"Qin Tian, let me teach you the Spirit Awakening Technique."
In the evening, Qin Dadi woke everyone up for dinner. At the dining table, Xiao Yunlong suddenly spoke, catching Qin Tian off guard.
He had originally imagined several scenarios to acquire the Spirit Awakening Technique from Xiao Yunlong, but unexpectedly, the latter offered it voluntarily.
It made things... rather awkward.
Xiao Yunlong put down his chopsticks and said seriously,
"After taking a nap, my mind is clear, and I suddenly thought of something."
Qin Dadi's lips moved slightly. He knew what Xiao Yunlong was about to say. He wanted to stop him but hesitated and eventually gave up.
"Qin Tian, the Empire's clone technology has a significant flaw."
This statement from Xiao Yunlong made Qin Tian's heart sink, and he frowned slightly.
Xiao Yunlong spoke unabashedly, "All clones have a maximum lifespan of only three years. Some even live less than a year, which is why clones are mainly known as cannon fodder."
Three years? Do I only have three years to live?
Qin Tian's eyes flickered, but he wasn't panicked. He had the talents of [High tier Strength], [Rapid Healing], and [Shadow of the Spirit Cat], which had long since set him apart from ordinary clones.
These talents might have already mitigated the lifespan issue.
Moreover, from Xiao Yunlong's tone, becoming a Spiritualist is also a way to solve the lifespan problem.
"But once you become a Spiritualist, this issue is resolved."
Xiao Yunlong raised an eyebrow, looking proud, "How about it? Isn't this information crucial and valuable?"
Qin Tian said seriously, "Thank you."
Although Xiao Yunlong had a lively personality and talked a lot, he was a good person—enthusiastic and optimistic, and he took good care of his new teammate, especially with the recent suggestion he made, which left Qin Tian feeling both grateful and slightly ashamed.
"It's no big deal."
Xiao Yunlong waved his hand nonchalantly, "The Spirit Awakening Technique isn't a top secret. You can buy it with some money, but whether you can awaken successfully is entirely up to you. No one can help you with that."
"I understand."
Qin Tian nodded.
At this point, Qin Dadi said, "Since we're on the topic, let me add something. Qin Tian, becoming a Spiritualist is the dream of all Empire citizens, but the Spirit Awakening requires a high level of talent. Even if you don't succeed, don't be discouraged. There are still other ways to solve the lifespan problem."
Qin Tian: "Understood, thank you, Captain."
Everyone continued their meal, and as they were about to finish, Qin Dadi's smart wristband beeped suddenly.
He glanced at it, his expression becoming slightly serious.
"What's wrong, Captain?" Liu Zhaozhao noticed his change in expression and couldn't help but ask.
Qin Dadi: "The command center sent a notification. We won't have any missions tonight."
"Isn't that a good thing?" Xiao Yunlong was puzzled.
Qin Dadi shook his head, "We don't have missions tonight, but tomorrow we are to attack the Golan Heights with the main army."
Upon this news, Xiao Yunlong and Liu Zhaozhao's expressions changed.
Legion combat is completely different from the special operations they usually performed, with the risk factor increasing exponentially.
A stray bullet or the shockwave from high tier Spiritualists clashing could just take them out.
But orders are orders; even if they are reluctant, they must obey.
Is it about to start?
Qin Tian's eyes flashed. Honestly, just like the other three, he preferred not to participate in the battle.
However, with the order already given, resisting is futile. It's better to turn crisis into opportunity, kill on the battlefield to increase Evolution Points, and perhaps loot a few corpses to gain more talents.
"Qin Tian, Yun Long, Zhao Zhao."
Qin Dadi stood up, stretched out his right hand in the middle of the four of them, and said one word at a time:
"Let's… survive together!"
Snap, snap, snap~
Three hands were placed on top in succession.
"Survive~"
......
The next morning, the army set off.
Transport trucks, armored vehicles, tanks... various war machines rolled over the ground, leaving ruts behind. Fighter jets hovered in the sky, escorting the army, and the soldiers were fully armed, exuding an impressive aura.
In the back of the troop carrier, the Earth Dragon Team members were fully geared up, each wearing special combat suits and tactical helmets.
"That is an FM45 second-generation fighter jet, equipped with an air superiority weapon system by Gray Company. It is very advanced."
"That saucer-shaped flying device is also quite good, a classic product by Mosa Company."
Xiao Yunlong pointed at the flying devices passing overhead and introduced them one by one; he was a military enthusiast and knew all the models and types of fighter jets and flying devices inside out.
Qin Tian listened intently; his understanding of this world was a blank slate, so all information was useful to him.
Seeing that Qin Tian was listening, Xiao Yunlong got even more enthusiastic and started talking non-stop.
With a major battle approaching, talking more was also a way to relieve stress.
After several hours, the army's pace slowed down.
"Get off, the Golan Heights is near."
Qin Dadi was the first to jump off the vehicle, followed closely by Qin Tian and the others.
Hum~~
In the distance, a sharp, piercing eagle screech suddenly echoed.
Qin Tian looked up and saw a dark "cloud" looming over the army on the horizon. He pressed the binocular function of his multifunctional helmet and soon discerned the true form of that "cloud."
It was a flock of giant birds, massive in body, with wingspans several lengths long. Each feather shimmered with a deep and mysterious light, like stars embedded within.
The leading giant bird had a pair of curved horns atop its head, emitting a faint blue halo. As sunlight refracted off it, the halo undulated like ripples, as if narrating an ancient and mysterious spell.
"Those are Demonra Beasts, the most common aerial combat beasts of the Beastman Empire."
Xiao Yunlong put down his binoculars, "Do they look formidable? But don't worry; our fleet of fighter jets is not inferior to them."
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh~~~
The fighter jets streaked through the sky, leaving waves of turbulence behind.
Da, da, da~~~
Blue beams of light shot out from the bottom of the fighter jets, pouring down like blue rain, targeting the Demonra Beasts.
Screech~~~
The leading Beast King let out a shrill cry. Instantly, the Demonra Beasts scattered rapidly, flapping their wings to stir up an air current storm. Simultaneously, invisible Wind Blades shot toward the fleet of fighter jets.
Boom, boom, boom~~~
An air battle erupted instantly. Even in the first clash, flying beasts and fighter jets began to fall.
The battle was intense, with piercing cries and the sounds of exploding jets incessant.
Below, the army continued to advance. Before long, Qin Tian saw their objective—Golan Heights.
The heights were rugged, with watchtowers built by the Beastmen lined up horizontally. Crystal stones were inlaid on the tower peaks, shining with colorful light, and the silver dragon flag of the Beastman Empire fluttered in the wind.
On the heights, several black iron cages were quite striking, with Green skinned Orcs imprisoned inside. They wore iron armor and steel helmets, their eyes bloodshot like beasts starved for days, filled with a bloodthirsty and ravenous look, letting out chilling roars and howls.
"It's finally here."
Qin Tian gently stroked the gun barrel, the cold touch transmitted from his fingertips. For some reason, in this moment, he felt peculiarly calm.