Chapter 112: Temptation, Capital, Farewell, and Upgrading the Armor-Piercing Cannon

The urgent explosions jolted Qin Hu from his desperate state. Initially intending to push his limits for a risky escape, he watched as the three towering Tiger Bugs beside him exploded one by one from within...

Warm insect blood and shattered limbs rained down, drenching him in a foul-smelling blood bath.

The bizarre yet familiar liquid and flesh sprayed across his face, some seeping into his mouth, leaving Qin Hu with an indescribable feeling.

It was as if he were consuming the flesh of his kin. His human instincts made him nauseated, but his body's primal cravings found the remnants delicious.

Quickly, the successive explosions snapped Qin Hu back to his senses.

Such a stunning attack, even the most elite artillery would struggle to execute, requiring multiple high-end guided armor-piercing shells fired from the rear.

As far as he knew, the neglected Thirteenth Division wasn't equipped with such advanced weaponry.

So when he looked up towards the buzzing noise, he saw a familiar silhouette hovering several hundred meters away in the sky.

As the figure approached, Qin Hu recognized the black-and-yellow armor and realized who it was.

Although that individual's equipment always changed, the underlying color remained, making it easy to identify.

Moreover, using Cyan Wing Bugs' wings for flight was an innovation only that person could conceive and actualize.

As Lin Feng, clad in the Flying Tiger Armor and wielding the lv20 Armor-Piercing Cannon, landed steadily before the remains of the Tiger Bugs, he looked coldly at the struggling human...

Or rather, the parasitized Cheng Zhan, Colonel Cheng,

His gaze was icy.

Judging by the protruding back of his neck and chest, it was evident that Cheng Zhan was no longer human, especially with the skin peeling from the flames. As he struggled, shedding the charred outer layers, his ribs revealed wriggling insect eggs.

These egg sacs, resembling clusters of grapes beneath the ribs, were clearly visible, many already ruptured.

This creature's insides were hollowed out, making it a mere vessel for some parasitic entity!

In Lin Feng's eyes, after activating his identification skill, the data quickly appeared:

"Parasitic Host, lv21/29, Severely Injured"

"Health 150, Physique 60, Spirit 220"

"Evaluation: A simplified replica of the high-tier Queen's parasitic host, possessing formidable mental attributes but frail physique, surviving only through parasitism, using the host's physique as a measure. The host's intelligence is extremely high, capable of nurturing offspring parasites to expand parasitic reach and gather intelligence for the insects. The higher the level, the more concealed the parasitism, making it extremely difficult to detect."

"Note: Defeating it grants extra mental energy, allowing for a breakthrough in mental attributes."

Seeing this, Lin Feng's lips curled slightly. This trip was indeed fruitful, not only netting three Tiger Bugs but also the unexpected mental attribute boost.

However, just as he was about to pull the trigger for a decisive shot, the blood-spitting, dying Cheng Zhan suddenly spoke:

"Don't... don't kill me..."

"Why remain among humans, Mr. Lin, when you're so powerful? The Thirteenth Division holds no loyalty towards you, though it was my scheming..."

"But... but it was their tacit approval!"

"With your abilities, if you join us, the energy for awakening and enhancement flows endlessly. We can help you ascend to a late-stage Tier 2 awakener, perhaps even reach Tier 3 someday!"

"If you assist us in taking Wu City, Jin City, and the surrounding states, I'm sure Her Majesty wouldn't mind granting you a few cities, entirely under your control."

"Then you could do whatever you wish, like ruling over hundreds of thousands of human survivors, or ensuring the continuation of your species..."

Coughing violently, the insect host spat out blood clogging its windpipe and continued:

"Cough..."

"The insects won't annihilate the natives."

"You're witnessing different species from various planets."

"For instance, the Red Beetles, tasked with excavation, hail from a low-level civilization on a mining planet we conquered."

"Humans have remarkable mental potential, with some individuals displaying extraordinary intelligence, making them valuable for assimilation..."

Lin Feng frowned, nearly swayed by the "sincere" words.

Although he knew the creature employed some mental technique to cloud his judgment, it was still insufficient against his 215 mental attribute.

If the insects were willing to negotiate, guaranteeing the safety of most humans, Lin Feng believed most countries would lead the charge in surrendering.

They might even willingly become puppets of the insects, sinking their nations and peoples into colonial depths.

Thus, the offer from the parasitic host was indeed tempting, especially after Lin Feng's recent betrayal, dampening his zeal against the insect invasion...

Reaching a ceasefire with the insects, securing a stable energy supply for leveling seemed like a viable option.

