CHAPTER 413: CHAPTER 413: STILL HELD BACK A MOVE

In the blink of an eye, five to six hours had passed, and the sky had grown dark.

The large group of enemies pursuing Ye Fan and Mengyao had constantly failed to find any trace of them. Aside from Ye Fan occasionally appearing to launch attacks from different locations, neither War Wolf nor the other nine teams had actively approached the two even once.

As the sky grew darker, the nine teams set up camp in various locations.

"Something’s not right, this situation is too strange," War Wolf said through the earpiece, contacting Beauty Snake and Climbing Tiger to discuss it.

Beauty Snake, perplexed, said, "Based on the intelligence we’ve gathered so far, the opponent’s reconnaissance methods are particularly sophisticated. Even some clues are purposefully left out, so the clues they don’t want us to find, we simply cannot find."

"This situation is quite troubling. If this drags on, it won’t end well," Climbing Tiger said, frustrated. "Although the longer this takes, the more advantageous it is for us, as they are in the forest with no food or water and wouldn’t dare to light a fire. As long as we wait long enough, even if they’re not starved out, they’ll be close to it. Without hot water to drink, they’ll eventually be trapped here. But we can never ascertain the prey’s hiding spot, leaving us quite passive. Every time the prey appears, it’s not far in front of us, yet when we give chase, we lose the trail. This situation is too bizarre, it’s really hard to comprehend."

"Indeed, it’s strange, but there’s no need to worry too much. The prey are mere mortals, not invincible. After half a day’s chase, we haven’t seen Chu Mengyao, but hasn’t Ye Fan appeared right in front of us?" War Wolf asserted, "Understanding this is enough. Presumably, Ye Fan’s stamina is almost depleted. After a night’s rest, we will be full of energy, but Ye Fan will likely be exhausted. Tomorrow will be our day."

The three leaders of War Wolf did not overthink but instead saw through the problem practically.

No matter how strong Ye Fan’s stamina is, he will tire eventually. When that happens, it will be their time. Once Ye Fan’s whereabouts are determined again, he’ll have no chance of escape.

With this understanding, the three of them relaxed significantly; having pursued them up to now, they too needed rest.

"Even now, we can’t lower our guard," Beauty Snake said confidently, "We must ensure every team remains vigilant. If Ye Fan tries to steal food from us, we unite to annihilate him."

"Of course, we can’t give the prey the chance to regain their strength," Climbing Tiger said.

"Tomorrow, we must make the prey pay," War Wolf vowed fiercely.

And so, the nine teams hunted some wildlife, boiled water, roasted meat to satiate their hunger, while maintaining their defenses intact, with guards patrolling the camp perimeters.

Time passed hour by hour, with Ye Fan and Mengyao reappearing at a distance from one of the camps, gazing hungrily at the campfires and the aroma of meat wafting within their view.

Ye Fan could endure hunger and thirst, but after hours of traversing difficult terrain, Mengyao had spent too much energy and spirit; if not for her strong will, she wouldn’t be able to hold on.

Outside the Primitive Forest, in the Lone Wolf Mercenary Corps’ camp, Meng Yinglong enjoyed a fine meal, savored with good wine.

"How goes the hunting game?" Meng Yinglong asked nonchalantly.

"Sir, the progress isn’t very smooth. Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao remain hidden, their escape speeds are exceedingly fast. From time to time, Ye Fan shows himself to kill a few of our men, then disappears without a trace," the butler responded with concern, "As for Chu Mengyao, we’ve never managed to pinpoint her location. Therefore, after most of a day’s pursuit, our men have faced Ye Fan five times and lost twenty-four people without inflicting any harm on the prey."

"Not unexpected, tomorrow is when the real show begins," Meng Yinglong swirled his wine glass, showing slight surprise, which quickly gave way to understanding. "Ye Fan’s abilities aren’t weak; such outbursts are understandable. With Chu Mengyao as a burden, his tactics are obviously hindered. Even if he’s attacking our men, he’s acting alone. If he were to bring Chu Mengyao along, it would be suicide."

"But sir, if this continues, it’s not a solution. Shouldn’t we reveal Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao’s whereabouts to War Wolf and others, forcing a siege on the prey, leaving them no respite?" the butler suggested.

"Not for now, that would ruin the fun. At this moment, the prey must be starving, and it’s cold at night. By tomorrow, even if they were made of iron, hunger and cold would eventually wear them down," Meng Yinglong said indifferently. As for the casualties, he didn’t care; making Ye Fan and Chu Mengyao perish in despair in the harsh wilderness was an unparalleled mental pleasure for him.

The butler’s suggestion was based upon a trump card: Meng Yinglong had installed a tracker on Chu Mengyao preemptively. Of course, this bargaining chip would only be used as a last resort.

"Tell War Wolf, Beauty Snake, and Climbing Tiger to remain vigilant. To prevent Ye Fan from ambushing at night, make sure all the traps are ready," Meng Yinglong reminded.

"Don’t worry, sir. War Wolf and the others have been on the defensive all day, fearing a night assault from Ye Fan. Everything is already in place, and presumably, the fish are nearing the bait," the butler said. "As long as Ye Fan doesn’t show himself, it’s fine, but if he makes a move at night an attack, he’ll be met with a barrage of bullets."

"Good, hahaha," Meng Yinglong laughed triumphantly.

Indeed, Meng Yinglong made sure everything necessary was well prepared.

Inside the Primitive Forest, it was soon eleven o’clock at night.

During this time, Chu Mengyao’s stomach had long been rumbling with hunger, and her lips were parched and cracking with thirst.

Especially seeing the enemy’s feasting under the firelight made Chu Mengyao even hungrier.

However, she mustered all her strength to endure.

"Wait here for me, don’t be afraid, I’ll come back for you," Ye Fan instructed.

"Okay." Mengyao nodded resolutely.

Then, Ye Fan charged towards one of the nine teams.

This squad in front was the one Ye Fan last attacked during the day, consisting of thirty men. After four were killed, there were twenty-six left.

Ye Fan had long known everything about this incidence.