Chapter 304: The Betrayal

In a dark, oppressive corner of the Shiyanshi, Researcher 9527 trembled as if possessed by a demon. At his neck, the sutures seemed overloaded and slowly seeped out strange Starship Fuel. The black liquid slithered down like a poisonous snake, emitting a pungent odor, pooling on the floor into a small puddle that bubbled with an eerie fizz.

Researcher 9527's gaze had turned frantic and twisted, his once clear eyes now clouded with blood vessels, his pupils revealing a reckless resolve and madness. The black blood's contamination spread like a vile curse, eroding his reason and loyalty, causing him to fully betray the Shiyanshi. A faint smile curled at the corner of his mouth, a strange grin that seemed to plot some unspeakable conspiracy.

"Hum, all of this will change…" Researcher 9527 murmured low, his voice echoing through the silent Shiyanshi with a hint of eeriness. He slowly raised his hand, watching his trembling fingers as if admiring a perfect work of art.

At that moment, in another part of the Shiyanshi, Tiangong Ge Zhu's rusted Residual Body underwent a startling transformation without warning. The once dilapidated, rust‑covered form seemed awakened by some mysterious force, beginning to twist and deform. Metal components scraped against each other, emitting sharp sounds as if the lament of ancient machinery.

Gradually, Tiangong Ge Zhu's Residual Body transformed into a strange "Mechanical Yutan". This mechanical flower was exquisitely crafted, its petals assembled from myriad precise mechanical parts, shimmering with a mysterious yet gentle light. At its core, countless tiny gears and circuits operated in order, exuding a technological beauty that transcended reality.

Ao Li stared at the suddenly appearing Mechanical Yutan in astonishment, her heart filled with both delight and a vague worry. As she pondered the flower's origin and purpose, a beam of light shot from its core, coalescing in mid‑air into a complex device—the Anti‑Dimensional Radar.

"This… is actually an Anti‑Dimensional Radar?" Ao Li blurted out. To her, it was undeniably a pleasant surprise. The Anti‑Dimensional Radar can detect objects and energy fluctuations hidden in other dimensions, which would greatly aid them in locating enemies concealed in the shadows or uncovering crucial clues to resolve their current predicament.

Nevertheless, Ao Li was not swept away by joy. She knew that in this world rife with intrigue and danger, anything that seems fortunate often hides a deeper peril. Why did this Mechanical Yutan appear suddenly? Why did it provide an Anti‑Dimensional Radar? Could there be an unspeakable agenda behind it?

"There must be deception in this…" Ao Li furrowed her brows, warning herself internally. She cautiously approached the Anti‑Dimensional Radar, scrutinizing the device that emitted a mysterious glow. The indicator lights on its surface flickered, showing it was in normal operating condition, yet Ao Li felt an invisible force manipulating everything.

At that moment, the betraying Researcher 9527 silently closed in on Ao Li. His steps were light and eerie, like a phantom. In his hand he wielded a modified energy dagger, its blade flashing with a ghostly blue light, a sign of its immense power. His gaze fixed on Ao Li's back, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

"You shouldn't have gotten this…" Researcher 9527 whispered, his voice laced with jealousy and madness. He quickened his pace, preparing to deliver a lethal strike while Ao Li was defenseless.

Ao Li seemed to sense the danger behind her, her body tensing slightly. Relying on keen intuition, she spun quickly, somehow already gripping an energy sword in her hand. The energy sword clashed with the dagger in Researcher 9527's hand, erupting in a flash of dazzling sparks.

"Researcher 9527, are you insane? Why did you betray?" Ao Li shouted angrily, her eyes full of bewilderment and fury. She could not comprehend why a partner who had once fought side by side against enemies would suddenly betray.

Researcher 9527 sneered, "Betrayal? In this law‑of‑the‑jungle world, only strength is the ultimate truth. And I, to obtain that strength, must eliminate you!" With that, he increased the force in his hand, attempting to thrust the dagger at Ao Li.

Ao Li fought back with all her might, while her mind searched for a countermeasure. She knew that after being tainted by black blood, Researcher 9527's power had surged, making him far from easy to defeat. Moreover, she needed to uncover the secret behind the Anti‑Dimensional Radar and prevent this pivotal device, which could shift the balance, from falling into enemy hands.

"Do you think you can get away with this?" Ao Li said while deflecting Researcher 9527's attack. Her gaze was steadfast, showing no sign of retreat.

During the fierce clash, Ao Li realized that Researcher 9527's attacks, though frantic, lacked form. He relied solely on the power granted by black blood, neglecting technique and strategy. Ao Li timed it perfectly, sidestepping to evade one of his brutal strikes, then swiftly countered, the energy sword thrusting toward Researcher 9527's arm.

Researcher 9527 failed to dodge, a wound slashing his arm. Black blood gushed from the cut, splattering onto the ground. Yet he seemed oblivious to pain, becoming even more frenzied as he lunged toward Ao Li.

Just as the two were locked in a stalemate, the Anti‑Dimensional Radar suddenly emitted a rapid alarm. The radar's screen displayed a series of strange signal fluctuations, suggesting a powerful unknown force was approaching…

What exactly is this unknown force? Can Ao Li prevail in the battle against Researcher 9527 and uncover the secret behind the Anti‑Dimensional Radar? Everything is shrouded in uncertainty and suspense…