129 Mystery of the End Times
Cong Xia carefully observed the leader of the Dragonblood Clan. He seemed to be about the same age as Cheng Tianbi, but compared to Cheng Tianbi's almost expressionless face, he looked more like a young man in his twenties. And as expected, the rumors were true—this Shen Changze seemed to follow his father's every word. If it were Yao Qianjiang in his place, even if he were filial, he wouldn't allow his mother to mess up his hair in front of others and still maintain a calm demeanor.
After all, as the leader of one of the four major factions in Beijing, he had to maintain authority in front of strangers; otherwise, how could he gain respect? Cong Xia attributed this situation to Shen Changze's young age, as he probably hadn't considered such matters.
Deng Xiao couldn't help but ask, "How did you turn into a baby? Where are your tail and scales? Hurry up and show us."
Shen Ming clicked his tongue, "You little guy, do you think my son is a monkey performer? Don't block the doorway; either come in or leave."
Deng Xiao swiftly rushed in, exclaiming excitedly, "Brother Cong, come in and see, it's so cool!"
Zhuang Yao pushed Shen Ming aside, trying to squeeze in. Shen Ming stopped him with a finger on his forehead and teased, "Where did this kid come from? Hey, Changze, does he look a bit like you when you were a child?"
Shen Changze glanced at Zhuang Yao and replied, "Not at all."
Zhuang Yao pushed away Shen Ming's hand and stared at him, saying, "You have severe wrist strain, mild deformation in the second phalanx of your fingers, and only 85% muscle fiber density compared to a normal person. Did you engage in excessive physical activities since childhood? If you touch my head with your fingers again, I'll have to examine your abilities."
Shen Ming was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, "Changze, this kid is much more fun than you were as a child. But, I have no issues with my abilities."
Tang Tingzhi interjected, "He's a Brain Domain Evolver."
Shen Ming added, "I figured that out; he's just like you."
Shen Changze grabbed Shen Ming's hand and frowned, "You have severe wrist strain?"
"Just from carrying a gun for a long time, nothing strange." Shen Ming shook his hand nonchalantly, "Alright, let's go in."
The group entered the training ground.
It was an exceptionally spacious training area, at least five to six times the size of a basketball court, equipped with various fitness facilities, including many devices they couldn't even recognize.
There were about twenty to thirty people in the training area, but calling them "people" wasn't entirely accurate, as at least half of them didn't appear in human form. There were even some foreigners among them.
Liu Fengyu whistled, "Wow, it's like a zoo here."
On the training ground, there were seven or eight creatures with dark scales, meat wings on their backs, horns on their heads, and tails. The only differences between them and the small creature Shen Ming was holding when they entered Beijing were their size and the color of their scales.
"These are... Dragonblood Clan members?" Cong Xia looked astonished at these incredibly powerful beings. Although fierce appearances were common in the apocalypse, the fact that these creatures had already appeared in the previous civilization, twenty years ago, left him deeply impressed. There were so many secrets they didn't know about in this apocalyptic era, let alone the secrets from the previous civilization.
Deng Xiao's eyes lit up, "This is so cool, they have wings and tails. I wish I had wings too."
Tang Tingzhi said, "If you want wings, I can help you."
"Huh? How can you help me?"
Tang Tingzhi said seriously, "You belong to the amphibian reptilian atavistic lineage, with a robust physique. I can personally conduct a Dragonblood genetic modification experiment to transform you into one of them." As he spoke, his eyes emitted an unusual gleam, staring fixedly at Deng Xiao's sturdy body.
Zhuang Yao gave him a disdainful look, "He doesn't need any experiments. Even without wings, he can defeat Dragonblood Clan members."
Shen Ming raised an eyebrow, "Quite confident, aren't you?"
Deng Xiao chuckled, acknowledging that it was indeed true.
Cheng Tianbi spoke, "Why don't we have a little competition to see the strength of Dragonblood Clan members?"
Shen Changze lightly smiled, "Sure." He looked at the others who were gradually gathering and said to a young man with a simple and honest appearance, "Huang Ying, why don't you give it a try with him?"
The young man wore an amiable smile, "Sure thing. Professor Cong, please introduce your friends."
Cong Zhenzhong said, "They arrived in Beijing not long ago..."
"Wind Natural Force Evolver?" A voice interrupted from the crowd.
The expressions of everyone changed, and their gazes searched among the six people before finally fixing on Cheng Tianbi. Among the six, Cheng Tianbi and Tang Yanqiu appeared to be the strongest, but Tang Yanqiu always carried a bow, so despite Cheng Tianbi using a device to conceal his energy fluctuations, perceptive individuals could still sense the difference.
Cheng Tianbi glanced faintly at them.
Deng Xiao proudly declared, "That's right, our eldest brother Cheng is a Wind Natural Force Evolver."
Shen Changze narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Cheng Tianbi.
