All the special guards opened fire simultaneously, unleashing a torrent of bullets that shimmered like streaks of light beneath the dim, yellow-tinged sky, converging relentlessly upon the cultist poised atop the beast's head.
In that fleeting moment, the barrage created a radiant fan of light—both awe-inspiring and strikingly beautiful.
Yet, as the hail of bullets struck the cultist, sparks erupted in every direction. His mask and armor shattered piece by piece, torn apart by the relentless storm of lead, revealing the flesh beneath.
Still, even as the bullets pelted his tattooed visage, sparks flew—igniting fiercely against his inked skin.
In an instant, the special guards comprehended the truth: this Dragon Cultist possessed a rare and evolved psychic ability. The tattoos adorning his face were telling—the vivid reds and blues signaling a rank far above the norm.
Whereas the Dragon Cultist Counts bore only simple black tattoos, this enigmatic figure's multicolored ink marked him as a Duke.
As the two armed helicopters pivoted their noses to target this Dragon Duke, he merely laughed heartily before swiftly vanishing beneath the water's surface.
The onlookers watched helplessly as the terrifying Duke retreated, their concern swiftly shifting to Xiaofeng's safety. The helicopters descended, all personnel boarded swiftly, and they departed without delay.
Upon landing at the Twin Blades Tower, Carrie and Hebrew were already waiting near the helipad, having received word of Xiaofeng's collapse—and the cause: his utter exhaustion of psychic energy to save all the special guards.
When Xiaofeng, caked in grime and bloodied mud, was carried from the helicopter, Carrie burst into tears. She rushed forward, her heart gripped by worry, for it was the first time she had ever seen Xiaofeng in such a frail state.
After a brief glance at Xiaofeng, Carrie was gently pulled aside by other guards as the medical team rushed forth to place him on a stretcher and hasten him into the building.
Carrie followed closely behind.
Once inside the tower's medical emergency room, Carrie was stopped at the entrance. Hebrew embraced her trembling form, soothing her: "Child, don't cry. Xiaofeng will be alright…"
Carrie collapsed into Hebrew's arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
Just then, a familiar voice echoed softly in Carrie's ear: "Hey now, who's been bullying our Carrie? Tell me, and I'll take care of them…"
Startled, Carrie abruptly ceased crying and turned to see Xiaofeng grinning mischievously, raising a fist to playfully strike him. "You rascal! You nearly gave me a heart attack!"
Xiaofeng chuckled warmly. "Don't worry—I'm not going anywhere just yet."
Hebrew nodded in agreement. "According to my records, Xiaofeng now possesses regenerative abilities. So stop worrying. Now that's settled, how about we go eat dinner…"
Xiaofeng pulled Carrie close, gently patting her trembling shoulders. "Alright, alright, no more tears. Crying won't make you any prettier…"
The three of them descended the elevator to the banquet hall, where Lily awaited. She informed Hebrew, "Jason and his assistant will be arriving shortly…"
Hebrew nodded. "Then let's serve the dishes."
Xiaofeng had never dined in such an opulent setting before—exquisite tables and delicate utensils that seemed utterly incongruous with the harsh world outside. Yet for Hebrew and the others, such luxury had never changed.
After a brief wait, Carrie composed herself, wiping away tears and calming her spirit.
Suddenly, laughter filled the room: "Haha, Hebrew, my old friend, tonight we drink until we can drink no more!"
A man in a tuxedo strolled in, just as Carrie had described. Jason, the dashing CEO of Victoria Corporation, exuded noble elegance. Yet in his hand was an unusual toy that piqued Xiaofeng's curiosity.
It was a Rubik's cube, which Jason deftly twisted with one hand as he walked.
Hebrew shook Jason's hand and remarked, "You know, my best wine gets better with every bottle I drink…"
"Don't worry," Jason replied, "When your last bottle is gone, that's when it becomes truly priceless…"
"Money means little without wine—how else are we to live? Now, let me introduce you: this is Carrie's boyfriend, Xiaofeng."
Jason extended his hand toward Xiaofeng, but his assistant immediately stepped forward, frowning and blocking the gesture. With a stern gaze, he asked, "Are you a psychic?"
Xiaofeng frowned at the assistant's unfriendly demeanor. "What of it?"
"I'm responsible for Jason's security," the assistant stated gravely, "So please keep your distance."
Jason laughed lightly. "Rush, don't be so serious. Hebrew already said this is Carrie's boyfriend."
Reluctantly, Rush stepped aside, though his eyes never left Xiaofeng.
Hebrew patted Xiaofeng on the shoulder. "Don't take it personally. Rush is just doing his job protecting Jason."
Xiaofeng scoffed slightly and took his seat at the table.
Hebrew smiled. "Rush must be close to reaching Level 8 psychic powers by now."
Jason chuckled. "Almost, but he's still a bit behind those seven guys."
"Hmph, those seven aren't even human—more like monsters. Let's not think about them now. Come, let's sit and drink…"
Hebrew guided Jason to the table just as Jason finished solving the Rubik's cube. Handing it to Rush, the assistant placed it in his palm, and the cube spun rapidly, scrambling itself once more.
Xiaofeng watched Rush's display of psychic ability with awe; clearly, Rush's power was akin to Alice's—both advanced mental evolution types—yet Rush's level far surpassed hers.