Chapter 0490: Journey to the Insect Nest

Early in the morning, within Rocksteady City, the alien cultivators instinctively looked toward the battlefield outside.

What they saw made them jump up in shock, exclaiming in disbelief.

Their faces were filled with astonishment.

On the battlefield—whether outside Ice City or Rocksteady City—the corpses of both Zerg and alien cultivators had all vanished without a trace. Not even bloodstains remained on the ground. Everything had been wiped clean. If not for the lingering signs of battle and divine ability marks, one might have thought that yesterday's intense conflict had been nothing but a dream.

It was obviously impossible for the corpses to disappear on their own.

The most likely explanation was that someone had collected them in secret, or that the Zerg had transported the bodies away during the night. After all, the Zerg had always been frantically hunting all living creatures, plundering everything in their path. Even the bodies of their own kind could be reused, as they contained immense energy.

Regardless of the truth, this incident enraged many of the aliens in Rocksteady City.

"Damn it! If I find out who took those Zerg corpses, I'll rip them to shreds! Do you know how valuable those bodies were? The carapaces alone were top-grade natural treasures—perfect for forging divine weapons and artifacts. And now they're just… gone?! Unforgivable!"

"It must've been the Zerg. They're the only ones with the numbers and ability to secretly remove all those bodies."

Alien cultivators climbed onto the city wall and, upon seeing the empty battlefield, were furious.

Yet no matter how angry they were, the corpses could not be recovered. It was akin to having food stolen from their mouths—bold and brazen. If the culprit were known, a new war would surely erupt.

"Something's wrong… The Zerg retreated last night, and now it's already daytime, yet they haven't shown up again. Are they planning a war of attrition? Trying to wear us down bit by bit?"

A foxkin cultivator furrowed his brow, speaking in confusion.

Despite pondering it all night, they couldn't figure out the Zerg's true intentions. Their retreat, actions, and overall behavior all hinted at something deeper.

Though the Zerg hadn't shown up, the alien cultivators in Rocksteady City didn't dare act recklessly. They remained highly alert.

"The Zerg haven't appeared. That retreat last night definitely wasn't as simple as it looked. There's something strange going on."

From atop Ice City's walls, Yi Tianxing and others surveyed the area. The disappearance of the corpses was surprising, but no one questioned it too deeply. Even Jia Xu simply glanced at Yi Tianxing without speaking.

Yet the continued absence of the Zerg struck them as unnatural.

"There must be some sinister scheme within the Zerg ranks. That massive army may have been nothing more than a decoy. If we want to know the truth, we'll have to personally investigate the insect nest."

Yi Tianxing narrowed his eyes. The Zerg's silence was far from ordinary. The answer had to lie within their nest.

"The insect nest is the heart of the Zerg. It houses countless Zerg warriors. Approaching it could be extremely dangerous. If the Zerg have set a trap, we might walk right into a deathtrap."

Jia Xu frowned, already sensing that Yi Tianxing planned to go himself.

"No risk, no reward. There are no opportunities without danger. In this world, where is truly safe? If your strength isn't enough, even a paradise will crumble."

Yi Tianxing's tone was firm. His expression showed he had already made up his mind.

"Let's go investigate the insect nest. I want to know what these bugs are up to."

By now, the sun was high in the sky—noon. Within Rocksteady City, the aliens had lost patience. It wasn't that they couldn't wait—it was the sheer strangeness of the war. Strange in its start, strange in its ending. Without understanding it, no one could rest easy.

Suddenly, a towering figure stepped forward from within the city.

This figure radiated the pressure of a mountain. His hair was like tangled grass flowing down his back. He wore animal pelts sewn into a crude cloak and carried an ancient tree trunk, stripped of leaves and branches, as a massive club. His exposed body was a display of explosive muscles. His earthy-yellow skin exuded a powerful, grounded aura.

He was a giant—specifically, a member of the Mountain Giant Clan.

These giants lived deep in mountain ranges and were unmatched in physical power. Few in the same realm could rival their might. Their bodies were incredibly resilient—ordinary blades couldn't even scratch them.

This was none other than Lin Sen, chieftain of the nearby Mountain Giant Tribe.

His massive steps caused tremors in the earth, leaving deep footprints behind. Even a single leg hair was longer than a sword, and he radiated the raw energy of the wilderness.

"That's right. Since the Zerg won't come to us, let's go to them and find out what they're plotting!"

As Lin Sen made his move, other alien powerhouses quickly responded.

A massive werewolf stepped out.

Foxkin, tigerkin, lionkin, ogres, three-eyed tribes, elves…

Nearly every alien race sent out a few of their strongest—either alone or in small groups. While the number of departing cultivators wasn't large, they were the elite of each clan, their auras immensely powerful.

"Strategist, you'll remain here in Ice City. If anything happens, activate the Eightfold Golden Lock Formation. Anyone who dares trespass—kill them without mercy!"

Yi Tianxing's eyes were sharp as he gave the command.

"Yes, my lord."

Jia Xu didn't argue. With the aliens heading for the insect nest, the humans couldn't afford to be left out. If crucial information were discovered and the humans knew nothing, they would be at a serious disadvantage. In war, information is king—this was no exaggeration.

"I'm going too."

Suddenly, Fu Hongxue stepped forward, his eyes icy cold.

His body radiated a sharp blade-like aura, chilling to the bone. No one dared approach. He was like a sword drawn from its sheath.

"You've reached the Life Aperture Realm."

Yi Tianxing glanced at him. After obtaining the Metal Spirit Fruit, Fu Hongxue had gone into secluded cultivation. With the army guarding the city, he had nothing to worry about.

Yi Tianxing hadn't disturbed him during yesterday's battle, knowing he was in the middle of a breakthrough.

Now that he had emerged, it was clear the breakthrough had succeeded. His aura was far sharper than before, involuntarily inducing fear.

Through aura alone, it was obvious—Fu Hongxue had fully broken through. His true qi had transformed into true essence, and his Life Aperture's origin had become a star, illuminating the void of his Divine Sea.

True essence and origin had fused, and Dao runes had begun to form within his power.

His breakthrough had turned him into a blade—an unparalleled war sword.

"Yes. I've broken through."

Fu Hongxue nodded calmly.

"Very well. You'll come with me."

Yi Tianxing nodded in approval.

"Master! Me too, me too! Don't forget about Green Emperor! What fun is there staying in the city? Exploring the insect nest sounds much more exciting. Maybe I'll even find kindred spirits among the bugs! I'm going to find my soulmate!"

Green Emperor came trotting up, eyes gleaming with excitement. To him, the insect nest sounded like a playground. Maybe he could even sing to the Zerg and discover fellow artists.

"Fine, you can come. But if you dare to sing without my permission, I'll make sure you never sing again. Ever."

Yi Tianxing's eyes went cold as he glared at Green Emperor.

He had only one rule for the dog—never sing in his presence. That voice… was unbearable.

"Hehe, Master, you're not my soulmate, so I won't sing for you. That would be like serenading a cow—I have no interest."

Green Emperor backed off immediately. He didn't want to risk being silenced forever.

"Alright. Let's move out."

Yi Tianxing leapt from the city walls and followed the direction the alien cultivators had taken.

Two men and a dog set off together.

This scene did not escape the eyes of the aliens in Rocksteady City.

"The humans are going too? What are they up to?"

"Look! That dog is going too! Dear gods, please don't let it sing in the insect nest. If it does, we're all doomed…"