Mu Tangge is a staunch supporter of Wei Huan. He will consider issues entirely from Wei Huan's perspective, even if he doesn't always understand Wei Huan's logic. For example, this "opening match" is not the first time. They really can't help, so there's no need to take it so seriously.
But if Wei Huan said he wanted to go back, he would never stay here for another second.
So Brother Mu said, "Currently, it's clear that you need at least 100,000 diamonds to farm enough. We've only farmed less than 600 so far, and it's already taken us seven days. To farm enough, it will take at least three months."
In three months, we can accomplish a great deal. Just consider opening more than one treasure ruin in the challenge world. You might not know this, but many legions and factions possess numerous high-level treasure maps; the only thing they lack are people capable of opening them. Instead of wasting time here, we can cooperate with various legions—it's far more efficient.
Also, Qiang-ge, you're about to advance to Sequence Four. Staying here will only make you restless and anxious. We'd better call it a day while we're ahead."
Xu Qingqiang was almost convinced by Mu Tangge's long-winded explanation.
Then she realized, "Just because you can talk doesn't mean you're right. Don't give me that 'first, second, third, fourth' nonsense. I'm just asking you, do you want a diamond chest? Do you want a god-tier chest?"
"Of course I want it," Mu Tangge said, then added, "but…"
Mu Tangge tried to persuade Xu Qingqiang, but Xu Qingqiang also had his own insistence, and the two immediately began a debate.
The others finished their after-dinner snacks while discussing the "defense," still feeling a bit unsatisfied. Some even joined in when the debate got heated, pushing the argument to its climax.
As night fell and the air grew colder, the campfire was lit again.
Looking at the parched faces of the group, Wei Huan gradually formed an idea: "Some of you just mentioned a variable, the swarm mechanism of the Dark Beasts' higher-ups. This is very important. If we can prove the existence of this swarm mechanism in the next three days, it will not only be an important discovery but also beneficial to our mission. I agree with Xu Qingqiang's insistence on obtaining the highest-level treasure chests possible. If not, there's no need for us to waste time here; we should go back as soon as possible."
After Wei Huan finished speaking, everyone nodded in agreement, including Xu Qingqiang, who had consistently opposed the idea.
With a goal set, everyone has a direction and feels more grounded.
Everyone dispersed and went to cultivate and rest.
Wei Huan and Mu Chong returned to the backs of their cave beasts.
For the past few days, Mu Zhong has been riding on the back of a hidden cat. As a means of transportation without a wheelchair, even without the disability of having legs, he has still shown enough strength.
However, at this time, when he was alone with Wei Huan, he revealed a vulnerability that outsiders did not know.
When Mu Zhong was lifted off the Hidden Cat's back by Wei Huan, the posture even reminded him of holding a child.
Every time he was held like this, he would lower his eyes, his eyelashes trembling, and he could never get used to it.
Today, when Mu Zhong was lifted down by Wei Huan again, he was not placed directly on the shell as usual, but instead carried on his arms.
Whom do you support more?
To my surprise, at this moment, I asked him...
One problem.
Seeing Wei Huan's serious expression and earnest demeanor, Mu Chong felt it wouldn't be appropriate for him to make a fuss about going down at this moment, so he also pretended to be serious and said, "Your decision is quite good."
"I'm just restraining myself," Wei Huan said, his dark eyes gazing into the deep darkness. "Actually, deep down, I agree with Xu Qingqiang's statement. No matter what happens, arming myself is the most important thing. I'll just keep killing here until I get my divine gear. Once I get out, no one will be able to stop me."
Upon hearing this, Mu Zhong's attention shifted away from himself. He looked intently at Wei Huan and said, "But reason stopped you, didn't it? Actually, I've always been curious about what your 'reason' really is. What I see is panic, paranoia, and responsibilities that shouldn't be yours. Wei Huan, this world won't immediately perish without anyone, because people like you, or even stronger than you, are supporting it. You've set your expectations too high for yourself."
Wei Huan closed his eyes, then opened them again. All his unspoken words turned into a long sigh. He buried his head in Mu Zhong's neck, hiding the panic in his eyes.
