An Unexpected Crisis

Upon returning to the sanctuary, Xiao Feng and the others immediately boarded their aircraft to fly back to Black Whale City. However, this Trident flyer could only accommodate four passengers, yet there were five of them—one too many.

Tugou was promptly assigned by Xiao Feng to cling to the underside of the aircraft. Gripping the plane's belly tightly, he braved the flight outside. This arduous task fell solely to Tugou, for only he could withstand the exhaustion; the others simply could not. Pandora had to pilot the aircraft, leaving no choice but for Tugou to endure the harsh exterior.

For nearly thirty minutes, Tugou berated Xiao Feng incessantly, yet there was no alternative. Refusal meant remaining behind in the sanctuary—a prospect Tugou disliked intensely—so he endured, clutching the plane's undercarriage as they soared toward Black Whale City.

Throughout the journey, Xiao Feng's mood oscillated between sorrow and fierce determination. Especially when recalling Ivy's lifeless visage, his rage flared—he longed to annihilate Black Dragon immediately. Yet he vowed to confront Black Dragon only at Ivy's grave, determined to use Black Dragon's blood to consecrate her resting place.

Rush and Pandora remained silent, fully aware of Xiao Feng's turmoil. They chose not to disturb him, allowing him solitude amid the turmoil.

After nearly three hours of tranquil flight, Pandora was suddenly jolted by blaring alarms. Her eyes narrowed upon scanning the radar display—dozens of enemy fighter jets were converging from a distance.

"Trouble," Pandora warned Xiao Feng. "A squadron of Alliance fighters is closing in on us."

Xiao Feng leaned forward from the rear seat. "Can we evade them?"

"I'll try," Pandora replied, frowning. "If we can't, we'll have to break through with force."

No sooner had she spoken than two additional fighter groups appeared on either side of their aircraft—an unmistakable encirclement.

Yet the Trident's technology was cutting-edge, rendering it nearly invisible to radar. Any detection likely came not from radar but from satellite tracking.

Meaning their plane had already been pinpointed by satellite while still inside the sanctuary.

Xiao Feng cursed under his breath, "Damn it, how did they find us?"

Pandora's tone was icy. "There's a traitor feeding the Alliance our route. Otherwise, they wouldn't have known. We have no choice but to turn back…"

She swiftly altered course.

But from behind emerged yet another squadron.

Now four directions were blocked, with dozens of fighters encircling them.

Xiao Feng stared dumbfounded at the constellation of blips on the radar.

Then, the aircraft's radio crackled—a reminder that even the most advanced planes retained radio for communication.

"Xiao Feng, Xiao Feng, you are surrounded. Please land immediately."

Hearing the broadcast, Xiao Feng turned to Pandora. "Any chance to slip past?"

Pandora hovered the plane, pointing at the displays. "We're fully encircled—front, back, all sides, above and below—dozens of fighters."

"How did this happen? How did they surround us?"

"I told you—they tracked us by satellite. Our radar never detected them, yet here they are. Definitely not radar—only satellites could have done this."

"So what do we do now?"

"We have to land and figure it out on foot. Probably because of Black Dragon, they haven't attacked yet. Without Black Dragon on board, they'd be firing at us already."

Xiao Feng nodded. "If that's the case, once we're on land, those bastards won't stand a chance."

He glanced at Tugou's ammo box, furrowing his brow. Unsure how much ammunition Tugou carried, but if well-stocked, Tugou alone could down dozens of planes once they touched down.

Contemplating solutions, Xiao Feng retrieved Black Angel's magazine, carefully inspected the linked ammunition, then began assembling the gun. The length of Black Angel made it cumbersome inside the aircraft, so he assembled the body and simply slipped the barrel on.

Under Pandora's deft control, the plane slowly descended onto a barren plain.

Pandora smiled at Xiao Feng—a rare, knowing smile.

Surprised, Xiao Feng asked, "What's so funny?"

"Heh, I see you're agitated. Why? As long as we land safely, those fighters pose no real threat. Besides, we have Black Dragon; they'll think twice. And with me here? No worries."

With that, Pandora opened the cabin door.

Xiao Feng knew Pandora was formidable, but facing dozens of fighters, even her strength had limits.

He was the first to step out, clutching Black Angel. Once out, he completed the barrel assembly and said to the now standing Tugou, "Prepare for battle. Shoot down every last one of those fighters."

Tugou grinned, "Got it…"

He was about to leap out—

Pandora grabbed his arm, "You're not going. I'll handle this."

Tugou froze. "How do you know I can't do it?"

Xiao Feng raised Black Angel as Pandora said calmly, "Just stay put. Those planes are all talk."

With that, Pandora stepped out, exposing herself so the Alliance pilots could see her. She raised her hands high, as if surrendering.

The Alliance fighters began a slow descent; dozens still hovered nearby.

Pandora smiled once more. Then, a magnetic pulse ring shimmered into existence on her palms. With a hum, the ring expanded swiftly, shooting upward into the sky.