Chapter 27: Rescue Mission

Luckily, they weren’t far from the scene. After rushing for nearly fifteen minutes, they finally arrived at the destination.

The soldiers had already been briefed ahead of time. As soon as they reached the site and assessed the terrain, they quickly dispersed and concealed themselves, forming a tight net-like encirclement that steadily closed in to reduce the area of containment.

Behind the encirclement, under a large tree, stood a temporary military-green tent — the provisional command post.

Inside the tent, in addition to the commander holding a walkie-talkie, several fully armed soldiers stood on high alert.

When both parties met, there was only a quick exchange of greetings. No one had time for small talk.

The atmosphere on site was tense. The targets hadn’t yet been apprehended. Upon inquiry, they learned that a firefight had already broken out ahead, and the injured had not yet been evacuated.

With danger still looming, Bai Yalan and her grandfather stayed in place, resisting the urge to move, waiting anxiously for the outcome of the operation.

Soon, with the trained soldiers closing in step by step, gunfire erupted once again ahead.

It was Bai Yalan’s first time witnessing such life-or-death situations, filled with bloodshed and sacrifice. Her expression was tense and solemn, lips pressed together, silent.

Old Master Bai was worried she might panic or be unable to handle it, but upon seeing her composure, he secretly nodded in approval.

Only Bai Yalan herself knew that her clenched fists were already drenched in sweat.

The gunfire was so close it felt like it exploded right next to her ears, making her heart race. It would be a lie to say she wasn’t scared.

She was only holding herself together through sheer willpower.

Soon after, as reinforcements arrived, soldiers brought in a middle-aged couple who were tightly bound and gagged, tossing them outside the command tent under heavy guard.

One soldier entered to report, “Sir! We’ve captured Tian Fuyi and his wife. Eleven of their subordinates were either killed or wounded. Awaiting further instructions!”

“Continue the pursuit. We must eliminate every last traitor. Not a single one is to escape,” the commander ordered coldly.

“Yes, sir!”

Just as the soldier turned to leave—BOOM! A deafening explosion roared out.

Old Master Bai instinctively shielded his granddaughter with lightning speed.

The entire command tent shook violently, nearly collapsing.

Gunfire and shouting erupted again.

Bai Yalan peeked out from her grandfather’s arms, her face and hair covered in dust.

“Damn it. So brazen!” the commander shouted, leaping to his feet and striding outside without even brushing off the dirt.

Except for the soldiers guarding the captured couple, the rest were already surrounding the perimeter, weapons ready.

The tent was no longer safe. Gritting his teeth, Old Master Bai brought his granddaughter out and found a sheltered spot.

“Xiao Lan, are you scared?” he asked as they crouched in hiding.

Bai Yalan spat out dust and shook her head firmly, her voice steady: “Grandpa, I’m not scared.”

Old Master Bai patted her head, comforted. “Good child.”

The two exchanged a silent look, understanding each other without words.

Looking ahead, the gunfight had eased. Gunfire ceased, and someone shouted.

Soldiers had surrounded a young man, likely in his early twenties, with fierce eyes and a hostile expression.

“Let them go, or I’ll blow you all up!” the man roared, glaring at the bound couple while holding a small bomb.

Clearly, the earlier explosion was his doing.

The commander quickly assessed the situation and ordered, “I’ll talk to him. You flank and seize the bomb before he detonates it.”

“Yes, sir!”

From gathered intel, Bai Yalan deduced this must be the son of the captured couple. Their daughter had yet to appear.

“Put down the weapon,” the commander called calmly.

“No way! Release my parents or we all die!” the young man shouted louder.

The bound Tian couple writhed in distress on the ground. Though gagged, they hummed frantically, trying to signal him to run.

A soldier jabbed his rifle at their backs. “Don’t move!”

They stopped struggling but kept their bloodshot eyes locked on their son.

These are desperados, Bai Yalan thought grimly.

“Tian Wenxuan, calm down. Let’s talk. Your parents are in serious trouble, but you’re still young—don’t throw your life away,” the commander coaxed.

“Shut up!” Tian Wenxuan interrupted. “You bastards already killed all my parents’ men. Don’t act like you were ever going to let them go!”

