After hearing Luo Feng's request for shelter, Xue Xi agreed without hesitation. She had nothing else to do right now, so it was just a small favor.
Luo Feng thanked her, then immediately turned and ushered Xu Xin and several teammates inside. They walked in curiously and thanked Xue Xi, the little shopkeeper. Outside, the captain, Gao Feng, saw that all his teammates were safe.
Though he had no idea why the monsters nearby weren't attacking the restaurant Luo Feng had mentioned, he was too exhausted to worry about it. He smashed away several monsters that kept lunging at him, then turned and rushed for the restaurant.
More and more monsters gathered here, drawn by the constant sonic interference. But they stopped a thousand meters from the restaurant and refused to take another step.
On a distant rooftop, Zhang Zehu peered through a pair of binoculars and couldn't help cursing. "Damn it! Why are those beasts just circling the place instead of attacking? What a perfect opportunity, and that brat Luo Feng got away! Argh!"
Leaning against a broken wall, Captain Pan Ya toyed with a dagger. His eyes gleamed with a chilling menace as he glanced at the furious Zhang Zehu. "Ah Hu, don't rush. They won't get away. I don't know what's so strange about that little restaurant, but they'll have to come out eventually. We'll have plenty of chances to get revenge."
Then he ran his tongue along the dagger and warned Zhang Zehu, "And don't forget our main objective this time. If you ruin my plans, heh..."
Zhang Zehu forced down his anger and gave a muffled reply, then raised his binoculars again to watch the distant restaurant.
By then, Gao Feng had also entered Xue Xi's restaurant. The members of the Fire Hammer Squad gathered around him. Gao Feng waved to show he was fine, then looked toward Xue Xi, who was swinging her legs from a tall chair again.
Gao Feng stepped forward and cupped his fists in thanks. "I don't know what's gotten into those monsters out there. They kept attacking us. Thanks for taking us in, shopkeeper. Otherwise, our squad would've been done for this time."
Xue Xi shook her head unconcernedly. "Life in the Wilderness Zone isn't easy for anyone. We're all from Huaxia, so if I can lend a hand, I will. There's no need to thank me."
Gao Feng hadn't expected the young girl to be so straightforward, and the two soon found themselves chatting amiably.
Xue Xi casually remarked, "Captain Gao, I don't think this monster tide you ran into was a coincidence. I've had this shop here for a long time, and today's the first time I've ever seen a monster tide surround and attack a Martial Artist squad."
Gao Feng was a smart man, and at his level of experience, he immediately seemed to realize something. Hearing this, Luo Feng pulled a round piece of technological equipment from his backpack and handed it to Gao Feng. "Captain, after hearing Miss Xue Xi, I find it suspicious too. I found this by chance in a hidden corner while we were retreating."
Gao Feng was knowledgeable and recognized it at once. Xu Xin leaned over too. "Isn't this a sonic device that attracts monsters? I thought the military only used these when conducting large-scale monster exterminations."
Gao Feng's expression darkened. He looked around and said slowly, "Looks like another Martial Artist squad has targeted us. The only squad we've fallen out with recently is the Tiger Tooth Squad."
At that, Luo Feng glanced at Zhang Ke, who had only one arm left, and said guiltily, "Captain, everyone, I'm sorry. This is all because I got into a conflict with Zhang Zehu, and now I've dragged you all into it. I..."
Before Luo Feng could finish, Zhang Ke slung his one arm around Luo Feng's neck. "Hey, we're all brothers here. Don't talk about dragging us into anything. Besides, the Fire Hammer Squad and the Tiger Tooth Squad have been at odds for ages."
Gao Feng nodded as well. "That's right, Luo Feng. You don't need to feel guilty. The urgent thing now is that those bastards are probably still waiting outside. They know where we are, and we have injured people. How are we going to break out?"
Everyone fell silent in thought. Xu Xin held Luo Feng's hand and suggested, "Why don't we call for outside help?"
Gao Feng immediately rejected the idea. "That won't work. Calling for help would cost us dearly, and the Tiger Tooth Squad covered its tracks well. We have no evidence proving they did this."
Xue Xi rested her chin in her hands and watched everyone talk. A smile curled her lips, revealing her tiny, sparkling canine teeth. She looked like a little fox whose tail had just slipped out. "I have a suggestion. Would you like to hear it?"
Gao Feng furrowed his brows and considered it before replying, "Go ahead, Miss Xue Xi."
"You could provoke the Tiger Tooth Squad and lure them to within a thousand meters of the shop. I'll take care of this trouble for you. How about it?"
Gao Feng eyed the little girl suspiciously, then remembered that she had somehow managed to establish a safe zone alone in the Wilderness Zone, so she must have some means of her own. After thinking it over, he nodded under the expectant gazes of the Fire Hammer Squad members.
"If the shopkeeper has the ability, we have no objection. But there's no such thing as a free feast. May I ask what the price will be?"
Xue Xi snapped her fingers. "Bingo. Talking to smart people really saves time. The price is simple: I need you to provide me with a supply of ingredients."
Before you continue