I'll Give You a Ride

Although the "big bird" is alive while the drone is "dead," when it comes to agility and maneuverability in the air, the latter is actually superior to the former.

Although the "big bird" cannot directly swoop down and hit the drone, it can interfere with the drone's flight by using the powerful airflow generated by its wings when it gets close. If the drone continues to dodge without countermeasures, it is only a matter of time before the "big bird" catches it.

Xiang Kun had initially assumed that these "Shenxing Technology" drones would be equipped with weapons commonly used against wild animals, such as tranquilizer guns or nets. However, to his surprise, the first weapon these seemingly advanced drones revealed was—ultrasound...

This is a fairly standard bird deterrent device, which is quite convenient for drones that need to stay airborne for extended periods.

Ordinary people cannot hear ultrasonic waves, but Xiang Kun is no ordinary person. He clearly heard that all four drones were releasing ultrasonic noise towards the "big bird" to drive it away.

If used on ordinary birds, it would indeed be effective; certain ultrasound waves can even cause relatively strong physiological effects on birds. However, when used on such a huge "mutant bird," the ultrasound waves only thoroughly enraged it.

The "mutated bird" let out a sharp, loud screech, which sounded less like a bird's song and more like the sound of an F1 race car speeding by.

The sound traveled very far; Xiang Kun suspected that most areas around the Wushu Mountain Scenic Area could hear it.

Even if you heard it, probably no one would realize it was a bird call.

Before long, a large flock of birds of all kinds swarmed in from all directions, far exceeding the number of birds attracted by Xiang Kun's "Mental Intimidation".

Xiang Kun immediately concluded that this "mutated giant bird" possessed a similar ability to intimidate groups, much like the Giant Owl he had encountered before. It seemed that birds often acquired similar abilities after mutation.

Of course, this "big bird" is much more capable than the owl.

The flock of birds swarmed towards the four drones, completely ignoring the ultrasonic waves they emitted.

Clearly, the "mutant bird" is far more intimidating than the stimulation and harm caused by ultrasound.

A single bird might be able to anticipate and dodge a collision with a drone, but when a flock of birds swoops down on it, the drone has no chance of avoiding it.

Taking advantage of the moment when several drones were entangled by the flock of birds, the "mutant bird" swooped down, grabbed one with its claws, and pecked at it fiercely with its beak. The drone was quickly smashed to pieces, sparks flew, and it fell from the sky.

Xiang Kun clicked his tongue in amazement; the "big bird's" claws and beak had clearly been greatly enhanced.

The other three drones rapidly ascended, increasing their altitude and widening the distance between themselves and the "big bird".

Several fast birds approached them, but seemed to be electrocuted, emitting arcs and sparks, before falling from the sky.

Several kilometers away at the Wushu Mountain parking lot, the two vans were also in complete chaos.

They were just discussing whether the "big bird" had entered some kind of hibernation state, which was why it was so motionless and had such a low body temperature.

Unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, that "big bird" had become so frenzied and violent.

The technicians in charge of the drones only had time to activate the self-defense mode of four drones, and it was only thanks to the drones' own evasive maneuvers that they were not wiped out in one fell swoop by that "big bird".

"What's going on?! What's happening?!" Zhou Rui exclaimed in a panic as he watched the shaky footage transmitted from the drone attacked by the "big bird."

Zhou Rui and Ye Chong had just been analyzing the "big bird" together when they came to the other side of the car. They were both a little confused by this sudden situation.

However, it must be said that the image transmitted through the low-light night vision device of the "big bird" suddenly turning from stillness and taking flight from the mountains and forests was indeed extremely shocking and impactful, like a sleeping giant beast suddenly awakening and bringing a hurricane to sweep in.

In particular, they could see the "big bird" rapidly approaching from a first-person perspective through the footage transmitted back by the drone that the "big bird" had targeted, and they could directly feel its ferocity and power.

The cry of the "big bird" could be heard directly by them here, without needing the recording equipment on the drone.

Then, the flocks of birds that came from all directions made them realize what was going on with the strange behavior of the flocks that had led them to discover the "big bird"—it seemed that this "big bird" was like a "king of birds," able to "summon" other different birds.

