Old Friends

The mess hall stood in the center of camp, a two-story building. Ordinary soldiers ate on the ground floor, while several private rooms upstairs were reserved for guests.

Zheng Qiancheng was already waiting in one of those rooms. When Xu Wuyi came in, he stood at once and invited him to sit with a smile.

Breakfast was simple: a staple dish, a few small plates of sides, and a large platter of sliced tropical fruit.

Xu Wuyi did not eat much, but he tried a little of everything. Across from him, Zheng Qiancheng ate while explaining the day's arrangements.

"The Heat Valley Rift is three hundred kilometers north of Flaming Sun City. It'll take about three hours to drive there. The road isn't great. Part of it runs through the mountains, and it rained last night, so it might be muddy."

He paused, then continued, "But I sent people ahead to scout the route. It shouldn't be a problem."

Xu Wuyi nodded. "Is everything ready with the energy neutralization devices?"

"All ready," Zheng Qiancheng said. "The technicians went there yesterday and are making the final adjustments. We can start as soon as we arrive."

After breakfast, the two went downstairs.

Three dark-green off-road vehicles were parked below. Zheng Qiancheng accompanied Xu Wuyi in the middle one.

Zhao Yan drove. An escort vehicle rode ahead and another behind, carrying several key members of the battle group and an elite squad.

The convoy left camp and headed north along a paved road.

Vast stretches of tropical rainforest stood on both sides. The trees were tall and dense, with vines hanging from their crowns like green curtains.

Now and then, monkeys leaped between branches, chattering as they went.

After about an hour, the paved road gave way to dirt, and the ride grew