Staring at the debris that had exploded across the distant sky, Xing Chen could scarcely believe his eyes!

"Incredible. Is this the power of the Glinting Wings?"

"The Phoenix Armor worn by the Bio-Warriors is inherently equipped with the Wings of the Heavenly Phoenix for aerial combat," Lan Ye explained. "The Glinting Wings, however, are one of the ultimate aerial combat techniques from the Moon Shadow Sorcerer God System. Against individual combat units with power levels below 80 points, it achieves instant kills—it is the strongest technique for mass aerial engagement."

"Aerial combat." Xing Chen felt a surge of tension mixed with excitement. He hadn't expected to encounter such an exaggerated mode of warfare upon entering Wolong Villa. "Do all the Guardian Generals inside Wolong Villa possess the ability to fly?"

"Yes. Theoretically, any individual whose Life Field exceeds 50 points will also have a combat power exceeding 50. With this level of combat strength, whether wearing the Thunder Armor or the Phoenix Armor, they can harness powerful Dou Qi energy to activate the Wings of Thunder or the Wings of the Phoenix, thus achieving flight capability!"

"What an outrageous combat method," Xing Chen murmured, stunned. "But... Moon Shadow’s Glinting Wings are truly formidable. I trust I won't need to fear this bizarre fighting style in the future."

"Moon Shadow’s Glinting Wings can only instantly kill units whose combat power is lower than hers. This victory wasn't due to Moon Shadow being overwhelmingly strong, but rather because the enemies being tracked were too weak. The true strength of Wolong Villa is far beyond your current comprehension," Lan Ye cautioned. "You must never let your guard down."

"Understood." Xing Chen’s expression grew solemn. This was merely the beginning. Just how powerful was Wolong Villa? He resolved to see it for himself.

The Western Defense Sector of Wolong Villa! The Silver Castle!

Inside the Grand Hall!

Lieutenant Colonel Qing Cheng! The Guardian God of War, known as one of the Four Heavenly Kings of Wolong Villa, sat rigidly in the central seat, his face deeply grim. Killing intent saturated every inch of space within the hall!

Those seated below were all trembling with fear, daring neither to look up nor even to breathe deeply!

The mysterious intruder had not only defeated Feng Yun, the captain of the patrol squad, but the entire search squad sent after him had been annihilated!

For this arrogant Western Guardian, it was an unbearable loss of face.

Heavy, rapid footsteps approached from afar, tapping out a strange rhythm, like a heavy hammer striking against the minds of everyone present! A tall, upright figure appeared at the entrance of the hall!

Clad in the Phoenix Armor! Wielding the Profound Heaven Blade! It was none other than the Daoist priest Feng Yun, whom Xing Chen had previously defeated!

The already suffocating atmosphere in the hall grew even heavier, making it almost impossible to breathe!

The combination of Feng Yun and Yun Feng was hailed as the strongest experts in the northern section of Wolong Villa, second only to Qing Cheng! They were arguably among the most outstanding Phoenix Battle Generals among the 3048th generation Bio-Warriors in the entire Villa!

Beneath the diamond-shaped golden helmet was a face as exquisite as jade yet possessing a masculine handsomeness! Sword-like brows and star-like eyes! Yet, they radiated a chilling, rebellious, and wicked air! However, at this moment, those eyes, normally full of coldness and wickedness, were filled with a deep-seated, lingering ferocity!

Defeat was an indelible shame for any warrior. Moreover, the twelve-man squad under his command had been utterly wiped out by the mysterious opponent.

"Any findings?" Qing Cheng asked.

"All personnel were incinerated by powerful fire-elemental magic," Feng Yun stated grimly. "And they were all killed instantly; they didn't even have a chance to flee."

"....." Qing Cheng’s face darkened as he fell into thought!

"This subordinate failed in his duty and accepts punishment." Feng Yun admitted.

"Forget it!" Qing Cheng waved his hand dismissively. "This is not your fault. To achieve an instant kill in the air against twelve Thunder Warriors and twelve Level One Thunder Guardian Heroes—that intruder and his Guardian Hero are far from ordinary. If anyone is to blame, it’s only because the search squad was too complacent and reckless."

