The Blood Sacrifice for Ivy, Part 2

Gazing upon the solemn grave before them, Zeus, Apollo, and Black Dragon were gripped by a palpable terror. They had naively hoped Xiao Feng would delay their execution, believing other temple members might come to their rescue. But now, it was clear—Xiao Feng would show no mercy.

"You know fear now," Xiao Feng sneered. "When you slaughtered Ivy, where was your fear? How could you be so fearless then, yet tremble now that the reckoning has come?"

Zeus's eyes burned cold as he met Xiao Feng's gaze. "Release us, and we will grant you any wish. Spare our lives, and anything you desire shall be yours."

Xiao Feng chuckled darkly. "Begging only comes when death is near. The gifts you once offered mean nothing to me. I know that by ending your lives, the ache in my heart will lessen—if only slightly. You are all doomed. Not one member of your temple will escape. Each and every one will meet their fate before Ivy's grave, their heads severed by my hand. So tremble and plead while you still breathe. But begging me is futile. You may beg Ivy herself—if she consents to spare you, I shall not lift a finger."

With that, under the watchful eyes of all, Xiao Feng hoisted Zeus by the collar and Apollo by the arm, hauling them before Ivy's tomb. With a heavy thud, he cast them to the ground, then turned to seize Black Dragon and likewise cast him down before the grave.

Silent, Xiao Feng's gaze rested on the photograph etched into the tombstone—there she smiled, forever caught in a monochrome world's quiet corner, as if nothing had ever happened, as if she had never truly belonged to this realm. She smiled peacefully.

Tears slowly welled and slipped down Xiao Feng's cheeks.

He turned, eyes falling on a dagger sheathed at a warrior's waist. Approaching, he drew it swiftly and returned to Ivy's grave. Grabbing Zeus by the hair, he yanked upwards with fierce strength. Zeus lifted his chin, eyes wide with terror as they locked on the blade. Though his resurrection powers were formidable, once his body shattered beyond repair, revival was impossible—even if his head were severed from his body, death would be final.

"Let me take you straight to destroy the Alliance's headquarters—don't kill me…" Zeus pleaded in desperation.

But Xiao Feng was unmoved by the offer. With a sharp motion, he brought the dagger down toward Zeus's neck.

Suddenly, a powerful hand grasped Xiao Feng's arm. Turning, he found Old White standing firm. "Child, calm yourself. Think—Ivy is gone. No matter how many you kill, her life cannot be restored. But our fight against the Alliance endures. We face more perilous battles ahead. It's likely that I, Rice, Kerry, or others will fall in those fights. Such is the nature of war—there is no room for negotiation. What we can do is minimize casualties while claiming victory. Understand?"

Xiao Feng listened, the rage in his eyes gradually softening.

"Now, if that bastard Zeus truly can lead us to topple the Alliance's stronghold, then we'll save countless lives. Think on that…"

Casting a bitter glance at Zeus, Xiao Feng muttered, "Damn it... For Old White's sake, I'll spare you." He released Zeus, but swiftly grabbed Black Dragon by the hair. "You, however, shall not live." With that, the dagger plunged into Black Dragon's neck. Blood spurted forth, and as his life drained away, his agony deepened.

Minutes later, Black Dragon's life was extinguished, his sinful existence ending before Ivy's grave.

Turning to Rice and Old White, Xiao Feng said, "The two of you take care of these last two. Don't let them escape. My work is not yet done—I must continue seeking my comrades."

Rice frowned. "We're launching the assault on the New City tomorrow. Aren't you coming?"

"You're enough. Just a new city. If it's the Alliance headquarters, then notify me." With that, Xiao Feng climbed into the truck, started the engine, and departed. He planned to rest briefly before setting off in search of the next companion bearing the barcode tattoo.

Only when all his comrades were found would they truly uncover their identities.

That night, after dinner, as Xiao Feng lay ready to sleep, Alice entered his room clutching a stuffed toy. From the slightly open door, Xiao Feng spotted the massive Whitey resting at the threshold—too large to enter, it lay outside.

Alice, her expression tinged with frustration, climbed onto Xiao Feng's bed and huffed.

Xiao Feng sat up, leaning against the headboard with a smile. "Alice, what's wrong? Who are you mad at?"

Pouting, Alice said, "Hmph. You came back but didn't play with me. How's that being a big brother?"

"Alice, you know Xiao Feng is very tired. I need rest—I have to leave early tomorrow for a faraway place."

"Where?"

"Africa."

"I want to go too."

"No way. It's all desert there—no water at all. If you went, you'd die of thirst. You'd end up a dried-up, ugly jerky. No one would like you." Xiao Feng said, feigning cruelty.

Alice frowned, worried. "Is it really like that?"

"Yes, very dangerous."

"I feel like you're lying to me."

"No, why would I lie?"

"You're definitely lying. You're the worst." She raised her tiny fists and playfully punched Xiao Feng's chest.

Unconsciously, Xiao Feng caught her wrist, perhaps gripping too tightly. Alice winced in pain. "You hurt me…"

He hurriedly released her.

Alice was precious beyond measure to Xiao Feng—he would never bear to see her harmed even slightly.

Angry, Alice tossed aside her stuffed toy and climbed onto Xiao Feng, pounding his chest with both fists. "You bully me! You bully me!"

Xiao Feng sighed, thinking, My dear ancestors, how am I bullying you? This is unreasonable.

Her fists landed like a gentle massage, and he ceased resisting, letting Alice continue her playful assault.