The Beginning of Natural Disaster, I Won by Hoarding Tens of Billions of Supplies

Chapter 599: Flesh-Eating Army Ants

The nuclear submarine had been sailing for five days when, by early evening, it finally detected signs of a new continent through its long-range periscope. 

After a careful survey, Xu Kaitai’s expression turned serious. “The submarine has detected many movable obstacles. It’s probably a port.” 

After the natural disaster, any force capable of establishing a port could not be underestimated. 

Private bases don’t have this capability, so it’s highly likely to be a national base. 

To avoid being spotted, the submarine didn’t get too close, so the view wasn’t very clear. But the salvage team was made up of seasoned experts. 

Based on sonar data analysis, they concluded that the port didn’t just have submarines—there were also large cargo ships, and even an aircraft carrier. 

Xu Kaitai converted the data into visuals. “If I’m not mistaken, this is likely the Americans, or an alliance led by the Americans.” 

Since they were here for the Fire Seed Container, they’d avoid clashing with the Americans unless absolutely necessary. 

They immediately decided to change their landing site. 

They had to leave fast. If those Americans who attacked first and asked questions later spotted them, they’d probably be wrapped up like dumplings. 

So, the submarine quietly dived again and spent another half-day finding a new landing point. 

The new continent was massive, and they were still far from where the Fire Seed Container had fallen. Walking there would take around twenty days. 

Too many unpredictable dangers. 

After discussion, everyone decided to land. 

Jiang Ning glanced at her space and barely managed to store the nuclear submarine inside. The 14 of them split into two assault boats and headed toward shore. 

Endless wasteland stretched out ahead. The wind and dust were so strong, it was hard to even open their eyes. 

The natural environment was brutal. The wind was strong enough to blow people over, and their faces were quickly covered in sand. Walking across on foot was completely out of the question. 

Considering this might be the Americans’ territory, they needed to blend in—and get things done fast. 

Jiang Ning took out two high-end military Hummers, American-style military uniforms, weapons, and military face paint. 

From head to toe, they were completely transformed into American soldiers. 

Huang Mao and the others were stunned. “Sister Ning, you’re basically a walking armory!” 

These armored Hummers even had automated weapon stations on top that could sweep through enemies in seconds. 

Totally badass. 

Everyone smeared on face paint, put on sunglasses, and armed themselves with submachine guns. 

Time to roll out. 

The two desert beasts powered through the dusty wastelands, pushing forward through harsh terrain and sandstorms. 

Jiang Ning couldn’t help but think of Rong Sanshao. This kind of wild off-road drive? He’d absolutely love it. Probably the thrill of a lifetime for him. 

They couldn’t be low-key, but they couldn’t lose their vigilance either. 

Drivers, lookouts, everyone was in position. 

“This weather sucks. Totally doesn’t compare to back in Fengcheng.” 

“Tell me about it. By the time we get back, the greenery will probably have expanded quite a bit.” 

Comparison really put things into perspective. The special salvage team suddenly felt like Fengcheng was paradise. 

This place was awful. Even with scarves over their mouths, they were still eating sand. 

As night fell, they found a spot to pitch tents. 

The wind howled all night. By morning, the tent entrances were buried in sand. 

The skies cleared up, and the sun blazed down on the brown wastelands. 

They ate plain congee, steamed buns, and pickled veggies while watching a sunrise from their moving vehicle. 

It was beautiful, yet brutal, hard to tell if it was bloody or heroic. 

The closer they got to the coordinates, the looser and softer the desert soil became, slowing down their military Hummer. 

After half a day of driving, they stopped for a break. 

Some ate to regain energy, others stood lookout from high ground, and a few went farther away to relieve themselves. 

While Jiang Ning was eating, three team members who had gone to relieve themselves sprinted back. “Run, run fast!” 

They were far away, facing the wind. 

The lookouts couldn’t hear them clearly, so they checked with binoculars. 

At first, they didn’t see clearly. Just the three making frantic danger signals. But then—something appeared behind them. 

The lookouts’ faces went pale. 