Feng Yun secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

Seeing that Qing Cheng did not intend to pursue his failure, he quickly reorganized his thoughts and continued: "Analysis of the residual traces at the scene suggests the intruder unleashed an aerial combat technique with a wide area of effect, which is why the search team didn't even have time to retreat." Feng Yun paused here and looked towards Qing Cheng. "Can this subordinate know who the intruder is, and why he possesses such formidable combat strength?"

"His name is Xing Chen," Qing Cheng replied. "According to intelligence provided by Zhan Lang, he is the father of Xing Ye and Xing Zhan, whom Zhan Lang brought back. His Guardian Hero is a Bio-Warrior of the same model series as us—the XY series."

"The same model series?" Feng Yun looked slightly taken aback. "The XY series includes seven models: Qing Cheng, Yu Feng, Xin Yue, Zhan Lang, Feng Yun, Fei Hong, and Moon Shadow. However, that Moon Shadow’s combat power seems even greater than the others of the same model."

"They are somewhat different from us. The first generation XY series, known as the Original XY series, were produced thirty thousand years before us, with a total of twenty-eight units. Thirty thousand years ago, they were deployed to the Mafa Continent alongside the First Pioneer. To enable these Guardian Heroes to adapt to the invasion of external Helios Particles, they were specially equipped with artificial MF Particle Antibodies. Furthermore, to cope with complex combat environments, the early XY series also installed the Gemini Tactical System—an artificial intelligence learning system—and a Conditional Triggered Personality System. The most powerful aspect among these was the Shared Mode, which allows them to share Dou Qi energy with their Principal."

"This means Moon Shadow’s combat power, in addition to her own base strength, can gain extra combat power through sharing with her Principal," Feng Yun inferred.

"Precisely," Qing Cheng confirmed. "The combined combat power of Moon Shadow and Xing Chen maximizes the effectiveness of the Shared Mode. Unlike our fixed combat values set by our programming, the Shared Mode can fluctuate with the Principal's combat strength."

"Fluctuate with the Principal's combat strength?" Feng Yun repeated. "Does this mean her combat strength can increase as the Principal’s strength grows?"

"That is the most marvelous aspect of the Shared Mode: the stronger the Principal, the stronger the Guardian Hero’s combat power. Of course, if the Principal is too weak, the Guardian Hero’s strength cannot be fully utilized—that is also the weakness of the Shared Mode."

"But based on the current situation, Xing Chen, the Principal of Moon Shadow, is certainly no weakling," Feng Yun countered. "He possesses a method to massively increase his combat power in an instant."

Qing Cheng nodded slightly. "And according to the news Zhan Lang brought back, this Xing Chen is the individual with the greatest combat talent on the entire Mafa Continent. He learns and grows at an astonishing speed during combat; he is absolutely an opponent not to be overlooked." Qing Cheng continued, "You could say his combination with Moon Shadow is the most perfect pairing possible."

"However! At their current strength, they are still far from being a match for a Lieutenant Colonel like yourself!" Feng Yun said respectfully.

"That is only temporary," Qing Cheng stated grimly. "They will grow stronger with every battle; they have tremendous potential. If we are careless now, we will regret it immensely in the future."

"Tremendous potential? No wonder the original Zhan Lang hid Xing Ye and only returned Xing Zhan to headquarters," Feng Yun gritted his teeth.

"In exchange for Xing Zhan, headquarters agreed to give the original Zhan Lang a small-scale bio-mechanical enhancement laboratory," Qing Cheng admitted with a flicker of unease. "I truly don't understand why Colonel Xin Yue would agree to such an exchange with Zhan Lang. Doesn't she realize this could bring a far greater hidden danger to Wolong Villa?"

"You mean the original Zhan Lang has a grander scheme in mind?" Feng Yun asked.

"That is certain," Qing Cheng confirmed. "That fellow is ambitious. He likely has his eye on Xing Ye’s body, intending to forcibly take it over using personality transplantation. If he succeeds, it will create another perfect pairing like Xing Chen and Moon Shadow. What confuses me is why Xin Yue would agree to such a request. Is Xing Zhan so exceptionally valuable that Xin Yue is willing to accept such a massive risk?"

