Escape Plan

In the afternoon, the satellite signal returned to a strength sufficient for two-way communication.

Su Ming and Katharine established a connection.

"Is Jinxiu with you?" Katharine asked hurriedly.

"Ah, yes!" Su Ming was taken aback.

"That's good." Katharine breathed a sigh of relief.

"Sorry, I forgot to tell you that," Su Ming said.

"She's alright," Katharine said. "Her people had actually forgotten about it; they only realized Jinxiu was missing ten minutes ago, and that's when they hurriedly asked me about it."

Jinxiu snorted angrily from the side.

"These heartless people!"

Yise covered her mouth and chuckled.

Katharine sent over the activity trajectory of the "VIPs" of the Plundering Clock that she had collected today.

Judging from the graphic, these people spent most of their time inside the palace. However, in the afternoon, five of them left the palace to participate in the city-wide search.

Two of them even passed by the vicinity of the slums.

However, Su Ming received a one-way satellite alert and obediently remained silent, making no noise.

"This is really like playing a stealth game," Su Ming sighed.

Jumping in front of the enemy and then playing hide-and-seek, that's something else entirely.

****

Katharine began to recount the General Staff's comprehensive analysis results:

"The search launched by the Plundering Clock can only be considered of average intensity."

"This means the enemy is completely unaware of your arrival and has no connection whatsoever to the spatial fluctuations."

But there's bad news--

Su Ming interrupted directly.

"Is it at the Destiny Level?" Katharine nodded.

"Um."

"Based on behavioral patterns and the attitudes of the semi-animalistic population, a comprehensive assessment is made—"

"Among the personnel arriving this time, there is a new Clock Hand."

"That's fine." Su Ming shrugged.

"Its status is slightly above that of the Hairspring and the Death Knell."

In the extraordinary world, the strong are revered, and the ranking of status likely reflects their combat power.

Su Ming suddenly chuckled.

"How?"

Su Ming replied:

"I mean, we were actually quite lucky this time."

"On the Immortal Spirit Peninsula, we captured and eliminated one of them." When it comes to combat power, 1+1 doesn't necessarily equal 2.

Having dismantled and killed a Destiny Level, the Plundering Clock must be so angry it'd grind its teeth to dust.

"And they only managed to capture one," Su Ming continued.

"But this isn't a good deal for you!" another voice chimed in.

It was Jin Rongjia, his tone full of resentment.

Fishing is fine.

"But if someone is dragged into the water by the fish he caught, it's really..."

Su Ming retorted:

"As long as the angler doesn't go home empty-handed, everything else is negotiable!"

"Stop joking," Jin Rongjia said.

He tapped his finger, and a new data update was pushed to him.

That's a topographical map of Water Chestnut Island. "The quickest and most feasible solution right now is to have Chubby Girl fly over and pick you up."

"This requires transport aircraft to descend to four to five hundred meters, flying at low altitude and low speed."

Su Ming clicked to take a closer look; the map contained simulated routes and analyses.

The Kunpeng uses a rapid dive followed by a rapid ascent, and the entire process, from descent to departure, takes approximately fifteen minutes.

"I can get on board." Su Ming estimated his flying ability.

Research on Quail has revealed that the Magicules produced by clam shells contains many unstable components.

As it settles towards the ground, these unstable components decay, making the Magicules more gentle and easier to control.

Conversely, the higher one goes, the more volatile and violent the Magic Power becomes.

This is why most humans cannot fly above 500 meters.

Even the superior aerial races Feather Race and the dragons, cannot currently cross this insurmountable barrier of two thousand meters.

"The orc cities all have anti-aircraft weapons," Jin Rongjia continued. "These defensive perimeters definitely need to be avoided."

Cloud Fang City, where Su Ming is located, is within the largest air defense perimeter.

The map also shows the attack and interception range of the wyverns and other Air Force Department after the discovery of the Plundering Clock.

This looked very familiar to Su Ming, and he vaguely remembered the escape operation at Cui'an Sea Cliff when he first arrived in the other world.

