"Ancient ruins?" Mu Xue took the notebook, quickly skimming through its contents, her delicate brows furrowing slightly. "You mean, this ruin might contain something that could allow us to turn the tide of battle?"

“That’s right.” Ning Yu nodded, his voice tinged with barely suppressed excitement. “According to the records in the notes, this ruin was the last stronghold of a powerful ancient civilization, containing many treasures that surpass modern technology. If we could obtain one or two of them…”

He paused, not continuing, but the gleam in his eyes said it all. If they could truly obtain those treasures, not only would they be able to overcome the current crisis, but they might even have the chance to completely rewrite the course of this apocalyptic world!

“But…” Mu Xue closed her notebook, her expression grave. “The notebook also says that this ruin is surrounded by dangers, and nine out of ten people who go in die. We…”

“I know this is risky,” Ning Yu interrupted her, his tone firm, “but we have no other choice now, do we? Rather than sit and wait for death, we might as well take a gamble!”

He walked to the window, looking at the gray sky outside, his eyes gleaming with determination. "Besides, I trust my intuition, and I believe in the records in this notebook. This ruin might be our only hope!"

Mu Xue fell silent. She understood Ning Yu's meaning and knew that what he said was true. Right now, they were like trapped beasts in a desperate situation, with no choice but to fight back desperately.

"What do you need me to do?" Finally, she raised her head, looked at Ning Yu with a firm gaze, and made her decision.

“Gather everyone,” Ning Yu turned around, his eyes burning with hope, “I want to tell everyone this news, and then…” He paused, then said, word by word, “Prepare to depart!”

The news quickly spread throughout the base, like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples everywhere. Some people's eyes lit up with hope, while others were filled with doubt and fear.

"Ruins? That's absurd!"

"I don't believe it! This must be something the boss made up to fool us!"

"Exactly! We should be thinking about how to defend now, not throwing our lives away!"

Amidst a chorus of doubts and objections, Ning Yu knew that convincing everyone wouldn't be easy. He took a deep breath, preparing to speak, but just then, a voice suddenly rang out, plunging the entire conference room into an instant silence.

"I want to go with him!" It was Mu Xue who spoke.

Mu Xue's words were resounding, instantly silencing all doubts. She walked to Ning Yu's side, her gaze sweeping over everyone, her tone firm: "I believe in him, and I believe in this opportunity. We have no way out. Rather than waiting to die here, we might as well take a gamble!"

A stir broke out among the crowd. Mu Xue's prestige within the group was second only to Ning Yu, and her statement was undoubtedly a bombshell. Some began to waver, while others remained stubbornly opinionated, and the conference room was once again filled with doubts and arguments.

"Silence!" Ning Yu roared, releasing a powerful aura that instantly silenced the conference room. He surveyed the crowd, his eyes gleaming with unwavering resolve. "I know some of you doubt me, don't believe me. But I want to tell you, I'm not running away, nor am I deceiving you! This ruin is our only hope, and I must go!"

His tone was filled with an unwavering determination, causing even those who had harbored doubts to begin to waver. Yes, they were at their wits' end. Rather than waiting to die, they might as well trust Ning Yu one last time, gamble everything, and take a gamble!

However, when Ning Yu's plan was revealed, it caused a huge uproar. Those other forces that had always been jealous of Ning Yu's power and wanted to replace him, upon learning that he was going to the ruins, all sprang into action, preparing to intercept him on the way and prevent him from obtaining the treasures within the ruins.

"Boss, Black Wind Valley is just ahead. According to intelligence, the 'Scorpion' gang is lying in ambush there," a reconnaissance team member rushed back and reported to Ning Yu.

The "Poison Scorpions" are the most ferocious forces in the vicinity. Their leader is a ruthless superhuman known for his manipulation of poisons. Black Wind Valley, with its treacherous terrain, is easy to defend and difficult to attack. It is the Poison Scorpions' lair and the only way to the ruins.

"Looks like they're planning a 'surprise' for us." Ning Yu sneered, a cold glint in his eyes. "Pass down the order: all personnel, be on high alert, prepare for battle!"

The group slowly drove into Blackwind Valley, the atmosphere oppressively tense. Everyone gripped their weapons tightly, warily watching their surroundings, fearing a sudden, deadly attack.

With a deafening roar, countless boulders suddenly tumbled down from the cliffs on both sides of the valley, completely blocking the team's path. At the same time, a thick, green, poisonous mist rose from the valley floor and rapidly spread towards the team.

"Enemy attack! It's 'Poison Scorpion'!"

Ning Yu's face darkened, his eyes flashing with cold light. "Everyone, put on your gas masks and prepare for battle!" The poisonous fog spread rapidly, its pungent odor causing nausea. Many members of Ning Yu's team were caught off guard and inhaled the toxic gas, immediately becoming dizzy and significantly reducing their fighting ability.

"Cover!" Mu Xuejiao shouted, her figure flashing like a ghost. The two sharp daggers in her hands transformed into streaks of cold light, blocking all the flying poison needles. She was one of the few superhumans in the team who could move freely in the poisonous fog, and at this moment she became the backbone of the defense against the "poisonous scorpion's" attack.

"Damn 'Scorpion,' always resorting to these underhanded tricks!" Ning Yu roared, conjuring a dazzling bolt of lightning in his hand and blasting it towards both sides of the valley. With two loud booms, rocks flew everywhere, and two gaps were blasted into the cliff face, temporarily opening a passage.

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!