Li Chang’an motioned for everyone to remain hidden. He kept his eyes glued to the Alien Martial Artists, waiting to see their next move.
A moment later, the Rebel Army leader gestured with his hand. His subordinates quickly began to deploy, clearly planning some sort of operation for after the Insect Race’s withdrawal.
"They must be planning their next move!" Li Chang’an’s eyes glinted sharply. "Bai Lin, record their route. Make sure it’s precise!"
Bai Lin quickly worked his terminal, his eyes glued to the data on the screen. "Already recording. Looks like they’re setting up an ambush on the outskirts. The target is most likely the base’s outer patrol units!"
"So, the base could be encircled?" Han Ruoxi’s expression turned serious.
"It’s a possibility," Li Chang’an said in a steady tone. "But their operation isn’t fully underway yet. We still have a chance to intercept their plan before they act."
"Then what should we do?" Sun Yang asked eagerly. "Should we just rush out now and catch them by surprise?"
Shen Qiuyue shot him a cold look. "Are you trying to get the whole team killed with your recklessness? They’re coordinating with the Insect Race. A rash move would just be asking for trouble."
Sun Yang pouted. "Hey, it was just a suggestion. No need to be so serious, everyone!"
Li Chang’an shot Sun Yang a glare and said in a low voice, "This isn’t the time to be reckless.
We’ll keep observing and move out after they’ve gone!"
The squad fell silent. Everyone watched the enemy ahead cautiously, the air thick with suffocating tension.
Before long, the Rebel Army and the Alien Martial Artists seemed to have finished their deployment. They retreated swiftly, disappearing into the nearby mountains and forests.
The entire process was clean and efficient—clearly a premeditated operation.
"They’re gone!" Han Ruoxi said quietly, letting out a sigh of relief.
"They pulled back fast," Sun Yang said with a frown. "But that’s good. At least we weren’t spotted."
Li Chang’an slowly got to his feet and waved for the others to follow. "We can’t waste any time. Let’s get back to the base immediately and report this intelligence."
Bai Lin looked up and said quietly, "I’ve recorded their route and trajectory. The base command center should be able to implement defensive measures immediately."
The squad quickly left their hiding spot and headed toward the aircraft.
Everyone remained on high alert on the way back, periodically glancing over their shoulders to check for tails.
Back on the aircraft, Sun Yang finally let out a breath of relief and leaned back in his seat. "Phew! We’re finally done.
To be honest, that whole thing had me breaking out in a cold sweat!"
Han Ruoxi rolled her eyes. "You? Breaking out in a cold sweat? You looked like you were ready to charge in and fight a minute ago!"
"Hey, I was just offering a suggestion! What if Brother Chang’an agreed it was time to attack?" Sun Yang retorted smugly. "But speaking of which, this Rebel Army isn’t going to be easy to handle. They’re working so closely with the Insect Race.
Chang’an, do you think our base can hold off this joint attack?"
Li Chang’an gazed at the scenery outside and said slowly, "The base has adequate defensive strength, but intelligence is the key.
Now that we have their route, the base can react quickly."
Shen Qiuyue leaned back in her seat, her eyes narrowed. "This Rebel Army might be more than just ordinary rebels. Their equipment and tactics are too sophisticated. They clearly have outside support."
"Exactly," Li Chang’an agreed with a slight nod. "Our enemy this time isn’t just the Insect Race and the Rebel Army. There might be a deeper power involved.
We have to handle this carefully."
Bai Lin looked up at Li Chang’an. "You think there’s another power backing the Rebel Army?"
Li Chang’an considered this for a moment before replying slowly, "It’s very likely.
The Insect Race never cooperates with outsiders, especially not human rebels. But for their actions to be this precisely coordinated... there must be another force pulling the strings."
"Man, sounds like we’ve really stirred up a hornet’s nest," Sun Yang mumbled. "Looks like the coming fight won’t be easy."
"Who said it was going to be easy?" Han Ruoxi clapped him on the shoulder. "We’re on the front lines. This is business as usual."
"Yeah, well, I just hope we get a decent meal to celebrate when this is all over," Sun Yang said with a wry smile.
A short while later, the aircraft landed smoothly on the base’s landing pad. The Insect Hunter Squad quickly disembarked and headed straight for the command center.
Commander Liu Na was already waiting in the command room. The moment she saw Li Chang’an, she asked directly, "What’s the situation?"
Li Chang’an saluted and reported immediately, "The Rebel Army and the Alien Martial Artists have formed some sort of alliance with the Insect Race. They’re planning a large-scale offensive. Their likely targets are the patrol units and defensive lines on the base’s perimeter!"
Bai Lin handed the terminal to Liu Na. "Here’s the detailed data we collected on their route and deployments."
Liu Na took the terminal and scanned it quickly, her expression turning grave. "Just as we expected. The enemy is already on the move.
And they’re moving faster than we anticipated."
"Commander, what are our next orders?" Li Chang’an asked.
Liu Na thought for a moment before saying, "Notify all patrol squads to increase their vigilance immediately. And reinforce the base’s outer defenses.
Insect Hunter Squad, you will be on standby, ready to respond to a potential enemy raid."
"Understood!" Li Chang’an acknowledged.
"This battle won’t be simple." Liu Na looked up at Li Chang’an, her expression serious. "Your squad is one of our main forces. I need you to maintain peak combat readiness and ensure the security of this base."