Te gave a sudden jolt of internal alarm. Telling the Big Boss the full situation here was a foolish thing to do. He hesitated for a moment before saying, "There are millions of people named Chen Feng; which one are you looking for? Besides, my legion has 200,000 people—how could I possibly remember a single name?"

This reply was quite cunning; it neither confirmed nor denied anything. In reality, White was leaving himself an escape route. If this woman had a connection to the Big Boss, especially a good one, and he denied it, wouldn't the Big Boss be angry?

When Ling Feng heard his answer, she assumed the other party definitely didn't know, and her eyes dimmed slightly. She sighed and stopped asking.

Whether Chen Feng was in this legion was speculation to begin with, and finding one person in a sea of people was indeed extremely difficult.

At this moment, the scene outside the manor began to change again. The massive mobilization of the 【Sweeping the Horizon】 Legion had already drawn the attention of the City Guard, and the Aike family's legion also began to mobilize.

The power held by the ten great families that formed the foundation of the continent could absolutely not be underestimated. Their movement now was like a fierce tiger descending a mountain, revealing its ferocious side.

"Reporting to Lord White, a strategic legion has arrived outside. Every single one of them is a powerhouse at the (Nether Saint) level, and there are 50,000 (Golden Armored Warriors)!" reported the scout responsible for reconnaissance.

"Your people are fast enough to revolt!" White said to Hardingke. "Chieftain Harding, you might have heard of our legion's strength. Although your family's influence is great, if we decided to leave, I doubt you could stop us! Furthermore, this is all a misunderstanding. We don't wish for mutual destruction; please show some leniency."

For the two sides negotiating to have a basis for discussion, they first needed to possess equal strength. Although Hardingke felt he had suffered a huge loss of face, the other side's strength was evident. If he forcibly detained them, it would bring indelible disaster to his family, and he would certainly be the first to be killed.

After considering for a moment, Harding A glanced at Ling Feng: "Divine Emissary Adult..."

Ling Feng said faintly, "You decide!"

Hearing this, Harding Aike was instantly excited. He said to White, "It was a misunderstanding between us from the start. Regardless of which faction you belong to, at least our goal is the same: opposing the heretics. We are essentially allies; there is truly no need to draw swords against each other!"

Everyone who heard these shameless words felt a chill run down their spines. Allies? If they didn't have strength in hand, wouldn't they have become rebels?

Neither side wanted a fight, so there was no necessity for one. They restrained their troops accordingly.

"We will leave the city within a day," White stated. "Please do not monitor us; otherwise, we might resort to killing!"

Seeing that Hardingke had already agreed, the heart that had been lodged in his throat finally settled. A strong dragon should not challenge a local snake. Even if his own troops were powerful, if things truly turned sour on the local territory, there would be no good outcome for them!

Hardingke said, "Then please open a passage for us to leave!"

"Let you leave? What if Chieftain Harding changes his mind and we get surrounded? We won't even have a place to cry!" White said with a smile.

"Then what do you intend to do?" Hardingke's expression changed.

Although he feared the strength of the 【Sweeping the Horizon】 Legion, it didn't mean he would yield. After all, Longyang City was his territory, developed over many years, and his influence was not to be underestimated.

"I only wish for Chieftain Harding to ensure our safe passage out of the city!" White said calmly.

"You intend to hold me hostage?" Hardingke said.

"Chieftain Harding, please don't put it so harshly. How would we dare to control you? Although we have reached an agreement, I fear some of your subordinates might be uncooperative and cause trouble. That would inevitably ruin the goodwill we just established," White said coldly. "Besides, if both sides engage, and my subordinates accidentally injure Chieftain Aike, things might become complicated."

"You..." Hardingke became furious. To be threatened on his own territory, how could he not be angry?

However, the other party's actions were understandable. If he were in the other's shoes, he would do the same, perhaps even skipping negotiation and acting directly!

Moreover, if he let them leave now, would he really let the 【Sweeping the Horizon】 Legion go? Probably not!

Setting aside the wealth they possessed, the disrespect shown to him just moments ago was enough reason not to let them off. His current show of submission was merely a pretense!

"Chieftain Harding, please cooperate. And that Divine Emissary Adult, please do not make any rash moves. We are being forced into this situation!" White said coldly, though his face betrayed no hint of helplessness, looking instead rather commanding.

Hardingke snorted, resigned to the situation. Surrounded, even if his outside forces were superior, it wouldn't help until he was rescued, and he would likely be dead by then.

White released one of his subordinates to notify the legions outside not to make any moves without his order, and the two sides immediately reached a stalemate.

"What exactly do you want?" After arranging his troops, Hardingke asked White.

