Although deeply reluctant, Xingchen truly had no recourse at the moment other than to vent his frustration!
That decisive, lightning strike earlier had drained a considerable amount of Dou Qi energy, and his physical strength was severely overdrawn. It seemed he needed to leave this place as soon as possible, or running into anyone else now would spell serious trouble!
Having made up his mind, Xingchen didn't hesitate. His figure flickered slightly, and he ascended high into the air, his target remaining the East where the sun rose.
After a considerable interval, from a dune not far from the previous battle site, a battered figure crawled out! It was the mysterious Taoist who had narrowly escaped death earlier!
While the fierce combat had allowed him to survive, it had also left him gravely wounded; he was now barely clinging to half a life! This kind of crushing defeat was something he had never encountered before!
"Damn bastard, nearly causing this lord to kick the bucket!" The mysterious Taoist glared with utter unwillingness in the direction Xingchen and Yueying had vanished: "Speaking of which, what kind of monster is this guy, to be able to instantly boost his internal Dou Qi intensity and unleash the Thunderous Strike!"
One needed to know that the Thunderous Strike was not a technique any mere Biogenetic Warrior could execute. It was directly tied to the core abilities of the Biogenetic Warrior; only when the core abilities reached a certain specific limit could this terrifying combined skill be unleashed.
In the Wolong Manor, there circulated six widely recognized most powerful combined skills, namely: Soul Rend Slash, Thunderous Strike, Fire Dragon Aura, Doomsday Judgment, Star Splitting Chop, and Soul Devouring Swamp.
For a Warrior and Hero combination capable of executing these six ultimate skills, even within the entire Wolong Manor, there were only twelve such pairs!
These twelve individuals were terrifying existences known as the Wolong Famous Generals!
They were also the strongest guardian war generals within the Wolong Manor.
Had he not witnessed it with his own eyes, he would never have believed this fellow possessed terrifying combat power rivaling that of the Wolong Famous Generals!
It seemed he needed to inform the Sector Search Squad and Headquarters immediately!
Wolong Manor Headquarters!
"Advanced civilization replaces backward civilization," Xinyue stated. "Superior species replace inferior species; this is the law of natural evolution. The Wolong Clan superseding the Mafa Humans is the natural outcome of evolution."
"Utter nonsense," Xing Zhan retorted. "If that is so, why have you still been unable to adapt to the external environmental changes and are forced to hide within this Wolong Manor."
"That is because the time is not yet ripe," Xinyue explained. "However, the appearance of you and your elder brother indicates that the Wolong Clan is capable of producing new life forms that adapt to external changes. This shows that the laws of nature have not abandoned us; we are destined to become the masters of the continent. The resurgence of Wolong Civilization upon the continent is an inevitable result."
"......" Zhan was utterly stunned, finding himself unable to formulate a rebuttal for a time.
"The Wolong Clan possesses civilization and technology far surpassing this era, as well as a more complete social system. No matter how you compare us, we are far superior to the current Mafa Civilization. What could possibly be wrong with us taking charge of the Mafa Continent?"
"I see," Zhan said deeply. "But if that is the case, it necessitates the eradication of the existing Mafa Humans, which includes my own kin and the citizens of the Empire. Do you truly believe I would agree to cooperate with you!" Zhan forcibly suppressed the anger nearly consuming him. "Does possessing a more advanced civilization and technology, coupled with superior military might, grant the legitimacy to indiscriminately destroy other races and civilizations? To put it plainly, you are nothing more than a group of inferior races filled with ambition and violence, yet you speak of invasion with such pompous righteousness."
"......" Faced with Zhan's barrage of rebuttals, Xinyue was momentarily stunned into silence.
"I will absolutely never cooperate with you. Let me leave this place," Zhan declared righteously.
"I regret to inform you, you cannot leave here," Xinyue responded.
"You..." Zhan glared furiously at Xinyue.
"Your Highness Zhan, you must become one of us," Xinyue’s calm tone carried an undeniable firmness and conviction. "No! More accurately, you must become our leader."
"Leader?" Zhan could hardly believe what he was hearing.