Tang Tingzhi looked at Shen Changze, "You two are not allowed to compete here; this underground training ground is quite expensive."
Shen Changze responded, "I didn't do anything; I just wanted this kid to try the strength of a Dragonblood Clan member."
Liu Fengyu interjected, "It's unfair; our little Deng can't fly."
"Huang Ying can't fly either," Tang Tingzhi said.
Cong Xia was surprised, "Huh? Isn't he a Dragonblood Clan member?"
Cong Zhenzhong explained, "Yes, but the strength of Dragonblood Clan members varies greatly depending on their blood concentration. Currently, among the Dragonblood Clan members in Beijing, only two individuals have a blood concentration exceeding 60% - Shen Changze and Al Moray. Only their wings can actually fly; for others, the wings serve only as auxiliary tools."
Zhuang Yao said, "I see. Have you not made any efforts to improve their genes?"
Tang Tingzhi responded, "It's still in the experimental stage. Would you like to help?"
"No, I'm not interested," Zhuang Yao refused outright.
Huang Ying smiled, "Little brother, your surname is Deng, right? Hello."
Deng Xiao chuckled, "Hello, big brother. Why do you have a girl's name?"
"Huang Ying is not my real name; it's my code name in the Dragonblood Squad. You can call me that," Huang Ying said. His body trembled, and his pupils turned blood-red. Dark gray scales slowly covered his tanned skin, from his feet to his neck. Claws extended from his hands and feet, and two half-meter-long flesh wings sprouted from his back. Antler-like growths appeared on his flesh, and finally, a tail over one meter long slapped the wooden floor with force. Huang Ying grinned, "If you don't want to play, just say so. I don't want to hurt you."
Deng Xiao laughed heartily, "Big brother, I don't want to hurt you either."
He took off his outer coat and pants, and Cong Xia reached out, "Come, give me your clothes."
Deng Xiao stripped down to his undershirt and shorts. He let out a low roar, and his body suddenly expanded, muscles bulging. In a matter of seconds, he transformed from a sunny and handsome young man into a three-meter-tall, strong and muscular, lizard-like creature covered in dark green wrinkled skin, complete with a long, thick tail.
"Wow, this form is really cool," a Dragonblood Clan member taunted.
Deng Xiao scratched his bald head with a large claw, revealing a strange smile on his heavily-skinned face, "Hehe, isn't it cool?"
Huang Ying chuckled, "Interesting, you look very powerful."
Deng Xiao proudly declared, "Of course, I'm powerful, big brother. You'd better be careful."
Cong Zhenzhong said, "Everyone, step back."
They all retreated, leaving the central area for the two of them.
Deng Xiao swung his arms and shouted, "Come on!" He pushed off the ground with force, and his enormous body shot towards Huang Ying like an arrow. His fist, as big as a human head, mercilessly aimed at Huang Ying's face.
Huang Ying's eyes also turned serious in an instant. He swiftly dodged the punch, grabbing Deng Xiao's arm with one hand and agilely flipping over him. His legs wrapped around Deng Xiao's neck.
Deng Xiao's two large claws viciously aimed at Huang Ying's waist.
Huang Ying jumped up while holding his head down, then kicked him in the back, sending Deng Xiao flying several meters away.
The first exchange of moves occurred in just two seconds. Both of them were incredibly fast, and the fight was highly thrilling.
Cong Xia whispered, "This Dragonblood Clan member's strength and speed are just slightly inferior to Xiao Deng's."
Cheng Tianbi said, "He's a professional special forces soldier, and Xiao Deng's combat skills are lacking."
After stabilizing himself, Deng Xiao quickly attacked Huang Ying again. Cheng Tianbi was right; everyone present had experienced countless life-and-death battles, and they easily noticed that Huang Ying's speed and strength were slightly inferior. However, before the apocalypse, Deng Xiao was just an ordinary high school student who was more physically active.
Compared to Huang Ying, a seasoned and mature special forces soldier with vast combat experience, Deng Xiao was in a completely different league. No matter how heavy and fast Deng Xiao's punches were, he couldn't touch Huang Ying. Similarly, Huang Ying couldn't inflict any serious damage on Deng Xiao. He had a tough and robust body like a bloodthirsty bull. Without weapons, it was challenging to harm him.
Deng Xiao couldn't hit Huang Ying, and he became increasingly frustrated. He was a straightforward person with quickly changing emotions. When he was happy, he was happy, and when he got angry, his temper flared up. He let out a loud roar and adopted a quadrupedal posture, increasing his speed to more than double that of running on two legs!
Huang Ying was taken aback and flapped his wings forcefully. Although he couldn't fly, he managed to lift a few centimeters off the ground, effectively increasing his speed.
Deng Xiao rapidly crawled towards him. When he was close to Huang Ying, his two claws pressed on the ground, and his hind legs suddenly kicked off, twisting his thick tail viciously towards Huang Ying's lower leg.
