#723 - Contact with the owners of the three artifacts

Under Ji Shuangshuang's arrangement, the trio quickly formed their battle formation.

The Fuxi Sword, sharp as mud, was best suited for clearing the path in front. The Shennong Whip, unpredictable as ghosts and gods, was ideal for overseeing the entire situation from the rear. The Nuwa Gauntlets, capable of both offense and defense, were positioned in the middle to anticipate and remedy any shortcomings of the other two.

This formation wasn't Ji Shuangshuang's original idea but was passed down from their ancestors. Before them, many users of the three divine weapons had accumulated experiences that greatly benefited them.

The three moved in unison, maintaining a steady pace without speeding up due to the dangerous location.

Facing a formidable enemy, they couldn't afford to panic. They needed to show the enemy they had reserves of strength to deter reckless attacks. Running away would not only waste energy but also risk separation.

If the enemy were to defeat them one by one, that would be disastrous. Despite her young age, Ji Shuangshuang was already an excellent leader, thanks to her upbringing.

Unlike Lin Lie and A Cheng, who joined the team later, Ji Shuangshuang had been cultivated as a successor to the divine weapons since childhood, naturally possessing more knowledge than the others.

Despite maintaining a 'steady' pace, the trio moved quickly. Their daily training, combined with the feedback from the three divine weapons, had elevated them beyond ordinary human capabilities. In just a few minutes, they traversed a large section of the forest.

At this rate, although they might not complete their search mission, Ji Shuangshuang and her companions could escape the Greater Khingan Mountains in half an hour, cutting their original estimated time of over an hour by more than half.

Despite being on the verge of escaping the forest that filled them with dread, Ji Shuangshuang felt no joy. Like Lin Lie, she hadn't seen such a strong reaction from the Nuwa Gauntlets in a long time, indicating that humanity might face another unknown and powerful enemy.

"Rustle!"

The sound of leaves rubbing together clearly indicated someone stepping on fallen leaves. In this forest, without special techniques, it was difficult to conceal one's movements relying solely on skill.

Ji Shuangshuang and her companions heard the sound, stopping abruptly like startled birds. They looked towards the source of the sound and quickly braced themselves, ready to face the unknown.

"Rustle!"

Another rustling of leaves, this time closer and more hurried than before. As the sound grew nearer, Ji Shuangshuang discerned that there were many individuals.

The hurried and dense footsteps could not be made by a single creature. Ji Shuangshuang estimated there were about five or six individuals, and the hurried sound suggested they were chasing something.

Because the sound came from behind them, Ji Shuangshuang suspected they were being pursued.

"Prepare for battle," Ji Shuangshuang said, adopting a ready stance. "They're likely coming for us. There are many of them, so be careful."

"Roger!" ×2

Lin Lie and A Cheng responded in unison, drawing the Fuxi Sword and cracking the Shennong Whip in the air, both fully prepared.

"Whoosh!"

Just as the three drew their weapons, several dark figures burst from the trees. Without the cover, the three quickly identified the newcomers.

As expected, the dark figures emerging from the forest were the demons. However, these demons were much larger than the ones they had previously slain, with bone spurs covering almost all their joints, making it difficult to know where to strike.

Not only their size, but these demons were also significantly faster than their predecessors. Even Lin Lie's improved eyesight after days of training struggled to keep up. The upcoming battle would undoubtedly be fierce.

Just as the three were bracing themselves, another figure darted out of the forest behind the demons. Surprisingly, this figure was a human?

Lin Lie's eyes widened, momentarily at a loss. A Cheng beside him was equally astonished. Could there really be wild humans in the Greater Khingan Mountains?

Ji Shuangshuang also frowned repeatedly. Although the figure appeared human, it had emerged with the demons, suggesting it was not a good person but a demon in human skin?

Ji Shuangshuang had encountered such monsters before.

However, to the trio's surprise, the human's next actions exceeded everyone's expectations.

"Bang!"

The human emerging from the forest raised his fist high, exerting force from above, and slammed it squarely onto the head of the nearest demon.

The demon's head exploded like a watermelon, splattering red and white matter everywhere. The headless demon collapsed lifelessly to the ground.

"Roar!"

Upon witnessing such a gruesome scene, the other demons hastily jumped back, surrounding the human but not initiating an attack, watching him warily as if fearing him.

This scene greatly shocked Ji Shuangshuang. Creatures modified by Chi You were essentially monsters with only combat instincts. Besides tearing apart their targets, they possessed little other intelligence.

Only certain special demons were permitted to gain a degree of intelligence, while these were clearly enhanced combat versions, supposedly fearless suicide squads.

Yet these single-minded demons were now afraid. If the researchers at the Divine Spear Bureau knew this, they would be astonished, as it overturned their previous research.

Moreover, this creature who appeared to be human had shattered the skull of a demon that even ordinary firearms couldn't harm with just a fist. In Ji Shuangshuang's mind, there were fewer than ten people capable of such a feat.

Adding the condition of doing it with a single punch, the number dwindled even further.

The person surrounded by the demons was Yang Le. He had already transformed into an alien hero. To make a good first impression, he chose a Kryptonian form, as Kryptonians and humans are difficult to distinguish in appearance, and it also enhanced his looks.

Although appearance alone couldn't determine if someone was good or bad, a good appearance undoubtedly brought convenience.

Yang Le cracked his knuckles, which were as big as casserole pots, and flashed a malicious grin at the visibly frightened demons.

"What's wrong? Weren't you very fierce just now? Now you know how strong I am?"

Yang Le's taunts only elicited threatening roars, clearly indicating the demons' fear.

"Since you won't come at me, I'll come at you."