Chapter 64: Location
At this moment, Nan Yun and Nan Zhen, who had originally known about this but had forgotten due to being too anxious, finally remembered. It had taken the three of them working together to persuade Nan Yu before he had agreed to install that software.
Nan Yun and Nan Zhen slapped their foreheads hard. How had they forgotten something so important?
"Right, look at my memory. I actually forgot something this important."
Yu Lanfeng said, "Come with me."
Fu Yu'ang knew that with his current skills, it would be impossible for him to locate Nan Yu's optical computer in a short amount of time, so he told Yu Lanfeng's legion personnel every single detail about the software he had personally written and designed.
The people in the legion who specialized in this field were practically ecstatic. If Yu Lanfeng himself hadn't been standing there waiting for results, leaving them no chance to slack off, they would have directly grabbed Fu Yu'ang's hand and begged him to stay.
The software was truly simple. After seeing the code, even experts who had lived for hundreds of years felt their eyes light up. Although professionals could understand the principles after examining it, the problem was that none of them had thought of it themselves.
Although there were still some immature areas, Fu Yu'ang was undoubtedly an exceptionally talented individual with tremendous potential. Once this matter was over, they absolutely had to recruit him into the legion.
After all, he had handed over such a secret program to them. How could they not show some sincerity?
The legion's special technical team naturally possessed outstanding capabilities, so the entire process took only three hours. They quickly obtained an approximate location for Nan Yu.
However, everyone was shocked when they saw the location.
It was an extremely delicate position.
The location was roughly thirty kilometers due north of where Nan Yu had been abducted, inside a mountain range.
Yu Lanfeng had previously sent people there to investigate, but nothing had been discovered. Although patrols occasionally passed through the area, since it was merely a remote mountain range devoid of human activity, it had never been considered a priority search zone and was often ignored.
While reflecting on his own mistakes, Yu Lanfeng asked,
"Can you establish contact?"
"Marshal, that's impossible. We can only determine his approximate location. There seems to be a very powerful magnetic field interfering over there."
Strange.
That shouldn't be possible.
Their troops had previously been there and had never discovered any magnetic interference caused by machinery or humans. If there really had been such interference, then legion members who passed through that area should have noticed it. Yet nobody had found anything unusual.
"Have Teams One through Three prepare themselves. They'll depart with me shortly. We must find Nan Yu before today ends."
Now that they had an approximate location, if they still failed to find him within a day, they truly wouldn't deserve their reputation.
Naturally, Nan Yun and the others were still forbidden from going, but after hearing that his location had been found, they finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Even if they had only located the optical computer, it was still a valuable clue. They no longer needed to panic.
Meanwhile, Nan Yu was already so hungry that he could barely move.
His spatial button had completely run out of food.
He only had half a bottle of water left from before.
At the time, he had found it troublesome and casually tossed it into the spatial button, then forgotten about it. Unexpectedly, it had become his life-saving water.
Although several days had passed, it was still drinkable, since it had been stored inside the spatial button.
Nan Yu carefully took a small sip before putting the half bottle away again.
His stomach growled loudly, but there was nothing to eat.
He didn't even have the strength to continue walking.
Whether it was using mental power to open the door, using mental power to search for exits, enduring all those days in that cramped space, or walking endlessly through this seemingly boundless cave...
All of it had consumed enormous amounts of his mental power and physical strength.
The little bit of food he'd stored in the spatial button had long since been used up.
And he could clearly feel that he'd become much thinner.
He'd already been skinny to begin with, and now he was even thinner.
Once he returned, his eldest and second brothers would definitely blame themselves even more.
Nan Yu sighed.
Anyway, he had no strength left, and this place didn't seem dangerous. So he simply lay down, closed his eyes, and planned to rest before continuing.
Just as he was about to fall asleep, he vaguely heard some sort of rumbling sound.
However, both his mental and physical strength had been exhausted. He had only managed to keep going through sheer perseverance.
But now that he was lying on the ground with his eyes closed, sleep quickly overwhelmed him.
Within a few seconds, he had completely fallen asleep.
Yu Lanfeng sat inside the aircraft and looked down at the mountains below.
"It's around here?"
"Yes, Marshal. It's this area. We've also detected no signs of artificially caused magnetic disturbances, and there are currently no abnormalities."
"Go down. Once we're closer, investigate carefully."
"Yes!"
They searched around the outer perimeter of the mountains several times but found nothing unusual.
However, the location was definitely here.
That meant they simply hadn't found it yet.
Not that it wasn't there.
"Marshal! Something seems strange over here!"
Yu Lanfeng looked over immediately.
After seeing the top of one particular mountain, he indeed noticed something unusual.
There was a large boulder that appeared rather out of place.
"Blow it up... forget it. Move it carefully."
Using artillery would have been simple.
One shot would shatter the rock and reveal whatever lay behind it.
But what if...
What if Nan Yu was inside?
Wouldn't that be too dangerous?
Thus, they carefully moved the huge boulder aside.