Huang Ying jumped up, barely avoiding the tail. As someone with a tail himself, he knew full well how dangerous a tail attack could be. Whether it was a Dragonblood Clan member or a quadrupedal amphibious atavist, the tail attack was undeniably the most powerful. For an average adult Dragonblood Clan member, the tail's striking force was around 250 kilograms. Any bone in a human body subjected to a 250-kilogram impact would undoubtedly break, not to mention a trained Dragonblood Clan member.
Take Huang Ying, for example; the last time he tested his tail strike force, it was 325 kilograms. Shen Changze had already surpassed 400 kilograms, and that was enough to snap even steel. The young quadrupedal atavist in front of them likely had even stronger muscle strength than Shen Changze, or more accurately, excluding abilities like acid blood, flight, and self-healing, the amphibious atavists surpassed the Dragonblood Clan members in physical strength. Their defensive abilities were also on par with the Dragonblood Clan. Under that tail, Huang Ying couldn't bear it.
After landing, Huang Ying quickly retreated.
Deng Xiao flipped and leaped onto the ceiling, his four clawed appendages tightly sticking to it with the help of suction cups. He began crawling above Huang Ying's head.
One of the Dragonblood Clan members shouted, "Hey, that guy who said it was unfair, our Huang Ying can't crawl on the ceiling yet."
Liu Fengyu retorted, "Your jealousy won't help."
Huang Ying looked at Deng Xiao and smiled wryly, "You still know this move."
Deng Xiao chuckled, "I just evolved it recently."
Tang Tingzhi clapped his hands, "That's enough."
"What? I haven't had enough yet!" Deng Xiao protested.
Huang Ying immediately dropped his defensive stance and stepped back. Deng Xiao landed on the ground, saying, "Don't be so disappointed. I was just..."
Cong Xia grabbed the hem of his elastic vest and pulled him back, saying, "Alright, Xiao Deng, that's enough."
Deng Xiao, not entirely satisfied, reverted to his original form. Huang Ying smiled and said, "Xiao Deng, you're very impressive. Let's have another sparring session when we get the chance."
Deng Xiao grinned, "Big brother, you're impressive too. When I go back, I'll ask Cheng Ge to teach me some combat skills, so I can at least have a chance to hit you."
Shan Ming chuckled, "This kid's got some skills."
Tang Tingzhi said, "I'll show you around here. If you need any equipment, register it now, and I'll have someone provide them for you."
"Okay."
The other Dragonblood Clan members dispersed to their training areas, while Shan Ming and Shen Changze accompanied them to patrol the entire field.
Tang Tingzhi introduced them to the various equipment in the training ground, explaining, "This one analyzes neural response speed, this is for dynamic visual training, and this equipment is for improving balance. The weights on these fitness equipment are two to three times heavier than those used by ordinary people."
After the tour, Zhuang Yao made a mental list of the things they needed, including some items not present in the training ground, planning to organize them later. They then sat in a corner of the training ground, the resting area.
Shan Ming lit a cigarette and placed it in his mouth. He asked, "I heard you guys went to see Yao Qianjiang?"
Zhuang Yao replied, "News travels fast."
Shan Ming snorted coldly, "The whole world knows that Yao Qianjiang has recovered from his injuries. The people of Jiujian Prefecture want to celebrate it as if it were a grand festival."
"It seems like you're not too happy about him recovering," Zhuang Yao remarked.
Shan Ming said, "There are pros and cons to it."
Cong Zhenzhong asked, "Have you guys tried the cultivation method I gave you yesterday?"
Shen Changze nodded, "We've started trying it out, but we're not sure if it's reliable."
Zhuang Yao shrugged, "No one forced you to use it."
Cong Zhenzhong explained, "Currently, we're only testing it among some high-level mutants. In a while, we might announce it to everyone. At least I can assure you that they're not lying."
"Right, I almost forgot. Brain Domain Evolvers are all natural lie detectors," Shan Ming grinned mockingly, "Poor Al."
Tang Tingzhi said, "What's wrong with Al? Are you assuming that Al lies to me?"
"Does he?"
Tang Tingzhi replied seriously, "Yes, but lies can also be a means of maintaining a marriage. I never expose his lies."
Shan Ming made a face, "What kind of rubbish books have you been reading again?"
"In the past week alone, I've read 22 kilograms of books with no benefit to me. However, this concept appears in many marriage-related books. Though there's no scientific evidence to support it, I attribute it to a 'convention of universal values.' In other words, although it can't be proven right or wrong, everyone does it, just like the belief that 'hand-shredded cabbage tastes better than chopped cabbage.' Some theories are based on experiences. I don't have much experience in married life, so I decided to try what others have experienced."
Shan Ming rolled his eyes and didn't want to engage with him anymore.