After one drone was shot down by the "big bird," the other three quickly flew away, escaping the entanglement of the flock and the threat range posed by the big bird.

Even at a greater distance, Mi Qiao and his team could still see the "big bird" in the distance through the drone's camera, but it was too far away to see it as clearly as before.

However, after chasing away the drone—at least in "Big Bird's" mind—it suddenly did something that left Mi Qiao, Fang Pingfang, and the others completely bewildered and confused.

The "big bird" suddenly plunged to the ground and began to dig at the earth with its enormous, incredibly hard and sharp claws.

The "big bird" seemed to have gone berserk, its claws digging at an extremely fast speed and digging very deep. However, it didn't dig in one spot for a while, but instead moved to another spot to continue digging.

Because the drone was too far away, it was obscured by the surrounding mountains after the "big bird" landed, making it impossible to see the situation in the valley where it was located.

However, there were two recording devices they had set up in that area that afternoon, which clearly captured its frantic digging.

However, Mi Qiao and the others in the carriage were completely baffled by the "big bird's" behavior and had no idea what it was doing.

Why did it suddenly attack the drone like a madman, and then frantically dig at the ground?

"The bird's muscles and skeletal structure are not quite normal..." Fang Pingfang recalled the scene she had just observed as the "big bird" took flight, and manipulated the communication equipment in the carriage. "Is 'Mr. Liang' online?"

"I've been here the whole time. I'm in control of the drone now. Observe the target's behavior." Mr. Liang's voice rang out.

Upon hearing this, a thought suddenly popped into Fang Pingfang's mind—it seemed that "Mr. Liang" knew what the bird was doing, but he didn't intend to tell them, instead deliberately letting them discover it themselves?

Meanwhile, on a certain mountain, Xiang Kun, who was also watching the "big bird" frantically digging at the ground, roughly guessed what it was doing.

Based on previous analysis, it was likely searching for the "mutated ant." Originally, it intended to wait there, testing its patience and seeing who could reach the blood-drinking stage first. However, after noticing the "harassment" from several drones, it knew it couldn't wait any longer, so it started digging, forcibly "drawing the prize"?

But if that's the case, how did it determine that the "mutated ant" was definitely underground in this area?

If he could get closer to that area, Xiang Kun thought he might be able to try tracking it by scent.

Xiang Kun observed that this "big bird" dug much deeper than it appeared on the surface. Unlike an excavator that digs out all the soil, it digs out a portion and then uses its long, sharp claws to "stir" the soil. This way, any creatures hidden below will be touched by it.

Watching its claws dig and plow the ground is as easy as using a shovel to stir thick porridge. Considering how it just destroyed that drone, you can imagine how sharp and hard its claws are.

Xiang Kun could still faintly hear the sound of the drones operating. He knew that although the remaining three drones had spread out, they had not retreated, but continued to "monitor" the situation from a distance.

There were also recording devices running not far from the "big bird," so naturally, the people at "Shenxing Technology" could still know about the "big bird's" situation.

What would they think?

Xiang Kun thought that the "big bird" would frantically scratch the ground for a while in a "futile rage" before flying away helplessly, abandoning this "hunt".

Unexpectedly, after the "big bird" had been digging for about twenty minutes, it dug up another patch of ground. In Xiang Kun's infrared thermal imaging vision mode, a blue dot emerged from the ground and then sped into the air. However, as soon as it left the ground, it was slammed to the ground by the "big bird's" powerful wing flap and then stepped on by its huge claws.

To Xiang Kun's surprise, after he quickly switched the visual mode from infrared thermal imaging to low-light night vision, he didn't see anything under the bird's claws, as if the long, blue, arm-sized dot he saw in the "infrared thermal imaging visual mode" simply didn't exist.

However, even after switching to thermal imaging mode, the blue dot was still being trampled by the "big bird's" claws, constantly struggling and writhing. At the same time, Xiang Kun also keenly caught a faint, strange wailing sound, which seemed to be coming from under the big bird's claws.

