Zombie Apocalypse: Reborn With A Farming Space Chapter 876 876: The Herders ( 9 )

Following a brief silence, Jiao Lizhi faced him and uttered, "Brother Yan, this nagging premonition tells me disaster looms tomorrow. I attempt to brush it aside, yet I can't dispel the sensation."

Jin Xuyan, upon catching her words, caressed her arms reassuringly and declared, "No need to fret. Should trouble strike, I'll stand by you. Harm won't touch you or our comrades."

Her gaze locked onto his eyes, Jiao Lizhi's stiffened frame began to loosen bit by bit. She gave a nod, emitted a faint hum, then pivoted to press her face into the expanse of his chest.

Though the ominous hunch persisted, his presence beside her brought greater comfort.

Before dawn broke early that morning, every member of the Phantom Team roused themselves to inspect weapons and gear.

As combat loomed today, Jiao Lizhi retrieved baskets of whole-grain toast crafted by Jiang Ziyi, each slice crowned with avocado, mashed eggs, and cottage cheese.

For anyone unaccustomed to Western fare at breakfast, massive pots of wonton soup, jianbing, and tea eggs stood ready.

By 5 a.m., the team had devoured every morsel.

Prior to departure, Jin Xuyan addressed Yuan Ruiyue: "Old Yuan, handling Wen Hanyu falls to you."

"Rest assured, I'll see the task through," he affirmed with a nod.

Jiao Lizhi cast a look at her sister, then triggered the space portal, whisking the group to a spot 2 kilometers from the mountain base's entrance.

Darkness still cloaked the land, so night vision goggles adorned the team. To evade enemy detection, Jin Xuyan instructed, "Ah Zhi and I will enter first. Hold position until my signal."

"Understood," the members chorused with nods.

Consulting her mini map, Jiao Lizhi slipped into the mountain's northern sector. Jin Xuyan trailed her, scanning the landscape.

Fifteen minutes on, she lifted a hand and murmured, "Brother Yan, watchtowers lurk close by."

Surveying around, Jin Xuyan replied, "I spot none."

A smile curved Jiao Lizhi's lips as she tapped her wrist. Instantly, a gentle blue glow emanated from her, enveloping the vicinity. Moments later, structures materialized from nowhere.

High walls and watchtowers now visible, Jin Xuyan's eyes widened in astonishment. He faced her, whispering, "Invisibility?"

"Brother Yan, such tech exceeds this era's organizational grasp. It stems from the Matkuna Race's advancements."

At her explanation, he eyed her curiously. "Ah Zhi, you're familiar with this?"

Jiao Lizhi affirmed with a nod. "Cloaking devices enable so-called invisibility by curving light around objects, stopping reflection or absorption."

With that, she produced a black metal bracelet from her space and slipped it onto her fiancé's wrist.

Eyeing the band on his arm, Jin Xuyan grinned. "Ah Zhi, binding me already?"

She shot him a fierce look. "Joking at a time like this?"

Guiding his fingers over the bracelet's surface, she elaborated, "Forged from Tarakam Civilization meteorite, it bends light around the wearer—perfect for infiltrating the base undetected."

Gazing at it intently, Jin Xuyan inquired, "Ah Zhi, got extras?"

"Brother Yan, though single-functioned, its materials are scarce. Only Beiye and I possessed one—now yours."

Jin Xuyan's smile deepened as he drew near. "Thanks, Ah Zhi."

His warm breath grazed her ear, sending a shiver through her. She retreated swiftly, glaring, her prior tension easing amid his playful tease.

Once invisibility engaged, they vaulted the wall, entering the concealed base via ventilation ducts.

Meanwhile, from afar, team members witnessed the towering walls and watchtowers flicker into view.

Xiao Qi dropped his binoculars, elbowing Feng Yun. "Brother, reckon an invisibility ability user guards inside?"

Feng Yun shook his head. "Unclear. But sustaining such vast coverage nonstop demands immense energy—likely level six or higher."

Nods rippled through the group. Soon, Qin Luzi added, "No level-five-plus presences detected."

"Device or machinery it must be," Chen Wenwu murmured.

Exchanging looks, the team pondered: securing even one for study could unlock vital tech.

As dawn's rays crested east, the barriers and towers faded from view.

By then, Jiao Lizhi and Jin Xuyan prowled deep within the base, mapping it out.

"Host, a barrier blocks full scans."

"What's the scan range?" Jiao Lizhi queried.

"Limited to 200 meters radius."

Relaying this, Jin Xuyan pondered briefly. "Fine by us. We'll scout methodically. Full layout aids the team's entry."

"Agreed, your lead," Jiao Lizhi nodded.

Scarce had words ended when footsteps neared. They ducked into a nearby room, cloaked or not, shunning any guard encounter.