Then let them offer their loyalty!

Page 753

Meanwhile, after their ignominious retreat from the Northwest region, the Mist Shadow Society brought a large number of elite troops to the Southwest region.

The four eighth-tier great evil gods, including the "traitor" Heavenly King Zhiyan, meant that almost no one could withstand them.

Originally, humanity's most important trump card, "nuclear weapons," was no longer enough in the face of an eighth-order Great Evil God, especially a peak eighth-order Great Evil God.

Furthermore... the "isolated mountain range" has not yet collapsed, and the two regions have not yet merged.

Humans didn't even have the ability to threaten the areas controlled by the "Hidden Mist Society." Therefore, they suffered repeated defeats.

This is actually one of the most important reasons why King Zhiyan agreed to cooperate with the "Hidden Mist Society".

The three Heavenly Kings weren't unwilling to fight the evil god alongside the other sanctuaries. The main problem was... they simply couldn't.

After the "Trial of the Gods" selected the "edge area," it seemed to limit the strength of the eighth-order evil gods, but in fact it also relieved them of any worries.

After separating from their controlled territories, these "god candidates" no longer had any vulnerabilities that could be threatened by humans.

Therefore, even if the "Hidden Mist Society" doesn't take action, other forces will come and sweep through the "Southwest Region".

And humanity still cannot resist...

Under this expectation, the second shelter felt that since their compatriots in the "fringe areas" were going to be enslaved anyway, they might as well exchange them for some benefits.

It was with this idea in mind that King Zhiyan, in accordance with the agreement between the Second Sanctuary and the Mist Hidden Society, began to go to the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sanctuaries to persuade them to surrender.

She originally thought that all of this was just a formality, and that after explaining the pros and cons, the various shelters would make a wise choice.

As it turned out, when she arrived at the central headquarters of the three shelters and met with the higher-ups of each shelter, she was rejected by everyone.

—Even her daughter, Li Feng.

At that moment, Li Feng was dressed in dark armor. Looking at the woman before him who had given birth to him and raised him, he said…

"Mom. I don't want to surrender."

Zhiyan was startled and said earnestly, "What are you saying?"

"If you don't surrender, do you want to die?"

Upon hearing Zhiyan's words, Li Feng's heroic face was filled with majesty and domineering aura.

She touched her armor and said firmly, "Mom, humanity doesn't need so many people. As long as the lineage can continue, that's enough."

"And we... will show those damned evil gods what humanity is made of!"

"We know we're not to be bullied!"

At this point, Li Feng's eyes were filled with determination. She said, "If we take this gamble, our descendants may suffer a few years less."

And just like that, Zhiyan was kicked out of the shelter by her own daughter, completely bewildered.

Unconvinced, she went to the 3rd and 5th shelters again.

The result was the same. It was as if the "Southwest Region" had made a pact to rebel against this day.

This unexpected turn of events really gave Zhiyan a headache...

For a moment, she was at a loss for what to do.

She couldn't help but think of the "little man" who had been clinging to her every day lately...

......

at the same time.

At this moment, Qiu Tu was listening to Guan Xiao's investigation report on the "Puppet Ants" while practicing swordsmanship with Zhao Ji.

This sword practice session was specifically requested by him.

Having acquired the powerful sword technique "Opening Heaven," and now facing enemies like the "Puppet Ants"—weak in strength but numerous in number—he needed a simple, direct, time-saving, and effortless sword technique.

That's why he sought out Zhao Ji, wanting to learn a new sword technique.

As for Guan Xiao... she said that after investigating the situation of the "puppet ants," she would report it to Qiu Tu in person.

This led to the scene where Qiu Tu, Zhao Ji, and Guan Xiao were all gathered together...

For some reason, Qiu Tu felt that Guan Xiao was acting strange today...

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Chapter 651 Guan Xiao's Amazing New Cataclysmic Ability (Seeking guaranteed monthly votes!)

Thinking this, Qiu Tu couldn't help but glance at Guan Xiao a couple more times.

