The demon insect, pierced clean through, let out a few cries before dropping heavily to the ground, twitching briefly before becoming still. "Hawkeye" also landed gracefully. Despite the insect's death, her expression did not ease; instead, it grew more severe!

The demon insects' cry contained a frequency inaudible to humans, a unique band they utilized to transmit signals over great distances, receivable by other insects through specialized organs.

Only those frequently dealing with these creatures could truly grasp this characteristic. At that moment, the mercenaries were celebrating "Hawkeye's" swift kill, entirely unaware that a far greater crisis was already bearing down on them! "Incredible, she killed the demon insect with a single strike!" one mercenary exclaimed, gazing at the corpse on the ground.

More mercenaries looked upon "Hawkeye" with profound reverence; many had never witnessed her in action before! "Everyone, move out of here immediately! Find cover in the rock crevices—hurry!"

"Hawkeye" suddenly shouted, her tone tinged with urgency! She could sense a massive swarm of demon insects heading their way; delay meant certain doom!

The mercenaries were baffled by her sudden agitation, standing frozen in confusion. Hadn't the bug been killed? Why hide now?

All eyes turned to "Hawkeye," seeking an explanation. Just then, Zhong Shenxiu's voice drifted over, carrying a hint of playful teasing: "If you don't leave now, it'll be too late, you know! Looks like a whole host of things is flying over!" "Hawkeye's" body stiffened again. She hadn't expected Zhong Shenxiu to also perceive the insects' presence. Was this youth truly hiding his strength?

After a brief pause, the others finally reacted. They weren't slow-witted, just momentarily stunned by the sudden turn of events. Zhong Shenxiu's reminder instantly clarified the danger! "Are more demon insects coming?" one mercenary asked nervously.

The rest held their breath. They certainly didn't possess "Hawkeye's" freakish power; facing the insects meant either fighting to the death or waiting to die! "Everyone, hurry!" "Hawkeye" urged again.

She was merely fulfilling her obligation now; if she hadn't taken their payment, she wouldn't bother worrying about their lives!

The atmosphere instantly became tense. Though terrified, the mercenaries only milled about aimlessly. They wanted to hide, but where? Without clear direction from "Hawkeye," they dared not act rashly!

They hoped "Hawkeye" would lead them away quickly, but to their surprise, she showed no intention of leaving, instead standing guard, her gaze fixed and watchful!

No one understood the demon insects' nature better than "Hawkeye." Her immediate goal was to draw the approaching swarm away, lest these people all perish! "Senior Hawkeye, where should we go?" "Anywhere! Leave this spot quickly; I'll draw the insects away!"

The moment "Hawkeye" finished speaking, that low "buzzing" sound returned to their ears. Everyone was now certain: the insects were coming, and judging by the noise, it wasn't just one or two! "Heavens, quick... look over there!" a mercenary pointed a trembling hand toward the distant sky.

In that direction, countless black specks were rapidly closing in—the source of the buzzing sound!

Every face immediately turned deathly pale. This time, without waiting for "Hawkeye's" command, some mercenaries broke ranks and fled desperately in the opposite direction!

Soon, more and more followed, ignoring "Hawkeye" and joining the stampede. In their minds, the only hope for survival was outrunning their companions, not the insects themselves!

The group, once hundreds strong, was instantly reduced to just Zhong Shenxiu, Robin, and "Hawkeye"! "Aren't you two leaving?" This was the first thing "Hawkeye" said to Zhong Shenxiu.

Zhong Shenxiu smiled faintly and delivered another infuriating line: "Sister, you're so capable, we need to stay and watch how you deal with those bugs!"

As Zhong Shenxiu spoke, Robin beside him couldn't help a slight twitch at the corner of her mouth—a reaction that could be classified as a 'smile'! "Hawkeye" felt utterly defeated. This was the first time she had seen someone so relaxed facing such a multitude of demon insects!

In a one-on-one fight, she could dispatch an insect easily, but a large swarm would strain even her. Moreover, demon insects varied in species and rank; not all could be killed with a single blow!

If they encountered the super-grade demons, even "Hawkeye" would have to flee. Thankfully, in all her time, she hadn't met one yet, suggesting they hadn't emerged from the spatial rift into the larger world yet! (Whether they would appear in the future remained unknown... Hehe…)

As the buzzing grew louder and the small black dots became clearer, the birds and beasts hidden in the forest finally took flight in distress, including several high-level magical beasts!

