The specially prepared whole roasted lamb was perfectly cooked, and Jiang Ning indulged heartily without holding back. 

She didn’t forget to ask while eating, “Brother Feng, it’s not easy to get meat these days, especially fresh lamb.” 

“It’s not easy outside, but at the Qinggang Base, you can eat fresh lamb as long as you have the skills,” Qiao Laosan replied enthusiastically. 

“Yes, if we keep following Brother Feng, not only lamb, but we’ll also have fresh beef anytime we want.” 

Jiang Ning tasted the meat carefully and remarked, “This seems like authentic northwest lamb; we can’t raise this flavor along the coast.” 

Qiao Laosan laughed, “You have a good palate, sister-in-law. It did come from the northwest.” 

Jiang Ning was surprised, “The southern coastal areas are extremely cold, below minus seventy degrees; the northwest should be even colder. It’s amazing that cattle and sheep can survive there.” 

Qiao Laosan whose enjoying on showing off his knowledge, said, “You might not know, but the world is full of wonders. Although it’s extremely hot here, it’s just now turning extremely cold in the northwest, so the cattle and sheep are coming over.” 

Jiang Ning was astonished, “Not everyone can enjoy fresh roasted lamb in such heat. Thanks for the treat, Brother Feng.” 

She raised her glass to toast Feng Kunpeng and Qiao Laosan. 

Just as she sat down, there was commotion outside. 

Yang Laowu returned with his men, all covered in blood. Some had been shot and were awaiting emergency treatment. Out of the dozens who went out, half were lost, and many were injured. 

“Big Brother, those bastards from Leilong Base ambushed us. Luckily, I didn’t back down and took out quite a few of them.” 

Yang Laowu was furious. He almost throw his gun to the ground, “Damn it, they bullied us too much. Not only did they take out our guard posts, but they also falsely accused us of killing their people first. They’re clearly making an excuse!” 

The base had only about two hundred people, and this trip was a heavy loss. 

Medicine was more precious than gold, and the injury meant more losses. 

Recruiting survivors who’s willing to risk their lives used to be easy because of the profits from toll fees. But now Leilong Base is interfering, they are even competing with Qinggang Base not only for business but also for people. 

At this rate, Qinggang Base would soon be wiped out. 

Feng Kunpeng was furious, forgetting his usual gentlemanly demeanor, and in a fit of anger, he smashed his wine glass, “Damn it, do they really think I’m a pushover?” 

He almost overturned the table. 

But the three people and a dog remained particularly calm. Especially the dog, which is happily gnawing on a lamb leg. 

Honestly, seeing Huo Yishen and his companions eating so nonchalantly, Feng Kunpeng almost wanted to shoot them all. 

However, he calmed down eventually. 

He waved at Yang Laowu and the others away, telling them to quickly tend to the injured. 

Regaining his composure, he sat down again with a smile, “Brother Huo, you heard just now. Leilong Base is too arrogant. They are destroying our checkpoints and now they even killed and injured dozens of our people. What do you think we should do?” 

Huo Yishen remained exceptionally calm, “Do you want to hear the truth or something nice?” 

Feng Kunpeng was taken aback, “Of course, the truth.” 

“Cut the weeds and eliminate the roots.” 

Such a simple principle, Feng Kunpeng understood it well, “Brother Huo, you might not know, Leilong has backing.” 

Huo Yishen spoke bluntly, “If they truly had backing, they would have taken down Qinggang Base long before you had a chance to react. Why wait until now to confront you head-on? It’s just smoke and mirrors.” 

His words were so straightforward that even Qiao Laosan got anxious. 

Indeed, he had advised his elder brother early on that opportunities were fleeting, and action should be taken swiftly. 

But his brother was naturally suspicious. He feared of the wolves in front and tigers behind and was fooled by the smokescreen from Leilong Base, thus missing the best opportunity and allowing them to grow stronger. 

Feng Kunpeng, being a prideful man, found Huo Yishen’s words hard to swallow. Holding back his anger, he retorted, “Brother Huo might not be aware, but today they even brought out armored vehicles and completely flattened our guard posts and barricade walls. If they didn’t have substantial backing, they couldn’t have gotten a heavy armor.” 

“Armored vehicles?” Huo Yishen asked, “Who saw them?” 

Qiao Laosan, worried about his brother losing face, quickly responded, “A brother managed to escape and report back.” 

“As far as I know, military and police equipment are tightly controlled. It’s nearly impossible for armored vehicles to be out in the wild. Are you sure he wasn’t hallucinating from fear or heatstroke?” 

This statement made even Qiao Laosan unhappy. “Brother Huo, our people inspected the site. The damage is extensive, not something ordinary vehicles could do.” 

Huo Yishen just smiled without saying anything. 

Qiao Laosan felt displeased. His brother had offered good food and drinks, not to be shown up like this. He swallowed his frustration, “Brother Huo, do you have a better solution?” 

“I still say, eliminate the problem at its root.” Huo Yishen didn’t blink, “It’s the apocalypse; conflicts can only be resolved through force. If love and peace could solve everything, the world wouldn’t be in such chaos.” 

He stood up after speaking, “Thank you for the hospitality, Brother Feng. We’re full. If you make a decision, let us know anytime, and we’ll help.” 

Feng Kunpeng was furious but maintained a forced smile, “Take care.” 

As soon as they left, he swept the dishes off the table in anger. 

After calming down a bit, Qiao Laosan spoke, “Brother, Huo’s words are harsh, but he’s not wrong. Two tigers can’t share one mountain. There are limited resources on this route, and we can’t coexist with Leilong Base. Competing for the same pot of food will leave both sides starving, especially with Leilong’s huge appetite. Striking first gives the advantage and waiting only brings trouble.” 

Feng Kunpeng knew this well but hated to lose. Still, he had to face the inevitable. After some consideration, he instructed, “Send more scouts to thoroughly investigate Leilong Base and keep an eye on Huo as well. We can’t afford any mistakes.” 

If it came to a life-or-death fight, there would only be one chance, and he couldn’t afford to lose! 

Meanwhile, Huo Yishen and Jiang Ning returned to their quarters. They can’t talk freely due to the listening device, so they started sparring to digest their meal. 

Two hours later, they cleaned up and lay in bed. Jiang Ning initiated the conversation, “Do you really not believe Leilong Base has strong backing?” 

“Absolutely not,” Huo Yishen replied, resting her head on his arm. “Even if they did, so what? We take them out first, and no one will avenge the dead.” 

“That’s true. In this world, everyone’s after their own interests. No one will seek revenge for the dead. They’d rather support the winners to maximize their gains.” 

“That’s someone else’s concern. I’m not ambitious; I just want a peaceful life with you and Doudou.” 

“Everyone wants a peaceful life, but it comes at a price.” 

“We’ll see. If they dare bomb us but not Leilong Base, it means they’re selective in their battles. This place isn’t truly safe. If needed, I’ll take you away.” 

Having said what needed to be said and letting the listeners hear what they needed, they went to sleep. 

Huo Yishen gently hugged Jiang Ning. Although he couldn’t do anything because of the monitoring, he felt extremely satisfied in his heart. 

He was too close and could hear her heartbeat at that time. He couldn’t fall asleep for a long time. 

In the end, it wasn’t clear who made the first move, but in the darkness, they found solace in each other arms. 

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