Chapter 121: Breaking Through Seems Far from Easy!

“Don’t make a fuss; these are just ants. If we retreat easily now and those few manage to escape, all our efforts will have been in vain,” the Red Skull said, exuding a chilling aura. He despised Qin Feng deeply and was determined not to let him break through so easily.

“I’ll say it again—these aren’t ordinary ants; they’re man-eating ants. If we anger them, they will devour us,” Snake said with some displeasure. “You were hired, we’re the employers. Often, you need to listen to us. Don’t think you can do whatever you want just because you’re strong.”

“Snake, that’s not quite right,” Red Skull replied coolly. “We are indeed the Blood Skull Mercenary Corps, a mercenary group, but this time, we’re collaborators. You haven’t paid us; in fact, it was our Blood Skull Mercenaries who put up the bounty on Qin Feng.”

Red Skull’s voice was low but carried great authority. No one dared to challenge the Blood Skull Mercenary Corps, and he believed Snake wouldn’t either. The Blood Skull Mercenaries were many times stronger than Snake’s group. If Snake offended them, the Blood Skulls could deal with him as they wished.

As expected, Snake fell silent upon hearing Red Skull’s words and began to contemplate.

Seeing his words had an effect, Red Skull seized the opportunity. “Snake, I suggest we temporarily besiege those few. Since these man-eating ants have emerged from the Mist Forest, there might be something dangerous inside. Those people won’t hold out long and might try to break out. I think we can hold our ground a while longer. We have over two thousand combatants plus my mercenaries; our combined strength is formidable. That way, we can better eliminate them. Think it over.”

Red Skull’s tone was casual but radiated immense combat power and a ruthless intimidation. If Snake refused, no one knew what might happen.

At that moment, the wind in the Mist Forest stirred, sending waves of cold through the air.

Snake’s triangular eyes flickered. He saw the logic in Red Skull’s words. Waiting might give them a better chance against Qin Feng’s group. Soon, a fierce gleam appeared in his eyes. He clenched his teeth and shouted to those around him, “Stop shooting! Don’t move! Anyone who moves, I’ll shoot on the spot! These are just man-eating ants! Light fires—build bonfires! Ants fear fire, even man-eating ants. Fire will keep them away, so there won’t be any trouble.”

Snake believed the ants feared fire and that burning fires could drive them off. Letting the ants get close meant they could be chewed to the bone without a trace.

Hearing this, everyone scattered and refrained from shooting at the crimson ants. They too sensed the ants’ fear of fire and began lighting fires.

Soon bonfires blazed around them. Those who hadn’t lit fires were being chewed on by the ants—flesh and bone torn away, blood flowing freely. The gruesome sight caused many to collapse, writhing on the ground as they struggled to escape the relentless ants. Some rushed to help, swatting the creatures away and pulling victims to safety near the fires.

Though chaotic, the scene gradually came under control. Most enemies clustered near the bonfires, unwilling to move or fire at the ants. Having witnessed the ants’ ferocity, no one dared provoke them. These were man-eating ants, after all; to stir them meant a grim fate.

At that moment, the southeast wind in the Mist Forest intensified, stirring the fog swiftly toward the forest’s edge.

Meanwhile, Qin Feng and his group hid cautiously at the forest’s fringe, observing the shifting situation. Qin Feng’s face was grave. He sensed their opponents were formidable, with a commander skilled at steadying morale. Despite the man-eating ants’ attack, they remained calm—a rare feat. The chance to create chaos and escape seemed slim.

“Breaking out won’t be so easy,” Qin Feng thought.

“Feng, escaping doesn’t look easy,” Black Wolf murmured, glancing at Qin Feng.

“Looks tough indeed,” Shadow replied.

“What do we do now?” Snow Leopard asked, anxiety creeping in. Retreat wouldn’t be simple.

“What’s the plan, Feng?” War Hawk inquired, noting the situation outside. Earlier, the ants had briefly scattered, creating an opening, but now it had vanished. Breaking out seemed nearly impossible.

“Wait,” Qin Feng said simply. He knew everyone was anxious to break free, but for now, patience was their only option.

“Alright,” War Hawk and the others nodded. They trusted Qin Feng’s leadership and would wait for his signal.

About ten minutes later, Qin Feng sensed the southeast wind growing stronger, even hearing it whistle sharply. Glancing back at the Mist Forest, he noticed the fog surging like angry waves, roaring and howling as it billowed toward the forest’s edge.

A faint smile tugged at his lips. Though their earlier attempt at chaos had failed, the fog was about to drift away. Once it did, it would be their chance.

“Heaven never seals all doors,” Qin Feng thought. “This time, we can break through.”

The fog was toxic, and the two thousand enemies outside were unprepared. This would give them a surprise advantage. Qin Feng and War Hawk could launch a sudden attack, catching their foes off guard, and seize the opportunity to escape.