“Tian Wenxuan, those who confess receive leniency, those who resist face severe punishment. We gave you a chance.”

But the young man had lost all patience. He clutched the bomb and the detonator, screaming hysterically, “Stop talking nonsense! Are you letting them go or not?!”

Despite the risk, soldiers kept closing the perimeter, preparing to strike. The Tian couple, realizing this, began struggling wildly again despite the guns at their backs, moaning in panic.

The commander knew the suspect was losing control. Negotiation was now futile.

They had to stall for time.

“Alright, alright! Don’t be rash!” the commander feigned fear and backed down. “We’ll release them, but you need to put the bomb down.”

The young man looked delighted by the shift in tone. “Cut the crap! Release them first! Or we all die!”

He then made a motion to pull the pin.

“Okay!” the commander shouted. “To show our sincerity, bring the couple over!”

The Tian couple, sensing hope, became more cooperative. Shackled, they were slowly escorted forward.

“Mom! Dad!” the young man cried out.

“We’re following your instructions, Tian Wenxuan,” the commander continued. “Now, your turn.”

The man sneered, now emboldened. “Unshackle them completely. Once they’re free, I’ll drop the bomb.”

“No. We’ve followed your demands. You must show sincerity too. Loosen your grip on the detonator — what if you accidentally hurt your parents?”

He hesitated, then slowly opened the hand holding the detonator. “Fine! Do it quickly!”

The commander gestured to proceed.

The escorting soldiers, understanding his intent, deliberately slowed down.

They needed to buy more time.

Old Master Bai remained grim-faced. Bai Yalan couldn’t stay as calm — her breath was rapid, her heart pounding.

One soldier slowly knelt and began unlocking the woman’s shackles.

The commander kept talking, “We’re doing as you asked, but keep your word too.”

The suspect grew impatient and suspicious. “Don’t drag your feet! Move faster! I’m counting to ten — after that, I can’t promise not to let go of this detonator!”

He began counting loudly. “One… Two…”

Eyes fixed on the scene, the soldier had no choice but to keep unlocking the woman’s shackles.

But then — an unexpected turn.

As soon as one leg was free, the woman lunged forward, knocking the soldier down. She spat out her gag and screamed, “Wenxuan! Run! Don’t worry about us!”

Before she could take another step, a soldier struck her down with a rifle butt.

She collapsed with a cry. Tian Fuyi, her husband, was equally frantic, shaking his head violently to urge his son to escape.

Two soldiers had to pin him down with all their strength.

The sudden chaos gripped everyone’s heart. Bai Yalan’s eyes widened — for a moment, it felt like she couldn’t breathe.

Sure enough, Tian Wenxuan lost control. “You bastards! I’ll kill you all!”

He yanked the pin.

“NO!” the commander shouted.

But before he could order everyone down — everything changed.

Thanks to the prior stalling, one soldier had crept up unnoticed. Just as the pin was pulled, he dove, snatched the bomb, and hurled it far away.

“DOWN!” the commander screamed hoarsely.

This time, without needing her grandfather’s help, Bai Yalan instinctively dropped to the ground, tightly covering her head.

Seconds later — BOOM — a massive explosion roared through the area.

Soil and debris rained down, nearly burying them.

Those closer to the blast weren’t as lucky. Several soldiers were injured and lay motionless.

As the smoke cleared, the first responders subdued Tian Wenxuan, tightly binding him and throwing him beside his parents.

Meanwhile, wounded soldiers from earlier firefights were being carried down.

The commander ordered strict surveillance on the captured family, then asked for updates. He was told a young female suspect was still at large, and his expression darkened as he resumed planning.

While the others bustled about, Bai Yalan and her grandfather sprang into action.

“Xiao Lan, hurry, go help the wounded!” Old Master Bai ordered.

“Yes, sir!” Bai Yalan scrambled up, ignoring the dust on her body.

Grabbing her medical kit, she followed her grandfather to assess the injured.

Together, they examined the wounded one by one and began bandaging.

As they worked, Old Master Bai seized the chance to teach her on the spot — how to prioritize treatment in mass casualty situations, how to ration limited medical supplies for emergency care before switching to more comprehensive treatment later.

Bai Yalan listened intently while moving quickly and skillfully, matching her grandfather’s pace with precision.