Battalion Commander Xu used to be a frequent mission commander, and he wasn't one to be bound by rigid rules of etiquette.

"We can't use guns, so let's figure out which direction to sneak in from, and take them down without alerting them. What do you think of the surrounding environment?"

Cheng An and Jian Dan exchanged a glance, then Cheng An quietly took a few steps back and searched the surrounding area. A short while later, he returned with a handful of herbs.

"Uncle Xu, this is a datura flower. It has hallucinogenic effects. People should put it in their food or water, or let it blow down from upwind."

Battalion Commander Xu was overjoyed.

"I was just wondering how to shut them up. Great, you've got some skills, kid. You even know this?"

Cheng An pursed her lips and smiled shyly.

"It's quite a coincidence that I learned this from Teacher Chen. Teacher Chen said that when you're in the mountains, you not only need to learn about the plants and animals, but also how to protect yourself,"

"That old man, he actually gave you special treatment?"

Battalion Commander Xu was surprised. In his memory, Teacher Chen was a rigid and timid person who wouldn't say a word more after class.

"How did you coax him to talk to you so much?"

Cheng An chuckled.

"What do you mean by 'coaxing'?"

Teacher Chen is a very kind and responsible person. After we went down the mountain last time, we went to him for a debriefing. He analyzed everything for us step by step, helped us fill in the gaps in our understanding, and then taught me several ways to deal with dangerous situations.

Battalion Commander Xu couldn't help but look at Jian Dan, and Cheng An immediately spoke up.

"My sister knows about this too. She said that her experience is based on practice, which may differ from theory. We should compare it with our teacher's. The teacher tells us whatever comes to mind, saying that having more skills is never a bad thing, so that we won't be caught off guard if we encounter similar situations in the future."

I just didn't expect to need it so soon. Luckily, it's not the dead of winter yet, or I really wouldn't have been able to find it.

"Someone come quick!"

After clarifying how to use it, Battalion Commander Xu quickly called someone over to make arrangements.

"I'd heard you were amazing before, but I never imagined you could solve such a big problem without your help! Haha, sister-in-law, tell me, is it because of good feng shui in your house? Everyone here goes to the same classes, has the same teachers, how come we never thought of all this?"

Simply touching her belly made her feel happy.

"Then you can only be envious. My family has good genes."

Battalion Commander Xu smacked his lips, his face serious.

"If you put it that way, it's true. Your family's genes are really good. Political Commissar Cheng, Cheng Chao, and you two brothers, you don't need to worry about the future. You're smart, skilled, and you learn these skills quickly and well."

Cheng An and Cheng Rui gave a simple, awkward laugh. Although it was the truth, the praise was a bit too direct. Cheng An and Cheng Rui turned away speechlessly and chuckled to themselves.

Fortunately, someone quickly broke the awkward atmosphere.

"Battalion Commander, look what they're carrying out!"

Several people stood up and looked over. Unlike the hunchbacked man who had pushed the cart earlier, this time it was two strong young men who carried out a human-shaped object, one head and one leg. They casually lifted it by only one arm and one leg, and the body was thrown to the hillside a few hundred meters behind the cave.

Oh no, look closely, it's actually a steep slope.

The unfortunate fellow was thrown out, his body floating lightly down the steep slope, rolling down in a round shape.

"Damn it, even a living person wouldn't survive if thrown down like that, these bastards!"

"Is this medicine effective? Why haven't they collapsed yet?"

"It's only been a short while. Any medicine needs time to be absorbed. It's not like a knife that will kill you instantly."

"Quiet down, quiet down! Listen, isn't there some noise?"

On the open ground below, as the two walked back, something seemed off. Their walking speed slowed down considerably, and they started to sway after walking halfway.

Before he could get back to the cave, he swayed and fell to the ground.

Even watching from afar, Jian Dan couldn't help but shudder.

"Xiao An, it works great! Remember when it takes to take effect, so you'll know when to use it next time."

Cheng An was also a little excited. He had the theory, but this was truly his first time putting it into practice.

"I know, sister."

Battalion Commander Xu and his men also became excited, rubbing their hands together in anticipation. After another half hour, the group finally made their way along the path.

"There really isn't a sound at all?"

"I have to say, this medicine is really potent, young man. He's already passed out from the effects."

"Ha, who was it that said they didn't believe it just now?"

"Alright, be careful!"

As they approached, a well-trained team immediately surrounded the area. After a few moments, Battalion Commander Xu turned around and saw what they hadn't been able to see before: a dark, gaping hole right beneath their feet, dug into the ground. To be precise, it was a well, with several ropes draped around its edge.

This is clearly a mine.

"Battalion Commander, let's go down and take a look."

Battalion Commander Xu had a serious expression on his face.

"Okay, be careful."

Cheng Rui glanced at Cheng An and Zheng Aiguo, then followed them down the rope.

After searching the area and confirming that no one was awake, the remaining people searched the ground. Some searched the wooden sheds, while others checked the steep slope they had just passed. Some people stayed behind to guard the mine entrance, while Jian Dan followed Battalion Commander Xu to the nearby cave.

Upon entering, they were met with a stuffy, hot atmosphere. The group exchanged glances, knowing full well that the cave wasn't a dead place and that it should have air circulation, so it shouldn't feel so stuffy.

The person in front led the way with a flashlight. After going in through the narrow opening for only a few dozen meters, the group stopped, their faces full of shock. Even if they were mentally prepared, the sight of a cave full of black coal was still quite shocking.

The coal blocks and coal dust are in their most primitive state, piled almost to the top of the left side of the cave, while only a narrow path remains on the right side. Judging from the traces on the ground, it is clear that it was for wheelbarrows to pass through, but now there is no sign of people.

Some of the faster soldiers had already crossed the path and returned quickly, their faces dark with anger.

"Commander, several people have also fainted at the other end of the cave. They seem to be guards and workers, and..."

He became even more serious.

“There are steps leading down to the entrance of the cave. You can’t see the end of the cave when you stand at the entrance. Could it really be connected to the outside?”

The steps were uneven, and they were covered with coal dust, which looked like it had been compacted.

Battalion Commander Xu was like a lion about to erupt in fury. His personality, honed since his time on the battlefield, had always been black and white; naturally, he despised this kind of behavior.

"Moths!"

He strode over there, knowing he had to see it for himself and give a detailed report when he got back, otherwise he wouldn't be able to rest easy.

Seeing this, Jian Dan also lifted her leg to follow.

"Let's go take a look too."

The saying "Man dies for wealth, birds die for food" has been true since ancient times, and she wanted to see how bold people were these days.