"Today, I have gathered everyone here because there is an important ritual that requires your participation." The supreme leader's voice inadvertently carried a hint of excitement: "In a while, no matter what happens, everyone must remain calm.

He cast a sullen glance at the subordinates standing in front of him: "During the ritual, nobody is allowed to make any noise, otherwise," the leader sneered: "you will face the highest punishment at headquarters!

After finishing speaking, he clapped his hands a few times, and from a cave behind him, two similarly dressed men in black carried out a cage covered with cloth.

Although everyone's curiosity was piqued about what was inside the cage, due to the supreme leader's order earlier, no one uttered a sound.

Jiang Cheng was different at this moment. Observing the steps and expressions of the two men carrying the cage, they appeared relaxed, and Jiang Cheng even suspected that if not for emphasizing the sanctity or importance of what was inside the cage, one of them could have managed it with just one hand.

The cage was not very large and didn't seem heavy. Combined with their previous experiences, Jiang Cheng had already deduced that inside the cage was the Little Flaming Firebird they had been desperately pursuing.

But what kind of ritual would the group's higher-ups use the Little Flaming Firebird for? And what role would the Little Flaming Firebird play in this ritual?

Jiang Cheng truly had no idea.

He decided that he would not act until the most critical moment; he wanted to see what these Black Exhaust Group members intended to do with the Little Flaming Crow.

On the square, the enemy standing alongside them was evidently curious about the cage. Some of them even tiptoed furtively, trying to get a better look.

The two men carrying the cage arrived at the center of the square and placed it on what appeared to be an altar-like structure.

The supreme leader clasped his hands in front of his heart, mumbling something under his breath, unknown to anyone.

Then he turned around, walked up to the cage, and once again opened his mouth: "The ritual is about to begin. I solemnly repeat to all of you: no matter what happens, you must not make any noise or movement.

This matter concerns the future of our Black Exhaust Group. Therefore, anyone who interferes with the ritual will be severely punished!

The supreme leader of the Black Exhaust Group unveiled the black cloth covering the cage.

As Jiang Cheng had guessed, inside the cage was the Little Flaming Firebird they had been desperately seeking. But at this moment, using the term "little" to describe her no longer seemed appropriate.

Their separation from the Little Flaming Crow had not been short; many days had passed without meeting. The original Little Flaming Crow had grown.

If originally she was the size of an old crow, now her body was almost 1.3 times the original size.

From the looks of it, during the time she was captured by the Black Exhaust Group, the Little Flaming Crow did not suffer any mistreatment. On the contrary, they likely took good care of her.

In the sunlight, the Little Flaming Crow's entirely crimson feathers appeared even more splendid, with sunlight reflecting off her, sparkling with spots of golden light that made her seem even more sacred and mysterious.

Jiang Cheng sighed inwardly, but not because she was sacred or mysterious. He knew well that this little creature was incredibly gluttonous and cunning, with enough intelligence to display wit.

He clearly remembered how the Little Flaming Firebird in the small town on Delmar Planet used her charm to trick food out of the hands of the local children.

Sure enough, just as Jiang Cheng expected, inside the cage brought by the enemies was the Little Flaming Firebird they had been desperately seeking. Although Jiang Cheng didn't understand what they intended to do with the Little Flaming Firebird, he had a premonition that these enemies planned to use her as an offering to start their upcoming sacred ritual.

The supreme leader of the Black Exhaust Group opened the cage and removed a piece of black cloth covering the head of the Little Flaming Firebird.

"The Little Flaming Firebird screeched in fury, and having lost the item covering her, she flapped her wings and flew up.

However, a slender chain clearly restricted her movement within the Fan Country.

Sounding her cries, the Little Flaming Firebird angrily spewed a flame at the supreme leader.

The Little Flaming Firebird could actually emit flames!

This surprised Jiang Cheng.

But the flame was evidently lacking in impact, as a small shield appeared in the leader's hand, blocking the Little Flaming Firebird's flame attack.

Clothed entirely in black robes, the supreme leader of the Black Exhaust Group laughed maniacally at the Little Flaming Firebird's attack, not only unconcerned but rather pleased.

The Black Exhaust personnel watching were all unaware of what their leader planned to do with this bird. They were all waiting eagerly.

At that moment, a person in black whispered something into the ear of the supreme leader, who began to announce loudly: "The ritual is about to begin in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.

Immediately after the "1" left his mouth, an arrow from an unknown direction accurately hit the chain binding the Little Flaming Firebird.

The people watching were stunned, collectively turning their heads to look for the direction from which the arrow had come.

Not far from them, an alien race girl stumbled, slowly approaching them with shaky steps.

The supreme leader pressed his hands down, silencing the chatter of his subordinates, watching coldly as Yanran approached them.

"Release the Little Flaming Firebird!" Yanran commanded, pointing at the leader.

Her voice was hoarse but carried a tone full of determination.

"You think you can?! The supreme leader replied coldly.

"Release the Little Flaming Firebird!" Yanran's pale face was filled with stubbornness.

"Make way! The supreme leader ordered his subordinates.

His subordinates slowly retreated, creating a path through which Yanran slowly walked up to them.

The girl before them was unfamiliar, her hair disheveled, her face pale, and dried blood marked her skin. Anyone could see that her body was in an extremely weak state.

The supreme leader furrowed his brows, looking at the unyielding girl before him, then ordered a person in black: "You, capture her!

His subordinate charged at Yanran, but quickly underestimated her fighting prowess.

The crowd clearly saw that in a single move, the person in black barely managed to dodge a fatal blow from the seemingly fragile girl.

A slash crossed his body diagonally, drawing blood, but it was evidently not a fatal wound.

The person in black, humiliated and enraged, felt he had lost face in front of so many people, which made him feel utterly ashamed.