Chapter 345: The Jade Cicada

"Young Master Qi, I'm sorry, but Master Liu is almost certainly dead—murdered by bandits. Our chief clerk has personally taken charge and sent men to investigate!" As he spoke, the clerk who received Xu Jin sighed, tears welling in his eyes. "We people out here on the Star River battlefield are truly as expendable as grass."

Xu Jin's face turned grim.

He hastily sold off some of the bulkier supplies, earning over twenty thousand strands of starlight, then bought dozens of elixirs and quickly departed.

Though in the Star River battlefield, a strong cultivator killing someone was all too easy.

Someone like Xu Jin could slip in, kill a clerk, then carry the corpse away into his Numinous Space without leaving a trace.

But Xu Jin believed Master Liu had been killed because of him.

The mastermind behind the scenes likely intended to use Master Liu to uncover Xu Jin's true identity.

Yet Xu Jin's current true identity is Qi Tian Sheng—what difference would it make if the mastermind discovered it?

It was a pity, though, that Master Liu had lost his life.

This was the tragedy of ordinary people in a world where power resided solely within the individual.

Suddenly, Xu Jin recalled his past life—perhaps that world had its flaws, like being treated like cattle or horses, but it never killed ordinary people as casually as stepping on ants.

Fifteen minutes later, Xu Jin and Ji Hongli arrived at the rendezvous point.

From afar, Hou Yunzhang spotted Xu Jin. "Brother, I thought you weren't coming!"

"I thought about it, and decided I couldn't miss this—first, to help Deputy Director Ning, and second, maybe I'll make a fortune."

"Good. From now on, you're members of the Sword Hero Mercenary Squad. Come, let me introduce you."

Xu Jin felt the recruitment was hasty, but he followed Hou Yunzhang to meet the others.

The Sword Hero Mercenary Squad currently had eight members present.

Captain Hou Yunzhang was Fifth Realm, Seventh Layer; Deputy Captain Tan Zhi was Fifth Realm, Fifth Layer; three senior members were Fifth Realm, Second, Third, and Fourth Layers respectively; the other three were all Fourth Realm, Ninth Layer.

Xu Jin's Fourth Realm, Seventh Layer aura and Ji Hongli's Fourth Realm, Fourth Layer aura were clearly unwelcome.

But when Hou Yunzhang mentioned that Ji Hongli specialized in Wood Star Arts, the entire squad suddenly gathered around her. "Miss Ji, can you perform Star Healing?" Deputy Captain Tan Zhi asked hopefully.

Ji Hongli shook her head, causing slight disappointment in Tan Zhi and the others, though they didn't show it much—instead, they surrounded her, warmly chatting one by one.

Beauty was naturally popular.

This made Ji Hongli uncomfortable.

After a few breaths, she cautiously slipped behind Xu Jin.

"Captain, when do we depart?"

"Wait a bit. We'll leave once Director Cui and Deputy Director Ning arrive. Once they join us, we set out," said Hou Yunzhang.

Xu Jin wasn't in a hurry—he first used his Star-Picking Token to briefly report to the Grand Master, informing him he had infiltrated the Chen Guo theater's support team for the Huashih Star Region and was about to depart.

【You have full discretion. Also, I'm sending you a secret order stamped with my seal—show it to Domain Lord Ji Cheng when needed; he'll know what to do.】

【Understood! Grand Master, may I ask—do you have any secret method to teach me for imposing a Soul-Sealing Restriction?】

【Soul-Sealing Restriction is among the highest applications of Soul Arts. It requires many conditions: first, you must forge a Soul Essence; second, the target's Soul cultivation base must be lower than yours; third, you need a Star Artifact capable of carrying Soul power, into which you infuse your Soul-Sealing mark. When used, this artifact becomes the vessel to link with the target's Soul, enabling the technique.】

【You want to learn it?】

【A bit. When I teach others certain secrets or Star Patterns, I worry they'll leak them. But according to you, I probably don't meet the conditions—especially the Star Artifact capable of carrying Soul power.】 Xu Jin said.

【Actually, you already have one.】

The Grand Master's starlight message left Xu Jin utterly stunned.

He did?

