"Come in," Chen Rui said softly as he opened the door, allowing Song Jianhui to enter the room before quickly locking it behind him.
Song Jianhui sat before them and spoke in a low voice, "I have a general understanding of your situation. The Old Forces have infiltrated every corner, and any slip could put you in danger. You must find an external force you can rely on as soon as possible to ensure that the evidence you hold is safely delivered to higher authorities."
"But we currently have no reliable contact," Ailin said with some frustration.
Song Jianhui nodded and pulled a note from his pocket, revealing a complex code written on it. He explained quietly, "This is the contact method left by Zhao Qifeng. It can directly connect you to a high-ranking representative of the Anti-Special Zone Alliance. They are secretly monitoring the movements of the Old Forces and are waiting for the right moment to bring them to justice."
"The Anti-Special Zone Alliance?" Chen Rui's brow furrowed slightly; he was not unfamiliar with this organization. Rumor had it that it was a secret group that had long opposed the Special Zone and Violent Rule, composed of victims who had once been persecuted by the Old Forces.
"Yes, this organization has been looking for opportunities to strike against the Old Forces but lacks crucial evidence and chances," Song Jianhui said, his eyes revealing a glimmer of hope. "As long as you can bring the evidence to the Alliance, they will do everything in their power to protect you and assist you in exposing the crimes of the Old Forces."
Chen Rui and Ailin exchanged glances, a flicker of hope rising within them. The Anti-Special Zone Alliance was undoubtedly their most reliable ally at this stage. With their help, the chances of exposing the Old Forces would significantly increase.
However, Song Jianhui's tone suddenly grew serious. "The journey to the Alliance is still fraught with danger. The Old Forces have eyes and ears throughout the city; every step you take may be monitored. Therefore, you must proceed with utmost caution—there can be no mistakes."
"What should we do?" Ailin asked, her tone tinged with urgency.
"Tomorrow morning, you will leave through the eastern exit of the town. There will be a disguised truck arranged by the Alliance waiting for you there. The driver is a member of the Alliance; he will take you to a safe house," Song Jianhui explained.
Chen Rui took a deep breath. Although danger still loomed ahead, their perseverance and struggles over time finally seemed to have led them to a way out. At that moment, he steeled his resolve, ready to face the challenges ahead.
That night, they rested briefly, replenishing their strength in preparation for the journey ahead.
The next morning, as dawn broke, Chen Rui and Ailin packed their belongings quietly and left the inn without making a sound, following Song Jianhui's directions toward the eastern exit. An old truck awaited them at the corner; its driver was a lean young man wearing a worn-out cap who nodded at them in acknowledgment.
"Get in," he said in a low voice, his eyes betraying a hint of tension and vigilance.
The two climbed into the truck, and the driver quickly started the engine, heading toward the outskirts of the city. Along the way, they passed through desolate areas and small roads, avoiding all major routes. The driver remained highly alert throughout the drive, frequently checking his rearview mirror for any signs of pursuit.
After about an hour of driving, they finally arrived at a concealed safe house. It was an abandoned cottage surrounded by dense woods, nearly impossible for outsiders to detect.
"This is a temporary base for the Alliance," the driver explained as he gestured for them to get out. "You will wait here for now; higher-ups from the Alliance will come to meet you soon."
After getting out of the truck, Chen Rui and Ailin surveyed their surroundings. Though simple, this safe house provided sufficient temporary shelter. They felt an unprecedented sense of security as if they had finally found refuge after countless dangers.
However, just moments after they stepped into the safe house, a low rumbling sound suddenly echoed from afar. Chen Rui sensed something was off; he looked deep into the woods and his expression instantly turned grave.
"Get inside! The Old Forces have tracked us down!"
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