The elder, however, didn't take it seriously and gestured for his disciples to keep quiet. He didn't even pay attention to the previous speaker, instead noticing a rare glimpse of tranquility on the new students' faces—only to see it quickly replaced by worry. "Children, are you here to sign up too?"

The six newbies who had just pushed the door open were completely at a loss, clueless about what had happened and could only nod their heads in confusion…

Before the elder could continue, the middle-aged man spoke in a sarcastic tone, "This martial arts academy has been kicked out so many times I've lost count; even its signboard is nearly rotten. I'd advise you to find another place."

The students were silent, unsure of what to do…

"Mr. Sanshan, you should at least act the part of an elite disciple from the Jade Clear Sect of a reputable family. What's this, you're meddling in others' affairs?"

"Hahaha…" Upon hearing this, the man let out a sinister laugh. "I'm just telling the truth. Is there anything wrong with that? Or, do you really want to frame the Jade Clear Sect for being ignorant of etiquette?"

The elder furrowed his brows suddenly, as this was an accusation he couldn't just accept. The man's words were indirectly using the formidable power of the Jade Clear Sect as a shield; however, at that moment, another voice suddenly shattered the silence, "So what if we say that the Jade Clear Sect has no understanding of etiquette?"

Who dared to be so bold? As the voice ceased, a federally dressed soldier with the rank of major barged into the room.

It was Apophis. Upon seeing the newcomer, the elder was both pleased and anxious, knowing that some things should not be said.

When the man saw the military-dressed Apophis, his brow furrowed at first, then it dawned on him—the distinctive uniform of the Flaming Legion. He clearly remembered the soldiers who had raided the capital of Saudi just days before; they had worn the same kind of uniform.

The man said, "And who might you be?"

"My name is Apophis, I'm a soldier, and this is my home. What, you think you can waltz into the owner's house and take over?" At that moment, Apophis stood impressively, his gaze sweeping over the martial arts academy's nostalgic decorations without giving the man known as Sanshan more than a glance.

"Child…" The elder began to speak but was immediately silenced by a look from Apophis, who wore a smile. Seeing Apophis at ease with a confident smile was a clear sign that he had an unexpected card up his sleeve.

"Hehe, so it's the young master of the house after all, my apologies…"

Sanshan's speech had become noticeably more respectful, and his mind was rapidly filtering through other issues. The Flaming Legion had recently purged the local mafia, and now, out of the blue, a major claiming to be from the Sherman family had arrived.

It wasn't Apophis that he feared, but rather the uniform he wore. Under the leadership of Special Envoy General Feng Yi, this iron-blooded lion from the borderlands had achieved nothing but glorious victories, conquering every battle. The man's small academy was nothing in comparison; even the Jade Clear Sect on Immortal Mountain would probably be left with nothing after a Flaming Legion surge.

The six newly graduated students were even more overcome with excitement, buzzing with chatter like birds. They were standing in the presence of the federal iron-blooded lions, heroes of the federation. They had never imagined that upon arriving on Icebird Star, they would stand so close to the warriors of the Flaming Legion.

"You, you're really a Flaming Legion soldier?"

To the fresh graduates' questions, Apophis simply smiled silently, his gaze shifting to Sanshan. "Let's go. You are not welcome here, never."

Sanshan seemed to find his footing in that moment, responding with a faint smile, "Guests are to be treated with respect. Can the Flaming Legion really just drive people away on a whim?"

Apophis also laughed, ignoring him and politely suggesting to the new students that if they truly wished to enroll, they should go and handle the necessary procedures.

Upon hearing this, they of course wanted to go. Damn, what kind of place was the Flaming Legion? That was General Feng Yi's legion—how could his soldiers be weak? The students rushed off eagerly, and only then did Apophis take his time to formulate his words again, "I'll say it once more, leave."

The hidden sects were notoriously tough; it would have been enough to let them down gently, but, having heard the implicit threat, the man couldn't back down and said, "What if I don't leave?"

With a whistle from Apophis, a countless number of armed Flaming soldiers flooded in from outside. They were fully armed, guns loaded, and quickly surrounded the group…

What kind of military unit was this? The man knew that the Flaming Legion wasn't playing games; they were veterans battle-hardened by war, no strangers to violence and bloodshed. When they said they would fight, they meant it.

The group immediately raised their hands, not trying to resist.

"Old K, I'll leave this to you. Please show them out," said Apophis, before leaving without looking back.

The soldiers still didn't lower their weapons, their modern, advanced laser arms locked onto the group with countless points of light. Sanshan and his black-clothed companions had never expected the elite forces of the Flaming Legion to be stationed outside.

The soldier called Old K, a man whose body was covered in muscle, had a gaze that might not have been fierce but was certainly cold—a look one avoided unless they had truly faced death.

"Please."

With a stiff upper lip, Sanshan stepped forward… but before his foot could hit the ground, Old K's boot pinned him against the wall with a thud! No one could imagine the force behind that kick; Sanshan nearly vomited blood. The combative quality of these soldiers was so ferocious that even he couldn't react in time—not that he would have dared to dodge, anyway.

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