"These three individuals were specifically engineered as biochemical warriors for an experiment," Nero explained. "They underwent the most intense physical augmentation, but during the trials, they were still consumed by the armor's power—the Kuang Lei—because they couldn't master its strength, ultimately costing them their lives."

"Then these three suits of armor have no practical combat value," Xing Chen observed.

"While the biochemical warriors were purpose-built for fighting, they ultimately cannot compare to rigorously trained soldiers. Their control over Dou Qi is naturally incomparable to ours. If the three of you were to wear these Kuang Lei suits, there's at least a fifty percent chance of success!"

"Is this your last trump card?" Xing Chen finally understood Nero’s implication: he intended for him, Niya, and Lan Qi to become the new test subjects.

"En," Nero nodded slightly before continuing.

"Count me in." A blazing light flashed in Niya's eyes as he gazed somewhat obsessively at the three Kuang Lei sets within the crystal spheres. "With such incredible things, why didn't you bring them out sooner?"

"Me too," Lan Qi added.

"I want to try as well," Xing Chen said seriously.

It seemed they could finally trade their slingshots for cannons. Although using the armor carried significant risk, Xing Chen didn't care in the slightest!

On the Mafa Continent, his Feng Tian Mo Jia was unquestionably top-tier, ultimate equipment. Yet, upon arriving at Wolong Villa, Niya had unceremoniously dismissed it as crudely made imitation! It was even inferior to their most basic standard-issue gear! Niya had even suspected Xing Chen came from an unawakened, primitive tribe!

For Xing Chen, this had been a devastating blow! But Niya hadn't been entirely wrong; compared to the technologically advanced Wolong Villa, the Mafa world truly resembled a backward, primitive tribal region! Having witnessed the augmentation of the Golden Warriors and the Kuang Lei sets of the Feng Tian Knights, Xing Chen had long resolved that if he ever had the chance, he would acquire superior equipment. Now that the opportunity was here, how could he possibly let it slip away!

Nero seemed to have anticipated this outcome and continued, "Although these suits possess power not inferior to the Kuang Lei set that Nico wears, without the aid of an aerial combat divine beast, even if you succeed in mastering them, you still won't be able to defeat a Feng Tian Knight who commands such a beast in an aerial engagement. Therefore, you must be cautious and prudent. It would be best if the three of you could coordinate; that will increase your chances of victory."

"Understood," Niya replied.

"Can we start now?" Xing Chen had absolute confidence in his own Dou Qi control techniques.

"Any time," Nero confirmed.

Just as Xing Chen and the others were eager to begin!

Beep-beep-beep. An alarm suddenly blared from the intercom in the corridor outside. "Officer Nero, please return to the control room immediately. Officer Nero, report to the control room now."

"This..." Xing Chen looked somewhat bewildered. "What's going on?"

"Did something else go wrong?" Niya sounded disappointed.

"We need to get back to the control room first," Nero said in a deep voice.

On the vast computer screen in the control room! A colossal silhouette was silently circling above the base! It was one of the magical dragons used for transport! It appeared these magic dragons were a common mode of transportation at Wolong Villa, equivalent to modern aircraft! A perfect synthesis of technology and fantasy! Xing Chen couldn't help but marvel inwardly!

"I am Lieutenant General Long Tian of the Shadow Moon Division! I request landing clearance to speak with the person in charge of this base." Following this, a tall, imposing bald man clad in armor appeared on the screen.

"It's the Big Baldy," Niya and Lan Qi's expressions changed slightly upon seeing the imposing figure. "What is he doing here?"

A barely perceptible shadow of grimness crossed Nero’s usually calm face. The Shadow Moon Division—their direct superiors. However, their relationship clearly wasn't cordial. Xing Chen made a mental note of this tension!

"Landing request, approved," Nero stated calmly.

Having been at Wolong Villa for some time, Xing Chen had learned that Nero's division possessed both aerial and ground defense systems, and entry/exit required strict identification signals. Unauthorized access was severely restricted. In short, Wolong Villa’s military structure was incredibly comprehensive, perhaps even superior to the modern military systems Xing Chen recalled.

A short while later!

The control room door opened, and three tall warriors entered, all uniformly equipped with the Feng Tian Mo Jia, the augmented Xing Wang suits. It was clear they were warriors of formidable combat strength. Xing Chen instinctively assessed that these three were likely masters on par with Qing Cheng, whom he had encountered previously.