Xiang Kun instantly understood. This was the creature he had discovered on the main peak of Wushu Mountain, suspected to be a mutated ant—it could become invisible! Perhaps it could refract light, making it unseen. No wonder it dared to live on the main peak of Wushu Mountain, where there were many tourists, without being discovered earlier.

But it was clear that the "big bird" didn't rely solely on sight to perceive its target; once the "mutant ant" was "dug" out of the ground, it had nowhere to escape.

Unexpectedly, this "big bird" was so lucky that it actually dug it up directly.

Judging from what happened just now, the "mutated ant's" mobility was completely outmatched by the "big bird." Normally, it would be dead in a single encounter, so the fact that it could struggle for so long must mean it had other methods. But now it seems it has no other options left.

After catching the "mutant ant," the "big bird" let out a strange whistling sound, like a very bad diesel engine roaring at full power, then flapped its wings and took flight, its claws "grabbing" the fat mutated ant, into the night sky.

After taking off, it flapped its wings violently and at a high frequency, striking the air and creating a series of loud noises. It sped up faster and faster, flying away into the distance at a speed far exceeding that of ordinary birds of prey.

Three drones from the other direction also gave chase, but they were already far away, and now their speed had increased, so they would soon be completely outpaced. If "Shenxing Technology" didn't have any other positioning methods, it probably wouldn't be able to catch up with them by relying solely on drones.

However, based on what Xiang Kun had overheard "Mr. Liang" saying to Mi Qiao, Fang Pingfang, and others, he intuitively felt that "Mr. Liang" and "Shenxing Technology" must have other methods.

Perhaps they would let the "big bird" think it had escaped its pursuit and was safe, then suddenly descend upon it after it had "devoured" the "mutant ant" and entered a dormant state, capturing it alive without any effort.

Or perhaps, when the "big bird" is about to drink blood, it is disturbed, preventing the bird from "devouring" the "mutated ant," causing it to be worn down by its blood-drinking urge, and then the bird can capture the two Mutated Creature at a lower cost.

Xiang Kun withdrew his gaze from the sky and scanned the valley, which had been ravaged by the "giant bird," carefully noting down some details.

Although Shenxing Technology's somewhat passive approach to dealing with Mutated Creature puzzled him, he was also somewhat disappointed that he hadn't seen more of Shenxing Technology's methods and measures.

However, being able to observe the behavior patterns of this "mutated bird" and witness its capture of another Mutated Creature still brought Xiang Kun considerable gains.

This was the first time he had been able to observe another "Mutated Creature" besides himself for such a long time.

From the behavior of that "mutated bird," we can infer the changes in its body structure, strength, and intensity, and then further try to deduce its mutation and evolutionary path, its possible living environment, the number of times it has undergone blood-drinking mutations, and whether it has "devoured" other Mutated Creature, as well as the characteristics of those creatures, etc.

Xiang Kun secretly felt that his choice to guide and enhance the evolution of his senses was indeed the right one. Without such strong visual abilities, he would never have had such an opportunity to observe.

It was already close to 5 a. m., Xiang Kun did not linger any longer. He could only investigate "Shenxing Technology" later using "Hyper-Sensory State" or other methods.

He now needs to quickly understand Mi Qiao's detailed feedback on various human voices under "Hyper-Sensory State" and find a language translation "encoding" that he can quickly master. In that case, the "Black Circle Graffiti" that Mi Qiao carries with him and is tucked in his softcover notebook will be equivalent to a super eavesdropping device that he has planted, capable of knowing all kinds of "human speech" that Mi Qiao hears.

Xiang Kun walked out of the forest, but after walking for a short while, he suddenly sensed something and looked up at the still dark night sky.

In infrared vision mode, Xiang Kun saw a blue dot hovering above his head—had the "mutated bird" returned?

No trace of the drones was found in the vicinity, so it seems that the three drones have been temporarily shaken off.

But shouldn't it be finding a place to drink blood and sleep now? Perhaps it left something behind here?

After the "big bird" descended some altitude and suddenly began to swoop down in this direction, Xiang Kun suddenly understood:

This "big bird" was coming for him.

It discovered that it wasn't the drones that were secretly throwing stones at it, but Xiang Kun?

But that's impossible!

