Fortunately, Daji had left markers along the way, guiding us smoothly to Yanan. Her wing had been shot, causing her to revert to human form. The wound was located at her left elbow and appeared to be from a sniper rifle due to its significant power. The bullet had passed through, leaving a gaping hole and grazing the bone, requiring a long recovery period.
After Daji administered emergency first aid to Yanan, she asked if anyone had long socks. Wu Qian was wearing pantyhose, which she removed to be used as bandages. I cut down a bamboo stalk, sharpened it into two splints, and wrapped Yanan's arm. Her arm was then suspended around her neck with the pantyhose.
We retraced our steps, turning right at a pine tree, and did not get lost. After a short while, we encountered another convoy of engineering vehicles. As usual, Bai Qingcheng kicked the drivers and their vehicles off the cliff without me even having time to intervene.
"Sister Qingcheng, if we encounter them again, please leave the vehicles behind," I pleaded with a wry smile. The stretch of unpaved road was very long, and with civilians and an injured person, we wouldn't be able to get out even by dark.
Bai Qingcheng nodded.
We walked until we reached the point where we had intersected with Yaoyao. Another vehicle approached. This time, Bai Qingcheng did not act. Daji, using her charm, successfully dealt with the minor demons inside the vehicle. This engineering vehicle was an automatic loading and unloading type. I unloaded the cargo, put on the work clothes of the minor demons, and then drove the vehicle, taking them out of the mountains.
Having snow chains made a difference. Despite being a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, it handled like a dream, even on icy patches in the low-lying mountain areas.
Along the way, we encountered another engineering vehicle. I courteously yielded the right of way, and the driver gave me a thumbs-up.
We finally exited the unpaved road and returned to the asphalt. Since the reconnaissance mission was complete, we no longer needed to stay in the area. Bai Qingcheng contacted Sabia for a helicopter, and at an open space, she took herself and the injured Yanan back to the capital for medical treatment.
The helicopter had limited space, accommodating only four people. Two were pilots, so the rest of us couldn't fit. However, Bai Qingcheng arranged a car for us, which would be waiting at the gas station ahead.
Upon arriving at the gas station, we saw that Sabia was indeed generous. The car they had arranged was a Toyota Alphard.
This place was not safe for us to linger. The authorities would eventually discover what we had done within the formation. This was also the only exit route from the formation by vehicle, and it was inevitable that Long Yue and her forces would pursue and intercept us.
Therefore, after setting off in the Alphard, I immediately contacted Shen Xingyue, asking her to arrange another vehicle for us to switch to en route. Bai Qingcheng, being the big boss, lacked experience in such minor logistics. How could she place a rendezvous vehicle at a gas station where it would be easily spotted by surveillance?
Although Shen Xingyue was only the regional head for the Northeast, her position and authority were high enough. She could also remotely command the Sabia forces in the area to prepare a Passat for us. After switching vehicles, we returned to Sanyang Town but did not enter it. We skirted the town and headed towards Shiyan City, where Shen Xingyue had arranged a plane to send us back to the Northeast.
As we passed Sanyang Town, I was reminded of Wenhui. Her father and daughter had helped me, and I couldn't go back on my promise. I called Chen Lu and asked if she knew anyone at Shengjing University. Chen Lu said she was very familiar with their principal. I explained Wenhui's situation, and Chen Lu asked me to wait while she made a call.
A short while later, Chen Lu called back. She said the principal had agreed. Not only would Wenhui receive a full scholarship and be recognized as an outstanding graduate, but she would also be guaranteed a spot in the reserve cadre program, a position in the student union, and even be recommended for a selected recruitment position upon graduation. If Wenhui wished, she could also pursue further studies and be directly admitted to a doctoral program.
The power of influence was truly remarkable!
Many things were not simply a matter of money. In the face of certain matters, money truly meant nothing.
By the time we reached Shiyan Airport, it was late. I asked Wu Qian if she intended to return to the capital or go elsewhere. Wu Qian said she happened to be going to meet Shen Xingyue to discuss a project, so she would accompany us to Lvyang.
Our flight was at nine in the evening, meaning we had to spend three hours at the airport.