After Leitao, Li Shuiniu, and Li Shuiyang finally managed to clear the minefield, they did not dare to rest for a moment. They began a meticulous search of the hidden corners around the base. At last, in an incredibly secluded spot, they discovered a ventilation duct leading into the interior of the chemical weapons production and testing facility. The vent was square, with sides about half a meter long, barely large enough for a person to squeeze through.
Leitao approached the vent first, crouched down slightly, and cautiously peered inside. It was pitch black, with only a few faint slivers of light struggling to reach in from deep within. A low, muffled hum of air currents drifted from the duct, intermingled with the persistent drone of machinery from inside the base and the occasional, indistinct sound of footsteps. Leitao turned back to Li Shuiniu and Li Shuiyang, his voice hushed: "This may be our only chance to slip inside. The situation ahead is unknown, so I’ll go in first to scout the path. You two stay here; if anything seems off, do not act rashly. Wait for my signal."
With that, Leitao gripped the edge of the duct firmly. With a slight push, he vaulted inside with fluid ease. He crawled forward, his movements as soft as a falling leaf. The metal walls of the duct were ice-cold, and protruding rivets caught his clothing from time to time, producing faint scratching sounds. Every few meters, Leitao would hold his breath, pausing to listen intently to his surroundi…
Chapter 93