【The Star Official's Seal you obtained can carry your Soul power and can be infused with Soul Arts to enhance their potency. As a Sixth Realm, Upper Grade Star Artifact, you can infuse at least two or three Soul Arts into it.】

【But its origins are too entangled—I feared it would bring you unnecessary trouble, so I never mentioned it.】

The Grand Master hadn't mentioned it, and Xu Jin had nearly forgotten.

The Star Official's Seal could indeed carry Soul power—he'd already noticed that. But the danger the Grand Master warned of was real.

【Grand Master, if I use it only to cast Soul-Sealing Restriction, it shouldn't be dangerous.】

【Very well. I'll transmit to you the method of Soul-Sealing Restriction and how to infuse Soul Arts into Star Artifacts. Use it with caution.】

【Understood.】

Inside the Danxia Palace of Chen Guo, Grand Master Cheng Yuexiao sent Xu Jin the Soul-Sealing Restriction technique and the secret order, yet his gaze drifted thoughtfully toward the Star River battlefield.

Xu Jin may already be building his own power base.

But that's a good thing!

In the future, if Xu Jin wishes to inherit my position, he'll need more than just talent—he'll need a solid foundation.

At the Star River gateway of Chen Guo's war city, Xu Jin studied the Soul-Sealing Restriction technique and the method of infusing Soul Arts into Star Artifacts, memorizing them all, planning to begin crafting later when he had time.

But he wasn't idle now.

He activated his Soul power and began expanding his Numinous Space.

Previously, he'd expanded it intermittently during spare moments—it had reached twelve cubic units: two meters by two meters by three meters.

Compared to most, it was large enough.

But still insufficient.

Suddenly, Xu Jin noticed his Yuan Ling Tai Guang's direct radiation range had reached eight point one meters.

It had grown another zero point one meter.

Only two days.

Previously, it took three days to grow that much.

Now it grew every two days—this must be due to the Cheng Po Star Pattern being pushed to Eighth Realm, Lower Tier.

His Soul cultivation speed had accelerated again!

Within his Numinous Space, Xu Jin's Soul will surged like a cutting machine, spinning wildly—the eight point one meter Yuan Ling Tai Guang's Soul power now carved through the space as easily as cutting through mud and stone.

The Numinous Space expanded visibly before his eyes!

"They're here!"

Half an hour later, Hou Yunzhang's voice rang out.

In just half an hour, Xu Jin had expanded his Numinous Space to two meters by three meters by three meters—eighteen cubic units.

But his Soul power had been depleted by one-third.

For Xu Jin, whose Soul power was already immense, losing one-third was a significant amount.

The next instant, Xu Jin rose.

As he rose, his mind activated—the seventy-eight Cheng Po Star Patterns in his Upper Star Palace rotated simultaneously, forming a radiant spiritual terrace that illuminated his entire Star Palace. His depleted Soul power began recovering visibly.

Looking up, dozens of starlight streaks shot toward them. One streak, blue tinged with silver, he recognized instantly.

Who else but Ning Yuchan?

This support mission to Huashih Star Region consisted entirely of elites.

All Fifth Realm and mid-to-late Fourth Realm cultivators from the Fifth Guard's Second Division were deployed, and the Fifth Guard's Commander had additionally summoned twenty elite Fifth Realm cultivators—totaling twenty-eight Fifth Realm and forty-five mid-to-late Fourth Realm elites.

In addition, twelve Green Forest Mercenary Squads and ten Sword Hero Mercenary Squads joined.

Compared to the Sword Hero Squad, the Green Forest Squad was far stronger.

Green Forest Squad's leader, Li Zhen, was Fifth Realm, Eighth Layer; besides him, nine others were Fifth Realm, and only two were Fourth Realm, Ninth Layer Peak.

This support force fielded forty-three Fifth Realm and fifty-two Fourth Realm cultivators.

Though numerous, in Xu Jin's view, they were merely numerous—not nearly as elite as the previous Guodao Academy expeditionary force sent to the Fifth Realm star regions.

During the Lou Gong battle, the Guodao Academy's five-man expeditionary force consisted entirely of Fifth Realm, Ninth Layer Peak cultivators.

Here, among the forty-three Fifth Realm cultivators, only Director Cui Chongguang of the Fifth Guard's Second Division was Fifth Realm, Ninth Layer Peak. Next strongest was Green Forest Squad's leader Li Zhen, Fifth Realm, Eighth Layer.