Shen Changze seemed accustomed to Tang's eccentric behavior and was not distracted by Shan Ming. His attention remained focused on Cheng Tianbi. He asked, "What's it like to be a second-stage Evolver?"
Cheng Tianbi glanced at him and asked, "What do you think?"
Shen Changze looked at his hand, "I can't imagine."
"Is your energy nucleus about to be filled up?"
Shen Changze nodded, "I can feel it. The energy inside me is becoming increasingly unstable."
"So we can only hope for this cultivation method now. But you must keep it confidential. The fact that they provided this cultivation method must not be leaked, no matter how the outside world speculates," Cong Zhenzhong emphasized.
Shan Ming replied nonchalantly, "Professor Cong, you've said it once already."
"Twice, this is the third time," Cong Zhenzhong said seriously.
Shan Ming grinned, "I've received training in confidentiality. As long as I don't want to say something, my mouth won't budge. Can you please stop repeating it?"
Shen Changze looked at Cheng Tianbi, "You still haven't answered my question, or do you not want to tell me?"
Cheng Tianbi gave him a cold look.
Zhuang Yao said, "It's okay, you can show them."
Cheng Tianbi stretched out his hand， and everyone gathered around, blocking the view of the people behind them.
They stared at Cheng Tianbi's hand, and suddenly his slender fingers twisted in the air, gradually fading and becoming transparent until half of his palm completely disappeared!
Cong Zhenzhong and Tang Tingzhi both exclaimed in unison, "Elementization!"
Cong Xia murmured, "It's larger than before." He remembered that when Cheng Tianbi first broke through to the second stage, only the fingertips of his fingers could undergo elementization. Now, it has evolved to half of his palm missing. If he continues to evolve this way, Cheng Tianbi will eventually be able to elementize his whole body, becoming able to kill without a trace. That would be terrifying.
Shen Changze and Shan Ming also showed surprised expressions.
Cheng Tianbi retracted his hand, "This is the second stage."
Shen Changze looked at his hand in silence and slowly clenched it, "Indeed impressive."
Shan Ming shook his head, "If all the natural force evolvers can elementize..." He couldn't imagine how powerful these natural force evolvers would become.
Cong Zhenzhong sighed, "Truly an astonishing world."
Tang Tingzhi eagerly grabbed Cheng Tianbi's hand, his eyes shining, "Can I take some of your nails, skin flakes, and hair?"
Cheng Tianbi nodded.
"Hey, what are you talking about? You're so close," a playful voice sounded from behind.
They turned around, and a handsome blond man stood behind them, arms crossed as he looked at them. Cong Xia recognized him at a glance; it was the Dragonblood person they had met in Xi'an, Al Moray.
Shan Ming smiled, "Brother, you're back."
Tang Tingzhi's previously mechanized expression softened, "Al."
Al walked over, bent down openly, kissed Tang Tingzhi on the cheek, and grabbed his hand, then sat down beside him, "What were you guys talking about? Since you arrived in Beijing, we haven't seen each other."
Cheng Tianbi nodded. "Our information came from you, thanks for that."
"It's nothing. If we didn't pick you up, someone else would have 'welcomed' you," he chuckled. "But it wouldn't have been as friendly."
Tang Tingzhi asked, "What are the results of your investigation this time?"
"Currently, the surface of Xi'an appears calm, but according to the locals, there have been increasing reports of missing people recently. Normally, if ordinary people go missing, hardly anyone would notice, but all the missing individuals are mutants. There are Sun Ya's people and members of other factions. Their disappearances haven't left any obvious traces," Al reported.
"Could it be the work of those bugs?" Cheng Tianbi asked.
Al shook his head, "We can't be sure, but before I left, I went to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and I could clearly sense that the energy fluctuations inside have intensified. Now, no one dares to get close to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. These bugs have such strong reproductive capabilities; it's only a matter of time before the tower can't contain them all."
Cong Zhenzhong said sternly, "Those bugs now have mutants with them. They won't be content to be trapped in the tower forever. Sooner or later, they'll take action. Instead of waiting for their numbers and strength to grow, it's time for us to launch a full-scale attack."
Liu Fengyu licked his lips, "Us? Are we going too?" The thought of those disgusting bugs made his scalp tingle.
Cong Zhenzhong said, "We won't force anyone, but I plan to leave this task to you and the Dragonblood Clan. Fire combined with wind will be a very advantageous weapon; those bugs are very afraid of fire."
Cong Xia shuddered at the thought of those bugs but clenched his teeth, "No problem."
Liu Fengyu smiled wryly, "We'll go then, it's not like it's the first time."
Deng Xiao clenched his fist, "What's there to be afraid of? We can finally eat roasted bug meat again."
Zhuang Yao said, "This time we have a lot of information. We must plan carefully..."
************
Translator’s note: Ah, I’m going to read the dragonblood story!!! It’s in NU.
