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"Don’t worry! Since I am back, I will definitely complete the mission. I will also do my best to ensure the safety of the scientists," Gu Xiaoxi said with a serious expression.

Quan Shaoqing gazed at her, reached out to pinch her cheek, and said with concern, "I feel like the Nascent Soul might be making a comeback. Xiao Xi, don’t contact Aunt Lin for the time being. You can rest assured that Lingling is left in her care. Lu Xi will also help look after her."

"I know!" In fact, it was only when she returned to the troops that she realized how much she couldn’t bear to be apart from her child.

He was still so young, and both she and his father had left him.

But what could be done about it?

At the same time, she also understood the feelings of Quan Shaoqing when he was busy working away from home. He must often think of her and their child, sometimes even afraid to make a phone call.

This feeling, she now fully understood.

Gu Xiaoxi took a deep breath, her lips curving into a smile, and looked at Quan Shaoqing, "I’m leaving!"

"Go ahead! Be careful on your way!" Quan Shaoqing patted her head.

He had watched her grow up, and she had given up a lot in front of him.

In this lifetime, she deserved his wholehearted love.

If everyone could still be safe and well after the great war.

He would definitely cherish her for a lifetime.

*

They set off for A Continent.

The International Mansion in A Continent had already been surrounded by soldiers, very tightly sealed.

For this mission, Gu Xiaoxi led the team, which consisted of ten members.

Gu Xiaoxi, Yun Xiao, Tang Yisheng, Zhao Zilong, Shao Changfeng, Mo Li, Duruo, Che Junqing, Zuo Yu, Jing Haoran.

It could be said that these team members, through long periods of training and integration, were the best teammates.

Although Duruo and Che Junqing had some conflicts with them during their time with the Qiwei Troops, later on, under the great achievements of Gu Xiaoxi, they all admitted their respect for her.

The ten members arrived at the mansion at the appointed time.

That was the third day at noon after Gu Xiaoxi rejoined the team.

In America, it was raining, and even though it was just a light drizzle, there were already some puddles on the streets.

Inside the mansion, it was busy, but everyone tacitly maintained silence.

"These three scientists are the distinguished guests invited by your country. Now I entrust them to your care, and in two years, you must return them to us safely," said the American official sternly.

As the team leader, Gu Xiaoxi saluted and nodded with a smile, "Of course! No matter what it costs, we will ensure their safety."

"With your word, I am reassured. Now you can take them and go," said the official, gesturing to the scientists to proceed.

Gu Xiaoxi led the team and immediately cleared a path.

They escorted the three scientists to the vehicle Gu Xiaoxi had arranged in advance and headed for the airport.

Gu Xiaoxi drove the car herself and was on guard all around.

Now that they were entrusted with a heavy responsibility, they could only succeed, not fail, regardless of the cost.

The journey from the mansion to the airport covered thirty kilometers, including passing over a twenty-meter-long bridge.

The black business car Gu Xiaoxi was driving was escorted by two other cars, one at the front and one at the back.

The five vehicles maintained a secure distance from one another, also keeping potential attackers at bay.

Even if the opposition had any purpose, they wouldn’t be able to approach Gu Xiaoxi’s car.

Gu Xiaoxi gripped the steering wheel tightly.

Shao Changfeng was Gu Xiaoxi’s partner.

The other cars were driven by other members, each allocated with a partner as well.

"The world these days isn’t peaceful, West Zhou is experiencing an epidemic, with a severe outbreak that has killed many people."

"Northern Zhou is suffering from drought this year, leading to many people dying of hunger."

"It’s strange, though. According to ancient records from Northern Zhou, it’s had stable weather and abundant rain for hundreds of years, leading to its current prosperity. It seems too strange for a drought to just suddenly happen like this."

The scientists were sitting in the back of Gu Xiaoxi’s car, chatting casually.

"Have you heard? Some people have calculated that Northern Zhou has provoked a Demon, resulting in their misfortune."

"But it shouldn’t be so widespread! Is the epidemic in West Zhou also related to Demons?"

"That’s hard to say!"

Listening to their discussion, Gu Xiaoxi had a bad premonition.

If there were monsters in this world that could influence the weather of an entire country, then it could only be the work of a Nascent Soul.

He had trained for a long time and his mana was profound; if he wanted to cause a drought in a country, he certainly had the capability.

However, listening to the statements of these scientists, it was clear that they didn’t completely dismiss myths either.

