Chapter 2189: Useful Clues
The middle-aged man was stunned for a moment, then quickly said, "I'm just a low-level player. I don't know much about the higher-ups. But I did hear that the people from the Special Defense Department have been looking for you."
"Looking for me?" Xu Huo raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, they've been searching everywhere. It seems like they want to capture you alive," the middle-aged man said cautiously. "I also heard that they've mobilized quite a few advanced players."
Xu Huo fell into thought. The Special Defense Department's pursuit of him was nothing new, but mobilizing so many people meant they were determined to catch him.
"Do you know where the Special Defense Department's headquarters is?" Xu Huo asked.
The middle-aged man shook his head. "That kind of place isn't something a small fry like me would know. But I do know that they have a stronghold in the Sand Sea Safe Zone. I've seen people from the Special Defense Department there before."
"Sand Sea Safe Zone?" Xu Huo repeated.
"Yes, it's a relatively remote safe zone, but there are quite a few players there," the middle-aged man explained. "The Special Defense Department has a secret base there, but I don't know the exact location."
Xu Huo nodded. This information was somewhat useful. "Anything else?"
The middle-aged man thought for a moment, then said, "I also heard that the Game Government has recently issued a wanted notice for you. The bounty is very high. Many bounty hunters are after you."
"A wanted notice?" Xu Huo frowned.
"Yes, it's said to be personally issued by the Grand Archon. The reward is a super item," the middle-aged man said with a hint of envy. "If I had that kind of strength, I would have gone after it long ago."
Xu Huo sneered. "Then you'd better not have that kind of strength."
The middle-aged man quickly waved his hand. "I'm just talking. I wouldn't dare to mess with someone like you."
Xu Huo didn't bother with him anymore. He turned and left the alley.
Walking on the street, Xu Huo was deep in thought. The Game Government's wanted notice and the Special Defense Department's pursuit meant his situation was becoming more dangerous. He had to find a way to break the deadlock.
Just then, a familiar voice came from behind. "Xu Huo."
Xu Huo turned around and saw a short-haired female player walking toward him. It was the player he had met in the Block Fairy Tale City.
"It's you?" Xu Huo was a little surprised.
The short-haired female player smiled. "I didn't expect to run into you here. What are you doing in the Sand Sea Safe Zone?"
"Looking for some information," Xu Huo said casually.
The short-haired female player nodded. "I'm here on a mission. By the way, have you heard? The Special Defense Department has set up a temporary command center in the Sand Sea Safe Zone. It seems like they're going to launch a large-scale operation."
Xu Huo's eyes flickered. "Do you know where the command center is?"
The short-haired female player glanced around and lowered her voice. "I do know, but it's not convenient to say here. If you're interested, we can find a place to talk."
Xu Huo thought for a moment and nodded. "Okay."
The two found a quiet café and sat down. The short-haired female player ordered two cups of coffee and then said, "The Special Defense Department's command center is in an abandoned factory on the east side of the Sand Sea Safe Zone. There are heavy defenses, and many advanced players are stationed there."
Xu Huo listened quietly, memorizing the information.
"Why are you interested in the Special Defense Department?" the short-haired female player asked curiously.
"I have some personal grudges with them," Xu Huo said lightly.
The short-haired female player smiled meaningfully. "I see. If you need help, I can lend a hand."
Xu Huo looked at her. "Why are you helping me?"
"Let's just say I want to make a friend," the short-haired female player said. "Besides, I don't like the Special Defense Department either."
Xu Huo didn't say anything more. He stood up and said, "Thanks for the information. I'll take my leave now."
"Be careful," the short-haired female player reminded.
Xu Huo nodded and left the café.
Standing on the street, he looked toward the east side of the Sand Sea Safe Zone. The Special Defense Department's command center was there. If he could destroy it, it would definitely deal a heavy blow to the Special Defense Department.
But the defenses there were tight, and he needed to make thorough preparations.
Just then, his communicator suddenly rang. Xu Huo picked it up and heard a familiar voice. "Xu Huo, it's me, Lawrence Li."
"Lawrence Li?" Xu Huo was surprised. "Where are you?"
"I'm in the Sand Sea Safe Zone too. I have some important news to tell you. Can we meet?" Lawrence Li's tone was urgent.
Xu Huo hesitated for a moment, then agreed. "Okay, where?"
"I'm at the Rose Castle in the center of the Sand Sea Safe Zone. Come find me," Lawrence Li said.
Xu Huo hung up the communicator and headed toward the Rose Castle.
When he arrived at the Rose Castle, he saw Lawrence Li waiting at the door. Lawrence Li looked a bit haggard, as if he hadn't rested well.
"Lawrence Li, what's the matter?" Xu Huo asked.
Lawrence Li pulled him aside and whispered, "I just got news that the Special Defense Department has captured a Temporal Super Evolver. They plan to use him to track your whereabouts."
Xu Huo's expression changed. "A Temporal Super Evolver?"
"Yes, this Temporal Super Evolver can see fragments of the past and future. The Special Defense Department wants to use his ability to find you," Lawrence Li said worriedly. "You have to be careful."
Xu Huo frowned. "Do you know where this Temporal Super Evolver is being held?"
"It should be at the Special Defense Department's command center," Lawrence Li said. "I heard they're going to start the tracking tomorrow."
Xu Huo's eyes turned cold. "Then I have to act before they do."
"Are you going to the command center?" Lawrence Li asked nervously. "That place is heavily guarded."
"I have no choice," Xu Huo said. "If they really track me down, it'll be even more troublesome."
Lawrence Li gritted his teeth. "I'll go with you."
Xu Huo looked at him. "This is very dangerous."
"I know, but I can't just stand by and watch," Lawrence Li said firmly.
Xu Huo was silent for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, but you have to listen to me."
"Deal," Lawrence Li agreed.
The two quickly made a plan and decided to sneak into the Special Defense Department's command center that night.