Previously on Devouring Evolution: I Reborn as an Arctic Wolf...
Exploitative nobles begin to hoard resources, prompting Su Lin to observe their actions. Meanwhile, Su Lin's own power and the Wolf Pack Civilization continue to grow exponentially over ten million years. Despite significant advancements, the Sky Wolf System still lags behind the ancient Bright Day System. The Sand Fox, now a powerful figure, reports on the nobles' plundering, while Su Lin contemplates his own progress and the insurmountable Fifth Gene Barrier.
For ten million years, the Shadow Army Group, led by Sand Fox, hasn't just expanded across the whole Wangshu Zone; it has also stealthily penetrated over half of the Blazing Nebula. While direct access to the core regions of many factions might be limited, general power structures and significant events are still discernible.
Upon receiving the Wolf Lord's inquiry, Sand Fox swiftly responded. "Wolf Lord, the Eastern Star Core has remained peaceful for tens of millions of years. Similarly, the Southern, Northern, and Central Star Cores, along with the Heavenly Forbidden Mountain, are all stable. Only the Undead Holy Sect is actively deploying troops, currently at war with the Western Star Core. Vast amounts of the Undead Holy Sect’s military might in the Eastern Star Core, approximately 90%, has been redeployed. Without the crucial assistance of the Entropy Prison System, the Bright Day System, and the Ten Thousand Demon System, other factions would have undoubtedly launched an assault on the Eastern Star Core, now under the Undead Holy Sect's control!"
Su Lin gave a subtle nod upon hearing this assessment. He had prior encounters and dealings with the Undead Holy Sect. Through extensive conversations with figures like the Heavenly Ghost and the Erosion Spirit King, he had gained a profound understanding of them. The Undead Holy Sect is undeniably a formidable power, exceptionally skilled in the arts of war. Regardless of their grander ambitions or ideals, their inherent need to expand through the acquisition of the undead is a fundamental aspect that cannot be altered. Consequently, whether driven by vengeance, the necessity to neutralize the lurking threat of the "Unspeakable," or the ambition to strengthen their own standing, warfare remains an essential component of their strategy.
Sand Fox continued her report: "Presently, the entire Western Star Core is ravaged to the point where sustaining life is nearly impossible. Under the leadership of prominent forces such as the Dark Erosion Holy Hall, Silver Celestial Dragon, and Nine Infant Ghost Car, a fierce conflict rages against the Undead Holy Sect, the Star Patrol Clan, the Star Law Guard, and the Holy Radiance Empire. Whispers suggest that the Black Sun Clan, specifically their Black Seven, Black Eight, and Black Nine lineages, have also emerged. It remains uncertain, however, if the Black Sun Clan has genuinely allied with numerous factions in the Western Star Core to orchestrate the complete downfall of the Undead Holy Sect!"
Even from Sand Fox's perspective, it was evident. The Undead Holy Sect, the Star Patrol Clan, the Star Law Guard, and the Holy Radiance Empire likely possessed an even clearer view of the unfolding situation. Yet, their continued bloody engagement on the front lines indicates that an opportunity for victory still exists. It is equally apparent that the "Unspeakable" are also facing significant challenges. The Undead Holy Sect has evidently resolved to eradicate them entirely from the Blazing Nebula. Observing their strategic approach, Su Lin surmised that their ultimate objective might be to first eliminate the Sky-Cunning Beast, then deal with the Unspeakable, before finally confronting the Black Sun Clan and the Heavenly Destiny Clan! Only by dismantling these powers one by one could they realistically hope to achieve the revival of the Blazing Flame Clan. However, no one is naive; the Black Sun Clan has already begun its covert operations.
"Hmm, have there been any significant developments in the other peripheral regions?" Su Lin inquired further.
"In the Xi He Zone, the Ten Thousand Demon System has successfully reclaimed the territories lost during the former Emperor's demise. The newly appointed Demon Emperor is currently capitalizing on resources plundered from the Star Core War to nurture several trusted confidants. Furthermore, they are preparing to assemble a Thousand Demon Body Battle Army, designed to rival the formidable Ten Thousand Demons Forbidden Guard. However, the Hei Si Lineage is actively instigating the five major Star Nebula Great Clans within the Xi He Zone to unite and harass the Ten Thousand Demon System. There are even rumors that the Hei Si Lineage has utilized the Space-Time Altar to transfer at least tens of trillions of Black Sun's military strength to that location. Personally, I believe this rumor to be unfounded. After all, the Black Fourth Heavenly Lord was already eliminated by the Wolf Lord. Even if internal strife hasn't erupted, they are unlikely to be capable of mobilizing tens of trillions of troops to the Xi He Zone before a new Heavenly Lord ascends. It's important to remember that tens of trillions of military power represent a substantial force, even for a mighty faction like the Black Sun Clan!" Sand Fox meticulously detailed all the gathered intelligence for the Wolf Lord.
What Sand Fox failed to grasp, Su Lin understood perfectly. The individual he had eliminated was merely the Black Fourth Heavenly Lord's manifestation in a single lifetime; the clan's internal stability remained intact. Moreover, across the entirety of the Star Core and the Blazing Nebula, outside of the Wangshu Zone circulating the news of the Black Fourth and Fifth Heavenly Lords' demise, other factions dismissed it as mere hearsay. Part of the reason for this disbelief stems from past rumors of the Black Sun Clan's Heavenly Lord-level experts falling, only to later be reborn through other vessels.
The inscrutable and bizarre techniques of the Black Sun Clan defy the comprehension of typical Species. Meanwhile, the Heavenly Lord-level powerhouses of the Black Sun Clan have endured through countless Eras, never succumbing even during the intense counteroffensives of the Blazing Flame Clan. Therefore, nobody would anticipate their downfall in a mere outlying territory?
"Wolf Lord, while the victory of the Ten Thousand Demon System in the Xi He Zone during this grand conflict remains uncertain, it is undoubtedly a challenging prospect. After all, those five prominent Star Nebula Great Clans are formidable adversaries, leaving all factions within the Xi He Zone unable to intervene presently. Should our Wolf Pack Civilization harbor any aspirations, they can be disregarded entirely! Regarding the Zhenmang Zone, the Shadow Army Group's undercover agents can only operate at the periphery, gathering inconsequential intelligence. The reality is that the Zhenmang Zone has already achieved unification, establishing a comprehensive internal promotion system. Advancement to higher levels necessitates not only accomplishments but also the submission of a loyalty oath. Upon reaching the War General level, a Soul Search oath becomes mandatory, effectively barring us from infiltrating the genuine upper echelons."
Sand Fox was deeply impressed by the magnificence and intricate depth of the Entropy Prison System within the Zhenmang Zone. It appeared to be utterly flawless, boasting a perfected promotion system with distinct rewards and punishments, and its defenses against agent infiltration were remarkably effective. Furthermore, its control over the Ancient Starry Sky Road, with military outposts established approximately every light-year across the Zhenmang Zone, effectively interconnected the entire territory. An attack on any single point would allow for swift reinforcement from all others.
