Inside the fortress, there are mimic blade beasts.
When Wu Man said this, Daoist Wang and the others thought they had misheard. How could there be mimic blade beasts inside the fortress?
Everyone in the fortress era knew that the fortress became humanity's last stronghold for three main reasons.
First, underground fortresses are structurally easy to defend and hard to attack. At the very least, it wouldn’t repeat the tragic scene of surface cities being overwhelmed and devoured by blade beasts.
Second, underground fortresses can continuously strengthen their defenses by thickening the outer walls and setting up underground traps, effectively preventing mimic blade beasts from infiltrating.
Third, they can easily conduct nuclear airstrikes on the surface.
If Wu Man's sensing ability wasn't wrong, and there really were mimic blade beasts inside the fortress, there could only be two possibilities for their presence.
Either they had sneaked into the fortress during the ongoing battle, or they had mixed in during the fortress's routine exchanges of supplies.
Regardless of which possibility it was, it reflected a problem— the energy users at Fortress 76 had neglected their duties and done nothing, even though they had instruments to detect mimic blade beasts.
As for Wu Man's sensing ability… it could also be considered a credit to Wang Jixuan.
After the lingering resentment of the blade beast remnants that had been gnawing at Wu Man's body was drawn away, his ability, similar to that of a "beast speaker," was further enhanced.
Although Wu Man couldn’t understand the communication between the blade beasts, he could receive commands from the young king worm, simply grasp its meaning, and sense the mimic blade beasts responding to that command.
It was as if he had tapped into the command network of the blade beasts.
The atmosphere in the supply station was a bit tense.
Uncle Tai quietly asked, “What should we do next?”
Zheng Shiduo said, “Young man, where exactly are those mimic blade beasts?”
Wu Man's eyes again showed a white film as he focused on the direction of the fortress. He then tilted his head slightly and said softly, “Deep underground. I can only sense that they are in the lower part of the fortress, below the one-third line.”
“Most likely in the lower city.”
Wang Jixuan pondered for a moment, “That area is suitable for hiding. Although the middle city has many people, it’s almost clear everywhere.”
Sister Wan searched simply on a tablet, “The one-third line is on the thirty-eighth floor. We need to check from the thirty-eighth floor onward.”
“Who’s going?” Uncle Tai asked.
Zheng Shiduo replied directly, “I suggest we report this to the Energy Users’ House.”
“I’ll go,” Wang Jixuan volunteered, “I don’t trust the energy users brought out by Kong Nu and Qin Qin.”
Wu Man said quietly, “Sir, the energy users from the Energy Users’ House are supposed to check if the fortress has been invaded by mimic blade beasts. It’s very dangerous. It would be better to let Mr. Zheng push me over.”
Uncle Tai glared, “Aren’t you just sending meat buns to a dog? They are looking for you!”
Zheng Shiduo chuckled, “For ordinary E-level energy users, it’s definitely dangerous, but for… you, our great benefactor, those mimic blade beasts are actually not worth mentioning. The only ones to watch out for are those two B-level energy users.”
Click.
The door to Ling Tong's room opened, and everyone instinctively looked over.
She had already changed into a silver-white battle suit, made of special fabric that enhanced her load, outlining her perfect figure. Even the hair tie for her ponytail was reinforced.
Just as Uncle Tai was about to report, Ling Tong raised her hand slightly and simply said, “Protecting the stability of the fortress is a heavy responsibility. Zheng and Wang Zheng, you two go together. Wu Man will be taken care of by Xiao Qi. Sister Wan, coordinate the mechs.”
“Already coordinated,” Sister Wan immediately replied, “The mechs will be ready in twelve minutes.”
“Good, let them use aircraft for transport. I’ll go support Chi She.”
As Ling Tong finished speaking, she had already walked to the bottom of the ascent passage, spreading her arms.
Uncle Tai opened the equipment box for the blade armor set, and parts flew out, attaching themselves to Ling Tong’s figure in sequence.
Sister Wan carefully brought over the helmet that matched the armor and gently put it on Ling Tong.
The visor of the helmet retracted, and Ling Tong turned to Wang Jixuan, softly asking, “Is there a problem?”
“No problem, Commander.”
Wang Jixuan’s tone was very relaxed, although he felt a slight pressure from being ordered around.