"It's simple. Our 【Sweeping the Horizon】 Legion did not come here to make trouble for you; we only need to replenish supplies. Supplies for 200,000 people will naturally take about a day to procure. I hope Chieftain Harding can have your men step back so we can purchase supplies peacefully. Once done, we will depart immediately," White said slowly. "Of course, we are not bandits; we will pay for everything we procure. Rest assured on that point!"

Although rage burned in Hardingke's chest, he had no choice. He found an excuse to save face: "I hope your words count, and you will not bring trouble to Longyang City. Otherwise... hmph, even if I die, I will command my troops to attack!"

This statement sounded righteous, as if protecting the city's people, but in reality, it stemmed from his fear of being killed!

Sometimes listening to politicians speak was no different from listening to a swindler spout nonsense.

White knew their style of operation and smiled faintly, saying nothing.

"Grandpa Yan..."

Just then, an anxious voice came from inside the courtyard. A figure rushed out despite the guards' attempts to stop him. The burly men guarding the close quarters immediately seized him.

It was A'can, whom Elder Yan had locked in a room. He had seen the chaos outside from inside the house and couldn't help but run out.

"Hmm?" White turned sharply upon hearing the sound: "A'can?"

"Uncle White?" A'can saw him then, too.

The close-quarters guards saw that he knew Lord White, and A'can ran over.

"A'can, why are you here? Didn't you leave with Father and Xiao Rou?" The 'Father' White mentioned was Jun Wunian.

Seeing White, A'can immediately knelt on the ground, tears bursting forth: "Uncle White... Little Sister Xiao Rou she..."

White felt a surge of tension: "What happened to Xiao Rou?"

"Little Sister Xiao Rou... she's dead!" A'can sobbed.

White felt a "boom" in his head, his vision darkened, and he staggered, almost falling. He grabbed the kneeling A'can: "Say that again. What happened to Xiao Rou?"

White completely lost his previous composure and acted like a madman.

"Little Sister Xiao Rou... she's dead!" A'can continued.

White couldn't help but ask, "Wasn't she with Father? How could she die?"

A look of resentment flashed in A'can's eyes: "It's because of that Chen Feng! He caused Sister Xiao Rou's death!"

Hearing the name "Chen Feng," the panicked state of White's heart immediately settled. "Tell me everything clearly!"

"A month ago, Grandpa Jun, Grandpa Yan, and I were cultivating behind the house when we heard an explosion from the front. When we rushed over, Little Sister Xiao Rou was already dead..." A'can choked up. "There was another body on the ground then, and the only other one left was that fellow named Chen Feng. He wasn't dead, but he was severely injured and still hasn't woken up! Grandpa Yan examined Sister Xiao Rou's body; she was killed by... her internal organs being shattered by the explosion! If that fellow Chen Feng hadn't led the enemy here, how could Sister Xiao Rou have died?"

White took a deep breath, the pain sharp as needles. His daughter was dead... Even a man as strong as White could not stop the tears from welling up in his fierce eyes!

He clenched his fists, suppressing the pain in his heart, and his mind began to race.

It seemed the Second Divine Emissary had been pursuing the Big Boss, and for some unknown reason, the Big Boss had arrived where Xiao Rou lived, leading to a fierce battle. The Big Boss killed the Second Divine Emissary while being severely wounded, and Xiao Rou was likely caught in the crossfire and killed!

"Where is Xiao Rou buried?" White asked, his voice trembling.

"We lived in a valley on Mochou Mountain, several hundred miles from here, and Xiao Rou is buried there too!" A'can replied.

White immediately felt the urge to rush over. He took a deep breath, used his Dou Qi to evaporate the tears in his eyes, and said solemnly, "Then why did you come here?"

"Grandpa Yan saw that Chen Feng is still unconscious and wanted to save him, so he came here to find life-extending medicinal herbs for him!" A'can said.

"Are you looking for the Earth Spirit Grass?" White suddenly remembered that the person called Old Man Yan had been persistently begging Norton Luns for this herb.

"Yes!" A'can nodded.

In front of White, he dared not speak nonsense. First, because of the status White held in his heart, and second, he was Xiao Rou's father. Even if he wanted revenge for Xiao Rou, he had to respect her father's decision.

White turned to look at Kam, who now understood everything. He patted A'can's shoulder: "My condolences, but don't let grief consume you. Your two brothers are watching over you!"

Kam understood his feelings. After saying a word, he turned and walked toward Norton Luns to request the Earth Spirit Grass.

Since it was to save the Big Boss, it was naturally imperative.