One of them jumped down from the high ground. 

“Danger incoming—run!” 

Jiang Ning and the others thought they’d been spotted by the Americans. They quickly grabbed the weapons nearby. 

“It’s army ants!” 

One of the lookouts ran toward the Hummer and started it in a hurry. “Those man-eating army ants!” 

Army ants, also known as legion ants, not only move at incredible speed but also appear in astonishing number. 

They typically form large armies to hunt, and when they encounter prey, they tear it apart with their mandibles. They’re also extremely good at working together. While some search for food, the larger ants stay near the edges to protect the swarm. 

A massive swarm of army ants can devour a large animal in the blink of an eye, leaving only an empty skeleton. 

Jiang Ning had never seen them in real life before, but she’d seen them in movies and shows. They were practically unstoppable—kill anything that moves. 

Everyone immediately panicked. They grabbed their weapons and rushed into the vehicles. 

Huo Yishen quickly got in. Jiang Ning stuffed the supplies into her space and jumped into the passenger seat. 

The team was made up of former special forces. They didn’t waste any time. 

Both vehicles roared to life. The one Jiang Ning was in happened to be closer to the three people running for their lives, so they headed straight toward them. 

Army ants don’t really have any natural predators. On top of that, they breed insanely fast. It’s said that during nesting season, the queen can lay around ten thousand eggs a day. 

Just thinking about it sends chills down the spine. 

Jiang Ning pulled out canisters of gas and chili powder and passed them around to the others. 

The Hummer sped up. Huang Mao opened the door and shouted at the three who were sprinting toward them, “Jump in!” 

One by one, they grabbed the chance and jumped on. 

The swarm of ants was only a few meters behind and closing in from all directions. 

They just kept coming, endlessly pouring out from underground like a magic trick gone wrong. 

The three finally got inside, screaming in pain. 

No need to ask—they’d been bitten. 

Huang Mao covered his mouth and nose, then started spraying them all over. 

Meanwhile, the others tossed chili powder out the windows, trying to slow down the ants. 

The gas was strong and stung the eyes. Jiang Ning couldn’t take it and quickly rolled the window down for some air. 

A dozen or so army ants had made it into the vehicle with the three, but the team worked fast and killed them all. 

The two Hummer sped forward, driving more than ten kilometers before finally stopping for a breather once they were sure the ants weren’t following. 

Good thing they had the Hummer, plus the gas and chili powder. Otherwise, they might’ve all been eaten alive. 

Just thinking about it made everyone break out in a cold sweat. 

No matter what, Sister Ning is truly impressive! 

Huang Mao had been bitten twice. Blood was dripping out, and the pain was sharp and burning. 

He winced and gritted his teeth. “How the hell did you even stir them up?” 

The three still looked shaken. “We didn’t know! One of us took a leak, and suddenly they came swarming out from underground like crazy!” 

They were already on high alert, but who the hell stares at the ground while peeing? By the time they noticed something was wrong, it was already too late. 

Thank god they ran fast. If not, things could’ve gotten… really bad. 

Hiss—ouch, ouch, ouch! 

Some of the bites were in… sensitive areas. No way they were ever admitting that. 

Jiang Ning handed over the medical kit so they could treat themselves. 

Nobody knew what else might be hiding under this wasteland. Everyone stayed even more alert and careful from then on. 

That night, they didn’t bother with tents. They just slept in the cars. 

Jiang Ning scattered some crushed stone, realgar, and chili powder around the vehicles to keep snakes, bugs, and ants away. 

They also took turns keeping watch through the night. 

Thankfully, they got some decent sleep. As soon as the first light appeared, they hit the road again. 

On the way, they ran into a group of survivors. As soon as those people spotted the American-style armored vehicle from afar, their faces changed drastically, and they fled faster than rabbits. 

Uh, looks like the Americans still makes people turn pale with fear. 

That actually worked out for the special salvage team dressed in disguise. Saved them a lot of trouble. 

Around noon, the lead vehicle made a new discovery. There was an American military camp up ahead…