As Qiu Tu's most trusted subordinate, Guan Xiao is arguably the most alluring and charming of all Qiu Tu's women.

She is usually radiant, but today she seems even more charming and alluring.

It's hard to describe the feeling. If I had to put it into words, it would be like... the person is still the same, but it's as if they've been reborn, and they're radiant...

Thinking this, Qiu Tu's heart stirred, and he asked, "You've advanced?"

Hearing Qiu Tu's question, Guan Xiao nodded with a grin.

Her aura was slightly revealed, and the aura of a third-tier early-stage Cataclysm was immediately apparent.

During this period, in order to advance to the eighth rank, Qiu Tu integrated all the resources of the three major shelters.

Most of these resources were used by him and Consort Zhao. However, a small portion was distributed to his trusted subordinates.

Therefore, the strength of everyone around Qiu Tu has increased dramatically.

Guan Xiao advanced from the mid-stage of the second tier to the third tier, which can only be described as passable.

However, those who reach the third tier will undergo a complete transformation, using the power of cataclysm to reshape their bodies.

Moreover, no matter how many diseases, disabilities, or hidden ailments the body had before, they will all be restored after advancing to the third rank.

This explains Guan Xiao's change.

However, a Tier 3 Cataclysm is simply not enough for Qiu Tu at his current level.

His dark soldiers were even at the fourth and fifth tiers. And the enemies were all at the eighth tier.

In comparison, Guan Xiao's third-tier character isn't even considered cannon fodder.

If it weren't for Guan Xiao's strong work ethic, obedience, and understanding, which allowed her to provide emotional support to Qiu Tu, she would have been marginalized long ago.

Of course, everyone has a heart. Guan Xiao was one of Qiu Tu's older brothers and sisters, and she was also the one who served Qiu Tu the most on a daily basis—she thoroughly implemented the strategic policy of "Guan Xiao does the work when there is something to do, and Guan Xiao does the work when there is nothing to do."

Therefore, Qiu Tu now has a very deep relationship with her.

Seeing Guan Xiao's improved strength, Qiu Tu knew she was happy. So, although he didn't care, he still offered her some emotional support at the right time.

He withdrew his gaze, then continued practicing his swordsmanship in front of Zhao Ji while casually chatting, "Not bad, not bad, you've reached the third rank so quickly."

After saying that, Qiu Tu felt like he'd just insulted someone, realizing he was already at the eighth rank. So he quickly changed the subject, "By the way, you're at the third rank now, you should have gained new cataclysmic abilities, right?"

Before becoming a god, a Cataclysmic Being gains a Cataclysmic ability at each of the 1st, 3rd, and 5th tiers. That's why Qiu Tu asked that question.

Sure enough, this topic hit Guan Xiao's sweet spot. She winked charmingly at Qiu Tu, then said with a sly smile, "Yes."

To say their relationship was one of life and death would be an exaggeration. But their interests were absolutely intertwined; they shared both glory and ruin. Their shared catastrophic abilities weren't exactly a secret.

So Qiu Tu casually asked, "What's your name?"

Guan Xiao said with a grin, "Infection."

"Infection?" Upon hearing this strange name for the cataclysmic ability, Qiu Tu paused in his actions.

He hesitated, then looked at Guan Xiao and asked, "Isn't your ability related to 'Insect Birds'?"

"How did it suddenly become 'infection'?"

Guan Xiao's cataclysmic ability is called "Mother Worm," which allows her spirit to condense into a mother worm connected to her.

Then, through that mother insect, she can have a 360-degree field of vision without blind spots, and can control small creatures such as insects and birds, and communicate with them.

Back in the New Territories, Guan Xiao's exceptional intelligence capabilities were largely due to this ability.

Hearing Qiu Tu's words, Guan Xiao's expression brightened even more. She seemed to be suppressing a laugh, as if hiding some joyful news, and then said, "Yes. My ability is related to 'Insect Birds'."

"But that doesn't mean my second ability can't be 'infection'."

Among Qiu Tu's women, Guan Xiao is one of the most intelligent. The fact that she's being so slow and withdrawn clearly indicates that something is on her mind.

