Army at the Gates

Xiao Zhen looked at Hot Wheels, who was busy bragging, and said disdainfully, "With your combat power, you've got the nerve to call yourself the second most important figure in City of Time? How shameless."

Hot Wheels replied just as disdainfully, "Kid, I'm a civilian officer. Fighting and killing aren't suited to an intelligent robot like me. You're no better—you even claim to be the Mecha King.

"Although I'm not as strong as Blaze, he is City of Time's number one general. Several Black Iron Beasts are no match for him. But I'm definitely stronger than a brat like you. Want to settle this one-on-one? The plaza's right over there."

Blaze said helplessly, "Hot Wheels, are you done rambling? Are we going to see the City Lord or not?"

Only then did Hot Wheels remember the important matter. Embarrassed, he said, "Ah, right! The City Lord is already waiting for you. He said he has something important to discuss with you."

Afterward, they found Vanguard, who was resting. He had exhausted himself today as well. To help Blaze, his future partner, he had truly done his utmost.

Before long, the group appeared in the main hall. Aside from two guards, there was only a white sports car robot standing on the raised platform.

Seeing such a flashy entrance, Xiao Zhen habitually activated his scanner. To his disappointment, City of Time's City Lord was only level eight, worlds apart from the Moon Temple City Lord.

Moreover, this City Lord was not much of a teacher. If Blaze had not been guided by Vanguard, he would probably only be level five or six by now.

The City Lord first turned his attention to Vanguard and said gratefully, "You must be the friend from Moon Temple. We have you to thank for stepping in this time. Otherwise, Blaze would have been in danger."

Vanguard said somewhat embarrassedly, "Haha, it was only what I should have done. We're all part of the Motorcycle Clan. Helping each other is only natural."

Only then did the City Lord of City of Time turn his attention to Xiao Zhen. He asked skeptically,

"Are you really the Mecha King? I want the truth. The Mecha King is the leader of our Motorcycle Clan. This is no joking matter."

At that moment, Hot Wheels, who had been standing to the side watching the show, stepped forward and agreed.

"Exactly! How could the Mecha King possibly be a child?"

Xiao Zhen sighed helplessly. "Looks like if I don't show you what I can do, you won't understand how formidable I am."

"Keep boasting! What, can you even defeat the City Lord?" Hot Wheels looked utterly unconvinced.

Xiao Zhen ignored the comedian and looked at the City Lord of City of Time, speaking confidently. "If I can prove that I am the Mecha King, will City of Time be willing to obey my commands?"

The City Lord studied Xiao Zhen carefully and said seriously, "The Mecha King is the leader of our Motorcycle Clan. If you can prove that you are the Mecha King, then it is only right that we obey your commands.

"But if you are not the Mecha King, have you considered the consequences? Impersonating the Mecha King will earn the scorn and hostility of the entire Motorcycle Clan."

Seeing that the City Lord would not give up until he saw proof, Xiao Zhen had no choice but to satisfy him.

"Motorcycle Warrior, transform!"

Xiao Zhen used the Mecha King's exclusive ability on the City Lord of City of Time.

The City Lord felt as though he had lost control of himself and suddenly transformed into his sports car form.

The two guards were shocked by the strange sight. They had never expected their usually powerful City Lord to be subdued in a single move by this child.

In their panic, the guards aimed the cannons in their arms at Xiao Zhen. The atmosphere instantly became tense, and Vanguard did not remain idle either. A pair of halberds immediately appeared in his hands.

Vanguard had obeyed his master's orders to protect the Mecha King.

If those two guards dared to fire, Vanguard would not care whether they were members of the Motorcycle Clan. He would send them to their deaths without hesitation.

Seeing that he had achieved the desired effect, Xiao Zhen immediately released his control over the City Lord.

Xiao Zhen smiled. "Well, City Lord, not bad, right?"

The City Lord immediately transformed back into robot form and said with emotion, "Just like the legends say, the Mecha King possesses the ability to control the entire clan. It seems the legends were true after all."

"Then what happens next?" Xiao Zhen asked with interest.

The City Lord of City of Time did not hesitate for long. He had already given his word. Since this child truly was the Mecha King, submitting to him was only natural.

The City Lord of City of Time immediately dropped to one knee and said respectfully, "City Lord of City of Time greets the Mecha King."

Xiao Zhen said with satisfaction, "No need for formalities. Rise, City Lord."

"Thank you, Mecha King." The City Lord stood up after replying.

Seeing that the situation had been brought under control and no conflict had broken out, Vanguard silently put away his weapons.

Blaze also let out a sigh of relief. Xiao Zhen and the others had saved his life, and he had been the one who brought them to City of Time.

Whether Xiao Zhen was the Mecha King or not, Blaze did not want City of Time to clash with them.

"Report! Terrible news!" At that moment, a sports car warrior hurried in with a report.

Seeing how anxious he was, the City Lord had a bad feeling and quickly asked, "What happened?"

The warrior said nervously, "Dust is rising outside the city. The Black Iron Beast army has already reached the city walls."

"Ah! Wh-what? The Black Iron Beast army?" Hot Wheels was terrified. He hurriedly hid behind Blaze and even clung to his leg, looking utterly frightened out of his wits.

Outside City of Time, dust filled the air as countless Black Iron Beasts advanced in orderly ranks, surrounding City of Time.

Amid the Black Iron Beast army, a golden figure stood atop a large war vehicle. He was Wild Star's number one general, the level fourteen Golden Iron Beast.

Standing atop the towering city wall, Xiao Zhen took in the entire scene. He could not help but sigh. As expected of Wild Star's number one general—he was actually two levels higher than Vanguard.

Vanguard looked at Golden Iron Beast below. Hearing Xiao Zhen say that this fellow was stronger than him, he immediately felt unconvinced.

"Xiao Zhen, you say this guy is stronger than me? Then I can't accept that. No matter what, I'm Moon Temple's number one general."

Xiao Zhen turned around and said seriously to Vanguard, "Vanguard, you must not underestimate Golden Iron Beast. He is Wild Star's number one general. His strength cannot be underestimated."

Vanguard said proudly, "I've already cut down several of Tiger King's generals. Today, I'll cut down a few more of Wild Star's men. I refuse to believe Golden Iron Beast is really that powerful."

Blaze asked Xiao Zhen, "Xiao Zhen, what should we do now?"

Xiao Zhen thought for a moment before saying seriously, "Although City of Time has one more wall than Moon Temple, its defenses are still not very good.

"Once the Black Iron Beast army breaks through the gates, with the close-combat ability of City of Time's sports car warriors, they'll likely have no choice but to become lambs for the slaughter."

Hot Wheels was no longer busy at this point. He objected, "You're looking down on City of Time too much! We have such tall city walls—how can you say our defenses are insufficient?"

Xiao Zhen shook his head helplessly. "After today, you'll understand the gap in strength between the two sides."

Hot Wheels scratched his head and asked doubtfully, "Are those Black Iron Beasts really that strong?"

Vanguard seemed to understand Xiao Zhen's intentions and asked uncertainly, "Xiao Zhen, you aren't thinking of telling Blaze and the others to abandon City of Time, are you?"

Xiao Zhen did not avoid the question and answered directly, "Right now, the Black Iron Beast army has not completed its encirclement. City of Time's robots are all speed-type sports cars and the like. If they seize the right moment and break out in one direction, it should not be a problem."

After giving his opinion, Xiao Zhen added, "But that is only my personal suggestion. The specific arrangements should be decided by the City Lord and Blaze. After all, this is their homeland."