"The remaining members of the Wolong Clan have only survived due to artificial interference in their genetic sequencing," Xinyue explained. "Although in one sense we are still Wolong Clan humans, we are fundamentally different from true humans because we have lost the capacity for natural evolution. The most terrifying consequence of artificially altering gene sequences is the loss of the most basic reproductive ability as living beings. At this rate, our species will inevitably face complete extinction. As surviving Wolong Clan humans, you and your brother bear the obligation and necessity to shoulder the historical mission of rebuilding Wolong Civilization."
"..............." Even the usually straightforward Zhan was completely astonished by this turn of events, which sounded like something out of a fantastic tale.
Just as Zhan was searching for a more suitable reason to object!
Amidst hurried footsteps, a female warrior clad in armor strode quickly into the main hall.
"Report, Colonel Xinyue." The female warrior snapped to attention and saluted formally. "The Ninth Western Sector has detected intruders."
Ah! Intruders! A flash of wild joy sparked in Zhan’s eyes. Could his father have arrived?
Xinyue, however, remained outwardly calm, seemingly unconcerned by such matters. "What is the situation? Were the intruders apprehended?"
"No," the female warrior hesitated slightly. "Because..."
"What happened?" A hint of displeasure crossed Xinyue’s placid expression.
"In fact, something almost unbelievable has occurred," the female warrior quickly reported. "The intruders defeated the sector’s guardian general, Major Fengyun, even slaying Fengyun’s Guardian Hero on the spot. After that, the intruders advanced toward Headquarters."
"What? Even Fengyun was defeated?" Xinyue’s calm façade finally betrayed a sliver of panic. "Order a full city alert! Dispatch the search teams! We must find these intruders!"
In the desert!
The Fengyun Squad, dispatched under orders to search the Western Sector, consisted of twelve individuals. They were all composed of high-caliber Thunder-rank Biogenetic Warriors and their Guardian Heroes.
Although in terms of single combat ability they could not match an elite general like Fengyun, what they excelled at was coordinated warfare involving group offense and defense. Even when facing a Phoenix-rank general whose overall strength significantly surpassed theirs, they could contend with them.
After Fengyun was defeated by Xingchen, they immediately received orders to move out and track the intruders.
Utilizing the precise sensing capabilities of their biological radar, they quickly caught up to Xingchen and Yueying.
"There are still pursuers," Xingchen muttered in surprise upon seeing over a dozen figures rapidly approaching.
"Biological radar detects twelve targets, average combat power of 60 points, total combat power exceeding seventy thousand. Tactical computer probability analysis suggests our current status gives us a twenty-two percent chance of victory. Recommendation: immediate withdrawal."
"Only a two-tenths chance of winning?" Xingchen frowned. Using his strongest Thunderous Strike earlier had consumed too much Dou Qi and magic power. Even his physical stamina was severely depleted. Both Xingchen and Yueying had not had time to recover; they were currently at their most vulnerable state.
"Looks like we have no choice but to run," Xingchen and Yueying simultaneously increased their flight speed.
Swish swish swish!
In an instant, across the wind-swept desert, more than a dozen blurred figures streaked past like lightning.
"Haha, they're trying to escape," the pursuing Thunder-rank warriors exclaimed excitedly. "It looks like they were badly wounded in the previous fight too."
"I'd like to see what kind of person could defeat our Captain."
"Hurry up! Don't let them get away!"
"But didn't Captain say we should report the target's location immediately?"
"Yeah, he’s a formidable expert who even beat the Captain!"
"Idiot! Can’t you see their current life force readings are only 40 points and 24 points? They’re practically defenseless! How can we pass up an opportunity like this?"
"Right! Seizing this rare chance will earn us great merit!"
Everyone simultaneously flapped the Thunder Wings on their backs!
Boom! Rumble! Their flight speed surged again, and in the blink of an eye, they closed in on the rapidly fleeing Yueying and Xingchen!
"Entering effective attack range."
"Fireball!"
"Lightning Spell!"
Long-range offensive magic, like guided missiles, shot toward the targets with astonishing speed!
Magic attacks!
Xingchen’s expression shifted slightly! But he quickly devised a plan!
Have Yueying fly ahead; I will block the magical attacks coming from behind!