So Qiu Tu simply stopped what he was doing and looked at Guan Xiao, waiting for her to perform.

Sure enough, seeing Qiu Tu stop, Guan Xiao also started to get serious.

Instead of explaining her second "catastrophic ability" first, she started talking about information about the "puppet ants".

She said, "Sir, before we discuss my abilities, I'd like to first report on the 'Puppet Ants'."

Qiu Tu looked at Guan Xiao, nodded slightly, and gestured with his hand.

Guan Xiao: "In the past two days, following your orders, I have begun to conduct investigations and inspections in major cities."

"We focused our investigation on cities located relatively close to the 'Northeast region.' However, we found nothing."

"However, I didn't let my guard down. Instead, I tried to get the 'Queen' to control more birds and mosquitoes to infiltrate the disaster zone."

"After infiltrating several cities, I actually found some clues."

Qiu Tu's gaze was deep, and there was something thoughtful in his eyes, as if he had thought of something.

Guan Xiao: "I've discovered that among the anti-government armed groups in the disaster zone, 'false agents' are gradually emerging."

"A pseudo-human?" Qiu Tu murmured the name, then asked, "Is it a human controlled by the 'Puppet Ants'?"

Guan Xiao nodded, her expression turning serious. She said, "Yes. Those humans, like other creatures, have their souls and consciousness imprisoned in their brains, becoming mere shells."

"And their bodies were taken over by 'puppet ants,' making them the hosts of the 'puppet ants.'"

Qiu Tu nodded slightly, indicating that he was listening.

Guan Xiao's expression grew increasingly serious. She said, "During my investigation, I discovered that these 'puppet ants' are quite extraordinary."

"They not only possess a certain level of intelligence, but all their thoughts are also interconnected, forming a kind of 'mental network.'"

"Within the 'mental network,' their thoughts can be shared or communicated even though they are thousands of miles apart."

"Moreover, their spiritual power can be pooled and borrowed."

"So, don't be fooled by their small size; they are actually very powerful creatures."

"Moreover..." Guan Xiao paused, then continued, "Their entire race is composed of 'Cataclysmic Creatures'."

"In other words... there are no ordinary individuals in their species. From birth, they are superior to most other species."

Qiu Tu was slightly surprised upon hearing this.

Although he had heard of some powerful races that were born as catastrophic beings, he never imagined that a tiny insect could be so powerful.

At this moment, Guan Xiao's expression became even more serious and earnest. She said, "These past few days, I've also seriously studied the habits of the 'Puppet Ants'."

"I discovered that they are very similar to ants. They are all built around the queen, and in a colony, there is a queen, priests, and soldiers. The division of labor is very clear."

"The 'Queen Mother' is the core of the entire tribe. She usually only possesses second-tier strength, which is average, but her status is extremely high."

"The 'Priests' are the strongest 'Puppet Ants.' Once they mature, they will inevitably grow into Tier 3, undergoing a complete transformation and gaining two 'Cataclysmic Abilities.'"

"On ordinary days, they are responsible for protecting the Queen and commanding the 'soldiers.'"

"And the 'soldiers' are simply the most common 'puppet ants.' They are generally at the first tier of strength, with stronger ones possibly reaching the peak of the first tier or even the second tier."

"Their main purpose is to find disaster resources and new hosts."

"Once they find new disaster resources and hosts, they will bring them back to the 'Mother Queen.'"

"As long as the 'Queen Mother' absorbs the power and resources of the cataclysm, she can lay eggs asexually and hatch new 'Puppet Ants'."

"The new 'puppet ants' will then parasitize the host, transform into 'pseudo-humans,' and continue to develop."

"It is this complete and sophisticated process that allows the 'Puppet Ants' to grow so rapidly."

At this point, Guan Xiao paused for a moment, then said, "However, sir, I believe you have already discerned the problem here."

Qiu Tu nodded slightly, his face serious. "Yes."

He said, "The 'Puppet Ant' tribe needs the power of cataclysm and cataclysm materials to develop rapidly."