Behind it, a cave entrance appeared.
Only then did Yu Lanfeng finally realize that the person was very likely inside.
"Teams One and Two, follow me inside. Everyone else stay outside and stand guard."
"Yes!"
Everything had been normal, but the moment Yu Lanfeng entered the cave with Teams One and Two, their optical computers and communication devices suddenly stopped functioning.
However, the moment they stepped back out of the cave entrance, everything worked again.
Yu Lanfeng immediately understood.
He had never expected this place to possess naturally occurring magnetic disturbances.
And they were so precise.
It truly was a rare treasure.
If possible, building a secret base here would be an excellent idea.
"Marshal?"
"It's nothing. Continue forward. Team Three, if we don't come out within a day, send people in to support us."
"Yes!"
Yu Lanfeng led two teams deeper inside.
Initially, everyone remained extremely cautious.
But after traveling for some time without encountering any danger, they relaxed somewhat.
Of course, this relaxation was relative.
Overall, they remained in a state where even the slightest disturbance would trigger an immediate response.
About an hour later, Yu Lanfeng was shocked to find Nan Yu lying on the ground ahead.
He looked miserable and frighteningly thin.
Yu Lanfeng slowly approached.
After confirming there was no danger, he carefully examined Nan Yu.
He discovered that Nan Yu had simply fainted from malnutrition and starvation.
His spirit was also exhausted, likely because he had consumed too much mental power.
Gently lifting him into his arms, Yu Lanfeng found that he felt almost weightless.
He took out a blanket from his spatial button and wrapped Nan Yu's slightly cold body in it before holding him close.
"We'll leave first."
After exiting the cave, Yu Lanfeng left Teams One and Two behind to continue investigating while taking Team Three back to the hospital.
The moment they arrived, Nan Yu was sent directly to the emergency room for examinations and routine emergency treatment.
Almost everyone saw his miserable state.
Yet nobody despised him.
Nobody laughed.
Everyone was worried sick.
Fortunately, after the examination, the doctor finally relaxed.
"Nothing serious. He's simply too hungry, too tired, and consumed too much mental power, so he fell into a deep sleep. He'll be fine once he wakes up."
"Remember to feed him something nutritious that's easy to digest."
Afterward, Yang Zhou volunteered to help Nan Yu bathe.
He changed him into pajamas and laid him neatly in the top-floor lounge, the same room Nan Yu had used before.
Finding Nan Yu safe and sound allowed the Nan family and Fu Yu'ang to finally relax.
They all sat together in the living room while Nan Yu slept soundly inside.
Especially after lying on a comfortable bed, he slept even more deeply.
When he finally woke up, he stared blankly at the white ceiling, unable to process things for a moment.
Sleepily, he wondered if he was dreaming.
But that was impossible.
Could he still be dreaming?
He tried to turn over.
Feeling the softness of the bed, pillow, and blanket, he instinctively rubbed against them. His eyes remained closed as he wanted to sleep a little longer.
But suddenly, he widened his eyes and sat upright.
This room...
It looked somewhat familiar.
Just as he was about to examine it further, the door opened.
"Little brother, you're finally awake?"
Nan Yu stared in surprise.
"Big Brother?"
Nan Yun nodded and sat beside the bed.
"Little brother, how are you feeling?"
Nan Yu blankly nodded.
"I'm fine. I slept very comfortably. Right, Big Brother, how did I get back?"
Nan Yun answered,
"Marshal Yu found you and carried you back."
Nan Yu froze.
Carried... him back?!
Wait, wait...
That wasn't the important part.
The important part was that Yu Lanfeng had found him.
"How did he find me? Where exactly was I?"
Nan Yun shook his head.
"We don't know the details. The legion said that place has become classified information. Non-legion personnel aren't allowed to know anything."
"So we didn't ask. As long as you're safe, that's enough for us."
"Oh, right. We also have to thank Old Fu. It was the software he installed on your optical computer that helped. The legion took all the information and used it to locate your approximate position."
"So that's how it was?"
Nan Yu nodded.
"It looks like I really have to thank Brother Fu properly..."
At that moment, his stomach growled.
Only then did Nan Yu realize how hungry he was.
"Brother, give me something to eat first. I'm starving. I was so hungry... I really thought I'd end up starving to death somewhere no one knew."
Nan Yun stood up.
"It was already prepared. I'll bring it in."
As he opened the door, Nan Zhen appeared carrying food.
He had probably been listening outside.
Yang Zhou and Fu Yu'ang followed behind.
Nan Yu smiled.
"Sorry for making you worry. But I'm completely fine now, so stop looking so miserable."
Yang Zhou inhaled deeply before letting out a long sigh.
"It's a good thing you're alright. Otherwise, I wouldn't be able to live in peace for the rest of my life."
Nan Yu patted his shoulder.
"It's fine. Don't overthink it."
Then he started eating.
He was so hungry that he barely had the strength to speak.
Everyone sat silently watching him eat.
