Twelve people in total, occupying twelve positions, seemingly random, yet they could both attack and defend, trapping the trench coat man with the feeling of having no escape.

The vest-wearing man stared at the trench coat man and said, "It's most important to defeat the opponent as quickly as possible. Knowing we are the Dragon Tooth Squad, who exactly are you to come here?"

The trench coat man glanced around at everyone, coldly smiled, "What? You don't recognize the brothers who fought side by side with you back then?"

With that, the trench coat man suddenly removed the hat on his head, revealing his face.

Or more precisely, a face covered with a metal mask.

Under his eyes, on the location of his lips, lay a metal mask, its cold and hard surface gleaming with a chilling light, engraved with eerie patterns that made it appear terrifying.

It was obvious that this mask wasn't fastened onto his face with anything, but seemed nailed directly into his bones!

What could compel someone to wear such a mask for a lifetime, is unknown.

The vest-wearing man stared wide-eyed at the face, in disbelief, "Zhou Botao? Zhou Botao! Is that you?"

The others also approached, scrutinizing the man with the mask.

Zhou Botao glanced at them, a trace of nostalgia in his eyes, but mostly a chilling indifference, "It's me!"

The vest-wearing man grabbed Zhou Botao, filled with excitement, "Damn! You fool! Where have you been all these years? We searched several hospitals but found no trace of you, it was like you vanished!"

Zhou Botao calmly looked at the vest-wearing man and said, "Jian Feng, you're the captain now?"

Jian Feng frowned and replied, "No, I'm just acting! "

Without Yang Chen, Dragon Tooth has no captain, just an acting one!

"Forget it! Let's not talk about that, come inside! We haven't seen each other in years. How did you find this place?" Jian Feng appeared joyful, calling out to the others, "Let's celebrate the fool's return today, we'll drink till we drop!"

"Okay!" The remaining eleven cheered enthusiastically.

For them, the feelings toward Zhou Botao were identical to Jian Feng's, they were comrades who shared life and death, friendships forged by blood.

Zhou Botao said coolly, "No, now I go by Iron Mask!"

"Iron Mask…" Jian Feng was taken aback, staring at the mask on Zhou Botao's face, hesitating to speak.

He knew Zhou Botao must have a reason for wearing this mask.

Yet, since Zhou Botao didn't speak of it, he felt it was not his place to ask.

"Alright! Iron Mask! Today we drink till we drop!" Jian Feng pulled Zhou Botao along.

Zhou Botao shrugged off Leng Feng, speaking solemnly, "No need, I have other matters to attend to today!"

Leng Feng frowned deeply.

In fact, he harbored many suspicions and doubts, but chose not to voice them.

First, their Dragon Tooth Squad's secret base was extremely confidential, unknown to others.

How did Zhou Botao know to come here?

Moreover, what was Zhou Botao's purpose here?

These were inherently suspicious points.

Given Zhou Botao's current attitude, it was clear he wanted to reveal something.

Jian Feng sighed, quietly observing Zhou Botao, mentally preparing himself for whatever might come.

After all, Zhou Botao had been gone for a long time, they knew not what changes had occurred in him.

Zhou Botao fixed his gaze on Jian Feng, "If your leader was in great danger now, could you still down your drink?"

"Wh-what?" Jian Feng was taken aback, staring at Zhou Botao.

The others also fixed their gazes sharply, eyes like arrows, almost piercing Zhou Botao through.

"Who are you referring to?" Only one person could be considered their leader by Zhou Botao.

But Leng Feng knew their leader had sacrificed himself three years ago!

Zhou Botao laughed coldly, staring at Leng Feng, "Leng Feng, stop pretending around me, Yang Chen is back, don't you know?"

"What!" Leng Feng's eyes widened in disbelief, face full of shock.

The rest reacted with startled exclamations.

One person, more agitated than the rest, grabbed Zhou Botao by the collar, glaring fiercely at him, "Zhou Botao! If you dare joke about the leader, I'll damn well chop you up and feed you to the dogs!"

Zhou Botao shot a glance at him, gave a cold chuckle, "Mastiff, your pups can't digest me!"

Mastiff glared at Zhou Botao, drawing a dagger, pointing it at Zhou Botao's throat, coldly announcing, "Then I'll slaughter you and toss you in the pot right now!"

Mastiff's eyes glinted fiercely, ready to strike at any moment.

Jian Feng took a deep breath, pulling Mastiff away, and focused on Zhou Botao, saying, "Fool... Iron Mask, you must give me a perfect explanation, or don't blame us for turning against you!"

Although three years had passed, a cloud still hung over the hearts of the entire Dragon Tooth Squad.

Even though Dragon Tooth stands at the pinnacle of Flame Country, at the top of the world, becoming a legend, a myth-like existence, they know well that all this was granted by one person. Without him, they would be nothing now!

Therefore, this matter is taboo for the Dragon Tooth Squad, and anyone daring to touch it would learn the consequences of violating their dragon's reverse scale.

Zhou Botao also frowned, addressing Jian Feng, "Yang Chen has returned two months ago, yet you don't know?"

"Zhou Botao!" Jian Feng roared, his eyes bloodshot, glaring at Zhou Botao furiously, "I ask you what exactly is going on, if you dare spew nonsense again! Believe it or not, I'll kill you right now!"

He would absolutely not allow anyone to spread rumors using Yang Chen's name!

Zhou Botao watched Jian Feng's furious look, feeling compelled to frown.

He had witnessed such a look in the past, during a time their squad lost three brothers, Jian Feng kneeled on the ground roaring with this very expression.

No matter how it looked, it couldn't be a lie.

Zhou Botao spoke solemnly, "Jian Feng, I'm not lying, Yang Chen really has come back!"

Bang!

Jian Feng swung his fist fiercely, striking Zhou Botao's jaw.

Zhou Botao felt like he was struck by a heavy hammer, his whole body flew backwards, landing three meters away.

In the instant Zhou Botao hit the ground, several people moved in, instantly subduing him, pressing him to kneel before Jian Feng.

Jian Feng came over, taking the dagger from Mastiff's hand, squatting down, pressing it to Zhou Botao's throat, "Zhou Botao, I'm telling you now, I don't know what you're thinking, or what grudge you hold. But I can clearly tell you, after you left, during our battle with the Three Black Corps, the leader shielded us alone against their assault, allowing us to survive, but he sacrificed himself!"

Hearing this, Zhou Botao's eyes widened.

He found it hard to believe Jian Feng's words, because he had seen Yang Chen with his own eyes, how could he possibly be dead?

"Now, Yang Chen's been gone nearly three years, his death anniversary is approaching, and now you show up… it's a disgrace to our Dragon Tooth! Besides… the leader was posthumously honored with the rank of Minor Captain… Once you're underground, pay him your respects properly!"

As he finished speaking, Jian Feng swung the dagger in his hand.

Zhou Botao's eyes widened, shouting, "Wait! Stop!"