Xiaofeng and his companions returned to the humble abode where Qintian resided. Qintian busied himself preparing dinner for the group, and when he introduced them to Old Qin, the elderly man's face lit up with joy.
"No wonder you stepped in to help me this morning. So, you and little Tian are friends after all. Thank you," Old Qin said warmly.
"Grandpa, no need to be so polite. Little Tian told me everything about you. It's all etched in my heart. Tian and I have already made plans—we'll take you for treatment for your eyes and leg injury soon. Rest assured, with the two of us here, you'll live your remaining days in comfort," Xiaofeng assured him.
Old Qin's withered eyes brimmed with tears. "It's not necessary. I'm just an old man now; who knows how many days I have left. Maybe one day I'll just sleep and never wake up. Don't waste so much money on me—save it for something useful."
His heartfelt words unsettled Xiaofeng. "Don't worry, Grandpa. We can earn money now…"
"Forget it, forget it. Us old folks believe in returning to our roots. I've survived this great calamity; what else could I not endure?"
Xiaofeng frowned deeply, thinking perhaps it was best to leave it for now. If Old Qin truly refused, there was little to be done—at his age, surgery was risky.
While Qintian prepared dinner, the reserve commander appeared again at Qintian's door, smiling politely at Xiaofeng. "Xiaofeng, you should come eat at my place. I've prepared everything already."
Xiaofeng smiled in reply, "My friend has been found—that's Qintian here. So tonight, we'll dine right here."
Tudog and Pandora had no objection; as machines, they did not require food, and both harbored some distrust toward the Alliance troops, finding the comfort of here preferable to a military camp.
The commander, visibly awkward, said, "Well, it's good you found your friend. Since Qintian truly is yours, why not bring him along with the old man? I will treat you all well, as a token of hospitality."
Xiaofeng waved a hand dismissively, "No need. Qintian and I are fine here. Our survival hardships aren't so different from his. Honestly, I do cherish those days we struggled together."
The commander furrowed his brow, surprised to learn Qintian was Xiaofeng's friend. Letting Xiaofeng dine here seemed somewhat improper—Xiaofeng was a high-ranking officer of the X Legion, his status evident from his entourage. If his hospitality faltered, higher-ups might blame him. After some thought, he spoke earnestly:
"I've already prepared dinner, and the brothers are waiting. If you refuse, they'll be disappointed. How about you give us face and join us at the camp for dinner?"
Xiaofeng chuckled at the commander's sincerity, then looked down thoughtfully and said to Qintian, "Little Tian, come on, let's go eat together."
Qintian emerged from a small room, shaking his head, "I'm not going. I don't like eating with them."
The commander smiled reassuringly, "If there's been any misunderstanding before, just forget it. I promise no more unpleasantness. We'll be friends from now on."
Xiaofeng added, "Come on, get to know them. You'll still be living here after I leave—it'll help to have good relations."
Old Qin understood Xiaofeng's meaning and urged Qintian, "Little Tian, go ahead. Just make me a bowl of noodles and come along."
Qintian was about to refuse again, but the commander gently pulled him aside, "Little Tian, give me some face…"
After a moment's thought, Qintian relented, "Alright. You go on ahead; I'll make a bowl of noodles for Grandpa and then come."
The commander beamed, "Good, hurry up. We're heading there now."
Xiaofeng and his companions made their way to the reserve's military camp. Despite the dilapidated surroundings, the camp's provisions were directly supplied by the Alliance army, ensuring a high standard. Even here, amidst ruin, soldiers lacked no food or drink.
Rush was already seated grandly at the table, sipping leisurely, attended by several soldiers. Upon learning he was an eighth-level ability user, their reverence deepened; they eagerly served him food and poured drinks with utmost courtesy.
Xiaofeng chuckled at Rush's demeanor. "You really don't act like an outsider."
He took a seat opposite Rush, picked up a bottle, and frowned—it was not his favored whiskey but a local white spirit he had never seen before.
Curious, he asked the commander, "What's this?"
The commander smiled, "This is a local white liquor we produce here. It's quite good. Try it."
Xiaofeng inhaled deeply, surprised by its rich aroma—far more fragrant than whiskey. He sipped cautiously; the taste was milder. He smiled approvingly, "Good stuff. Not bad at all. Come on, everyone, sit and drink."
By the time Qintian arrived, Xiaofeng had already finished a bottle. His drinking prowess astonished the soldiers, yet he seemed unfazed and readily drank again with Qintian.
Soldiers continuously approached with toasts, overwhelming Xiaofeng's attention. The dinner was lively and spirited.
As the evening wound down, the commander's communicator suddenly lit up. An anxious figure appeared on screen, reporting, "Commander! Trouble! The wolf demons are coming again!"
"What? What are they doing here?"
"Not sure, but they brought a large group."
Hearing this, Xiaofeng asked the commander, "Who are these wolf demons?"
"Bandits and marauders. Xiaofeng, you're drinking here—let me go check…"
Xiaofeng laughed to himself. "Well then, here I am drinking and end up meeting bandits. Your liquor won't go to waste—I'll come with you to see what these wolf demons really are."
Setting down his bottle, Xiaofeng followed the commander outside, with Rush, Tudog, Pandora, and Qintian trailing behind. The combined combat prowess of the five was formidable—if battle erupted, they could easily take on an entire division. Yet the commander, unaware of their strength, remained apprehensive and ordered the soldiers to arm themselves with heavy weaponry.