The Sun Moon Empire's Backbone and Mud That Could Not Be Propped Up, 6,000 Words

"Anyone who doesn't want to die, stop!"

Xia Xuanchen's somewhat hoarse, weak voice came from beneath the mask of his Humanoid Soul Tool.

"Commander Xia! He killed our commander!"

A Rank 8 Soul Tool Master whose shoulder and facial armor had both been blasted half away glared with bloodshot, bull-like eyes, his face covered in blood. The Energy Gathering Soul Tool Cannon in his hands had already finished charging and could fire at any moment.

On the other side, another Rank 8 Soul Tool Master had even taken out two thick Rank 8 Fixed Soul Cannon Shells and was holding them in his arms. From the look of it, he intended to stage a grand, explosive self-destruction.

"I said stop! Are you deaf?" Xia Xuanchen roared, forcing down the agony inside him. "Everyone, groups of five! Scatter and retreat at top speed! Now!"

"Commander, we—"

"Hurry up and get the hell out!"

Military orders were absolute.

Amid Xia Xuanchen's furious roar, the remaining four hundred-plus soul engineers swiftly dispersed from their gathered formation, scattering in every direction like a blooming firework as they flew rapidly toward different directions.

The moment the order was given, they already understood exactly why.

Their commander intended to use his own life to cover their retreat and buy them time to withdraw.

Throughout this process, Qian Chaoguang simply watched quietly with that faintly amused gaze.

He watched as the Sun Moon Empire's soul engineers flew away, then watched as they vanished beyond the horizon.

Until only Xia Xuanchen remained here.

He neither stopped them nor made a move.

"You're a decent leader, even if you've only been commander for less than a year," Qian Chaoguang said flatly, holding Xuanhui in his arms. "To be honest, I actually admire you a little."

"But I still have