Xu Qian was very professional in managing the base and naturally did not want to lose this only female base.
However, she could not represent everyone.
Xie Yayun could only nod; she needed to hold a proper meeting and discussion.
Xu Qian sighed, watching Xie Yayun's retreating back.
Xiao Ping suddenly popped out from behind, asking eerily, "Sister, when are we making sushi?"
Xu Qian tapped his forehead, her mood instantly brightening.
Three days passed very quickly, and the voting results were out.
Everyone chose to stay at the Hope Base, praying for Xu Qian to conduct unified training again.
Xu Qian returned to her role as a coach. Half a month later, after everyone's combat skills had improved, the two decided to leave.
The extreme heat lasted only one month, and they had to take the opportunity to eliminate the other bases while they were at a disadvantage.
Before leaving, Xu Qian left them a large amount of military equipment, in case of unforeseen circumstances.
"Sister, where are we going?"
Xu Qian unfolded a tattered map. The remaining two bases were both in G City, at opposite ends.
She chose the closest base.
Xiao Ping had been full of resentment lately, as Xu Qian had been evading his request to absorb something, making him so angry that he refused to come out.
Xu Qian genuinely did not want him to absorb the crystal core so quickly. Each absorption would create another Xiao Ping. She couldn't imagine what a second time would be like.
She wanted to stall for as long as possible, at least until these two bases were dealt with and she had time to accompany him slowly.
Xu Qian pressed her temples. She would put aside other matters for now and focus on destroying these two bases.
She closed her eyes and activated the living map in her mind, discovering that the experimental base was located under a highway overpass.
It was Xu Qian's first time seeing such a down-to-earth base, with a clearly marked location.
It was right under the bridge.
The two got out of the car nearby and walked the rest of the way.
Xu Qian did not believe this would be an easy base to destroy. Even with her extensive experience, she had to be extremely vigilant.
With a thought, a small bat appeared in her palm.
It yawned, clearly having woken up not long ago.
The system had reminded it to wake up a few days prior, and after feeding it for several days, its spirit was much better than before.
Xu Qian poked its little head and placed it by her collar, covering it.
With it, she was fearless of any demons or monsters.
The two cautiously approached. It was the underbelly of a large bridge.
Shallow black water flowed beneath the bridge, with many rocks. Looking up, dozens of stone pillars were neatly arranged.
The map indicated the location was in the middle of the bridge.
They had to walk through.
The living map showed no signs of living people, suggesting the base was likely underground.
The two put on their water boots and slowly walked into the water.
The water was not deep, only covering their shoes.
The rocks at the bottom were covered in moss, making them very slippery underfoot.
"Sister, I'll hold your hand."
The young man's pale, slender palm was extended to her.
Looking up, they met each other's gaze. His clear eyes held nothing but concern.
Xu Qian's dark eyes flickered. She took his hand and held it tightly.
Supporting each other, they slowly walked to the center of the bridge.
The sensation under their feet changed significantly. It was no longer slippery but felt like normal stone paving.
There were many white human bones scattered in the surrounding water.
Xu Qian bent down, intending to examine them, but her hand was tightly gripped.
"Xiao Lü, let go."
"Sister, I don't want to let go." It was rare for him to hold his sister's hand.
Xu Qian glanced at him. No wonder she had felt something was off earlier; Xu Lü rarely initiated physical contact.
Except for... kisses.