CHAPTER 1041: CHAPTER 1039: TECHNOLOGY IS THE PRIMARY PRODUCTIVE FORCE

"The Italian Cannon, is this the power of such a weapon?" Sidath stared in silence at the vanguard, now completely obliterated with not even fragments remaining.

They had dispatched over five million warships this time, appearing invincible, but just now, with only one attack from Universe Seven, their fleet lost more than twenty thousand ships!

The scariest part is, apart from understanding the destructive power of this weapon, they knew almost nothing about it, let alone any defensive measures against it.

Who knows how many more such weapons they possess, but according to Zhang Menglong’s earlier threat, the number is certainly not small!

It wouldn’t take many; if the opponent fired a hundred shots, their fleet would be damaged by more than half in a moment, or even completely annihilated with a few more!

"Damn it!" Sidath slammed the table, "How dare he threaten us? They, a small Universe Seven, dare to threaten us!"

Sidath wasn’t personally afraid of such a weapon; although it was powerful, as a Level Eight Life Form, he could evade it before explosion unless it directly hit him without his notice. Otherwise, this weapon posed no threat to him.

But his fleet couldn’t withstand it. The Italian Cannon’s speed was 10% of the speed of light, and their fleet simply couldn’t accelerate in time to escape, leaving them as sitting ducks. Even if he got away, if the fleet was wiped out, this expedition would become meaningless.

He had worked hard to obtain this opportunity for the expedition. If they were annihilated before even reaching the battlefield, where would he find the face to return to his own universe?

Continuing the fight was impossible; they couldn’t bear such losses.

In his mind, he was furiously calculating. The opponent had only one legion, but they had ten, and their one legion could match ten of the opponent’s. In other words, their Level Eight Life Forms were dozens of times more than theirs!

If they could charge into their battleship immediately and kill their Legion Commander, the entire legion would fall apart like loose sand, rendering even the strongest weapon useless.

If they were lucky, they might even seize this weapon called the Italian Cannon, which would greatly aid them in future battles and maybe lead them to become the ultimate victors.

"Don’t think about any sneaky tricks, I know what you’re up to," Zhang Menglong’s voice came through again, "Our weapon takes only one second to fire. If you think you can take us all down in one second, go ahead and try."

"Or do you want to challenge our Italian Cannon with your bodies to see if you’re tougher or if my weapon is stronger!"

Sidath and the others’ expressions darkened instantly. Indeed, even if they outnumbered the enemy a hundredfold and could wipe out all the Level Eight Life Forms, just pressing their weapon’s launch button rendered their success meaningless.

"I’ll give you the duration of a song, hurry up, we’re on a schedule!"

Sidath tried hard to control his emotions, wanting to calm down. Fighting now was impossible. Even if they won in the end, the best result would be slaughtering the enemy’s legion, but their people would also be wiped out.

"Retreat? Demand they surrender all their ships, weapons, and resources, even stripped bare? This is the greatest insult to these warriors."

No matter the choice, all were poor. The best course now was likely for both sides to cease hostilities. As for the losses just now, they’d have to grit their teeth and bear it, considering the bigger picture.

"Legion Commander Zhang Menglong, I think what happened earlier was a misunderstanding," Sidath said, "Look, if we fight here, it benefits neither of us. Our objectives this time are just the star core mines, no need for conflict here. How about a ceasefire between us?"

"Ceasefire?" Zhang Menglong sneered, "Are you apologizing to us?"

"You can think of it that way." Sidath, though reluctant to admit it, had to lower his stance now.

"Sorry, too late!" Zhang Menglong said, "When you crashed into the tree, you knew to turn. When you crashed into the wall, you knew to turn. When stocks went up, you knew to buy. When sentenced for mistakes, you knew to repent. When snot reached your mouth, you remembered to wipe it. If apologies worked, why would we need the police?"

"I was talking to you nicely, the road ahead wide, everyone going their separate ways. Any issues, we’d settle on the battlefield. It was you who struck first. What? Realized you can’t win and want to admit defeat now? You think I’m a fool?"

"Speaking to you like this doesn’t mean I’m afraid of you!" Sidath hadn’t expected Zhang Menglong to remain so tough even with his concessions, laced with mockery and disdain.

"I’m talking to you like this now. If you’re so brave, why don’t you come and bite me, huh?"

"This is too much!"

"Fight if we must! Even if our fleet is wiped out, I’ll make this legion bury with us!"

When had the Legion Commanders and Vice Legion Commanders of the 157th Universe suffered such humiliation? For a moment, they were heated with rage.

"What do you want?" Sidath took a deep breath, clinging to his last shred of rationality.

"Pull over, leave everything on the ships, including all your resources and equipment," Zhang Menglong said, "I’m merciful, so I’ll let you wear your underwear and briefs, okay? Isn’t that touching?"

Finally, they could no longer suppress their rage. Each legion had a Legion Commander and a dozen Vice Legion Commanders; in this United Army, nearly 200 were Level Eight Life Forms.

"All forward warships, full power to defense systems, abandon ships!" They were ready to abandon a part to get the Italian Cannon. Even if only a tenth of their force remained, they’d still be formidable on the final battlefield.

And they needed to capture that damned Zhang Menglong before their warships were all lost!

Over 180 Level Eight Life Forms instantly moved outside the ships, charging like meteors towards Zhang Menglong’s warship.

"Legion Commander, 186 powerful life sources are approaching, all registered as Level Eight. Should we retaliate?" The operators on the ship remained calm despite facing so many Level Eight Life Forms.

"No rush, activate the Comical Shield system!"

"Yes, activating Comical Shield system!"

"Energy synchronization completed."

"Comical Shield activated!"

In an instant, a massive barrier appeared around Zhang Menglong’s fleet, adorned with "comical" emoji patterns.

Though the Level Eight Life Forms didn’t understand what it meant, the infuriating expressions multiplied their anger tenfold.

They had but one thought: to crush that damned Legion Commander to dust.

"Is that some kind of defense system?"

"Hmph, do they think a mere defense system can stop us Level Eight Life Forms? Do they think we’re useless?"

So far, defensive weapons on warships struggled even against Level Seven Life Forms, let alone Level Eight!

In their eyes, this mocking shield was like paper, easily torn.

"Thud!" They crashed into the Comical Shield, but apart from a dull sound, nothing happened! Their attacks couldn’t penetrate this defense!

"This is impossible!" they exclaimed in disbelief.

"Idiots!" Zhang Menglong’s figure appeared inside the shield, "Technology is the first productive force, don’t you understand? Don’t use your primitive tech to challenge my intelligence; you’re unworthy!"