"I understand." Su Ming nodded.

"We need to travel 15 kilometers away from this damned Cloud Fang City before you can come pick us up."

"Yes, as long as you leave the city's defense perimeter."

Katharine added.

"The rest of the enemies are not to be feared."

"I will arrange for Saint Rank combatants to travel by plane."

"Kill as many as they come."

Yise interjected:

"But didn't you just say there was another powerful Destiny Level being here?" "Of course," Katharine replied.

"We currently know nothing about the perception range and ability characteristics of that Destiny Level enemy."

For those at the Destiny Level, there are many more variables, and it's difficult to determine exactly how far away they need to be.

Katharine then changed the subject.

But there are other ways.

"For example, I'll find a way to lure the Destiny Level away!"

Su Ming immediately guessed what Katharine was thinking.

"Is this an attempt to put pressure on the coast of Water Chestnut Island?"

Katharine admitted:

"Our proposed plan is to launch a harassment operation against Water Chestnut Island in advance."

"Attack their artillery positions, supply depots, and other strategic targets."

"Keep those guys from the Plundering Clock busy so they won't have time to think about you." Su Ming glanced at the military operation map that had been pushed to him again, which was densely marked with many attack lines.

"That's right, we can't let these enemies do nothing."

I've been on the run, and you can't just sit idly by!

"And incidentally, we can also get our military system operational."

"To prepare for the upcoming attack on the island."

****

Afterwards, everyone discussed the details.

"In short, you've devised a plan to lure the tiger away from the mountain."

Su Ming concluded.

"Let's leave Cloud Fang City undetected."

Katharine instructed him:

"Try to stay as inactive as possible these next few days." "The search for the Plundering Clock continues."

"Understood, let's lay low for a while," Su Ming replied.

He then remembered something else.

"How are the activities of the orc resistance organization from Water Chestnut Island here?"

He was referring to the "Wild Fang That Will Never Be Enslaved," who have already established communication with the Final Bone Mad Machines.

"You can't count on him." Katharine shook her head.

"Cloud Fang City is the core of the Plundering Clock's rule, and is strictly controlled."

"The Fang of the Wild only has... a few intelligence-gathering personnel..."

The signal suddenly dropped for a moment.

The low-orbit communication satellite that was relaying information is about to leave the airspace above Water Chestnut Island.

"I don't think it's worth... mobilizing them."

The orc resistance organization was struggling to operate on Water Chestnut Island. Its members were of varying quality, lacked systematic management and unified leadership, and were simply unable to guarantee information security. Su Ming abandoned this approach.

"Understood, I will remain anonymous."

****

Communication was lost, and Katharine rubbed her face.

I can't help but wonder what my troublesome daughter is feeling right now.

As senior management personnel gradually logged on and joined the military meeting, [the situation progressed].

One image after another appeared.

Katharine composed herself.

"Where is the Albacore submarine currently located?"

The old elf Xiwo replied:

"We're in the Central Ocean Archipelago; we won't arrive at the waters around Water Chestnut Island until tomorrow night."

Katharine then asked the other person, "Magelaili, what's the status of the Pansy?"

This Shadow Druid is currently the captain of the Pansy, leading it in blockade operations in the waters surrounding Water Chestnut Island.

She reported to her supervisor:

"This ship has just returned to Three Peaks Island and is now entering its berth."

Katharine made the arrangements:

"Begin preparations for battle immediately."

"Tomorrow night, launch a suppression operation against the coast of Water Chestnut Island."

Magelaili didn't understand.

"Is it only the Pansy and the Albacore that are going to sortie?"

"The firepower is probably insufficient."

The Pansy has increased its tonnage, carrying 200 vertical launch systems and 1,000 rounds of ammunition. The electromagnetic weapons have also been refitted and expanded to fire grapeshot-type shells.

Its combat power has increased significantly, and it is currently in full operational condition. However, even so, it is unrealistic to expect the Pansy to suppress an orc army of over a million.

Based on current battlefield statistics, on average, a single hit missile can cause 20-30 casualties.

