Xiao Feng reached the outer perimeter of the protected zone and, observing no sentries on the wall above, sprinted from a distance. Three meters from the barrier, he launched himself into the air. With both hands pressing atop the wall, his body twisted in an uncanny somersault, clearing the meter-and-a-half high barbed wire fence in one smooth motion.
With a muffled thud, he landed on one knee and immediately darted toward Alice's home.
Passing the barracks of the Viper Mercenary Corps along the way, he caught Ivy's attention just as she stepped through the doorway. A shadow flashed by her eyes.
Her delicate brows furrowed. "Xiao Feng!" she murmured. But before she could act, his silhouette had vanished at the far end of the street.
"What is he up to this time?" she asked herself, a trace of concern lacing her voice.
Xiao Feng arrived beneath Alice's window and leapt effortlessly onto the ledge, quietly opening the windowpane.
"Brother Xiao Feng, is that you?" Alice called out from her bed.
"It's me. Uncle White sent me to take you away—to the city, where you can be treated."
A radiant smile bloomed across her face. "Is that true?"
"You're my sister. Why would I lie to you? Now, get dressed. We need to leave at once."
Aware that time was slipping away, Xiao Feng cautioned, "Don't bring too much. Once we reach the city, anything you want—I'll buy it for you."
"Alright… Should we tell my mother?"
"I'll leave her a note. No need to wake her."
Alice hurriedly changed into a pair of jeans, a worn padded jacket, and struggled into a pair of small boots. Smiling brightly, she declared, "Ready!"
Meanwhile, Xiao Feng knelt down and carved a few English words into the wooden floor with his dagger.
"Let's go."
He climbed out the window and gently carried Alice down, leaping to the ground and sprinting eastward.
"You're so fast, brother!"
"It's not me being fast—it's you being so light, I can barely feel the weight."
"Hehe, then I'll eat more from now on. I'll get so chubby you won't be able to carry me!"
"If you turn into a little butterball, I won't carry you anymore."
As Xiao Feng ran, he suddenly spotted Ivy approaching from the opposite direction.
He slowed to a halt.
Ivy's face was puzzled. "Where are you going?"
"I've angered the League's envoy. I must flee tonight."
"You rescued Old White?"
Xiao Feng nodded. "Yes."
"And what about my brother?" Ivy's brows knit tightly.
Xiao Feng fell silent. "You want me to save him too?"
"You might be the only one in town capable of sneaking him out of the garrison alive."
"You know how dangerous that is."
"If you save my brother," Ivy said earnestly, "I'll do anything you ask of me. I swear."
"Don't talk like that." Xiao Feng paused, then added, "Alright, take Alice and get the car ready. Wait for me at the gate. Looks like I'll have to kill again tonight."
Ivy's expression brightened. "You're really going to do it? Thank you!" She threw her arms around Xiao Feng's face and planted a fierce kiss on his cheek.
A crimson lip print bloomed on his pale face. "Y-you… What was that for?!"
"Hehe, are you blushing? Come on, Alice. Let's go get the car."
Alice, reluctantly pulled along, glanced up at Ivy. "Who are you? What's your relationship with my brother?"
Ivy giggled. "I'm your Brother Xiao Feng's big sister."
"Why did you kiss him? I won't allow that!" Alice pouted, her youthful indignation adorably fierce.
"You can see?" Ivy waved her hand in front of the girl's face, surprised. She had long heard that Old White's daughter was beautiful—but blind.
"I can't see. But I can feel it."
"Feel it? What do you mean?"
"It means what it means! Hmph! You wouldn't understand even if I explained."
"Haha, Old White's daughter has quite the temper."
Outside the League barracks, Xiao Feng's pupils dilated, granting him a preternatural clarity. He scanned the guards patrolling the ramparts above.
Silently, he slipped into the compound. Though he didn't know where Turner was being held, he closed his eyes and focused on the memory of Turner's scent. Taking a slow breath, he picked up the faint trail and followed it with purpose.
Turner had been imprisoned in a small cell. To White, he was of little consequence—a mere petty offender. Kary had no interest in him and had left him behind.
Xiao Feng appeared behind the lone guard without a sound, clamped a hand over the man's mouth, and struck him unconscious with a swift punch.
Peering through the barred window, Xiao Feng saw Turner lying on a narrow bed, fast asleep.
Drawing his dagger, he slashed down on the rusted lock. With a metallic snap, the shackle broke.
Turner jerked upright, eyes alert, and stared at the boy standing at the door. "Who are you?"
"It's me, Xiao Feng. I've come to free you."
Upon recognizing him, Turner relaxed and turned, raising his shackled hands. "Unlock these."
Xiao Feng's blade flashed once more, slicing through the chain with a spark.
"Let's go."
At the door, Turner bent down to seize the fallen guard's rifle, cocking the weapon and chambering a round.
The two crept through the shadows toward the exit.
But just then, a soldier stumbled out of a nearby barrack, still fastening his trousers. Spotting them, he shouted, "Hey! Who goes there? Stop!"
Xiao Feng's brow furrowed. "D*mn. We've been spotted."
Without hesitation, Turner raised the rifle. Bang! A clean shot pierced the man's forehead.
"No shooting!" Xiao Feng hissed, but it was too late.
A blinding beam from a searchlight swept across the compound—racing toward them.