If it didn't discover it then, it was even less likely to discover it later.

Because they sensed Xiang Kun, this "Mutated Creature"?

If it could detect it, it should have noticed it earlier, not just now. Could it be that it just happened to dodge and weave its way around, shaken off the three drones, circled back, changed direction, and then "coincidentally" spotted Xiang Kun the ground, discovering he was a "Mutated Creature"?

Is it really such a coincidence?

Seeing the "big bird" swooping down from the sky, Xiang Kun remained calm. He stood on the ground with his hands hanging down, pondering why the "big bird" had suddenly locked onto him and attacked him, and recalling whether he had made any mistakes.

Although there were several towering trees nearby that could provide cover, he made no attempt to hide or conceal himself, but simply looked up at the "big bird" and stared at it.

He held the remaining pebble in his left hand, while two orbs that had established a "Super-Sensory Link" with him were moving across his skin on the back of his right hand, seemingly "warming up."

Indeed, this "big bird" possesses formidable strength and physical resilience. In terms of pure strength and physical resilience, Xiang Kun the "big bird" with its swooping attack advantage. His current body is also unable to withstand the claws that can easily tear apart drones.

But combat is never simply a matter of strength or physical power, Xiang Kun doesn't need to confront it head-on.

As it plunges down from the sky, the greater the weight and the faster the speed, the greater the impact and the greater the destructive force, but also the greater the potential energy and the greater the inertia.

Xiang Kun believed that with his now evolved super dynamic vision, he could easily dodge the "big bird" in the instant before it pounced. The method was simple: the "big bird" was still holding the "mutated ant" in its left claw, so he only needed to dodge to its left.

Then, it gets close to the back of its feathers, pulls it to the ground to entangle it, restricting its flight and preventing it from attacking with its claws and beak.

Directly striking or fighting with pure force might not cause any real damage to the "big bird," so Xiang Kun would directly insert two orbs that had established a "Super-Sensory Link" into its nostrils.

Perhaps it was Xiang Kun's composure that alerted the "big bird," or perhaps its instincts sensed danger. In any case, when it was still five or six meters from the ground, it ended its dive, flapped its wings, and flew up, bringing a gust of wind over Xiang Kun's head. It quickly disappeared into the dark night sky before dawn.

Xiang Kun squinted and shook his head with some regret. This bird had no concept of "face" at all; it would back down without batting an eye and without any burden.

Just after recalling the entire process of him hiding and spying last night, Xiang Kun still believed that he was not detected by the "mutated bird" during that time. Otherwise, the "bird" would not have failed to react in a targeted manner, and if it had reacted, he would not have failed to notice.

What exactly happened in the time immediately after that "big bird" flew away?

Xiang Kun drove back to town, and just like the previous few days, he bought breakfast before returning to the hotel.

However, as soon as he entered the hotel lobby, he saw Xia Libing sitting on a sofa in the corner.

"You... are you going to the station?" Xiang Kun originally wanted to ask, "Why are you up so early?" But when he saw the backpack next to her, he remembered that she had said last night that she had booked a high-speed train ticket for this morning so that she could catch her morning shift after returning to Citong City.

Xia Libing looked at him and nodded. "I've already checked out of the room. You didn't go back to the hotel last night?"

Xiang Kun said, "After finishing my business last night, it was already too late. I was afraid of waking Zicheng if I came back, so I decided to come back this morning. Are you sitting here already calling a car?"

"I didn't call a car," Xia Libing, looking at him.

"Then I'll take you," Xiang Kun said, handing over the breakfast he was carrying. "Take one, I'll take the rest upstairs and then come down."

After taking the breakfast upstairs and calling Zicheng to wake him up from bed to distribute the breakfast, Xiang Kun returned downstairs and called Xia Libing, who was munching on a hot meat bun, to get in the car.

As soon as Xiang Kun got into the car and started the engine, he noticed Xia Libing's gaze fixed on the dashboard.

Xiang Kun immediately realized: she was checking the mileage.

"Lao Xia, were you waiting for me to come back and see you off in the lobby?"

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I recommend a humorous novel about strategy, with a unique and captivating cultivation style.