Guanyin

Theoretically, Qianji was Xu Jiang's mech, and the enhanced runes it cultivated could be used to empower Xu Jiang.

However, human bodies weren't as spiritually attuned as those of the Lamp God tribe; using them could lead to an explosion. It was better to be cautious. This item could only be used by Qianji itself.

The spiritual seed level of the power core was too high to be enhanced. Scanning its entire body, there didn't seem to be many options.

The target of enhancement wasn't a skill, but a specific part of the mech, such as the fist, joints, chest, or crotch.

Qianji was still young. If it became a heavy mech in the future, it could be enhanced with things like a heavy punch.

But for now...

"Let's enhance the knees. At least it can make the Knee Strike stronger."

"Yes, General!"

[Congratulations, knee enhancement successful. Knee Strike power has been slightly increased.]

The Knee Strike was Qianji's only physical skill, so it was better than nothing. They would see the results of Qianji's future training.

"Alright, we've rested enough. Let's get going."

Falling into the void, they couldn't tell day from night. They could only rest when tired and set off again when they were refreshed.

At first, they could rely on Pace's abilities to avoid monsters and sneak forward.

But the further they went, the more monsters they encountered.

Like now, they had reached a point where they couldn't bypass the obstacles: a river with no end in sight and a bridge swarming with monsters.

"I can swim."

"Me too."

"My totem can't..."

The thick iron totem was great for hitting people, but it wasn't good for swimming. If it sank, it probably wouldn't come back up. The only option was to charge through.

However, before they could charge the bridge, a small interlude occurred: a small team also arrived behind them.

"You three up ahead, stop! I'm a guide sent by Yong'an City." A shout came from behind.

Turning their heads, they saw a group of seven approaching them. The team had both men and women, and judging by their attire, they were all professionals.

The leader of the opposing group, the middle-aged man who called himself the guide, stood a few meters away, observing them carefully.

"Are you all uninjured? It's very dangerous ahead, don't come any closer."

"We know, but we're looking for an exit. We have to go through."

"The higher-ups are already analyzing the void. They'll arrange for a large reinforcement force soon. It's best if everyone stays together and guards this position. Don't act rashly."

The brief conversation didn't yield much information, but at least it confirmed that both parties were rational and not in a state of [Calamity].

Judging by his attire, the guide was likely a Mechanic. Unlike Xu Jiang's Mech Warrior, he controlled machines to fight.

There were mechanical puppies for scouting, a rough-barreled EX-S Viper Cannon, and even aerial combat robots flying in the air.

This was a profession where one could fight remotely from the rear.

The people behind the guide looked somewhat dispirited, likely affected by [Calamity] after being frightened.

However, it shouldn't be a big problem. The guide had brought plenty of rations and water. As long as they stuck together, they would recover quickly.

"You should stay too. If we're all together, we can look out for each other." A rescued woman, holding a dagger, was likely a Shadow Dancer, but her legs trembled with nervousness.

Seeing Old Tie's sturdy build, she seemed to feel a sense of security and actively persuaded them to stay.

But would our Old Tie be swayed by a woman?

Women only slowed down his speed when facing death. He had entrusted even his childhood sweetheart to Xu Jiang, so would he be moved by a few words?

Lan Tie turned and looked at Xu Jiang, saying, "Why don't you guys stay? With more people, we can look out for each other. I can continue alone."

Staying to wait for rescue was a good outcome. At least, judging by the current situation, the monsters in the void didn't seem inclined to move around.

As long as everyone worked together and set up a defensive line, their lives would be guaranteed.

Xu Jiang pondered for a moment, then looked at Big Head Lan and asked, "What about you? Are you staying?"

"Me? Of course, I'm following you." In Pace's eyes, although Xu Jiang was ugly, he was still of the same kind and trustworthy. Wherever Xu Jiang went, he would go.

As for Xu Jiang's choice...

"I'm going to continue on my way. Thank you all for your kindness."

The persistence of the three surprised the guide.

"It's full of danger here. There's no need to take risks. I've brought many turrets. As long as it's a positional battle, I can definitely protect you."

The guide had good equipment and was likely over level 40. If he set up turrets to defend a position, their power would indeed be formidable.

Unfortunately, Xu Jiang didn't like entrusting his life to others.

"Thank you for your kindness, but I'll forge ahead on my own. If possible, I'd like to buy a weapon from one of you."

Xu Jiang's words were increasingly exceeding everyone's expectations.

Not only did they refuse to stay and band together, but they also wanted to buy weapons from others? In such a dangerous place, were weapons something that could be sold casually?

Food, clean water, and weapons – these were the basic necessities for survival in the void. Xu Jiang's request was clearly asking for too much.

"I can give you some clean water and food, but not weapons," the guide refused Xu Jiang's request without hesitation.

But Xu Jiang didn't mind. He smiled slightly and said, "Don't worry, I don't want your main weapons. What I want is that one."

Following Xu Jiang's finger, everyone's gaze focused on a heavy weapon.

Six elongated, terrifying gun barrels arranged like a compass, gleaming with a cold light. The heavy, handheld gun body showcased its terrifying power as a battlefield killer.

"I want that: Gatling Gun!"

This choice surprised everyone.

The Gatling Gun was a rather awkward existence among firearms.

Its power was undoubtedly terrifying, capable of firing thousands of rounds per minute, enough to pierce steel plates.

But its ammunition consumption was too great. Carrying several boxes of ammunition on every outing was unbearable for anyone.

Gatling Guns were now typically used as stationary defenses mounted on walls or equipped on vehicles with a full load of ammunition.

For single-soldier combat, energy weapons were a better choice. With the support of power cores, railguns and laser cannons were more practical than it.

"Are you sure you want to buy it? It doesn't come with any bullets!" the young man holding the gun said, a hint of interest in his voice.

He had been trying to sell this gun for months without success. Now, with the voidfall, he couldn't bear to discard it. Since it had no bullets, selling it for some money would be ideal.

Xu Jiang didn't hesitate. He directly took out a bank card from his pocket and handed it over.

"This card has 100,000 Credit Points. It should be enough to buy your gun, right?"

"No problem, it's sold!" The young man agreed to the transaction without a second thought.

Outside, it would definitely be worth more, but here, someone was actually spending money on a gun without bullets? What a fool.

Xu Jiang paid no attention to the young man's thoughts.

The power of this Gatling Gun lay in the fact that Xu Jiang's [General's Order] could summon it, a high-level asset that money couldn't buy.

And…

"That looks like my money?" Lan Tie looked over in disbelief.

"Uh, you're going to die soon anyway, so it's useless to keep it. Don't worry, I'll take care of your Xiao Fang."

"Yeah, that makes sense."

Lan Tie thought about it and realized it was true. Since he was about to sacrifice himself, the money would be useless to him.

"But your gun has no bullets! What's the point of buying it?"

"Bullets? Do I need bullets?" Xu Jiang smiled smugly and then touched the gun's body.

"General, I entrust my life to you. Please cherish me. If you don't abandon me, you can call me Guanyin."