Frieza Force Approaches! Prepare for the Ultimate Battle!

The night was black as ink. Heavy clouds had completely swallowed the golden moonlight. The cold wind in the deep mountains carried a bone-piercing chill as it howled past, sweeping dead leaves into the air. The campfire before the cave crackled violently in the wind, scattering sparks that made Ximen Qing and Grandpa Gohan's figures flicker like dying candles. Leaning against Grandpa Gohan's shoulder, Ximen Qing toyed with a strand of golden-silver ki condensed as sharply as a cold blade. As it flowed between his fingers, it gave off faint whistling sounds, sharp enough to slice through metal with ease. His permanent power level of 35,000 surged through his meridians like molten lava, while the lingering heat of the Advanced Super Saiyan Form scorched every limb and bone. Even the air around him warped and trembled from the heat, and fine cracks had been pressed into the ground by that invisible, overwhelming aura.

"Grandpa Gohan, look!" Ximen Qing's gaze sharpened as he suddenly swung his hand. The golden-silver ki in his palm instantly swelled, transforming into a blinding beam as thick as a barrel. Accompanied by an ear-splitting roar, it slammed into a massive boulder nearby like a falling meteor. With a world-shaking boom, the boulder was instantly shredded and vaporized by the beam's power, leaving behind not even the smallest fragment of stone. A charred crater more than ten meters wide and several meters deep had been blasted into the ground. Its walls were blackened by extreme heat, while every tree within a hundred meters had been snapped in half by the shockwave, branches and leaves flying everywhere. "This is only the prototype of the Ultimate Annihilation Ki Cannon! If I unleash it at full power and pour in my peak power level of 42,000, even a mountain a thousand meters high will be blasted into ash in one strike! I'll flip its very foundation over and leave no trace behind!"

Grandpa Gohan stared in stunned amazement, nodding repeatedly. His voice was filled with pride and lingering fear, trembling slightly as he spoke. "Amazing! Absolutely amazing! Ximen Qing, your strength is practically godlike now! With a power level of 35,000 and such a world-destroying finishing move, even if that demon Frieza comes himself, he may not be able to do anything to you. We're finally saved!"

An utterly arrogant smile curled across Ximen Qing's lips, his conceit practically overflowing from his voice. "Of course! That coward Frieza only knows how to send trash like Losar, Black, and Red here to die. Every last one of them was pathetic! Once he dares set foot on Earth himself, I'll use the Ultimate Annihilation Ki Cannon to blow apart his flagship, crush him into a puddle of meat, and rip out his soul so he can never reincarnate! I'll let the whole universe know who the true cosmic overlord is, and who cannot be provoked!"

Yet that arrogant smile lingered on his face for only a moment before vanishing. A gravity so intense it could not be dispelled flashed through Ximen Qing's eyes, and the golden-silver ki around him instinctively tensed like an enraged beast, every hair on his body rising slightly. He had never forgotten the suffocating pressure he had sensed in space earlier. It had not been an illusion. It was Frieza's Ultimate Legion! A terrifying army gathering the universe's strongest fighters, capable of effortlessly wiping out several planets, had fully assembled. Like a dark tsunami that devoured everything, it was rapidly closing in on Earth. The iron-blooded murderous aura carried by that vast army was hundreds, even thousands of times stronger than Red's squad. Even the boundless void of space had been thrown into violent disorder by that terrifying presence, torn open by savage cracks. The crisis about to descend was ten thousand times more severe than the ease he displayed on the surface. One misstep, and Earth would be destroyed while Grandpa Gohan died a miserable death.

He did not dare relax in the slightest. Silently activating Advanced Ki Sense, his sensing range instantly broke through the 50,000-meter limit and spread madly into the depths of the universe like an invisible giant net, sweeping forward with unstoppable force. This time, that heavy, suffocating pressure was clearer and closer than before, as though it would break through Earth's atmosphere the very next second. Frieza's Ultimate Legion had already crossed more than half the universe. Its endless mass of dark warships stretched for tens of thousands of miles like storm clouds that blotted out the heavens, dyeing the entire cosmos black. Every warship radiated an aura capable of destroying the world. Their engines ran at full power, spewing towering black flames that ripped savage cracks through space itself, making the void tremble without end. Thick killing intent swept in every direction like a tsunami, shaking even Earth's distant atmosphere and causing faint ripples to appear. The birds and beasts in the deep mountains had long since been scared out of their wits and hidden themselves away, not daring to make a sound. Even the campfire shrank into a dim little cluster beneath the invisible pressure. Less than two days remained before they reached Earth. The shadow of destruction clung to the planet's skies like a parasite, impossible to shake off.