"Yes!" Yueying accelerated abruptly, flying to Xingchen's front, the two forming a straight line. This sudden change meant that any attack from behind aiming for Yueying would first have to destroy Xingchen's defenses.
Almost simultaneously with their change in formation!
Boom! Rumble! A series of Lightning Spells and Fireballs slammed violently into Xingchen's body!
"Ah! That hurts!" Although Xingchen, as a Soul Devourer Body, was immune to the effects of magic, the sheer impact force of the magical explosions still shook him so violently he nearly spat blood.
"This can't go on," Although he could withstand their attacks thanks to the Soul Devourer Body, constant evasion wasn't a sustainable solution!
"Yueying's magic recovery requires two more minutes," Lan Ye reported. "If we can hold out until Yueying’s magic is fully restored, our winning probability will increase significantly."
"Two minutes?" Xingchen said. "Alright, I will cover Yueying for these two minutes."
As he spoke, another barrage of overwhelming magic rained down from behind!
Xingchen had no choice but to forcibly circulate the residual Dou Qi energy within his body to raise a Dou Qi Shield, while simultaneously urging the miraculous Nine Dragons Body Protection technique to recover his internal Dou Qi energy as quickly as possible.
Boom! Rumble!
Another series of dull explosions—the astonishingly fast lightning bolts and fireballs—although many were cleverly avoided by Xingchen and Yueying, several still slammed hard against Xingchen's back.
The successive explosions and impacts subjected Xingchen to intense suffering!
Yet, even so, this continuous wave of attacks failed to knock Xingchen and Yueying from the sky!
"What terrifying defense," the relentlessly pursuing Fengyun Squad members all turned pale with shock!
"Even Qingcheng, who is famed for having the strongest defense, couldn't possibly withstand such dense magical assault without damage."
"What kind of monster is that guy?"
"Damn it! Take this—my strongest Sky-Extinguishing Fire!" The leading Flame God and his Mage Hero simultaneously launched their strongest magical attack.
Whoosh! Two scarlet flames collided fiercely and then coalesced into a monstrous, clawing flame dragon! It hurtled toward Xingchen with astonishing speed!
Ah! Such a potent magical fluctuation! Even more terrifying was the sheer area of the attack—if he dodged, Yueying would surely be annihilated!
Damn it, I have to take this head-on!
Boom! Rumble! This Sky-Extinguishing Fire Dragon, whose speed and power were both monstrous, slammed violently into Xingchen's back.
The resulting explosion's shockwave sent Xingchen flying forward uncontrollably, like a kite with a snapped string, far into the distance!
It hurt so much! Even the Soul Devourer Body, taking a hit from such a Sky-Extinguishing Fire Dragon, felt its very organs shatter from the violent explosive force! He almost couldn't maintain his flight posture!
"Yueying finished yet?" Xingchen roared in vexation.
"Twenty seconds left," Lan Ye reported.
"Twenty seconds, damn it, I'll risk it all," Xingchen began once more to squeeze the meager remnants of Dou Qi energy in his body to endure this agonizing moment!
Ninth Western Sector!
In the Biogenetic Recovery Ward! Fengyun, lying in the biogenetic medical pod, finally opened his eyes!
He could feel a small amount of power returning to his body. Although his head was still spinning and his entire body ached intensely, his life had finally been saved!
"It seems your bodily functions have recovered," the female Daoist priest wearing a luminous robe, responsible for the biogenetic medical care, said. "However, full recovery will require three days of recuperation. Please rest peacefully until then."
"What about Yunfeng?" Yunfeng was Fengyun's Guardian Hero, killed on the spot by Xingchen while protecting him. Recalling that terrifying scene still sent shivers down Fengyun’s spine.
"Rest assured," the female Daoist said. "Although his physical body was utterly destroyed, fortunately, his memory chip is intact. A new biogenetic body can be created, and Yunfeng can be revived."
"That was close," Fengyun finally let out a long sigh of relief. "What about the intruder? Did the search squad find anything?"
"The search squad has located the intruder's whereabouts," the female Daoist replied. "According to the relayed intelligence, the search squad has engaged the intruder in combat!"
