Chapter 55: Lend a Helping Hand
Translator: Tim; Editor: Tehrn/Carolin
“Brother Ye,” Guo Qi began, “our instructor said the strongest among us is the leader. Though I’m a few years older, you’re clearly exceptional—the strongest. So, following the instructor’s words, I’ll call you Brother Ye!”
He continued, “I may not understand grand strategy, but the Yue are burning, raiding, and killing along our border. They commit every evil imaginable. Thirty years ago, our army retaliated, but the Yue abused and humiliated our people before killing them. They burned Chinese factories, and countless compatriots were brutally murdered. Even decades later, their attacks continue, though more subtly, they remain a threat.
“My team was surrounded by Yue soldiers. Even if I, Guo Qi, die, I must save them. As fellow Chinese, I ask for your help. We know this area well. If you help rescue my team, I’ll help you find what you seek.” Guo Qi finished, looking earnestly at Ye Mo.
Ye Mo was silent a moment. He disliked the Yue, and Guo Qi’s offer of assistance wasn't necessary; he'd searched for days. Yet, Guo Qi’s plea was reasonable; as a fellow Chinese, he should help.
Deciding to assist, Ye Mo nodded. “Brother Guo is right. I didn’t think this through. Let's go! Tell me the details; a few Yue are no threat to me.”
“Thank you, Brother Ye!” Guo Qi saluted, delighted. He understood Ye Mo’s reluctance stemmed from seclusion; he simply lacked worldly experience.
Guo Qi offered Ye Mo a gun, but Ye Mo waved him off. “No need. I don’t use guns; they’re cumbersome.” Guo Qi remembered Ye Mo’s barehanded takedown of several soldiers and dropped the idea.
After hearing Guo Qi’s account, Ye Mo understood their predicament. Guo Qi’s six-man squad, on a border mission, was ambushed in a forest. Though the attackers’ identities weren't confirmed, Guo Qi believed they were Yue. Two were killed, three trapped; only Guo Qi escaped. Their refuge was Han Chan Cave. He said the cave's geology saved them; otherwise, all would have been annihilated. Only Guo Qi escaped the initial ambush, and without Ye Mo, he wouldn't have gone far. Han Chan Cave was some distance away; they walked two hours to reach it. As they neared, a gunshot rang out.
“They haven’t been captured!” Guo Qi exclaimed joyfully. “That’s my squad’s gun; I recognize the sound.”
Ye Mo was also elated, realizing Fang Nan’s description matched Han Chan Cave. Though he hadn’t seen the evergreen tree yet, the surroundings were identical. He realized his willingness to help had led him to this place.
“Brother Ye, what now?” Guo Qi, though an elite special forces soldier, knew he was no match for Ye Mo. Knowing his teammates weren't captured, he thought more clearly. He knew, however, they wouldn't last long; their ammunition was likely low; otherwise, they wouldn't have fired so sparingly.
“How many attackers?” Ye Mo asked. To find what he sought, he had to eliminate the men holding Guo Qi’s team hostage.
“Judging from the ambush, at least twenty. We killed three or four. My teammates are likely holding out until nightfall. But the enemy knows this and won’t let them last that long. They're probably strategizing now,” Guo Qi replied precisely.
Ye Mo nodded. “Stay behind me; don’t fire unless necessary. I’ll handle this.” Guo Qi, recalling Ye Mo's silent dispatch of three special ops soldiers, had no doubts. Sixteen men were insufficient against Ye Mo. He wondered if Ye Mo or Xu Shi (their three-day instructor) was stronger.
Before Guo Qi finished thinking, Ye Mo moved. Han Chan Cave was in a valley—easy to defend, hard to attack. He didn't understand the attackers’ choice of location, but it was either due to time constraints or Guo Qi’s team’s timely retreat.
Ye Mo's spirit sense extended seven meters. Near the valley, he located six hidden men. If Guo Qi wasn’t mistaken, reinforcements were nearby.
A bomb exploded outside Han Chan Cave, creating a mushroom cloud. They weren't trying to kill, but to intimidate.
Ye Mo swiftly dispatched the six men with six thrown nails, each striking a vital point.
The cave entrance fanned outward; easy to defend, but also to trap occupants. Ye Mo systematically eliminated his way through the attackers. Upon killing his twenty-first opponent, he was finally discovered. The victim’s sudden silence alerted the remaining three. Their cries for help revealed Ye Mo’s position.
Three shots rang out. Though Ye Mo’s spirit sense had anticipated their movements, a slash grazed his arm. These men were superior to the 13 Turbos, their weapons far more advanced.
He was injured!
Enraged, Ye Mo launched six nails; two men fell immediately. The remaining four nails shattered the face of the man who wounded him.
“Come on!” Ye Mo called to Guo Qi, who now realized more than sixteen men were present. “I apologize, Brother Ye. My information was wrong.”
“Join your team,” Ye Mo waved.