Chapter Twenty-Two: Sparks of Spiritual Energy

Six armored mechs soared toward Jiang Taichu, their semi-automatic rifles firing in unison. Jiang Taichu’s figure vanished in a flash, slipping into the mountain’s depths.

The six machines did not pursue, instead turning their gun muzzles toward the mountain’s center, where a formation pattern shimmered.

“They all know the Nine-Ringed Mountains; they won’t rush in blindly. They mean to trigger the mountain’s formation.”

Jiang Taichu understood instantly. He shot out from his hiding place, bullets spraying once more from the semi-automatic rifles.

Gunfire clashed, a rain of bullets filling the air. The mechs’ shimmering shields materialized again, blocking his attack. But their own bullets pierced Jiang Taichu’s shield, embedding themselves in his leg and arm armor.

Jiang Taichu’s body fell like a meteor, crashing to the ground with a resounding thud and stirring up clouds of dust.

“I thought he was something special—so this is all he’s got?” Jiang Yaoxing sneered coldly, flying forward.

“He’s just some arrogant kid, nothing to speak of,” another scoffed. “Two would have been enough, sending six is overkill. His limbs are done for—let’s go.”

The seven descended together, their powerful gusts scattering the dust.

Reaching Jiang Taichu’s side, they looked down at his prone form. One kicked him, saying, “If he’s not dead—”

Rat-tat-tat—

Suddenly bullets erupted at point-blank range, so abruptly that two of them were cut down before anyone could react, their bodies collapsing atop