Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1345: The Second Person

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Previously on Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies...
An ancient and colossal demonic being attacked the allied forces, but was quickly subdued by the Lord of the Charnel Ground. As more demonic reinforcements arrived, the allied forces struggled against their raw power, until Zhang Yi returned with his powerful sniper rifle, "Thunderbolt", turning the tide of the battle.

Zhang Yi's solitary stand on the battlefield instantly commanded the attention of all present.

This observation naturally extended to the opposing Demonic People forces.

Soon, a Demonic Person of notably greater height and bulk emerged from their ranks, a starkly imposing figure.

His arms, disproportionately long, nearly brushed the ground, while his body, slender like a telephone pole, swayed with unnerving flexibility.

With a movement akin to a willow bending in the wind, his thin form suddenly surged forward at breakneck speed, directly towards Zhang Yi.

Without a moment's hesitation, Zhang Yi brought his firearm to bear, locking onto the charging foe.

A projectile instantly tore through the air, aimed with lethal precision at the Demonic Person's head.

A sneer twisted the Demonic Person's lips as his body contorted mid-flight, impossibly fluid like rubber, evading the bullet's path.

"Pfft!"

Yet, in the very next instant, the sheer force of the bullet's momentum slammed into him, toppling his frame. A distinct, gaping hole pierced the center of his forehead, passing clean through from front to back.

Even as death claimed him, bewilderment lingered; how had the bullet struck when he was certain he had dodged it?

His confusion was understandable. Zhang Yi's [Fated Reincarnation] ability allowed the bullet to execute a mid-air 'second-stage' displacement, altering its trajectory.

This power proved a formidable challenge, even for those witnessing it for the first time, as Zhang Yi possessed the foresight to anticipate events within a two-second window.

Those unfamiliar with this ability often found themselves unable to react effectively.

Confronted with it, death became an inescapable certainty.

Beside Zhang Yi, Old You unleashed a torrent of suppressive fire with a heavy machine gun, methodically clearing their surroundings.

He employed specially crafted Origin Bullets, proving highly effective even against the formidable defenses of the Demonic People. Before him, a considerable number of Demonic People were soon riddled with holes, resembling perforated sieves.

Observing Zhang Yi's personal intervention, Old You, cigarette still dangling from his lips, inquired with a grin:

"Zhang Yi, this isn't like you! Didn't you mention wanting to keep your strength hidden?"

Zhang Yi's gaze swept towards the other ongoing engagements.

He noted that the Epsilon-level superhumans from two other factions, whom he had observed earlier, had yet to fully commit to the fight.

A slight, almost mocking chuckle escaped Zhang Yi. "We've already reached this point. Everyone is well aware of each other's capabilities. What is the purpose of continued concealment?"

"Moreover, before the true conflict commences, I need a proper warm-up and to get a feel for the rhythm of battle."

The direct involvement of the two Epsilon-level superhumans swiftly tipped the scales of the battle, turning it into a one-sided rout against the Demonic People.

Standing near La Min Ouzhu, a towering superhuman observed Zhang Yi's brutal efficiency with a knowing smirk playing on his lips.

"It appears our companion is rather eager!"

He made a grasping motion with his right hand in the empty air, and a Knight's Longsword gradually materialized within his palm.

This weapon, forged from his superhuman ability, possessed the appearance of a genuine, priceless treasure sword.

"I, too, should engage in some warm-up exercises!"

The weapon was designed as a two-handed sword for a knight, yet he held it with a single hand. However, given his immense stature, wielding it thus did not appear incongruous.

Lancelot rotated his arm, a predatory glint flashing in his eyes, and transformed into a black streak, charging headlong into the Demonic People's formation.

"BOOM!!"

He tore through their ranks like a dark cyclone. In mere moments, scores of Demonic People were grotesquely dismembered, flung aside before they could even register their attacker!

With these two powerful forces now engaged, the external reinforcements summoned by the Xia Zha Family, a superhuman contingent from Bharata, also entered the fray.

"Let's conclude this swiftly. The sooner we resolve this immediate threat, the faster we can move on to contend for the treasure!"

The superhuman who voiced this instruction extended a hand, similarly manifesting a Golden Holy Sword through his ability. With a single, graceful sweep of the blade, a ferocious wave of golden sword aura erupted outward, instantly pulverizing the dense cluster of Demonic People before him into mere dust!

