by <unknown>
What… What can possibly scare "Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou into this?
"Shadowless" Duan Rui and the other brutal men all swallowed hard. Their eyes surpassed "Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou and glanced at the test field with random gravity on their opposite side.
The test field was empty, but the aftermath of spiritual energy was still raging like a tsunami. A fierce battle was just over.
Broken, seriously twisted crystal suits were lying all over the ground. Blood and screams were erupting out of them now and then.
The hundred elite soldiers inside seemed to have just been crumbled by one, no, a horde of primeval beasts heavily.
Are you serious? This is supposed to be only a "test"!
"Shadowless" Duan Rui and other bandits felt that their blood was freezing.
What was tested inside just now? A super strengthened alien beast?
Shua!
The door between the test field and the observation room was opened. A man that seemed rather young and plain walked in.
"Shadowless" Duan Rui blinked his eyes and looked around, only to discover that other people were as confused as him and did not seem to know the young man. He couldn't have been a famous expert outside, right?
But in the next second, the scene that made almost everybody's jaw hit the ground took place!
"Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou rushed forward in a hurry and bowed to the young man deeply, before he said respectfully, "Senior Li, you've been troubled!"
Chapter 2206: Terrifying Old Monster! |
"Shadowless" Duan Rui was completely overwhelmed.
His brain seemed to have been hit by a super-high-speed crystal train. The whole world was swirling and changing before him!
It was Wang Kou! It was "Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou, a brutal man whom the thirty or so desperadoes did not dare to approach even though he was just standing casually!
Why was he so humble and reverential to the plain-looking young man?
Duan Rui heard gasps from his sides and his back.
Even he had forgotten what breathing was for a moment.
Before they realized what was going on, "Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou did something that was even more astonishing.
The precise killing machine hurried to a corner of the room, picked up a large towel, and delivered it to "Senior Li" with both hands.
When Senior Li took it over matter-of-factly, Wang Kou grasped two cans of high-energy nutrition drugs, prepared to cater to his needs.
"…"
Duan Rui's brain went blank, and he completely lost the ability to think.
Before he prepared to assassinate Wang Kou, he had watched one of the guy's training videos.
It was in the harsh environment almost close to minus a hundred degrees, where Wang Kou resisted a ferocious beast named "Ice Rock Grizzly" barehandedly and nakedly.
Three seconds. Three seconds was all it took for Wang Kou to strangle the neck of the Ice Rock Grizzly that was more than half a meter in diameter with his hands. He even ripped off the beast's head as well as the backbone that was as tough as iron.
It was exactly because of the video that Duan Rui made up his mind to end on bad terms with his assassin group instead of going against Wang Kou.
But right now, the hands that could tear an Ice Rock Grizzly apart were shivering slightly and holding two cans of high-energy nutrition drugs, ready to serve them at any moment?
Duan Rui found it hard to believe his eyes.
But his heart was beating faster and faster beyond his control. Even the muscles all over his body were quivering. He felt the sting of a needle on his back too.
Blinking, Duan Rui felt the deepest fear rising in his heart.
He suddenly realized that the vibe that intimidated them from moving forward when they stepped into the observation room was not from Wang Kou.
Wang Kou was already as scared as this. How could he hope to intimidate everyone?
Since the very beginning, it had always been the vibe from the plain-looking young man that terrified the thirty desperadoes and made them unable to move forward!
The young man was not even trying to scare anyone with his spiritual energy. The aftermath of a fierce battle alone was enough to stick so many experts, bandits, and lunatics to exactly where they were!
Where exactly did the queen find such a terrifying monster?
Despite knowing that the guy was on his side, Duan Rui still felt uneasy, like the natural fear of a small predator for a giant primeval beast. Who is he exactly?
Li Yao was still dwelling in the gratifying battle just now. He did not really care how the "heroes" that Li Linghai had recruited from many places viewed him.
Getting to the bottom of it, the real elites of the Imperium of True Human Beings were still mostly gathered in the major families and sects.
Those people who wandered off the main forces, without powerful support, couldn't have been too strong at all.
After wiping his sweating body casually and drinking up the two cans of high-energy drugs in Wang Kou's hands, Li Yao finally glanced at Wang Kou and said, "Are you…'Bloody Butcher' Wang Kou?"
"Yes, I am."
Wang Kou did not even dare to breathe loudly. He bashed his chest with his fist hard, performing the highest etiquette of the gladiators to Li Yao. "However, in front of Senior Li's unparalleled might, I do not deserve to be called 'Bloody Butcher' at all. Her Grace asked me to come here to…"
Li Yao smiled. Instead of waiting for Wang Kou to finish, he suddenly extended his hands and pressed Wang Kou's shoulders.
Then, his hands slithered downward from Wang Kou's shoulders like wandering vipers. From his chest and his abdomen to his thighs, every place was touched by Li Yao.
Duan Rui and the other desperadoes, who were just back to themselves, were even more shocked.
They could all tell that Wang Kou was not captured by the guy willingly.
But the guy was simply too fast, and his uncanny, overwhelming spiritual energy suppressed Wang Kou's instinctual defense. He caught Wang Kou as if he caught a fish from a water tank!
