Under the cover of night, Bai Lian led the Invisible Flying Ship to a silent landing on the outskirts of Snake Scale City.

The Flying Ship’s silhouette was barely visible in the moonlight, like a colossal beast lying in wait, ready to launch a fatal strike at any moment.

Accompanying them was the Empire’s most elite unit, the Holy Knight Order.

The knights wore Armor that shimmered faintly, their swords hanging at their waists and reflecting the cold, grim light of the moon. They stood in perfect formation, exuding a chilling, murderous aura.

At the head of the group, a man dressed as a Holy Knight commanded an overwhelming presence.

His gray hair was styled like a wolf’s tail, shimmering like silver frost in the moonlight as it swayed gently in the wind.

He had tan skin, and his silver-gray eyes were deep and sharp. His features were stark and well-defined. Beneath a high-bridged nose, his thin lips were pressed into a firm line, and he radiated an air of resolute courage.

He was currently discussing the next steps of the operation with Bai Lian and the others.

Roland lifted his chin slightly, his expression cold and his voice deep and powerful. "His Majesty has ordered me to lead the Holy Knight Order in eradicating the Dark Forces. This mission must succeed. Failure is not an option."

His words carried an unquestionable authority, as if he could already see the dawn of victory.

Bai Lian frowned slightly, his eyes filled with worry and anxiety. "Yaoyao is still in there. If we suddenly breach the city, I’m afraid they’ll use her as a hostage. Her life cannot be endangered in any way. We have to act with caution."

Roland’s brow furrowed. He had, in fact, been planning to breach Snake Scale City by force.

Both the military base and his Holy Knight Order had mobilized enough manpower. In his view, this was the perfect opportunity to eliminate Mingye’s den in one fell swoop.

But His Majesty’s orders were clear: the safety of the female, Su Yaoyao, was the top priority.

He fell silent for a moment, weighing the pros and cons, feeling conflicted.

Just then, Reg stepped forward and proposed his idea with a determined gaze. "How about this: when the city gates open at night, I’ll disguise myself as a merchant and sneak in. I’ll find Yaoyao first and get her out, then we can send in the troops. That way, we can ensure Yaoyao’s safety and catch Mingye completely off guard."

Roland nodded thoughtfully. He had to admit it wasn’t a bad idea.

It would avoid the danger a large-scale assault might pose to Su Yaoyao while allowing them to seize the initiative covertly.

But he quickly thought of another problem. "However, you’re the Deputy General of the Empire. You’re far too famous; I doubt there’s anyone who wouldn’t recognize your face. If you’re discovered, not only will your own life be at risk, but the entire plan will be ruined."

The others also frowned slightly, tacitly agreeing. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

As an important general of the Empire, Reg had distinguished himself time and again on the battlefield. His face was indeed too recognizable on this continent.

As for Bai Lian and Roland, it was even more out of the question. They were pillars of the Empire, their every move watched. Infiltration would be nearly impossible for them.

Just as the group fell silent, pondering who else might be suitable, a somewhat young but resolute voice broke the silence. "I’ll go."

Everyone turned in surprise to see Pani step forward. His face held a trace of nervousness, but his eyes revealed an unprecedented determination.

The three men looked at him in astonishment, thinking it was a bad idea.

Pani took a deep breath and said slowly, "I’m just a simple military medic. I’ve never been on the front lines; I’ve always been in the rear. No one will recognize me. If I’m the one to infiltrate, the chances of being discovered are much lower."

His voice wasn’t loud, but it was filled with a power that let everyone present feel his resolve.

"But this mission is incredibly dangerous. Mingye is an SS-level powerhouse. If he discovers you, you might not even have a chance to fight back."

Roland’s expression was grave as he stared intently at Pani, trying to make him understand the mission’s danger.

"Just let me try. Yaoyao is still in there. I can’t just stand by and watch her be in danger. I have to go."

A determined light shone in Pani’s eyes. His hands were clenched into tight fists, as if he was already prepared to face any challenge.

Bai Lian looked at Pani, seeing in the young man’s eyes the same worry and determination he felt himself.

He knew that although Pani was just a simple medic, his courage and sense of responsibility at this moment were no less than any warrior’s.

Besides, given the current situation, Pani was indeed the most suitable candidate for this task.

Bai Lian stepped forward, took a signal flare from his coat, and placed it solemnly in Pani’s hand. "This is a signal flare. If you’re in danger, use it immediately. We’ll be there as fast as we can."

"Okay." Pani took the signal flare, clutching it tightly in his hand as if holding on to hope itself.

He took a deep breath and turned toward Snake Scale City.

Night had fallen, and under the dim yellow lights, the gates of Snake Scale City looked especially forbidding.

Dressed in a black robe, Pani blended into the line of people entering the city, his head slightly lowered.

The line shuffled forward slowly, each step feeling like walking on the edge of a blade.

Finally, it was the turn of the man in front of him, who seemed to be a regular.

"What are you here for?" the guard’s voice was coarse and cold, devoid of any emotion.

"Come on, boss, I’ve been here a few times," the man said with an obsequious smile.

"Cut the crap," the guard interrupted impatiently, his gaze as sharp as a falcon’s.

"Here to buy some goods. Have to say, your Viper Technology products are really top-notch," the man explained hurriedly.

"In." The guard spat out the single word, the sound of his permission like a heavy sigh.

Soon, the black-robed guard approached Pani with heavy steps.

Pani took a deep breath, silently telling himself to stay calm.

The guard looked him up and down, then began to search him thoroughly. Every movement made Pani’s heart leap further into his throat.

After a thorough check, the guard found nothing unusual and asked coldly, "What are you here for?"

Pani was prepared. His voice choked slightly, as if he’d been suppressing his pain for a long time. "I was abandoned by my female. I had nowhere else to go, so I’ve come to pledge my allegiance to the Lord." As he spoke, his eyes reddened, looking as if tears might fall at any moment.

"That female... she was completely inhuman," Pani said, his voice trembling as his emotions grew more intense.

"I toiled for her, working from sunrise to sunset, but all I got in return was endless beatings and verbal abuse. One time, just because I was exhausted and came home a little late, she whipped me mercilessly. I still have the terrible scars on my body."

As he spoke, Pani lifted his black robe slightly, revealing the fake scars he had prepared on his arm. They looked horrifying under the dim light.

A flicker of emotion crossed the guard’s previously cold face. His eyes gradually grew moist, and he finally sniffled, his voice tinged with a sob. "Alright. Follow me."

Pani was brought before another black-robed man. "He’s come to pledge allegiance to the Lord and wants to live in Snake Scale City," the first guard explained simply.

The man before him had a cold expression. He looked Pani up and down. "Then you’ll come with me to see Lord Noah."