Courtyard House: Report enemy agents at the start, and you'll take off immediately.

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Several times during the journey, they encountered suspicious activity and even suspected pursuers, but it was Chen's exceptional familiarity with the local environment that allowed them to escape danger. By the time they finally arrived at their destination, it was already two or three in the morning. Everyone was exhausted, but the sense of responsibility they felt for their mission kept them going until the very end.

“It’s relatively safe here,” Chen Ming said softly after arriving at the pre-arranged hiding place, his tone noticeably more relaxed. “Everyone can rest for a bit.”

Zhao De nodded in agreement, but he was far less optimistic than he appeared. He knew this was only a temporary respite, and the real test might have just begun.

“We still have to keep moving forward,” he added before everyone could fully relax. His words seemed to freeze the air even more, but everyone knew it was an unavoidable fact.

"When?" Xiao Li couldn't help but ask, a hint of unease flashing in his eyes.

Zhao De pondered for a moment, then looked at Chen Ming, "If everything goes smoothly, we should set off around four in the morning."

Upon hearing this, everyone present subconsciously checked the time on their watches or phones—there were still more than three hours left…

The small cabin was quiet under the cover of night. Everyone, exhausted, found a place to sit or lie down. Zhao De sat in a corner, silently observing everyone, his mind filled with complex thoughts. At this moment, Chen Ming walked over and asked in a low voice, "Captain, is there anything else we need to pay special attention to?"

Chapter 1353 Taking Turns on Duty

Chapter 1353 Taking Turns on Duty

"The most important thing now is to stay vigilant and not let your guard down too soon," Zhao De replied, his voice low but carrying an undeniable authority. "How much do you know about this place? Can you guarantee absolute safety?"

Chen Ming nodded, his tone firm: "This place is a temporary outpost we set up in advance, with observation posts around it so that any unusual situations can be detected immediately. However, I do not recommend that everyone let their guard down completely."

Zhao De nodded slightly. "Understood. Let everyone rest as much as possible; I'll arrange for shifts."

Just then, Xiao Wang broke the silence: "Brother Chen, how did you know we were being hunted? Did someone leak the information beforehand?"

“That’s not the case,” Chen Ming explained patiently. “Actually, ever since you started this mission, the underground transportation station has been closely monitoring any sources that might be detrimental to you. Unfortunately, this situation has exceeded expectations.”

Upon hearing this, Xiao Li, who had been slightly agitated, suddenly interjected, "Then is our destination well concealed enough? What if the enemy really tracks us here...?"

He didn't finish his sentence, but the implication was clear. Chen Ming gave a wry smile: "We will do our best to ensure your safety, but if the enemy can track us here, it means their resources are far more formidable than we imagine. Therefore, we must move out before they act."

Seeing the atmosphere growing increasingly heavy, Old Zhang, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke up to ease the tension: "Everyone, don't be too pessimistic. Since it has already happened, let's face it! Besides, we still have such important information in our hands. This is something that so many people risked their lives to protect."

Hearing this, the others nodded in agreement, especially the younger team members, whose fighting spirit was rekindled.

Seeing this, Zhao De stood up, looked around, and said, "Alright, in that case, let's proceed according to the original plan. Xiao Li, you and Chen Ming discuss the specific route again; Lao Zhang and Xiao Wang go and organize the supplies to see if any necessities have been forgotten; the rest of you should take advantage of this short time to catch up on some sleep, as we have to set off again in a few hours."

After giving his instructions, Zhao De turned and left the living room, heading outside. He stood by the door, gazing at the distant, dark area where a faint light could be seen – that was the edge of the city, where perhaps more unknowns and dangers lay hidden.

"Team Leader Zhao?" Chen Ming, who had followed him out unnoticed, called out softly from behind.

"What's wrong?" The latter didn't turn around, but simply uttered these words softly.

"Just now... thank you for choosing to believe me." Chen Ming paused for a moment before continuing, "Actually, I understand that trust is such a luxury yet indispensable thing for us."

Upon hearing this, Zhao De turned slightly to look at Chen Ming, a subtle change in emotion flashing in his eyes: "It's not that I trust you, but right now we have no other choice but to rely on each other. In any case, thank you for your help."

Chen Ming nodded; he could sense the determination and helplessness in Zhao De's words. Although there wasn't much verbal exchange between them, a mutual trust had been established.