I cannot express it.
Mu Zhong felt uncomfortable; this posture and Wei Huan were both unfamiliar to him.
But he also knew that Wei Huan needed him at this moment, so he tried to transform himself into a "shape" that would make Wei Huan more comfortable, enveloping him with a calm aura.
He even raised his hand and took the initiative to wrap it around Wei Huan's back, gently patting and soothing him with his palm.
It was a long time before Wei Huan finally raised his head.
He silently placed Mu Zhong on the ground, then sat down opposite him and said, "Get some rest. I'm going to the Temple of Professions. Today's situation is not an exception. Tomorrow there may be even more difficult territories to attack. If necessary, I will call Xu Qingqiang's team back."
Mu Zhong opened his mouth and then closed it again, confirming that Wei Huan had once again avoided his question. He could only feel helpless in his heart, and then nodded and said, "I understand. I will try my best to keep my spiritual energy abundant."
After Wei Huan lay down, he heard Mu Zhong rustling as he crawled into his sleeping bag. He lay there motionless, pretending that he had already entered the Temple of the Profession, but his mind was filled with Mu Zhong's words.
It seems that's indeed the case... From the beginning until now, he has always assumed that humanity will inevitably lose and the Northeast Army will inevitably disintegrate, and he has made choices that others cannot understand.
But haven't I already returned? Gradually changing history, the ending is now unknown, isn't it?
At least it's no longer a doomed fate for humanity, is it?
He gazed at the sky, his eyes seemingly piercing through the darkness to see a sky full of stars.
It felt as if I had returned to Earth.
There are no stars on the night that challenges the world.
But Earth has it.
Nothing is set in stone. Just like one day in the future, they might drive their vehicles to the stars and travel among the countless stars.
I should try to change my mindset.
Having seen the worst outcome, this one will surely be better.
...
The next day, Xu Qingqiang encountered the same situation again in a territory battle at 8 a.m.
This is the fifth territory he has demolished so far today.
Judging from its appearance, this territory is a Tier 3 high-level territory, surrounded by city walls.
The watchtower it was protecting was already twenty meters high, and the ballistic vents on the watchtower indicated that the building had reached level four.
Knowing how to distinguish the level of a territory from its appearance is basic common sense for every Blue Star challenger.
Even Xu Qingqiang, who had never attended Challenge University, underwent intensive training on related knowledge after joining Wei Huan's team.
"The outposts in this territory are level four, but the city walls are only level three. This is a level three advanced territory, and it can be attacked."
Xu Qingqiang quickly assessed the fighting strength of both sides and then called on everyone to charge together.
His companions, Dianma, Gouzi, and Taogangge, are all veterans in Wei Huan's undead legion. They are exceptionally intelligent. Even though they cannot understand human language, they can make correct judgments through eye contact and gestures.
Xu Qingqiang shouted, "Charge!"
Anal-cleaning guy: "Click click click!"
Mom: "Mmm~"
The dog led hundreds of facehuggers, rustling as it charged ahead.
The wolf army darted left and right, following closely behind.
When they move, the two hundred Shura warriors led by Xu Qingqiang become the strongest iron cavalry.
They converged in the white waves, like a giant black axe, with Xu Qingqiang being the sharpest and toughest part of this axe, hacking towards the city wall.
"Boom..."
The fierce battle was like a thunderbolt from the sky, exploding in an instant, with smoke billowing for miles and the sounds of fighting deafening.
This is the experience that Xu Qingqiang summarized through repeated battles after leading his team to attack the territory.
You can sacrifice fewer people and end the battle faster, even if the opponent is a level 3 territory, and even if there are allies helping you.
As long as he kills quickly enough, catching his allies off guard, it's time for him to reap the rewards.
But today, before the skeleton army composed of facehuggers and wolves could even reach the city walls, three black beams of light shot down from them.
The beam of light fell, reaping the lives of a large number of facehuggers. Xu Qingqiang was caught off guard and instinctively assumed that the damage was from a level 5 laser sentry tower.
For a fleeting moment, his soul seemed to fly away.
