239: Zhang Lei made a move

"Roar!" Wang Dun let out a roar like a true rhino, taking heavy steps and initiating a charge. With every step he took, the arena floor trembled slightly!

Chen Hao controlled his mecha; the engine emitted a deep rumble, and the massive steel body displayed surprising agility that belied its size, meeting the charge head-on!

"Bong!!!"

The mecha's giant metal fist, covered in brilliant Gold-element Superpower energy and seemingly indestructible, collided fiercely with Wang Dun's massive rock fist, which was condensed with heavy Earth-element Energy! A deafening clang of metal rang out! Violent air waves spread fiercely in a ring shape from the point of impact, kicking up dust everywhere!

Right from the start, the two chose the most direct and brutal head-to-head exchange, without any fancy moves! Fists blurred, and dull thuds sounded continuously like war drums!

It must be said that Wang Dun's strength in his "Giant Horned Rhino" form was terrifying. Although slightly inferior to the full-power destroyer mecha, the gap was minimal. The two engaged in a close-quarters brawl in the center of the arena, a visceral exchange where every collision sparked dazzling energy flares and scattered rock fragments and metal shavings! More than twenty moves passed in a flash, yet neither could gain the upper hand, and the situation remained deadlocked!

Lu Qinian, watching the battle from below the stage, couldn't help but smile with pride and confidence upon seeing his expert fighter holding his own against a top combatant of the Red Alert Legion. He stroked his chin and said to Zhang Lei, "Brigade Commander Chen's mecha truly lives up to its reputation. It possesses both power and flexibility—it's truly astonishing!"

Zhang Lei also smiled slightly, easily engaging in mutual flattery: "General Lu is too kind. Colonel Wang Dun's defense is like a mountain, his strength is immense, and his offense is steady and grand. He is indeed the pillar of the Hongdu Base, which is admirable!"

As the battle continued, the two gradually raised their power to ninety percent, and the confrontation on the stage became increasingly fierce. Wang Dun pushed his Earth-element Defense to the extreme; rock armor glowed around him as he withstood countless heavy punches from Chen Hao. Although slightly passive, he remained as steady as a rock.

Chen Hao, relying on the mecha's exquisite control and the sharpness of his Gold-element Superpower, continuously sought gaps in his opponent's defense. However, the Giant Horned Rhino's defense was truly formidable. Without resorting to a major weapon like the High-Frequency Laser Sword, Chen Hao found it difficult to truly breach Wang Dun's Absolute Defense for the time being.

The two exchanged blows, fighting for over a hundred rounds. Under the high-intensity exchange, Wang Dun's weakness began to show—like a real rhino, his stamina was relatively poor. His breathing became heavy, and a subtle, almost imperceptible sluggishness appeared in his movements. The glow of his surrounding rock armor also dimmed slightly, and small flaws began to appear in his defense.

Chen Hao had been holding back, not using the High-Frequency Laser Sword for fear of losing control of its power and accidentally injuring an ally. Seeing his opponent show signs of fatigue, he immediately seized the opportunity and pressed his advantage! Controlling the mecha, the giant metal fists, encased in sharp Gold Element energy, instantly transformed into an even more violent Metal Storm, striking the weak points of Wang Dun's defense with greater frequency and strength, like a torrential downpour!

"Bang! Bang! Bang! Thud!"

The dense sounds of impact rang out like popping beans! Under such a fierce assault, Wang Dun finally struggled to hold on, retreating repeatedly as clear cracks began to appear on his rock armor.

After barely holding out for another dozen rounds, Wang Dun knew that continuing the fight would lead to certain defeat and possible injury. He suddenly leaped backward, exiting the battle zone, and simultaneously raised his massive rock arm, signaling a stop.

He panted heavily, the light around him receded, and his body slowly returned to normal size. With a tired but satisfied smile, he cupped his hands toward the still-standing destroyer mecha and said, "Brigade Commander Chen's mecha control is superb, and his Gold-element Superpower is unmatched in sharpness and destructive power. I... admit defeat!"

Chen Hao also controlled the mecha to disengage its combat stance, and the Nano-units retracted into his belt like a tide. He returned the salute to Colonel Wang Dun, his tone sincere: "Colonel Wang is too modest! The defensive power of your Giant Horned Rhino is truly rare, and your strength is terrifying. If not for the advantage of the mecha, I would definitely not be your opponent. Hongdu Base truly has many talented people and hidden masters!"

This peak showdown between two tough men made all the soldiers and Evolvers below the stage feel their blood boil, and cheers and applause erupted like thunder!

Seeing Chen Hao and Wang Dun salute each other before jumping off the stage, Yang Kang, who could no longer hold back, took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his inner excitement and slight nervousness.

Yang Kang strode up to Zhang Lei. Battle intent surged in his blood-red eyes, yet he maintained absolute respect for the powerful man. He made a "please" gesture, his voice slightly hoarse from anticipation: "Sir, please give me guidance!"

"Haha, good! Go ahead and use your full power; don't hold anything back!" Zhang Lei laughed heartily, his voice booming like a great bell, carrying a captivating sense of heroism and confidence. He did not unfurl his signature Ice and Fire Twin Wings, merely stomping his right foot lightly on the spot!

"Boom!" A cluster of blazing golden-red Divine Fire suddenly erupted beneath his feet. The massive recoil launched him like a cannonball, and in a blur, he stood firmly in the center of the arena. His aura was contained but not hidden, possessing the imposing demeanor of a Grandmaster.

Yang Kang dared not be negligent in the slightest and leaped onto the stage immediately after. He knew exactly what kind of existence he was facing, and right from the start, he fully activated his Berserker Superpower without any reservations!

"Ugh ah—!"

A low roar squeezed out from deep within his throat, and his body began to change drastically! His height rapidly increased, instantly exceeding three meters. Although not as terrifyingly massive as Wang Dun's Giant Horned Rhino form, his entire body's muscles bulged like steel refined a thousand times, clearly defined and full of explosive power and beauty.

Yang Kang's skin turned a strange dark red, and mysterious, blood-colored runes, seemingly from antiquity and faintly glowing, spontaneously appeared on it. Red light burst forth from his eyes, like two soul-guiding lamps of hell, and two short, sharp Demon Horns twisted and grew from the sides of his forehead!

Immediately afterward, dark red energy flowed like a living thing, quickly condensing into a full-body, ferocious-looking black and red Bone Battle Armor on his surface. Energy gathered in his hand, forming a long-handled Runic Battle Axe the size of a door panel! At this moment, Yang Kang resembled a Hell Demon God emerging from a deep abyss bloodbath. Blood light swirled around him, and a savage, ferocious pressure spread outward like a physical entity, causing those near the arena to gasp for breath!

On the other hand, Zhang Lei remained calm and composed. He did not fully activate his Superpower; with a slight movement of his mind, the immense Divine Fire Energy within him circulated naturally, covering the surface of his limbs and torso with a thin, condensed layer of golden-red Flame Armor. Though not dazzling, it seemed to contain a lava-like restraint and terror. Simultaneously, the heart-stopping Divine Fire Domain quietly unfolded around him. Although not fully activated, it enveloped a hundred-meter radius. The temperature within the area suddenly soared, the air distorted due to the heat, and the cement floor became scorching hot!

Yang Kang, standing at the core of the Domain, felt the effects most intensely. He felt as if he had been thrown into a furnace; his entire body's blood was boiling, and his skin burned with pain. Even more terrifyingly, the rate at which the Superpower within him drained accelerated several times, and his heart pounded wildly like a war drum! He knew he absolutely could not delay!