But this was merely surface cultivation level.

Actual combat power was another matter.

For instance, Ning Yuchan's current cultivation was only Fifth Realm, Third Layer.

Yet her combat prowess was undeniable—she had slain Fifth Realm, Ninth Layer aliens, severely wounded Sixth Realm, Early Stage aliens, and even fought evenly against Sixth Realm, Mid-Stage aliens.

Thus, though Director Cui Chongguang led this mission, Ning Yuchan's influence remained immense—especially among the two mercenary squads, who had joined solely because of her.

After merely glancing, Xu Jin understood.

Li Zhen of the Green Forest Squad, despite having been here a while, kept his gaze mostly fixed on the elegant, commanding Ning Yuchan.

Though leaning on a silver cane, Ning Yuchan stood straight, her athletic figure undiminished.

Half a year had passed—her presence was even more striking.

Her former blue battle skirt had been replaced by a white robe with silver armor.

As the saying goes: "To look beautiful, wear mourning."

This white robe and silver armor gave Ning Yuchan an elegant charm, making even Xu Jin glance at her a few times longer than necessary.

She'd lost weight.

Thinner than when he last saw her in the barracks.

Perhaps his gaze lingered a fraction too long—Li Zhen's sharp eyes turned toward him, and Ning Yuchan looked over too.

"Captain Hou, who are these two? They seem unfamiliar. Wait… you look kind of familiar to me?"

Ning Yuchan's words nearly startled Xu Jin—could she really recognize him?

Then he realized—she was speaking to Ji Hongli.

Ning Yuchan had seen Ji Hongli during the Autumn Exams.

"Deputy Director Ning, you probably saw me at the Guodao Academy. I'm Ji Hongli," Ji Hongli volunteered.

"Ji Hongli?"

Ning Yuchan frowned, then recalled where she'd seen Ji Hongli before.

Autumn examination grounds.

At the same time, he remembered Xu Jin!

Xu Jin, everyone said, was already dead!

Grief surfaced in his eyes.

"Since you're a student of the National Dao Academy, your combat strength must be strong—but when marching or fighting, first obey orders, second act with caution!"

After speaking, Ning Yuchan turned to look at Xu Jin.

When Hou Yunzhang introduced the Gao Jie Star Healer who had saved her as Xu Jin, Ning Yuchan solemnly bowed to Xu Jin and thanked him deeply.

"Is the time nearly here?" Nearby, Li Zhen said to the Duzhu Cui Chongguang.

"Yuchan, shall we prepare to depart?"

"Let's go."

Half a quarter-hour later, the group of ninety-five passed through the checkpoint at Dachen War City and entered the Star River Passage; soon after, they arrived at the entrance to the Star Gate of the Fifth-Rank Huashí Star Region.

Upon arrival, Duzhu Cui Chongguang pulled out a large spatial transit array plate and began embedding Star Jade tablets.

He embedded a total of ninety-five fifth-rank Star Jade tablets before finishing.

"Everyone, prepare for battle!"

The next instant, Cui Chongguang activated the spatial transit array plate, and in an instant, it shot out ninety-five beams of starlight chains, locking onto each person present; then, under Cui Chongguang's command, the array plate surged ahead into the Star Gate.

The moment they entered the Star Gate, immense force surged through the starlight chains, pulling all ninety-five into the gate in a single instant.

Starlight shifted; the instant Xu Jin's feet touched solid ground, he activated the Fish Curtain Golden Bell and triggered the Mingji Star Pattern.

All ninety-five were within a hundred-meter radius; no enemies were nearby.

And the spatial transit array plate that had brought them here had completely shattered.

A one-time-use item, made by Xumi Palace.

But as Xu Jin knew, such collective-use spatial transit array plates started at thirty thousand strands of starlight to purchase—and not everyone had the qualification to buy one.

Under resistance to spatial turbulence, they could transport a hundred people at once!

On the other side, the elite Fifth Division of the Xuantiger Army quickly gathered together; the Sword Hero and Green Forest mercenary squads also formed their own groups; Ning Yuchan was already studying the map.

"Our luck isn't bad. Though we didn't land directly within the territory controlled by the Yuzhu Ji, we're only five hundred li off. Eastward five hundred li, we can enter the Yuzhu Ji's controlled territory—danger will drop sharply."

