On the planet, Qiao Dingfang led his massive army triumphantly forward. They were now only 600 kilometers away from their target, Hive Number One.
Although he had outmaneuvered the Chu Xiang mixed brigade and reclaimed the prestige befitting the main force, Qiao Dingfang had not let success go to his head. That underground nest had served as a warning, and he constantly reminded his troops as they advanced, "Do not act rashly. We must sweep the area as we go, identify any hidden dangers, and eliminate them in advance!"
When the temperature was at its highest, the scouts at the forefront discovered a vast area of uneven terrain and alerted the larger force behind them.
Qiao Dingfang's reconnaissance riders flew through the air. When the main force caught up, the riders quickly found numerous holes, about thirty centimeters high, across the region. The entrances were smooth, as if something frequently moved in and out.