What made Ximen Qing's heart sink even further, throwing his ki into violent disorder and making the golden-silver ki at his fingertips fluctuate wildly, was that he had precisely detected several powerful auras within that enormous legion—each one far stronger than Red's. Every one carried power capable of destroying the world and an overwhelming pressure sufficient to crush a planet with ease. One of them, in particular, was icy to the bone and incomparably violent, as terrifying as an abyss frozen for ten thousand years. Its pressure was dozens, perhaps hundreds of times heavier than Red's. Even across the vast cosmic gulf of countless light-years, it pressed down on Ximen Qing's heart like Mount Tai, disrupting even the 35,000 power level within his body and bringing a suffocating weight to his chest. That had to be Frieza's own aura! His power level was definitely far beyond 32,000 and might even have broken through the 50,000 mark, vastly surpassing Ximen Qing's current permanent power level of 35,000. Even if he fully activated the Advanced Super Saiyan Form and raised his strength to 42,000, he might not be able to overwhelm Frieza. This battle was destined to be a fight to the death. Either he would crush Frieza's legion, or Earth and Grandpa Gohan would perish together!

It seems Frieza has truly been driven mad by me. He's actually leading the Ultimate Legion here himself, bringing so many top-tier fighters. He's determined to tear me to pieces and flatten Earth. Ximen Qing pondered inwardly. The golden-silver ki at his fingertips grew increasingly condensed, while the solemnity in his eyes gradually gave way to blazing battle intent. The aura around him also grew more powerful. But that's fine. It saves me the trouble of hunting them down one by one. I'll solve every hidden threat at once! Killing Frieza and crushing his Ultimate Legion will earn me an astronomical amount of experience, completely unlock stronger skills, and break through my power bottleneck. It will also eliminate Earth's crisis once and for all. After that, no one in the universe will dare provoke me, Ximen Qing, and no one will dare hurt Grandpa Gohan in the slightest!

He did not tell Grandpa Gohan about this deadly seriousness. Instead, he continued acting relaxed and arrogant, smiling as he rubbed against Grandpa Gohan's palm. His tone was resolute and domineering. "Grandpa Gohan, tomorrow morning, we'll go deeper into the mountains and test my Advanced Super Saiyan Form. Once activated, it raises my power level by 120%, straight up to 42,000. By then, even if that demon Frieza comes himself, I'll handle him easily. I could crush him to death with one finger and leave him no chance to beg for mercy!"

Grandpa Gohan smiled and nodded, gently stroking Ximen Qing's head. His eyes were filled with relief and affection, and his voice was firm. "Good! Good! We'll do as you say! But don't push yourself too hard. Your safety matters most. No matter when Frieza comes, we'll face him together. Even if this old man has to risk his life, even if I have to burn away everything I have, I will never let you suffer even the slightest harm. I will never let anyone hurt a single hair on your head!"

Warmth filled Ximen Qing's heart, and his eyes grew slightly hot. He rubbed against Grandpa Gohan's palm again, his tone so firm that it allowed no doubt, while a trace of determination flashed in his eyes. "Grandpa Gohan, don't worry. I'll definitely protect you. I'll never let you suffer even a little harm, and I'll never let you risk your life for me! Once I kill Frieza and flatten his Ultimate Legion, we'll live here peacefully forever. We'll never be disturbed by war again, and no one will ever threaten us again. I'll make sure you stay happy and enjoy your old age in peace!"

