Some people dislike the practice of exchanging monthly tickets for updates; I dislike it too. Even without a single ticket, I would still unleash a burst of writing.

Even if I didn't, I trust everyone would still give their monthly tickets anyway. This ‘ticket-for-update’ policy is just a declaration I made because some people wanted me to release extra chapters but didn't know how to ask, so I offered the ticket incentive.

Even if no one votes, I will still update; it just provides me with motivation, a little spark to my nerves to write with more vigor. I can understand if people dislike this, and I hope for mutual consideration (∩_∩).

…… Under the barrage of modern military firepower, the six Silver-tier Automatons finally fell. Although how these automatons were manufactured to be so powerful remains unknown, under the blast of a nuclear weapon, all defenses amount to dust.

If the TNT equivalent of a nuclear weapon is sufficient, a large-scale detonation can warp space. At the epicenter of the blast, even if one hid in another dimension, they would still be utterly annihilated.

“That’s a relief; it’s over.” “Over a dozen of these terrifying mechanical beasts—without the bombs and the nuclear weapon, even more bullets couldn't have killed them.” All the generals and battalion commanders gasped in amazement. The sheer destructive power of these prehistoric automatons was terrifying; even under the impact of tens of thousands of bullets, they were merely jolted backward, remaining completely unharmed.

At this point, the commanders selected two more soldiers to scout the situation inside. Mustering their courage, and spurred on by the promise of a reward, these two soldiers cautiously entered the ruins’ entrance.

The ground here had been blasted into a deep crater, the surroundings scorched black, and harmful substances permeated the air. However, given these high-caliber soldiers' constitutions, they could barely withstand it, and with the anti-electromagnetic gear they carried, the nuclear radiation they absorbed was negligible.

Moreover, this nuclear landmine did not carry a large TNT yield, and the resultant light radiation was limited. The two men stepped into the ruin entrance, their figures vanishing from the sight of the onlookers.

Ten minutes later… Under the gaze of everyone present, when no one emerged, astonishment swept through the ranks. Weapons were made ready, just in case another monster as powerful as the Silver Automatons charged out.

Yet, this time, there was only silence from the ruin entrance. “Damn it, did those two see the treasure and claim it for themselves?” “Why haven’t they come out yet?” The surrounding generals roared in frustration.

Ye Chen’s expression remained calm. His eyes flickered, and he suddenly turned to a battalion commander beside him: “Go call two more soldiers.

One must stay outside, and the other goes in. They must hold hands.

When the one who enters needs to exit, they can follow the pull of the held hand to get out.” The battalion commander froze, then looked at Ye Chen with alarm. “You mean they’re lost in there?” Ye Chen nodded.

The commander gave him a dubious look but proceeded to carry out the order. Before long, two more soldiers were selected and sent off, holding hands; one walked into the entrance.

“Why send more people? Who authorized this?” Tang Zhu’s eyes darkened as he snapped at a nearby commander.

The commander replied with a bitter expression, “Commander-in-Chief, Major General Ye Chen sent these two.” Tang Zhu frowned, annoyance creeping into his voice. “Brainless fools.

The first two didn’t come back, and these two won’t either. It’s a pure waste of resources…” He stopped mid-sentence, his mouth slightly agape, staring in shock at the ruin entrance.

The soldier who had entered had turned around and retreated. “What’s going on?” Tang Zhu stammered.

“Are there no monsters inside?” Just then, under everyone’s watchful eyes, the two soldiers sprinted back. Instead of heading to the commanders, they rushed to Ye Chen.

The soldier who had ventured in exclaimed with relief, “Greetings, General Ye! There truly is an illusion inside.

As soon as I entered, I saw a city of steel, and green automatons standing motionless like statues. They didn’t attack me.

Near these automatons, there were two bloody, mangled corpses—the two soldiers who went in first.” Ye Chen nodded. The soldier continued, “Next to those two soldiers, I saw the two men who went in after them.

They were spinning around in place like the blind, doing nothing. When I tried to turn back, I found no exit behind me, only a long avenue stretching into the distance.

I walked several steps but realized I hadn't left the ruins; the distant mountains remained just as far away. No matter how I walked, I couldn't get out.

Just as despair set in, this brother behind me pulled me out.” “Good,” Ye Chen acknowledged. “Go report this to the commanders.” The soldier looked at Ye Chen with reverence and quickly obeyed, running toward the group of commanders.

“My guess was correct,” Ye Chen murmured, his eyes flashing. “Atlantis is guarded by automatons on the outside, and there's an illusionary realm beyond the city walls.

Anyone who enters immediately has their vision, hearing, touch, and other senses hijacked, making them feel as though they are running while actually just treading water in place.” Even with modern technology, one can manipulate the six senses—a tranquilizer needle, for instance, is a form of tactile manipulation, and seeing a chopstick appear broken when placed in water is a visual trick. But the Atlantean civilization was far more advanced in this regard, completely utilizing the elements in the air as a medium to construct a dreamlike space.