129 Mystery of the End Times
Cong Xia carefully observed the leader of the Dragonblood Clan. He seemed to be about the same age as Cheng Tianbi, but compared to Cheng Tianbi's almost expressionless face, he looked more like a young man in his twenties. And as expected, the rumors were true—this Shen Changze seemed to follow his father's every word. If it were Yao Qianjiang in his place, even if he were filial, he wouldn't allow his mother to mess up his hair in front of others and still maintain a calm demeanor.
After all, as the leader of one of the four major factions in Beijing, he had to maintain authority in front of strangers; otherwise, how could he gain respect? Cong Xia attributed this situation to Shen Changze's young age, as he probably hadn't considered such matters.
Deng Xiao couldn't help but ask, "How did you turn into a baby? Where are your tail and scales? Hurry up and show us."
Shen Ming clicked his tongue, "You little guy, do you think my son is a monkey performer? Don't block the doorway; either come in or leave."
Deng Xiao swiftly rushed in, exclaiming excitedly, "Brother Cong, come in and see, it's so cool!"
Zhuang Yao pushed Shen Ming aside, trying to squeeze in. Shen Ming stopped him with a finger on his forehead and teased, "Where did this kid come from? Hey, Changze, does he look a bit like you when you were a child?"
Shen Changze glanced at Zhuang Yao and replied, "Not at all."
Zhuang Yao pushed away Shen Ming's hand and stared at him, saying, "You have severe wrist strain, mild deformation in the second phalanx of your fingers, and only 85% muscle fiber density compared to a normal person. Did you engage in excessive physical activities since childhood? If you touch my head with your fingers again, I'll have to examine your abilities."
Shen Ming was taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter, "Changze, this kid is much more fun than you were as a child. But, I have no issues with my abilities."
Tang Tingzhi interjected, "He's a Brain Domain Evolver."
Shen Ming added, "I figured that out; he's just like you."
Shen Changze grabbed Shen Ming's hand and frowned, "You have severe wrist strain?"
"Just from carrying a gun for a long time, nothing strange." Shen Ming shook his hand nonchalantly, "Alright, let's go in."
The group entered the training ground.
It was an exceptionally spacious training area, at least five to six times the size of a basketball court, equipped with various fitness facilities, including many devices they couldn't even recognize.
There were about twenty to thirty people in the training area, but calling them "people" wasn't entirely accurate, as at least half of them didn't appear in human form. There were even some foreigners among them.
Liu Fengyu whistled, "Wow, it's like a zoo here."
On the training ground, there were seven or eight creatures with dark scales, meat wings on their backs, horns on their heads, and tails. The only differences between them and the small creature Shen Ming was holding when they entered Beijing were their size and the color of their scales.
"These are... Dragonblood Clan members?" Cong Xia looked astonished at these incredibly powerful beings. Although fierce appearances were common in the apocalypse, the fact that these creatures had already appeared in the previous civilization, twenty years ago, left him deeply impressed. There were so many secrets they didn't know about in this apocalyptic era, let alone the secrets from the previous civilization.
Deng Xiao's eyes lit up, "This is so cool, they have wings and tails. I wish I had wings too."
Tang Tingzhi said, "If you want wings, I can help you."
"Huh? How can you help me?"
Tang Tingzhi said seriously, "You belong to the amphibian reptilian atavistic lineage, with a robust physique. I can personally conduct a Dragonblood genetic modification experiment to transform you into one of them." As he spoke, his eyes emitted an unusual gleam, staring fixedly at Deng Xiao's sturdy body.
Zhuang Yao gave him a disdainful look, "He doesn't need any experiments. Even without wings, he can defeat Dragonblood Clan members."
Shen Ming raised an eyebrow, "Quite confident, aren't you?"
Deng Xiao chuckled, acknowledging that it was indeed true.
Cheng Tianbi spoke, "Why don't we have a little competition to see the strength of Dragonblood Clan members?"
Shen Changze lightly smiled, "Sure." He looked at the others who were gradually gathering and said to a young man with a simple and honest appearance, "Huang Ying, why don't you give it a try with him?"
The young man wore an amiable smile, "Sure thing. Professor Cong, please introduce your friends."
Cong Zhenzhong said, "They arrived in Beijing not long ago..."
"Wind Natural Force Evolver?" A voice interrupted from the crowd.
The expressions of everyone changed, and their gazes searched among the six people before finally fixing on Cheng Tianbi. Among the six, Cheng Tianbi and Tang Yanqiu appeared to be the strongest, but Tang Yanqiu always carried a bow, so despite Cheng Tianbi using a device to conceal his energy fluctuations, perceptive individuals could still sense the difference.
Cheng Tianbi glanced faintly at them.
Deng Xiao proudly declared, "That's right, our eldest brother Cheng is a Wind Natural Force Evolver."
Shen Changze narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Cheng Tianbi.
