Chapter 135: Uprising Within the Ranks

The Invincible War God slowly stepped forward, carefully examining the three bottles of technological energy. The glass covers were embedded in the device, half-exposed like light bulbs, seemingly impossible to remove. The War God drew a small knife, preparing to pry them out by force.

Wu Hua sneered inwardly: “That’s exactly how I forced it with the Dragon Fang move just now.”

As the War God’s knife slid in, the lights on two nearby test tubes abruptly went out. With a "ding" and a shattering sound, green liquid splashed, and two alien creatures burst forth. Everyone was startled, quickly turning their guns toward them.

The creatures resembled spiders, their bodies entirely green and about the size of a washbasin. Their crawling speed was not fast.

“Watch out!” the War God shouted.

“Pop! Pop! Pop!” The SVDs of two snipers, the FAMAS rifles of four shooters, and the flamethrowers of three medics all fired simultaneously. Countless bullets and flames struck the two spiders, but the damage values all showed “–1.” Wu Hua sneered beside them: “Just level 50 with 3000 HP creatures, and they don’t even know what kind of monsters these are. Their defense is as tough as a boss.”

Although the monsters had low HP, their defense was insanely high. Ordinary bullets had no effect. Fortunately, everyone inside was a ranged shooter. They fought while retreating, and no one was caught close. After about ten minutes, the two spiders lay dead, legs up.

The War God looked at the corpses thoughtfully: “They’re so small, probably juveniles. If even the juveniles are this hard to kill, how can we get hold of the energy?”

Everyone understood his meaning. The test tubes contained creatures that looked like dinosaurs, wild boars, frogmen... all sorts of varieties, many much larger. If released, who knew what would come of them?

Wu Hua said, “In my opinion, to get this energy, a mechanic who understands these creatures must decrypt it on the processor first.”

The War God stared at Wu Hua, now convinced by his words.

At that moment, a woman’s voice sounded from behind: “You’re right. Only a mechanic can retrieve it. Otherwise, all the creatures in the test tubes might be released.”

Wu Hua turned around, his heart sinking. This time, he was the mantis, and the other was the oriole.

The newcomers numbered exactly seven—the Blue Company’s team.

The seven stood proudly, weapons in hand. This was going to be serious trouble.

Blue Star Sky nodded: “Little War, you did well. Not finishing off Mad Burst was the right call.”

***

Wu Hua sneered: “So you’re all in cahoots. Didn’t Blue Company say they don’t accept men?”

“Let me answer that for you,” a strange male voice appeared.

Turning around again, Wu Hua gasped. A handsome chip warrior stood before him, backed by a large squad of gunmen—at least a hundred, all in SAS gear. Most wielded FAMAS rifles, with over a dozen carrying M249 machine guns. Arctic Snow Company truly lived up to its reputation, with so many heavy weapons in one team.

“Heh, this just got interesting,” Wu Hua laughed instead of panicking.

“I’m called Xiaoyao, the boss of Arctic Snow Fairy’s branch,” Xiaoyao said proudly. “Blue Ocean Company is our ally. Mad Burst, you shouldn’t have touched my woman.”

Blue Star Sky’s face changed: “Who’s your woman?”

Xiaoyao smiled: “You’ll be mine sooner or later. No need to get upset.”

“Shameless!” Snow Night Fairy stepped forward.

Wu Hua laughed heartily: “So it’s Boss Xiao, pleased to meet you.”

Pleased my ass. Wu Hua hadn’t heard the name before. His mind raced for an escape plan, but something worse awaited.

“Mad Burst, I’ve long admired your reputation. I heard you even dared to strip my woman. I have to admit, you’re bold—very bold,” Xiaoyao said with a constant smile, but Wu Hua felt a chill. After all his efforts to get here, was disaster about to strike again?

Wu Hua chuckled nervously: “That was just a coincidence, pure coincidence, really.”

Xiaoyao laughed: “Actually, I should be thanking you. Where did you get the information to find this ruin’s entrance? We’ve been searching for half a month with no luck. Thanks.”

Wu Hua forced a bitter smile: “You’re welcome. No need for thanks; we’re all children of the martial world.”

Xiaoyao laughed heartily: “Well said, well said—children of the martial world, no need to be bound by formalities.” Then he turned coldly: “Robber, Er Shao, get to work.”

Two technicians in white coats emerged, carrying metal cases that likely contained tools. They approached the processor and began working, connecting a series of devices—palmtop computers, laptops, energy clamps, alloy pliers, circuit crystals—to the processor. Wu Hua didn’t understand the mechanics, but it looked like manual decryption.

***

Before Wu Hua could speak, Blue Star Sky’s eyes stabbed Xiaoyao like knives: “Xiaoyao, what do you mean by sending your mechanics forward? What about our people?”

Xiaoyao laughed: “Blue Blue, I know you’re good at making money. If you want the energy, there must be an order. I’ve spent half a month here, using a lot of manpower and resources. You expect to just snatch it without a word?”

The Blue Company team’s faces darkened. Blue Star Sky snapped: “Didn’t I tell you when I entered? You knew I was after the energy. I think you just want to keep it all for yourself. Sha Sha, Yue Yue, get to work.”

Sand Dune Witch and Moon Shadow Qiusa stepped forward, carrying toolboxes.

“Clack!” All Arctic Snow Company shooters aimed their guns at them.

Xiaoyao said with a smile: “Brothers, put down your weapons. We’re all on the same side. Don’t spoil the harmony between our companies.”

Though he spoke calmly, the cold barrels remained pointed, and the two women dared not move. If these guns fired, it would be instant death.

Wu Hua suddenly understood. Blue Star Sky and Xiaoyao were on the same side, using him as a scout. Now that the path was found and the energy revealed, the two factions began to fight among themselves. This was the mantis stalking the cicada while the oriole waits in ambush.

The same happens in games—betrayal for profit is all too common, especially between two big companies.

Wu Hua had some understanding of Blue Star Sky. She was a woman who put profit above all. But Xiaoyao was probably the same. Just moments ago, he called himself an ally, and now he wanted to monopolize the spoils.

Snow Night Fairy angrily stepped forward: “Boss Xiao, don’t you like our big sister so much? You said you’d love her forever. Our big sister didn’t think badly of you, so she cooperated with you this time. Now you want to keep the energy all to yourself? If you truly loved a woman, wouldn’t you get some equipment for her instead?”

Xiaoyao smiled: “True, she’ll be mine sooner or later. I like her, but liking her is one thing; the energy is another.”

Wu Hua couldn’t help but chuckle silently: “Argue all you want. The more noise, the better. Let’s get a fight going—only then can I fish in troubled waters.” He quietly pressed a few buttons on his receiver.