Upon witnessing Pandora cleave the massive ferocious tiger in two with a single stroke, Qin Tian was once again left speechless with astonishment. Without hesitation, he dashed to the tiger's abdomen and, disregarding the grime, blood, and entrails, began to rummage through the carcass. After a moment, he extracted a sizable crimson crystal.
This red crystal was unmistakably a Class-C magic core.
Yet Qin Tian had never seen such a red magic core before. Rising to his feet, he looked at Xiao Feng in bewilderment. "Why is this magic core red? And it's so large!"
Xiao Feng scoffed lightly. "That's a Class-C core—its energy is purer and far more potent. It can even serve as a power source for aircraft. You've never encountered a Class-C core before?"
Qin Tian shook his head. "Never."
"Very well, consider this core a gift—a token to mark our meeting."
"Oh, that's too much! How much is such a core worth?" Qin Tian was visibly stunned.
"Probably around a hundred to two hundred thousand alliance credits," Xiao Feng replied casually.
"Damn, that much?" Qin Tian was shocked. "With that kind of money, maybe we can finally get my grandfather new eyes."
Xiao Feng's brow furrowed. "That's your biological grandfather?"
"No, he's the one who raised me. But his eyes were injured by a gunshot and he lost his sight."
"How was he shot? Let's walk back and you can tell me everything along the way."
The four of them began their return to the protection zone as Qin Tian recounted the story. The old man had found Qin Tian wandering outside when the boy was about seven or eight. Since then, they had eked out a meager living gathering herbs and trapping small beasts. They had no powerful weapons and could not hunt formidable monsters, enduring a harsh, unforgiving life.
When Qin Tian was ten, they encountered a band of robbers who stole all their possessions—only a few dozen alliance credits. As they fled, one robber fired a shot meant to silence the old man. Quick to react, he turned sharply and the bullet grazed his eye, shattering his vision and leaving him blind.
Since then, all burdens fell on Qin Tian's shoulders. The blind elder patiently taught him to identify herbs and set traps. Once, caught in a sudden torrential rain on the mountain, the old man placed a steadying hand on Qin Tian's shoulder as they carefully descended the slick path. But an unfortunate misstep sent the elder tumbling down the slope, breaking a leg. The small boy carried him back to the protection zone.
From that day forward, the old man could no longer leave their home, and Qin Tian struggled alone to sustain their livelihood. Their existence was as precarious as any other resident's, perhaps even more pitiable.
Xiao Feng listened intently, his eyes misting with emotion. His voice grew tender yet resolute. "Alright, brother, I swear I'll heal your grandfather's eyes and leg. We don't know how long he has left, but I promise to restore his sight and help him walk again—take strolls once more, in the shortest time possible."
Qin Tian shook his head. "Don't trouble yourself. This crystal you've given me—it's enough to change our fate."
"No, I have experience with this. Trust me. And we can bring your grandfather to live with us…"
Qin Tian's expression darkened. "That's unlikely. He's stubborn and can't bear to leave. Besides, he doesn't speak your language. What good would it do?"
"Heh, none of those things are problems. I can handle it. Rest assured, someone will take care of him."
"That's not my decision to make. Let's go back and ask him first. By the way, why do you want to take us with you? Is it because of my power? Before, I was too scared even to look at fierce beasts. I'm really useless."
Xiao Feng shook his head. "No, you're like a brother to me. Only we bear these barcode tattoos. Don't forget, there are ten of us in total. I'll gather all ten, and you will be my family. From now on, I will protect you."
"What? We have ten family members?"
"Yes, ten in all. You're the second I've found. If you agree to come back with me, I'll go find the next."
Qin Tian's expression softened, a deep yearning for family evident.
Xiao Feng smiled warmly. "Go discuss it with your grandfather."
Nodding, Qin Tian returned to the protection zone, carefully wrapping the magic core in cloth to conceal the glaring red stone.
At the protection zone's gate, Qin Tian was stopped by two guards.
"What's that wrapped in your clothes?"
"Nothing much… just a stone."
"Show it to us."
Worried, Qin Tian protested, "No, I can't let you see it."
"If you don't let us inspect it, you're not getting in."
"Don't push me around…" Qin Tian's temper flared, especially given past skirmishes with these soldiers.
"Brat, do you want to die? You better cooperate, or don't blame us for being rude," one soldier threatened, reaching for his weapon.
Xiao Feng swiftly grabbed the soldier's wrist. "Bring out your commander. I don't want to waste words—let us through now."
The soldier sneered, "Fine, you can enter. But if Qin Tian doesn't surrender that thing, he stays out."
Xiao Feng scoffed. "Are you all out of your minds? Bring your commander. I want to talk."
These were not the same guards as before—new replacements unaware of Xiao Feng's prowess.
"Oh, our commander isn't someone you can just see whenever you want," they sneered.
Xiao Feng's temper flared. With a swift kick, he sent one soldier sprawling. "Get lost. Don't act so high and mighty."
The other guard immediately raised his rifle, aiming at Xiao Feng's head. "You want to die? Someone help!"
Frustrated by such foolishness, Xiao Feng moved like lightning, knocking down the soldier before he could pull the trigger.
Without further delay, Xiao Feng and his companions strode into the protection zone.
Qin Tian watched, dumbfounded. He had never imagined anyone daring to strike alliance soldiers.