He may not be afraid of death, but that doesn't mean he'll die on a meaningless battlefield.
His frantic running pace faltered for a moment before he realized that this was a magical attack from the Demon Eye Lord.
My gaze rose and landed on the part of the city that was hidden behind it, and sure enough, I saw blurry, large eyes.
The Demon Eye Lord is a Dark Beast and is not among the units recruited by the Lord.
so...
Xu Qingqiang's eyes lit up as he realized something. So, he had also encountered a den of dark beasts and could now raid it in groups?
The thought of not having to travel far and being able to kill a large group of dark beasts made Xu Qingqiang so excited that his mouth watered.
He opened his teeth, which were covered with sharp fangs, and extended his long, scarlet, snake-like tongue. He licked his lips and charged forward.
"Hehehe!"
But a minute later, Xu Qingqiang was humiliated and beaten back.
He was covered in blood, half of his body was gone, and even his brains were almost spilling out.
If he hadn't dodged quickly, he would have been taken out by a concentrated barrage of fire.
As soon as he ran out of range, Xu Qingqiang hurriedly grabbed a Shuramo and ate it. Only after eating half of the Shuramo was he able to barely stop his injury from worsening.
He breathed heavily, then lay on all fours, his teeth gripping the thigh of the Shura. He looked at the city walls of the territory ahead, and when he saw the densely packed Demon Eye Lords and kobolds on them, his ferocious eyes cleared.
These are the many Dark Beast Lords who abandoned their territories and were summoned by the high-level Dark Beasts. They not only gave away resources for free, but also participated in the battle as heroic units.
What calmed Xu Qingqiang down even more was that after blocking one of their attacks, the Dark Beast Lord actually started upgrading the level four city wall right in front of him.
So... is this territory about to enter the fourth tier?
Fourth-tier territories are already difficult to conquer, and if so many powerful dark beast lords were to gather there as well...
Xu Qingqiang had to admit that his small team couldn't take it down.
Without Wei Huan, troop replenishment was not timely.
Without Mu Zhong, you cannot add status effects.
He appears to be very strong, an indispensable offensive force on the battlefield, but in reality, he knows that without Wei Huan and Mu Zhong, he is just a [criminal] who dares to fight and risk his life.
All his achievements so far have come from his cooperation with his teammates.
Upon witnessing this scene, Xu Qingqiang realized his own inadequacy and immediately decided to retreat, gathering his forces for another battle.
He blew his whistle and ordered an evacuation.
Upon hearing the whistle, the undead elites left the city walls in their own way.
Just then, a shower of meteors fell, and a laser beam focused on Xu Qingqiang.
It was just a second away from landing on Xu Qingqiang.
A loud rumble followed, and the earth trembled. Xu Qingqiang turned around and saw that a huge crater had appeared out of nowhere on the ground where he had been standing not long ago. It was seven or eight meters deep and twenty meters in diameter. The high temperature of the magic had melted the soil, turning it into a viscous crystal that emitted wisps of white smoke.
Fortunately, he made the quick decision to evacuate.
Even so, the lagging group of the undead army was instantly killed, with only a few facehuggers and wolves remaining, and more than 30 ghouls also perished.
How many low-level dark beasts did this Dark Beast Lord gather to "serve the king"?
If I had arrived any later, the supplies delivered by these dark beasts might have been enough to power up this dark beast lord to the fifth tier.
Of course, Xu Qingqiang also knew that the fifth rank was impossible.
Just as humans need special materials to upgrade their war machines, Dark Beast Lords also need materials and scientific tests to upgrade their city cores.
This is the assessment world for a level three lord; the upper limit is limited.
However, there is no problem for a high-level dark beast to upgrade to a level four territory.
"Boom!"
Xu Qingqiang turned around and gritted his teeth.
It turns out that after the Dark Beast Lord drove them away, he actually ordered the Dark Beasts and combat units to chase them out of the city, intending to wipe them out completely!
Xu Qingqiang was so angry that he almost ground his teeth to powder when he was being chased by the dark beast for the first time.