Tang Tingzhi looked at Shen Changze, "You two are not allowed to compete here; this underground training ground is quite expensive."
Shen Changze responded, "I didn't do anything; I just wanted this kid to try the strength of a Dragonblood Clan member."
Liu Fengyu interjected, "It's unfair; our little Deng can't fly."
"Huang Ying can't fly either," Tang Tingzhi said.
Cong Xia was surprised, "Huh? Isn't he a Dragonblood Clan member?"
Cong Zhenzhong explained, "Yes, but the strength of Dragonblood Clan members varies greatly depending on their blood concentration. Currently, among the Dragonblood Clan members in Beijing, only two individuals have a blood concentration exceeding 60% - Shen Changze and Al Moray. Only their wings can actually fly; for others, the wings serve only as auxiliary tools."
Zhuang Yao said, "I see. Have you not made any efforts to improve their genes?"
Tang Tingzhi responded, "It's still in the experimental stage. Would you like to help?"
"No, I'm not interested," Zhuang Yao refused outright.
Huang Ying smiled, "Little brother, your surname is Deng, right? Hello."
Deng Xiao chuckled, "Hello, big brother. Why do you have a girl's name?"
"Huang Ying is not my real name; it's my code name in the Dragonblood Squad. You can call me that," Huang Ying said. His body trembled, and his pupils turned blood-red. Dark gray scales slowly covered his tanned skin, from his feet to his neck. Claws extended from his hands and feet, and two half-meter-long flesh wings sprouted from his back. Antler-like growths appeared on his flesh, and finally, a tail over one meter long slapped the wooden floor with force. Huang Ying grinned, "If you don't want to play, just say so. I don't want to hurt you."
Deng Xiao laughed heartily, "Big brother, I don't want to hurt you either."
He took off his outer coat and pants, and Cong Xia reached out, "Come, give me your clothes."
Deng Xiao stripped down to his undershirt and shorts. He let out a low roar, and his body suddenly expanded, muscles bulging. In a matter of seconds, he transformed from a sunny and handsome young man into a three-meter-tall, strong and muscular, lizard-like creature covered in dark green wrinkled skin, complete with a long, thick tail.
"Wow, this form is really cool," a Dragonblood Clan member taunted.
Deng Xiao scratched his bald head with a large claw, revealing a strange smile on his heavily-skinned face, "Hehe, isn't it cool?"
Huang Ying chuckled, "Interesting, you look very powerful."
Deng Xiao proudly declared, "Of course, I'm powerful, big brother. You'd better be careful."
Cong Zhenzhong said, "Everyone, step back."
They all retreated, leaving the central area for the two of them.
Deng Xiao swung his arms and shouted, "Come on!" He pushed off the ground with force, and his enormous body shot towards Huang Ying like an arrow. His fist, as big as a human head, mercilessly aimed at Huang Ying's face.
Huang Ying's eyes also turned serious in an instant. He swiftly dodged the punch, grabbing Deng Xiao's arm with one hand and agilely flipping over him. His legs wrapped around Deng Xiao's neck.
Deng Xiao's two large claws viciously aimed at Huang Ying's waist.
Huang Ying jumped up while holding his head down, then kicked him in the back, sending Deng Xiao flying several meters away.
The first exchange of moves occurred in just two seconds. Both of them were incredibly fast, and the fight was highly thrilling.
Cong Xia whispered, "This Dragonblood Clan member's strength and speed are just slightly inferior to Xiao Deng's."
Cheng Tianbi said, "He's a professional special forces soldier, and Xiao Deng's combat skills are lacking."
After stabilizing himself, Deng Xiao quickly attacked Huang Ying again. Cheng Tianbi was right; everyone present had experienced countless life-and-death battles, and they easily noticed that Huang Ying's speed and strength were slightly inferior. However, before the apocalypse, Deng Xiao was just an ordinary high school student who was more physically active.
Compared to Huang Ying, a seasoned and mature special forces soldier with vast combat experience, Deng Xiao was in a completely different league. No matter how heavy and fast Deng Xiao's punches were, he couldn't touch Huang Ying. Similarly, Huang Ying couldn't inflict any serious damage on Deng Xiao. He had a tough and robust body like a bloodthirsty bull. Without weapons, it was challenging to harm him.
Deng Xiao couldn't hit Huang Ying, and he became increasingly frustrated. He was a straightforward person with quickly changing emotions. When he was happy, he was happy, and when he got angry, his temper flared up. He let out a loud roar and adopted a quadrupedal posture, increasing his speed to more than double that of running on two legs!
Huang Ying was taken aback and flapped his wings forcefully. Although he couldn't fly, he managed to lift a few centimeters off the ground, effectively increasing his speed.
Deng Xiao rapidly crawled towards him. When he was close to Huang Ying, his two claws pressed on the ground, and his hind legs suddenly kicked off, twisting his thick tail viciously towards Huang Ying's lower leg.
