Upon witnessing the vast array of D-grade and C-grade magic crystals before him, Rando was utterly astonished. This was the greatest number of magic crystals he had encountered in decades—and not just ordinary G-grade or F-grade crystals, but highly valuable C-grade and D-grade ones. His mind momentarily short-circuited.
"Now that you have amassed so many magic crystals, is that enough to recruit soldiers and expand your forces? Work hard—I'm counting on you..." With these words, Tugou turned to the mech soldiers behind him. "We can withdraw."
Without lingering to entertain Rando and the others' pleas, Tugou led his mech warriors to the transport helicopter parked nearby and boarded it, departing swiftly.
Rando gazed at the heavily armed mech soldiers and sighed deeply, "They really are formidable."
However, the two soldiers who had returned with Rain remarked, "They are strong, but not the strongest."
Rando queried in confusion, "This isn't the strongest?"
"Indeed," they replied. "A few hours ago, during the battle, we fought alongside two Level-8 psychics and the mightiest warrior, the man who saved our lives—Xiao Feng. From our observations, he possesses at least four distinct psychic abilities."
Rando was stunned. "That's nonsense. How could one person have four different psychic powers?"
"It's true. We aren't deceiving you. He truly wields four psychic abilities. Had you seen the battle scene—Xiao Feng and his white wolf confronting the guardian beasts of the Evil Dragon Sect headquarters alongside seven dukes—it was utterly breathtaking. Without witnessing it firsthand, we would never believe such a powerful being could exist in this world."
"Moreover, it seems the young lady has taken a liking to him... Heh."
After hearing their words, Rando looked at the still-sleeping Rain in his arms and silently thought, "If Rain could marry such a formidable man, perhaps she might finally find happiness in this harsh world..."
Frowning as he pondered these thoughts, Rando led his subordinates back to camp.
...
In the cemetery of Black Whale City, nearly all the senior officers of the X Legion had gathered. Before two newly erected tombstones, Xiao Feng stood, suppressing his grief and tears.
"Ivy, I'm sorry. I failed to bring back the Black Dragon and have not avenged you," Xiao Feng said mournfully before Ivy's gravestone.
The entire Kill team from Rush, along with Old White, Alice, Rice, and others, watched Xiao Feng's sorrowful demeanor with deep understanding. They too were saddened, as Ivy and Turner had been comrades-in-arms for many years, their memories cherished and mourned.
Behind Xiao Feng knelt seven dukes and Duke Luke, making eight dukes in total. Xiao Feng turned to face them and accepted a longsword from Rice before standing resolutely before Duke Luke.
Duke Luke trembled as he eyed the sword in Xiao Feng's hand. "Xiao Feng, what are you intending to do?"
Xiao Feng instructed Lin and Lei Yan, "Record what happens next and send it to the temple. Warn them not to shelter the Black Dragon, or they will meet the same fate."
Lin, Lei Yan, and Turner shared a bond with Xiao Feng and fully supported his actions. Lei Yan produced a communicator and began recording Xiao Feng's movements.
Raising the longsword high beside Duke Luke, Xiao Feng stood firm. Old White held Alice tightly—she was already inconsolable. Though Ivy had once competed for Xiao Feng's affection, she was Alice's closest friend. Such grief would linger for many days to come.
Duke Luke, terrified by the raised blade, pleaded, "Don't kill me, don't kill me! I'm still useful to you. Truly, I can tell you everything I know..."
Xiao Feng's gaze grew cold and deadly. "What else could you tell us? What could you offer to save your miserable life?"
"The Evil Dragon Sect's wealth. There is a vast fortune—I can reveal its location," Duke Luke stammered.
Xiao Feng shook his head. "That's not enough to sway me. We have ample funds. Can the Evil Dragon Sect's riches compare to those of the Brom Company or the Victoria Corporation?"
"Not quite on their level, but still substantial. Over the years, we've cooperated with Sam's and Hilton's companies. Please believe me..."
After hearing Duke Luke's words, Xiao Feng tilted the sword slightly. "This wealth might spare your life, but your two arms are not going to be spared."
"No, no! Losing my arms would be worse than death! I'll tell you more—I know how to acquire beast transformation abilities. That's important, isn't it? It could turn your army into a powerful force. Once you have a battalion of beast-transformed soldiers, the Alliance's troops would pose no threat to you," Duke Luke, clearly terrified, revealed the Evil Dragon Sect's most critical secret.
Xiao Feng was moved by this. Indeed, a beast-transformed squadron would elevate the entire X Legion's strength to a new level.
After considering Duke Luke's offer, Xiao Feng nodded. "Very well, I will spare your life for now."
Turning to the other seven dukes, many of whom bore wounds still raw with blackened blood, he declared, "Since Duke Luke has divulged everything I need to know, none of you hold any value to me."
The seven dukes all pondered desperately what terms might save their lives.
Xiao Feng grasped the longsword firmly. "I'll give you thirty seconds to consider. If within that time you can offer terms that move me, I might spare you. If not, this day next year will be your memorial."
The duke closest to Xiao Feng, the Tentacle Duke, sweat pouring down his brow, racked his brain for a way to save himself.
Thirty seconds passed swiftly. Xiao Feng stared at the Tentacle Duke. "It seems you lack sincerity. Then you will be my first sacrifice..."
The Tentacle Duke glanced at the raised blade, his eyes empty and resigned.
With a flash of cold steel, Xiao Feng's sword sliced through the duke's neck. Blood spurted, splattering before Ivy and Turner's graves.
Wiping the blood from his face, Xiao Feng slowly approached the next duke. "What have you to say for yourself?"