165: Inevitable internal strife

"Naturally, an eye for an eye. The Gong Family has controlled the base long enough; it's time for a change."

Ming Chengde, the Second-in-Command of the base, finished speaking sinisterly, then abruptly stood up and strode away.

"Oh, my poor little Yao, why did you leave so suddenly? How am I supposed to live on, little Yao? Don't worry, we will tear your killers into a thousand pieces and slaughter their whole family to avenge you," the old woman sobbed and muttered.

At this time, Gong Qiuqiu also received news that Ming Yao had been killed in his own lair.

"Brother, this is truly wonderful news! That bastard Ming Yao has finally been taken by heaven," Gong Qiumu said gleefully.

Upon hearing this, Gong Qiuqiu was not as happy as Gong Qiumu. He put down his work and gave a bitter smile: "This is truly a time of trouble. Qiumu, put down all your work and prepare for a Level One combat alert."

With that, he stepped out from behind the desk with his long legs and walked outside.

"Ah, what? Why?" Gong Qiumu was utterly confused, following behind and asking doubtfully.

"Ming Yao is dead. Ming Chengde will definitely blame us for this. He'll use this as a pretext to start a civil war!" Gong Qiuqiu said with a serious expression, exuding a cold aura.

"What? That old geezer! I knew he was always dissatisfied with being the Second-in-Command, and sooner or later he'd cause trouble. I didn't expect him to stir things up at a time when everything needs rebuilding!" Gong Qiumu spat in disgust.

Gong Qiuqiu smiled gently, his eyes filled with coldness. "It's fine. I've been waiting for him to make his move. Although the timing isn't right, it's worth it if we can remove this tumor now."

Soon, the entire base was filled with a chilling atmosphere. Even ordinary residents felt the tense atmosphere of the entire Songzhou Safety Tower, walking cautiously on the streets.

Gu Xiheng and the others had planned to depart tomorrow for Yingjin Safety Tower, but feeling the current atmosphere, Gu Xiheng had a bad premonition.

"We can't leave tomorrow. We must go now, the sooner the better," Gu Xiheng gathered everyone in his group and said with a serious expression.

"Xiheng, what happened? Why are you in such a hurry?" Cheng Siyu seemed like a different person, exuding a gentle aura.

Everyone was surprised by her change. Was this still the aloof and proud Cheng Siyu?

Especially Gu Xitian, she always felt that Cheng Siyu was no longer the Cheng Siyu she knew, even suspecting she had been swapped.

But her speech, demeanor, and Superpower hadn't changed, so she had to believe that this was indeed the genuine Cheng Siyu.

Cheng Siyu voiced everyone's thoughts, and they all stared at Gu Xiheng.

Gu Xiheng offered no further explanation, saying unequivocally, "Don't ask why. This is not the time for explanations. We depart in ten minutes!"

The others quickly went back to pack their things, and in less than ten minutes, everyone was already heading out.

When Gu Xiheng and his group reached the main gate, they were stopped.

"The Leader has given an order: from now on, no entry or exit is permitted in the base!" A line of armed soldiers stood at the entrance, all holding their guns and looking solemnly at the group.

Yan Li stepped forward to negotiate, stating that they had compelling reasons to leave and hoped for understanding, also for the sake of continued friendly relations between the two bases.

However, the Guard Soldier was a straight-laced person and firmly adhered to the orders given by his superior. No matter what Yan Li said, he refused to let them pass unless they had a pass issued by a Leader.

Gu Xiheng and the others were helpless; they couldn't force their way through, so they could only return to find Gong Qiuqiu.

When they finally managed to see Gong Qiuqiu, they were informed that the base was about to undergo an internal war, a major purge.

The entrance was already occupied by the Second-in-Command, making it not a good time to leave.

The other members of Gu Xiheng's team finally understood why Gu Xiheng wanted to leave early, but unfortunately, they were a step too late.

Just then, a soldier came to report that the Second-in-Command's vanguard unit had surrounded their command center building.

Gong Qiuqiu did not panic, calmly saying, "Proceed as planned!"

"Yes!" The soldier turned and left briskly.

Moments later, intense gunfire erupted.

"What's going on? Why did it start so suddenly?" Gu Xiheng asked.

Gong Qiuqiu smiled helplessly: "It's all because someone killed Ming Yao and framed us. That old Ming Chengde went crazy and insists that our family must pay with our lives for his grandson."

Suddenly hearing Ming Yao's name, Cheng Siyu's breathing became erratic, her face turned pale, and her fingernails instinctively dug tightly into her palms.

Gu Xitian noticed her abnormality and immediately asked with concern, "Sister Siyu, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Cheng Siyu tried to control her emotions, feigning calmness as she shook her head. "I'm fine, don't worry about me."

No one paid attention to their whispered conversation. At this moment, Gong Qiuqiu, with a gentle expression and a casual tone, said, "Xiheng, we are suddenly in danger. Are you planning to help us?"

"No! What does your internal conflict have to do with us? We're not getting involved, right, brother?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Xitian immediately rolled her eyes and refused.

"Xitian! Your brother is here, we shouldn't interrupt," Cheng Siyu said gently.

Gong Qiuqiu's expression remained unchanged, merely smiling faintly: "Very well. However, the time for you to leave the tower might have to be postponed."

Gu Xiheng annoyedly punched him, "Alright, stop joking. Your internal affairs are for you to handle. We won't participate. You figure out a way to send us off."

"Alas, it's not that I don't want to send you, but the Second-in-Command's control is strict, and there's no opportunity to get you out. The only way is to help us end this internal strife sooner," Gong Qiuqiu said with a shrug and spread hands, looking helpless.

Gu Xiheng frowned upon hearing this.

Just then, their small building was bombed, and rubble was everywhere. Even Gu Xiheng and the others were covered in dust.

"What the hell, they even bombed the building? That's too much!" Mo Li exclaimed, clutching his arm, which had been hit by stones, and said indignantly.

"Hmph, they're capable of anything! Old schemers!" Gong Qiumu cursed.

"Quick, let's get out first, before we get buried here."

Gong Qiuqiu's usual gentle voice sounded, showing no sign of urgency.

Everyone quickly exited the command center and went to the open ground outside.

The Second-in-Command's son saw their somewhat disheveled appearance and began to laugh wildly and arrogantly.

"Haha, I never thought our refined Colonel Gong would have such a disheveled day. It's truly satisfying."

"Don't get too smug. You'll be even more disheveled than me soon!" Gong Qiuqiu replied calmly.