As for artillery shells, the number would be approximately Zero Point of a person.

This data is actually quite astonishing, exceeding actual combat data on Earth by at least several dozen times.

Indeed, in modern warfare from a technological standpoint, a conventional missile that hits its target typically kills less than one person on average.

Guided shells are counted as one person per thousand rounds, while unguided shells are simply unusable.

The main difference between the two sides is that the combat personnel in the Taya World are much more densely distributed.

The simple creatures here lack a comprehensive understanding of air raids.

****

"We also lack consistency," Magelaili continued.

"Electromagnetic weapons are alright."

"But missiles..." The core components of missiles rely on transmission from the technology side. With Su Ming gone, every missile used is one less available.

Beianqi began by saying:

"The Calamity Suppression is still undergoing various tests."

"It will take at least half a month before you can join the battle."

The shells used by the Calamity Suppression were produced in Taya, giving it a significant lead in sustained firepower.

But it is a brand-new gunboat that has just been built.

Despite the large number of engineers and technicians on the technology side working day and night in shifts by remotely controlling robots.

The debugging process still requires a significant amount of time.

"This is not a plan to launch a full-scale attack."

"Katharine said."

The main objective is to draw the enemy's attention.

"If the opportunity arises, we'll create an opening to cover the landing of the Albacore infiltration team." Everyone understood.

Discussions began regarding the specific implementation steps.

****

As evening approached, some unexpected events occurred on Su Ming's side.

A burly half-bullman, leading a half-werewolf, arrived at their shantytown.

The half-cow squeezed through the narrow gap between the two rows of houses with a look of disgust, its horns scraping off a layer of plaster from the walls.

He kicked away the Crushed Stone on the ground and roared:

"Yuye, get the hell out here!"

Su Ming and Yise had already discovered it and entered stealth mode in advance.

Judging from their clothing, the two orcs who arrived were also poor people here, but their situation was much better than that of the Yuye siblings.

They are also very strong and have the energy to bully others.

[Deal with them. I'll intervene if necessary.] Su Ming a message. Yuye nodded and walked out of the shed to greet him.

Her younger brother, Yugan, followed behind her.

The half-cow pointed to the cleaned and dried pig stomach and intestines.

"Where did you get the money to buy this?!"

This business can be profitable, but you still need start-up capital.

"I have no money!"

Yuye's tone was stiff.

"It was a nobleman who saw how clean I was and said he would let the butcher give me the goods on credit."

She curled her lip.

"I need to deliver it over in a bit."

"Niu Dabiao, if you've got the guts, try taking it!"

Niu Dabiao swallowed hard. Pig offal wasn't particularly expensive; he could afford it if he saved up enough money.

But eating a complete set meal is definitely a symbol of status!

As a commoner, how could he dare to touch what the nobleman had ordered?

"Since you've earned so much, you should give me ten copper coins!" Niu Dabiao said with a stern face.

That was his real purpose.

"Don't even think about it!"

Yuye refused outright.

"We've already paid this month's protection fee!"

Niu Dabiao rolled up his sleeves.

He had just taken half a step forward when Yuye suddenly grabbed a metal rod and pointed it at him.

This is actually a metal candlestick I bought this morning.

The lamp base was used by Su Ming as material for "Summoning of All Things," and the remaining Yuye were sharpened into a point. "Niu Dabiao, you bastard!"

"Since you won't let my brother and me live!"

The Yuye's voice was resolute.

Even if you beat me to death.

"I'll also poke a hole in you!"

Niu Dabiao hesitated for a moment.

Those who can survive in the slums are not weak.

Yuye are slender.

But half-cat people are naturally agile, and if she really fights, Niu Dabiao might not be able to escape unscathed.

Even if you send your half-werewolf underlings to fight, if they get stabbed, you'll still have to pay for their medical bills.

Niu Dabiao was making plans in his mind.

For ten copper coins, this is a losing proposition no matter how you look at it. But we can't just let it go like this.

Niu Dabiao suddenly bent down, picked up a stone, and threw it at the Yuye.

