killed; the military doctors quickly treated the wounds of the injured warriors, and they continued forward.
The surrounding mountains and forests were silent, as if they had entered a zone devoid of beasts.
Everyone’s nerves were even more strained; the quieter it was, the more dangerous it seemed.
Suddenly—
A high-pitched howl pierced the sky.
Unlike the sound of a beast, it was more akin to a human shout.
The vanguard team up ahead first started a barrage of gunfire.
You Le’s expression tightened, shielding Bai Xiaotang.
"What happened?"
Upon hearing the commotion, Ye Xingyan in the team took out night vision binoculars to probe forward.
In the dense mountain forests, countless humanoid mutant corpses were attacking the vanguard team.
Ye Xingyan’s expression changed dramatically, shouting loudly, "Be alert, they’re mutant corpses."
Damn it, how could there be so many mutant corpses?
Weren’t they all cleared out a few years ago?
Where did they all spring from?
Before he could think further, their group was also surrounded by the sudden influx of mutant corpses.
"Boom—"
"Ratatatat..."
Countless shells and superpowers lit up the darkness.
The smell of blood in the air grew stronger.
Protected by You Le and her comrades, Bai Xiaotang clutched the knife in his hand tightly, his gaze vigilant as he stared ahead.
As base warriors fell, the protective circle grew tighter.
The researchers and military doctors also picked up weapons, attacking the surroundings.
After killing a mutant corpse, Ye Xingyan suddenly cursed: "Damn it, I know where these mutant corpses came from now."
Bai Xiaotang, next to him, killed another mutant corpse and immediately asked, "Where from?"
"Years ago, West Continent, Jiazhou, and South Continent sent us 100,000 death warriors. Later, because of the establishment of the Beizhou Space Center, the three continents had those warriors leave again. I didn’t expect them to go against orders, secretly sending people back into Hua Continent."
Bai Xiaotang’s expression slightly changed, and he immediately asked, "Then how did they become mutant corpses?"
Before Ye Xingyan could answer, a familiar female voice descended from the sky: "They were infected by the virus in that area."
Soon after, several rows of searchlights appeared in the sky, illuminating the forest.
Superpower users in black uniforms descended from the sky, one by one.
Bai Xiaotang’s eyes lit up, "Sister Ying—"
Huang Ying killed the mutant corpse in front of her with a slash, then turned to look at Bai Xiaotang.
"Are you alright?"
Bai Xiaotang shook his head, "Sister Ying, why are you here?"
"Ji Ning sent me."
"What? Where is Sister Ning?" Bai Xiaotang was extremely shocked, a hint of joy surfacing in his eyes.
"This isn’t the place to talk, everyone retreat to the defense zone."
Following Huang Ying’s shout, a magnetic female voice imbued with immense spiritual ability swept through in the wind.
"Supreme Commander Ji Ning of Huazhou orders everyone to retreat—"
Soon after, a blinding firelight suddenly lit up in the distant sky.
A tremendous roar shook the ground continuously.
Countless mournful cries arose.
Bai Xiaotang and You Le, shocked, looked at the flames.
That voice...
It’s Sister Ning!
"Tangtang, retreat—"
Huang Ying forcefully pulled Bai Xiaotang’s arm toward the direction of the defense zone.
But Bai Xiaotang seemed dumbfounded, continuously looking back at the fiery sky that was as if stained with blood.
The roars continually came from that direction...
"Sister Ying, Sister Ning is still there!"
Huang Ying knew, but the situation was urgent; Ji Ning had conveyed to her and Lin Yuanyang that nearly 100,000 mutant corpses still remained in that area.
Ji Ning might not survive.
"You all leave first!"
Bai Xiaotang’s eyes were red-rimmed, trying hard to break her grip, "Sister Ning is still in there, I have to go back and save her—"
"Bai Xiaotang, don’t forget your current status! This is her order!"
"So... Sister Ning is..." Bai Xiaotang’s voice trembled, tears swirling in his eyes.
After killing another mutant corpse with one hand chop, Huang Ying turned and said solemnly, "That’s right, she is Commander Ji Ning of Huazhou!"
Bai Xiaotang’s steps faltered, eyes filled with determination, "Sorry, Sister Ying. I can’t leave with you."
"Bai Xiaotang!"
But Bai Xiaotang had already broken free of her hand, stepping back two paces.
"120 years ago, she went to Jiuming Mountain alone to die for the safe zone. Now, 120 years later, are we going to let her face those enemies alone again?
She is Huazhou’s Commander, but she’s also a person, someone who loves buns, all kinds of food, always caring for and protecting us like family."
Bai Xiaotang backed away another step, tears uncontrollably streaming down her face.
Tear and blood obscured her features, making it impossible to discern her expression.
"Sister Ying, I absolutely can’t stand idly by as she sacrifices herself! Even if I die, I’ll stay with her, never a deserter! Tell my brother I’m sorry, I’ll be his sister in the next life too..."
Bai Xiaotang’s lips curved into a tearful smile, raising her hand to drive the blade into the mutant corpse behind her, then turning to charge into the forest depths.
Joining her were You Le and base warriors nearby who had overheard her words.
Suddenly someone roared, "Never leave the Commander alone!"
"Fight to the death!"