"......" Feng Yun also looked bewildered.

"Never mind," Qing Cheng sighed shortly after. "Colonel Xin Yue is not someone who disregards the bigger picture. She must have her reasons for doing this."

Just then, a set of hurried footsteps sounded from outside the hall.

A warrior clad in Thunder Armor quickly entered the hall.

"Report, Lieutenant Colonel Qing Cheng, the intruder’s tracks have been found in the Eighth Western Defense Sector."

"Finally found them?" Qing Cheng shot to his feet. "Xing Chen and Moon Shadow, I, Guang Mu, shall meet you!"

Everyone in the hall was inwardly shocked!

Qing Cheng now seemed like an entirely different person, his entire being radiating a fierce fighting spirit! He strode quickly out of the hall!

"It seems the Lieutenant Colonel can finally enjoy the pleasure of battle," Yun Feng commented.

"Hahaha." Qing Cheng laughed heartily, spirited and bold, then let out a clear shout: "Come out, my brother!"

A flash of red light suddenly appeared, and immediately, a tall figure materialized out of thin air before them—it was Pilu, the Guardian Hero summoned by Guang Mu!

Though not the first time seeing him, upon Pilu’s manifestation, everyone felt suppressed by an overwhelming, ferocious aura that commanded the world, making it hard to draw breath!

"Congratulations on your upcoming victory, Lord," Yun Feng saluted.

Whoosh! Two brown figures simultaneously shot into the air, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

The Great Desert!

Amidst swirling sandstorms, Xing Chen leaned against a wind-sheltered, scorching dune, gasping for breath, resembling an unfortunate dolphin stranded ashore.

Successive fierce battles had pushed both Xing Chen and Moon Shadow to the brink of physical and mental exhaustion. At this moment, he even experienced dizzying, unsettling hallucinations.

Moon Shadow had already been recalled to the Nano-Space for rest!

"Mental and physical reserves are severely depleted," Lan Ye offered the most sensible and correct advice. "Immediate rest is recommended, or fatigue will accelerate and potentially endanger your life."

"I know." Xing Chen struggled to raise his exhausted body and fumbled for the wilderness camping tent from his space pack! Although the desert environment was harsh, Xing Chen was well-prepared, so there was little to worry about.

A simple, temporary tent offering protection from wind and sand was soon erected.

Xing Chen quickly scrambled inside, then rummaged through his space pack for water and dry rations.

Damn it, he thought, I can finally get some decent rest!

Wolong Villa Headquarters!

In the center of the opulent hall, a long table was laden with lavish delicacies.

Yet, Xing Zhan wore an expression heavy with concern!

"Is the food not to your liking, Your Highness Xing Zhan?" Xin Yue asked.

"Where is my brother?" Although he knew Xin Yue likely couldn't answer, Xing Zhan remained unwilling to give up. "And what about my father?"

"I apologize, but I cannot provide information regarding His Highness Xing Ye, as Zhan Lang only handed you over to us. We do not know where Xing Ye was taken. As for your father, he defeated the defending guard Feng Yun in the previous engagement and annihilated all pursuing search teams. Frankly, the sheer strength he exhibited exceeded our expectations."

As expected of Dad, Xing Zhan thought, overjoyed. He can definitely rescue us!

"It seems you have great confidence in his power," Xin Yue noted calmly.

"Of course. My father is the strongest warrior in the world," Xing Zhan stated firmly. "He will certainly rescue us."

"I regret to inform you," Xin Yue countered, "you might be disappointed. Lieutenant Colonel Guang Mu, stationed in the Western Defense Sector, has already located your father. Another fierce battle is imminent. Given Lieutenant Colonel Guang Mu’s combat strength, your father’s probability of victory is exceedingly slim."

"......" Xing Zhan froze on the spot! It was clear Xin Yue had immense confidence in the Lieutenant Colonel named Guang Mu.

And reality suggested that with Xin Yue’s power and the formidable military strength she commanded, defeating his father would be easy. Though his father seemed invincible for a long time, this time he faced Wolong Villa, whose power was unimaginably great. What would the outcome be?