Behind the Yuye are the Yugan.

She could only raise her arms to protect herself.

Bang!

A stone hit her arm.

Yuye snorted, staggered back a few steps with her younger brother behind her, and crashed open the shed door.

Su Ming flicked his finger, and a wisp of magic condensed at his fingertip, aiming at the half-minotaur who was courting death.

"You brat, I'll teach you to betray me!"

Niu Dabiao dusted off his hands and smugly scolded.

The smell wafted out of the shed, and Niu Dabiao sniffed it.

The strong smell of fatty intestines completely masked Su Ming and Yise's presence; he didn't smell it. But Niu Dabiao still noticed something was wrong.

"Why does it smell like ginger and wine?" he asked, puzzled.

But seeing the bloodshot eyes of the Yugan, he came up with a plausible explanation in his mind:

"Is it your sickly little brother who has a fever again?"

Boiling ginger into juice and rubbing the body with cheap liquor were the most common folk remedies used by the half-orcs in the slums to fight typhoid fever.

Niu Dabiao couldn't help but take a few steps back.

He didn't want to get infected.

For the poor, getting sick is a very taboo thing.

Not only will it interfere with making money, it will also harm your health.

****

Niu Dabiao didn't continue his attack; he tilted his head in a gesture.

The half-werewolf henchman immediately stepped forward and took away the scraps of pig intestines left over from cleaning the Yuye. "I'm in a good mood today, so I'll let you off this time," Niu Dabiao said.

He had a clear understanding of the situation:

If the Yuye die or get damaged, we'll lose another source of protection money.

Niu Dabiao, with his half-werewolf henchmen, turned and left.

Yuye spat out a mouthful of saliva.

She clutched her arm, which had been hit, and walked back to the shed.

Yugan carefully supported her older sister, her eyes reddening even more.

Jinxiu flew over and gestured for Yuye to roll up her sleeves.

Then she stretched out her small hand, and blue-white light, like fine stardust, fell on her arm, which was bruised and swollen from the Yuye.

The pain subsided quickly.

"How... how could I..."

Yuye was so nervous that she became incoherent. She had never been treated like this before.

Not to mention magic, she had only used a handful of herbs made by even the least skilled orc shamans.

"Don't be nervous," Jinxiu reassured her.

"We've already said we're not bad people."

Jinxiu doesn't speak the language of beastmen, but as a fairy skilled in mental powers, communicating with living beings is not difficult for her.

Even if the opponent is just an ordinary orc without magical abilities, it's the same.

"Thank you... thank you..."

Yuye whispered.

****

Su Ming also came over.

"It's inconvenient for me to stand up for myself, and I'm sorry you've suffered."

A glint of light flashed in his hand, and then he handed over two small glass bottles. Yuye took them in disbelief.

"This is... a magic potion?"

Su Ming shook his head.

"No, it's for treating your eyes."

He figured it out.

The two half-cats' bright red eyes are actually caused by conjunctivitis due to parasites.

Su Ming explained how to use the Yuye.

"Put a few drops of this into your eyes right now."

"Take it every five minutes, and after three times, have Jinxiu help you remove the bugs."

"Use this bottle afterwards."

"Apply four drops daily, avoid rubbing the area, and you should be fully recovered in three days."

Yuye held the small glass bottle, thanking him repeatedly. His younger brother, Yugan Stalk, had also become a little bolder.

No matter how scared he was, he could still sense the kindness.

Especially today's lunch, it was the most satisfying he had ever experienced, and his stomach is still warm.

The child finally dared to speak, whispering:

"Sister, isn't this still a magic potion?"

Su Ming gave up explaining what levofloxacin eye drops were.

"Let's just leave it at that."

Su Ming looked up in the direction Niu Dabiao had left.

He had no intention of letting this half-human go.

However, murder is likely to attract attention, so there's no need to risk losing more than you gain.

but--

Su Ming glanced at the cloak beneath Yise and made up his mind. Using this guy to shield him from potential disaster wasn't a bad idea!