In battle mode, Ling Tong exuded a powerful and cold aura.
Her calm and sharp gaze softened a bit, as if she wanted to say something to remind him to be careful, but in the end, she just nodded gently.
Closing the visor, flames appeared behind her and at her feet as she accelerated into the air, leaving waves of heat in the supply station.
“Cool!”
Zheng Shiduo exclaimed, then winked at Wang Jixuan, “Big guy, we’re teaming up now, hehehe.”
Wang Jixuan: …
There’s a magical pill in the cultivation world called “True Bone Strengthening Pill,” meant for male cultivators who have gone astray in their practice.
I wonder if giving Zheng Shiduo a few of those would help him find a bit of normal manly feeling.
If I can refine pills, I must give it a try.
…
‘It’s better if I act on my own.’
Vroom—
The noise of the engine echoed in their ears as the electric-powered off-road vehicle traveled up and down the fortress's elevators.
Wang Jixuan, Zheng Shiduo, and Wan Xiaoqi sat in the seats of elevator number seven.
The three of them wore nano masks, changing their appearances to unfamiliar faces, and dressed in law enforcement uniforms.
Wan Xiaoqi specifically chose a glamorous fake face and secretly stuffed two balls of tissue while changing.
She had actively requested to join them, saying she would provide logistical support to Wang Jixuan, as she could hack into the fortress's internal network at any time. In reality… she just wanted to see the lower city of Fortress 76.
Wang Jixuan looked at the ‘bracer’ on his wrist, which had a projection screen showing a 3D map of the fortress.
Now, their apparent task was to investigate Mu Liang's whereabouts.
‘I’m looking for myself, how clever.’
Wang Jixuan chuckled to himself as a vibration came from his pocket.
It was a text message from Zhou Zhengde.
[Zhou Zhengde (Zhou Yanei): No need to worry about Ling Tong. The blade beast swarm on the outskirts of the battle zone hasn’t stirred. This shouldn’t escalate into a major battle. Based on the information from Wu Man, we have roughly locked down the young king worm’s location. That guy is hiding underground and has already started moving. Very cunning.]
[Zhou Zhengde (Zhou Yanei): All D-level and above energy users in the fortress have been locked on by biological radar. Be careful in your actions.]
[Wang Zheng (Upright Person): Good, we’ll sync any news to you immediately.]
[Zhou Zhengde (Zhou Yanei): How many mimic blade beasts did Wu Man sense?]
[Wang Zheng (Upright Person): About seven or eight, all in the lower part of the fortress, most likely in the lower city. We’ll start checking from the thirty-eighth floor. We must find out where the mimic blade beasts came in and continue scanning the fortress's structure.]
[Zhou Zhengde (Zhou Yanei): Understood. While I’m confident in your strength, having taken down a special winged dragon… I still want to remind you that you are now a valuable technical talent. Ensure your life is prioritized over all other options.]
[Wang Zheng (Upright Person): (￣ー￣) Alright, battle-type technical talent.]
Putting away the file exchange device, Wang Jixuan glanced at the backpack and golf club bag by his leg, feeling a bit more at ease.
He would naturally carry his long spear with him.
Later, Wang Jixuan would be responsible for finding the mimic blade beasts, Zheng Shiduo would handle the monsters, and Wan Xiaoqi would clear any potential surveillance information.
As long as there wasn’t a situation where the mimic blade beasts gathered in one place, Wang Jixuan wouldn’t need to act personally; Zheng Shiduo could handle it himself.
Ding ding!
Wan Xiaoqi reminded, “The elevator is about to reach the target floor.”
As soon as she finished speaking, the elevator door opened automatically, and two young men in security uniforms outside saluted.
These two weren’t strangers; they were Zhou Zhengde’s trusted subordinates, Lin Bo and Lin Yong.
Behind Lin Bo, two narrow sightseeing vehicles quietly waited. — This would help them quickly search the entire floor and improve efficiency.
“Commander! We have used the law enforcement team’s name to close the checkpoints between the middle city and lower city. All access routes have been guarded by autonomous security!”
“Hmm,” Wang Jixuan voluntarily sat in the back seat of the sightseeing vehicle.
He closed his eyes and focused, extending his spiritual awareness.
Lin Bo drove the vehicle forward with Wang Jixuan and Wan Xiaoqi.
