The group didn't respond but subtly adjusted their positions, quietly surrounding the young man.

The Phoenix Society leader remained calm and smiling, saying, "To put it simply, I admire your strength. I'm inviting you to join our Free Nation, where we can offer you better conditions than Great Xia."

Lin Fan tightened his grip on the saber.

Dao Wanqian, expressionless, said, "You might not understand, but we people of Great Xia are traditional. We believe in returning to our roots."