"Not yet," Michael Hornig shook his head. "The surveillance footage only captured them getting into a Land Rover, and they disappeared from the cameras at a blind spot on the outskirts."
"Did they leave any message?" Stout asked.
"No," Michael shook his head again. "Throughout the encounter, those three individuals never uttered a single word."
"In fact, it's strange. Although they came for Azure Fang, they didn't seem to have the intention to kill him. After severely injuring him, they left. In that situation, if they had truly intended to kill, none of us would have escaped." Michael added after a momentary pause.
"Boss, it may not be so simple. They probably have other motives." Stout thought for a moment and said to Billy.
"Hmm," Billy's gaze turned cold as he nodded. He had already suspected as much when he learned that Azure Fang had only been seriously injured.
Around midnight, Judge and the other three members of the team arrived in Celestiford. Upon seeing Azure Fang's condition, Frostblade wore a worried expression and sat by Azure Fang's bedside, holding his hand with tears welling up in her eyes. Night Orchid and the other two also had solemn expressions, clearly concerned.
"Boss, what exactly happened?" Night Orchid asked.
"Orchid, let me explain," Stout responded. He then recounted everything that had happened over the past few days to the four of them.
"This is most likely the work of the Cloud-Stepping Sect." Judge said with a grim tone after hearing Stout's account. "Boss, after we heal Azure Fang's injuries tomorrow, let's head straight to the door of Cloud-Stepping Sect and crush their sect."
"Boss, should we send someone to surround Cloud-Stepping Sect in advance?" Night Orchid suggested.
"Not for now, we'll decide tomorrow." Billy shook his head.
The next morning, at around 9 AM, the group of eight people boarded a helicopter to head to the location of the Crimson Sun Sect in the southwestern mountains of Celestiford. The helicopter touched down in an open area at the base of the mountain.
"Who are you people?" Four men in Daoist robes approached as Billy and his group reached the entrance of the Crimson Sun Sect, asking with suspicion.
"I am Billy Gardner, the leader of SHADOW. I've come to meet the Sect Master of the Crimson Sun Sect, please announce my arrival." Billy said.
"SHADOW's people?" The leader among the four men furrowed his brows. "We have always had a good relationship with SHADOW. Why are you here, may I ask?"
It seemed that they hadn't heard of Commander Gardner.
"To be honest, my brother was injured by the Icy Soul Dark Palm, so we came here to request assistance. I hope you can understand the urgency." Billy explained.
"Hmm?" The leader glanced at Azure Fang on the stretcher. "You can wait here. I will inform our Sect Master. However, whether or not he will meet with you, I cannot guarantee."
"Thank you." Answered Billy.
About ten minutes later, footsteps echoed, and an old man in a gray robe led a group of people towards them.
"Grand Elder," the four men quickly approached the old man.
"Hmm," the elder nodded slightly. Then, leading the group, he walked about 50-60 meters away from Billy and the others and slightly bowed.
"I am the Grand Elder of the Crimson Sun Sect, Chas Carter, I pay respects to Commander Gardner." He said.
The four men on the scene who had previously confronted Billy and his group gasped, their faces filled with shock. Never had they expected that the legendary Commander Gardner would be standing in front of them. They were secretly relieved that they hadn't been too tough on him earlier; otherwise, it would have been a disaster.
"It's a honor to meet you, Elder Carter." Billy replied. "My brother was injured by the Icy Soul Dark Palm. We heard that Crimson Flame of your sect could heal such injuries, so we came to seek your help. We apologize for any inconvenience we may have caused."
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