Leading the trio was the bald man seen on screen earlier: Lieutenant General Long Tian! Although Xing Chen had never met him before, the moment he saw him, he instinctively felt a surge of aversion and unease! The man had rough features, moved with a heavy, imposing stride—appearing at first glance to be straightforward and boisterous—yet his brow was filled with a sharp, sinister depth that sharply contrasted with his rugged appearance. He looked like a calculating schemer. Xing Chen immediately labeled this man a villain.

Niya’s and Lan Qi’s undisguised tension and hostility further confirmed this impression.

"Welcome, Lieutenant General Long Tian!" Nero performed a military salute strikingly similar to those used in modern armies. In truth, at Wolong Villa, whether in Nero's division or the Shadow Moon Division, a military state system was maintained. Every graduate was required to accept a military rank conferred by their respective department! It was, essentially, a world where everyone was a soldier!

Nero, the highest leader of the Nero Division, held only the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Niya was a Captain, Lan Qi a Lieutenant, and even the young Meimei and Lili, having served three years, were Senior Privates! Thus, upon seeing Lieutenant General Long Tian, they all had to salute!

Xing Chen was the only one who did not salute, immediately drawing the attention of everyone present. The two warriors accompanying Long Tian also noticed this instantly.

"Who are you?" they sharply demanded, drawing their greatswords in unison. "Why do you not salute the Lieutenant General?"

"Apologies," Lieutenant Colonel Nero interjected. "He is not a soldier of the Nero Division."

"....." The two warriors froze momentarily.

"Never mind," the Lieutenant General waved a hand dismissively. The two soldiers reluctantly returned their swords but continued to fix Xing Chen with hostile glares.

They seemed to be troublesome petty men! Xing Chen had never held a favorable opinion of such people and chose to completely ignore their presence.

"Time is short!" Lieutenant General Long Tian stated abruptly. "I will be direct about my purpose."

"Please do," Nero replied calmly.

"As far as I know, you successfully seized the Kuang Lei suits of the Feng Tian Knights," Long Tian stated.

"That is correct," Nero confirmed.

"Then, you will now hand over the acquired Kuang Lei suits to me to be taken back to Shadow Moon Headquarters." Long Tian commanded.

This man had come to steal the Kuang Lei suits of the Feng Tian Knights. In an instant, Xing Chen understood the Big Baldy's true intent, which explained the unpleasant looks on Niya’s and Lan Qi’s faces. This was typical internal power struggle and intrigue. At this moment, Xing Chen began to seriously doubt the relationship between the Shadow Moon Division and the Nero Division; clearly, they were not an unshakeable, unified force.

"Please present the authorization papers from the Military Department," Nero calmly requested.

"The situation is urgent; I did not secure authorization from the Military Department," Long Tian replied.

"I regret that without the Military Department's official documents, I cannot hand over the Kuang Lei suits," Nero's tone remained placid and even.

"Don't be foolish," Lieutenant General Long Tian grew annoyed. "These Kuang Lei suits will never reach their potential while staying with the Nero Division, and frankly, you won't be able to protect them anyway. It is far better to hand them over to the regular forces of Shadow Moon Headquarters, where their true value can be realized."

"Without the Military Department's authorization, I will not surrender the Kuang Lei suits," Nero showed no sign of yielding. "As for how to protect these Kuang Lei suits, that is the concern of the Nero Division; it is none of Lieutenant General Long Tian's business."

"It seems you are unaware that your Nero Division is about to face a major threat," Lieutenant General Long Tian said.

"Are you referring to Sky City Number Seven?" Nero's expression remained as still as an ancient well. "We received intelligence long ago that the Soaring Heaven Division has decided to launch the Seventh Legion of Sky City to forcibly attack the Nero Division."

"So you already know," Long Tian seemed somewhat surprised. "Then you should understand why they are dispatching the Seventh Legion of Sky City, shouldn't you?"

"It should be to reclaim the Kuang Lei suits that we seized," Nero surmised.

"You are well aware that the Soaring Heaven Division will stop at nothing to take them back before you decipher the secrets of the Kuang Lei suits," Long Tian pressed. "The Seventh Legion of Sky City is led by one of the Seven Great Feng Tian Knights, the White Tiger. Their combat strength causes even the regular forces of Headquarters to regard them with great apprehension. While your Nero Division possesses the formidable Feng Tian Battle Squad and a complete defense system, I do not believe you can withstand the onslaught of the Seventh Legion."

Nero remained as calm as ever. "My Nero Division has already prepared countermeasures."