Chapter 1354 Moving Safely

Chapter 1354 Moving Safely

"Team Leader Zhao, there's something I'd like to tell you again." Chen Ming hesitated for a moment before finally speaking, "During my reconnaissance, I discovered a hidden path that leads directly to a secret base outside the city. If we take this path, we might be able to bypass the enemy's defenses."

Upon hearing this, Zhao De raised an eyebrow slightly, clearly interested in the suggestion: "Tell me about it."

"This path is located in an abandoned factory area in the south of the city, surrounded by weeds and ruins, and usually almost no one notices it. But the problem is that the path is very difficult to walk, and it takes about two hours to reach the end. However, the advantage is that it is extremely safe, and it is difficult for the enemy to find our whereabouts."

Zhao De pondered for a moment, his gaze lingering on the faintly visible city lights in the distance. "We definitely need a safer route. Are you sure there won't be any danger along this road?"

Chen Ming shook his head: "I can't guarantee 100%, but I've already sent people to investigate, and so far we haven't found anything unusual. Moreover, we will try to avoid potential surveillance points."

Zhao De nodded, seemingly agreeing with the plan: "Okay, let's do it your way. You and Xiao Li are responsible for drawing up a detailed route map, making sure everything goes smoothly. Wake everyone up half an hour before departure."

Chen Ming responded, turned around and went back inside to find Xiao Li to continue discussing the specific route. At the same time, Lao Zhang and Xiao Wang began organizing supplies, while the other team members closed their eyes and rested as much as possible to prepare for the arduous journey ahead.

The atmosphere inside the room gradually quieted down, broken only by occasional hushed discussions. Time ticked by, and at 3:45 a.m., Zhao De got up and clapped his hands: "Alright, everyone wake up, let's get ready to go."

A flicker of excitement appeared in their weary eyes. Everyone stood up, quickly dressed, picked up their backpacks, and checked their firearms and communication equipment.

"Is there anything else you'd like to say before we set off?" Zhao De stood at the door, his gaze sweeping over everyone's faces, his tone low but powerful.

"Team Leader Zhao, could we..." Xiao Wang suddenly spoke, his voice choked with emotion, but he quickly regained his composure, "We will definitely deliver the data safely to its destination! We will not let everyone's efforts down!"

Zhao De smiled slightly and patted Xiao Wang on the shoulder: "I believe in you. We're all one family, fighting for the same goal. Let's go!"

The group left the cabin silently and stepped into the pitch-black night. They cautiously traversed the abandoned factory area, each step as if walking on thin ice. Zhao De and Chen Ming walked at the front, vigilantly observing their surroundings, afraid of overlooking anything.

Finally, after more than an hour of arduous trekking, they came to a narrow, winding path. This path was even more secluded, with almost no signs indicating that anyone had ever walked here.

“Follow this road, there’s a hidden cave about a kilometer ahead where you can rest for a while,” Chen Ming said in a low voice, his tone steady and firm.

The group nodded in understanding and continued following Zhao De and Chen Ming. In the darkness, their figures moved like ghosts through the abandoned factory area. Zhao De frequently looked back to check on the group, making sure everyone was moving safely.

Chapter 1355 Exploring the Way

Chapter 1355 Exploring the Way

"Xiao Li, have you checked the communication equipment?" Zhao De asked in a low voice.

Xiao Li nodded, took out a flashlight and quickly scanned the equipment in his backpack: "Everything has been checked and is in good condition."

"Okay, keep the radio silent unless there's an emergency," Zhao De instructed.

The group moved forward in silence, the only sounds being the faint patter of footsteps and breathing. Occasionally, the distant barking of a dog would break the silence, making everyone tense. A tense and oppressive atmosphere permeated the air.

After walking for a while, Old Zhang suddenly whispered, "Captain, this road is really too hidden. There aren't even any road signs. Are you sure we won't get lost?"

Zhao De turned to look at Lao Zhang, his tone still calm: "Don't worry, Chen Ming and his team have done a thorough investigation, there's no mistake."

Old Zhang nodded and said no more. The group continued forward and soon saw a hidden little cave. Chen Ming waved for everyone to stop, then went in first, and only allowed everyone else to enter after confirming it was safe.

The cave was relatively dry, and the ground was covered with dry grass, indicating that someone had taken refuge there briefly. Zhao De told everyone to rest for a while, while he and Chen Ming discussed the specific route ahead.

