Chapter 1582 - 1887: United in Purpose (2)
Chapter 1582 - 1887: United in Purpose (2)
"Indeed!" Ling Chen nodded and said, "I know it’s asking a lot, and I understand the risks everyone might bear. But don’t you think this is a perfect opportunity? The fire scene is dangerous, I know that in my heart, but I believe our abilities can handle this. Taking advantage of this opportunity, we can show everyone that martial artists are not just about fighting and seeking fame. When needed, we will stand up without hesitation. Ladies and gentlemen, every second we delay here could mean one less life saved. For those trapped in the fire, time equals life. I hope everyone can unite and help them get through this disaster."
As Ling Chen’s words fell, Tong Zhentian nodded and said, "Well said, I agree with Ling Chen’s proposal. Master Su, what about your Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion?"
Su Mei smiled lightly and said, "Our Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion will certainly give it our all."
"Good, time is tight, everyone don’t delay, quickly get on the bus."
Soon, hundreds of martial artists in the venue all got on the bus, heading straight for the fire scene. Ten minutes later, the factory surrounded by flames finally appeared in everyone’s view. At this moment, thousands of spectators had gathered outside the factory, and news media from various platforms were vying to report on the fire situation at the factory.
The arrival of several buses immediately drew the attention of the onlookers. As the bus stopped, Ling Chen jumped off right away. Though not close to the fire scene yet, the surrounding temperature was noticeably higher.
"Look, the rescue team is out again."
"Sigh! This is the third time; it seems those people inside have no hope." The spectators around discussed.
Ling Chen raised his eyes and saw a rescue team of more than ten firefighters retreating from the fire scene in a sorry state, seeming to have failed even before entering deep into the fire.
At this time, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, Dragon Tiger Hall, and other martial artists all alighted from the buses one after another. Seeing Master Hui Yun dressed in kasaya, Dan Xuzi in a Taoist robe, and some martial artists in strange costumes, the onlookers instantly became lively.
"Who are these people? Are they here to perform?"
"Who knows, maybe it’s some drama group coming to see the spectacle."
"No, don’t you think those people look familiar? I seem to have seen them at the Martial Arts Tournament. That’s right! They should be from the Martial Arts Association. The old man who gave the opening speech is also there."
"What is the Martial Arts Association doing here?"
"What’s strange about it? The Martial Arts Tournament couldn’t be held, no one is interested in joining them, so they had to come here for excitement. Hmph! What martial arts masters, all a bunch of frauds."
Facing the surrounding clamor, Ling Chen pretended not to hear and went straight to the fire command center outside the fire scene.
"Who are you looking for?" A firefighter looked at Ling Chen and asked.
"I’m from the military; they’ve asked me to come and understand the situation and assist you in rescuing people. You should have received the call earlier." Ling Chen said. On the way here, he had already called the old General. Qiao Zhen was well aware of the capabilities of these martial artists, so when Ling Chen offered to help, he gladly agreed.
"Are you Mr. Ling?" A middle-aged man in a firefighter’s uniform came over, extended his hand, and said, "I’m Zhou Guosen, the onsite chief commander. We’ve been informed from above, thank you for coming."
"It’s our duty." After a few polite words, Ling Chen pointed to the factory surrounded by raging flames and asked, "How is the situation now?"
"Not very optimistic." Zhou Guosen frowned and said, "This is a chemical factory where many chemicals and alcohol are stored. It’s difficult to extinguish the fire with water. I’ve applied to use helicopters to carry dry powder for aerial drops. However, judging from the onsite conditions, I’m afraid the effect won’t be great because the fire area is too large. Putting out the fire via helicopter would take too long, and I worry the workers inside can’t hold out that long."
"Commander, the rescue team is ready. Should we push forward again?" A firefighter came to report.
"No need." Zhou Guosen waved his hand and said, "The fire is too big; we can’t get in. It’s not worth the waste of time. Let’s wait for the helicopter instead."
Taking advantage of their conversation, Ling Chen focused on the blueprints on the table. The factory consists of three large warehouses, two large workshops, and two office buildings. From Zhou Guosen’s words, he learned that the workers are currently concentrated in two large workshops and office buildings. Because the interior of the large workshops is spacious, the fire won’t spread too fast. However, the fire will consume the air, and if rescue isn’t carried out in time, once the air is exhausted, even if they aren’t burned to death, they will suffocate.
After looking at the blueprints for a few moments, Ling Chen returned to the group alone and explained the situation.
"Passing through the fire scene directly is impossible; that would be too risky. I just took a look. The best course is going in from above."
"Above?" He Ziyun asked in confusion, "How can we get in from above?"
Ling Chen smiled and pointed at Zhang Zhongfeng, saying, "Zhang Zhongfeng can help us solve this problem. There’s a six-story office building at the very center of the factory. As long as we pull an iron chain over, we can enter the factory and rescue people."
"Amitabha Buddha, Mr. Ling’s suggestion is good, I think we can give it a try." Master Hui Yun said on the side.
Having spoken, Master Hui Yun had no opposition from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. At this point, Zhang Zhongfeng took out his bow and arrow and tied a rope to the arrow tail. Everything ready, Zhang Zhongfeng climbed to the top of a car, pulled the bow, and aimed at the office building in the fire center.
"Look, what’s that guy doing?" Noticing Zhang Zhongfeng’s movements, the surrounding onlookers immediately focused their gaze.
"Shooting arrows? Damn! What are they up to? Still in the mood to play at such a time."
Whoosh!
Standing atop the car, Zhang Zhongfeng released his fingers, and the arrow quickly shot out, disappearing into the raging flames. After flying for a few seconds, the rope on the ground suddenly became stationary. Seeing this, Ling Chen took up the rope and pulled hard; the soft rope quickly became taut.
Done... Ling Chen secretly let out a breath. The arrow had successfully anchored to the office building. Once the first step was completed, the subsequent tasks became much easier.
"It’s my turn." At this moment, Tong Zhentian dragged a chain over quickly. Given the raging flames below, the rope wouldn’t last long before being burnt through. The rope needed to be replaced with a chain to construct a temporary aerial passage.
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