The midday sun scorched the earth, making it difficult to breathe; the air felt as if it were boiling, necessitating constant water intake to replenish the body's needs. Coupled with carrying heavy supplies and equipnt, the physical exertion was exceptionally high. Passing through a forest, Luo Zheng suggested that everyone rest on the spot, as the shade provided a relatively cooler environnt to snack on so dry food and stave off hunger.
After everyone stopped, Luo Zheng set down the supplies and equipnt, grabbed his Type 95 assault rifle, and went forward to scout. Throughout the journey, Luo Zheng noticed that everyone's physical strength was not as robust as his, so he took on the scouting task voluntarily. Perhaps due to the family's Breathing Skill, even though his entire body was drenched with sweat, Luo Zheng felt his condition was still stable and didn't gasp for air like the others.
The forest wasn't extensive, and after walking just over four hundred ters, they reached its end, where there was a lake. The water was clear and light shimred on its surface, creating a serene scene. The shoreline was covered with reeds, and several wild birds were singing overhead. With no people in sight, Luo Zheng carefully raised his sniper scope to take a closer look.
Suddenly, a figure appeared in the distance, running swiftly, and faint gunfire was heard. Luo Zheng, already on alert, paid close attention. The distance was too far to see clearly; it looked like a group of people chasing another group. Luo Zheng was taken aback, wondering who was being chased, when suddenly about ten ferocious individuals erged and opened fire on their pursuers, who turned their guns around as well.
This was a ticulously designed trap, ant to lure the pursuers before ambushing them. Unfortunately, the distance was too great to discern friend from foe. Luo Zheng thought it over and inford the rest through his headset, adding, "Guys, let's not bother with this, rest up, and once we're ready, we'll continue on our way and not wade into this muddy water."
"As long as they don't co over here, let's ignore them," Lan Xue said calmly, settling the matter.
The team continued resting while Luo Zheng kept himself entertained with the sniper scope. Prey suddenly beca the hunter with plenty of backup. Hunters turned into prey and began to retreat. In the distance, a counterattack unfolded. Soon, Luo Zheng realized sothing was off. A group had charged over, and both sides were locked in a standoff.
"It seems like the Wolf King's team is fighting desperately," Luo Zheng exclaid, puzzled as to which team it could be. Judging by the numbers, at least three teams' worth of people had joined forces. The other side also exhibited formidable combat strength, engaging fiercely. Luo Zheng even spotted a model plane flying in the skies before diving down to explode.
Using model planes with explosives was not a difficult technology to master, just requiring an electronic remote control. Many countries' special forces units employed them, so this alone did not reveal the opponents' identity. Luo Zheng watched with interest, wishing he could rush in to see the details. Soon, he noticed a bird flying in the sky and was startled to realization—he estimated there was a 60% chance the teams were from Sam Country.
Hummingbird drones to surveil target locations, remote-controlled model planes for precise bombings—such tactics were nearly invincible on these plains. Luo Zheng felt relieved he had not encountered such tactical attacks. After observing the intense battle and continuous roaring of gunfire, Luo Zheng lost interest and moved back.
Rejoining the group, Luo Zheng plopped down, and Mountain Eagle got up to scout. Everyone looked to Luo Zheng, who took a gulp of water and said, "It seems like Wolf King's people and a team are fighting desperately. Several teams have tead up, and their combat strength is comparable. It's hard to tell who will erge as the victor."
"Let's not bother with it. Eat sothing, and once we've rested enough, we'll hit the road," Lan Xue said softly.
Luo Zheng agreed and after eating sothing, he took a rest. Half an hour later, everyone continued on their way, passing through the forest, wading through an open shrubland, and entering a series of winding hills. Beyond the hills lay the desert. The farther they went, the hotter everyone felt, as if the air itself was burning.
Luo Zheng felt fortunate he had trained in the desert for a month; otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to adapt to the climate here. Suddenly, Lan Xue said, "We are at the edge of the grassland. The desert lies ahead. Everyone slow down, conserve as much energy as possible, breathe deeply, and don't hurry. Our bodies need to adapt for a bit."
The ground ahead was bald and the hot air boiled, a shocking sight with the earth so dry it seed devoid of all life. Luo Zheng pulled down the hood of his camouflage suit to cover his face, with the suit wrapped around him. Although it was very hot, at least he wasn't exposed to direct sunlight, which was sowhat more comfortable.
Perhaps the Hunter's n had all gone after the race team and didn't expect anyone to cross the hills into the desert, so there were no defenses set up around them. They were able to move smoothly, slowing down significantly. While walking, Luo Zheng tried not to drink water, allowing his body to adjust to the climate and only taking a few sips when he really couldn't bear it, saving the water.
After crossing hill after hill, at dusk, dust appeared on the slope ahead, signaling that they weren't far from the desert. Luo Zheng stopped, unfolded the map, checked the GPS, and motioned to the others to stop and said, "Let's rest for a while to confirm our bearings so we don't go the wrong way."
Taking the GPS, Luo Zheng observed it and glanced at the map several tis before pointing ahead and saying, "This has to be it, but it will still take so ti. By our pace, I estimate two days should suffice."
"This damn weather," Luo Zheng, shading his eyes with his hand, looked forward and said, "Wait here for a mont. I'll climb that slope to take a look." Saying this, he put down his gear and jogged toward the slope, scrambling up in no ti. As he looked out, he saw similar slopes all around, extending endlessly, devoid of any signs of life. The golden sun cast its remaining light, covering the earth with a golden glow, strikingly beautiful.
But Luo Zheng was in no mood to appreciate the view. This godforsaken place was not ant for people. There was no life, no vitality, not a hint of green. The sandy slopes stretched on one after another. Luo Zheng thought it over and decided they had to continue on their way, walking through the night to get out of the hills.
They descended the slope, and after proposing his idea, no one objected. They packed up and resud their journey against the afterglow of the setting sun, casting long shadows behind them, like the War God in pursuit of freedom descending upon them with unwavering will, heading toward the battlefield.
As the sun set completely and the moon rose, it draped the earth in a layer of silver gauze, a splendid sight to behold. Luo Zheng marveled at the natural wonders created by Mother Nature. The hills in front beca lower and lower, and the temperature dropped, bringing a chill. Luo Zheng climbed up the nearest highest slope to take a look and found a patch of Saxaul forest not far away, a type of deciduous small tree that is drought-resistant, salt-tolerant, and windproof.
The desert's temperature difference between day and night can be extre, often varying by dozens of degrees. Feeling the chill and worrying about how to get through the night, Luo Zheng was thrilled to see this sight and called everyone over.
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