Chapter 748: Convergence
Chapter 748: Convergence
Xu Chan was leading the entire group towards Chen Chuan's location at a rapid pace.
With the speed of Xu Chan and the three captains, they could have reached Chen Chuan quickly, but they were also accompanied by other members, which slowed down their progress.
It wasn't just them; all the creatures in the dense forest were fleeing outwards due to the threat of the Insect Sand. The sky was filled with swarms of flying insects and birds, while the ground was teeming with various unknown insects scurrying rapidly.
These creatures ran alongside them, occasionally devouring and tearing at each other.
From time to time, they witnessed creatures falling due to the terrain and collisions, only to be instantly engulfed by the swarming insects. Within moments, even their bones were reduced to dust.
This forced them to slow down, forming a formation with Xu Chan at the forefront and the other three protecting the sides and rear, shielding everyone's advance.
The ground ahead was gradually rising, and they could now see the massive body of the creature below. Its abdominal foot began to lift its body, and the rustling sound of soil and trees falling from above created a spectacular scene. This creature was undoubtedly a giant among its kind.
Large fusion creatures like this usually resided deep within the fusion zones, rarely venturing elsewhere. Perhaps it was due to their distance from the opposite world, as the environment might not have been sufficient to sustain their survival.
The reason for this creature's presence here was a mystery. It might have been dormant underground, awakened by the arrival of the Insect Sand or the continuous presence of the relic.
Soon, the group reached the vicinity of the creature and leaped onto the folds of its body, climbing upwards.
Not only were they climbing, but various creatures and reptiles were also scaling and leaping on the creature's body. It seemed as if this being offered them protection.
With so many creatures climbing, collisions and falls were inevitable. Some were struck by falling dirt, rocks, and trees, causing them to plummet into the dense mass of creatures below, disappearing in the blink of an eye. It was a heart-wrenching sight.
Suddenly, an invisible wave descended from above, causing the creatures blocking their path to tumble downward in waves. In an instant, a large area around them was cleared.
They looked up and saw a figure standing at the top, holding a long sword, with a red scarf fluttering in the wind. A magnificent glow emanated from his position, connecting with the radiant light in the sky.
"Supervisor Chen!" Captain Lv exclaimed excitedly.
They had been running, and due to the rising ground ahead, they had no idea what was happening above during their sprint. But now, seeing Chen Chuan standing there unharmed, could it mean... the battle above was already over?
"Let's go up and talk," Xu Chan said.
Everyone responded in unison.
As they climbed up, filled with doubts and excitement, they immediately scanned their surroundings. Behind Chen Chuan, they saw a sea of dismembered limbs and severed bodies, with barely any intact human forms. Their hearts trembled, and many couldn't help but gaze at Chen Chuan with a mix of awe and admiration.
Xu Chan remained the most composed, as if he had anticipated the outcome. After surveying the area, he raised his hand in a salute, "Supervisor, the search team reports for duty. All members are present."
The rest of the team followed suit, saluting Chen Chuan despite their bloodstained and torn clothing, dirty faces, and unwavering postures.
Chen Chuan returned the salute and said, "Everyone, I was ordered to come and support you from the rear."
Upon hearing these words, everyone's hearts stirred.
Captain Lv glanced around and couldn't help but ask, "Supervisor Chen, these people..."
"They have been mostly taken care of," Chen Chuan replied.
Even though they had witnessed the scene, hearing Chen Chuan's confirmation still left them in awe.
When they had observed the battle from the hillside, most of the enemy's main forces were still present. But now, after just a few short minutes of their sprint, had they all been dealt with?
"Yes, I left one alive. I need his testimony," Chen Chuan said.
Captain Hai immediately asked, "Supervisor Chen, what do you need to ask?"
"There's been an issue within the Handling Bureau," Chen Chuan explained.
He briefly mentioned the deaths of Supervisor Wen and Supervisor Han's capture.
"Supervisor Wen's remains ended up in the hands of the Skinner. I kept this person alive to find out the whereabouts of Supervisor Wen's body and retrieve it."
The team was shocked to learn of such a severe situation in the rear. Supervisor Han's actions amounted to treason. No wonder the Linaksys Federation's forces had infiltrated so quickly. Many team members couldn't hide their anger.
Captain Hai's expression turned solemn, "Supervisor Chen, can I take charge of the interrogation?"
Chen Chuan glanced at him and nodded.