"According to plan, we head straight for Hongli City, where Yuzhu Ji resides."

As she spoke, Ning Yuchan unconsciously glanced again at Ji Hongli.

Same surname Ji? Hongli?

Could it really be that coincidental?

Hearing the name of this city, Xu Jin felt a pang of emotion.

This was likely the deepest expression of a father trapped in a foreign land, missing his daughter.

Ji Hongli tightly pressed her lips, expression grave, silent.

"Advance!"

Ninety-five people, forty-three fifth-rank experts, most of them seasoned warriors from the military.

Small bands of alien races posed no real threat.

Even encountering one or two sixth-rank foes wouldn't be a problem.

Perhaps because the entire star region's elite forces had been concentrated by the Sacred Clan's envoys, they encountered little trouble along the way—only a few small alien bands, all exterminated.

The Huashí Star Region originally had four Star Domain Kings, four alien races: the Earth Spirit Clan, the Rock Armor Clan, the Fire Scale Clan, and the Golden Lion Clan.

Ji Cheng, by chance, used three sixth-rank rune tablets to slay the Golden Lion King, securing his foothold; gradually, he took control of the Golden Lion Clan, then slowly subdued key elites from the other clans, ultimately establishing himself as a regional overlord.

Thus, entering Ji Cheng's territory meant entering the Golden Lion Clan's territory.

Along the way, Xu Jin's group marched together, and soon, Golden Lion aliens spotted them.

But neither side attacked; these Golden Lion aliens knew their leader and were familiar with the current-generation humans.

Almost every month, elite human squads came to deliver supplies and provisions, so they were not strangers.

Seeing the Golden Lion aliens depart, Duzhu Cui Chongguang sighed in relief, "Good—these Golden Lion aliens didn't attack us. Otherwise, with no contact to Yuzhu Ji, this would be a disaster!"

"Is Yuzhu Ji's injury really that severe? He can't even contact us?" asked Li Zhen, captain of the Green Forest mercenary squad, frowning.

There was a branch of the Zhai Xing Tower in this star region.

Otherwise, regular contact with the current world would be impossible.

"We probably haven't entered its coverage range yet," said Cui Chongguang, waving his hand; the group continued forward.

An hour later, Li Zhen studied the map and suddenly frowned. "Duzhu Cui, we're five hundred li from Hongli City—by now, we should be within your branch's coverage. Try contacting Yuzhu Ji. If you can, we can safely enter Hongli City."

After several breaths, Cui Chongguang shook his head.

"Still no contact? Could Yuzhu Ji be dead? If he's dead, our support is meaningless!" Li Zhen said, frowning.

At these words, Ji Hongli bit her lip tightly, clearly terrified.

"Impossible!"

Ning Yuchan spoke: "If Yuzhu Ji had died in battle, Marshal Mao would never have sent us to reinforce him. Keep advancing!"

The moment Ning Yuchan spoke, all objections vanished.

Duzhu Cui Chongguang could only smile bitterly—Ning Yuchan's prestige in the military far surpassed his own!

Soon, elite Golden Lion aliens approached, and after identifying themselves, the group was escorted by Golden Lion elites toward Hongli City.

Hongli City had already been placed under martial law; the group was taken directly to the Domain Lord's Mansion—likely a renovated version of the former Wangcheng.

Duzhu Cui Chongguang requested to see the Domain Lord, but was blocked by a six-rank seventh-layer giant clad in Rock Armor named Shi Yan!

"Before the Domain Lord orders your audience, best behave!" Shi Yan barked at them. "Or we won't be gentle!"

Under Domain Lord Ji Cheng, there was one alien councilor and eight alien generals.

Shi Yan was one of those eight alien generals.

A fully integrated alien commander under Ji Cheng.

"General Shi, you'd better let us see the Domain Lord immediately! Otherwise, I—"

"Enough!"

The next instant, Shi Yan, who had been questioned by Cui Chongguang, roared, spun, and punched—his fist transformed into a mountain slamming toward Cui Chongguang.

Cui Chongguang was a battle-hardened commander and had been on guard; he blocked it without panic.

But the cultivation gap was undeniable; with one punch, Cui Chongguang was blasted a hundred meters away, crashing into several others, spewing blood.