The campfire gradually weakened into a pile of dark red embers, and its last spark quietly went out. The night grew even darker, so black that one could not see a hand before one's face. The cold in the deep mountains became increasingly piercing, and the howling wind sounded like the wails of ghosts, sending chills through the heart. Holding Ximen Qing in his arms, Grandpa Gohan breathed evenly and slowly drifted into sleep, a relieved smile still on his face. He had no idea that a catastrophic disaster was about to descend, nor that everything he treasured was about to be swallowed by war. Ximen Qing, however, had no trace of sleepiness. His eyes remained open, his gaze as sharp as an unsheathed blade as he stared into the depths of space. Extreme killing intent and boiling battle intent churned in his eyes. His 35,000 power level silently circulated through his meridians, surging wildly as he repeatedly familiarized himself with control over the Advanced Super Saiyan Form's energy. The golden-silver ki at his fingertips condensed and dispersed over and over. With every condensation, it grew more concentrated and powerful; with every release, it tore through the air with razor-sharp force. He silently honed the power of the Ultimate Annihilation Ki Cannon. The air around him twisted violently, and the cracks in the ground continued spreading. His aura was like a dormant volcano, ready to erupt and crush everything at any moment.

More clearly than anyone else, he knew that an unprecedented battle of life and death was about to engulf Earth—a final war powerful enough to rewrite the structure of the universe. Frieza's Ultimate Legion would soon break through Earth's atmosphere and spread war to every corner of the planet. Then flames of war would rage, lives would be devastated, and Earth itself would be swallowed by a tide of destruction. Everything he cherished would vanish into nothingness. Yet he felt no fear at all. Instead, his blood boiled with anticipation, and the resolve in his eyes grew even more intense. He would use this battle to brutally force out his potential, break through his power bottleneck, raise his strength, unlock even stronger skills, and use absolute power to completely crush Frieza, flatten his Ultimate Legion, tear apart every challenger, and ascend to the throne of the true cosmic overlord! He would give everything—his power, his very life—to protect the Grandpa Gohan he cared about most and protect this Earth that carried warmth and peace. He would never allow war to destroy this rare tranquility, and he would never leave himself with any regrets!

Meanwhile, in the depths of the universe, Frieza's flagship floated through the silent cosmos like a colossal beast lurking in darkness. It radiated an aura capable of destroying the world, and wherever it passed, even starlight was swallowed. Frieza slumped upon an icy metal throne, his face as dark as spilled ink. Dense black energy coiled around him, impossible to disperse. It was bone-chilling and violently savage, carrying destruction powerful enough to ruin the world. Like hellfire, it scorched everything around it. The sophisticated instruments surrounding the throne had long since been pulverized by his violent aura, their fragments scattered across the floor. Even the hard metal deck had been pressed into rings of fine, savage cracks by that terrifying pressure. The entire flagship shook violently beneath his might, as though it would be crushed apart at any moment. Every soldier aboard held their breath, even deliberately softening their breathing. Their bodies were stiff, and they trembled in fear, terrified of angering this enraged cosmic overlord. One small mistake, and they would be crushed into pulp, their souls scattered.

"Your Majesty, the Ultimate Legion has fully assembled. Every warship is prepared for a battle to the death, and all engines are running at maximum power. Less than two days remain before we reach Earth. In approximately two days, we will break through Earth's atmosphere and arrive at its surface. We can launch the final assault at any time!" A vice commander dressed in black combat gear stepped forward cautiously, his body rigid and his legs trembling slightly. He spoke respectfully, his tone filled with fear ingrained deep in his bones. He did not dare lift his head, and even his voice shook violently. He knew perfectly well that Frieza's fury at this moment was enough to burn down the entire universe and condemn all living beings to eternal damnation.

Frieza slowly raised his hand. A wisp of ink-black energy gathered at his pale, slender fingertips. It appeared weak, yet it contained terrifying force sufficient to annihilate planets and tear apart the universe. Merely a trace of leaked energy instantly dropped the entire flagship's temperature to absolute zero. The surrounding metal walls were covered in thick frost, and the water molecules in the air froze into ice particles. The vice commander's body instantly stiffened like ice. He shook violently, his teeth chattering, terror written across his face. Even his blood seemed close to freezing solid. He had no courage to look up, and when his legs gave way, he nearly collapsed to the floor. Nothing remained in his heart but endless despair.

"Ximen Qing..." Frieza's voice was ice-cold, devoid of even the slightest warmth. Filled with extreme rage and boundless killing intent, he spoke each word slowly, like a howl rising from the depths of hell. The flagship's metal walls buzzed and developed fine cracks, while the vice commander's eardrums throbbed painfully, nearly rupturing. "A mere Saiyan infant still reeking of milk, a little thing that can barely even walk, dared to kill my three great generals, destroy my three elite squads, blow up my warships, trample my dignity, and challenge my limits. He truly does not know the meaning of death. His crimes deserve ten thousand deaths!"

