Chapter 232

Chapter 232 - Traitor

I had somehow overlooked this issue before. I had assumed the sentries were dead, but now that I think about it, it seems highly suspicious. We only heard a scream; we never actually saw any bodies.

During the breakout, our brothers were falling one by one. I didn't have the chance to look, but I don't recall seeing that person among them.

“Alright, whether it's him or not, our priority is to rescue our people. Let's proceed with caution,” Zhang Xiaolong advised.

Gao Loong, though enraged, quickly regained his composure. A true soldier always knows when to suppress their anger and focus on what's most important.

After a bit more walking, Xiaolong halted Gao Loong, “There's someone ahead, in that tree, and another about ten meters away in the next tree. Are they your men?”

“No, our men are all in the valley. Even if they had escaped, they wouldn't just sit in a tree waiting to be caught; they'd be trying to get out to send word,” Gao Loong replied, shaking his head. “It must be the enemy's sentries. They weren't here when I escaped, and they probably don't know I got away. Otherwise, they'd be searching more broadly, not just standing guard here.”

“That's even better. It'll make our job easier.” After confirming they weren't friendly forces, Xiaolong picked up two stones from the ground and stealthily made his way closer.

Two swooshing sounds followed, and then the branches rustled as something heavy fell from above.

“Is he dead?” Gao Loong knew the man in the tree was likely a sniper.

Such individuals are always on high alert. Often, their targets don't even realize what's happening before they're taken out with a headshot.

But now the tables had turned. The sniper hadn't even had a chance to react before being taken down from the tree.

“He's not dead, just knocked out,” Xiaolong said, his actions measured, not intending to take a life.

As they approached, Gao Loong drew his dagger and moved in. Each sniper received a final blow, dying a pitiable death under the blade.

Of course, given the choice, they would probably prefer this to dying under a rock. That would be even more humiliating, especially if they encountered other snipers in the afterlife.

Suddenly, someone nearby moved quickly, seemingly trying to speak to his comrades but got no response. It was then he noticed something was amiss.

“There...” He barely got a word out before Zhang Xiaolong's stone hit him.

The sound caught everyone's attention. As they turned to look, they were confronted with the eerie scene.

Gunfire erupted as those still able to move opened fire into the forest.

Gao Loong was nearly startled into shouting; Zhang Xiaolong was right in the line of fire. Such a barrage would pulverize anyone, even a deity.

Just when he thought all was lost, a blur darted through the trees, too quick to be identified.

Before they could get a clear look, a stone zipped through the air and embedded itself in a man's forehead, leaving nothing but a bloody hole as he collapsed, eyes rolling back.

It was clear to everyone that the swift shadow was the hidden foe. Shocked by the enemy's speed, they instinctively lifted their guns and fired wildly.

Bullets wove a deadly net of firepower, and amidst the chaos, no one could tell where their shots landed.

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Suddenly, the shadow ceased moving, its hiding place unknown. A barrage of stones flew in, striking indiscriminately, and the area below erupted in agonized cries.

Most of the stricken fell dead instantly. Two individuals, whether fortunate or not, were hit in less critical areas and clung to life. But by the looks of it, they were hanging by a thread.

“Gao Loong, go save your comrades. I'll hold the fort here,” Zhang Xiaolong steadied his emotions and gestured to Gao Loong, who was at a distance.

Filled with excitement, Gao Loong ran over, casting a quick glance at the dead and those paralyzed with fear. Without hesitation, he dashed inside, shouting, “Brothers, I'm back. We're going to make it!”

“Gao Loong, to think you're a traitor. I'll put an end to you with a single bullet!”