At midnight that day, the Flame Legion suddenly received a Heavenly Communication from the Military Department demanding the immediate release of the hostage. Feng Yi responded simply by saying, "I don't have her."

Hmm, the Li Family? I'd like to see what tricks you can pull. You want a person? Who gave you the courage to ask? Trade resources for her, then.

The meaning of General Greedy Wolf was clear. He did not know about this, and even if he did, he was powerless and had no right to interfere. But in consideration of his own face, he suggested releasing the person as soon as possible. Why, one might wonder? Perhaps his pride was not as valuable as it seemed. Or maybe Greedy Wolf was just a simple mouthpiece for someone else's wishes.

The next day, an elder from the Li Family personally visited the Flame Legion headquarters.

Despite the warm hospitality, each time Feng Yi was asked about Barbara, his answer was always the same, "I don't have her". Let's talk about the war instead. He was a man of no significant abilities; it was the duty of every citizen to step up in times of crisis. As the Flame Legion was expanding during this tumultuous period, it required significant resources. If the Li Family could sponsor them, he wouldn't mind having the Flame Legion help search for the missing person.

Upon hearing this, the elder's face turned a shade of pale green. He let out a cold huff and stormed off.

On the third day, the head of the family, Bu Jia, paid a visit. Unlike his predecessor, he forced a smile and asked Feng Yi how many resources he needed.

Considering the current maximum strength of the Flame Legion was 27,000, he demanded 27 million Federal Coins. That was simply robbery.

That afternoon, Barbara, who had been held hostage by the Flame Legion for three days under the charge of kidnapping a hero, was finally set free. The Military Department did not respond to this. Even Bu Jia, the Li Family's high-ranking member, did not dare to easily offend a high-ranking commander like Feng Yi, who had not only demonstrated exceptional achievements in the field but also possessed strong personal abilities. They were unsure of the aftermath if they pushed him too far.

On the other end of the phone call, was Bu Jia's furious roar, "Why did you have to offend him, of all people? Do you know how much privately sponsored aid was given to the Flame Legion by the Li family in order to secure her release? 27 million Federal Coins! That amounts to 27 billion in currency; this is our family business's entire year's earnings."

As Bu Jia spoke, his anger grew, "Barbara, do you know who he is? He is a Special Envoy with the power to make unilateral decisions. Even if he had shot you then, it would have been a trivial matter for him to make up charges against you. Do you know what the Hero Medal means? Federal law has no control over people like him."

At last, Bu Jia let out a deep sigh, a sentence left unspoken. He knew that a common characteristic amongst those who came from the front lines of war was their aggression and fearlessness. If they upset Feng Yi and he used his armed forces to take action against them, he could easily label the Li family as rebels. It wouldn't be the first time that a rebellion had broken out in the federation.

With money came the ability to fund military expenditures. Feng Yi, leading an independent fighting unit under the federation that was not directly controlled by the Military Department, didn't want to burden the federation unnecessarily. Thus, he decided to manage his little 'family' in his own way. He looked forward to people sending him 'gifts' every now and then.

However, others saw this group as nothing more than a band of pirates. Although the Li Family's contributions to the federation were not significant, this was due to long-standing traditions. The Flame Legion, on the other hand, not only robbed space pirates and Saudis, but also targeted the Federation's Right Faction. Soon, the various infamous deeds of the Flame Legion quickly spread amongst the higher-ups of the Military Department...

They occupied military facilities and underwent training like mock soldiers - waking up at 8:00 AM, smoking at 8:30 AM, starting physical discipline at 9:00 AM and ending by 9:00 PM. Additionally, the platoon leader, who was referred to as "Powder Keg," would occasionally call for an emergency assembly in the middle of the night. Their actions caused the soldiers in nearby barracks to complain about sleep deprivation. These ruffians had become a malignant tumor.

Some said that this fighting unit was simply a band of pirates. Their composure and demeanor were often unbearably sloppy, resulting in a course of constant arguments and backbiting in the dining hall. No one wanted to share quarters with such a unit, nor were they inclined to pay attention to their daily training regime.

What was more infuriating was that the Federation's higher-ups actually had a soft spot for such a fighting unit. In Feng Yi's second week back on the Capital Planet, the Flame Legion received a challenge invitation from Colonel Aldrich.

However, when Aldrich saw the Flame Legion's lively training in person, he was flabbergasted. After several days of observation, Aldrich found their everyday training routine to be thorough. The 20km weighted run every morning was a tradition the Flame Legion had always upheld. This was followed by mech training in the afternoon, physical training and free fighting. In the evening, there was compelling battlefield knowledge and virtual combat practice, where their practice opponent was none other than the Legion Commander, Feng Yi.

During everyday training, these ruffians exhibited more enthusiasm than their counterparts in other units, sweating more than others. Under John's inspiring battle cries, even if they were knocked down time and again, officers would curse them, forcibly pull them up, and then, once the training ended, mingle with them like brothers while laughing and joking.

At the end of every day's training regime, the members of the Flame Legion were completely spent. Perhaps, others did not think much of their unique training methods. They didn't need to be exceptional, just competent when it mattered most.

After just a few days of covert observation, Aldrich had gathered a wealth of information. Perhaps it was because of their drastic lifestyle contrast that such a rebellious troop was born. Their robust bodies seemed tinged with an untamed spirit. On weekends, they would dress in casual clothes, head out onto the streets in high spirits, or simply hire prostitutes for some release.

They loved to eat abundantly, drink heavily, discuss women and the dreams they had for their future lives. Unfortunately, due to the influx of refugees, the cost of housing in the Capital had surged. Fortunately, upon joining the Flame Legion, they were better off than in other units where several years of service couldn't even earn them enough for a place to live.

Once a person found a place where they felt they belonged, they also found hope. As for the Freedom Fighters who didn't manage to join the Flame Legion, they were swiftly resettled by Feng Yi within days at Freedom Port in Maraca. It didn't matter whether it was the Blade Warriors who needed workers or the Reward Guild, they were significantly more efficient than the local civilians.

It had been a long time since he had contacted his old friends. When he finally dialed Sheng Qiangwei's number, Feng Yi didn't even know what to say to her. Should he talk about home, work, or love? No, Sheng Qiangwei had never really experienced true love. As her boyfriend, Feng Yi felt that he had been irresponsible.

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