Although Norton Luns didn't show much deference to Old Man Yan, he held considerable respect for Kam. Upon hearing he needed the Earth Spirit Grass, he quickly ordered someone to fetch it.

White controlled his emotions, surveyed the surroundings, and analyzed the situation outside. He closed his eyes briefly, then suddenly opened them, a sharp glint in his gaze.

"Diktus!" he shouted loudly. Diktus was the commander of the Nether Saint Battalion.

"Subordinate present!" Diktus responded.

"Lead the Nether Saint Battalion to procure supplies. Pay for what you can buy, and forcibly seize what you cannot! Those who resist—kill!" White said coldly. "You have one hour. If you fail to complete it within the hour, you will face military punishment!"

The procurement that originally required a day was abruptly compressed into one hour.

"Yes!" Diktus's face flushed red. Collecting materials for the entire legion within one hour was indeed tight, but since Lord White had given the order, he had to execute it resolutely.

"Simon!"

"Subordinate present!" the commander of the Flame Battalion responded.

"Take your men to support the Nether Saint Battalion. If anyone obstructs, kill without mercy!" White continued to command.

"Yes!" Simon accepted the order and retreated with the Nether Saint Battalion.

"Alexander!"

"Subordinate present!" the commander of the Archer Battalion responded.

"Take your troops to confront the Aike family's legion. If they make any move, shoot immediately!" White commanded!

"Yes!" Alexander accepted the order and rushed out with the Archer Battalion.

After issuing the commands, White looked at Chieftain Hardingke: "Chieftain Harding, I apologize if today's urgent situation caused any offense. I hope there are no misunderstandings between us. Otherwise... even within Longyang City, we can turn things upside down!"

White's voice was flat, but Hardingke felt a chill emanating from his words.

If another faction had said this, he could have dismissed it as nonsense, but coming from the 【Sweeping the Horizon】 Legion, the implications were entirely different!

Since this legion appeared out of nowhere, they had fought no less than ten battles, large and small, and had never once failed. They always won with fewer numbers, and their casualties were astonishingly low, almost ridiculously so!

Although Hardingke was confident his family's strength was not weaker than the other's, if a real fight broke out, utilizing the terrain advantage, he might win. But... even a victory would be a pyrrhic one, and he would certainly be killed directly by the opponent!

So, after some thought, he chose forbearance, letting them be arrogant for now, and planning to ally with several major families later to deal with them!

Hardingke thought to himself but said nothing aloud, indicating his tacit approval of White's actions.

.........................................................

"Lord White, is that you?" A slightly anxious voice drifted over.

White turned to see the Divine Emissary.

"Yes."

"My name is Ling Feng," Ling Feng said urgently. "Didn't you say you didn't know Chen Feng? What was that about Chen Feng just now?" She was referring to A'can.

A'can had spoken very quickly, mentioning Chen Feng's name. Ling Feng hadn't caught all the details, but she had certainly heard the name Chen Feng.

White's gaze sharpened: "What is your relationship with Chen Feng?" Having just learned his daughter was dead, he had let go of caution. Instead of being evasive, it was better to state things clearly. He was in control now. If the Divine Emissary truly held a grudge against the Big Boss, at worst... he would slaughter the Divine Emissary!

The grief of losing his daughter made White's usually steady heart irritable. He disregarded the consequences; all he cared about was the image of his daughter's smiling face.

"Is the Chen Feng you speak of this one?" Ling Feng raised her delicate hand, conjuring a portrait in her palm using Dou Qi—it was exactly Chen Feng's likeness.

"Yes! What exactly is your relationship with him?" White pressed.

Hearing that it was indeed him, Ling Feng's face flushed with excitement. She quickly replied, "I came looking for him. I am... I am his friend!"

Although Ling Feng cared deeply for Chen Feng, their relationship at the moment was merely friendship.

White naturally saw the nature of their bond and sighed, an inexplicable pain returning to his heart.

When Chen Feng first arrived, his daughter had looked at him with the same expression...

White stood frozen on the spot, his thoughts drifting back to the days he spent with his daughter!

.........

"Xiao Rou, you're growing older day by day. Look at these young men; see if there's anyone you fancy. Father will carefully vet them for you!"

"Daughter is only 16 this year, still young!"

"Not young. Your mother married me when she was only 16!"

"Oh dear... If I look for someone in the future, I'll look for someone as strong as Father! Look at these young men; which one can compare to Father!"

.........

"Heh heh, why is Xiao Rou being so diligent today?"

"Is Brother Chen Feng injured? If he's injured, he naturally needs more to eat!"

"Mmm, Chen Feng is young, and his strength is almost catching up to mine; he is indeed a good child!"

.........

