Lin Xiu had been a hunter that Zhang Lie specifically requested from Su Feng, and he had been part of the dojo since even before its founding. It had taken Zhang Lie quite some time and effort to convince Su Feng to allow Lin Xiu to remain at the Zenith Dojo, and everyone in the dojo treated him with respect and awe.

As such, his words carried significant authority.

"Master Lin's right. It's best not to publicize this matter; Zhang Lie's simply such an important figure now that, if we act recklessly, things could easily spiral out of control," Zhang Hong murmured in assent.

"Three months without any news? Have you really tried your best? Look at all these missives we've been getting from the research teams of the starbeasts, aquatic, nightdemons, and night spirits! Is this something we'll be able to hide for much longer?"

Zhang Hanxiang buried her face in her hands. Where could her brother be? If he were still in the first realm, how could everyone's search have been fruitless?

Logically, she knew that the others' thoughts were reasonable, but her brother's disappearance had hit her hardest. After all, she was closer to Zhang Lie than everyone else present, and the uncertainty of Zhang Lie's disappearance clawed at her heart.

"Hanxiang, I know you're worried, and if it makes you feel any better, feel free to criticize us for it. To be frank, we're also quite anxious about our captain's disappearance, but as Fang Yi said, there's little we can do now. Even if we were to inform the military, I doubt their searches will bear any fruit—we've searched everywhere we think he could be, and if we haven't found anything..." Yang Ze leaned forward, consoling Zhang Hanxiang.

"Then what of the four alien races?" Zhang Hanxiang didn't want to give up quite yet.

"Kid, they're the ones begging us for a favor. They might be making a fuss now, but anything they do would just hurt themselves!" Lin Xiu replied gruffly.

Indeed, the four races' research teams had just arrived in China. The reason they were making a fuss was because they had yet to see Zhang Lie in person, but as Lin Xiu had stated, the humans had the advantage here.

"In that case, what are we going to do? Just sit here and wait for my brother's return? All of you are my brother's most trusted colleagues and advisors, so please, I'm begging you, think of something!"

Zhang Hanxiang broke down in tears, but before the mood in the conference room could devolve, Zhang Hong let out a shout. 

"Ah, there's news!  Something happened in the Blacksteel settlement today—and a nearby hunter felt the dojo leader's genetic energy!" Zhang Hong was staring at her transceiver.

"Is that information accurate?  Just what happened in the Blacksteel settlement? The last I heard, everyone had evacuated in the aftermath of Zhang Lie's disappearance..." Lin Xiu questioned.

"Yes, absolutely. It's going to reach the media shortly. As for the Blacksteel settlement, there was a huge quake, large pieces of land simply... vanished, and the skies... split apart?" Zhang Hong's voice turned doubtful.

"Voided land and shattered skies?  Are you sure this isn't fake news from some tabloid?" Lin Xiu questioned again. He had the most experience out of all the hunters present, and he knew full well just what sort of energy would be required to cause such a phenomenon.

Everyone turned toward Zhang Hong.

"This is a reliable source that I've personally vetted in the past, and it's never been wrong before," Zhang Hong replied, though even she had to admit it sounded outlandish.

"If this is really the case, then Zhang Lie must be out of secluded cultivation—he must have encountered some enemy or another!" Lin Xiu surmised.

"In that case, what are we waiting for? Let's head to the Blacksteel settlement immediately!" Sun Mengmeng stood up and made to rush toward the teleportation array.

Just as she did so, a familiar voice shouted from right outside the conference room, "There's no need—I've returned!"

The next moment, his figure appeared by the door.

"Brother!" Zhang Hanxiang shouted, rushing toward Zhang Lie.

"Captain!"

"Dojo Leader!

Zhang Lie hugged his sister tightly, knowing how frightened and scared she had to be without him. "Don't worry, I'm back!"

Zhang Hanxiang buried her face in the crook of his shoulder. "It's been three months! Just where were you—I was so scared I'd never see you again!"

"There was an incident, but it's over now. When we have more time later, I'll tell you the story. Alright, stop crying, won't you? I'm back now, and I promise I won't disappear for so long without any word ever again," Zhang Lie consoled her. 

Zhang Hanxiang eventually calmed down and returned to her seat, at which point Zhang Lie faced the others. "I apologize for the lack of communication. An accident occurred while I was in cultivation."

Zhang Lie sincerely apologized to those present in the room, knowing just how much stress they had had to bear during his disappearance.