Upon witnessing the radiant Golden Holy Sword, a faint smile touched Zhang Yi's lips.

"It's been a while, Gao Changkong! I had a feeling you weren't so easily dispatched."

The Epsilon-level superhuman who had appeared was, in fact, none other than the former traitorous captain of the Jiangnan Region – Gao Changkong.

That specific sword was an manifestation of the [Solar Wheel Seal], one of the six supreme seals within his technique, the [Heavenly Dance Treasure Wheel].

The distinct characteristic of the technique was unmistakable, leading Zhang Yi to harbor suspicions from their very first encounter at the Great Snow Mountain.

Later, confirmation from the Snow Mountain Divine Eagle, Luozhuo, regarding a group of superhumans hailing from Bharata, served to solidify his suspicions.

After Gao Changkong departed the Jiangnan Region with his companions, he sought refuge overseas to evade the S-level wanted notice issued by the Huaxu Kingdom.

It was a sensible choice to flee to the neighboring nation of Bharata, whose might was also considerable and not to be underestimated.

As for the other contingent present.

Zhang Yi's gaze shifted to Lancelot and his associates.

Their true identities had been unmasked.

Information furnished by the Deng Family had definitively confirmed their affiliation with the Britannian superhuman organization known as the [Knights of the Round Table].

Their specific abilities: unknown. Their overall strength: unknown.

Including the current Gao Changkong, the extent of his honed abilities remained entirely shrouded in mystery for Zhang Yi.

However, for him, these details were of secondary importance.

Their combat prowess, at best, was on par with his own, and in confrontations with superhumans of equivalent rank, Zhang Yi had never experienced defeat.

This was due to his defensive capabilities exceeding a staggering 18,000 points.

Victory might not be guaranteed, but certain defeat was impossible.

His primary concern was to exercise caution and prevent himself from being ensnared by their machinations.

Furthermore...

Zhang Yi's attention was drawn to a distant point, where the formidable Lord of the Charnel Ground was relentlessly engaging an Epsilon-level Demonic Person. He mused internally:

"Should anyone aspire to claim the treasures of the Demon Kingdom, they must first contend with him."

Within the confines of the Snowy Plateau Region, the Lord of the Charnel Ground's power could be amplified by the blessings of the Sangha Monastery, allowing for rapid recuperation even from severe injuries.

His ability score was conservatively estimated to surpass 20,000 points.

In a one-on-one duel, neither Zhang Yi nor his two companions held significant hope of prevailing against him.

Moreover, at this very moment, the Lord of the Charnel Ground exuded an aura that felt even more potent than during their initial encounter at the Great Snow Mountain.

The youthful immaturity that once characterized him had been supplanted by the assured confidence of a seasoned warrior.

"I shall await the opportune moment, observing closely for a chance to act. My only hope is that the contingency measures I put in place will prove effective when the time is critical."

"But for the present, I still require his assistance."

A meticulous and far-reaching strategy had already taken shape within Zhang Yi's mind, with even the Lord of the Charnel Ground designated as a pawn in his intricate game.

On the opposing side, concerning the Lord of the Charnel Ground and the ancient Demonic Person, less than three minutes into their intense battle, the latter was already nearing a state of utter devastation!

One of his arms was brutally torn off, still attached, by the Lord of the Charnel Ground. Casting the severed limb aside, the Lord of the Charnel Ground transformed into a streak of golden light and surged forward, intending to deliver a devastating blow through the Demonic Person's chest!

It was at this precise juncture, with abrupt swiftness, that a vibrant purple beam of light descended from above the ancient city, impacting with tremendous force against the Lord of the Charnel Ground's protective golden aura.

The Lord of the Charnel Ground, his focus entirely fixed on the old Demonic Person, was caught completely unaware by the sudden, devastating assault.

His body was propelled through the air for several thousand meters, ultimately plummeting into the crimson Sea of Blood.

This astonishing spectacle left all onlookers in a state of profound shock.

The Lord of the Charnel Ground, whom they had revered as an invincible divine entity, had actually been sent flying!

Zhang Yi promptly engaged the telescopic functionality of his Hidden Dragon armor, directing his gaze towards the origin of the powerful beam.

Upon the battlements of the ancient city, he discerned a colossal being, its skin a bluish-purple hue, devoid of hair, and possessing a grotesque appearance. It gazed coldly in their direction.

The Demon Kingdom's second Epsilon-level powerhouse had revealed itself!