"Sigh!" White murmured to himself. How could he not know how Xiao Rou felt about the Big Boss?

Thinking that Xiao Rou died during the battle between the Big Boss and the Second Divine Emissary, an absurd thought entered his mind.

"If it weren't for the Big Boss, how could she have died? But... if Xiao Rou truly loved the Big Boss, would she have been happy to die in front of him?"

"Then... how should I face the Big Boss?" White's mind became confused.

"Stop overthinking!" Kam walked over, seemingly having read his mind, and smiled. "This was an accident; the heretics killed your daughter!"

"Yes, the heretics!" White clenched his fists, a sharp light in his eyes. "I will make you pay the price!"

He silently made a decision in his heart! Originally, he only intended to evade them, but now, he sought revenge and absolutely would not let the heretics have an easy time!

.........................................................

Since Ling Feng now knew Chen Feng's definite whereabouts, she was no longer anxious. Fortunately, she hadn't clearly heard the news that Chen Feng was injured; otherwise, she would have rushed over immediately.

She asked White to send someone to fetch Little Tiger, and Bishop Dima followed along.

However, the moment Bishop Dima saw White's expression, his face stiffened: "You are... White, the rebel from back then?"

White was wanted by the eight great churches, so Bishop Dima naturally recognized him. Seeing that the two seemed to have some past conflict, Ling Feng intervened. Bishop Dima dared not defy the Divine Emissary's words and stopped bringing up past matters!

The commander of the Nether Saint Battalion proved highly efficient. They procured all necessary supplies in less than an hour. Meanwhile, Norton Luns had the medicinal herbs Kam requested packed and delivered.

With all preparations complete, White waved his hand, and the entire 【Sweeping the Horizon】 Legion flew toward the city gates simultaneously. Harding Aike watched as even the Golden Armored Warriors took flight, his eyes wide with disbelief.

Golden Armored Warriors couldn't fly—that was a known law. But this law was directly shattered in front of the 【Sweeping the Horizon】 Legion!

All 200,000-plus people flying together resembled a dark cloud in the sky, obscuring the sun and moon. The City Guard and the Aike family's defense force, seeing that Chieftain Hardingke was being held hostage, dared not act presumptuously and allowed them passage. The two sides departed the city without any engagement.

Once outside the city, White arranged a defensive formation, ordering them to scout the surroundings while traveling. He led a contingent rushing toward Mochou Mountain.

A'can and Old Man Yan, though unable to fly, were transported with surprising ease by a group of Nether Saint masters.

The group reached the valley in less than an hour. From a distance, they saw Jun Wunian standing outside the thatched hut, looking completely serene.

White flew down and knelt on the ground: "Father... Xiao Rou, she..." His voice caught with emotion.

"This is fate," Jun Wunian sighed, pointing to a lonely small grave on the hillside: "She is there. Go see her."

"Mmm." White rose and slowly walked toward the small grave. The sunlight cast his shadow long and slender, making him appear exceptionally solitary.

"I found the Earth Spirit Grass. I'm going to check on him..." Old Man Yan finished and ducked into the room where Chen Feng was lying.

But as soon as he stepped inside, a sharp yell echoed: "Where is the person? Old Man Jun, where is the person?"

Jun Wunian shook his head. "I don't know when he left. He was gone this morning."

"He... he was so heavily injured, did he wake up? But how did he wake up, and where did he go?" Old Man Yan was nearly fainting.

He had gone through such trouble to find the Earth Spirit Grass, only to find his patient had woken up and left on his own!

Ling Feng and Little Tiger rushed over anxiously. They had come looking for Chen Feng, and now that he was missing, they couldn't help but worry.

"Quick, use your senses, see if Chen Feng is nearby?"

Ling Feng quickly instructed Little Tiger. On the road, she had heard about Chen Feng's condition; it seemed his deep coma had severed her connection with Little Tiger. Now that he was awake, she should be able to sense him.

Little Tiger closed his eyes. After a moment, he shook his head: "Still no sense of him, and this time... not the slightest trace!"

Ling Feng felt the world dim before her eyes. She had finally gotten a lead on Chen Feng, only to lose the trail again!

"Since the Big Boss woke up this morning, he couldn't have gone too far. He must be nearby. Let's search everywhere; perhaps we can find him!" Kam suggested.

"Right!"

With his declaration, the entire group instantly agreed, and the party scattered, flying out in all directions to begin their search.

Yet, after searching for half a day, covering hundreds of miles in every direction, they had found no trace of Chen Feng.

Chen Feng was lost again! (To be continued. To find out what happens next, please log in to www.ncomm for more chapters, support the author, and read the genuine version!)