"Brother Ma, it’s normal that you haven’t heard about it before; this is top-level classified information."

Before Fang Cheng could speak, Hou Peng also quietly interjected:

"The ancient civilization ruins are actually a completely different New World from the one we know."

"Inside are various forms of black technology beyond modern society, or cultivation resources and Heavenly Treasures that can transform a person’s very being."

"Bringing out even a little bit from there, even if it’s just scratching the surface, is tantamount to owning a mountain of gold for outsiders." 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

"This treasure makes even the governments and militaries of various countries envious, viewing it as the highest level strategic resource!"

After Hou Peng finished speaking, he swallowed, a flicker of excitement passing through his eyes.

Clearly, he had heard the rumors before and had long been coveting it.

Ma Donghe listened, wide-eyed, his breathing noticeably heavier.

"The opportunity is indeed great, but the danger is equally lethal."

Fang Cheng nodded, gazing deeply into the mist ahead, adding:

"The natural laws and exotic creatures inside are not something ordinary people can withstand; rushing in recklessly would lead to a nine-out-of-ten chance of death."

"You all saw Old Dog going crazy just now. He merely got infected with a bit of the leaking energy from the ruins and completely lost his mind, mutating into a monster that eats people."

At this point, he turned his gaze to Ma Donghe and Hou Peng:

"You don’t have to risk it; you can stay here and wait until I find the entrance to the ruins. I’ll come out and let you know."

"How could that be?"

Upon hearing this, Ma Donghe slapped his chest with his fan-like hand, causing it to thud:

"Ah Cheng, what do you take Ma Donghe for? Since we’re here as a team, why would anyone run away when faced with danger?"

"Besides, if it weren’t for you, I might have already been done for. Wherever you go, Old Ma will follow!"

Hou Peng also tightly gripped his dagger, his gaze firm:

"Brother Fang, wealth is found in danger. Although I’m not strong, I have enough guts. Count me in!"

Seeing the determined expressions on their faces, Fang Cheng didn’t continue to persuade.

Adults make their own decisions, and naturally, they bear the consequences.

If real danger arises later, he can remind them to retreat.

Returning to his thoughts, Fang Cheng turned to look at Gray Eagle’s crew, who had already finished bandaging hastily:

"Lead the way."

Gray Eagle nodded repeatedly, like a Hunting Dog that smelled the scent of blood, diving headfirst into the mist ahead.

Fang Cheng glanced at the three applicants leaning against the tree stump and said no more, leading Ma Donghe and Hou Peng onward.

Mountain Cat and Bald Rat supported each other, hobbling at the back.

Their silhouettes quickly vanished into the dense fog, disappearing into the dark depths of the forest.

In the clearing, only a few broken bodies and the pungent smell of blood remained.

The three police cadets leaned against a broken tree stump, staring blankly in the direction Fang Cheng and the others had left.

Just moments ago, two groups were at each other’s throats, yet they suddenly teamed up to go treasure hunting?

"Brother Yan Rui, what do we do now?"

The cadet on the left covered the knife wound on his shoulder, seeking advice from the crew-cut guy:

"That civilization ruins sound like a major secret; should we follow and take a look?"

"We’re too badly injured, we should stay put and wait for rescue."

Yan Rui, gritting his teeth through the intense pain in his ribs, shook his head.

He might not know the specifics of the ruins, but from the almost perverse slaughter earlier, this matter has far surpassed the scope of the Special Search Team’s physical assessment.

This is simply not something they, who aren’t even mutants, can be involved in.

Moreover, with their current state, not only is it impossible to participate in the treasure hunt, but even getting out of the woods safely might be difficult.

"Whatever their schemes might be, we should focus on getting our own affairs in order and make contact with the authorities as soon as possible."

After repeatedly assessing the situation through deep breaths, Yan Rui made the decision.

He quickly took off the marching pouch on his shoulder, deftly pulling out a red signal gun and a signal flare.

Click.

Loaded, chambered.

Yan Rui raised his right arm, aiming the muzzle at the pitch-black night sky without hesitation, and pulled the trigger.

Bang!

A red signal flare shot out of the barrel.

It streaked up with a trail of high-temperature exhaust, tearing through the intertwined canopy and thick fog abruptly.

Like a meteor ascending against the flow, it shot hundreds of meters into the sky.

Boom——

The scarlet light burst forth in the night sky, lighting up the fog in the surrounding area to a bloody red.

Having fired the signal flare, Yan Rui fell back against the tree trunk, dropping his arm helplessly.

He raised his head, staring at the slowly falling red spots in the night sky, mumbling:

"I hope the examiners... can see them."

..................

The mist grew thicker, reducing visibility.

The outlines of trees around them were nothing but vague shadows.

The air became cold, damp, and sticky, making it difficult even to breathe.

The light beam from the flashlight shone as if hitting a solid gray wall, stopping dead at three meters.

Gray Eagle walked at the front, holding the palm-sized nuclear radiation detector.

The red light on the instrument surface blinked rapidly, emitting a sharp "beep beep" warning.

"Brother Cheng, the readings keep spiking."

Gray Eagle turned his head, his face wearing a flattering smile:

"With my intuition, coupled with this machine, it’s absolute double insurance; we’re definitely close to the entrance!"

Ma Donghe grunted in a rough voice:

"Enough of your damn nonsense, keep your eyes sharp. If you lead us into a mutated beast’s nest, I’ll offer you to the heavens first."