After Lin departed, Zhou Lesheng and his companions exhaled deeply, the immediate threat gone. They had been on edge, almost certain of their impending deaths. Lin's presence had been overwhelmingly intimidating, not so much for his silence, but for his actions.
His skeletal minions, numerous and mighty, had effortlessly immobilized a team of level 30s, including Zhou Lesheng, a revered Holy Light Knight. The ease with which Lin dispatched a level 36 abyss demon was particularly unnerving.
Zhou Lesheng's pride as a Holy Light Knight and legendary professional was deeply wounded by the fear Lin instilled in him. The thought of being bested by a level 23 was a stain on his honor he couldn't bear. Resentment brewed within him, "One day, you'll be at my mercy," he silently vowed, eyeing Lin's retreating figure with a mix of disdain and jealousy, especially noting Lin's interaction with Ning Yiyi.
Upon reaching Shi Xingan, Lin inquired, "Everything alright?"
"It's all under control, thankfully," Shi Xingan assured, patting his shield appreciatively. The outpost suit had significantly bolstered his resilience, proving invaluable during the skirmish.
The aftermath of the battle saw the battlefield return to its prior state, with the earth soon to reclaim the remains, a stark reminder of the continuous cycle of life and death on the Yuan battlefield.
Despite the ordeal, Shi Xingan and others chose not to withdraw, gathering around a newly lit fire. Conversations resumed, with Shi Xingan explaining the nature of the Abyss Demon Dogs as mere scouts of the abyss. Lin's confusion about how these beings bypassed the deeper defenses of the Yuan battlefield was addressed by Shi Xingan's insights into the abyss's capabilities for large-scale teleportation.
As discussions unfolded, the guards from the Eternal Great Wall arrived in response to the distress signal. Upon their arrival, they were met with the sight of the battlefield littered with the corpses of Abyss Demon Dogs, a testament to the fierce battle that had taken place.
Zhou Lesheng stepped forward to claim responsibility for the signal. The knight leading the guards, upon learning of Lin's achievements, was taken aback. Despite Lin's modest level, his contributions were undeniable, as reflected by his five-star private badge, symbolizing significant military merit.
"Who sent the distress signal?" the knight inquired upon arrival.
"I did," Zhou responded, offering his ID for verification. The knight's demeanor softened upon realizing Zhou's stature as a legendary professional, a rarity and potential future asset.
"What happened here? Did someone powerful assist you?" he asked, puzzled by the carnage before him.
Zhou recounted the events truthfully. There was no use in concealing the truth; the evidence of Lin's prowess was undeniable and visible to all.
Surprised by Zhou's account, the knight sought out Lin, immediately noticing his significant accomplishments as indicated by his badge. "Impressive work, young man," he commended, recognizing the young professional's exceptional contributions to the battle's outcome.