Three War Fortresses.
One was a simplified model designed for anti-air defense.
The other two were true modified versions—terrifying in their firepower. Even during the earlier battle, they remained unused, reserved exclusively for level-nine threats.
Of course, the preparations for a level-nine opponent didn’t end there. There was also the war fortress from Le Dayuan’s lab, the gene-enhanced soldiers, and more.
But now, those were unnecessary.
The three War Fortresses opened fire after only a brief charge.
One targeted the airborne monsters on Cloud Peak’s side.
Another “cleansed” the Nine-Winged Crow’s back of land-bound monsters attempting to leap up.
The third provided covering fire for Red Hair, blasting away those obstructing her path.
Their objective was clear: two fortresses suppressed the monsters, while the third ensured Red Hair’s swift success.
Li Daqian, Deacon Water, and Commander Mu watched from a distance, sighing as they realized the situation was already decided.
Thanks to Guangyao’s restored communications, they now understood what had transpired.
They were stunned—first by Cloud Peak’s audacious plan, then by the overwhelming strength of Ye Zhongming’s faction.
A single organization had not only killed two level-nines but also dared to face nearly six million monsters alone.
What kind of courage—what kind of confidence—did that require?
Everyone knew failure meant annihilation. Yet Cloud Peak hadn’t just won—they still had enough firepower to dominate the aftermath.
What did that mean?
It meant Cloud Peak had never even fought at full strength during the earlier battle.
Facing six million monsters—and still holding back?
That level of power was terrifying.
Though slow to react due to their distance, they now understood the significance of that pearl.
Yet none of them dared to compete.
Was the prize unworthy? Of course not. Li Daqian, in particular, craved it more than anything—it could guarantee Thousand Beast Villa its first level-nine lifeform, his greatest dream since the apocalypse began.
But with Cloud Peak making their move, the outcome was inevitable. No one could challenge them now.
Frankly, if Cloud Peak wished, they could wipe out all three allied forces immediately, even after the battle.
That was the difference.
Without comparison, one might never grasp the gap. But now, the truth was undeniable.
Though these forces weren’t at their full might, Cloud Peak was not at full strength after such a battle.
Whether they liked it or not, they had to admit: Cloud Peak now held absolute strategic superiority over them.
Saying they could “take on all three at once” wasn’t an exaggeration.
“Let’s Go. This Trip Was for Nothing.” Li Daqian sighed, addressing the other two leaders.
Originally, they had agreed to split the spoils based on contributions after jointly killing the wounded level-nine.
But now, both level-nines were already dead—without them lifting a finger.
That meant no share of the rewards.
They’d sound petty if they tried to argue that Cloud Peak hadn’t directly fought the level-nines either.
From luring Armor King to orchestrating the Nine-Winged Crow’s injuries to holding back the monster horde—every success was Cloud Peak’s doing.
Only Mu Xinfei seemed unwilling to accept it.
“Even if we didn’t contribute, we still endured the aftermath of two level-nines’ deaths! Look at our losses! Shouldn’t Ye Zhongming take responsibility?”
Then, as if realizing how unreasonable that sounded, she added:
“You bring it up with him!”—effectively throwing her best friend under the bus. She knew that Ye Zhongming couldn’t control this. If not, he wouldn’t have informed them and would have dealt with the two level nine monsters alone.
Bai Sisi could only smile wryly.
Meanwhile, Red Hair had reached the legacy pearl.
A single touch would secure it—but caution held her back.
The delay drove the other creatures mad. Yellow Ball, in particular, unleashed every skill it had to break free from two level-eight flying monsters, inwardly cursing its master’s favoritism.
What’s the difference between us? Do you discriminate against dragons? Or is it because I’m not as pretty as Red Hair?
Besides, what use does a humanoid lifeform have for a monster’s legacy pearl? It’d be wasted on her!
After a moment’s hesitation, Red Hair finally grasped the pearl.
Instantly, every monster and battle beast turned toward her, their focus shifting with her every movement.
Ye Zhongming frowned.
Would he have to slaughter every last one?
The monsters were expendable—he could always have the commander select new ones for Earth.
But the battle beasts? Most belonged to Thousand Beast Villa. Killing them would sour relations with Li Daqian.
Yet as long as the legacy pearl remained, these creatures would never relent.
“Yellow Ball, do you want that pearl?” Ye Zhongming suddenly asked his most loyal companion.
If anyone deserved the first pick, it was Yellow Ball.
But Yellow Ball was intelligent—almost human in its reasoning.
Instinct screamed for the pearl, but logic—and Ye Zhongming’s concerns—warned of the risks.
For an Earth-born land beast, absorbing it could lead to uncontrollable consequences.
Yellow Ball chose to refuse.
Which aligned with Ye Zhongming’s thoughts.
With Cloud Peak’s support, reaching level nine was only a matter of time.
What about Yangos?
That was Ye Zhongming’s second option. It wasn’t a bad choice—as a flying creature, it shared some traits with the Nine-Winged Crow.
Perhaps the side effects would be milder?
Ideally, Ye Zhongming would have taken the pearl back for Liu Zhenghong to study. But time didn’t permit that.
Then he remembered—Red Hair had also shown keen interest in the pearl.
Could she use it?
But he didn’t want to risk her either.
Just as he wrestled with the dilemma, Red Hair did something unexpected.
She shoved the legacy pearl into her mount’s mouth—the undead Dragonfish.
The entire valley fell silent.
Every monster, every battle beast—even Yangos—froze in place.
All eyes fixed on Red Hair… and the Dragonfish.
The pearl’s immense energy had been palpable even to non-compatible lifeforms.
But now, neither humans nor monsters could sense it at all.
There was only one explanation.
The undead dragonfish had already digested it.