Severely wounded in one blow!

"You—"

"Stay quiet and wait for orders—or I'll kill you all!"

After speaking, Shi Yan turned and stepped away, continuing to guard before the Wencheng, glaring at Cui Chongguang's group.

Behind Shi Yan, three more sixth-rank aliens emerged, along with over a hundred fifth-rank elite aliens!

Glaring at Cui Chongguang's group!

Something's wrong!

This attitude was definitely wrong.

At this moment, Cui Chongguang finally realized something was off, and exclaimed in shock, "How dare he treat me like this? Could Yuzhu Ji really..."

"Impossible!" Ning Yuchan declared. "If Yuzhu Ji had truly died, these aliens would have slaughtered us already! There must be divisions within their ranks!"

"Then what do we do? I feel these aliens have ill intent—if they launch a surprise attack, we'll suffer heavy losses! We won't just fail to rescue—we might not have many left to return!" Li Zhen said anxiously.

At the same moment, inside the Domain Lord's Mansion, tension was thick.

Domain Lord Ji Cheng lay on a bed in the inner chamber, his breath faint.

In the outer chamber, sixth-rank seventh-layer Ji Xiuchuan sat like a general on a throne at the entrance, his aura rising but held in check.

Below the steps, sixth-rank ninth-layer alien councilor Jin Fan sat calmly; three alien generals glared at Ji Xiuchuan, especially the towering Jin Bo, chief among the alien generals, whose cultivation reached sixth-rank seventh-layer.

"Councilor Ji, step aside, and we'll guarantee your wealth and honor! Refuse, and we'll kill you too!" The alien generals were pressuring inside the mansion.

Ji Xiuchuan didn't even lift his eyelids, only coldly replied, "Come kill me if you dare. If anyone attacks me, I'll detonate Jin Fan's soul core—he'll die first, with no burial."

At these words, the alien generals cursed Ji Xiuchuan, but were powerless to act.

Alien councilor Jin Fan watched for a long while, then smiled. "Councilor Ji, think: if you step aside, we kill the Domain Lord, then you and I rule this land together. After all, you hold my soul core—I dare not move against you.

You're even above me.

Later, we can make you Domain Lord, the supreme ruler—how?"

Ji Xiuchuan didn't even blink, only coldly said: "I don't care about anything else. Whoever dares touch the Domain Lord or me—I kill you first. Whether I can kill others, I can't guarantee.

But you—you're under my soul control. One thought from me, and you die."

"Ah!"

Alien councilor Jin Fan sighed. "So stubborn."

"Then kill the current-generation humans! Go—kill every human inside and outside the mansion, including the newcomers. Bring their heads to our Councilor Ji—see how long he can hold out!"

After speaking, Jin Fan added, "Councilor Ji, cooperate. A win-win—why must it come to this?"

"Heartless, treacherous wretches! Do you forget how the Domain Lord saved you?" Ji Xiuchuan roared.

"But I've served the Domain Lord for over a decade, fought north and south—it's enough!" Jin Fan shrugged.

Ji Xiuchuan glared fiercely at Jin Fan, yet felt helpless.

He released star power, his aura fixed on all directions, fearing someone might sneak in to assassinate the Domain Lord.

To control these aliens, Domain Lord Ji Cheng had once invested tremendous effort.

To prevent accidents, he had arranged for several human confidants to cross-control these aliens.

Unexpectedly, an accident still occurred.

The Domain Lord's three human confidants had previously died in battle, and with the Domain Lord now unconscious, these alien commanders had lost control.

Currently, only he holds sway over Jin Fan, the alien commander with the greatest prestige and strength.

If he didn't control Jin Fan's life and death, these alien commanders would have already launched their attack!

He now only hopes the Domain Lord awakens soon.

If the Domain Lord awakens, three of the rebellious alien commanders within and outside the compound could be brought back under control, and the unrest could be quelled!

As for reinforcements, he has already heard what these men have said.

But right now, there's nothing he can do.

He can only protect the Domain Lord by threatening Jin Fan's life!

"Commander Ji, this is your final warning—if you still refuse to cooperate, we'll start by killing your family!" Jin Fan laughed.

Ji Xiuchuan remained silent.

