Then, from inside the Mechanic Spider, came a voice colder than the scrape of a scalpel:
"Transcendents are the battle blades of human civilization. Under their protection, ordinary people have no need to wield any force.
"People below, you are suspected of illegal cultivation, illegally concealing crystals, illegally using Gene Serum, illegally spreading cultivation manuals, inciting others to cultivate, illegally possessing weapons, and illegal awakening. You are under arrest.
"Please put down your weapons, control the intensity of your Spirit Magnetic Fields and your cellular activity, clasp your hands over your heads, and slowly walk to the open ground before the canal to surrender. We will safeguard your safety and basic rights."
"Fuck you!"
Realizing he had been discovered, a burly, bearded man sprang up from the silt in the depths of the canal. Gripping a homemade Nine-shot Shotgun, he viciously fired at the lowest-flying Mechanic Spider.
Hundreds of pellets clanged against the Mechanic Spider's shell, knocking out showers of dazzling sparks.
"Citizen, please cherish your life and cease this foolish act of aggression."
The red glow in the Mechanic Spider's abdomen grew ever more intense, like a veil of bloodlight that enveloped the bearded man and scanned his muscles, bones, blood vessels, and Neural Network with crystal clarity.
A moment later, the Mechanic Spider's voice abruptly turned stern. "Citizen, testing has determined that your combat power has exceeded the limit by 200%. Immediately cease this dangerous hostile action, clasp your hands over your head, lie prone on the ground, and cooperate with the investigation. Otherwise, we will employ lethal force and inflict devastating harm upon you!"
The bearded man's response was to raise his middle finger high.
He spat out a mouthful of bloody saliva, threw aside the utterly useless Nine-shot Shotgun, and his eyes instantly turned crimson. His