“According to the intelligence we’ve gathered, we should be able to reach an abandoned train station about half an hour from here. There’s an abandoned railway line there that leads to the secret base. We can travel on that railway; it will be faster,” Chen Ming said in a low voice.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhao De nodded in agreement: "Alright, we'll do it your way. But we need to be extra careful, since there might be enemy surveillance along this railway."

After the two finished discussing the details, Zhao De stood up and said loudly, "Everyone, take a short break, and be ready to set off again in five minutes. Remember to check your weapons and communication equipment."

The team members quickly packed their gear and stood neatly at the cave entrance five minutes later, ready to set off. This time, Xiao Li and Lao Zhang led the way, carefully probing the path with flashlights to ensure everyone's safe progress.

After crossing a wasteland overgrown with weeds, a dilapidated little station appeared ahead. Under the moonlight, the rusty tracks and broken platforms revealed a desolate beauty.

"Stop for a moment, let me go up and take a look first," Zhao De said in a low voice. He carefully climbed onto the railway tracks and slowly walked forward, cautiously looking around.

After confirming that the surroundings were safe and there were no abnormalities, Zhao De waved for everyone to follow. The group stepped onto the tracks one after another, trying to make as little noise as possible with each step. Xiao Li and Lao Zhang continued to lead the way, with the others following closely behind.

After walking for about ten minutes, a sudden gust of wind blew by, bringing a chill. Xiao Wang couldn't help but shiver and whispered, "Why is it so cold?"

The teammate next to him comforted him, "Don't think too much about it, just focus on getting there, we're almost there."

Just as everyone was advancing in a tense but orderly manner, a faint sound of footsteps suddenly reached Zhao De's ears. He immediately stopped and whispered, "Everyone stop, turn off your flashlights, and take cover!"

The team members immediately did as instructed, disappearing into the darkness one by one and quietly observing their surroundings. A few seconds later, several blurry figures appeared at one end of the railway tracks, shining flashlights around.

"Who's there?" one of the voices shouted.

Chapter 1356 Obtaining More Support

Chapter 1356 Obtaining More Support

Zhao De reacted quickly. He gently patted Chen Ming beside him, signaling him to stay where he was. He then quietly crept over and hid behind a pillar to observe.

The other party appeared to be several armed men; they looked around warily. Zhao De judged that these people were probably an enemy patrol, so he quietly retreated back to where his team members were hiding.

"Something's not right. There are a few patrol officers on the other side. We need to find another way to get around them," Zhao De said in a low voice.

Chen Ming frowned and thought for a moment, then said, "If we go around the railway tracks and then through the woods ahead, we might be able to avoid them."

Zhao De nodded: "Then let's do it this way. Everyone stay close to me and be careful to move quietly."

As he spoke, Zhao De led the group slowly along the edge of the railway tracks, gradually approaching the nearby woods. They cautiously traversed the grove, the leaves rustling underfoot, a sound that sent shivers down their spines.

Finally, after a difficult journey, Zhao De and his group successfully bypassed the enemy patrol and continued along the planned route.

"Luckily, we weren't discovered," Xiao Li said in a low voice, letting out a long sigh of relief.

Zhao De smiled slightly: "This is thanks to our tacit understanding and vigilance. Let's move forward, the secret base is not far away."

Everyone rallied their spirits and continued moving along the tracks. As time passed, a faint light gradually appeared on the horizon; dawn was approaching.

Suddenly, Xiao Wang excitedly pointed ahead and said, "Look, there are lights over there, have we arrived?"

Zhao De looked in the direction he pointed and indeed saw a glimmer of light. They quickened their pace and walked towards the light. Soon, an old building came into view, and several uniformed men were waiting for them at the entrance.

"Welcome back, you've worked hard!" The uniformed officer in the lead stepped forward to greet them. "Did you bring the documents?"

Zhao De nodded and handed over the bag in his hand: "Everything is fine. This is the information. Please keep it safe."

Zhao De handed the package of documents to the uniformed staff member who greeted him. The staff member carefully took it, nodded, and said, "Very good, we will process these documents as soon as possible. You must be tired from your journey, please go inside and rest for a while."

The team members nodded and entered the building. It was a secret base converted from an old factory. Although the exterior was dilapidated, the interior facilities were surprisingly complete. Warm lighting, neatly made beds, and hot food made the team members feel at ease.

"This is a really good resting place." Xiao Li breathed a sigh of relief and found a place to sit down. "I can hardly believe we actually succeeded."

Zhao De also sat down in a chair and rubbed his sore muscles: "Yes, this mission was indeed not easy, but fortunately everyone cooperated well."