The movements of the hands were like the suppression of two overwhelming mountains. Any of them would've been caught by this immeasurable "Senior Li" and rubbed and kneaded however the guy wanted!
It was not until then that everybody began to realize why the murderous and fearless "Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou was so respectful toward "Senior Li".
"You are rather strong, young man!"
After he was done touching Wang Kou, Li Yao patted his shoulders and smiled. "Don't be nervous. I mean you no harm. Her Grace asked you to come to me so that I can help adjust and strengthen your crystal suits. Naturally, I need to figure out your body conditions and your battle features in order for me to bring out your maximal combat ability, right?"
"Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou's face was as pale as paper. Even when Li Yao touched his abdomen and his most critical body part, he could not summon any strength to counterattack at all. Even his voice began to shake as he replied, "Yes, of course. Thank you for your trouble, Senior. Whatever you need me to do, Senior Li, just say the word!"
"Very good. You can help me take a look at those guys."
Li Yao hinted at Duan Rui and the other desperadoes. "Her Grace asked me to help you adjust and modify your crystal suits. But my time is very limited. Those who are not above average experts do not need to waste my time. You should know most of those people, right? See if any of them are unqualified and make sure they do not hinder me."
"Yes, I'll check them immediately."
"Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou quickly turned around and began to observe the newcomers. It was not until a long time later that he turned around again and said, "Senior Li, those people that Her Grace has selected carefully are indeed famous experts at the borderland of the Imperium. They shouldn't be nuisances for Senior Li on the battlefield."
"That's good."
Li Yao smiled and walked into the test field again with his hands beh
ind his back. "It's already cleaned up. Come with me and let's begin the next half of the game!"
Li Yao walked into the test field first.
"Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou followed him closely.
"Shadowless" Duan Rui and other desperadoes, not having the courage to say anything, simply walked forward in their shadows prudently.
Right when they couldn't hold back their curiosity anymore, they heard the voice of "Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou that had been compressed into a thread with the technique of private talk.
"You people better cheer yourselves up! I vouched for you before Senior Li just now. It is your fortune to receive tutelage from Senior Li. You'd better see that Senior Li is satisfied and do not piss off the old monster, or I will kill you and flay you!"
Pausing for a moment, "Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou knew that everybody was still confused. He continued explaining in a low voice, "This old monster is named 'Vulture Li Yao', an expert in the Divinity Transformation Stage that Her Grace has recruited from somewhere. Also, he is a hybrid-type expert talented in both fighting and refining!
"He is now Her Grace's personal bodyguard and magical equipment consultant. Her Grace's safety and the magical equipment she uses are all his responsibilities. Do you have any idea what that means?"
Personal bodyguard and magical equipment consultant!
Duan Rui and the other desperadoes were all shocked.
Of course they knew what it meant. In terms of position and rank, "personal bodyguard" and "magical equipment consultant" were barely worth mentioning.
But the two jobs were both critical posts that were often involved in the most central secrets. Only the closest, most trusted subordinates were qualified for such jobs. When those people were sent out, they would often become powerful officials!
"Vulture Li Yao" was an unfamiliar name. They had never heard such a Divinity Transformation Stage expert in the Imperium before.
However, if he was a mysterious expert that Her Grace raised for decades for the great cause, it would be rather understandable.
"You did not see the old monster's craziness just now. When you see it later, you will know that every word I said is true!"
"Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou continued his lecture, "Besides, the old monster's expertise in refining is also extraordinary. The fact that Her Grace has given us the opportunity to have our crystal suits modified and strengthened by Vulture Li Yao in person is evident enough of the importance she attaches to us. You better seize it well and do not cause any trouble. If someone pisses off the old monster and he storms off without strengthening the crystal suits for us, I'll certainly mince them into pieces and make sure that they will eat their meat in person!"
Duan Rui and other desperadoes were all greatly disturbed.
While they were at a loss, a smiling voice suddenly joined the conversation. "Hahahaha. Don't listen to Wang Kou's nonsense. In fact, I am a very casual, low-key, and charismatic man. As long as you give me a chance for me to enjoy myself, I'll certainly help you adjust your crystal suit well!"
It was exactly the voice of "Vulture Li Yao"!
All the desperadoes were flabbergasted. They did not expect the old monster's expertise to be so terrifyingly high that he could intercept and monitor the private talk of such an expert like "Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou.
It must be noted that Wang Kou was moving while he was talking, and he obviously changed the frequency of his soundwave almost ten times during the private talk!
But still, the old monster caught all of it!
As if hit by a bolt of lightning, "Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou was blushing so hard that his face was almost exploding. He was completely stunned!
"Don't be so formal. As I said, I am very casual, approachable, and charismatic. You can talk about anything you want. Just consider that I am not here."
With his hands behind his back, Li Yao walked forward slowly and spoke to the thirty desperadoes at the same time while smiling, "On the other hand, although I do not object to being called an 'old monster', you'd better call me that behind my back when you discuss me.
"Alright. This is the test field with random gravity. Come on and relax. Perform all your skills. Let me see if you are qualified to wear the crystal suits that I modify and strong enough to fight by the side of 'Vulture Li Yao'!"