Gradually, a fierce expression darkened Jin Fan's face; after a few breaths, he abruptly waved his hand and ordered, "Go, bring every living human in and around the Domain Lord's mansion, and execute them one by one in front of Commander Ji—let's see how long he can endure!"

"Yes!"

A group of ferocious alien soldiers immediately obeyed and rushed off.

Meanwhile, within the reinforcement force, which was being watched by at least 150 fifth-rank elites outside the Domain Lord's mansion, internal divisions had emerged.

Ning Yuchan's position was clear: Domain Lord Ji Cheng must still be alive—if he were dead, these aliens would have already stormed in!

But even if Domain Lord Ji Cheng is still alive, what does it matter?

Clearly, these aliens have already lost control.

Li Zhen's view was that they must first preserve their force, aiming to get as many people out alive as possible before seeking another opportunity.

Not to throw their lives away here!

"Let's charge—break into the Domain Lord's mansion; we might still have a chance!" Ning Yuchan suddenly proposed.

"Yuchan, how many sixth-rankers can you fight?

And over a hundred fifth-rankers?

Charge?

Even with your life, you won't make it through! My advice is to retreat first, wage guerrilla warfare, and slowly look for opportunities to contact the Domain Lord!" Li Zhen said.

"I think Li Zhen is right," Supervisor Cui Chongguang also began to waver.

If they can't establish contact with Domain Lord Ji Cheng, this rescue mission is pointless.

Withdrawing is the best choice!

"Charge," a sudden voice interrupted.

As everyone turned, they saw Qi Tian Sheng, the new member of the Sword Hero Mercenary Squad.

Hou Yunzhang stared in shock, "This… my younger brother just joined!"

"If you don't know anything, get out of the way and stop causing trouble!" Li Zhen angrily scolded Xu Jin.

"These aliens are suspicious! If the Domain Lord were dead, they would have already turned on us! I believe the Domain Lord may be in grave danger—by charging in, we might help him escape and turn the tide of battle.

Turn the tide of the entire Huashih Star Domain!" Xu Jin ignored Li Zhen's curses and analyzed seriously.

"That makes sense!" Ning Yuchan's approval made Li Zhen's face darken.

"You're a fourth-ranker—what are you talking about? They're sixth-rankers! If you're so brave, go charge yourself—but don't drag us down with your suicide!" Li Zhen snapped.

Xu Jin coldly glanced at Li Zhen, then turned to the others. "Have any of you ever seen a beast hunt? If you retreat, it grows fiercer; if you advance, it hesitates!

These aliens have already locked onto us!

If we retreat, they'll strike immediately and devour us!"

"Shut up! Do you even have the right to speak here!" As he spoke, Li Zhen kicked Xu Jin with star energy.

"Watch out!" Hou Yunzhang suddenly warned.

But Xu Jin merely sneered at Li Zhen; a golden-yellow glow flared as he absorbed the kick with his bare body.

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Li Zhen staggered back three steps.

Xu Jin's protective starlight shimmered without a single ripple.

The surrounding mercenaries stared at Xu Jin in shock.

Li Zhen, furious, turned on Hou Yunzhang. "Hou, if you can't control your own subordinate, don't come back next time!"

Hou Yunzhang was left embarrassed and speechless.

Xu Jin sighed helplessly.

Delay invites disaster!

"I'm charging—anyone with me?"

At these words, everyone stared at Xu Jin in disbelief; Hou Yunzhang immediately blocked his path. "Brother Qi, don't be reckless!"

"I'll go!"

Ji Hongli bravely stepped behind Xu Jin, her protective starlight flaring as the sixth-rank Golden Scale Armor's radiance appeared, stunning everyone once more.

The next instant, Xu Jin turned to Ning Yuchan with a smile. "Ning Instructor, Ning Teacher, Yuchan-sis… are you ready?"

In an instant, Ning Yuchan shuddered.

She stared at Xu Jin in utter disbelief, her expression filled with astonishment.

Far away, three sixth-rank aliens and over a hundred fifth-rankers watched intently, fully prepared to unleash a devastating barrage at the slightest movement.

The next instant, brilliant starlight erupted from Xu Jin's body; as his overwhelming aura surged, he vanished.

Shhh!

As the piercing sonic boom echoed, Xu Jin appeared before the sixth-rank alien commander who had previously severely injured Cui Chongguang with a single punch.