Huang Ying jumped up, barely avoiding the tail. As someone with a tail himself, he knew full well how dangerous a tail attack could be. Whether it was a Dragonblood Clan member or a quadrupedal amphibious atavist, the tail attack was undeniably the most powerful. For an average adult Dragonblood Clan member, the tail's striking force was around 250 kilograms. Any bone in a human body subjected to a 250-kilogram impact would undoubtedly break, not to mention a trained Dragonblood Clan member.
Take Huang Ying, for example; the last time he tested his tail strike force, it was 325 kilograms. Shen Changze had already surpassed 400 kilograms, and that was enough to snap even steel. The young quadrupedal atavist in front of them likely had even stronger muscle strength than Shen Changze, or more accurately, excluding abilities like acid blood, flight, and self-healing, the amphibious atavists surpassed the Dragonblood Clan members in physical strength. Their defensive abilities were also on par with the Dragonblood Clan. Under that tail, Huang Ying couldn't bear it.
After landing, Huang Ying quickly retreated.
Deng Xiao flipped and leaped onto the ceiling, his four clawed appendages tightly sticking to it with the help of suction cups. He began crawling above Huang Ying's head.
One of the Dragonblood Clan members shouted, "Hey, that guy who said it was unfair, our Huang Ying can't crawl on the ceiling yet."
Liu Fengyu retorted, "Your jealousy won't help."
Huang Ying looked at Deng Xiao and smiled wryly, "You still know this move."
Deng Xiao chuckled, "I just evolved it recently."
Tang Tingzhi clapped his hands, "That's enough."
"What? I haven't had enough yet!" Deng Xiao protested.
Huang Ying immediately dropped his defensive stance and stepped back. Deng Xiao landed on the ground, saying, "Don't be so disappointed. I was just..."
Cong Xia grabbed the hem of his elastic vest and pulled him back, saying, "Alright, Xiao Deng, that's enough."
Deng Xiao, not entirely satisfied, reverted to his original form. Huang Ying smiled and said, "Xiao Deng, you're very impressive. Let's have another sparring session when we get the chance."
Deng Xiao grinned, "Big brother, you're impressive too. When I go back, I'll ask Cheng Ge to teach me some combat skills, so I can at least have a chance to hit you."
Shan Ming chuckled, "This kid's got some skills."
Tang Tingzhi said, "I'll show you around here. If you need any equipment, register it now, and I'll have someone provide them for you."
"Okay."
The other Dragonblood Clan members dispersed to their training areas, while Shan Ming and Shen Changze accompanied them to patrol the entire field.
Tang Tingzhi introduced them to the various equipment in the training ground, explaining, "This one analyzes neural response speed, this is for dynamic visual training, and this equipment is for improving balance. The weights on these fitness equipment are two to three times heavier than those used by ordinary people."
After the tour, Zhuang Yao made a mental list of the things they needed, including some items not present in the training ground, planning to organize them later. They then sat in a corner of the training ground, the resting area.
Shan Ming lit a cigarette and placed it in his mouth. He asked, "I heard you guys went to see Yao Qianjiang?"
Zhuang Yao replied, "News travels fast."
Shan Ming snorted coldly, "The whole world knows that Yao Qianjiang has recovered from his injuries. The people of Jiujian Prefecture want to celebrate it as if it were a grand festival."
"It seems like you're not too happy about him recovering," Zhuang Yao remarked.
Shan Ming said, "There are pros and cons to it."
Cong Zhenzhong asked, "Have you guys tried the cultivation method I gave you yesterday?"
Shen Changze nodded, "We've started trying it out, but we're not sure if it's reliable."
Zhuang Yao shrugged, "No one forced you to use it."
Cong Zhenzhong explained, "Currently, we're only testing it among some high-level mutants. In a while, we might announce it to everyone. At least I can assure you that they're not lying."
"Right, I almost forgot. Brain Domain Evolvers are all natural lie detectors," Shan Ming grinned mockingly, "Poor Al."
Tang Tingzhi said, "What's wrong with Al? Are you assuming that Al lies to me?"
"Does he?"
Tang Tingzhi replied seriously, "Yes, but lies can also be a means of maintaining a marriage. I never expose his lies."
Shan Ming made a face, "What kind of rubbish books have you been reading again?"
"In the past week alone, I've read 22 kilograms of books with no benefit to me. However, this concept appears in many marriage-related books. Though there's no scientific evidence to support it, I attribute it to a 'convention of universal values.' In other words, although it can't be proven right or wrong, everyone does it, just like the belief that 'hand-shredded cabbage tastes better than chopped cabbage.' Some theories are based on experiences. I don't have much experience in married life, so I decided to try what others have experienced."
Shan Ming rolled his eyes and didn't want to engage with him anymore.