Zheng Shiduo was in the back, already starting to admire Lin Yong’s muscular chest.
…
In the central area of the Sarir Desert, scenes of sand dunes flew by rapidly in Ling Tong’s view.
“Ling Tong?” Sister Wan’s voice came through the headset.
“Speak.”
“Your focus index is only ninety-two,” Sister Wan reminded, “Is something on your mind? I’m your chief steward and need to monitor your mental state in real time… is it because of Wang Zheng?”
“I’m thinking if I was too harsh on him just now.”
Ling Tong replied simply and directly: “When I gave him orders, my tone was a bit unfriendly, and then I missed a chance to remedy that, which might make him uncomfortable. He is the kind of man with a strong sense of pride.”
Sister Wan laughed, “Don’t think about that, Ling Tong. If a relationship requires one side to deliberately pretend to be gentle, then that relationship is doomed to be short-lived. Being genuine and direct is definitely a plus in your character.”
“I and he are currently just in the stage of increasing mutual affection, far from being in a relationship.”
“This is actually the prelude to love. The prelude can rise in pitch at any time due to the hormones released.”
Sister Wan spoke gently: “So, you don’t need to worry at all. You don’t have to deliberately show him anything; instead, you should both get to know and respect each other.
“Will he hold a grudge over something so trivial that makes you like him? If that’s the case, can your feelings for him continue?
“Stay logical, battle maiden. Enjoy love but don’t let it cloud your judgment.”
“Hmm, I have nothing to distract me now.”
Ling Tong took a few deep breaths, her gaze sharpening again.
On the semi-transparent map in front of her, she and Chi She were very close to the ambush point.
A lot of red dots appeared on the edge of the map.
In the natural view behind the map, Chi She was hovering in mid-air, covering a team of hundreds below as they fought and retreated.
Blade beasts kept leaping out of the sand, frantically attacking this small group of human soldiers.
Blade beasts roared, releasing visible shockwaves in an attempt to disrupt Chi She, whose laughter had already joined the chat channel.
— In the battle maiden circle, Chi She was a famous battle maniac.
Ling Tong asked, “How long until the mechs arrive?”
“Air drop in three minutes and twenty-five seconds. A batch of missile support has already arrived.”
Ahead, dozens of missiles were almost vertically dropping, bombing the edge of the battle zone.
The battle blade armor immediately accelerated, and Ling Tong joined the fray.
…
At the same time.
In the lower city of Fortress 76, the Distorted District of Joy City.
Familiar storefronts, strange signs, and familiar bunny girl waitresses.
Wang Jixuan stood with his hands behind his back in the corridor, listening to the sounds of gunfire, screams, and roars coming from the nearby private room. He turned to glance at the trembling bunny girl waitress.
The law enforcement team’s uniform was quite effective; this bunny girl didn’t dare to make any “little surprises” now.
After more than ten seconds, the private room door opened. Inside, the more than ten half-naked men and women had already passed out, and a corpse of a mimic blade beast lay on the ground. A woman dressed lightly had her back torn open by some terrifying claws.
Clearly, this woman had once been the “human skin” of the mimic blade beast.
Zheng Shiduo spat, “First one. Just entered the body not long ago. Should have come in during the last attack on the fortress.”
Wang Jixuan pointed at the bunny girl beside him and simply said, “Let her sleep for two days. Be gentle.”
“Ah, ah? Oh no!”
Before the bunny girl could react, Zheng Shiduo’s eyes had already shone with green light, and she slowly collapsed onto the carpet in the corridor.
Wang Jixuan pushed the door open, and two true fire talismans flew out, landing on the “human skin” and the back of the mimic blade beast, while his hands swiftly moved, igniting both flames simultaneously.
In half a minute, the battlefield was cleared, and there were no surveillance cameras here.
Wang Jixuan and Zheng Shiduo started their return journey, calling out to Wan Xiaoqi, who was still in shock at the corner of the corridor.
“No, no!”
Wan Xiaoqi pointed at the large lizard photo hanging on the wall, her eyes wide as she asked, “What does this sales champion mean? Is it what I think? My worldview just exploded! What have we been protecting?”
Zheng Shiduo blinked.
“We’ve been protecting… diversity.”
(End of Chapter)