It was merely an afterimage!

Before anyone could fully register his presence, Xu Jin's afterimage had already driven the Fire Ox Sword straight through the alien commander Shi Yan's massive skull!

The alien never even reacted—his head was instantly pulverized!

Simultaneously, Ji Hongli shot forward like a green streak, while Ning Yuchan let out a sharp cry and surged toward Xu Jin's rear.

"Fire!"

The other two sixth-rank alien commanders panicked and ordered a concentrated barrage.

But in that same instant, three lightning chains suddenly appeared behind Xu Jin, instantly multiplying into fifteen.

Fifteen lightning chains, dozens of meters long, writhed like dragons, flashing with blinding electricity.

In an instant, the positions of the 150 fifth-rank alien elites were thrown into chaos, filled with screams.

Their formation shattered.

Not only could they not concentrate fire—they were shrieking, trembling, and being blasted by lightning.

Seeing this, the other two sixth-rank alien commanders charged toward Xu Jin from both sides.

At that exact moment, Ning Yuchan swept in like a whirlwind; her silver iron cane transformed into a golden hammer a hundred meters long, spinning as it crashed down.

Wherever the hammer struck, fifth-rankers were blasted away.

Those hit suffered broken bones and tendons, then were hurled through the air.

One swing struck the sixth-rank four-star alien attempting to surround Xu Jin, instantly knocking him back dozens of meters and forcing him to spit blood.

This greatly reduced Xu Jin's pressure.

With the Fish-Screen Golden Bell absorbing attacks from surrounding fifth-rankers, Xu Jin unleashed his Soul-Shattering Star Technique, launching a fist-sized orb of light at the sixth-rank five-star alien.

Boom!

The Soul-Shattering Star Technique caused the sixth-rank five-star alien to spew blood from all seven orifices, frozen in place.

The next instant, a terrifying solar blaze erupted, incinerating him completely.

The twenty-meter radius around him was also obliterated—fifth-rank aliens nearby were vaporized.

At that very moment, Ji Hongli arrived; dozens of dark-green beams erupted from the ground, instantly taking control of at least thirty fifth-rank aliens.

"Well done, Little Fish!"

Daxiaoshengzhong ， Xujintiangangleilianmengdichouchu ， Chouzhongleshiwumingwujieyizu ， Leiguangzhishishaoyiqingxie ， Zheshiwumingwujieyizu ， Bushicansijiushizhongshang 。

Xu Jin spun like a whirlwind, and in moments, thirty fifth-rank aliens lay dead.

But simultaneously, dozens of fifth-rank aliens unleashed a concentrated barrage.

Xujinshundiyichen ， Yindongdadizhigen ， Yumujinzhongbuduanshanshuozhe ， Tiangangleilianzuchengtiangangleidun ， Liujiejipinxingqijinlinjiaguanghuadashan ， Jinlindiejiatongshifuxian 。

Deploying every defense, Xu Jin absorbed the full barrage.

Xiayishun ， Zaicihuiwuzheshiwudaotiangangleilian ， Ruchushouleiguaiyiyang ， Chongjinleganggangjihuotadewujieyizuqunzhong 。

Ji Hongli perfectly coordinated, delivering another devastating strike, slaughtering over thirty more aliens.

Beside them, Ning Yuchan swung her hammer again and again, each blow heavier than the last; after a dozen strikes, the sixth-rank four-star alien's chest caved in, bones exposed.

She had been about to finish him off—but seeing Xu Jin in danger, she spun like a whirlwind to protect him.

Xu Jin's charge, though astonishing in results, had taken only a few seconds.

Especially this outcome left Hou Yunzhang, Li Zhen, Cui Chongguang, and others utterly stunned.

They thought they were hallucinating!

How could a fourth-rank nobody be this powerful?

But the next instant, Hou Yunzhang snapped back to reality.

"Brothers, what are you waiting for? Charge!"

If we don't kill them now, we won't get another chance!

Instantly, Hou Yunzhang led the Sword Hero Mercenary Squad into the fray.

At the same time, Li Tian, Cui Chongguang, and others, stunned, also led their men forward to attack.

With these reinforcements joining, the fierce battle swiftly came to an end!

(End of Chapter)