Shen Changze seemed accustomed to Tang's eccentric behavior and was not distracted by Shan Ming. His attention remained focused on Cheng Tianbi. He asked, "What's it like to be a second-stage Evolver?"
Cheng Tianbi glanced at him and asked, "What do you think?"
Shen Changze looked at his hand, "I can't imagine."
"Is your energy nucleus about to be filled up?"
Shen Changze nodded, "I can feel it. The energy inside me is becoming increasingly unstable."
"So we can only hope for this cultivation method now. But you must keep it confidential. The fact that they provided this cultivation method must not be leaked, no matter how the outside world speculates," Cong Zhenzhong emphasized.
Shan Ming replied nonchalantly, "Professor Cong, you've said it once already."
"Twice, this is the third time," Cong Zhenzhong said seriously.
Shan Ming grinned, "I've received training in confidentiality. As long as I don't want to say something, my mouth won't budge. Can you please stop repeating it?"
Shen Changze looked at Cheng Tianbi, "You still haven't answered my question, or do you not want to tell me?"
Cheng Tianbi gave him a cold look.
Zhuang Yao said, "It's okay, you can show them."
Cheng Tianbi stretched out his hand， and everyone gathered around, blocking the view of the people behind them.
They stared at Cheng Tianbi's hand, and suddenly his slender fingers twisted in the air, gradually fading and becoming transparent until half of his palm completely disappeared!
Cong Zhenzhong and Tang Tingzhi both exclaimed in unison, "Elementization!"
Cong Xia murmured, "It's larger than before." He remembered that when Cheng Tianbi first broke through to the second stage, only the fingertips of his fingers could undergo elementization. Now, it has evolved to half of his palm missing. If he continues to evolve this way, Cheng Tianbi will eventually be able to elementize his whole body, becoming able to kill without a trace. That would be terrifying.
Shen Changze and Shan Ming also showed surprised expressions.
Cheng Tianbi retracted his hand, "This is the second stage."
Shen Changze looked at his hand in silence and slowly clenched it, "Indeed impressive."
Shan Ming shook his head, "If all the natural force evolvers can elementize..." He couldn't imagine how powerful these natural force evolvers would become.
Cong Zhenzhong sighed, "Truly an astonishing world."
Tang Tingzhi eagerly grabbed Cheng Tianbi's hand, his eyes shining, "Can I take some of your nails, skin flakes, and hair?"
Cheng Tianbi nodded.
"Hey, what are you talking about? You're so close," a playful voice sounded from behind.
They turned around, and a handsome blond man stood behind them, arms crossed as he looked at them. Cong Xia recognized him at a glance; it was the Dragonblood person they had met in Xi'an, Al Moray.
Shan Ming smiled, "Brother, you're back."
Tang Tingzhi's previously mechanized expression softened, "Al."
Al walked over, bent down openly, kissed Tang Tingzhi on the cheek, and grabbed his hand, then sat down beside him, "What were you guys talking about? Since you arrived in Beijing, we haven't seen each other."
Cheng Tianbi nodded. "Our information came from you, thanks for that."
"It's nothing. If we didn't pick you up, someone else would have 'welcomed' you," he chuckled. "But it wouldn't have been as friendly."
Tang Tingzhi asked, "What are the results of your investigation this time?"
"Currently, the surface of Xi'an appears calm, but according to the locals, there have been increasing reports of missing people recently. Normally, if ordinary people go missing, hardly anyone would notice, but all the missing individuals are mutants. There are Sun Ya's people and members of other factions. Their disappearances haven't left any obvious traces," Al reported.
"Could it be the work of those bugs?" Cheng Tianbi asked.
Al shook his head, "We can't be sure, but before I left, I went to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and I could clearly sense that the energy fluctuations inside have intensified. Now, no one dares to get close to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. These bugs have such strong reproductive capabilities; it's only a matter of time before the tower can't contain them all."
Cong Zhenzhong said sternly, "Those bugs now have mutants with them. They won't be content to be trapped in the tower forever. Sooner or later, they'll take action. Instead of waiting for their numbers and strength to grow, it's time for us to launch a full-scale attack."
Liu Fengyu licked his lips, "Us? Are we going too?" The thought of those disgusting bugs made his scalp tingle.
Cong Zhenzhong said, "We won't force anyone, but I plan to leave this task to you and the Dragonblood Clan. Fire combined with wind will be a very advantageous weapon; those bugs are very afraid of fire."
Cong Xia shuddered at the thought of those bugs but clenched his teeth, "No problem."
Liu Fengyu smiled wryly, "We'll go then, it's not like it's the first time."
Deng Xiao clenched his fist, "What's there to be afraid of? We can finally eat roasted bug meat again."
Zhuang Yao said, "This time we have a lot of information. We must plan carefully..."
************
Translator’s note: Ah, I’m going to read the dragonblood story!!! It’s in NU.
