The Hammer was bound to the chair, his eyes still filled with disdain. "Do you think this is the end? The power of the Shadows far exceeds your imagination."
Li Lin furrowed his brow, sensing Xiao Xing's unease. "Clarify, who exactly are the Shadows?"
"Hah, you fools," The Hammer sneered. "The Shadows are an organization, not a single person. They are manipulating the entire wasteland from the shadows."
Liya cautiously scanned their surroundings. "We need to get out of here quickly."
Li Lin nodded and picked up Xiao Xing. "Let's go."
They swiftly evacuated the base and found temporary refuge in an abandoned factory. Gears immediately began setting up the alarm system, with Falcon on guard.
"What do we do next?" Liya whispered.
Li Lin patted Xiao Xing's head. "We need more information."
Suddenly, Falcon gasped as a line of blood appeared on his arm. "Damn it, that was an accident."
Just as Li Lin was about to help tend to the wound, Xiao Xing broke free from his embrace and ran towards Falcon.
"Xiao Xing, no!"
Before he could finish his sentence, Xiao Xing's body emitted a soft starlight. It gently nudged Falcon's wound, and miraculously, the injury began to heal.
Everyone was stunned.
"What kind of ability is this?" Falcon looked at his now healed arm in disbelief.
Li Lin felt a tightening in his chest. "Xiao Xing, how many secrets do you have?"
Xiao Xing tilted her head towards Li Lin, her eyes sparkling with wisdom. Li Lin suddenly felt a warm emotion surge within him, as if Xiao Xing were comforting him.
"It seems your bond has deepened," Liya said softly.
Li Lin nodded, but his heart was filled with conflict. Xiao Xing's ability was delightful, yet it also meant greater danger.
"We need to be careful," he said quietly. "Once this ability is exposed, it will only attract more covetous eyes."
As soon as the words left his mouth, the alarm system suddenly blared. Gears quickly checked the surveillance. "Someone is approaching!"
Li Lin immediately entered a combat stance. "Hawk, take Xiao Xing and hide with the others. Prepare to respond."
A shadow silently infiltrated the factory, moving with the agility of a cat. Li Lin held his breath, waiting for the right moment.
Suddenly, the shadow stopped, as if sensing something. Li Lin decisively sprang into action, dashing forward.
The two instantly became entangled in a fierce struggle, exchanging blows. The shadow's strength was formidable, each strike aimed to kill.
Li Lin narrowly avoided a fatal hit when Hawk arrived just in time. The two worked in perfect harmony and finally subdued the intruder.
"Who are you?" Li Lin demanded coldly.
The shadow remained silent, suddenly reaching for its waist. Li Lin immediately sensed danger. "Watch out!"
With a loud explosion, smoke filled the air. Li Lin and Hawk quickly retreated, and the shadow seized the opportunity to escape.
"Damn it," Hawk cursed. "Let him get away."
Li Lin's expression darkened. "No, he has already succeeded."
It was then that everyone noticed the small signal transmitter left behind by the shadow, its red light flashing ominously—clearly indicating that a message had been sent out.
"We've been exposed," Liya said gravely.
Li Lin picked up Xiao Xing, feeling it tremble slightly in his arms. "They came for Xiao Xing."
"What do we do now?" Gears asked.
Li Lin took a deep breath, his gaze resolute. "We can't hide anymore. If they want Xiao Xing, then let them come."
"Are you crazy?" Liya exclaimed. "We're no match for them!"
"But we have Xiao Xing," Li Lin said, gently patting Xiao Xing's head. "Its abilities might be our only chance."
The Falcon nodded. "I agree. We can't keep running forever; it's time to fight back."
Li Lin looked into everyone's eyes. "This will be a tough battle. Are you all ready?"
The group exchanged glances, and eventually, they all nodded. Xiao Xing nuzzled against Li Lin's hand, as if to say, "I'm ready too."
A long-lost smile appeared on Li Lin's face. "Then let's surprise the shadows."
As night fell, dark clouds loomed over the wasteland. In the distance, a heavily armed squad was quietly approaching.
Li Lin stood on the rooftop of the factory, gazing into the distance. He could feel Xiao Xing's warmth pressed against him, filling his heart with determination.
This time, they would take the initiative and face their fate head-on.
An exhilarating showdown was about to begin.
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