The sky began to lighten with a fish-belly white hue, and as Ling Family Village gradually brightened under the sunlight, a terrifying roaring sound suddenly came from the sky.

Moreover, the sound grew louder.

Ling Xiao frowned tightly as he looked towards the sky, where a massive swarm of battle eagles was approaching.

On the battle eagles, all were soldiers clad in armor.

"The Chen Dynasty’s Battle Eagle Army?"

Ling Xiao had heard about the Battle Eagle Army. Since Ling Junhou fell in battle, Chen Dynasty had been frequently invaded by Volcano Kingdom, losing vast territories.

Until one person emerged suddenly.

This man was Chen Dynasty’s Seventh Prince, Chen Cangmang, known as Warhawk General God!

He reclaimed territories forcibly taken by Volcano Kingdom, achieving exceptional military feats.

However, although Chen Cangmang was powerful, he was too upright, and had a very close relationship with Ling Junhou.

It’s said that when he was young, he was once saved by Ling Junhou.

He also had life-or-death ties with Ling Yan.

Therefore, he repeatedly petitioned Chen Wang to reappraise the Ling Family rebellion case.

Because of this, he was much disliked by Chen Wang, and despite his repeated military feats, he is only a marginalized feudal lord, not even a one-star prince.

Could the person be Chen Cangmang?

Ling Xiao glanced at Yue Fanghua not far away and said, "Fanghua, you and the villagers stay behind me first. If the newcomers are enemies, you should leave first, and I’ll hold them off.

If they’re allies, that’s certainly best."

Yue Fanghua originally wanted to say, "Why do you order me?"

But the words turned into a soft "Hmm."

She didn’t even know why she followed this young man’s words so obediently, which was totally against her character.

"Baffling."

Yue Fanghua shook her head, yet she still followed Ling Xiao’s instruction.

The battle eagles finally landed.

The mighty and majestic battle eagles bore soldiers in black battle armor, looking impressively powerful.

At the forefront was a golden battle eagle.

Upon the eagle was a remarkably heroic young man, seemingly no older than twenty.

Yet the aura he exuded made even Ling Xiao wary.

"This rascal is probably stronger than Chen Cangmang!"

This was Ling Xiao’s first impression.

The young man jumped off the battle eagle and glanced at the mess all over the ground.

Suddenly, he asked, "Did you kill them?"

The voice was indifferent and cold, and no one could guess why he was asking that.

"Indeed!"

Ling Xiao replied flatly.

"Well done! Those beasts in human attire deserved it!"

The young man suddenly shouted, "I am Chen Cangmang. Don’t panic, villagers. The Ling Junhou once saved my life, and I cannot stand by and watch his descendants die tragically!"

It really was Chen Cangmang!

Ling Xiao instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

If there still existed anyone in the Chen Royal Clan who dared to sympathize with the Ling Family, and even openly assist them, it would only be Chen Cangmang.

Upon hearing the name Chen Cangmang, everyone in Ling Family Village seemed to show joyous expressions.

It was a genuine relief.

Although they had spent several years in this valley, they weren’t totally ignorant of the outside world.

They knew what Chen Cangmang had done, and were extremely grateful.

For their sake, this prince defied Chen Wang, achieving countless military feats without ever receiving a reward.

Not even able to return to the imperial capital, he had to continually fight outside.

Even when injured, he received no concern from Chen Wang.

Even his own mother was ignored by Chen Wang because of him; the original imperial concubine was demoted to virtuous concubine, then further demoted to consort.

The palace eunuchs and maids wouldn’t even look directly at his mother.

Yet despite this, the mother and son never forgot the kindness of the Ling Family.

They still remained the only ones in the Chen Dynasty’s royal clan who dared to retain their trust in the Ling Family.

"If you’re here to protect them, you’ve come too late!"

Ling Xiao said coldly.

If he hadn’t unexpectedly encountered Moon Lady and accidentally arrived here, these villagers might have been taken away by people from the Secret Realm Academy.

Thus, he held some dissatisfaction with Chen Cangmang.

"Yes, I am late."

Looking at the corpses of villagers on the ground, at the tragic state of the woman who committed suicide after being humiliated.

Tears of genuine sorrow welled in Chen Cangmang’s eyes.

He knelt on one knee, holding the unfortunate woman, unable to find peace.

Behind him, a hundred soldiers of the Battle Eagle Army quickly dismounted, kneeling on one knee behind their prince, mourning for him.

And mourning for those in Ling Family Village.

"This Chen Cangmang indeed excels in controlling his troops. His people not only show loyalty to him but share a brotherly bond.

No wonder he’s called Warhawk General God, no wonder he’s invincible!"

Although Ling Xiao had some grievances with Chen Cangmang, he had to admit this was an outstanding figure.

Especially his sense of gratitude towards the Ling Family, which even stunned Ling Xiao.

Ordinary people simply couldn’t achieve this level.

Even if sympathizing with the Ling Family, it’d likely be buried deeply rather than expressed.

Yet this man was different; he not only expressed it but displayed it very clearly.

Rather break than bend, perhaps such heroes fit this description.

"Deliver my order, bury the dead souls with honor, throw those beasts’ corpses into the mountains to feed wildlife!"

Gently placing the girl’s body onto the ground, Chen Cangmang covered her with his cloak.

If Wise King Edward Chen Endless performed such an action, it would be filled with hypocrisy and pretentiousness.

However, Chen Cangmang’s actions were so natural, without the slightest pretense or hypocrisy.

Because he genuinely was that kind of person, always acting that way.

This person truly had no guile.

"As ordered!"

The Battle Eagle Army was absolutely disciplined, and it was indeed worthy of being called an iron army.

They quickly sprang into action.

Chen Cangmang then turned to Ling Xiao and said, "Young warrior, I’m afraid this place is no longer a secret.

I expect troops will soon come to besiege, so young warrior should leave first.

As for Ling Family Village’s people, I will arrange for them to go to a safe place."

"Where to?"

Although appreciating Chen Cangmang, it didn’t mean Ling Xiao trusted him.

Ling Xiao always approached with skepticism at first, especially given this was their first meeting.

He didn’t want his carelessness to lead Ling Family Village’s people from the frying pan into the fire.

"I have a dominion city where they should lead good lives."

Chen Cangmang hesitated for a moment; though he felt such details weren’t necessary to tell Ling Xiao, he shared them anyway.

Perhaps out of gratitude for Ling Xiao saving Ling Family Village.

"With your close ties to the Ling Family, I’m sure countless eyes are on you. If they follow you, not only might they perish, but you could also be implicated.

I do have a good place."

Ling Xiao said.

Chen Cangmang also recognized the truth in Ling Xiao’s words, but without a better alternative, he had no choice.

Yet if Ling Xiao’s place was better, he’d willingly send his men to escort them.