Chapter 41

Chapter 41

Four of the five major military academies arrive at the desert, drawing the attention of many other military academies.

The tension in the air was palpable, everyone aware that the competition would conclude in this place.

“I have a feeling that Xuan Jian Academy will emerge as the dark horse.”

“Victory is certain for Artemis!”

“I just want to know if Artemis and Hui Shi Academy really didn't get a single energy core?”

“Curious!”

……

The wind whistled mournfully.

The desolate land seemed exhilarated to finally welcome so many visitors, as if crying tears of joy.

The members of the four military academies retracted their mechs and descended to the ground.

Yan Yan led the way, spotting the Xuan Jian Academy and its affiliated teams nearby, unexpectedly recognizing many familiar faces.

They were the ones from the same drop-off point as them at the beginning, who had followed them and then fled into the cave along with other small military school members.

These individuals lowered their heads upon seeing the people from Artemis Military Academy, especially realizing that they were all still alive; they dared not meet their gaze, their expressions shifting anxiously, fearful of retribution from Artemis’s members.

Yan Yan glanced over them, his gaze settling on Tu Shengyao, the team leader from Xuan Jian Academy.

The uniform of Xuan Jian Academy differed greatly from military attire, with an ancient-style short jacket and leg-binding pants, each member carrying a long sword on their back, which they preferred not to store in their storage device.

The sword carried by the leader, Tu Shengyao, was particularly large, with a pitch-black greatsword sheathed against his ginger-colored clothing. He was tall and broad, mature-looking, and despite Yan Yan not being short, he appeared leaner in front of him, like a frail young man.

Such a figure was inherently imposing and aggressive in stature alone.

But when he looked at Yan Yan, his smile was friendly, the immense impact melting away in that smile, transforming from intimidating to reliable and sincere.

He said, “Nice to meet you, I am Tu Shengyao, the leader of Xuan Jian Academy. Are you Yan Yan from Artemis Military Academy?”

Yan Yan shook his hand, “Yes, I look forward to learning from you.”

Tu Shengyao responded, “Don’t mention it. All five major military schools are here for the energy cores, it’s all about each one’s ability, there’s nothing much to teach.”

Yan Yan nodded slightly, looking into the distance, “May I ask you, Tu, about the situation in the desert?”

Tu Shengyao turned and gazed into the depths of the desert, “No need to ask me, we haven’t been here much longer than you, we don’t know much more. But those who arrived earlier left some messages; apparently, there’s going to be a swarm of bugs here soon. Surviving that and finding the energy cores is just a matter of time.”

Yan Yan smiled and expressed his thanks.

Milton, with his arms crossed, sauntered forward, his slender eyes squinting, his pale chin lifted slightly, “Does Xuan Jian Academy have a habit of collecting trash?”

Tu Shengyao’s brows furrowed at her sudden challenge, “What do you mean?”

Milton pointed, “Look at that group behind you. Initially, they clung to Artemis’s legs and wouldn’t let go. As soon as they faced danger, fearing they'd be dragged down, they scurried far away. Now, it seems they’ve latched onto Xuan Jian Academy’s legs.”

Having been with Artemis Military Academy’s team for so long, she had heard plenty about these deserters.

Her temperament was not as accommodating as those from Artemis, such individuals would likely abandon their comrades and flee alone in battle, tearing through the defense lines like trash.

Tu Shengyao's brows relaxed, his gaze suddenly turning indifferent. He tilted his head and whispered a few words to his deputy, whose expression also immediately turned icy.

The group behind sensed their movements, feeling an ominous premonition, and started murmuring softly.

The wind grew stronger.

Carrying sand and dust, the air turned a faint yellow. Each gust that blew across the skin left a slight stinging sensation.

Such weather posed a significant hindrance to visibility and sensory perception.

Vigilant teams deployed their spiritual bodies for surveillance.

Lin Fu also released strands of spiritual silk into the wind to capture information.

The scent of the insect secretions gradually intensified in the air, lacking the dampness of the underground but consistent in its pungent odor.

The knife in his hand was half-raised, positioned diagonally in front of his lower abdomen, as his spiritual silk completely replaced his five senses.

The wind and sand clogged the mouth, conversation ceased, the wind roared louder, and the desert seemed to lose its life once again, leaving only eternal howling.

Suddenly, a "snap"!

The crisp sound was distinct even amidst the howling wind. Everyone's attention was heightened. Amidst the clear sound of clashing weapons, Lin Fu pinned an airborne beetle to the ground, its shell shattering with a crisp noise.

Albert, wielding dual blades, stood protectively at a slanted angle in front of Lin Fu.

The "crackling" sounds emerged one after another, heralding the onset of the insect tide.