After changing into a clean shirt, Xiao Feng turned to Turner and said, "Brother Turner, there's something I need to speak with you about."
"Go on," Turner replied, a cheerful expression lighting up his face. He assumed Xiao Feng was finally going to talk about Aiwei. Though he had once objected to their relationship, considering Xiao Feng's modest background and Aiwei's future, things had changed. Now, in Turner's eyes, Xiao Feng had proven himself worthy. He eagerly awaited the topic to be raised.
But what Xiao Feng said next took a different turn.
"Brother Turner, don't you want to avenge our fallen comrades?"
Turner's brows furrowed. "Of course I do. Those men were brothers—men who bled and fought beside me. Their deaths cannot go unanswered."
"I agree. I was once part of Viper too. Watching so many of our own die for me… I've thought long and hard about it. If we truly wish for vengeance, then we must become stronger. A few men like us can't take on the Alliance. Wouldn't you say so?"
Turner nodded, surprised by Xiao Feng's solemn tone. This no longer seemed like a young man speaking. "Tell me your thoughts."
Xiao Feng leaned close and shared his daring plan. As Turner listened, his eyes widened with astonishment.
"How confident are you this will work?"
Xiao Feng smiled calmly. "Success lies in the doing. I don't need certainty—only resolve. If we stand united, we will prevail."
Turner clapped him on the shoulder. "Looks like I misjudged you before. Let's give it everything we've got—together."
Back at Lisa's home, they failed to persuade her to return to Godo City with them. Turner also chose to remain behind. This, of course, was all part of Xiao Feng's larger plan, which would begin right there, in Zone 64.
After a night's rest, Xiao Feng departed for Godo City with White, Brian, Alice, and Aiwei. Upon arrival at the X Mercenary Corps' base, Xiao Feng didn't rest. He checked his gear and prepared to head out.
"Where are you going?" asked Old White.
Xiao Feng chuckled. "To hunt a few magic beasts. After all, we still need funds—to live, and to take care of business in Zone 64."
White nodded. "I'll go with you."
"No need," Xiao Feng smiled. "You shouldn't be running around with us anymore. You're getting older, and hunting beasts is too dangerous now."
"Brat! I used to hunt beasts alone, remember? I even taught you how to hunt. Have you forgotten? So now you look down on me, is that it? I may be old, but I still have fight left in me!"
"It's not that. But you should think about Alice. Think about Lisa. Isn't that right?"
Having packed his things, Xiao Feng turned and walked out. Old White watched the proud figure fade into the distance, his heart swelling. "Stubborn brat…"
Xiao Feng then called for Rice. Upon hearing that Xiao Feng wanted to hunt E-level beasts, Rice immediately refused. But Xiao Feng managed to lure him in—with the off-road vehicle. Grudgingly, Rice got behind the wheel, muttering as he drove, "Going after E-level beasts with just the two of us? You've really lost your mind!"
Xiao Feng ignored the protests. "First, we find Lin. You know how. I need coordinates for E-class beasts. From now on, we need money—lots of it. And that means beast-hunting is the only way. Right?"
"What do you need that much money for?"
Xiao Feng grinned. "You'll know when the time comes."
Rice sighed. "You're insane. Following you will turn me into a madman too…"
As he spoke, he turned the wheel sharply, weaving through alleys and backstreets until they stopped before a secluded warehouse.
"This is the address Lin gave me. He and his people are inside," Rice said.
Xiao Feng stepped out, black combat gear clinging to his body, an aura of dominance in every stride. Hands in his pockets, he raised a boot and kicked the iron door. Bang. Bang. Bang.
"Who the hell is that? It's early—can't a man sleep?"
The one who answered wasn't Lin but Storm, whom Xiao Feng recognized. Rubbing his eyes, Storm blinked in confusion before greeting them politely. "Oh, Xiao Feng. What brings you here?"
"I need to see Lin."
"He's still asleep. I'll go wake him."
"No need. Just tell me where he's sleeping—I'll find him myself."
Storm pointed to a small room in the warehouse before collapsing onto a tattered sofa and drifting back into sleep.
Xiao Feng, hands still in his pockets, strode over to the room. With a swift kick, he blasted the door open—only to freeze at the scene inside.
Lin was sprawled across a messy bed, all pretense of gentlemanly elegance gone. But what truly stunned Xiao Feng was the voluptuous dark-skinned woman beside him. Her figure was undeniably alluring, though her features defied description.
Rice peeked in from behind Xiao Feng, catching sight of the woman's shapely curves. He whistled low.
Lin rubbed his eyes and sat up. Upon seeing Xiao Feng and Rice, he blinked. "Damn, what are you two doing here?"
Xiao Feng scowled. "I've got business. Get out here."
The woman stirred awake, her gaze landing on Xiao Feng. Her eyes sparkled with interest—anyone could see she wanted to seduce him. But Xiao Feng wasn't Lin; he had no appetite for such flavors. Without a word, he turned and walked out.
Xiao Feng and Rice found a place to sit and wait for Lin to emerge.
Moments later, Lin stumbled out, splashed his face with water from a barrel, and lit a cigarette. Settling opposite Xiao Feng, he asked, "So? What do you want?"