Ice Age Apocalypse: I Hoard Billions of Supplies Chapter 1349: Open Cards

Upon hearing Gao Changkong's declaration, Zhang Yi's eyes instantly narrowed.

In the very next moment, he appeared before Liang Yue and the others in a flash.

"Jingwei, activate the Shadow Space and bring them inside!" Zhang Yi commanded calmly.

Gao Changkong and the two factions from the Knights of the Round Table observed Zhang Yi, puzzled by his current intentions.

Jingwei promptly opened the shadow dimension, ushering Liang Yue and the rest into its confines.

Everyone opted to place their trust in Zhang Yi. On the tumultuous battlefield, adherence to a superior's orders without frivolous argument during critical junctures was paramount.

Once they were safely within the Shadow Space, Zhang Yi retrieved his imposing sniper rifle, Thunderbolt, stretching over two meters in length. He proceeded to leisurely load it with newly forged Sacred Silver bullets.

These remarkable bullets were crafted from the novel Yi Metal. Even without the deployment of any special abilities, they possessed the capability to inflict harm upon superhumans.

Theoretically, with a surprise attack, they even held the potential to injure an Epsilon-level superhuman!

When augmented by Zhang Yi's unique abilities, the destructive force of these bullets would ascend to awe-inspiring heights.

"Very well, if that's your stance, I shall relinquish any interest in whatever lies within this Nine-Story Demon Tower," Zhang Yi declared, hefting his heavy sniper rifle.

He cast a nonchalant, almost dismissive glance towards Gao Changkong.

"However, you should be acutely aware of my prowess. Forget the combined might of your two factions; even if two more superhumans of equivalent strength were to appear, as long as I resolve to depart, none of you will possess the means to impede me!"

"But rest assured, I will remain at a considerable distance, my rifle perpetually trained on your very heads!"

A playful, knowing smile graced Zhang Yi's features.

"Care to test that proposition?"

Lancelot, at this juncture, had not fully grasped the implication of Zhang Yi's words, lacking clarity on the full extent of his abilities.

Gao Changkong's expression, however, adopted a distinctly serious mien.

Two years had elapsed since their last encounter. Even then, Zhang Yi was already a formidable ability user whose primary armament consisted of firearms.

Now, Zhang Yi's long-range offensive capabilities were undoubtedly far more terrifying.

Contemplate the psychological toll of being perpetually targeted by a lethal threat, wielded by an adversary whom you could never hope to eliminate. What manner of ordeal would that constitute?

Forget about himself; his own subordinates would undoubtedly perish without question.

He lacked Zhang Yi's unique advantage—the capacity to transport individuals into an Alternate Dimensional Space.

Gao Changkong let out a sudden, hearty laugh.

He gestured towards Zhang Yi with his hand. "Truly, my old friend, you still cannot take a simple jest."

He stated with composure, "My grievances from the past I have long since set aside. My adversaries are Zhu Zheng and those inept high-ranking officials of the Jiangnan Region, certainly not you. Therefore, there is no necessity for us to engage in a fatal confrontation here, only to allow another to reap the spoils."

Upon hearing this, Lancelot chuckled, remarking, "It appears your words are directed at me? Damn it, this is truly an unprovoked predicament. I possess no knowledge of your identities or the nature of your relationship."

Gao Changkong directed a knowing look at Lancelot.

"At this juncture, my esteemed sir, there is surely no need for further pretense, is there? Am I correct in my assessment, Sir Lancelot Dulat, the esteemed Vice Commander of Britannia's [Knights of the Round Table], recognized as the [Judgment Knight]!"

Lancelot met Gao Changkong's gaze, the roguish grin persisting on his face, though his eyes gradually sharpened.

"I had never conceived that one of the esteemed Eight Legions of Heavenly Gods of Bharata, specifically the [Garuda], would hail from the Huaxu Kingdom!"

The current Gao Changkong had officially become an integral part of the Bharata Alliance's elite special combat force, the Eight Legions of Heavenly Gods, operating under the codename [Garuda].

This designation was not merely a moniker; it also represented the name of his current operational unit.

Each of the Eight Legions of Heavenly Gods ostensibly embodied a distinct organization.

Garuda held a position of considerable prominence within the hierarchy of the Eight Legions.