As Lin Feng showed a hint of hesitation, Qin Hu, rising behind him, vehemently countered:

"Stop that nonsense! You never intended to negotiate with humanity. Your true goal is human extinction!"

"The so-called assimilation is merely genetic plunder and enslavement!!"

Saying this, Qin Hu picked up a two-meter-long severed limb and approached Cheng Zhan.

Lin Feng, contemplative, glanced at the parasitic host at his feet, eyes narrowing.

Before Qin Hu could act, Lin Feng's Armor-Piercing Cannon unleashed a volley of machine gun fire...

Shredding the dying parasitic host and Cheng Zhan's body to pieces.

Its physique attribute, derived from the parasitized target, was inherently weak, particularly in defense, making it vulnerable even to machine guns.

And both the lv19 grenade launcher and lv20 Armor-Piercing Cannon could obliterate it and potentially harm Lin Feng and Qin Hu.

Seeing Lin Feng take the initiative, Qin Hu sighed in relief.

Had Lin Feng been swayed by the damned parasite, it would have been a genuine problem.

Worse than any insect spy.

It wasn't just himself who'd be doomed...

Qin Hu knew well the catastrophic impact a capable awakener could have on the Federation's current order.

Lin Feng lowered his gun, reading the on-screen prompt:

"Killed a Tier 2 insect, Parasitic Host"

"Upgrade Point +1, extra mental energy stored in equipment for use during next upgrade"

"Armor-Piercing Cannon lv20/29, Orange Quality"

"Upgrade Points 5/2, Damage 250, Effective Range 10 km, Remaining Ammo 5996/6000"

"lv20 Armor-Piercing Cannon can be upgraded!"

Lin Feng initiated the upgrade, smiling at the man beside him. Noticing the dark patches on his face, he remarked with interest:

"So, were its terms enticing?"

Qin Hu hesitated, surprised by Lin Feng's initial words, and firmly replied:

"Those were just lies it concocted to survive!"

"Humans will never be slaves to the insects!"

"Joining them is akin to castration, eradicating civilization entirely!"

"Even if it painted a rosy picture for humanity's future, it's ultimately a lie."

Lin Feng shrugged:

"No, no, that's not my concern."

"For most civilians, it's just a change of masters. What's the difference between human and insect rule?"

"My refusal stems not only from the parasite's deceit but also the Federation's ineptitude."

"You know what I saw in its eyes when I had my gun on it?"

As Lin Feng spoke, he approached, using a severed limb to stir Cheng Zhan's mangled corpse, extracting two still-wriggling egg sacs.

"Arrogance, the disdainful gaze humans cast upon ants."

"To them, humanity on the brink of defeat lacks the qualifications to negotiate."

"What can't be won on the battlefield won't be gained at the table..."

"Until we defeat the Queen and prove ourselves, they won't negotiate, even if humanity 'voluntarily' offers all land, resources, and even itself."

Hearing this, Qin Hu fell silent, a hint of sadness flashing in his eyes. 

Yet this somber feeling quickly dissipated, replaced by clenched fists. Watching Lin Feng approach, handing him the underdeveloped eggs, and patting his shoulder, he said earnestly:

"Take these to the research institute, see what they can uncover, and remember to bring the body too..."

"I imagine those scientists will be thrilled at the sight of the insect-human."

"Have them devise a detection method. Relying on gene warriors to sniff them out could take forever."

Qin Hu forced a smile, looking at the struggling eggs in his palm, and asked:

"Are you leaving?"

Lin Feng glanced at the scattered insects in the distance. With no Tier 2 insects likely before the second line's battle began, staying held little value...

He nodded:

"Yes, the outpost's destroyed. It's time."

Qin Hu hastily tried to dissuade him:

"I can arrange an independent fortress within the second line for you, entirely under your command!"

Lin Feng shook his head, politely declining:

"Staying within the line means being constantly on the defensive, surrounded. I prefer the flexibility of mobile warfare, more freedom."

"Humanity can't defeat the insects by hiding..."

Saying this, Lin Feng approached the Tiger Bug remains.

Placing his hands on their sturdy jaws, they vanished into his Flying Tiger Armor in a flash of orange light.

The three pairs of jaws, processed similarly, raised the lv20 Flying Tiger Armor's reserve upgrade points to 3/2, ready for the next upgrade.

Unfortunately, he couldn't take them directly, and leaving them would see them reclaimed by the insects.

Lin Feng's sudden appearance surprised everyone, including the insect Queen.

Instantly eliminating three Tiger Bugs likely worried the Queen in the hive. Before the Cyan Wing Bugs came to investigate, Lin Feng needed to retreat quickly, avoiding a new insect horde.

