The group swiftly arrived at the entrance of the protected zone. The commander's brow furrowed deeply as he surveyed the clearing before the gate, where over a dozen vehicles stood arrayed: jeeps, trucks, armored transports, and even, astonishingly, a missile launcher.
Floodlights mounted on the defense walls were locked onto these vehicles, illuminating them with piercing brilliance. Under the harsh glare, it was clear these machines had all been heavily modified—jeeps mounted with heavy machine guns and autocannons; trucks outfitted with grenade launchers. These "war machines" formed a grotesque and formidable line of confrontation.
The occupants of these vehicles were garbed in bizarre, unsettling attire that repelled the gaze.
Standing beside the commander, Xiaofeng stared in disbelief. "Damn, who exactly are these people?"
"The local bandit faction known as the Ghost Fiends," the commander replied, his brow tightening. "But they've never been this powerful before. Today, their combat strength has multiplied severalfold. Our soldiers here don't stand a chance."
"Judging by their formation, they intend to seize this protected zone—won't take more than a few minutes," the commander continued grimly.
Tu Gou scoffed dismissively, "If it were up to me, I'd wipe out these Ghost Fiends in under a minute."
Pandora sneered, "Give me thirty seconds, and I'll make sure not a single one survives."
At that moment, a leader from the Ghost Fiends emerged, wielding a megaphone and addressing those inside the zone: "Listen up, soldiers of the Alliance! You have ten minutes to lay down your arms and surrender. Otherwise, the Ghost Fiends will raze your protected zone to the ground today!" His words were met with raucous laughter and brazen arrogance from the bandits behind him.
Xiaofeng turned to the commander. "You have a history with these Ghost Fiends?"
"We've clashed with them several times before. They've harassed the protected zone repeatedly, but each time they were defeated. Today, however, their strength seems greatly enhanced."
Xiaofeng smiled confidently. "This is no difficult problem. Consider yourselves fortunate to have me here today. Otherwise, you'd be doomed. Rest assured, I'll deal with them once and for all—so they never dare trouble your zone again."
The commander stared in astonishment. "Are you serious?"
"Absolutely," Xiaofeng affirmed. Hoisting his formidable Black Angel rifle, he vaulted over the defense wall, striding directly toward the gang's leader.
Following suit, Tu Gou, Pandora, and Rush leapt down from the high battlements. Qin Tian hesitated briefly—not from fear, but pondering how he could contribute—before he too jumped.
Standing before the leader, Xiaofeng's imposing figure and the legendary Black Angel rifle drew a visible reaction of shock from the man.
With Tu Gou and the others flanking him, Xiaofeng gazed disdainfully at the Ghost Fiends. Compared to the Alliance soldiers behind the zone's defenses, the bandits' equipment was indeed impressive, yet to the X Legion, such gear was mere child's play.
The leader growled in anger, "Who the hell are you? Get lost if you want to live."
Xiaofeng pressed the muzzle of the Black Angel against his forehead. "No, this is what I should say to you—get lost if you want to live." His eyes blazed with murderous intent.
The leader sneered, "I'll count to three—put down your gun, or else…"
Xiaofeng scoffed, "With your brain and wit? How did you ever manage to lead so many fools? Truly baffling."
"What do you mean? Are you insulting me?"
With one hand, Xiaofeng boldly pointed the Black Angel at the leader. "You said you'd count to three. Why'd you stop?"
Suddenly, the leader shouted, "Prepare to attack!" Several bandits nearby leveled automatic rifles at Xiaofeng.
A chorus of gun-cocking echoed as heavy machine guns targeted Xiaofeng's position.
The evening sky darkened, and Xiaofeng wasted no time. "I'm no killer by nature, so I'll give you one last chance: leave now, or I'll send you off myself."
Behind Xiaofeng, Tu Gou activated his armor's back and chest panels, unleashing dozens of satellite-guided micro-missiles into the night. The Ghost Fiends were stunned—never before had they witnessed such mechanized power.
The leader, confident in his gang's strength, laughed. "If you're so eager to fight, I'll grant your wish. Get ready…"
Before he could finish, Xiaofeng's Black Angel thundered—one shot, and the leader's head was obliterated.
Gunfire erupted as Tu Gou and the others engaged the bandits.
Tu Gou stood firm as micro-missiles soared, erupting in brilliant explosions that engulfed the enemy vehicles. Under the clear night sky, the dazzling display left onlookers breathless.
The Ghost Fiends unleashed a hail of bullets aimed solely at Xiaofeng. The barrage was far more intense than the micro-missiles, the shells exploding mere meters from him, halting their advance.
But Xiaofeng wielded his metal control ability, halting every bullet and small shell in midair, suspended just a meter from his body.
Witnessing this unprecedented feat, the bandits who had never seen Xiaofeng before were utterly shocked.
Meanwhile, Tu Gou's relentless missile salvo decimated the enemy war machines, detonating them nearly simultaneously.
Seeing Xiaofeng's bullet control, the bandits realized their ill fortune. The remaining vehicles exploded in unison, obliterating the gang's last line of defense.
The entire Ghost Fiends faction was reduced to a blazing inferno. Those not aboard the vehicles barely escaped with their lives; the rest were charred to blackened remnants.