Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1254: Black Flame

Loren fell, instantly struck down by a single blow from an adversary he had deemed insignificant.

It wasn't due to a lack of caution; while his outward demeanor remained cool and collected, he had launched his assault with full intensity. This operation, much like those past, involved a squad of seventeen. He was well aware that other factions had hired mercenaries of considerable renown. Yet, he still met his abrupt demise right here.

A reinforcement-type superhuman, possessing an ability index hitting 9,500, was felled in mere moments during close-quarters combat! If recounted, such a terrifying feat would surely be dismissed as fiction by many. Even scanning the entirety of the Snowy Plateau, those capable of such a feat could be counted on a single hand.

As Loren’s torso slid along the angle of the cleave, the remaining members of the patrol team were gripped by shock, their auras exploding as they lunged toward Zhang Yi. Witnessing the devastation wrought by his solitary slash, Zhang Yi felt a surge of genuine satisfaction.

"The Hidden Dragon armor has drastically boosted my physical prowess and agility. The sheer pleasure of engaging in direct close-quarters combat is truly remarkable! Moreover, with my ability, 'All Things Follow Traces,' I have no reason to fear any hidden tricks from these fools. It is time for me to fully appreciate the capabilities of this suit!"

Having disposed of Loren, Zhang Yi stood his ground, gripping his horizontal sword which dripped with blood. A crushing wave of bloodlust rippled outward, fueled by the desperate, frantic hostility of the sixteen remaining patrol members.

Zhang Yi watched them, and through his perception, their movements withered into sluggish motion. With a quick flick of his wrist, raging black flames erupted from his armor, coating the Hidden Dragon suit and his blade in dark, hungry energies. He resembled a hunter emerged from the abyss, radiating an aura of total devastation. Observing his current state, no soul would connect this entity to Zhang Yi, as he had masked his Void Power to mimic the appearance of infernal flames. Based on his combat style, they would only assume he was a potent close-combat superhuman with a fire-based ability.

"Let the trial proceed," he whispered.

Zhang Yi advanced toward the twisted, hateful visages before him. They were consumed by rage, desperate to enact their revenge instantly, but to Zhang Yi, they appeared as nothing more than slow, wriggling insects. He held his blade in one hand and moved with casual lethality. In the blink of an eye, his form vanished.

"Boom!" A spire of black flame erupted from the earth, consuming two superhumans before they could even utter a whimper. The consumption effect of his Void Power mimicked the destructive nature of fire, proving to be the perfect disguise.

These monk soldiers were disciplined and fierce; their iron-clad faith ensured they would not falter despite the odds. Chanting the Buddha's name, they vowed to cleanse Zhang Yi. "You are surely a demon from the Demon Kingdom! I shall see you destroyed!"

Despite their fury, the patrol team maintained strict formations, with frontline bruisers leading the charge while support and ranged units held behind. However, the abyss between their power levels rendered their tactics laughable. Having pre-orchestrated the interference of Lu Keran and Yang Xinxin to jam all surrounding signals, Zhang Yi was free to act with impunity. These men were nothing more than test subjects for his newfound edge.

A tsunami of flames spilled from his frame, and he surged forward like a localized black hole, drowning everything in his path. Witnessing the void-like darkness behind him, the survivors shrieked in terror. "A demon of the Demon Kingdom! A manifestation has appeared! Speed to the Sangha Monastery, tell the Lord of the Charnel Ground we require immediate intervention!"

Thinking of the Lord of the Charnel Ground, who was currently occupied with the resistance, Zhang Yi offered a thin smile and quickened his pace. The battle was trivial; against absolute might, defense was meaningless. His Void Power, sheathed across his Adamantium blade, bypassed their armor as if it were parchment. Ten strikes were all it took to clear the seventeen. Within ten seconds, not a single body remained whole.

Zhang Yi collapsed the encroaching flames, drawing the energy back into the void. Clad in his black Hidden Dragon gear, he stood like a demonic god amidst the carnage. He was pleased with the outcome, though he noted, "Their fragility is a disappointment. I shall need a true Epsilon-level opponent to truly gauge my proficiency in close combat."

With a final sweep of his blade, he reduced the remains to ash, ensuring no tracking technology could preserve data on his methods. He returned to the vehicle, ignited the engine, and vanished into the distance. Once inside, he retracted his visor.

Fatty Xu barked in excitement, "Boss, that was legendary! I’ve never seen you fight up close like that!"

Old You chimed in with a nod, "Indeed. You always shunned close-quarters, yet two and a half years of drilling has made you a first-rate fighter."

Zhang Yi cast a glance at Liang Yue. "Far from a master, I’m afraid."

Liang Yue responded candidly, "Your technique will likely never eclipse mine; martial path depends heavily on innate spirit. I speak the truth."

Zhang Yi was used to her bluntness. "No matter. I never aspired to pure mastery. Or else, I’d end up like you—losing limbs in the heat of battle. That’s a grim fate. Thankfully, modern medicine and healing-type superhumans are plentiful now, or you’d have been disabled years ago."

Liang Yue drew a sharp breath to compose herself. "Regardless, your strength classifies you as a top-tier martial expert now."

While Zhang Yi lacked the innate talent Liang Yue prized, his foundation was untouchable. His dual spacetime abilities allowed him to anticipate every strike. Combined with the enhancements from Zhou Ke'er and the Hidden Dragon armor, he successfully neutralized any disparity in raw physical force. Furthermore, the terrifying utility of his Void Power ensured he could stand toe-to-toe with almost anyone of his rank. Naturally, when pitting himself against monsters of Li Changgong or Liang Yue's caliber, Zhang Yi knew better than to rely solely on blades. Even so, he now stood as a titan in the superhuman world, possessing no glaring weakness in offense, defense, or utility, a trait that marked the true difference between a survivor and a corpse in high-level duels.