Chapter 118: Fengzi, what should we do?

Qin Feng carefully scanned his surroundings. He sensed that this position was ideal for a breakout. If he planted landmines 1,500 meters to the southeast, he could execute a feint against the more than 2,000 enemy soldiers, creating an opening for everyone to escape.

"Stay hidden here and wait for me. I'm going to set the mines and will be back shortly," Qin Feng said to the group. His plan was to plant the explosives to the southeast, then use his Type 88 sniper rifle to detonate them from a distance. This would draw the enemy's attention, allowing them to break out from a point in the northwest.

"Be careful, Fengzi," War Eagle warned. He knew that caution was the key to surviving and fighting the enemy effectively. Staying alive was more important than anything else.

"Don't worry, I'll return safely," Qin Feng nodded. He was acutely aware of their perilous situation and knew he had to be extremely careful to protect both himself and the others so they could all leave this place unscathed.

About five minutes later, Qin Feng returned.

"How did it go, Fengzi?" War Eagle asked. He felt that their situation was critical and that only a calculated response would allow them to break through and escape.

"Let me check." Qin Feng raised his Type 88 sniper rifle and peered through the scope at the site where he had planted the mines. He confirmed that they were within range and that he could easily hit and detonate them.

"It's feasible," Qin Feng said, lowering the rifle. He was confident he could trigger the blast to distract the enemy and execute his diversionary tactic.

"Good," War Eagle nodded, trusting that Qin Feng’s plan would lead them to a successful breakout.

"Stay hidden and wait for the right moment," Qin Feng instructed the others.

"Fengzi, when will that moment come?" Black Wolf asked, feeling the weight of their precarious position and the difficulty of the task ahead.

"Exactly. How are we supposed to break out, Fengzi?" Shadow asked, hoping for a clear path to safety.

"Fengzi, have you thought of a way? A feint, and we're just waiting for the signal?" Snow Leopard whispered, sensing that Qin Feng already had a plan in mind.

"Yes. Wait. Believe that the opportunity will come," Qin Feng replied in a low voice. He knew they had to be patient, waiting for the perfect chance to break through in one decisive move.

And so, they waited.

The Misty Forest was silent, and the area outside remained quiet as well; it seemed the enemy had no idea that Qin Feng and his team had managed to infiltrate this deep. Although the mist within the forest swirled constantly, the enemies outside were oblivious to the changes in the fog. It was dark, visibility was low, and the dense, vast nature of the forest made it difficult to observe any activity, even from a distance.

However, the enemies would eventually notice if the mist drifted out of the forest. Given the speed of the southeasterly wind, the toxic fog would reach the enemy lines before long. This was exactly why Qin Feng had ordered everyone to wait; once the toxic mist drifted out, the unsuspecting enemy would suffer heavy casualties, providing the perfect window for their escape.

"Caw!" Suddenly, a mountain eagle let out a cry, flapping its wings as it took flight from the forest. It soared into the clouds and vanished within a few breaths.

Instantly, the jungle was filled with a murderous tension. A sense of immense danger seemed to permeate the once-calm forest. Often, it is in the moments of greatest stillness that danger is most profound, and the forest felt like a coiled spring, ready to snap.

The southeast wind blew gently, causing the trees to sway and leaves to scatter. Beneath the dense canopy, a rustling sound emerged—as if something was crawling across the forest floor. A vast, crimson carpet of movement began to spread rapidly.

Qin Feng, constantly monitoring his surroundings, suddenly sensed a sharp, dangerous presence. He hurriedly raised his Type 88 sniper rifle and peered through the scope. His scalp tingled; his face turned pale as he identified the lethal creatures.

War Eagle and the others noticed his reaction and asked urgently, "What is it, Fengzi?"

"Army ants," Qin Feng whispered.

The team gasped. They had heard of army ants—creatures that would pick a human skeleton clean in minutes. The thought was terrifying. If the swarm moved toward their position, the consequences were too horrific to contemplate.

"What do we do, Fengzi?" Black Wolf asked, trembling.

Qin Feng thought quickly. He scanned the area and spotted wild ginger nearby. "There’s wild ginger here! I’ve heard it can repel insects. Dig it up and rub it on yourselves, quickly!"

He wasn't sure if it would work, but it was their best option. If it failed, he would have to find another way. The team quickly used their military knives to dig up the ginger and rub it over their bodies.

Still uneasy, Qin Feng gathered some dry grass nearby. If the ginger proved ineffective, he would risk exposing their position by setting the grass on fire to drive the ants away.

Once finished, he rejoined his team, standing in wait. He gripped his knife tightly, watching the approaching swarm, ready to face the danger. He stood motionless, his fear pushed aside, his muscles rigid and his knuckles white. Sweat slicked his palms, and though he was tense, he reminded himself that the greater the danger, the more he needed to remain calm.

He watched the ants closely. They drew within three meters of their position. Surprisingly, the ants showed no signs of attacking. Qin Feng breathed a sigh of relief. The swarm looked fierce, clearly agitated by the toxins in the forest air, and they seemed desperate to escape the woods rather than hunt.