Chapter 396: A Show of Authority

“My lords, this is our young master, Ye Shao. He’s here to trade supplies on behalf of Tang Hai.”

“A small token—please accept it.”

Surrounded by over a hundred Awakeners, Tang Hai’s confidant carefully maintained a smiling expression as he discreetly slid two Cards into the arms of a Third-Stage Awakened, bowing respectfully.

Following him, Yenir stepped forward and offered a slight nod, feigning nervousness as he remained silent.

Seeing the scene before him inexplicably reminded him of his days back in the Capital.

Yet, witnessing Tang Hai’s subordinate so obsequiously grovel underscored the formidable influence the Bloodshadow Legion wielded throughout the Far Frontier.

On the surface, the two Safe Zones appeared equal, but in reality one was nothing more than a subordinate.

Just as the Capital Military District presides over lower Battle Zones—those beneath automatically assume second-class status—the treatment here was even starker. Representing Tang Hai, he received barely a glance of favor. Clearly, any random Third-Stage from the Bloodshadow Legion held little regard for those from Canglang.

That was the confidence that true strength bestowed…

“No wonder Tang Hai knew I intended to strike against Yinglong. I must be on edge…”

“For years, the Bloodshadow Legion has ruled the Far Frontier with an iron fist. From top to bottom, everyone fears them…”

“Hmph.”

“Come on in. You have only three days here. After that, Canglang Safe Zone must report again!”

With a wave of his hand, the two Third-Stage Awakeneds in charge casually swept a glance over Yenir, too pleased by the benefits to waste time on unnecessary chatter. Their inspection was routine; none dared cause trouble under the watch of the Bloodshadow Legion.

Yet, as soon as they dismissed Yenir with a flick of the hand, their eyes suddenly widened in surprise.

The reason was simple—they had spotted Blood Nightingale descending behind them.

Clad in a red dress, her graceful figure instantly resembled a blood-red rose blooming in darkness, captivating every onlooker.

“Miss Blood Nightingale!?”

Abruptly shedding their earlier indifference, the two Third-Stage Awakeneds paused, then inclined their heads eagerly in respectful acknowledgment.

As their soldiers, struck by her radiance, began to check her credentials, the two Third-Stages roughly pulled them aside:

“No need for that!”

Before any of the soldiers could speak, one of the Third-Stages—a burly man—bowed low to Blood Nightingale as if assuming the role once filled by Tang Hai’s confidant.

“Miss Blood Nightingale, we are unaware of your presence on the fighter jets.”

“May I ask, what brings you to the Safe Zone this time?”

Nearby, soldiers exchanged bewildered glances at the suddenly deferential Captain. As members of the Bloodshadow Legion, they were used to the presence of deputy commanders from other Safe Zones without a fuss. This woman, descending from a fighter jet, was clearly not on any scheduled itinerary…

Unaware of Blood Nightingale’s true status, curiosity began to swell among them.

“I need to visit the Command Zone. Please make the arrangements.”

With a cold demeanor and her calm words, Blood Nightingale caused the two Third-Stage Awakeneds to stiffen, their respect deepening. They weren’t merely paying homage to her; they revered the presence she represented.

Command Zone? That implied a visit to Yinglong’s domain. In the Far Frontier, tales circulated of how Yinglong once pursued Blood Nightingale. As members of the Bloodshadow Legion, they naturally couldn’t afford any negligence.

“Understood! We’ll dispatch escorts at once!”

“Guards! Immediately deploy the Third-Stage Escort Squad to clear the path! Ensure Miss Blood Nightingale’s safety at all costs!”

At once, the troops that had been circling the fighter jets dispersed. Simultaneously, a squad of Third-Stage team members flew in from the distance, forming an impressive, respectful barrier on either side.

Under such grand preferential treatment, Tang Hai’s two confidants lowered their heads bitterly, reluctant to reveal their true feelings, while Yenir’s expression grew noticeably odd.

He knew Blood Nightingale would meet with Yinglong, but he hadn’t expected her status to be that influential…

Judging by the treatment and the double standards on display, even if the leader from Canglang arrived, this was the best they’d receive…

Meanwhile, two Third-Stage Squad Captains who recognized Blood Nightingale deliberately cast sidelong glances at Yenir and quietly inquired:

“Miss Blood Nightingale, may I ask why members from Canglang are accompanying you?”

According to the itinerary, there was no mention of Blood Nightingale arriving with Canglang Safe Zone. Had they known, they would have been fully prepared to welcome this young lady.

Before Tang Hai’s confidant could hurriedly predict a prepared excuse, Blood Nightingale replied coolly:

“Them? They have nothing to do with me—they just happened to be on the way.”

With that, she turned without even glancing at Yenir and the others, as if they were merely drivers tasked with bringing her here.

Hearing there was no connection, the two Squad Captains exhaled in relief and chose not to pay any further mind to Yenir and his group.

They had originally speculated that a joint arrival might indicate some affiliation or that they would accompany her to see Yinglong. But it turned out to be nothing more than a coincidental detour. Clearly, Canglang had little to do with Miss Blood Nightingale.

With her lofty standards, Miss Blood Nightingale naturally regarded these underlings as nothing more than small fry.

Following her arrival, the entire contingent at the Outer City Air Force Base promptly formed a grand escort, steadily accompanying her departure. In their wake, only Yenir and the others were left staring after her retreating figure.

“The difference in treatment is staggering…”

He mused with a tinge of emotion.

As a gust of wind passed, veteran Huang Yuanhao, standing quietly beside Yenir, cast a strange glance at him, then at Blood Nightingale being escorted into a private vehicle—his expression shifting like a rapidly changing mask.

He alone knew what Yenir had done for Miss Blood Nightingale…

Witnessing the Bloodshadow Legion treat her as if she were a young mistress, he couldn’t help but recall certain scenes from the past.

Damn it—if the Bloodshadow Legion were to even glance at them, and if it were revealed that the woman their commander coveted had already been… well, taken by Yenir, it might just drop jaws in disbelief…

Similarly, Tang Hai’s two confidants exchanged peculiar looks and covertly stole glances at Yenir’s profile.

In many ways, the supreme being Yinglong had long been completely outclassed by Yenir.

Sensing the oddity in everyone’s hearts, Yenir chuckled lightly and, unfazed by Blood Nightingale’s act of feigning unfamiliarity, said:

“Let’s go. There’s nothing more to see.”

“Let’s head into the city!”

As his words faded, Yenir silently regarded the towering city wall in the distance, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Now, it was merely a waiting game for word of Blood Nightingale.

The success of his mission to aid the frontier depended entirely on tonight.