The atmosphere at the temporary forward operating base passed two days in a state of suppressed recuperation and tense preparation.
The 7th Brigade's engineering unit worked day and night, reinforcing defenses and repairing damaged equipment.
In the medical area, the moans of the wounded gradually subsided, but the heavy scent of disinfectant and blood still permeated the air.
The area where the Dawn Squad was located was exceptionally quiet.
After using the precious medicine given to him by Ling Chen (Lin Chen), Zhou Yunguang's condition miraculously stabilized; although he was still in a coma, the trend of spiritual energy source depletion was halted, and a hint of color returned to his face.
Chen Xue stayed by his side, and a trace of relief finally appeared on her tired face; her gaze towards Ling Chen, who occasionally came to "visit," held more sincere gratitude.
Li Mingyu's injuries were also recovering rapidly, but he became even more silent, and the malevolence in his eyes grew heavier, as if accumulating a more violent rage.
Li Fan often stood alone on the observation deck, looking in the direction of Linghui Academy; the dark red dragon scales shimmered with a cold luster in the sunset, lost in thought.
Lin Wei, on the other hand, spent most of her time in the intelligence analysis room, trying to find more patterns and weaknesses in Zhuang Han's abilities from the vast sea of combat data.
Ling Chen (Lin Chen) acted like a diligent and responsible Commander, freshly recovered from his injuries.
He frequently communicated with Gao Zhan and Brigade Commander Zhang, refining the details of the "dual-line parallel" strategy.
He cared about the recovery of his subordinates, especially providing psychological counseling and tactical debriefing to members of the Ash Squad.
He even "tirelessly" assisted the Knights Templar, providing a large number of "detailed analysis reports" on the energy distribution, terrain features, and activity patterns of Zhuang Han in the core area of Linghui Academy.
His professional and selfless attitude earned him some recognition from Priest Barder and the goodwill of many officers and soldiers in the base.
Hypocritical gratitude, shallow recognition—meaningless.
However, necessary disguises can save a lot of trouble.
The Temple Knights needed enough information to send themselves to their deaths, and they were eager to prove their 'value.'
Ling Chen evaluated coldly in his heart; every piece of intelligence he provided was carefully screened and processed, both authentic and credible, yet directing the Temple Knights' attention to the areas where Zhuang Han's power was most violent and defenses most impenetrable.
On the morning of the third day, the Knights Templar's purification ritual preparations were finally complete.
On a high ground outside the base, a temporary altar, constructed from white marble (spiritual energy projection), already stood.
The altar was inscribed with intricate holy patterns, and at its center, a holy emblem emitting a soft yet powerful light was enshrined.
Twelve elite Temple Knights, clad in gleaming silver armor and wielding rune-carved flails or greatswords, stood solemnly in specific positions, forming a tight Holy Light formation.
Priest Barder, dressed in solemn priestly robes and holding the holy emblem scepter, stood at the center of the altar, his expression solemn and devout.
Further away, dozens of lower-ranking Temple Knights chanted hymns in low voices; immense and pure Holy Light spiritual energy began to gather, dispelling the surrounding death energy and filth, making the air fresh, yet carrying a suffocating pressure.
Gao Zhan, Brigade Commander Zhang (via video), Ling Chen, Li Fan, and other high-ranking military officers observed from a distant command post.
Large numbers of soldiers and espers also watched from afar, with various expressions—some curious, some expectant, and some disdainful and doubtful.
"The Temple Knights, quite the spectacle," Leimeng muttered under his breath, arms crossed.
"Hope they actually have some skill, and aren't just all flash and no substance," another officer interjected, his tone mocking.
Li Fan remained silent, his dragon-scaled fingertips unconsciously rubbing together, his eyes sharp as an eagle's.
Ling Chen's expression was calm, his gaze intently fixed on the altar, but inwardly, he was conducting his final deductions.
"The energy peak at the Holy Light convergence point is expected to reach its maximum at the 17th minute after the ritual begins, exerting the greatest attraction on the undead evil.
The energy accumulation point deep within Zhuang Han's lair resonates most strongly with the 'provocation' fluctuations I transmitted... Given that mad dog's personality and its current hunger, it's impossible for it to tolerate this level of 'purification' provocation, especially since... the 'secret' passage I specifically pointed out should allow it to bypass most of the outer defenses and directly strike the Temple Knights' flank..." "The hour has come!"
Priest Barder raised his scepter, his voice resonant and full of majesty.
"In the name of the Holy Father, dispel darkness, purify evil! Holy Light, please descend upon this place and cleanse this defiled land!"
Boom—!!!
The holy emblem on the altar suddenly erupted with dazzling light!
The twelve Temple Knights simultaneously struck their weapons to the ground, chanting ancient prayers in unison!
Vast Holy Light spiritual energy surged into the formation like a tide.
Amplified and guided by the altar, an incomparably thick pillar of light, composed purely of sacred energy, shot skyward, then unfurled like an umbrella canopy, slowly enveloping the Linghui Academy Ruins!
Wherever the pillar of light passed, the death energy and resentment in the air dissolved like ice and snow, the filth on the ground was purified, and even some hidden low-level ghouls turned to dust in silent wails!
The sight was magnificent, filled with a sense of sacred and powerful strength!
"Such powerful purification!" many onlookers exclaimed.
"It seems the Temple Knights really do have something..."
Gao Zhan and Brigade Commander Zhang's expressions also softened slightly as they intently watched the pillar of light advance.
However, Ling Chen's brow furrowed slightly (a pretense), and he whispered:
"The energy fluctuations are too violent; this will completely enrage Zhuang Han, and... the target is too obvious."
As if to confirm his words!
Just as the pillar of Holy Light was about to touch the outer ruins of Linghui Academy—
"Awooo roarrrr—!!!"
An earth-shattering roar, filled with endless fury and pain, suddenly erupted from deep within the ruins!
The terrifying pressure contained within the sound even made the distant observers feel a pang in their hearts!
Immediately after, the ground beneath everyone's feet began to vibrate violently!
As if some colossal creature was frantically burrowing out from underground!
"It's here!"
Li Fan's pupils contracted, and dragon scales instantly covered his entire body!
The ground in the core area of Linghui Academy suddenly exploded!
Zhuang Han's massive and hideous figure burst forth from the earth!
Its dark golden bone armor was actually covered with a sizzling layer of white smoke, scorched by the Holy Light!
In its crimson pupils, flames of madness intertwined with pain burned!
The Holy Light purification caused it real damage and... extreme stimulation!
"Blasphemers!!! Die!!!"
It let out an indistinct roar, and its massive body recklessly charged towards the Holy Light altar!
It no longer held its lair but was thoroughly enraged, choosing to attack proactively!
"Hold steady! Holy Light Barrier!"
Priest Barder remained calm in the face of danger, shouting sharply!
The twelve Temple Knights exerted their power simultaneously, the Holy Light formation glowed brightly, and a thick, milky-white light barrier instantly formed, blocking Zhuang Han's charging path!
Boom—!!!
Zhuang Han, like an out-of-control battering ram, slammed fiercely into the Holy Light Barrier!
The barrier vibrated violently, its light flickering, but it managed to barely withstand the savage blow!
"Light of Purification, Judgment!"
Barder pointed his scepter at Zhuang Han, and a condensed Holy Light Judgment Spear shot out, accurately striking Zhuang Han's chest!
Sizzle—!
Holy Light and death energy clashed intensely; Zhuang Han let out a pained roar, and a charred patch was burned into its chest!
"It's working!" Cheers erupted from the observing crowd!
However, a cold, unnoticed curve appeared at the corner of Ling Chen's mouth.