After the Unadon operation started, ManranyamaSouren remained in the car, ready to start the engine at any moment to pick everyone up.
Initially, everything went smoothly, just as ManranyamaSouren expected.
It wasn't until they entered the main hall of Yasaka Shrine that things started to become mysterious.
But ManranyamaSouren felt relieved instead.
If things were too smooth, then there would be a problem.
Because if things were too smooth, it was very likely that Bai Yaxin had already known about their plan and had taken care of any problematic documents in advance.
In that case, there would be no need to worry about guarding.
ManranyamaSouren's mind was indeed meticulous to think of this, but only halfway.
At this moment, she was solely focused on how to support Chongzong's group in their retreat.
"This is Eel One, currently escorting Eel Two in retreat. Eel Four, nearing the main gate of Yasaka Shrine for pick-up!" (Chongzong)
Upon hearing the retreat message, ManranyamaSouren suddenly became spirited. She stepped on the brake, turned the key to start the engine, released the handbrake, shifted into gear, gently pressed the accelerator, and moved towards the main gate of Yasaka Shrine as quietly as possible.
She couldn't arrive too early or too late.
Arriving early would make them a target, and arriving late would put Chongzong's group in jeopardy.
"This is Eel Four, how much longer until Eel One reaches the gate?" (ManranyamaSouren)
"This is... Eel One... estimated... 60 seconds until arrival." (Chongzong)
Chongzong's voice sounded breathless and strained, on the verge of collapsing at any moment.
"Understood, Eel Four." (ManranyamaSouren)
Even though Chongzong didn't specify, through his voice, ManranyamaSouren could tell that Chongzong's situation was not optimistic.
So, she changed the plan. Originally, she was going to pick up Sugi Yui first and then retrieve Chongzong's group for immediate evacuation.
Now, she decided to pick up Chongzong's group first to avoid having them wait too long, and then go get Sugi Yui.
Another benefit of this approach was that during the support for Chongzong's retreat, Sugi Yui's long-range attacks could cover their withdrawal.
"This is Eel Four, change of plans. Eel Three, please continue cover fire. After Eel One and Eel Two are onboard, head to pick up Eel Three." (ManranyamaSouren)
"Eel Three acknowledged." (Sugi Yui)
The decision was made in just a few seconds.
But no one raised any objections.
ManranyamaSouren demonstrated her excellent decisiveness and made the right decision at a critical moment.
There is still a kilometer to go to the gate of Yasaka Shrine, with two more turns to navigate;
There are twenty seconds left until the agreed arrival time with Chongzong;
How far is it to the success of this mission?
ManranyamaSouren’s heart was hanging by a thread, unable to let go, and she didn't even have time to think about these things.
A right turn, then a left turn, and the gate of Yasaka Shrine was right in front of her. ManranyamaSouren's heart was pounding so hard that she could hardly hear the engine of the car.
But she stayed calm, reduced the speed to ten kilometers per hour, and slid open the car door.
She didn’t plan to stop the car, or rather, she hoped not to, so that Chongzong and the others could jump in.
The last five meters.
ManranyamaSouren saw Chongzong carrying Van on his back, with an arrow inserted in his back, staggering along.
- How did this happen...!!
For a moment, ManranyamaSouren didn't know what to do, whether to believe they were waiting for them to get in the car, or to quickly stop the car and get out to help.
At that moment, Chongzong, carrying Van, stopped his steps, and then, he fell to the ground.
The blood from the wound on his back flowed down his body and spread on the ground.