Before long, this information spread. The commanders and chiefs gathered to discuss, quickly formulating a solution: first, a team of general-level officers would enter to dismantle the ruin’s illusion; the main army would follow afterward.

The next step was selecting the entrants. “Luo Lan.” “Liu Kun.” “Mo Feng.” One by one, generals were called out.

A total of 30 generals were chosen, including Ye Chen, Bai Long, Zhuge Fan, Yue Heng, and Mo Feng. Generally, once one reached the general rank, their physical constitution was robust, and their senses—sight and hearing—were extremely keen, making them less susceptible to the illusion.

“Move out.” Led by a mid-level commander, Ye Chen and the other 29 generals, weapons in hand, strode toward the ruin entrance. Bai Long and the others noticed Ye Chen and quietly moved to his side, drawing close.

The instant Ye Chen passed through the ruin entrance, he felt as if he had passed through a watery membrane. Immediately, the surrounding scenery completely transformed.

A magnificent castle materialized before them. The sky was a dull, grayish-white, like liquid mercury.

There were no trees; everywhere was steel and metal. A city of steel.

Before the towering city wall stood a massive gate carved with the image of a figure holding a trident, standing atop a sea creature. The figure had a head of curly hair, a chiseled face, and sharp eyes, looking down upon the assembled crowd as if truly alive.

Beside the gate stood 24 Bronze-tier Automatons, each with a single horn, three eyes, and wielding cold weapons, standing three zhang high—a truly imposing sight. The men only reached the automatons’ knees.

Ye Chen glanced over, a spark of desire in his eyes. Clearly, the energy cores within these Bronze Automatons had been depleted, causing them to fall into dormancy; thus, they remained unresponsive to the arrival of the group.

If he had enough cargo space, he wouldn't let them go for anything. After all, every Bronze Automaton possessed the combat power of a level 500 entity.

A little power replenishment, and they would be roaring like dragons. Unfortunately, the ship’s carrying capacity was limited.

It was already filled with numerous monster corpses, including three Blood-Toothed Tiger carcasses, occupying nearly all available space. Furthermore, with so many people watching now, the priority was finding the Divine Blood first.

At this moment, a general walked over to the Bronze Automatons, picked up the two soldiers who had been running in place, and tossed them toward the rear entrance. Since they were passive, the two men were hurled right out of the ruins.

“Let’s go,” said the leading mid-level commander, a stern-faced man. Seeing that none of the generals were affected by the illusion, he said coldly, “Everyone spread out and search for the switch.

Once the illusion is disabled, you can gather here, or you can leave on your own to notify the army outside.” The others nodded in agreement. If the illusion wasn't deactivated, the soldiers entering would only run in circles or even end up killing each other.

“The switch is likely on the city wall or inside the city,” one general suggested to the commander. The stern man nodded.

“Let’s work together to push open the main gate and search inside.” With that, he led the way toward the ten-zhang-high gate, looking up and feeling as tiny as an ant. “Can something this massive really be pushed open?” “How will we know if we don’t try?” All the generals walked over to the gate, preparing to push.

Ye Chen, however, remained stationary. When Bai Long and the others saw he wasn't moving, they also stood still, observing the situation.

“Why aren’t you helping?” one general shouted angrily. Ye Chen glanced at him and replied coldly, “Since there are automatons guarding the exterior and an illusionary realm protecting this place, what do you think they are for?” The general paused, then answered without thinking, “Naturally, to stop intruders.” “In that case, do you believe this city can be easily opened by your combined strength?” Ye Chen asked coolly.

Everyone present blinked in surprise. It was true.

The guardian beasts on the periphery alone were terrifyingly strong; this final layer of defense—the city gate—surely couldn't be pushed open by the strength of just 30 generals. There was no need to test it to know.

Two generals, refusing to accept this, tried to push. Bang!

The city wall’s countermeasure activated. Two beams of light shot out from above the gate, moving with lightning speed, instantly piercing the skulls of the two generals.

Their momentum undiminished, the beams continued past them and shot out of the ruin entrance, disappearing into the distance. Everyone present was shocked, stepping back fearfully from the gate.

Ye Chen’s eyes flashed with cold anger. One of those beams had flashed right past him—he hadn't even had time to react.

If the man who pushed had stood just a little further forward, directly in front of him, Ye Chen would be dead now too. “If anyone moves again, don’t blame me for killing them!” Ye Chen’s gaze was chilling as he surveyed the two dozen or so generals, including the mid-level commander.

A flicker of anger crossed the eyes of some, but recalling Ye Chen’s power, they suppressed it. Even the mid-level commander clenched his fist slightly but ultimately said nothing.

Ye Chen stated coldly, “If you’re in a hurry, split up and search, or just climb over the city wall!” With that, he swept his gaze over the group, then turned and walked eastward. Along the base of the eastern wall, there was a protruding steel ramp, six meters wide, which allowed one to walk around the circumference of the city.

Bai Long and the others quickly followed him.