After Xiaofeng's commanding kick sent the burly black man flying, his impassioned speech left all the mercenary soldiers utterly stunned, rendering them too intimidated to advance.
Xiaofeng strode forward unimpeded; no one dared to oppose him.
But just as he took a few steps ahead, a young woman suddenly appeared, blocking his path. Rin's eyes gazed at Xiaofeng with a touch of longing: "You've come."
Xiaofeng regarded Rin with a hint of discomfort. With a slight awkwardness, he replied, "I'm here. But I won't stay long—I must leave soon."
"Will you take me with you this time?"
Xiaofeng furrowed his brow. The thought of taking Rin away had never crossed his mind. Their relationship had yet to blossom into anything substantial. Though Rin was undeniably beautiful, Xiaofeng remained immersed in the sorrow of Kelly's departure—a feeling that instinctively bred a reluctance toward love. He murmured quietly, "Next, we face perilous tasks. If you come along, your life will be at risk. It's safer for you to stay here, protected by so many."
Rin shook her head. "Alright. I know you won't take me. I'm just too ordinary…" Tears welled in her eyes and began to fall.
At that moment, Pandora stepped forward. "Boss Xiaofeng, you really surprise me. Who would have guessed such a beautiful woman who adores you hides in this valley? If you ask me, you should just take her away—bring her back to the New City…"
Xiaofeng shot Pandora a reproachful look. "Don't be ridiculous… go play somewhere else."
Yet Pandora approached Rin gently, cupping her tear-streaked face. "Oh, little sister, seeing you cry like this breaks my heart. Don't waste tears on those wretched men. Listen to your sister—stop crying."
Rin wiped her tears and said, "I know you've come looking for that woman. Come, I'll lead you there." Without another word, she turned and strode forward.
Xiaofeng and the others followed Rin into the Rondo Mercenary Camp.
Rin guided them into a concealed cavern. Tugou and Giant activated their illumination devices, bathing the pitch-black cave in daylight.
The cavern was unremarkable, save for its labyrinthine forks and twists. For a first-time visitor, it would be nearly impossible to find the way out.
Xiaofeng attempted to use his communicator for positioning, but the screen soon blurred. Rin explained, "The magnetic field here is chaotic. Your devices will malfunction."
Xiaofeng muttered, "Indeed, this is a perfect place to imprison someone."
Rin led them to the chamber where Pandora was held. Athena sat quietly in a brightly lit room, surrounded by electronic equipment. The only barrier was a simple iron door. Rin explained, "Athena tried to escape but wandered these caves for two days and nights without success. She nearly starved before mercenaries found and rescued her. Since then, she's given up and remained quietly inside."
Athena's body contained immense electrical energy, powering all the electronic devices around her. The giant screen displayed videos and other gadgets—her only means to pass the time.
Upon seeing the intruders, Athena's gaze hardened with hostility as she raised her hand to point at Xiaofeng.
Xiaofeng was faster. His enhanced Black Angel rifle was pressed firmly against Athena's forehead. "Don't move. One twitch, and I'll blow you away." His tone was utterly devoid of mercy.
Athena glared fiercely, but the modified Black Angel in Xiaofeng's hands profoundly unsettled her. She had wielded a Black Angel before, but this weapon, with its three identical barrels, was clearly a triple-barreled amalgamation—an overwhelming force.
"What do you want?"
"I want to talk," Xiaofeng replied calmly, "about the Seven Gods and Seven Killers, and the shifting balance of the world. Care to listen?"
Athena was surprised Xiaofeng knew of the Seven Killers, as if they barely existed in society. His knowledge was unusual. She nodded slowly, "Very well. Speak."
Smiling faintly, Xiaofeng began recounting recent events deep within the cavern.
Night had fallen. Caesar drove along the highway with Jack and Yuan. Thanks to their timely rescue, danger had been averted. Fortunately, Yuan had retained his dark power, unlike Jack and Yezi, whose abilities Xiaofeng had purified.
The three arrived at a humble wooden house. Caesar smiled wryly, "I never expected the Seven Gods to settle in such a place. They must truly be afraid."
Jack laughed, "You have no idea. Xiaofeng nearly wiped out all seven gods overnight. If Zeus didn't have resurrection power, they'd be gone. They're genuinely terrified."
"Ha. Let's see what they're afraid of."
Jack knocked. Hera opened the door, her eyes briefly flickering with recognition. "You are…"
Jack smiled, "Honorable Lady Hera. I am Jack of the Seven Killers."
Hera froze. "What brings you here?" She instinctively moved to close the door.
Jack blocked her. "We're only staying briefly, and we mean you no harm. On the contrary, we might offer great benefit. We only ask one favor. Please consider—we are not your enemies. Do not be afraid."
Having narrowly escaped death, Hera was indeed frightened, cautiously eyeing the visitors. "What do you want me to do?"
Jack smiled, "May we come inside to discuss?"