The following morning, bathed in the gentle warmth of sunlight, Xiaofeng awoke languidly, never having experienced such serene slumber. Wrapped in a soft down comforter, with Kaili's warm, silky form nestled beside him, the sudden bliss felt almost surreal.
After rising, Xiaofeng donned the suit Lily had thoughtfully prepared for him—of nearly the same caliber as Kerry's—no surprise, as Lily had cared for Kerry before, tailoring Xiaofeng's attire to match that impeccable standard.
Having freshened up and clad in his suit, Xiaofeng stood before the mirror, surveying his handsome reflection with a faint, composed smile. Then he moved to rouse Kaili from slumber.
As he approached the bedside, the watch resting there suddenly flared to life.
Frowning, Xiaofeng grasped the device and pressed a button; the foldable screen unfurled completely.
An image appeared—a tattooed follower of the Evil Dragon cult. An ominous chill gripped Xiaofeng's heart as he stared at the fierce visage. "Who are you?" he demanded sharply.
The tattooed man, evidently a duke, chuckled darkly. "You must be Xiaofeng?"
"Yes, I am."
"Oh, finding you was no easy task. Hurry and come find me—only by killing you can I claim my reward!"
Xiaofeng's voice hardened. "Where are you now?"
The duke sneered arrogantly. "Why, at your mercenary faction's stronghold. Take a look…"
With a flash, the video revealed a grim scene: Rice, Old White, and Brada—each bound in chains, kneeling, faces marred by bruises—while cultists brandished spears at their heads. Rice glared fiercely at the duke, only to be kicked again in disdain.
Meanwhile, Ivy was tied to a wooden stake, terror etched across her face.
Yet Alice was nowhere to be seen. Anxiety surged through Xiaofeng's veins. "Scoundrel, if you harm them, I swear I will make you suffer beyond death…"
The Evil Dragon duke stepped beside Ivy, caressing her cheek with a mocking laugh. "You'd better come quickly… my patience is limited. If I don't see you within five hours, the consequences will be yours to bear… Ha ha…"
Fury erupted within Xiaofeng. "Impossible! I'm in Xindu now. There's no way I can return in five hours…"
"That's your problem…" The duke vanished from the screen.
Xiaofeng had never felt such acute tension before. These were his closest comrades, now ensnared by the Evil Dragon cult—he dared not imagine the outcome.
"Don't worry. We will find a way," Kaili soothed, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"I'm awake now, but I must leave immediately…"
Kaili hurriedly dressed. "I'll go with you!"
"No, it's too perilous for you to come…"
"I'll have Lily arrange a helicopter for you at once. Then we'll devise a plan. Trust me, these villains are mere insects to the Brown Company—we will handle this with ease."
Xiaofeng nodded solemnly. "Thank you. I'm counting on you."
"There's no need for thanks. Your friends are mine as well."
With that, they hurriedly left the room. After Kaili explained the situation to Lily, the latter quickly arranged for a fighter jet. Although faster, Xiaofeng would have to parachute in.
Minutes later, a gray fighter jet rose vertically from the roof of the Twin Blade Tower, accelerating swiftly toward Godo City.
What would have taken two days by car was accomplished in less than an hour.
The pilot alerted Xiaofeng to prepare for the jump. Checking his gear, Xiaofeng nodded. "Ready."
The pilot opened the hatch, and Xiaofeng was ejected into the clear sky. A white parachute blossomed above him, while the fighter jet turned sharply and sped back.
Landing several kilometers from the mercenary base, Xiaofeng equipped his Black Angel and Blood Demon, gripping a reinforced alloy blade, and sprinted toward the compound.
He avoided the front gate, guarded by cultists, instead scaling the rear walls and stealthily advancing toward the chamber where Rice and Old White were held.
Upon arrival, his heart sank once more: several formidable beasts crouched around the room's perimeter, their eyes burning with ferocity.
Concealed behind a wall, Xiaofeng frantically pondered how to infiltrate.
Even if he sprouted wings, entry was impossible.
Just then, a faint "woof woof" sounded beside him. Turning, Xiaofeng saw Xiaobai tugging at his clothes, urging him to follow.
"Do you know a way in?" Xiaofeng whispered.
Xiaobai nodded knowingly.
Astonished by Xiaobai's comprehension—and how much he had grown over the days—Xiaofeng followed as Xiaobai padded along the wall to another chamber.
There, Xiaobai pawed at an open sewer entrance.
Understanding dawned immediately. Xiaobai plunged into the dark tunnel, and Xiaofeng swiftly followed, his eyes adjusting to the gloom.
Guided by Xiaobai, he advanced toward Rice's cell.
At the sewer's mouth, muffled curses from Rice and Old White drifted upward. The vast room was thick with cultists.
Xiaofeng knew he couldn't wield Black Angel here, so he assembled Blood Demon, leaving only the alloy blade at his side.
The Black Angel's length fit perfectly inside the sewer, within arm's reach if needed.
Taking a deep breath, Xiaofeng whispered to Xiaobai, "It's time to move up."
Xiaobai softly responded, "Woof…"