Trusting the Thirteenth Division with transportation would likely see them delivered to the research institute...

Better to merge them into the Flying Tiger Armor.

It was an unexpected boon.

Seeing Lin Feng cleaning the battlefield, preparing to leave...

Qin Hu hefted Cheng Zhan's remains, catching up to ask:

"What about Li Ran and the others? Were you the only one to escape the outpost fortress?"

Having witnessed Lin Feng's flight ability, Qin Hu had no doubts about his survival, now concerned for the others.

Lin Feng paused, turning to ask:

"Want the truth or a lie?"

Qin Hu hesitated, confused, but quickly understood, replying:

"The truth!"

Lin Feng shrugged:

"All survived."

"Including your 201 recruits, now all awakeners, their combat power rivals the Thirteenth Division's awakeners' camp. With my help, repelling thousands of Black Spinal Bugs was a breeze."

"Li Ran and the others, including a few veteran survivors from the front line, plan to join me."

Hearing this, Qin Hu sighed in relief:

"Good, good..."

His expression then shifted, solemnly stating:

"From now on, the entire 201 Company and its commander perished in the insect pursuit."

"The Thirteenth Division won't trouble you. Tell Li Ran their families will be well cared for."

Lin Feng nodded, smiling:

"Thank you."

Qin Hu took a deep breath, hesitating briefly before revealing:

"One last thing!"

"Soon, I'll be dispatched to the northern capital, tasked with its defense..."

"Currently, the latest news is that the three satellite cities east of the Federation capital have fallen in quick succession, and over eight insect Queens have amassed a million-strong horde, launching a comprehensive assault on the capital."

"This will be the super battle of the southern continent!"

"Directly affecting future developments!"

"If the Federation capital falls, the entire continental defense will retreat a thousand kilometers."

"With no city infrastructure to rely on, the thousand-kilometer plain offers no defensible terrain, only retreating to preserve forces."

"Starting from the Thirteenth Division's withdrawal from Wu City, it'll disband, splitting into multiple regimental forces, moving northwest until regrouping at Hulao Pass."

"If possible, I'd hope you can lend a hand, helping save more people en route."

Lin Feng frowned, realizing the situation was worse than expected. He had thought the drier north would fare better than the mountainous south...

He didn't anticipate the insects targeting the Federation's center, focusing their assault on the capital.

Knowing this might be their last meeting, Lin Feng stopped, turning to agree:

"No problem, if I encounter them, I'll help save as many as possible, bolstering my strength for future counterattacks against the insects."

"Your gene fusion is irreversible, dragging you deeper. Use it cautiously..."

With a final reminder, Lin Feng glanced at the sky, spreading his membrane wings, ascending into the air with a parting word:

"Take care!"

Then he became a shadow, darting southward.

Watching him disappear into the distance, Qin Hu, caught in his thoughts, felt a surge of mixed emotions. Behind him, a wave of chaotic energy approached, quickening his pace.

...

Two minutes later, after flying ten kilometers at low altitude, Lin Feng returned to the temporary camp at the Dahu Service Area.

Thankfully, nothing had occurred. All was well.

Barely half an hour had passed since he'd left.

Flying mode proved most convenient, as direct flight was faster than driving or running.

Returning without caution, Lin Feng became a swift shadow, landing beside the vehicle, seeing Chen Yanyan preparing lunch.

Seeing Lin Feng safe and sound, Chen Yanyan clutched her chest, relieved.

Lin Feng settled on the sofa, exiting full armor mode, examining the upgraded lv21 Armor-Piercing Cannon in hand:

"Armor-Piercing Cannon lv21/29, Orange Quality"

"Upgrade Points 3/3, Damage 300, Effective Range 10 km, Remaining Ammo 7000/7000"

"Extra Attributes: Bullet Regeneration 1/s, Space Magazine 7000 Rounds, Death's Eye 0/50, Fire Coverage Damage 50+50/s, Coverage Area 10,000 Square Meters, Bullet Time 10s, Cooldown Five Minutes"

"Note: Extra mental energy in equipment can be absorbed during synchronized upgrade"

Besides a 50-point damage increase, more ammo, and a quicker bullet time cooldown, there were no other changes.

Yet wielding it, Lin Feng could now threaten lv26 Tier 2 insects, which was impressive.

Lin Feng's gaze lingered on the note at the bottom.

He indulged in a hearty meal, preparing his body, then lay beside the woman in his arms, initiating his own upgrade... 

Touching the lv21 Armor-Piercing Cannon by the bed, a surge of powerful mental energy flowed through the gun into his body.

The next moment, Lin Feng's consciousness entered a desolate, dim world.

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