The black energy at his fingertips suddenly surged, transforming into an ink-black storm of energy. It contained world-destroying power, grinding the metal floor into powder wherever it passed. The flagship shook even more violently, as though it would collapse into pieces at any moment. The pressure around Frieza rose several times over again, pressing down on every soldier's heart like Mount Tai. His voice was filled with sinister, bone-deep killing intent, every word venomous and tyrannical beyond dispute. "In two days, we reach Earth! I will personally reduce that little creature to ashes, tear him into countless pieces, rip out his tendons and skin him alive! I will use his blood to honor the dead souls of Losar, Black, and Red, and use his soul to forge an evil artifact! I will burn Earth to the ground, slaughter every living thing on it, leave not a blade of grass or even a chicken or dog alive, and erase Earth from the universe completely! I will seize the Innate Saiyan bloodline within him and fuse it into my own body, increasing my power! The entire universe will witness the fate of anyone who dares provoke me, Frieza—no corpse left behind, no reincarnation for eternity, not even a chance to enter the cycle of rebirth!"

"Yes! Yes, Lord Frieza! Your subordinate obeys!" The vice commander was terrified out of his mind, shaking like a leaf. Unable to support himself any longer, his legs gave way and he crashed to his knees. He repeatedly slammed his forehead against the metal floor, producing dull thuds. Blood quickly seeped out, but he answered with reverence, his voice hoarse and trembling, nearly incapable of forming a complete sentence. "This subordinate... this subordinate will immediately issue the order. Every member of the Ultimate Legion will remain on highest alert and prepare for a battle to the death. Once we reach Earth, regardless of the cost, even if we must spill our last drop of blood, we will fully assist Your Majesty in killing that cursed Ximen Qing, reducing him to ashes, burning Earth to the ground, and crushing every force that dares resist Your Majesty! We will not give that Saiyan infant even a moment to catch his breath. We will certainly present his Innate Saiyan bloodline to Your Majesty intact. If there is even the slightest error, this subordinate is willing to die and submit to being cut to pieces by Your Majesty, never to reincarnate!"

Frieza slowly withdrew the black energy storm from his fingertips. Not only had the killing intent in his eyes not weakened in the slightest, it became even denser. His cold gaze swept over the kneeling vice commander like that of a venomous snake. His voice was so sinister that it chilled the heart, carrying undeniable murderous intent and savagery. Each word was like a sentence pronounced by the god of death. "Leave. If there is even the slightest error, you will not need to volunteer for death. I will personally cut you to pieces, tear out your tendons, skin you alive, then crush your soul so you can never reincarnate! Not only that, I will grind the entire Ultimate Legion, along with every warship, into dust. Every one of you will be buried alongside that little creature. You will all learn the taste of provoking me, Frieza!"

"This subordinate obeys! This subordinate will not make even the slightest mistake! Never!" The vice commander was so terrified that his soul nearly left his body. Bowing and scrambling away, he did not dare linger for even a moment. He did not even have time to wipe the blood from his forehead as he rushed toward the communications room, his heart filled with nothing but endless terror and reverence. The next instant, a shrill emergency assembly horn, sharp enough to pierce the soul, rang throughout Frieza's flagship. It even penetrated the warship and echoed through the dead silence of space, carrying a chilling aura of slaughter. Every member of the Ultimate Legion donned combat gear and carried powerful weapons as they surged toward their battle stations like a tide. Their expressions were solemn, their killing intent fierce. There was no fear in their eyes, only reverence for Frieza and fervor for battle. The engines of every warship ran at full force, spewing towering black flames that warped space wherever they passed. With their power pushed to the limit, the enormous fleet surged toward Earth at full speed like a black torrent, carrying an aura of destruction. Space trembled endlessly in their wake, killing intent filled the cosmos, and the shadow of destruction grew heavier, blanketing the entire universe. A final war capable of destroying Earth and rewriting the cosmic order had entered its last countdown. The storm was about to arrive, and bloodshed and war would soon sweep across all of Earth!