A team of thirteen marched into the forest under Cao Linxuan's lead—the only path forward. Towering trees and tangled undergrowth knitted a green vault overhead, turning daylight into a dim labyrinth that disoriented anyone who wandered in. The group moved at a pace rivaling S-rank speed types, and no one fell behind—proof of how formidable Huaxia's camp was as a whole.
Chen Xiao observed how everyone traveled differently, each method reflecting their talents. The easiest to watch was A Yao: she seemed to hop along effortlessly, barely exerting herself. Even under Chen Xiao's Dragon's Breath, no restless energy flared from her. That lack of agitation surprised him.
"Nanyang, sync the intel," Cao Linxuan ordered while running.
Duan Nanyang answered while keeping stride: "I know the India Camp—just finished a mission there. Their leader is Gubuta, an Agni descendant. He's basically unmatched in India—think of Agni as their fire god. Maple Leaf's leader is probably Morde, kangaroo-related talent—haven't scouted him personally. Other camps aren't a major worry. Also watch Uruguay's Yusi—abnormal ability, can heal in a second; what he finally consumes is unknown."
"Stay sharp. The real game starts now," Cao said.
A Yao sidled up to Chen Xiao and whispered, "Zhou Xun, if enemies show up, let's hide behind everyone."
Chen Xiao laughed—he hadn't expected her timidity. "You told me not to panic. Why are you scared now?"
She pouted. "Are you stupid? The ones stronger than most camps are Captain Cao and Yan Zhiyuan—not us. You put the bright lamp in front; I'll hold onto your arm. If the lamp fails, I run with you—double insurance, we both survive."
"Deal," Chen Xiao said.
A Yao grinned, baring perfect white teeth. "Pleasure doing business."
Nearby, Gu Liao's gaze flashed with jealousy. He accepted Cao Linxuan's superiority—but Zhou Xun? So close to A Yao? That rankled.
They ran the better part of a day. The Hexagonal Sky's forest was vast; after hours of sprinting they had met no opposition, as if they were the only party in existence. By nightfall, the initial adrenaline had drained away. Moonlight sieved through leaves, speckling the grass; the group huddled together, breaths and heartbeats loud in the quiet.
"Camel, hand out the food." Cao Linxuan, exhausted, leaned against a tree and ordered a pause. Camel produced preserved rations—jerky, biscuits, canned goods—and passed them round. Starved after a long run, everyone ate eagerly. Chen Xiao refused.
A Yao frowned. "Zhou Xun, if you don't eat, you'll have no strength tomorrow." Chen Xiao smiled faintly. "I don't like beef jerky. Wait to eat." He snatched a packet of her biscuits and a strip of jerky and shoved them into his pocket. A Yao tried to snatch them back but found Chen Xiao's grip unexpectedly strong. She puffed her cheeks. "Explain or you'll regret it!"
Chen Xiao pulled her close and murmured, "I'll give you something better later."
"Better than beef jerky?" she asked incredulously.
"Of course."
"When?"
"After everyone else is full."
A Yao sulked but leaned against him—old familiarity, comfort. She idly poked at the ground with a twig. Gu Liao scowled. "Skip food now, see how you manage tomorrow!" He stuffed seven or eight biscuits into his mouth and pocketed more jerky—a famous Cao-family recipe, apparently delicious. Laughter and crumbs spread; fewer mouths eating now meant more for them.
Duan Nanyang, mouth full, warned, "Let her be." Cao Linxuan only shook his head. "After the game, Zhou Xun might not even exist." He never saw Zhou Xun as competition—A Yao was a girl he favored for now; Zhou Xun was an obstacle to be moved aside later.
Half an hour passed and everyone leaned back, belly-satisfied. Cao Linxuan glared at Chen Xiao. "You need to eat to keep going—what about you?" All eyes turned.
Chen Xiao smiled faintly. "This junk food is bad and not filling."
Murmurs erupted. "We ate this for hours—how's it not filling?" "He calls Cao captain's provisions junk?" "He probably hasn't had real meat since the apocalypse!" Some even lifted their shirts to show their full bellies in mock affront. Chen Xiao only shook his head. "Beef jerky lacks nutrition. I eat real prime cuts."
The camp erupted into a mixture of irritation and ridicule, but the forest held its breath around them—tonight's silence felt heavy, as if the Hexagonal Sky itself were listening.