Halfway through, after his stomach discomfort eased, Nan Yu found it strange and looked at them.
"Don't keep staring at me. It's embarrassing. Are you guys hungry? Why don't we eat together?"
Only then did Nan Yun and the others realize their reactions were excessive.
"It's fine, you eat."
"You're really not hungry?"
"No, not hungry."
Nan Yu looked at them suspiciously.
Instead, they became embarrassed and quickly left the room one after another.
After finishing his meal and changing clothes, Nan Yu suddenly remembered what he must have looked like when they found him.
It must have been terrible, right?
Quietly, he dragged Yang Zhou into the room.
"Yang Zhou, when Marshal Yu brought me back, what did I look like? Was I especially miserable?"
Yang Zhou thought for a moment.
"You really did look miserable. But everyone only felt sorry for you, so..."
Nan Yu's mouth twitched.
So everyone had seen him?
Yang Zhou continued,
"Marshal Yu wrapped you in a blanket before carrying you. He looked so gentle. Honestly, I really wish the two of you could get together. Compared to Marshal Yu, Bai Zhouyun is trash buried deep in the dirt."
"And now that you're so outstanding, being with Marshal Yu wouldn't be taking advantage of him."
Nan Yu rolled his eyes.
Everyone knew Yu Lanfeng's character was impeccable.
As long as his engagement wasn't dissolved, there was absolutely no possibility between them.
Actually, he hadn't thought that way in the beginning.
But after hearing everyone say it repeatedly, even he gradually started feeling that being with Marshal Yu really wasn't bad.
But that didn't mean Marshal Yu thought the same way.
The first priority was still to steadily improve his strength.
For example, becoming a High-Tier Mental Power User as soon as possible.
Once that happened, his engagement with Bai Zhouyun would automatically become void.
And only then would he truly have freedom in love.
But right now—
Since he'd been rescued, he had to thank people.
The first person was Fu Yu'ang.
Fu Yu'ang was sitting in the living room.
Nan Yu walked straight over and bowed.
"Thank you, Brother Fu. Without your software, I might still be lying there."
Fu Yu'ang pulled him onto the sofa.
"Why are you thanking me? You're my little brother. Taking care of you and helping you is only natural. Don't burden yourself over it."
Nan Yu smiled awkwardly.
"Brother Fu, you're really dependable."
Fu Yu'ang grinned and rubbed his head.
At the same time, when Nan Yu wasn't looking, he shot Nan Yun and Nan Zhen a meaningful glance.
The brothers nearly exploded with anger.
Nan Yu noticed nothing.
After talking with Fu Yu'ang, he turned around and hugged Nan Yun and Nan Zhen.
"This happened because the enemy was too cunning. It has nothing to do with Big Brother or Second Brother. Don't blame yourselves, okay? Otherwise, I'll blame myself too."
Nan Yu had struck right at the heart.
Although Nan Yun and Nan Zhen hadn't shown it, if they weren't allowed to let go now, this incident would become a permanent knot in their hearts.
And the key to undoing that knot was simply one sentence from Nan Yu.
The forced smiles vanished from their faces.
Both brothers embraced Nan Yu, holding him between them.
The three brothers remained like that quietly for some time.
Nan Yu hugged one brother with each arm and slowly comforted them.
His safe return was the greatest comfort they could possibly receive.
After comforting his brothers and friends, Nan Yu went to find Nan Ming.
Nan Ming was standing on the rooftop.
When Nan Yu found him, he was still enjoying the wind.
"Dad? What are you doing?"
Nan Ming turned around and smiled kindly.
"Nothing. Just getting some air."
Nan Yu curved his lips.
"Dad, you look so exhausted. Haven't you rested in a long time?"
Nan Ming took a deep breath.
"Silly child, you should go look in a mirror. Which one of us looks exhausted?"
Nan Yu guiltily touched his face.
He certainly looked miserable.
Although he had slept and eaten, there was no way he could recover from several days of suffering in such a short time.
His face was pale and his body thin.
He looked much more like the victim.
But Nan Yu knew that Nan Ming had also suffered inside.
Walking over, he grabbed his father's hand.
"Dad, let's go eat something and get some proper sleep."
"Oh right, Dad. Can you sleep now? If not, I can sleep with you."
Nan Ming laughed.
He reached out his large hand and vigorously ruffled Nan Yu's hair.
"Really, I don't know what to do with you. Come on, let's go eat."
Seeing the genuine smile on Nan Ming's face, Nan Yu finally relaxed and followed him downstairs.
The hospital cafeteria was divided into two sections.
One served patients, while the other served everyone else.
As they finished eating and were leaving, Nan Yu saw Yu Lanfeng in the distance.
"Oh right, Dad. I'll go thank the Marshal and come right back!"
Since they were inside the hospital, nothing would happen.
Only after a moment did Nan Ming and the others react.
Nan Yu walked over and smiled.
"Thank you very much this time, Marshal."
Yu Lanfeng glanced at him and simply said indifferently,
"It's nothing."