Chapter 110: Temporary Camp, Arrangements, and the Aftermath of Defeat

As Lin Feng returned to the convoy a kilometer away, he observed the gathering Black Spinal Bug swarm and ordered a retreat. During the time spent harvesting Tiger Bugs, some daring soldiers followed Shen Jie and others deep into enemy territory, hunting the Black Spinal Bugs. Many had now advanced to late-stage Tier 1.

Those who stayed by the convoy could only use heavy machine guns to eliminate the few heavily injured Black Spinal Bugs nearby.

The saying goes, "Fortune favors the bold." Lin Feng, confident in his approach, usually opted for bold risks.

This time, his return yielded two Tiger Bugs and the necessary orange-grade materials for the vehicle upgrade.

As the Black Spinal Bug army began to regroup, lingering further would risk another pursuit. After Lin Feng issued the order to leave, some soldiers reluctantly glanced back at the battlefield, while most sighed in relief, thankful to be leaving this dreaded place.

By 3 AM, their convoy of five vehicles was solitary on the highway, heading west. They drove until they reached the Dahu Service Area, twenty kilometers away, which still had a faint cell signal and a rest building. Lin Feng decided to establish camp here.

As a temporary camp, it was fifteen kilometers from the insect front line, ensuring safety while allowing for quick deployment.

The soldiers disembarked, grateful for the break. Despite the Flying Wing Vehicle leading the way, the troop transports were so jarring that everyone felt nauseous and dizzy.

Converted from old trucks, the troop transports had virtually no suspension, making the ride uncomfortable for the inexperienced.

Clearly, equipment upgrades were essential.

These trucks were diminishing combat effectiveness.

Lin Feng would need Hu Fei and Han Yuxin to supply gasoline and steel plates.

With this in mind, Lin Feng exited the vehicle, watching as Li Ran directed soldiers in defense and patrol tasks.

They secured the rooftop vantage points of the service area and checked inside for any survivors or insect traces.

This was the value of keeping Li Ran.

He made the team more professional and capable of going further.

Turning back, Lin Feng initiated the vehicle upgrade.

He merged in the two pairs of Tiger Bug jaws.

Upgrading the vehicle was more important than the Flying Tiger Armor; the future core team would rely on it.

The vehicle could run, fly, defend, and attack—a perfect apocalypse tool!

With the upgrade command issued, an orange light flashed across the vehicle's exterior as the Tiger Bug jaws melted into it.

Finally, Lin Feng relaxed and prepared to return to the vehicle to remove his armor and rest.

Entering the lounge through the side door, he transformed his armor into arm guards and prepared to shower when Chen Yanyan approached, holding a black device with a serious expression.

The device was a signal receiver given by Ding Chenghai, containing research reports on insect species.

It had initially filled Lin Feng's knowledge gap.

After handing it to Chen Yanyan, it had gone largely unused.

Presently, she handed it to him, saying:

"Ding Chenghai sent a warning two hours ago, saying the Federation's decapitation plan would threaten the service area outpost, urging us to evacuate."

"Timing-wise, it was ten minutes before we discovered the Tiger Bug gathering..."

"Unfortunately, it doesn't make noise; only the top light flashes. I didn't notice while driving."

Lin Feng examined it.

Indeed, Ding Chenghai had sent an early warning.

Unfortunately, the front line was cut off from power and cell signals, making phone calls impossible.

"Alright, keep it visible next time. I'll call him now."

With that, Lin Feng called Ding Chenghai, but after a few rings, the line went dead.

He called three times, then tried Han Yuxin.

She was in Jincheng, gathering remaining security forces and collecting critical supplies.

With the Wu City battle raging and front line conditions uncertain, chaos was brewing in Jincheng, the provincial capital.

Many citizens were panic-buying or flocking in large numbers to the highways.

They had hesitated, hoping the Wu City battle would end in victory, turning the city into a land of opportunity.

When the train stations closed, flights ceased, and distant artillery echoed...

Panic set in.

Wealthy individuals bought tickets and safely reached the rear, while the rest clogged the highways, seeking refuge.

The city was in chaos, black smoke from fires rising unchecked.

Screams and gunshots echoed sporadically.

Han Yuxin stood on a high floor of the security bureau, speaking with Lin Feng and learning about the Wu City battle.

Hearing the insects had breached the first line of defense in under three days, she was alarmed:

"Understood, I'll report the situation to the state guard immediately."

"Regarding your identity, I've negotiated with the higher-ups; they need a batch of live Black Spinal Bugs to promote you to officer rank, granting you a field-grade position."

"This will acknowledge your role in the guard and your independence."

Lin Feng nodded:

"Handle it. Silencing the Thirteenth Division doesn't cost much in Black Spinal Bugs."

"The Wu City battle is nearing failure; they'll beg for my help when retreating!"

"Prepare the materials I need—at least ten tons of steel, along with food and gasoline. Coordinate with Hu Fei on this."

"I want it ready by tomorrow at the Taihu Service Area."

Han Yuxin thought for a moment and agreed:

"No problem."

With logistics settled, the eastern sky began to brighten...

The farcical result of the decapitation operation emerged from the night.

The Thirteenth Division lost eighty-five companies...

A total of twelve thousand men.

Only fifteen mixed companies, under two thousand men, returned—a catastrophic defeat.

They lost a third of their forces at once.

Thousands of awakeners and countless new recruits... left the Thirteenth Division severely weakened.

When Lin Feng heard this news from Li Ran after waking at 9 AM, he expected the Thirteenth Division's defeat. However, the sight of several battered military vehicles in the service area was a pleasant surprise.

The comrades who had warned Li Ran managed to break through early following Lin Feng's alert.

They escaped before the insect army closed in, racing for their lives to safety.

Twenty of them, along with thirty new recruits, had survived.

After their harrowing escape, unsure of where to go, they drove south in the dark, reaching the highway. Following Li Ran's directions, they arrived at the Dahu Service Area just before running out of fuel, reuniting with the 201st Company.

Hearing Li Ran's astonishing suspicions, they dismissed thoughts of returning to report.

Without Qin Hu, they had no backing.

With no evidence, they couldn't accuse Cheng Zhan, the traitor, lest they be blamed for shirking responsibility.

After all, the front line's fall was primarily attributed to frontline commanders.

Lin Feng welcomed their arrival, and the defeated soldiers envied his new recruits' condition.

All wore Red Armor, each wielding a heavy machine gun.

Every one an awakener, most at mid-Tier 1...

With over twenty in the late stage.

All new recruits, yet such disparity!

Lin Feng didn't explain their doubts directly.

Comparison speaks volumes.

He believed they would soon join his ranks through private interactions.

Before that...

Lin Feng had another task to handle.

Since the frontline situation was reported, he needed to act...

To prevent Cheng Zhan from escaping to the insects.

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