Seeing Dr. Sim's figure drift out from the doorway, Han Lang and the others couldn't help but turn pale with shock.
"You... you've modified yourself into an esper?"
Dr. Sim looked down at everyone, his expression disdainful. He spread his hands, gesturing to his own body as if introducing himself to Han Lang and the others, and asked with astonishment,
"Is that not obvious?"
Dr. Sim's words instantly pulled everyone back from their shock.
That's right!
Dr. Sim's entire body was now floating in mid-air. If he hadn't modified himself into an esper, how could he possess such an ability to stand in the sky?
Dan Nan stood in front of everyone, shielding them with one hand, and said with a solemn expression.
"Everyone be careful. Dr. Sim can hover in the air and knocked away Zhao Wu, who was in the Golden Core mid-stage, with a single blow. I estimate his strength has reached at least X-class. And judging by his expression, he doesn't seem flustered facing so many of us. His strength might be even higher. We cannot act rashly now!"
Hearing Dan Nan's words, Dr. Sim let out a cold laugh, even more pleased.
"Heh heh heh, as expected of a high-ranking general of the Xia Kingdom's special forces! Your analysis of the situation is quite good. No wonder even Gou Tui Zhi, after cultivating, couldn't stop you. It seems I underestimated you!"
Dr. Sim's meaning was clear.
He knew that Gou Tui Zhi's strength had greatly increased after practicing his techniques, yet he still allowed Han Lang and the others to reach this point.
This fully explained that Gou Tui Zhi, Smith, and Allen had all died at their hands.
However, there was no trace of sadness on his face; instead, it was filled with excitement from his own modification.
"Next, you must pay some price for your actions, won't you?"
Hearing Dr. Sim's loaded words, everyone immediately became vigilant.
Ma Long quietly leaned into Dan Nan and Han Lang's ears and reminded them.
"The missiles in the laboratory are timed. If we're going to attack, we need to hurry. Otherwise, I'm worried the explosion might affect the battle!"
Dan Nan nodded slightly upon hearing this.
"Those are minor issues. The most crucial thing now is that we don't know Dr. Sim's true strength. Because Gou Tui Zhi said that he has been researching the genes of Xia Kingdom cultivators for transformation. So, it's not impossible that he has also reached Gou Tui Zhi's level of strength. We need to find a way to test him!" 138 Reading Network
Ma Long looked confused upon hearing this.
"What does that matter? Even Gou Tui Zhi died at our hands, didn't he? No matter how powerful Dr. Sim is, he's still a foreigner. Can his strength really surpass Gou Tui Zhi? Besides, the young master has also just made a breakthrough. Even if Dr. Sim's strength is similar to Gou Tui Zhi's, we should still have a good chance of winning, right?"
Hearing Ma Long's words, Han Lang and Dan Nan did not refute.
Finally, Han Lang said with a solemn expression.
"That's what you say, but I believe Deputy Officer Dan's meaning is that caution is the mother of safety! How about this, let me go and test him to see what level his strength has reached!"
Hearing this suggestion, Dan Nan pondered for a moment.
Although, at present, in terms of cultivation, Han Lang was not the highest among everyone.
However, in terms of actual combat strength, he had naturally surpassed Dan Nan.
He was undoubtedly the strongest combatant in the team.
So Dan Nan could only nod.
"Be careful. I have a feeling something is not right with this Dr. Sim!"
Han Lang nodded.
"Don't worry. I know what I'm doing!"
After speaking, Han Lang strode forward and stood before Dr. Sim.
Seeing Han Lang, Dr. Sim's face showed even greater mockery.
"What? Is your team sending you to your death first? Heh heh heh, alright. Just take this opportunity to avenge the humiliation I suffered from your repeated obstruction of my plans in Lecheng!"
Han Lang didn't take Dr. Sim's nonsense to heart at all.
Although the facts were as Dr. Sim said, their grievances had long been deep.
But as they were serving different masters, even if they hadn't accumulated grievances in Lecheng, their positions would still be irreconcilable upon meeting.
Therefore, these words were as good as saying nothing.
So, without hesitation, nine golden needles flew out from behind him, launching the first attack on Dr. Sim.
Dr. Sim was not flustered. His eyes narrowed as he watched the nine golden needles whistle towards him.
When the needles were close, he slightly raised his hand and unleashed a palm strike.
The golden needles instantly stopped in their tracks.
Dr. Sim, who thought everything was over and was about to utter more sarcastic remarks at Han Lang, saw a figure rapidly approaching and a punch aimed directly at his abdomen.
Dr. Sim was somewhat surprised.
But he quickly reacted. He opened his large hand, grabbed Han Lang's fist, and then unleashed his explosive inch-force. With a bang, energy erupted at the point where their fists and palms met.
Han Lang's body retreated rapidly.
Fortunately, Dan Nan was quick-witted and lunged forward to support him, preventing him from crashing directly into the wall behind.
Before his body had completely stabilized, Han Lang began to say to Dan Nan in panic,
"Too strong! His strength is at least several times greater than Gou Tui Zhi's!"
Hearing Han Lang's exclamation, Ma Long's eyes widened.
"What? Several times stronger than Gou Tui Zhi? Then hasn't he already surpassed XS-class?"
Zhao Wu also looked incredulous.
"What's going on with this esper modification technology? In such a short time, not only has he broken through X-class, but he's also directly broken through XS-class? This is too unbelievable!"
Hearing Zhao Wu's words, Dr. Sim immediately let out a sinister laugh.
"Tsk tsk tsk... You actually know about XS-class espers. It seems Gou Tui Zhi told you quite a lot, didn't he?"
Han Lang and the others were also furious and immediately retorted.
"Hmph! Do you think your plan to use Xia Kingdom cultivators to research the limits of esper transformation can be kept secret forever? Let me tell you, that's impossible. Even if you surpass XS-class, we will end you here today together!"
"Hahaha..."
Dr. Sim burst into laughter upon hearing this.
"Surpass XS-class? Hahaha... It seems you don't know much about my newly developed XS-class espers! What is Gou Tui Zhi compared to an XS-class? He was at most a Super X-class. True XS-class has the strength comparable to the Nascent Soul stage of your cultivators. Do you think someone with Gou Tui Zhi's strength is worthy of being called XS-class?"
Han Lang and the others were greatly shocked.
So, Gou Tui Zhi, after utilizing the Xia Kingdom's physique for cultivation, had only slightly surpassed X-class strength.
And a true X-class was comparable to the Nascent Soul stage.
If that were the case, how could anyone present be a match for Dr. Sim?
Suddenly, Han Lang felt something was wrong.
He hurriedly said to Dan Nan.
"Deputy Officer Dan, there's a trick! In my confrontation with Dr. Sim, although I could feel that his strength was indeed greater than Gou Tui Zhi's, he probably hasn't reached the Nascent Soul stage. After all, Dr. Sim is not a Xia Kingdom native, and he doesn't have the unique cultivation physique of Xia Kingdom people. Therefore, surpassing Gou Tui Zhi is likely his limit. Reaching the Nascent Soul stage is probably him boasting!"