Published: February 12, 2025
The most troublesome individuals were 'selected,' and the remaining ones became much easier to manage.
Domov and a few others discussed and chose their opponents.
In their view, this was indeed the best approach. After all, they were a laboratory organization known for its technology, rather than a specialized combat team. While there were no purely research-oriented units left in the apocalypse, very few could match the comprehensive capabilities of Alamos Laboratory.
"Then who will start?" Alamos asked.
Due to energy considerations, they aimed to have those of lower evolutionary levels engage in combat first. This way, if they succeeded, their energy would increase, and if they failed, they would have more options for the next steps.
"I think we should watch here first; they're already starting to fight," Wen Yan said, pointing to the light barrier, drawing everyone's attention.
Over there, Xia Bai and Jiu Long, who were in the same room, had escalated from initial probing to direct armed conflict, and it was intense.
Jiu Long was a Lone Wanderer in the apocalypse. It would be more accurate to say he had a selfish and murderous nature and never trusted anyone.
Of course, his present accomplishments were also tied to his silence, ruthlessness, and character in critical moments.
Since he realized no helpers would come, Jiu Long had prepared for battle. He had heard of Xia Bai's notorious reputation.
The two Iron Whips in his hands were rusty, and as he looked at Xia Bai, he forcefully struck the two whips against each other, causing patches of rust powder to fall off.
To others, this would seem very strange, but Xia Bai didn't even blink. After a few steps forward, he stopped and instead focused on the giant worm beneath Jiu Long—Nine Treasures.
It was the first time Jiu Long was so ignored in battle.
He struck the Iron Whips again, causing more rust to fall, much of it landing on Nine Treasures, coating the colossal worm.
Yet, Xia Bai still ignored him.
Anger flashed briefly in Jiu Long's heart, but it was quickly replaced by excitement.
In the apocalypse, underestimating an opponent could lead to death.
He gathered his strength, ready to attack.
At that moment, Xia Bai lifted his gaze and looked at him.
"How are you controlling it? You're at a lower level than it."
His tone was calm, and although he was asking, there was no fluctuation in his voice. It was unsettlingly serene.
"It's level eight, you're seven-star. How are you controlling it? I don't sense any contract power between you."
After Xia Bai's recent evolution, he had changed significantly; although still taciturn, he would engage in conversation when interested in something.
However, he showed no expression or intonation, creating an atmosphere as still as a stagnant pool of water.
If Xia Bai had continued to focus on the giant worm, Jiu Long would have attacked, but when Xia Bai focused on him, he felt a chill run through his body.
Swallowing hard, Jiu Long raised his weapon, deciding to suppress the unease clawing at him.
An uncomfortable force emerged around Jiu Long, and his entire body began to develop a keratinous layer resembling Dragon Scales, though smaller and more rounded.
Behind him, at the end of his spine, a structure resembling a crocodile's tail appeared, seamlessly merging with his body, also adorned with similar scales.
This was Jiu Long's lineage—half-dragon.
An explosive lineage that granted him the power of a dragon and some abilities characteristic of the Dragon Race during battle.
As for the specific power of his lineage, it varied from person to person and was directly related to the lineage's level.
His hands transformed into Dragon Claws, and with a roar, Jiu Long leaped off Nine Treasures, crashing heavily to the ground with a resounding thud.
At the same time, Nine Treasures moved, its massive body rising from the ground, instantly becoming a colossal creature, one indistinguishable head aiming toward Xia Bai, its huge mouth opening wide, spewing forth foul-smelling liquid.