Just then, a giant bird, seven meters long, suddenly soared over Zhong Shenxiu and Robin's heads—it was a Rank Nine magical beast! When "Hawkeye" saw it, a look of deep respect crossed her features, a subtle shift that did not escape Zhong Shenxiu's notice. "Sister, do you have a 'bird fetish'?" Zhong Shenxiu's sudden question nearly made "Hawkeye" lose her footing. The remark seemed to strike a nerve; she shot him a glare, her expression tinged with hostility!

"Sister, you still haven't answered my question?" Zhong Shenxiu pressed with a smile. He seemed to be enjoying himself immensely. Had five years of secluded training made him desperate for release?

Dark lines began to appear on "Hawkeye's" forehead. She was naturally a calm person, but for some reason, her emotions became volatile around Zhong Shenxiu. She desperately wanted to deliver a good thrashing to this annoying boy!

Zhong Shenxiu chuckled at her expression, then subtly signaled Robin beside him. Robin, understanding immediately, raised her slender hand toward the Rank Nine magical beast that had just flown past.

Then, a sound of a bird's cry was heard, and the Rank Nine beast was inexplicably caught in Robin's grip!

Robin's hand seemed to possess a magical force. Though the Rank Nine beast struggled intensely, it was powerless to resist, left only to stare with desperate eyes at "Hawkeye" below! (It seemed Robin deliberately positioned the beast so it could see "Hawkeye"! Sweat!)

"Hawkeye's" pupils contracted sharply. This turn of events was completely unexpected. She couldn't fathom how this powerful beast was so bizarrely captured by this young girl. What exactly had Robin done?

After a brief silence, "Hawkeye's" expression drastically changed. She roared, "Let it go!" As the words left her lips, she lunged forward!

At this juncture, a brief introduction to "Hawkeye" is necessary; she is not a true human but belongs to the Beastfolk race! The "Beastfolk" are a vast collective. While their total population may not match that of true humans, their diversity of species is unmatched!

"Hawkeye" belongs to the "Hawk Clan," whose defining characteristic is eyes identical to an eagle's—incredibly sharp! Furthermore, their limbs can instantly harden, transforming into formidable weapons!

The "Hawk Clan" is a branch of the "Avian Kin." Although they cannot fly like other members of the "Avian Kin," they hold birds and beasts in reverence, treating them as deities!

This explains why "Hawkeye" held such concern for the flying creature; it stems from their racial faith!

Facing "Hawkeye's" lightning-fast charge, Robin didn't even glance at her, nor did she move again. Then, with a thump, "Hawkeye" was sent flying backward!

However, "Hawkeye" was extremely agile. Just as she was about to hit the ground, she sharply tucked her abdomen and swung her legs upward, executing a graceful 360-degree rotation before landing safely in an elegant posture!

Though unharmed, "Hawkeye's" face was etched with profound shock! In that split second, she had intended to kick Robin, but an invisible force had materialized from nowhere, knocking her back!

"Sister, your skills are indeed impressive!" Zhong Shenxiu still managed to offer a compliment to "Hawkeye," but then he abruptly shifted tone: "Sister, you still haven't answered my question. If you don't answer soon, we might just roast this little bird!"

Ugh, calling a Rank Nine magical beast a "little bird"—only Zhong Shenxiu could pull off such a feat! "Birds are the symbol of our god!" a cold voice issued from "Hawkeye's" lips! She finally realized she needed to cooperate with this youth, lest she never knew what outrageous thing he might do next!

"Oh, is that so? Well, Sister, why didn't you say so earlier? If you had, this misunderstanding wouldn't have happened!" Zhong Shenxiu's reply almost made "Hawkeye" snap, as he directly shifted the blame to her! Fortunately, Robin had already released the Rank Nine beast, making "Hawkeye's" brief cooperation worthwhile!

By this time, the demon insects were drawing closer; their general shapes were becoming visible from this distance!

And then, Zhong Shenxiu's voice sounded again: "Sister, I have a very strange bird I'm raising. Could you take a look and tell me what you think of it?"

As he spoke, a mischievous smile played on Zhong Shenxiu's lips... (To be continued. For the rest of the story, please visit...m for more chapters, support the author, and enjoy legitimate reading!)