Chapter 114: Deep into the Enemy's Lair

After arranging everything, it was already deep into the night. Stanley and Jared sat back to back, weapons in hand, both snoring softly. To them, having kept their minds on edge for several days, even a brief moment of sleep was an extravagant luxury.

Chen Cao sat quietly by a tree stump, clutching his AK, listening to the faint chirping of crickets in the jungle. His eyes were half-closed. It was his turn to stand watch, and in the jungle, constant vigilance was essential. This group was still inexperienced, making the team fragile—any slight setback could lead to their swift demise. He found himself missing Bao Li and Big Bear. If they were here, what a perfect combination it would be; everything would become so much easier.

But now, what exactly were those people’s intentions? Where had the downed plane come from? Who were the ones shot down? And where were the gems on the plane destined? These questions were almost unfathomable. He suddenly realized that he had only taken a small step in understanding this world—there were still many things beyond his comprehension. Where was that man? Was he involved in all of this as well?

His head spun slightly. The stillness of the forest, which had kept his mind sharp, gradually lulled him into drowsiness. Between sleep and wakefulness, he heard footsteps. His ears twitched instantly, and his hand unconsciously rested on the dagger hilt strapped to his boot. At that moment, he felt a warmth behind him, followed by a natural, gentle fragrance.

No need to guess—it was Karissa. A girl born into poverty like Brenda could never have maintained such cleanliness in such harsh conditions, and of course, Stanley, who hailed from the desert, and Jared, were even less likely candidates.

Almost simultaneously, Chen Cao grasped Karissa’s wrist, holding it firmly without any hesitation. In one swift move, he flipped her onto the ground, drew his dagger, and pressed it coldly against her neck. “Your actions are dangerous!” he said sharply. Then, he tore off the garment draped over her and threw it to the ground, stepping aside and leaving Karissa stunned, clutching her arm and shedding tears.

Chen Cao knew this hurt Karissa deeply, but he just wanted distance—only then could he feel less guilty. After days of companionship, her kindness and gentle courage deeply moved him. Especially in such a perilous environment, her strength to follow this group of strangers was a kind of bravery that none of the privileged girls he knew could match. Yet he understood that what he needed most right now were gems and money—to save Meimei. He had no intention of helping Karissa find her mother or unravel any secrets. Once he found the gems, he would leave. He had a greater mission, one predestined from birth. Fate had no choice; he must protect his own life, and if death came, it would be with that person.

After finishing a cigarette quietly, Chen Cao returned to camp to find Karissa already asleep, leaning quietly against Brenda. He sighed and sat back down by the tree stump.

Dawn arrived quickly. The jungle remained calm, but Uki moved through it like a monkey without a leash, utterly familiar with the terrain and faster than Jared, who kept stopping and starting. Soon, they saw smoke rising.

“My goodness, this is like a small town! I was born here, and although I knew there were natives, I never imagined it would be so bustling,” Jared whispered in awe, hidden among the trees, gazing at rows of thatched huts and watchtowers built from wooden stakes.

Chen Cao signaled for caution. This was a vast tribal settlement stretching as far as the eye could see, with hundreds of thatched huts, some billowing black smoke. The only difference was the silence. Every few meters stood a watchtower manned by several stocky natives with arms as strong as dwarves, armed with bows and arrows, vigilantly scanning their surroundings. Below them, teams of burly spear-wielding javelin throwers, dwarf blade bearers, and short-statured archers patrolled steadily.

Chen Cao roughly estimated the distance between watchtowers. A direct assault without reinforcements or heavy weapons would be impossible. And with his group of novices, they would either be riddled with arrows or cut to pieces by the dwarf blade bearers.

“My mother is imprisoned in the high priest’s cell!” Uki’s dark eyes gleamed as he told Chen Cao.

“It looks like getting in will be extremely difficult,” Chen Cao muttered, lowering a leaf and whispering to Stanley and the others. “With such tight security, even getting inside will be hard, let alone reaching the high priest to rescue someone. Since we’ve found this place, let’s hide for now. It’s not too late to act later.”

After careful thought, Chen Cao decided to move with Uki. He considered this option less risky. If Stanley’s inexperienced group went in, it would be disaster. With Uki, who knew the jungle intimately, they could swiftly rescue his mother, then have Uki lead them to his tribe’s gems. Though it sounded complicated, Uki was determined; he swore he would never reveal his tribe or the gem’s location unless his mother was saved. Moreover, three tribes were currently at war, and unknown enemies lurked. Jared was useless as a guide here; Uki was their only hope.

The night was quiet, yet the tribe was ablaze with firelight. The archers on the watchtowers stared wide-eyed, alert and unfaltering. The patrol below moved steadily and powerfully, as if facing a formidable enemy, showing no sign of fatigue.

Thankfully, the dense thatched huts offered cover. Chen Cao, gun in hand, moved swiftly with Uki, his tactical skills making even the wild Uki sweat with admiration.

The native soldiers showed no signs of suspicion as they passed. Soon, they reached a towering pyramid made of massive stone blocks, easily two stories high. Despite the darkness, the stones glittered with dazzling gems. Chen Cao blinked in awe. “Gems!” he thought.

Beside the pyramid lay rows of dark wooden cages. From within came faint rattling sounds—eerily quiet and terrifying.

This was an unprecedented sight. Who would have thought this tribe possessed so many gems? How many had the downed plane carried? Even Uki didn’t know.

Chen Cao’s palms grew sweaty. Once back, he would have to report this to the military. This could be a national treasure.

“Sir, let’s go. My mother is locked in those cages nearby,” Uki whispered.

“Why would they imprison your mother in cages?” Chen Cao asked, puzzled. Seeing Uki suddenly clench his lips and tears well in his eyes, he sensed the boy grasped the true meaning of “slavery.” Even the most primitive humans had pride and could not bear to see their loved ones trampled by enemies.

Chen Cao silently altered his plan to minimize risk—seize some of the gems here without venturing into Uki’s tribe. Then rescue Uki’s mother as a gesture of gratitude. After that, whether to stay or leave would be Uki’s choice. As for his “teacher,” Chen Cao wasn’t omnipotent; doing this much was already his best. Above all, a safe retreat was paramount.

The altar appeared unguarded and silent. Chen Cao cautiously crawled forward, dagger clenched between his teeth and pistol ready, thankful there were no searchlights and the enemies wielded cold weapons. Such daring tactics would be suicidal under other circumstances.

Soon, he was just meters from the gem-encrusted pyramid. He could even see the intricate patterns on the agate and the dazzling facets of the gems. Relief and excitement swelled within him. Ever since Meimei’s humiliation and the old man Ze’s death, his pent-up emotions finally found release.

“Three steps, two steps, one step… reached it!” Chen Cao’s hand pressed the smooth gem-covered stone, a satisfied smile crossing his face. Everything was about to be resolved; nothing would stand in his way.

“Sir, wait!” Uki’s weak voice interrupted.

Chen Cao whipped his head around sharply.