CHAPTER 135 - FLIGHT SQUAD AND EXCAVATION SQUAD

After killing several more Tigermen, Han Wu finally converted 20% of them into his believers. From that single battle, he gained control over 20,000 Tigermen units. Those who refused to worship him and remained alive were turned into ingredients, while the dead were buried. Many of these soldiers possessed exceptional strength, giving Han Wu confidence that he could create another Lord life form through his Gene Recombination.

Having faced the full assault of the Tigermen army, Han Wu realized his actions had already drawn the attention of the local Tigermen. Time was running out. If any of them reported back to Hu Hai, all his efforts would be wasted. He ordered his believers to quickly clean up the battlefield and sent one of the new Tigerman Zealots to the prison.

After using 40,000 Tigermen as ingredients, Han Wu finally produced another Tigerman Lord, further strengthening his army. He had just finished managing the aftermath when a Tigerman spy he had placed in the temple sent a report. According to the spy, Hu Hai’s Core was not hidden within the temple but in a forbidden zone outside the capital.

The forbidden zone was guarded by ten Tigerman High Lords and several hundred Tigerman Lords. Rumors circulated about an even more powerful guardian, a Tigerman said to surpass the High Lords in strength. The area was locked down under the strictest security measures. Not even the Tigerman King was permitted to enter, no matter the reason. Anyone who approached, regardless of rank or intent, was executed on the spot.

Han Wu frowned as he studied the report. Several High Lords and hundreds of Lords... Even at my peak, with my Skills unsealed and my full army at my command, I doubt I could defeat them. I only have three Tigerman Lords right now. What am I supposed to do?

A direct assault was out of the question, so Han Wu needed another way to infiltrate the place and locate the Core, either through his units or himself. This is too difficult. With the units I have now, it’s impossible. The guardians of the forbidden zones aren’t blind or deaf Tigermen. Any Tigerman who enters will be spotted. How can I stop them from discovering us?

Considering the Tigermen’s exceptional martial skills and their strength on land, Han Wu devised two possible solutions: grant his troops the power of flight or the ability to burrow underground.

A Tigerman Highlord would’ve probably learned some sort of domain skill, but even that had limits. Han Wu hoped that such skills would fail to detect intruders approaching from above or beneath the earth. If he could locate the Core this way, his chances of success would rise dramatically.

Without wasting time, he summoned his units and ordered them to gather as many birds as possible, favoring the largest species. At the same time, he instructed them to purchase or capture any living creatures adept at digging.

The Tigermen moved swiftly, gathering the necessary beings. Using Gene Recombination, Han Wu transferred wings and claws onto his warriors. Many Tigermen sprouted wings, while others developed powerful claws capable of carving massive tunnels beneath the surface.

Han Wu divided them into two squads: the Flight Squad and the Excavation Squad. Those who had acquired one of the two traits quickly adapted to their transformed limbs, while Han Wu continued creating more. He was racing against time, determined to flee Hu Hai’s divine realm before the latter could reach the God King’s palace.

Elsewhere in the divine realm, the Tigerman King hurled a report across the palace floor. It documented the incident in Han Wu’s village with precise detail, yet never mentioned Han Wu by name. Instead, it described only a strange group of mutated Tigermen living there. These mutated Tigermen had become a plague, even destroying one of the Tigerman Kingdom’s official armies.

The Tigerman King roared, “This blasted tumor must be eradicated. I will not allow anyone to disrupt the kingdom’s peace!”

One of the Tigerman Admirals stepped forward. “I will not fail you, Your Highness. Allow me to capture the bandit leader and present their head as a gift.”

The Tigerman King’s fury eased with the Admiral’s assurance. “Good. What of the annual ceremony? How are preparations coming along?”

One of the Tigerman Ministers stepped forward. “Your Highness, everything is proceeding as planned. The tribute for our God has been prepared. We have commissioned the kingdom’s finest blacksmith to forge the God equipment. We are confident our God will be pleased.”

The Tigerman King nodded with satisfaction. “Excellent. It is good to see everything moving smoothly.”

Soon after, the Tigerman Admiral led 100,000 troops as they marched toward Han Wu’s village.

Han Wu had spent countless sleepless days transforming every Tigerman under his command, granting them the ability to either fly or tunnel. After several days of intense training, they had gained a solid grasp of their new powers. With time running short, Han Wu swiftly led them toward the forbidden zone.

The Flight Squad, capable of high-speed aerial movement, quickly outpaced the rest and reached a point 50 kilometers from the capital. This marked the edge of the forbidden zone.

Han Wu gave strict orders not to advance beyond that line. “Flight Squad, Hu Chi will command you. Fly high to survey the terrain, locate the Core, and, if possible, map the area. Remain completely undetected.

“Excavation Squad, Hu Yong will lead you. Begin by digging straight down 100 meters, then tunnel horizontally toward the forbidden zone.”

The two squads moved promptly to carry out their orders. Han Wu watched closely as they executed his plan, all while scanning his surroundings with sharp vigilance. He was prepared to flee the moment he sensed any danger.

Fortunately, eight hours passed without anyone approaching from the forbidden zone. He also received encouraging news from the Flight Squad. They had discovered the Core hidden deep within the forbidden zone, though it was guarded by three old Tigermen.

From above, the three seemed ordinary, but anyone with a keen eye could tell they were extraordinary in every way. It was likely that the three were stronger than High Lords.

Han Wu frowned. How can I infiltrate with such formidable guardians protecting the Core?

He doubted he could defeat all of them even if he threw every unit he had into the fight. His concerns eased slightly when a Tigerman infiltrator within the temple sent a report with good news. Tomorrow marked a special occasion for the Tigermen: their annual celebration to honor their God.

During the ceremony, the Tigerman King would offer a powerful God equipment as tribute, seeking blessings and protection. Many from within the forbidden zone would attend the celebration.

Han Wu’s lips curled into a grin as he listened to the report. Wasn’t this the perfect chance to strike, with all three elder Tigermen leaving for the celebration? He waited patiently for the next day to arrive.