Concealment

Athena gasped inwardly, "How could this be possible?"

With a sudden crack, Xiao Feng's heavy fist landed once more on Athena's delicate cheek. As his punch struck her temple, Athena's body was hurled backward.

She flew through the air for over ten meters before crashing harshly onto the ground. Xiao Feng stood panting in place, eyes fixed on the figure he had just sent flying. Slowly, he approached.

The fierce pain coursing through the back of Xiao Feng's hand from that strike was intense—let alone what Athena must have felt. At this moment, she had already lost consciousness.

Xiao Feng knelt beside her swollen, bruised face, shaking his head. "Good thing I have my electric abilities; otherwise, I'd be the one lying here right now."

Seeing Athena felled by Xiao Feng, everyone breathed a collective sigh of relief and cautiously gathered around.

Xiao Feng turned to Tugou. "Lock her up, but don't put her in the same cell as Ares. And don't treat her like just a woman—chain her tightly. Be careful of her electric powers."

Tugou nodded. "Understood." With one hand, he lifted the unconscious Athena and headed toward an armed helicopter.

Though night was not ideal for long flights, Tugou and several mech soldiers resolutely piloted the helicopter away.

A heavy fatigue washed over Xiao Feng, leaving him deeply uncomfortable.

Kelly quickly rushed to his side, supporting him. "Are you alright?"

Xiao Feng nodded. "Just a little tired. Nothing serious."

Rice and the others gathered, expressing their concern.

Xiao Feng addressed them, "Alright, everything's settled. You should get some rest. But make sure the guard duty is tightened over the next few days. Athena brought such a formidable Black Angel into our camp, and you didn't detect it. Isn't that negligence?"

Rice frowned. "You're right. We've been busy lately and overlooked this."

Xiao Feng nodded in acknowledgment. Then he turned to Baibai, patting the dog's head. "Bring me a few high-level demon wolves to guard the camp."

Baibai whimpered twice before dashing outside.

Alice seemed still trapped in grief over losing Ivy. Now, watching Kelly beside Xiao Feng, the once cheerful little girl's face grew cold as she walked away.

Xiao Feng glanced at Alice, frowning. He asked Old White, "Is Alice still like this?"

Old White sighed. "Yes, it's been this way all along. I don't know how to comfort her."

Xiao Feng smiled wryly. "Let me try."

Several hours later, Tugou returned with a now-conscious Athena to Rondo's camp. Athena was bound by at least ten chains—Tugou had been thorough—almost cocooning her completely.

Rondo, Rain, and several mercenaries stood before Tugou. Rondo asked, puzzled, "What brings you here?"

Tugou explained, "She's a prisoner from our X Legion, a very important one. We want to hide her with you. Please take good care of her."

Rondo looked at the chained Athena and chuckled. "So, a big shot, huh? Who exactly is she? Care to tell us?"

Tugou considered for a moment, then replied calmly, "Since you want to know—her name is Athena. She's one of the Seven Gods. A very significant figure for the Alliance Army. She's hidden here for now. If we need her later, we'll come to retrieve her."

"One of the Seven Gods? Are you serious? Is it safe to keep her here?" Rondo asked skeptically.

Before Tugou could answer, Rain spoke up, "Daddy, let's help them. Don't forget Xiao Feng once saved my life."

Rondo nodded after hearing Rain. "Alright, I'll keep a close watch on her for your brother Xiao Feng. No one will find out."

At that moment, Athena addressed Rondo: "You can release me. Tell me what you want, and I will fulfill it." Her delicate face was sincere, yet she showed no concern for these troops' varying moods. If the military police came knocking, they would be in grave danger.

Tugou looked at the sly Athena. "We could free you, but not for money. Only Xiao Feng's order would set you free. But since the boss said to hide you, we'll keep you so well concealed that not even a plane or radar can detect you. Besides, I doubt Xiao Feng wants to let you go now."

Athena frowned tightly. "Yes, Xiao Feng and I are enemies, but we share allies. Yet, I alone could bring you a fortune in Alliance credits. Why are you unwilling?"

"Don't offer empty promises we can't trust. We only accept tangible benefits—what appears before us and ends up in our hands. If you had been caught instead of me, do you think we'd let you go easily?"

Tugou's words stunned Athena. "No, you wouldn't."

"Exactly. You're right. We won't let you go casually. Stay here and behave. If there's a chance, we might visit or even bring you companions," Tugou said with a wry tone. Then he warned Rondo, "Be careful. This woman is tricky. Those guarding her must keep their distance. Her electric powers are formidable—one strike from her and you're done."

Rondo listened intently, captivated by Athena's beauty. He thought, "How can such a stunning woman be so dangerous?" But he didn't voice it, simply nodding. "Understood. I'll be careful."

Tugou affirmed, "If anything happens, contact me by comm. We'll respond immediately."

"That promise makes our job easier," Rondo replied.

Tugou smiled. "Alright, we're leaving now."

"It's late. Stay here tonight. Leave in the morning."

Tugou shook his head. "No. I'm still uneasy about X camp's safety. With two of the Seven Gods' generals missing, the Alliance will target X Legion. We must return to guard it."

At that moment, the pure-hearted Rain approached Tugou. "Can I come back with you?"

Tugou frowned. "Why should we take you?"

Rondo spoke firmly to his daughter, "Rain, don't be foolish."

Tears welled in Rain's eyes. "I'm not foolish—I miss Xiao Feng. Please let me go with them."

Rondo's tone hardened, "No, absolutely not."

Tugou considered Xiao Feng's companions—Kelly and the jealous Alice. Taking Rain back would stir trouble. So Tugou told Rain, "X Legion's camp is dangerous now. Like today, a powerful ability user could attack any moment. We might be wiped out if careless. You must not go."

"No. I'm going with you to see Xiao Feng," Rain insisted, pointing at Tugou and shouting at her father.

Rondo carefully reasoned, "Tugou already told you it's too dangerous. You must listen."

Rain's stubbornness flared, "No, I have to go."

Tugou said to Rondo, "We're leaving. Watch your daughter well. The situation's tense; X camp is unsafe. Once we gain advantage, you're welcome to visit."

Rondo nodded. "I understand. You go ahead. We'll take care of her."

Tugou and his group boarded the helicopter, lifting off into the night toward Black Whale City. Rain watched the receding craft with tears brimming in her eyes.

Meanwhile, at the temple, Black Dragon had yet to enter but appeared daily at its entrance, waiting for someone—the leader of the Seven Gods, Zeus.

As a formidable level-nine ability user governing the Seven Gods, Black Dragon believed only Zeus's intervention could defeat Xiao Feng.

Yet, nearly ten days passed without Zeus's arrival. Summer rains often drenched Black Dragon at the temple's threshold, and sometimes the cruel sunset scorched him like drying parchment.

Finally, on the tenth day near dusk, Black Dragon spotted a vigorous man striding toward the temple. Standing by the door, Black Dragon furrowed his brows slightly. Though the man resembled the Zeus in the portrait, Black Dragon was uncertain of his intentions.