Chapter 2207: The Impenetrable Godly Might Prison! |
The arrival of "Bloody Butcher" Wang Kou, "Shadowless" Duan Rui, and the other desperadoes suggested that Queen Li Linghai's forces were surfacing, and the operation to rescue General Lei Chenghu was about to begin.
In the secret room, Li Linghai and four of her most important subordinates were having the last meeting about the battle.
Dongfang Sheng, the highest commander of the Deep Sea Fleet, was the leader of the secret armed forces of the reformists.
Jin Yuyan, the director of the Business Alliance of Ten Thousand Sectors, was the man of wealth among the reformists. He was responsible for the operation of the tremendous secret capital.
Yue Wushuang, leader of the Tribunal of Extraterrestrial Devils, was the head of intelligence for the reformists, who needed to both infiltrate the four Kurfürst families and get the confidential information and prevent the enemy from sneaking into the reformists. Naturally, until the reformists were completely exposed, it was the most critical post of all.
Besides the three of them, Li Yao took part in the meeting too.
Although it was more or less a surprise, Li Yao had completely proved himself with his shocking performance in the Deep Sea Palace in the past days.
Dongfang Sheng, Jin Yuyan, and Yue Wushuang did not have any objection either. All of them acknowledged that he was qualified to be on par with them.
Li Linghai, Dongfang Sheng, and Li Yao had all arrived in person, while Yue Wushuang and Jin Yuyan still remained to be 3D projections from a long distance away.
After the five of them were all present, Li Linghai smiled at Li Yao first and said, "Last time, I asked Wang Kou, Duan Rui, and the rest of them to go to you, partly to strengthen their crystal suits and partly to help you adapt to the new crystal suit and magical equipment as your training partners. How have they been behaving?"
"Not bad."
Li Yao said, "The boys are very smart and hardworking in their training. They follow my instructions dutifully too. We get along quite well."
"That's good."
Li Linghai nodded her head and said, "Wang Kou, Duan Rui, and the rest of them are not from the regular army but are rogue warriors traveling in different worlds. Despite their remarkable skills, they can be quite disobedient and insubordinate.
"I was in quite a dilemma about the arrangement of those people. If they were allocated to General Dongfang, I'm afraid nobody would've been happy. Now that you are getting along with them well, that's the best.
"If they can learn obedience through training, those scoundrels might prove surprisingly helpful when critical moments come!"
Li Linghai smiled while she talked. Then, she coughed and changed the topic, her face gradually turning cold. "Now, let's focus on the battle mission to rescue General Lei Chenghu.
"I don't think I need to exaggerate on the importance of the mission, do I? In the past ten days, the four Kurfürst families initialized crazy purging in the entire Imperium, especially within the expedition army, with the investigation of the Blood Oath Alliance as an excuse. Countless loyal patriots have been secretly arrested by them. A lot of our sympathizers are panicking and can barely protect themselves. They do not have the courage to provide any support to us anymore.
"There is no telling how many secrets our fellow Cultivators who have been captured have spat out under the enemy's interrogation. Many confidential information about the reformists may have been learned by the enemy.
"Even General Lei Chenghu's Astounding Thunder Fleet has been visited by the people from the 'special investigation committee'. It is said that the fleets of the four Kurfürst families are being
mobilized stealthily near the third battle area. They seem to be planning to completely settle the most elite force of the Imperium that wanders from the four Kurfürst families while General Lei Chenghu is under arrest and the Astounding Thunder Fleet does not have a leader!
"This is a critical moment. Our cause and the entire Imperium are in peril. We cannot wait anymore but have to wager all our forces to assault the Godly Might Prison and rescue General Lei Chenghu!"
Shua!
As Li Linghai talked, a 3D space map appeared before the five of them, which, after being enlarged, turned out to be a dim stellar system, and the focus was the sixth planet of the galaxy. It was a frigid, white planet covered in ice and snow.
"This is the 'Mystic Ice Sector' where the Godly Might Prison is located. It is a half-barren world almost without any resources. The star of the world is in the last years of its life, and the energy it radiates out is very feeble.
"The only habitable planet with an atmosphere, on the other hand, is too far away from the star. As a result, the temperature of the entire planet is too low to maintain a natural ecological sphere.
"Ever since the age of the Star Ocean Republic, an enormous prison has been dug out and expanded below the equator of the planet.
"Because there are barely any natural resources that are usable on the surface and below the ground of the planet, and the spiritual energy in space is extremely thin and feeble, which will mean a time cost of twice as much as usual even if somebody runs to the space and launches a space jump, it is the best spot to imprison the felons.
"From the Star Ocean Republic to the Imperium of True Human Beings, the Godly Might Prison has been increased and improved for more than a thousand and five hundred years. It is now a super prison of the highest level in the entire Imperium with the most thorough defense.
"The craziest lunatics, the most dangerous criminals, the most violent zealots, and countless people who opposed the four Kurfürst families are kept in prison here.
"Right, ever since the Imperium's counterattack began, we have captured a lot of captives from the Covenant Alliance. Those of higher levels are imprisoned in the Godly Might Prison too."