Teammates

Under the watchful eyes of Lei Kun, Leng Yan, and Monkey, who had completely lost the ability to think, the terrifying Lord of Black Swamp was directly erased from its very core Life Origin by a powerful force.

Eventually, all the points of light collapsed inward.

When the light faded, only a perfect Life Core, pulsating like a heart, remained, silently suspended in mid-air.

Late Stage of Sixth Grade Undying Realm, the Lord of Black Swamp, perished.

With a casual wave of his hand, Chen Fan sent the Life Core, which would cause countless powerful figures to fight over it, gently landing in his palm.

He didn't even look at it before putting it into his storage space, as if he had just picked up an ordinary pebble from the roadside.

After doing all this, Chen Fan turned around.

He looked behind him at his three teammates, who seemed to have lost their souls, and spoke calmly.

"Mission complete."

"Go back?"

Chen Fan's calm voice was like a pebble thrown into a still lake, failing to create even the slightest ripple.

Lei Kun, Leng Yan, and Monkey remained frozen in place, like three stone sculptures weathered for a thousand years, their pupils unfocused, mouths slightly open.

Their minds were still stuck on the image of the Lord of Black Swamp's enormous, sky-covering body being completely erased from its Origin Source by a single finger.

Chen Fan didn't urge them; he seemed very patient, simply standing there quietly, giving them enough time to come to their senses.

After an unknown amount of time, on the teleportation ship returning to base, the enclosed and quiet environment made the atmosphere even more oppressive.

The engine's low rumble was like a heavy drumbeat striking the hearts of the three.

Lei Kun struggled to turn his stiff neck, using all his strength to shift his gaze from the fleeting Stream of Light outside the porthole to the back of the boy sitting in the corner, idly watching the view outside.

He opened his mouth, his throat so dry it felt like it was on fire, and he hesitated several times before speaking.

"Chen Feng... who exactly are you?"

Upon hearing this question, both Leng Yan and the Monkey held their breath.

Chen Fan withdrew his gaze from the porthole, turned his head, and looked at Lei Kun with his calm, unwavering eyes. He didn't explain his background or reveal any unnecessary information, but simply answered calmly:

"Chen Feng, a member of the Pioneer Team Seven."

The sound wasn't loud, but it was like a stabilizing force, instantly piercing the chaotic and turbulent hearts of Lei Kun, Leng Yan, Monkey.

It's me, your teammate.

Lei Kun and the other two were stunned for a moment, and then their tense bodies, as if all their strength had been drained, slumped into their seats.

They were panting heavily, their foreheads already covered in cold sweat.

This answer made them completely abandon all pointless speculation about Chen Fan's background.

Who is he? Where does he come from? Does it matter?

It doesn't matter anymore.

The important thing is that now, he's one of us.

That incomprehensible awe and deep-seated fear, at this moment, miraculously settled and ultimately transformed into an almost fanatical following and trust.

The three of them realized almost simultaneously that they had latched onto the leg of a colossal dragon that they never dared to dream of crossing the Star Sea of stars!

The teleportation ship arrived at No. 450 Warzone Base.

When the hatch opened and the familiar roar of energy from the outside rushed in, Lei Kun and his two companions felt as if they had experienced a rebirth.

They exchanged a glance, and the numbness that had once lingered deep in their eyes was now completely gone.

Instead, there was an unprecedented determination, and a hint of... fanaticism that even they themselves were unaware of.

The four walked towards the Mission Hall.

No one gave an order, and there was no communication.

Lei Kun, the former captain, unconsciously lagged half a step behind Chen Fan at this moment. He straightened his back, which had been hunched over for many years, and placed his hand on the hilt of his knife, standing tall like the most loyal guard.

Leng Yan and the Monkey followed Chen Fan closely, one on the left and one on the right, tacitly behind him.

One had a cold gaze, warily scanning the surroundings for any suspicious glances; the other's fingertips flew across the tactical Optical Brain, seemingly monitoring the surrounding energy fluctuations.

The three of them unknowingly formed a wedge formation with Chen Fan at its absolute core.

However, just as they were about to step through the massive Alloy door of the Mission Hall, a group of powerful warriors, like a human wall, rudely blocked their path.

The man in the lead had a cold face and a burly build. He bore a striking resemblance to Ma Kui, who had been crippled by Chen Fan, but the aura emanating from him was several times stronger than Ma Kui's!

The terrifying pressure of a Mid-Stage Sixth Grade Undying Realm spread out like a tangible tide, freezing the surrounding air. Some ordinary warriors passing by were even forced to retreat, their faces showing horror.

Ma Long, vice-captain of the Frenzied Flame Squad!

The vice-captain of the top three squads in the War Zone is already at the very top of the pyramid in this War Zone!

Ma Long's hawk-like gaze bypassed Lei Kun and his two companions, who were on high alert, and locked onto Chen Fan.

"It was you who crippled my brother?"

Before he could finish speaking, Lei Kun had already drawn his sword and was standing there, his energy surging wildly as he fought against the suffocating pressure. He shouted in a deep voice.

"Ma Long! This was a fair challenge in front of the hall. Your brother was outmatched; he has no one to blame but himself!"

"Get out of here! You have no right to speak here!"

Ma Long's eyes sharpened, and his imposing aura intensified suddenly.

Lei Kun grunted, a trickle of blood spilling from the corner of his mouth, but he still stood firmly in front of Chen Fan, refusing to budge an inch.

On the other side, Leng Yan was even more direct.

She didn't utter a single unnecessary word, but a chilling killing intent had already precisely locked onto Ma Long's brow.

The Gauss Sniper Rifle behind her began to emit a dangerous red light from its muzzle indicator.

The Monkey quietly took a half step back, its fingertips rapidly manipulating the tactical Optical Brain, seemingly attempting to hack into the base's alarm system or contact the law enforcement team.

Chen Fan watched this scene unfold before him, seeing his three teammates who had recently considered him a burden now standing up for him without hesitation in front of a mid-stage sixth-rank expert.

A rare look of curiosity appeared on his face.

The feeling of being "protected" by teammates... seems quite interesting.

He reached out and gently placed his hand on Lei Kun's broad shoulder.

A gentle yet irresistible force came over him, and Lei Kun's tense body involuntarily relaxed.

Chen Fan stepped forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Lei Kun, calmly meeting Ma Long's almost murderous gaze.

"Is something the matter?"

He asked casually.

The two simple words, devoid of any emotion, yet carrying an absolute aura as if they disregarded everything.

This calm completely ignited the anger in Ma Long's heart.

"Something's up."

Ma Long laughed, a sinister and ferocious laugh, and he said, word by word:

"I don't care about the cause and effect, and I don't care about any bullshit rules. Today, you must pay the price for what you've done."