The pace of the sample collection picked up significantly.

Under the tight protection of Xiang Yong and the other two Martial Artists, the three researchers raced against the clock, focusing on the sample points Professor Chen had marked as high-priority.

Xu Wuyi, Liu Qing, and Xiang Yong were also on high alert. Their Spiritual Perception acted like an invisible radar, constantly scanning the dense surrounding forest and rock formations. The slightest disturbance would have been enough to send them into combat readiness instantly.

Fortunately, no new Werewolves appeared before they completed their collection objectives. Perhaps Xu Wuyi’s cleanup had been thorough enough, or maybe the area was simply the edge of that Werewolf Squad’s patrol route.

Countdown: [220:18:55]

Without a moment’s delay, the team quickly dismantled the camp. They carefully scoured the area once more with the Undying Flame, paying special attention to the subtle scents and Energy residue left behind by human activity.

Then, led by Xiang Yong, they moved quickly toward the second planned sample-rich area: a valley in a different mountain spur to the northwest.

「...」

「About three hours after Xu Wuyi and his team had left.」

At the mountain hollow where Xu Wuyi’s group had camped, space warped slightly, and five tall, burly figures exuding a savage aura appeared without a sound.

They were another Werewolf Squad, but their lineup was far stronger than the last.

The leader stood over 2.7 meters tall, its fur a dark silver. Its bulging muscles looked as if they were forged from steel, and its Life Energy Level was an astounding peak Level 35!

A cold, intelligent light glinted in its crimson eyes as it scanned the area.

The four Werewolves behind it were just as formidable, their Energy fluctuations ranging from Level 32 to Level 34. This was an elite squad composed entirely of War Generals!

The silver-furred Wolfman War General sniffed the air forcefully, a low growl rumbling in its throat.

It keenly detected a faint, almost imperceptible scorched smell lingering in the air.

A Wolfman War General skilled in tracking bent down, its sharp claws carefully pawing through the loose soil and rock crevices.

Suddenly, its claws paused at the base of an inconspicuous rock. There, it found a simple mark carved in the unique style of the Werewolf Race.

"Here!" It looked up and let out a few low growls at its leader, conveying the information.

The Werewolf Race was not highly civilized, but they had developed a simple language system.

The mark’s presence confirmed that the previous patrol squad had indeed reached this spot and left their sign as usual.

But that was all. 𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝚠𝚎𝚋𝗻𝗼𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝚘𝐦

Aside from the mark and the faint, almost nonexistent scorched smell, the entire hollow was unnervingly clean.

There were no signs of a fight, no blood, no bodies, and no unfamiliar scents. Even the Energy fluctuations were so faint they were nearly impossible to perceive.

It was as if the five-Werewolf squad had vanished into thin air.

A flicker of confusion and ferocity crossed the silver-furred Wolfman War General’s eyes.

Unwilling to accept this, it scanned the area again. Its powerful Perception Power spread out like flowing mercury, meticulously searching every inch of the land.

Nothing.

Finally, it could only let out a low, rage-filled growl and signal the squad to leave.

They continued to search along the missing squad’s scheduled patrol route, but the trail went completely cold here.

「...」

Countdown: [215:40:12]

Xu Wuyi’s team had successfully reached the new target valley.

The environment here was more humid, filled with fungal plants that emitted a faint, ghostly blue light. A soft glow from airborne spores permeated the air.

After setting up the new camp, the three researchers immediately dove into the preliminary processing and analysis of the new samples.

Professor Chen showed immense interest in the Blood Coagulation Moss and Blue Fluorescent Ore, working almost nonstop on data comparison and structural analysis.

The next few days passed with unexpected calm.

Aside from the occasional Low-level Star Beast attracted by the camp’s Energy, which Liu Qing or Xiang Yong would casually dispatch, they faced no large-scale attacks, much less any sign of the Werewolf Race.

Xu Wuyi was happy for the peace and quiet. He spent most of his time consolidating his mastery of the Shocking God Spear while constantly practicing techniques that combined its "Splitting God" characteristic with the Undying Flame.

He and the other two developed a greater sense of camaraderie from fighting side-by-side, and they would occasionally exchange a few tips on combat.

Xiang Yong was a man of few words, but his advice was always sharp and to the point. Xu Wuyi benefited greatly from his insights, especially regarding the combat habits of the Werewolf Race.

Liu Qing, meanwhile, focused her energy on standing guard and maintaining regular contact with the base, ensuring their line of retreat remained open.

The countdown ticked away steadily.

「...」

Countdown: [118:00:00] sharp.

「On the morning of the sixth day.」

Professor Chen had heavy, dark circles under his eyes, but he was buzzing with excitement. He gathered Xiang Yong and the others.

"Martial Artist Xiang, the first and most critical batch of sample collection and analysis is essentially complete!" The old professor’s voice was laced with exhaustion, but even more so with immense satisfaction.

"The data we’ve obtained has far exceeded our expectations! The Energy field structure of the Blue Fluorescent Ore and the unknown active enzymes in the Blood Coagulation Moss are particularly valuable!"

He paused, his gaze sweeping over the three visibly exhausted Martial Artists, then settling on the two young researchers who looked about to fall asleep on their feet.

"However, Xiao Zhang and Xiao Li are reaching their physical limits. The radiation and gravity here are taking a heavy toll on them. They need to return to the outpost to rest."

Xiang Yong nodded immediately. "Understood. We’ll return to Outpost Seven right away. We’ll rest for a day, restock our supplies, and then decide on our next move."

After several straight days in the treacherous environment of the Extraterrestrial Planet, even the three Martial Artists had been constantly on edge. The chance to return to the relative safety of the base for a rest was undoubtedly a welcome one.

After packing their gear and once again erasing all traces of their presence, the team set out on the return journey.

Whether it was their eagerness to get back or just good luck, the return trip was exceptionally smooth. They encountered no trouble along the way.

When the solid, gray-white silhouette of the fortress appeared on the horizon, Researcher Zhang and Researcher Li were nearly moved to tears of joy.

After passing through a strict identity verification and quarantine process, the group finally made it back inside Outpost Seven.

The familiar surroundings, the filtered fresh air, the normal gravity, and the feeling of absolute safety allowed everyone to breathe a long sigh of relief.

Xiang Yong practically had to herd the three researchers to the base’s medical center for checkups and deep recovery treatments.

Xiang Yong, Liu Qing, and Xu Wuyi first went to the mission counter to submit their progress report and confirm the issuance of their reward points.

"Come on, let’s head to the mess hall. My treat." Xiang Yong was in a good mood, clapping Xu Wuyi and Liu Qing on the shoulders. "The base’s synth-steak and Energy drinks don’t taste like much, but they’re filling and a quick way to restore your strength."

Liu Qing also gave a slight nod.

Xu Wuyi didn’t refuse.

After six straight days of surviving in the wild on nothing but high-energy compressed rations, he definitely needed a hot meal to comfort his stomach.