But at this moment, the demonic markings on his face receded, and he calmly shouted, "Retreat! Retreat! Get out of here!"
The twins, Ding Qi, Zhou Yong, Lin Xu, and others who were located behind the lines of the war had long since sensed that something was amiss.
As Xu Qingqiang ran back, he was suddenly attacked from behind, and the more than thirty Demon Eye Lords who chased after him were terrifying.
And then, after the city gates were wide open, the dark beasts and combat units that chased after them emerged with overwhelming momentum and murderous intent.
Zhentian, this means they are all going to be wiped out on the spot.
But what's even more alarming is the small group of puppy-headed monsters standing on the Eye Lord's eyeballs, no bigger than a palm. Who knows what's inside their bellies?
Because Wei Huan recruited this dark beast, humanity gained a deeper understanding of it.
Xu Qingqiang jumped onto a Xiuro horse, but did not increase his speed compared to the Dark Beast Lord.
A dark beast, resembling a golden monkey and possessing dragonfly wings, flew among the Demon Eye Lords and suddenly let out a shriek.
The seemingly docile and beautiful golden monkey instantly transformed into a ferocious demon, emitting a piercing sound from its mouth, which was larger than its head.
Humans would only find such a sound unpleasant, but the dark beasts seemed to be stimulated by something, their inherited bloodline awakening, and countless blood vessels instantly appeared on the Demon Eye Lord's large eyeballs.
Immediately afterwards, their movement speed increased even more, and they caught up with Xu Qingqiang in just a few seconds.
Xu Qingqiang shouted, "Retreat!"
But at this point, who would retreat?
Seeing that Xu Qingqiang was about to be swallowed up by the Demon Eye Lord, the Twins and the others rushed forward a few steps, brandishing their staffs and shooting arrows.
Ding Qi's three-headed dark beasts also rushed forward like moths to a flame.
Zhou Yong and Lin Xu called out "Brother Qiang" while conjuring up sniper rifles. Even though they knew it was useless, they still pulled the trigger without hesitation.
"Bang!"
"Boom!"
"Whoosh!"
Bullets, flames, and arrows flying towards him transformed into streaks of light and rainbows, crisscrossing Xu Qingqiang and attacking the enemies behind him.
Xu Qingqiang subconsciously turned his body to look.
Whether it's useful or not, it's all worth it when they stand by each other through thick and thin.
"Hehehe!"
The demonic runes reappeared on Xu Qingqiang's face. His body twisted into the shape of a wild beast, and with a sudden stomp, he leaped into the sky with the force that would have broken the spine of the Shura.
With a single claw, it grabbed the Eye Lord's eyeball, its claw-gloved hand piercing deep into the eye.
"Pfft!" It punctured and tore apart.
He then leaped onto the other Demon Eye Lord.
An attack landed on his back or chest, and the pain became so intense that his senses became blurred.
His increasingly frenzied mind gradually lost all thought; only killing, killing, killing! Eating, eating, eating! Killing, killing, killing!!
"Mmm~~"
The mother beast emitted a clear and melodious voice, and the cave beast mothers she led emitted eight six-colored lights from behind, followed by net-like patterns appearing on their shells.
After a brief moment of charging, the large green net shot out and caught the dark beast in the sky.
The remaining undead also headed towards the lord's war units at the same moment Xu Qingqiang took a fighting stance.
"Boom!"
"Boom!"
The catapults inside the city walls sprang up, and huge, round stones arrived before the undead army even faster than the war units.
A portion of the undead army was smashed to pieces and returned to the tomb.
However, as it has already reached
In a battlefield of magical level, these purely physical attacks are of very low effectiveness.
At least most of the cobblestones were smashed to pieces by the Shura's clenched fist.
"Bang!"
These gray stones turned into rubble and scattered all over the ground.
But before everyone could breathe a sigh of relief, the round boulders seemed to grow arms and legs, and suddenly stood up slowly, becoming stone giants that were four meters tall.
"Elements!?" Ding Qi exclaimed in shock, "Attack the core!"
The twins reacted as well, but as mages, their attack frequency was too slow, and the Eye Lord in the sky could not be ignored.