At this moment, Captain Hu spoke up, "Supervisor Chen, the insect swarm is about to arrive. Should we leave this place first?"
Chen Chuan replied, "Insect sandstorms are unavoidable. Based on what I know, the shortest duration of an insect sandstorm is a day or two, and longer ones can last for several days.
Furthermore, I suspect that these insects are drawn here by the relic. Unless we abandon it, it's unlikely we'll be able to escape."
However, he reassured them, "But there's no need to worry."
He then stepped on the ground.
"This creature is called a Deathworm. It feeds on large groups of small insects like these. The environment here is not suitable for its long-term activity, so after consuming the insect swarm, it will continue to sink into the ground and fall asleep. Therefore, we are actually safer here."
Xu Chan pondered for a moment and said, "In that case, we'll need to spend the night here first."
Chen Chuan nodded, "Yes, we just need to be cautious of the fused beings that will surge up with the swarm."
Xu Chan immediately responded, "Then let's start preparing for the night."
After obtaining Chen Chuan's approval, he promptly organized the personnel to disperse and set up defenses.
In addition to the supplies they carried, there were also many relics left behind by the Union and the Linaksys Federation, which they made full use of.
They dug a series of trenches around the perimeter and sprinkled medicine inside and around them. Then, they encircled the area with multiple layers of barbed wire. Subsequently, they set up a bonfire site with a considerable distance between each fire, and erected tents large enough to accommodate everyone for the night.
To avoid attracting more fused beings, they also needed to promptly burn the remains of the fused beings in the area.
As everyone went about their tasks, Captain Hai, following Chen Chuan's directions, found Skinner. Seeing Skinner's body twisted like a pretzel, Captain Hai was secretly astonished, wondering what kind of force could do this. Many interrogation methods would be ineffective, but there were still options.
Captain Hai lifted Skinner by the collar and brought him to a secluded spot.
As the others busied themselves, Chen Chuan moved to the side and began collecting the weapons left behind by some of the others.
This time, the harvest was substantial. Every weapon he picked up was an anomalous weapon capable of carrying heart force.
For example, Euseios Hross's short knife, Qi Qianyang's long whip, the Thunder Twins' arm fins, and more. Although Chen Chuan had never seen Hross use his short knife, the fact that he carried it meant it was undoubtedly an exceptional weapon.
Chen Chuan carefully cleaned each weapon and then wrapped them in individual packaging bags, storing them securely in his backpack, intending to bring them back after the mission was over.
As for the weapons of ordinary fighters, he didn't bother with them. He didn't even remember these people, let alone their unremarkable weapons.
About an hour later, Captain Hai returned, wiping his hands with a handkerchief as he walked. When he reached Chen Chuan, he saluted and reported, "Supervisor, he has confessed everything. The situation is a bit complicated. It's unlikely that Supervisor Wen's body will be found."
"How so?" Chen Chuan asked.
Captain Hai took a breath and steadied his voice, "He peeled off Supervisor Wen's skin and flesh and placed them in two separate storage boxes, intending to bring them back as a collection. Currently, they are in their camp."
"Where is the camp?" Chen Chuan inquired.
"It's probably a distance away from here. With the insect sandstorm approaching, it's hard to say if it will remain intact after the storm passes."
Captain Hai unfolded a map he had drawn earlier and pointed to a specific location, "According to his confession, it should be within this area."
Chen Chuan compared the distance and checked the time; it was over an hour until nightfall, and it would take much longer to reach the camp, not including the return trip. Indeed, they were running out of time.
Moreover, due to the insect sandstorm, the camp might have already evacuated with their belongings.
In that case, they would have to find it later.
"There's one more thing," Captain Hai added. "That man confessed that the general leading this operation seemed to be preparing for some kind of ritual."
"A ritual?"
"Yes, that's what he said."
Captain Hai continued, "He claimed to be a hired fighter, not concerned with higher-ups. He said the ritual felt evil and made him uneasy."
Chen Chuan nodded, "Aside from this, is there anything else?"
"No, I questioned him several times, and he confirmed that this is all he knows."
"Is he still alive?" Chen Chuan asked.
"Yes."
"Good. Keep him alive, but don't let him die. We'll deal with him after we find Supervisor Wen."
Captain Hai saluted again, his voice firm, "Yes, sir!"
Chen Chuan glanced at the map once more, looking in the direction of the camp's location, "A secret ritual... I have a feeling that camp won't be so easy to disperse."
...
(End of Chapter)
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