Chapter 86: Shadow in Flight, What Do You Think of Feizi's Running Speed?

"Captain, is it you?" Shadow Wind rushed forward, his face alight with joy. Seeing the captain and the others safe and unharmed filled him with relief. He’d worried he’d never find them, but now, at last, they were reunited.

"Shadow Wind, it's us! Wonderful—we finally found you. By the way, have you seen Fengzi? How is he?" Warhawk stepped up, his eyes bright with happiness. Seeing Shadow Wind safe and sound reassured him.

"Fengzi went to divert the pursuers," Shadow Wind replied, a hint of frustration in his voice. He’d witnessed Qin Feng’s astonishing speed earlier; before he could act, Qin Feng had already drawn the enemy away.

"Shadow Wind, what happened? What’s going on?" Snow Leopard asked, his tone tinged with displeasure and reproach.

"It wasn't my intention," Shadow Wind responded, nearly at his wit’s end with worry. He only hoped Qin Feng was unharmed.

"Take your time, Shadow Wind. Don’t rush—explain what happened," Warhawk said seriously. He knew that understanding the situation on the battlefield was crucial for their next move.

"It happened like this..." Shadow Wind recounted the events succinctly. "I intended to lure the enemy away myself, but Fengzi was faster—he drew the pursuers off before I could."

"Shadow Wind, my earlier complaint wasn’t really about you. I was just worried for Fengzi’s safety. Now that we understand the situation, Captain, what do you think we should do next?" Snow Leopard apologized, then turned to Warhawk, awaiting his decision.

"It's alright. I’m worried for Fengzi as well—I understand," said Shadow Wind.

"I’m glad you do," Snow Leopard replied.

"Here’s what we’ll do," Warhawk decided after a moment. "Let’s find a place to hide for now. Fengzi went to distract the enemy; I believe he’ll return. He’s fast—I trust he’ll come back for us soon, and I believe he’ll be safe."

"Captain, Fengzi is facing perhaps two thousand pursuers on his own. Can he really outrun such a force?" Black Wolf asked, concern etched on his face. He knew the enemy numbers were overwhelming, and if they caught up, Qin Feng would be in grave danger.

"I’m worried too. There are so many of them. Will Fengzi really be safe?" Snow Leopard added, his anxiety evident.

"Shadow Wind, how fast is Fengzi, in your opinion?" Warhawk asked, turning to him for insight.

"He’s incredibly fast—gone in a flash. Captain, even you might not be able to catch up with him. That’s why I believe Fengzi is safe. Otherwise, I would have gone to help him myself," Shadow Wind explained.

"In that case, Fengzi should be safe," Warhawk said. "Everyone, don’t worry. I believe he’ll return. Our priority is to solve the problems we face here. Is that clear?"

"Understood," everyone replied in unison.

"Shadow Wind, your speed is impressive. Go keep watch a kilometer out. If anything happens, report immediately. We’ll respond according to the situation," Warhawk instructed. He knew Shadow Wind excelled at reconnaissance, and with him on watch, their safety was assured.

"Yes, sir!" Shadow Wind replied, then set off swiftly.

"This situation is unlike anything before. It seems we’re facing serious problems. We don't know who the enemy is, and our intelligence may have been compromised. Our environment is far from safe.

I want to hear your opinions. Should we contact home and withdraw, or stay here to investigate and uncover the truth behind these events? Think it over, then share your decision," Warhawk said. He sensed the danger of their current predicament. Only by addressing it head-on could they complete their mission and ensure their safe return.

"In my view, there’s nothing to consider. We must stay and find out the truth. Those responsible must pay. Let them learn that we’re not to be trifled with," Snow Wolf said sternly, his resolve clear. He felt they should stay and investigate—whoever was behind this would suffer the consequences.

"I agree. This is intolerable. They tried to wipe us out. We can’t let them succeed. We must show our strength and uncover who’s scheming in the shadows," Black Wolf said, convinced the whole affair was deeply suspicious and needed thorough investigation.

"Captain, it looks like it’s going to rain. If it does, moving through the jungle will be even harder. The enemy could be searching for us everywhere. Why don’t we ambush a few pursuers and interrogate them? Maybe then we can figure out what’s really going on," Black Wolf suggested. He believed that capturing a few of the enemy might yield the answers they needed and help them complete their mission.

"Do any of you remember what happened before the battle began?" Warhawk didn’t answer at once but posed a question instead. He seemed to have realized something, and everyone turned to look at him as he continued, "Before the battle, Fengzi warned us that something was off. But the situation was urgent and the fighting imminent; once the arrow is on the string, it cannot be held back. Now, it’s clear Fengzi was right. He seems to possess a natural sixth sense for danger on the battlefield—quite extraordinary."

"Indeed. I never expected a newcomer like him to have such keen instincts. It’s astonishing, almost unbelievable. Fengzi is no ordinary man—perhaps he has his own methods in battle, even if he doesn’t realize it himself..." Snow Leopard mused, clearly impressed by Qin Feng’s unusual abilities. His words sent everyone into thoughtful silence, for they all sensed that this was no simple matter…