Chapter 498: Recruiting Soldiers and Buying Horses

Xilian, on the other end of the SkyCom, laughed, "Can your exhaustion compare to my bitterness? You have infinite scenery on your side, while I have infinite misery here. Shall we swap?"

Li Hao said helplessly, "What is it? Don't tell me you're here to persuade me again; I've already decided to lie flat."

"If you aren't going, are Wuzang, Cheng Konghai, and the others interested?" Xilian asked.

Li Hao nodded, "You can ask the ants, but forget about Wuzang and the others."

A competition is one thing, but this expedition carries great risks, especially since we have to face Noah's Ark. Without the experience of Apocalypse, one cannot realize the danger at all. That kind of life-or-death training—Tianjing is still only scratching the surface. Without psychological preparation, it's not just personal danger; the entire team could fall into peril.

The training in Apocalypse is unbearable to look back on, but it is truly useful in actual combat.

"That works too. I'm looking for you this time because the demands Kevin made are a bit excessive." Xilian frowned, "I am providing a great opportunity, and we are contributing the most effort, so you shouldn't be opening your mouths like lions."

"You are the dignified big boss of Meraphis and the richest person in the world. You are experiencing life, while my brothers are risking their lives. Not everyone has their courage. Like me, I just like lying down. Besides, they still have prejudices. You should use sugar-coated shells to open their hearts. Only through sincere cooperation can you move toward victory," Li Hao said earnestly.

It seems Xilian has already approached others. Chao Qinglong should be interested, though he certainly wouldn't go easy on Xilian when making demands—a rare big spender.

"Heh, Li Hao, how come I never realized you were so good at talking?" Xilian was speechless. For their level, such an experience is a precious opportunity for improvement. It's hard on him to find so many reasons; when it comes to bargaining, he can't outmaneuver Li Hao.

However, some things are actually useless for Kevin and the others to have; without the powerful team and resources of Meraphis, they are no different from antique ornaments.

Just after hanging up on Xilian, Li Hao was preparing to crawl forward when Kevin's SkyCom came in, "Second Brother, did Xilian look for you?"

Li Hao smiled, "What conditions did you set for him to make a big boss like that?"

"Heh heh, plucking a goose as it flies by. I feel they really need our combat power this time. With such a dangerous task, how could we not knock them for a big one? Third Brother is very interested in this; he wants to lead the team to participate and also wants to see what Xilian is actually up to," Kevin laughed, then stated the conditions: everyone gets a new type of Mecha from the Meraphis Family, which must be brought back to the academy after the battle. In addition to the appearance fee, they also wanted thirty percent of the expedition's gains. No matter what is discovered, those who see it get a share.

Li Hao waved his hand helplessly, "Xilian agreed?"

"He has no choice but to agree. His playing dead this time can indeed achieve the effect of luring the snake out of its hole. The Meraphis Family has mobilized a great force this time, but for top-tier power, relying solely on the Shadow Sentinels is definitely not enough. If we join, we can definitely deal a heavy blow to Noah's Ark. Although I don't really like Xilian, he is much more disciplined than Noah's Ark." Kevin has dealt with Noah's Ark quite a bit and knows exactly what kind of perverts they are on the other side.

Li Hao nodded, "That's true. Alright, I'm going to rest well for a while."

This S Tournament was actually a case of being forced into it. With the mission completed and the task for Bleem resolved along the way, he felt light as a feather. A Youyou would be able to come to Tianjing soon, and he could take a good vacation and live his life—he just wanted to live each day to the fullest.

On the other side, Kevin started a group chat with Chao Qinglong, Aofei, Luo Bi, Yan Peng, Depuya, Kevin, Jeris, and Solomon. Kevin called Solomon. Although Solomon wasn't part of the core before, he is truly a stand-up guy now, so how could he not be invited to something like this? Moreover, the royal family he belongs to is also a member of the Brotherhood, though of course, it no longer possesses the glory of a hundred years ago. Once upon a time, they were also core members of the Brotherhood.

Kevin, Jeris, and Solomon are non-combatants. Jeris had long been involved with the Meinier Civilization, but previously he only had access to second-hand data. This time he could participate in the expedition. In Jeris's words, "If you hear the Dao in the morning, you can die in the evening"—this is something he must participate in.

Kevin introduced the situation, "The mission is quite dangerous. Of course, this is a rare opportunity to uncover the mysteries of the Golden Zone. Whether to participate is entirely voluntary."

"Is Xilian reliable? Could there be some conspiracy?" Depuya hesitated; he still didn't quite believe Xilian had any good intentions.

"The matter is real. The other brothers have an idea of what's going on; we'll deal with things as they come. Jeris and I are definitely going to see it for ourselves, otherwise, it will be a lifelong regret," Kevin said with emotion. This is their pursuit and obsession with alien civilizations; danger cannot scare them at all.

"Yes, if we can truly discover such ruins, proving that a high-level civilization existed on Earth, my theory can be perfected. Humans are likely not naturally produced; our existence must carry some meaning." Even if it were a mountain of blades or a sea of fire, Jeris would go.

