Li Xiang stood in the camp, Watermelon's devastated sobs still echoing in her ears. Piercing grief churned wildly with rage, threatening to sweep away every shred of her reason.
She clenched her fists, her fingertips digging deep into her palms, and repeatedly told herself to stay calm.
I can't fall apart yet. Everyone still needs me.
After several deep breaths, she forced down the pain in her eyes and barely managed to steady her chaotic thoughts.
I need to tie Xeno up and keep him under watch first.
Suppressing every emotion, Li Xiang turned and quickly found the quiet Xeno, then briskly took out a rope and bound him tight.
For some reason, Xeno quietly cooperated. Seeing her like this, he spoke in a teasing tone.
"Oh~ Li Xiang, you look like you're in a terrible mood."
"What happened?"
His air of detachment finally set Li Xiang off.
She leaned down close to him. "Shut your mouth."
"I'm in no mood to talk to you right now, and for the moment, I don't want to hurt you."
"But if you insist on getting yourself killed, I don't mind killing you right now."
With that, she spared him no further glance. Dragging the bound Xeno along, she hurried into a room in the camp and secured him to a chair.
She had just finished securing Xeno when heavy footsteps approached from deep within the distant forest.
Stanley and his pursuing troops had already broken through the outer defenses and charged straight into the camp.
"Throw grenades."
Stanley raised a hand and gave the order in an indifferent tone.
The next second, several grenades hurtled through the air, and deafening explosions erupted one after another.
Boom-boom!
The violent blasts shook the ground, sending shattered stones and dirt flying everywhere.
Flames surged skyward,