"Dr. Karl, do you actually believe this is true?" Gu Xiaoxi couldn’t help but strike up a conversation.

The old man named Karl looked up at Gu Xiaoxi and sighed, "This world is full of wonders. Although technology theory doesn’t support those rumors, you can’t completely disbelieve them either.

There have been many people who confirmed the existence of special abilities, which also make many incredible things possible. "

Another scientist explained, "This is what it means to ’survival of the fittest’!"

From their words, Gu Xiaoxi could easily discern their unique insights into special abilities and extraordinary phenomena.

She stopped talking and focused on driving.

Just as her car was about to cross the bridge, the vehicle in front suddenly lost control and suffered a tire blowout, crashing into the roadside guardrail.

Gu Xiaoxi was startled, that was Jing Haoran’s car.

Afterwards, she steadied her car. As she passed the same spot, her tires inexplicably blew out.

Fortunately, she was prepared in advance, and her driving skills were top-notch.

In just three seconds, she had stabilized the vehicle and pulled over to the emergency parking spot.

Meanwhile, several cars behind her had also come to a halt.

Jing Haoran and his partner Zuo Yu got out of the car to inspect the cause and eventually confirmed that a bullet had punctured the tire, causing the vehicle to deflate and skid.

The scientists inside Gu Xiaoxi’s car were immediately frightened and huddled together.

"Young lady, if it’s not safe, just take us back. We don’t want to die on the road." One of the scientists, wide-eyed with fear, didn’t even know what he was saying.

These three were key to the nation’s advanced weapons manufacture, and naturally, she wouldn’t send them back so easily. If she did, they likely wouldn’t be able to produce any strong weapons for the Special Forces within five years.

"Don’t worry! Nothing will happen," Gu Xiaoxi gave them a reassuring look.

Moreover, the car was equipped with bulletproof glass, ordinary bullets couldn’t penetrate it, and even if the tires were deflated, she had ways to fix them.

They could change a tire and be back on the road just the same.

"Please don’t leave the car, sirs. I’ll go out and take a look," said Gu Xiaoxi as she got out and locked the car doors behind her.

She immediately scanned the surroundings.

The flow of traffic on the bridge had come to a stop due to the accident.

She checked the state of the tires and, based on their location, guessed the whereabouts of the sniper.

"Zhao Zilong, direction seven o’clock, you and Jing Haoran go take a look," Gu Xiaoxi instructed through the headset.

At that moment, Tang Yisheng and others quickly changed the tire of her car.

One minute later, Zhao Zilong and Jing Haoran had already pursued in the designated direction.

Gu Xiaoxi got back into the car to drive and instructed her other teammates, "Let’s go! In the next ten kilometers, everyone take out your standard-issue firearms and coordinate with me following my commands."

"Team One received!"

"Team Two received!"

"..."

"If Jing Haoran and Zhao Zilong can’t catch the enemy, withdraw quickly and find a vehicle for the airport. We’ll wait for you on the plane. Be fast!" Gu Xiaoxi now had no doubt that someone was specifically targeting Liuli Country.

Or rather, they did not want Liuli Country’s military strength to increase.

The car started up again.

Gu Xiaoxi’s vehicle quickly crossed the bridge and entered an old road through a deep forest.

On both sides of the road stood lush fir trees; the forest was a bit damp from the rain.

Gu Xiaoxi was on high alert. While driving, she kept her ears pricked for sounds around her.

Suddenly, she spotted people hiding in the bushes by the roadside.

Not only were there people, but there was also communication equipment; they seemed to be talking in hushed tones.

"Target is approaching!"

"Prepare to shoot again, let them stop first. Then attack with heavy fire."

"Leave no survivors!"

Upon hearing their words, Gu Xiaoxi immediately slowed down. Those people were just a kilometer’s distance from her.

From their tone, it wasn’t about capturing them but rather ruthlessly ensuring their deaths without considering the consequences.

"Shao Changfeng, you take the wheel!" Gu Xiaoxi, without a second thought, stopped the car at the roadside and swapped positions with Shao Changfeng.

Shao Changfeng looked puzzled, "Why swap places?"

"Get ready for battle! All you need to do is drive well," Gu Xiaoxi had carefully listened to the movements of the opponents earlier.

It was obviously six people, and they were also hidden deep in the woods.

Without precise shooting skills, it was impossible to take the initiative and eliminate them.