As Xing Zhan pondered this,

The thick wall emitted another dull crack, and immediately, that transparent crystal wall and the giant monster known as the Fire Dragon reappeared before Xing Zhan’s eyes.

"Excuse me," Xin Yue said, standing up and walking toward the crystal wall. "It is time for the Fire Dragon to feed."

"The Fire Dragon feeds?" Xing Zhan felt a flicker of curiosity and approached the crystal wall as well.

On the other side of the shimmering, transparent crystal wall,

The mountain-sized body still pulsed like a giant, beating heart, emitting deep thumping sounds. This strange rhythm even caused Xing Zhan’s chest to involuntarily constrict with the bizarre heartbeat.

"This creature needs to eat too?" At that moment, Xing Zhan recalled the Dark Crimson Demon in the Heart Lake. He wondered which of these two giant beings had the more astonishing appetite.

"The Fire Dragon is a living organic entity; of course, it needs to feed," Xin Yue explained. "And it hasn't reached maturity yet, so its daily caloric intake is enormous. Once it passes its growth phase and enters maturity, it will gain truly immense power."

"Immense power," Xing Zhan questioned. "Wolong Villa’s military strength is already formidable. Do they require even greater force?"

"This kind of power not only possesses destructive capability far exceeding that of Bio-Warriors, but its greater value lies in its ability to alter the topography and the molecular structure of the atmosphere across the entire continent."

"Altering the environment?" Xing Zhan did not fully grasp it.

"Yes. The Fire Dragon was created not for destruction, but to cultivate an environment more suitable for the habitation of the Wolong race," Xin Yue elaborated. "The Mafa Continent, saturated with intensely dense Helios Particles, is unsuitable for the Wolong race. Therefore, thirty thousand years ago, we considered two approaches. One was to find ways to change our own adaptability—following the laws of natural evolution. Thus, thirty thousand years ago, we dispatched the first pioneers to actively seek contact with the civilization of the Mafa world and intermarry with the Mafa humans in the hope of producing descendants adapted to the climate and environment of the Mafa Continent. Unfortunately, that plan seems to have failed. However, that failure provided us with deeper insight into the Mafa Continent's environment! Adapting to nature proved infeasible; we had to resort to transforming nature. This became our second plan: Transforming Nature. The core gene of the Fire Dragon is derived from a strange organism called Volcanic Coral Worm, which exhibits a strong absorption capability for Helios Particles. After discovering this unique absorptive trait of the Volcanic Coral Worm, we acquired its gene and then artificially rearranged it, ultimately producing this massive creature known as the Fire Dragon. Once it reaches maturity, we can release it into the outside world. There, it will burrow underground, eventually taking on a seed form, and then enter a second, plant-like growth phase, developing vast expanses of strange forests. This would infinitely magnify the Volcanic Coral Worm’s powerful absorption of Helios Particles—it wouldn't be impossible to absorb every last Helios Particle in the atmosphere!"

"The world is so vast. Just relying on this one creature," Xing Zhan expressed some doubt, "can it absorb all the particles in the world?"

"One alone certainly cannot," Xin Yue replied. "But once it enters its mature form and establishes a stable gene chain fragment, we can infinitely replicate identical clones. If one is insufficient, then two, three, or even millions!"

"......" Xing Zhan was stunned. This was the first time he had ever heard of such a mad and audacious plan.

Yet, in that instant, Xing Zhan suddenly recalled the bizarre environment in the Demon Dragon World, where it was rumored that a single ancient Demon Dragon had, by its own power, transformed the area to suit the survival of Demon Dragon life. And this creature was supposedly the ancestor of all Demon Dragon life—surely the scale of environmental modification it could achieve would be even more staggering! Even if one wasn't enough, what about two, or thousands upon thousands? If such a terrifying swarm of creatures suddenly appeared across the continent, the people of Wolong Villa wouldn't even need to lift a finger; these monsters alone would be enough to kill all human beings! He remembered how previously, just one Demon Dragon Cult Master and one Dark Demon Dragon Cult Master had thrown the entire continent into chaos. Now, Wolong Villa harbored an even more insane and terrifying plan! Thinking of this, a cold sweat broke out all over Xing Zhan!