All you can see is a rhombus-shaped stone emitting colorful light. The next second, the shattered stones and sand, like the attraction of a magnet, gather around the rhombus-shaped stone again.
In just a few seconds, it reformed into a stone giant.
One, two, three, four, five... A quick glance revealed fourteen or fifteen stone giants.
This lord has a very special ability; he can actually recruit elemental stone giants.
These bulky behemoths move slowly, but they are strong in both attack and defense, making them a type of unit that is very suitable for exerting their strength on large battlefields.
Elemental units are rare, but they do exist, and everyone here knows their weaknesses.
But so what?
Enemies were everywhere, both in the sky and on the ground; they were surrounded from the opposite direction.
Having dodged the attacks from the green net and Xu Qingqiang, the Demon Eye Lord arrived directly above Ding Qi and the others, unleashing a barrage of attacks on them.
The twins dodged awkwardly, but Ding Qi nimbly flipped over and fired an explosive arrow, which exploded on the Demon Eye Lord's eyeball, barely saving everyone.
However, the lizardmen-like melee units, having been delayed, had already climbed onto the shell of the crypt beast mother and launched an attack on them.
Zhou Yong and Lin Xu stood in front, fighting bravely and cutting down the hideous lizardmen.
But then the lizardmen stopped climbing up and started attacking Dot's feet.
With a series of powerful movements, Dianma trampled many lizardmen to death, but she gradually lost control and could no longer break free.
Finally, one of its legs was removed, and then another leg was removed.
"Hiss~~" Mom let out a cry, and the space under her belly opened up, allowing a large number of facehuggers to fall to the ground and engage in battle with lizardmen, Shura Roman dark beast lords, and others.
However, the facehuggers' fighting ability was significantly reduced, and they died in large numbers.
The twins looked up and gritted their teeth.
A massive number of combat units were surrounding them, and many Demon Eye Lords were flying overhead.
Xu Qingqiang was caught in the middle of the battle and could no longer be seen; only splattered blood could be seen, it was unclear whether it was his or the enemy's.
The Shura Empire was besieged, and one after another, they died; the wolves and facehuggers were no longer visible.
Wei Huan's favorite human wave tactic has now been reversed, and they are the ones about to be swallowed up.
The twins, using their combined spiritual power, one ice and one fire, swarmed and slaughtered the Dark Beast Lord's combat units.
Ding Qi fired three arrows in one go, and every single one of them hit its mark.
Even with all their firepower, the battle line was still slowly pressing forward.
"Mmm~"
The mother cat let out another cry, and then the people standing on its back shook violently.
Looking down, I saw that Mom's eight legs had been reduced to only three at some point.
As for the remaining three, they will soon be dismantled. Once they fall from the sky, facing attacks coming from all directions, they will probably be torn to shreds in just a few seconds.
Am I going to die?
The moment that thought crossed their minds, something suddenly appeared beneath their feet, enveloping them completely and sending them flying before they could react.
It wasn't until they were in mid-air that they realized it was Mom's green net that had caught them and then propelled them away.
But so what? It's less than a hundred meters. Even if they run, how far can they run on their own two legs?
And Brother Qiang is still on the battlefield!
"Brother Qiang!!"
With a loud thud as they fell to the ground, Lin Xu and Zhou Yong were the first to crawl out and then rushed back up.
"Brother Qiang, run!!"
The twins and Ding Qi, who had broken free, did not call out to them. Instead, they gripped their weapons and followed closely behind.
They knew that going up now would be pointless, but where could they run to? And their pride wouldn't allow them to leave their teammates behind.
At this moment, there was no time to think too much. The only thing that kept them firmly in mind was to tell them: rather die fighting than abandon each other!
Come on!
Never give up!
Come on!
So what if you die on the battlefield?!
Faced with the pursuing Dark Beast Lord and Lizardmen, the Twins raised their staffs once more, and Ding Qi also nocked her bow and arrows.
"Quack quack quack—"
But thankfully, hope always exists.
When that cacophony of noise suddenly appeared overhead, the twins almost burst into tears!