As the梵金钟 (Fan Jin Zhong) shattered completely, dozens of S-class ability users swarmed in. Even with Han Lang and the others fighting desperately, their spiritual energy depleted, they were merely moments away from collapse.
Yet, they still refused to surrender.
Zhao Wu, willing to endure severe injuries to buy them a sliver of hope, had set an example. How could they now meekly accept capture?
With flying swords streaking, golden needles whistling, fists and feet raining down, and claw shadows weaving.
Under the full cooperation of the four, the first wave of attacks from the S-class ability users was barely repelled.
"It's no use, young sir. My spiritual energy is almost completely exhausted. I absolutely cannot withstand the next wave of attacks!"
Ma Long reported his condition breathlessly, and Tang Qin echoed his sentiment.
"Me too! We need to think of another way. The S-class ability users' offensive is too fierce. If we keep this up, we'll truly be finished here!"
Hearing this, Han Lang and Tang Geng's expressions turned grave.
Their situations were not much better, but in the current circumstances, they had no other recourse but to hold on with sheer willpower to resolve the immediate crisis.
Helplessly, Han Lang stated the truth.
"There's nothing else we can do. We'll stall for as long as we can. Even if we all perish, we must at least see the dawn of victory!"
Compared to the predicament of his companions, the ability users on the other side were smug.
"Heh heh, see. They can't hold on any longer. Let's finish them quickly so we can go support the commander!"
"Based on the current situation, capturing these cultivators alive should be a piece of cake!"
"Haha, then the commander can avenge his past humiliation, and our status before the commander will soar even higher!"
"Wahahaha, what are we waiting for? Attack!"
Just as the ability users surged forward again, preparing to end the battle, a slender figure descended from the sky, carrying immense power, landing with a thunderous impact before Han Lang and the others.
Immediately, with a sweeping motion, a vast surge of energy erupted, instantly forcing back all the surrounding ability users.
"Squad Leader Liu!"
Han Lang and the other three cried out her name with joy upon seeing the slender figure before them.
Liu Xiaoxiao glanced back slightly, swiftly handing them a recovery pill while asking with concern.
"Are you alright?"
Without hesitation, Han Lang and the others swallowed the pills and replied.
"We're fine! It's just that Zhao Wu is severely injured. Although I've done basic stabilization, he's essentially lost his combat capability now!"
Liu Xiaoxiao nodded solemnly upon hearing this and then said.
"It's alright! With me here now, as long as it's not life-threatening, there shouldn't be any major issues. The recovery pills I gave you can only provide about a third of your spiritual energy. Together, let's break through!"
Han Lang and the others nodded.
After swallowing the recovery pills from Liu Xiaoxiao, they could already feel the difference between these pills and the spirit-gathering pills.
However, the situation was dire, and recovering a third was better than nothing.
Moreover, with a powerful reinforcement like Liu Xiaoxiao joining, their combat pressure would be significantly reduced.
The problem of protecting Zhao Wu could naturally be temporarily resolved.
Still, Han Lang was filled with doubt. He quickly asked.
"But, Squad Leader Liu, if you come to support us, what about Gou Tuizhi? Can Squad Leader Huang handle them?"
Liu Xiaoxiao remained serious.
"I'm not sure yet. But before I came, we were already subtly gaining the upper hand. However, once I leave, the situation might become a stalemate again."
Hearing this answer, Han Lang felt a pang of unwillingness.
He had fought desperately with Tang Geng and the others to share the pressure on Huang Yuhua, but in the end, they still couldn't tip the scales of victory?
Liu Xiaoxiao seemed to read Han Lang's mind and quickly added.
"Han Lang, you don't need to worry. What you've done has bought enough time for the Special Task Force. If it weren't for you, our troops would have already been defeated. So, don't put too much pressure on yourself. SSS-class ability users are simply too powerful; they are not something our current strength can easily resist. It was a collective decision for me to come support you. If you can sacrifice for us, how can we abandon you? So, don't overthink it, quickly re-engage, and let's work together to strive for the final victory in this battle!"
Liu Xiaoxiao's words completely resolved Han Lang's inner conflict.
Yes.
If they hadn't attracted the firepower of these S-class ability users, Huang Yuhua and the others wouldn't have been able to reverse the combat balance against Gou Tuizhi.
Similarly, without Liu Xiaoxiao's support, how could Han Lang and the others have held out against the final wave of attacks from the S-class ability users?
Although the situation between the Special Task Force and the ability users was now a stalemate, before this, they had been at a disadvantage.
Being able to achieve this much now was enough to show that Han Lang and the others' efforts were not in vain!
"Squad Leader Liu, you're right! From now on, we'll fight side by side. We will definitely move towards victory step by step!"
Seeing Han Lang find his direction, Tang Geng couldn't help but say.
"As long as we can annihilate these dozens of S-class ability users before us, I believe the scales of victory will quickly tilt in our favor. Everyone, let us rise and fight again!"
With that, their fighting spirit was instantly reignited.
Without hesitation, they all turned their focus to Liu Xiaoxiao as the core of their offense, shifting from defense to attack, and charged into the crowd of S-class ability users.
Speaking of Liu Xiaoxiao's strength, it was truly formidable.
Previously, during the forest patrol, when she encountered that mutated S-class ability user, her strength was greatly diminished because she had to divert some of her power to control the seal within her body.
Now that Han Lang had resolved the problem, she fought without any reservations.
She alone could tie up over ten S-class ability users.
Furthermore, she could occasionally assist Tang Qin and Ma Long.
This completely removed any worries for Han Lang and Tang Geng, allowing them to suppress the ability users before them with broad, powerful attacks.
"Damn it! This woman is too fierce. We had a good advantage, but with her arrival, it instantly vanished!"
The ability users, witnessing this situation, immediately cursed.
"Don't panic, everyone. Even though their strength has greatly increased, they can only fight us to a draw for now. With the commander no longer under pressure from a Golden Core stage cultivator, I believe they will soon regain the advantage. By then, these cultivators will be trapped like fish in a barrel, not worth mentioning!"
"That's right! What we need to do now is go all out and buy more time for the commander!"
"Brothers, charge!!!"