Chapter 120: Genetic Serum

“Captain Liu, you have quite the skills. Today, I finally witnessed the true strength of the Explorer’s Legend,” the octopus said, its two tentacles tapping lightly, expression cold and indifferent.

Unexpectedly, it had been repeatedly thwarted by Liu Yiran and Leng Shan. These two young men indeed posed an extremely troublesome challenge.

“Tell the Round Table Conference: since a choice has been made, be prepared to bear the consequences,” the octopus threw out a harsh warning, exuding the aura of someone daring others to stay behind and face it after school.

Tam and Xu Lin wanted to intercept the octopus, but Liu Yiran stopped them. “Let it go. The octopus is endless; there’s no need to waste energy on this matter.”

Xu Lin nodded, flashing a grim smile at the octopus. The octopus returned the gesture, but its smile was grim.

The matter ended abruptly. After all, the octopus had no real offensive means; aside from being a persistent nuisance, it posed little threat.

The greatest danger lay with the forces backing the octopus. From the moment it appeared and nearly overwhelmed the garrison troops, its supporters were the true cancer of the Abyss world.

With the Abyss now safe, the garrison troops and explorers worked together to rescue those kidnapped and brought here.

Fang Tang spotted Zhao Xiaoxiao, who snorted coldly at him and turned away without a word.

Fang Tang merely smiled. In a hidden corner, he found Ye Qing, in a pitiful state. Though a Level 2, Seventh Rank, she had grown extremely weak in just a few days.

Her blurred eyes caught Fang Tang’s silhouette, and a surge of relief and joy flooded her heart. Murky tears fell as she summoned all her strength to throw herself at him.

“Wuwu, I knew you would come to save me...” Ye Qing sobbed, sniffling and wiping her tears and snot on Fang Tang’s clothes.

Fang Tang moved her face aside with disdain and asked calmly, “What happened to the spirit-bound items I gave you?”

“Huh?” Ye Qing was confused, then disappointed. “They’re all gone. Everything was confiscated.”

Fang Tang frowned slightly. Though he had his suspicions, a twinge of regret remained. Those spirit-bound items had indeed been quite useful.

“Make a note. You can repay it slowly,” he said, handing Ye Qing over to the garrison troops.

Ye Qing, frail, pushed away the soldier holding her and lunged at Fang Tang again.

“Don’t abandon me, please?”

Fang Tang dodged smoothly; Ye Qing missed and fell to the ground.

Seeing her pitiful state, Fang Tang squatted beside her, looking at her calmly. “I am no benefactor. The resources I gave were to cultivate you, but you betrayed my trust. This is the consequence of your own actions. I owe you nothing. When you return to the Abyss, repay what you owe me, or you know the consequences.”

With that, he rose coldly and went to report to Liu Yiran.

“That girl was the one you initially planned to introduce to me?” Liu Yiran asked, hands tucked into his sleeves, chin tilted toward the bedraggled Ye Qing.

Fang Tang nodded. “She’s scheming and complicated. Having her in the team might cause trouble.”

“Not bad!” Liu Yiran nodded approvingly, smiling as he appraised Fang Tang. “I get the sense you two are quite close.”

“Well, men... you know how it is,” Fang Tang said awkwardly, scratching his nose before asking, “This matter will have a big impact. What should we do?”

“As I said before, the main work falls to the garrison troops. Our job is to help out, like today—acting as muscle.”

Liu Yiran patted Fang Tang on the shoulder, grinning. “There’s a tough battle ahead, and we’ll need to level up again.”

“Severe distortion?” Fang Tang asked in surprise.

Liu Yiran smiled faintly. “Though you three still lack experience, extreme times call for extreme measures. Whether inside or outside the Abyss, strength comes first. You need to grow fast.”

Fang Tang nodded silently, feeling a certain anticipation for the distorted area. The sooner he entered, the better. After all, with his eyes, he held a natural advantage in some aspects.

The garrison troops boarded the train one by one, and the explorers followed suit.

Fang Tang, Xu Lin, and Tam sat together, chatting when several other squad leaders approached.

“Fang Tang?” A man with a somewhat delicate appearance came forward tentatively.

“That’s me. What can I do for you?” Fang Tang stood, curious.

The delicate man smiled, extending his hand. “I’m Zhan Peng, leader of the Ninth Battalion’s First Squad. If you have time, come visit us. My team is eager to interact with you.”

“Honored!” Fang Tang shook his hand warmly.

The other squad leaders introduced themselves similarly, as if rehearsed. Only Wan Lin, leader of the Tenth Squad, spoke more bluntly, hoping Fang Tang would join his team.

Fang Tang smiled helplessly and politely declined Wan Lin’s offer.

Wan Lin was disappointed but shook Fang Tang’s hand firmly. “Brother Fang, if you ever want to switch teams, come find me. If Liu Yiran objects, tell me—I don’t want you to suffer.”

“Thanks for the offer, Captain Wan. I’m just a newcomer and have no plans to change teams for now,” Fang Tang replied with polite awkwardness. Wan Lin left with a hint of regret.

Because of the rescued people, the once empty train was now packed to the brim—standing room only and quite noisy.

Suddenly, unrest stirred among the passengers.

A ragged woman began convulsing uncontrollably, foaming at the mouth, eyes dilated and unfocused.

This scene was like a bomb detonating, instantly striking a nerve with all the rescued.

The woman was quickly taken to the driver’s cabin. Liu Yiran examined her condition, covering her mouth with his palm.

After a moment, his palm shimmered with seven-colored light.

He hurriedly removed his hand, shaking off the radiant glow, brow furrowed, expression grave.

“Toxin?” Leng Shan asked in a low voice.

Liu Yiran shook his head. “No, it seems to be some kind of genetic drug. Not sure what type.”

“Not just one person, right?” Leng Shan pondered. “Genetic drugs should still be experimental; otherwise, this instability wouldn’t happen. So the people we rescued—are they all test subjects?”

“Highly likely,” Liu Yiran nodded. “Take everyone to the garrison and find a way to strip their passes. Don’t let any of them return to the Infinite Abyss.”

“Will the Round Table agree to that?” Leng Shan asked.

Liu Yiran narrowed his eyes. “We saved their lives. How can we deny them rescue?”

Leng Shan shook his head. “You know the garrison’s operation is essentially a show for the Abyss people, meant to promote their resurgence. That’s why the Round Table passed the bill. Now that the mission succeeded and people were rescued, will the Round Table care about their fate? They won’t approve of helping these women.”

“Captain Leng, several more people outside are showing the same symptoms,” a garrison soldier burst in, carrying a woman.

Cold stares passed between Leng Shan and Liu Yiran.

Liu Yiran stated firmly, “We absolutely cannot allow these people back into the Infinite Abyss.”