At the entrance—
Lan Jin said, "We still burn it the same way. Before, we worried the passage was too long, and maybe a shield would block us. But if we make a hole from above, we cannot get out either. Then we make a hole from below to go up. The point is, make a hole so Brother Zhang and the others can slide down on a rope directly."
Lan Jin estimated the ice height. About four stories. Barely manageable, but it seemed okay.
Lan Jin's idea was one of the more feasible options. Only this path was the shortest route back to the base. Of course, they could avoid this path, step on the ice, and walk across the blizzard to the new gate, then enter directly.
But the new gate was far. Driving took half an hour. Walking in the storm was unpredictable.
After weighing options, Lan Jin's idea was the only practical one.
The ability users asked, "How do we burn from below to above? Should we try first, then call Brother Zhang? If we fail, at least he will not be excited for nothing."
"Okay, we try first."
In moments, they reached another base exit.
Looking at the ice, harder than before, no one knew where to start.
Lan Jin signaled Lao Gao to demonstrate.
Lao Gao thought for a moment, then started burning the ice with his fire ability.
His power was strong. The fire grew fast, and soon the ice began to melt. Still, burning a passage remained difficult.
Lan Jin patted Lao Gao's shoulder. "Rest for a moment. I'll use a spike to pierce a hole. Clear the broken ice, then you continue burning."
Lao Gao considered it. "Okay."
They switched. Lan Jin's ability, offensive as ever, quickly pierced a hole wide enough for ten centimeters. She was already exhausted. Panting, she said, "I cannot do more. So tired."
She had barely done anything, yet was completely drained.
"Come rest. You overused your ability. You have been nonstop. Absorb crystals. You will feel better." Lan Jin sat to absorb the thunder crystals Brother Li handed her. Brother Li sent people to clear broken ice and tap surrounding ice pieces. Then the fire users continued. In the end, the method worked.
The ability users continued. Brother Li took out a satellite phone.
No electricity, no WiFi, phones were useless. Only the satellite phone worked. Fortunately, Brother Zhang knew there was no signal and brought the phone. Otherwise, communication would be impossible, causing more headache.
Brother Li dialed. Brother Zhang answered immediately. Before Brother Li spoke, Brother Zhang said, "I was about to call. I plan to lead the team across the ice directly to the base gate. You do not need to work anymore."
Brother Li quickly said, "Wait, wait. We had the same idea. But you do not need to go to the new base gate in the storm. Go to the opposite side and slide down from the ice. I am burning a passage at the passage entrance for you."
Brother Zhang hesitated, then understood Brother Li.
This route back to the base was better. It saved not just days, but more. He did not need to explain everything. "Thank you. We will wait."
"Yes. We will signal and guide you. You will not get lost."
"Good, good."
After hanging up, they got busy. Burning from below had a downside. Meltwater flowed onto the fire users standing below.
Cold was one thing. Semi-warm water was worse, torturing them.
…
With the fire users rotating shifts, an hour later the ice melted down to three stories. This speed—
Only possible with many people. Too few, impossible.
With one story left, Brother Li called, then sent messages to guide them. People on the upper floors used binoculars. Even if unclear, they monitored to prevent missteps.
…
At Brother Zhang's side, after receiving the call, he and the team jumped one by one from the window onto the ice. Even with full gear, the cold and blizzard were unbearable. After shivering, they tied together with ropes to prevent separation.
Brother Zhang led. Following the guidance, the team moved slowly.
But the storm made things worse. Strong winds were one problem. Snowflakes hitting their skin stung painfully. The ice at the entrance was finally burned through. Everyone cheered, but the team did not appear.
Wind and snow filled the hole. Ling Jiang looked up. "This is snow? Thick ice chunks. Snow?"
Ling Jiang said, "This is snow. Thick ice chunks are snow. But why no sound before? Snow hitting with wind makes the path hard, even with guidance."
Brother Li said, "The shield heats and silences. Not hearing is normal." He watched the hole. Time passed. No Brother Zhang. "Should be close, why so long?"
Brother Li's face darkened. After ten minutes, he said, "I will take a few up to check."
Lao Gao stepped forward. "I go with you."
Strong, able to pull if needed.
Huang Jinghe also said, "I go with you."