The emerald light emitted from Xiaofeng's palm washed over Jack's form, and Jack was struck with astonishment as he felt his abilities utterly purified by that radiant beam. At this moment, both Jack and Yezi of the Seven Kill had their powers stripped away by Xiaofeng's purifying ability, reduced to ordinary mortals, their former arrogance and confidence extinguished.
Xiaofeng gazed upon them and taunted, "Are you feeling afraid now? I could end you with but a single finger. Now, lead me to the Envoy."
Jack's expression darkened, yet he had lost all strength to oppose Xiaofeng. Surrounded by the formidable Tugou, Giant, Pandora, and the elusive Qin Tian, he was helpless and reluctantly led Xiaofeng toward the chamber where the Envoy was held.
Within the prison, the Alliance soldiers had surrendered entirely, their will to resist utterly broken. Jack, Yezi, and Yuan's grim fates were plain for all to see, much like the countless fallen soldiers strewn throughout the corridors, victims of a merciless slaughter.
Jack guided Xiaofeng to the Envoy's quarters. The Envoy sat serenely on a sofa, quietly watching a recording on a monitor—an archival scene from before the Great Purge, depicting a tender exchange between a man and a woman.
The Envoy turned his gaze toward Xiaofeng. "I knew it would be you making all this noise. Xiaofeng, you should go back. I have no intention of leaving."
Xiaofeng, surprised, inquired, "Why?"
"Sam has treated me well. It's peaceful and comfortable here. Why would I leave with you?"
"We can protect you. Look here—this is Giant and Qin Tian I found. I've gathered them. We could all live together, couldn't we?"
The Envoy regarded the towering Giant and vigorous Qin Tian with a warm smile, as if beholding beloved family. "Heh, it's enough that you've come together. I'm truly glad for you. My usefulness outside has long since faded. You possess my power now. Fighting is no longer my role. So I shall remain here quietly. Besides, I might still be of some use to Sam, so he treats me well. It's quite comfortable, honestly. I mean this sincerely."
Xiaofeng frowned at the Envoy's earnest words. "Very well. I understand. We'll leave immediately. I hope you remain well here. Should anyone harm you, inform us at once. We will come without delay. Soon, our X Legion will claim this place. Then, you shall truly be free."
"Heh. Comfort surpasses freedom any day. Go now."
Xiaofeng nodded silently and turned to leave, displeased with this outcome.
Beside him, Tugou grumbled, "We're just leaving like this? After all that effort, accomplishing nothing."
"The Envoy refuses to go. Should we drag him forcibly?"
"If it were me, I'd clamp him under my arm and haul him out."
"Enough talk. If he won't leave, so be it. Let's return. There's much to be done."
With that, Xiaofeng led the group back to their aircraft. Since the Envoy would not depart, they knew they must quickly withdraw before large enemy forces arrived, or their situation would become perilous.
As the black daggers and tridents cut through the sky, Pandora asked Xiaofeng, "Where to next?"
Xiaofeng pondered. "We have two options. One is the Alps, to visit Athena hidden there. The other is to seek out another comrade of mine. If you had to choose, what would you prefer?"
Pandora, piloting the trident, considered and replied, "I think we should go to Athena first. Your body lacks an electric shock ability, right? That power is crucial for us. Once you acquire it, then we can find your other companion."
Xiaofeng nodded. "You're right. Then we shall head directly to the Alps."
Pandora acknowledged this and spoke into her headset, "Giant, follow me."
"Understood."
Two fighters, embodying Earth's pinnacle of technological prowess, ignited their afterburners and shot forth, racing toward their destination—the Alps.
Back in the prison, Jack and Yezi struggled to pry open the iron shackles binding Yuan. Without their black powers, no matter how hard they pulled, they could not break free the metal plates that tightly encased him.
As they labored, a colossal gray aircraft began descending. Clearly not a fighter, it resembled a flying fortress—its fuselage nearly ten times the size of the black daggers. Broad cabins and four wings bore powerful rotatable jet engines.
It stirred a storm-like turbulence as it slowly touched down on the prison grounds.
Engines throttled down; a hatch opened, and a lone figure descended. At that moment, the rear door swung open, and an off-road vehicle roared to life, racing to meet the newcomer. He climbed in and sped toward Yezi and Jack.
Both watched the imposing aircraft with apprehension, knowing full well a reprimand awaited.
Caesar has arrived.
"Had he come earlier, it would have been better. Xiaofeng has already left."
"If Caesar were here, Xiaofeng wouldn't be so brazen."
"Now's no time for talk—we must get my brother out quickly. If we delay, he'll be killed inside."
"With Caesar here, there's no fear."
Caesar's vehicle halted beside them. He stepped out, frowning tightly as he addressed them, "Where are your powers?"
Jack frowned. "Gone. Purified."
"Purified? By the Envoy?"
"No, someone else."
"Who? Who else wields the Envoy's purifying ability?" Caesar's concern deepened. The purifying power unnerved him profoundly.
Such a power and his evolutionary ability were natural mortal enemies, an eternal opposition.