Chapter Thirty-Nine: Her Resolve

Staring at the black mist before him, Chai Guan’s expression turned ghastly. This girl from the Winged Tribe possessed an overwhelming array of tricks, and every one of her abilities was incredibly thorny. When paired with her Class-G laser pistol, she was already a match for him in a one-on-one duel—let alone now, as she fought in tandem with Xia Yan.

It is worth noting that the name of this ability was simply "Black Mist." It was a rather uninspired name, but because truly rare abilities rarely appeared in the database for comparison, they were often named based on their outward appearance—much like Xia Yan’s "Demon" ability.

As the black mist gradually dissipated and Tao Lu’s true form emerged, a "demon" was already hovering in the air directly above and in front of Chai Guan, glaring at him with predatory eyes. Crossing that chasm to attack Tao Lu had become impossible for Chai Guan.

The battle was finally drawing to a close.

Could there be any suspense in a fight between a 4-star ability user and Xia Yan?

Absolutely not.

"No, no, no!" Chai Guan roared. "I am the strongest! I was entrusted with a great task by the Master. Only I am qualified for this position! How could I possibly die at the hands of... ugh, ah, ah, ah, ah, ah!"

Even as he spoke, Xia Yan’s Variable Blade swept out, and Chai Guan’s left arm was severed from his body.

"Among humans, you are surely the one with the most petty schemes," Xia Yan said, looking down at Chai Guan with contempt. "As the person in charge, obtaining intelligence and bewitching Miss Lan Xin became a matter of course for you, didn't it?"

"Ahhhhhhh!" The pain made it impossible for Chai Guan to maintain his sanity. His hair was disheveled, and he looked like a madman, his teeth gritted as if he wanted to devour Xia Yan’s very flesh and blood.

"Don't worry, I don't want to kill you that quickly," Xia Yan said, swinging his blade again. Chai Guan’s right arm was severed.

"Ugh, ahhhhhhh!" Chai Guan let out continuous, muffled groans, his aura growing increasingly feeble. He could feel the traces of his life slipping away.

"I have always believed that individual strength is what matters most. Petty tricks and schemes cannot influence the bigger picture," Xia Yan said, looking down at him. "It’s not that I disagree with your methods; it’s just that you chose the wrong target."

With another strike, Chai Guan’s right leg was sliced off. The man collapsed onto the ground instantly, his features completely twisted; the agony had driven him into a state of absolute frenzy.

"Wrong is wrong. Do you really think what you did was right?" Xia Yan sighed lightly. "Fine, let’s not talk about right or wrong. I only know that you are about to die. And at the time of your death, at least I am still standing here."

When the Variable Blade pierced Chai Guan’s heart, the look of refusal on his face froze into eternity. He lamented, never having imagined he would meet such a tragic fate.

He was a man of ambition, yet he was buried in a place where he never should have died, slain by the hands of a human.

Not an alien, but a human!

This was the ultimate irony of Chai Guan’s death.

In that final moment, Chai Guan felt no resignation—only contempt and madness.

*So what if you killed me? You’re going to die too! Even if we go down together, at least I have lived longer than you!*

*Struggle, you little pawn. You will die a more miserable and painful death than I did.*

*No, you won't even have the right to die. You will suffer the most brutal tortures in the world.*

Wen Zhe gently closed his eyes. The first "barrier" had ended.

The leader of the Freedom Zone was now certain: there was no possible way for Xia Yan to escape. The brand of certain death had been stamped upon him.

The power of a Level 6 mutant was far too overwhelming for him.

What would the second "barrier" be like?

Would it be a chase? To let him die in the terror of constant flight?

Or would it be here? To kill him in the eyes of the whole world!

What a tantalizing multiple-choice question.

However, Wen Zhe did not realize that this choice should have been Xia Yan's. At the very least, the Freedom Zone could not dictate Xia Yan's actions in this regard.

If he refused to leave, that Level 6 mutant would have to show itself. If he fled, that Level 6 mutant would have to give chase.

The Freedom Zone had never had the qualifications to choose.

Xia Yan deactivated his Demon ability and walked toward Tao Lu.

Tao Lu put away the 707 laser pistol in her hand. Her eyes were filled with curiosity, pure as those of an ordinary girl, devoid of the ruthless, murderous aura she had displayed moments ago.

"Tao Lu, we should part ways," Xia Yan said softly.

"Because of that Level 6 mutant?" Tao Lu managed a bitter smile. She gently stroked the 707 lethal pistol at her waist, a trace of killing intent flickering in her eyes.

"Yes," Xia Yan nodded. "Take your subordinates and return to the Winged Tribe! The coming battle is not something you can interfere with."

"Are you certain of victory?" Tao Lu looked at Xia Yan, her eyes filled with anticipation—and a sliver of panic.

"No," Xia Yan shook his head. He could not hide it from this girl; their past history as partners meant that a single look was enough for them to understand each other’s thoughts.

Tao Lu sighed softly, her eyes pained.

In the end, was Xia Yan’s destiny simply to fall here? Tao Lu was no fool, and she did not think that being buried along with Xia Yan was a particularly clever choice.

"But I am certain of killing him," Xia Yan added.

He was not certain of surviving, but he was certain of killing his opponent. That was Xia Yan’s answer.

This battle was no longer something Tao Lu or anyone else could intervene in.

The disparity in strength meant that if the Level 6 mutant targeted 4-star ability users like them, it would result in an instant kill that wouldn't even take a second.

Tao Lu and her subordinates had to leave; there was no other choice. It was impossible for them to be dragged into this quagmire alongside Xia Yan.

Meaningless help was merely a burden to Xia Yan.

"Fine," Tao Lu looked at him for a long time and whispered, "Xia Yan, if you survive and have nowhere to go, you can come find me in the Winged Tribe."

"At least it hasn't reached that point yet," Xia Yan replied.

"At least we are better than those hypocritical people among the humans," Tao Lu pursed her lips. "Xia Yan, I have only one demand for you: no matter what, you must survive."

"I will try my best," Xia Yan never counted on the best outcome; his luck had always been terrible.

"If you die, please remember, I will definitely avenge you," Tao Lu leaned into Xia Yan’s embrace and whispered, "Xia Yan, if one day my power grows to the point where even the Freedom Zone fears me, I will surely raze the Freedom Zone to the ground."

"I have no intention of dying here."

"I don't want you to die here either." Tao Lu gave a sweet smile, pulled away from his embrace, stuck out her tongue, and made a playful face at him. Then, she ignited her bloodline and soared into the blue sky.