"What?" Fengyun’s face changed dramatically. "Didn't I tell those idiots not to engage the enemy directly, only to report their location?"
"However, the intelligence indicated that the intruder appeared to be severely wounded from the previous confrontation with you, Major, and their combat power was significantly reduced. That’s why the search squad decided to attempt an arrest." The female Daoist tried to comfort him. "Don't worry, it will be fine."
"No, things are not that simple," Fengyun said angrily, ignoring the numerous wires and infusion tubes sticking into his body as he struggled to sit up. "That guy is no ordinary person; the search squad is absolutely not equipped to handle him."
"Major, please do not move. You are still under medical observation, and Yunfeng's biogenetic body has not yet been reconstructed; you cannot participate in combat," the female Daoist quickly helped support Fengyun, attempting to restrain him.
"You won't understand; the enemy's horror far exceeds your imagination. If we don't hurry, the search squad will be annihilated!" Fengyun struggled and charged out of the biogenetic recovery room!
Ninth Sector, above the vast, boundless desert!
The fierce chase continued unabated.
Overwhelming Lightning, Fireballs, and Hailstones hammered Xingchen again and again. Yet, every time the explosion's light dissipated, the elusive figure remained hovering ahead of the pursuers, seemingly unaffected by the previous attacks!
Even more astonishingly, the two who had been fleeing at high speed suddenly stopped and adopted a battle stance!
"Ah, who exactly is this guy? He's been hit by so many magic attacks and is still unharmed."
"He stopped running."
"Does he want to fight?" The deputy captain said grimly. "Be vigilant! Encircle the target in an 'O' formation."
"Yes."
"Magic accumulation complete," Lan Ye reported. "Yueying's combat power is restored to 100 percent. Current mode: Aerial Combat Mode. Recommendation: Transfer tactical execution to the tactical computer."
"Finally, I held out long enough," Xingchen was overjoyed. However, regarding aerial combat, this was actually his first time—he wasn't very familiar with this style of fighting. Fine, let the tactical computer handle the execution for now! Xingchen commanded, "Transfer tactical execution to the tactical computer!"
"Warrior Computer initiating intelligent combat sequence."
"Show them what you’re capable of, Yueying."
"Yueying initiating Aerial Combat Mode, selecting Aerial Combat Ultimate Skill: Flashing Wings!"
Swish! A powerful magical fluctuation instantly enveloped every inch of the surrounding space. Terrifying heat, like that of a erupting, burning volcano, filled the air with a violent, savage restlessness!
Almost simultaneously, the Phoenix Wings behind Xingchen and Yueying erupted with massive, dazzling light, resembling two colossal wings made of pure radiance!
Their entire bodies were enveloped in layers of golden flowing light. Even though he had possessed Yueying for a year, Xingchen realized he still knew very little about the vast number of powerful combat techniques she had mastered!
The previous Thunderous Strike, and now the activated Aerial Combat Ultimate Skill called Flashing Wings—
Because of this, Xingchen himself was momentarily stunned by the sudden development!
Before he could even fully process what was happening, the Phoenix Wings behind him gave a mighty beat! Countless dazzling flames scattered outwards like a torrential downpour!
"Ah! Life force field rapidly soaring to 360 points!"
"No, fall back quickly!" The deputy captain's face changed drastically as he cried out.
But it was far too late!
Yueying and Xingchen, like lightning, crashed into the pursuing group!
Boom! Rumble! The lead deputy captain didn't even have time to see what happened.
Everyone felt a flash of red light before their eyes, followed by a terrifying heatwave that swept over them, and the entire world was instantly incinerated into ash by this dreadful wave of heat!
In the open sky, a large, scarlet bird zipped and weaved like lightning, sweeping across the expanse. In the blink of an eye, the twelve-man aerial formation was torn to shreds!
Ah! All that could be heard in mid-air were heart-rending screams!
The scarlet bird, with just a few flips and dives, plunged into the distant horizon and vanished as if it had never appeared, leaving behind only fragments, like fallen leaves, drifting downward! Under the scorching sun, they displayed a peculiar mixture of tragic beauty and desolate slaughter.