"Is Second Brother not going?" Luo Bi asked.

"Second Brother has things to do and can't go. I'll lead the team this time," Chao Qinglong said. Li Hao's personality is essentially quite lazy. Unless there's no other way, he rarely takes the initiative to participate. It was the same back in Apocalypse—content with the status quo, satisfied with what he has. "Suitable team members can also be brought along. After experiencing such battles, their strength will improve by a notch, but you must make them aware of the risks."

Although the S Tournament is over, most Earth teams performed very poorly this year, including Chao Qinglong, who was under immense pressure. If Tianjing hadn't won the championship, he would have been the one criticized to death. Actually, it's not much better now; North Caro only wants the championship. If he can't deliver, he is a failed Team Leader.

"I'm going. What's there to be afraid of?" Depuya gritted his teeth, "At most, I'll regret it for a few days if I go, but if I don't, I'll regret it for a lifetime."

Depuya is the same; his results are even worse. If this decline continues, there will be nothing left for him in the USE War Zone. The new generation of power is rising, and he will retire early by then.

"I'm going too!"

"How could I be missing from something like this?"

"Everyone, get ready and bring suitable personnel. The operation still has a certain degree of danger, so don't push yourselves. Aofei and I will be the first echelon, while the others will be the reserve team. On one hand, to protect Kevin and the others, and on the other, to prevent any emergencies. We'll adapt to the situation as it unfolds and see how Xilian prepares. I imagine the Shadow Sentinels will bring quite a few people this time," Chao Qinglong said.

"Will our manpower be a bit too small? Should we call more people? Actually, there are many who want to come, they just can't bring themselves to ask," Luo Bi said.

Luo Bi can be considered a social butterfly among the Hunters; he is open and enthusiastic, and many people are willing to seek him out when they have matters.

"It's not a bad thing to have more of our people for this," Kevin agreed. One must always be on guard; Xilian's style of doing things is unpredictable, and in that kind of place, it would definitely be better to have more of our own people.

"You guys handle it," Li Hao said.

"Haha, the Hunters return! This is going to be a blast!" Luo Bi said excitedly, "It's a pity Second Brother can't go."

"Luo Bi, you're just used to clinging to his leg; you don't know how to walk without Second Brother, do you?"

"Get lost." Luo Bi laughed and cursed.

Kevin will handle the specific coordination, while the others will make their own preparations and wait for the call time.

On the Moon side, just these few people from Sea Dragon are not enough. Although Xilian didn't win the championship, everyone from the old Apocalypse days knows he is second to none. In terms of overall influence, he is absolutely a king. Beyond combat power, the power and resources Xilian can control are truly terrifying. From a long-term perspective, no one can compare to him. Perhaps many will remember the infinitely glorious Puppet God at the S Tournament and remember this miracle, but in the end, the only ones standing at the pinnacle of the human power pyramid will be people like Xilian. Of course, that is assuming Xilian can "survive" this time.

When Anlita summoned them, no one refused, but everyone didn't expect to suddenly see a "gravely injured" Xilian. Those who arrived suddenly were very fortunate; if they had refused this time, there would be... no future.

The Moon is only so big, and there are only so many top positions in the future. To go against Xilian and the Meraphis Family, and to go against the forces he commands, is to dig one's own grave.

Laika, Pegluosa, Zhu Hongye, Huang Chao, Yabiji, Luo Ning, and Dita.

Xilian and Maxis appeared together. Xilian gave Maxis enough respect, inviting him personally, and Maxis agreed readily. Maxis is someone who goes with the flow; he has his own ideas, but he isn't brainless. Both face and substance were provided; to be coy now would be unappreciative. Moreover, working with Li Hao's Hunters this time filled everyone with curiosity and excitement.

Anlita was responsible for introducing the situation of the Nimeier Civilization to everyone, leaving them all dumbfounded and once again feeling fortunate for their decision.

"Besides the Earth side, the Mars side has invited Basta and Duanwu. On the Titan side, there is also Dumela, Saibutan, and a few others. Everyone go back and arrange your affairs; there will be designated personnel responsible for arranging for everyone to disperse and head to Earth to rendezvous."

Xilian is also using this matter to demonstrate his advantages in other areas and gain strong assistance—killing two birds with one stone. Facing an opponent like Noah's Ark, the stronger the force, the better. Xilian has also made sufficient preparations for this battle. This is also why there is no need for him and Li Hao to fight to the death; their life attitudes and goals do not conflict, and there are even plenty of opportunities for cooperation.

Just a championship, everyone is young, and everything has only just begun.

On the Titan side, Xilian personally gave Dumela a SkyCom, giving her enough face. Dumela was naturally interested after hearing about it.

"Ah, is Li Ge not going?"

Xilian curled his lips. What is wrong with these people? Do they not consider him a person? "With me here, how much worse could it be?"

He only lost by one move; these guys are too arrogant.

"Haha, about the same, I just prefer Li Ge's style."

Xilian couldn't be bothered to pay attention to her. What kind of taste is that!