Had Gao Changkong not been affiliated with the Huaxu Kingdom, he might have stood a genuine chance of contending for the prestigious title of Deva [Indra].

Lancelot then shifted his attention towards Zhang Yi.

"Employing the guise of fire to mask your abilities is indeed a remarkably astute tactic. However, the distinctive signature of wielding a heavy sniper rifle is quite straightforward to ascertain. Among all the superhumans globally whose combat style aligns with this approach and who are operating at the Epsilon level, there are not a great many such individuals."

"Consequently, you are the Jiangnan Region's proclaimed [Chaos] of the Huaxu Kingdom, are you not?"

At this precise moment, the three distinct factions present had collectively unveiled their true identities and capabilities.

A delicate equilibrium had been established amongst the three parties, rendering any rash action by any single group inadvisable.

Had there been merely two opposing sides, a direct confrontation might have ensued, but the presence of a third, unpredictable element introduced a significant element of caution.

Zhang Yi casually slung Thunderbolt onto his shoulder, offered a smile, and silently retreated a few steps.

"Never mind, I harbor no substantial interest in this particular acquisition. You gentlemen may proceed. I shall not impose further!"

With those words, Zhang Yi activated his Dimensional Space, vanishing from sight instantly, affording no opportunity for further discussion.

Gao Changkong, Lancelot, and the others exchanged bewildered glances.

Lancelot furrowed his brow. "He fled?"

Gao Changkong simply smiled, shaking his head. "No, your assumption stems from a lack of understanding him!"

"He hasn't ventured far; he's undoubtedly observing us from a hidden vantage point, his weapon trained on both our heads."

"Should we engage in conflict, he will achieve precisely what he desires."

Zhang Yi's firearm boasted an extraordinary long-range capability, its maximum effective distance extending to a formidable ten kilometers.

Aided by the sophisticated Smart System integrated within his [Hidden Dragon Armor], he possessed the precision to target adversaries up to ten kilometers away.

Consequently, there was no imperative for him to initiate close-quarters combat.

Upon absorbing this information, Lancelot's demeanor shifted to one of heightened alertness, his senses on high alert to detect any incoming projectile from the shadows.

He harbored skepticism that Zhang Yi could fell him with a solitary shot from ten kilometers away. More realistically, even if a bullet were fired, his exceptional reaction speed would allow him to evade it.

However, this contingency depended entirely on his not being preoccupied with another adversary.

Gao Changkong, fully comprehending this strategic implication, remained equally cautious.

The two men found themselves in a tense standoff before the Nine-Story Demon Tower, the situation temporarily frozen in a deadlock.

A wry, internal smile touched Gao Changkong's lips.

His initial intention was to outwit Zhang Yi, but he never envisioned being so thoroughly outmaneuvered by the man himself.

Meanwhile, at a considerable distance, Zhang Yi was not engaged in the cat-and-mouse game the others presumed. He had situated himself on an elevated platform offering a commanding view of the entire city.

Below, the cacophony of the populace was overwhelming. The inhabitants of the Demon Kingdom were gripped by sheer panic, their desperate cries, frantic shouts, and enraged curses merging into a chaotic din.

Further away still, near the desolate edge of the Sea of Blood, two immensely powerful auras were locked in a ferocious clash.

These formidable presences belonged to the Lord of the Charnel Ground and the Grand Priest of the Demon Kingdom, engaged in their fierce battle.

In a direct confrontation between Epsilon-level superhumans, achieving a swift victory proved exceedingly difficult unless a significant disparity in power existed.

Thus, despite the Lord of the Charnel Ground wielding strength comparable to the Black Chariot level, he struggled to establish a decisive advantage against the Grand Priest, who employed hit-and-run tactics and benefited from the advantageous terrain.

Zhang Yi instructed Jingwei to release Liang Yue and the others from confinement.

The assembled group turned their attention to Zhang Yi. Liang Yue was the first to voice her concern, "Zhang Yi, what is your plan?"

Zhang Yi brandished the Thunderbolt in his grasp. "As long as I maintain surveillance over them, they will remain perpetually on edge. Rest assured, forget them; even if the Lord of the Charnel Ground were to intervene, he would be powerless against me!"

His expression became grave. "Currently, their focus is entirely diverted towards the Nine-Story Demon Tower. This presents the opportune moment for us to commence our operation!"