If one were to look down from directly above the center of Donghai Island, they would find the entire island divided into four sections.
With a large pit in the island's center serving as the focal point, the surrounding area was divided almost equally into three parts.
The western side, facing the land of Huaxia, was where Li Chonglou and others were located. With the building as the center, moving eastward led to a dense forest.
Li Chonglou and Chen Pingfan were currently hiding within it.
The commotion from the building could no longer be heard. The two had stealthily observed the large mine ahead, only to find it heavily guarded, so they retreated.
"Brother Li, it seems they aren't guarding against us?"
Li Chonglou gazed into the distance, thoughtfully remarking, "It appears the situation here is far more complex than we imagined. If we act rashly, we might even harm our own people."
Chen Pingfan said helplessly, "I don't know what the General Bureau is thinking this time. Even if they don't want to disclose the specifics, they should at least distinguish between our people and the enemy."
"This is probably the General Bureau's true test for us."
A sharp glint flashed in Li Chonglou's eyes. Chen Pingfan asked, "Brother Li, do you know something?"
Ever since they came out, this doubt had been in his heart. Li Chonglou's demeanor was nothing like a newcomer who was completely unaware. Even with the constant changes happening outside earlier, he hadn't seen the slightest anomaly on his face, as if everything were within his grasp!
Li Chonglou shook his head, "I just arrived here like you, how would I know anything."
Would you believe me if I said that?
Li Chonglou ignored Chen Pingfan's gaze and continued, "The areas here seem to be divided. Have you noticed the eyes of those soldiers? They are looking outwards, not in our direction."
Chen Pingfan looked confused.
"We just made such a huge commotion. If they were really guarding against us, they should be vigilant in this direction."
"And have you noticed their formations?"
Chen Pingfan remained baffled.
"The three-three formation and opposing positions – these are tactical formations for external enemies. Besides that, there are their uniforms and demeanor. Those soldiers we saw earlier are likely from the General Bureau, the military bearing that outsiders cannot imitate."
Chen Pingfan deeply agreed with the last sentence. Looking at the whole world, the demeanor of Huaxia soldiers was unique. Even if they were sometimes less fierce than foreign mercenaries and special forces, their restrained dignity was unmatched by outsiders!
The more people had experienced the outside world, the more they realized how extraordinary Huaxia soldiers were.
However, Chen Pingfan was filled with shock!
When he had gone with Li Chonglou earlier, they had stayed for the same amount of time, and had only observed for a few seconds.
But in his mind, the only conclusion was trouble, only these two words! Unlike Li Chonglou, who could draw such lengthy conclusions from just a few seconds of observation!
"Brother Li, you really aren't..."
Li Chonglou gave him a direct glare.
"First, tell me, what is the use of the information I've provided?"
Chen Pingfan was suddenly stunned.
What?
Is he going to test me?
Seeing Li Chonglou staring at him with a serious expression, Chen Pingfan knew he was serious.
His expression also became serious.
"Ahem, I think Brother Li's analysis is excellent."
"Enough with the nonsense."
Chen Pingfan said a little awkwardly, "But if you ask about the use of this information, I think it should be related to our mission."
Li Chonglou stared into his eyes.
"Alright, I admit I can't see anything."
Chen Pingfan spread his hands helplessly.
"Heh."
It wasn't disdain, but Li Chonglou knew this guy was pretending again.
Someone who could see his extraordinary nature amidst a crowd, someone who dared to follow him against three major powers without even knowing him for half a day, and such a decisive and resolute person – who would believe he couldn't analyze this information?
However, Li Chonglou didn't say anything more.
The atmosphere suddenly turned silent. Li Chonglou had long understood people's hearts and wouldn't bother arguing with him about these things.
As long as the person didn't have ulterior motives.
It was Chen Pingfan who couldn't remain still.
Li Chonglou had always displayed dominance, whether it was asking him to team up or reprimanding him later, these were characteristics only possessed by those who had long held positions of power.
However, for such a person to suddenly fall silent, it would be a lie to say Chen Pingfan wasn't flustered.
Now, the two were like ants on the same boat. Ever since he hadn't refuted Li Chonglou's words in the lobby, he had severed ties with the three major powers!
Not to mention the future, at least in this mission, it was basically impossible for the people from the three major powers to cooperate with him again!
Upon thinking of this, Chen Pingfan finally couldn't help but speak, "Brother Li, are you trying to say that if we distinguish this, we can avoid harming our own people?"
"It's to avoid mistakenly killing our own people as much as possible."
Li Chonglou corrected him.
Chen Pingfan's pupils suddenly contracted.
"Also, this is just one point. When it's time to act, you still have to act."
"What do you mean?"
A hint of unease arose in Chen Pingfan's heart.
"Literal meaning. Alright, time to get to work."
"What?"
Li Chonglou stopped responding and moved forward stealthily.
A few minutes later, the two arrived at the boundary again.
"A total of six people. The three on the left are yours. Just control them, don't kill them."
Li Chonglou pointed to the left.
Chen Pingfan pondered for a moment, then said softly, "Don't worry, they are just ordinary people. I can do it in three seconds."
"No, they are all realm masters, likely no lower than the third layer. I'm giving you only ten seconds."
"What?"
Chen Pingfan was startled and looked again at the two small squads of soldiers on guard ahead. He clearly didn't feel any internal energy fluctuations from them.
But Li Chonglou had already moved towards the other three.
Damn it, I'll go for it!
Chen Pingfan gritted his teeth and made the first move.
"Enemy attack!"
As soon as Chen Pingfan moved, the three guarding on the left also turned. Although they were carrying guns, they all instinctively reached for their waists.
At the same time, the auras of six realm masters at the third layer surged forth.
They were indeed realm masters!
Chen Pingfan, being a fifth-layer master, was far faster than those at the third layer. As the three drew short knives from their waists, he had already reached them.
His lightning-fast fists directly struck one of their faces without holding back. One was a battle-hardened soldier, the other was a rogue cultivator at the fifth layer.
Despite the gap in combat techniques and reaction speed, as the saying goes, sheer force overcomes all. A two-layer difference, as long as one doesn't encounter a monstrous genius, is enough to compensate for everything!
Bang!
A soldier was sent flying backward. Another's eyes were sharp, a fierce look flashing in them, and the short knife in his hand didn't hesitate.