The commander proceeded to brief Xiao Feng on the current situation in the Asian sector.
The commanding general of the Alliance forces in Asia had grown increasingly defiant, no longer heeding Sam's orders and effectively controlling the entire region independently. Perhaps because the conflict with the X Legion in Europe had escalated severely, Sam had yet to divert his attention to Asia. Nonetheless, the Asian forces' secession from the Alliance was all but inevitable.
After outlining the general landscape, Xiao Feng smiled wryly. "So, you're suggesting an alliance with our X Legion?"
The commander shook his head. "That's not entirely out of the question. However, I'm but a modest protection zone commander; I can only share what I know. Any talk of alliances would have to come from the higher echelons of the Asian military."
"I understand," Xiao Feng replied. "An alliance with us would undoubtedly bolster your strength. Behind us stand the Brom and Victoria Corporations. Though Sam and Hilton are wealthy, sometimes money alone isn't decisive." He smiled. "Since I'm here, once I find my brother, I'll seek a meeting with your generals in Asia."
"If an alliance truly comes to pass, then we shall be allies indeed. But tell me, do you speak for the X Legion?" The commander's skepticism lingered.
Xiao Feng chuckled, "If I weren't authorized to represent the X Legion, I wouldn't be discussing this with you. Rest assured. But that matter must wait—I must find my brother first."
"Very well," the commander said, picking up a radio to issue orders. "I'm commanding all soldiers within the protection zone to search for the child bearing the tattoo on his wrist."
The soldiers swiftly assembled. The discipline of the Asian Alliance troops was noticeably more rigorous than their European counterparts. Though they appeared less physically imposing than European soldiers, their collective aura impressed Xiao Feng and his companions deeply.
Watching dozens of soldiers swiftly organize and fan out across the garrison to thoroughly search the protection zone, Xiao Feng grew restless. "This place is dull. Let's go search ourselves."
The commander nodded. "I'll remain here to coordinate and maintain command."
Smiling, Xiao Feng exited the command center with his three companions and began wandering the protection zone.
Though dilapidated, the area housed many residents. Soldiers were ushering people from their homes, lining them up in the streets to inspect their wrists one by one.
Xiao Feng observed closely, his gaze scanning the townsfolk's arms.
When he reached an elderly man with snow-white hair, a soldier abruptly barked, "Where has your grandson run off to?"
The old man trembled, nearly losing his balance. Likely nearing ninety, his face was deeply wrinkled, his eyes clouded and evidently blind.
"He went to gather herbs... won't be back until nightfall..." the elder stammered.
"What? Never before, never after—only today, the whole town is under search... Do you know what day this is?" the soldier snapped angrily.
The old man weakly replied, "I truly do not know..."
The soldier, visibly enraged, raised his hand as if to strike. Before he could act, Xiao Feng seized his wrist. "What are you doing hitting an old man?"
The soldier glanced at Xiao Feng, unfamiliar with the short-haired youth. Only the two sentries on the defensive wall had any knowledge of Xiao Feng and his companions. These soldiers from the garrison certainly did not recognize him.
"Who the hell are you to meddle in our affairs?" the soldier retorted, reaching for his weapon.
"Don't!" the old man pleaded. "Xiao Tian will be back soon!"
Seeing the soldier move to draw his gun, Xiao Feng frowned and delivered a powerful kick to the soldier's abdomen, sending him flying several meters.
Though sightless, the elder froze in place, clearly startled by the scuffle. "Don't fight... don't fight..."
Xiao Feng gently steadied the man. "Grandfather, rest assured—I won't let them bully you."
The soldier, overwhelmed by Xiao Feng's strength, was knocked unconscious. Yet the remaining soldiers, guns raised, encircled Xiao Feng threateningly.
Pandora and the others knew of Xiao Feng's supernatural abilities; even a barrage of bullets would be ineffective against him, so they stood unfazed.
Tugou's shoulder armor slid aside, revealing twin machine guns. His vision lit up with numerous targeting reticles locked onto the Alliance soldiers' heads. Were a firefight to erupt, none would remain standing beyond five seconds.
Supporting the old man into his modest, worn dwelling, Xiao Feng frowned but said nothing. He soon exited and addressed the soldiers, "Do what you must. If anyone dares point a gun at me again, I'll break your hands."
With Xiao Feng, Tugou, Pandora, and Rush standing united, their formidable presence overwhelmed the dozens of Alliance soldiers. Not a single hint of threat was perceived.
Just then, the commander hurried over. Raising his voice, he ordered the tense soldiers, "Enough! We're all on the same side. Disperse, disperse."
Recognizing their commander, the soldiers gradually relaxed and resumed their duties.
Meanwhile, the residents lingered in the streets, reluctant to leave. To them, Xiao Feng and his companions seemed like mythical beings—one kick was enough to send a soldier flying impossibly far.
The unconscious soldier was carried away for medical treatment.
Xiao Feng remarked to the commander, "I thought your troops were disciplined. That bastard had the nerve to assault a blind old man—deserved a good beating."
The commander glanced toward the elder's home and nodded gravely. "I know him well. We call him Old Qin. He has a grandson named Qin Tian..."