"Divine Power Ants!"
Ye Tian's pulse quickened as he studied the beast atlas entry that had captured his complete attention.
The creatures were classified as low-level fierce beasts—inferior in individual classification but utterly devastating through collective tactics. Their strength rivaled intermediate-grade specimens while appearing in swarms of thousands. Even Great Martial Artists fled rather than engage such overwhelming numbers.
Mathematical certainty guaranteed death against organized Divine Power Ant colonies.
"Strength talent. Definitely advanced-grade or higher."
His previous life's knowledge provided crucial context. Normal ants possessed proportional strength that dwarfed human capabilities—Divine Power Ants represented that biological advantage enhanced through supernatural evolution.
If he could copy their genetic advantages, combat effectiveness would multiply exponentially.
But practical acquisition presented insurmountable challenges.
"No Divine Power Ant colonies exist near Linhai Base—our settlement would have been annihilated decades ago if they did."
Distance expeditions to locate active nests would require traveling hundreds of kilometers through hostile wilderness. Solo ventures into such remote territories was statistical suicide regardless of his current capabilities.
Strategic Revelation
But direct hunting wasn't the only acquisition method.
His copying ability functioned on complete corpses as effectively as living targets. If he could obtain preserved Divine Power Ant remains, talent extraction remained possible without suicidal wilderness expeditions.
Wu Pavilion - Black Market
"Everything is available here—beast materials, weapons, rare resources, even complete fierce beast corpses for specialized purposes."
Though most vendors focused on profitable meat sales, occasional exotic specimens appeared for researchers or collectors with specific requirements.
The familiar female clerk approached with professional enthusiasm.
"Lord Martial Artist, how may Wu Pavilion serve you today?"
"I need a complete Divine Power Ant corpse. Are such specimens available?"
"Divine Power Ants?"
Shock replaced her confident demeanor. Such creatures represented legendary threats rather than huntable prey—warriors encountering them focused on escape rather than trophy collection.
"I'll... inquire immediately!"
Minutes later, she returned with apologetic confirmation of his expectations.
"Lord Martial Artist, our current inventory contains no Divine Power Ant specimens."
Disappointment was anticipated but still frustrating.
"Alternative procurement? Information about ant territories, or commission acquisition services? Price is negotiable."
Unexpected Opportunity
"This guest requires Divine Power Ant materials?"
A Wu Pavilion official approached their conversation—middle-aged man with the bearing of someone possessing genuine authority within the organization.
"Deacon Chen He. Your interest in Divine Power Ants is... fortuitous."
Ye Tian's attention focused completely on the newcomer.
"I possess relevant intelligence, though the acquisition method involves substantial risk."
"Speak. If complete corpse access is possible, danger is acceptable."
Chen He's smile carried implications of major developments.
"Linhai Base is negotiating trade route establishment with a medium-sized settlement. One hundred kilometers separate the bases, requiring fierce beast clearance along the entire corridor."
"Trade route establishment?"
The concept was staggering. This era belonged to fierce beasts—humans survived in territorial gaps rather than actively claiming land. Joint operations to eliminate predator populations represented unprecedented audacity.
"A Divine Power Ant nest occupies strategic positions along the proposed route. Joint forces from both bases will systematically eliminate threats to enable commercial passage."
Understanding crystallized with mathematical precision.
Both bases possessed intelligence indicating manageable opposition levels. Remote locations typically contained fewer apex predators, making systematic clearance theoretically achievable.
But he remembered Lake of Death's hidden top-level monsters. Territorial surveys could miss critical threats that would transform "manageable" operations into wholesale slaughter.
"I volunteer for the clearance expedition."
Strategic analysis supported participation regardless of operational success probability. Mission involvement guaranteed Divine Power Ant nest location intelligence and provided opportunities for talent acquisition through "battlefield salvage."
Perfect alignment of his objectives with official operations.
Chen He produced an authorization token—carved wood marked with Wu Pavilion seals.
"Report to Lin family compounds in three days. Task assignments based on individual capability assessments."
The deacon departed with businesslike efficiency, leaving Ye Tian with confirmation that Wu Pavilion maintained significant investment in the trade route project.
"This mission will eliminate many Linhai warriors, but I won't be among the casualties."
His survival capabilities approached Great Martial Artist levels through talent synergy. Top-level healing, shadow concealment, advanced cultivation enhancement, intermediate weapon mastery—comprehensive advantages that most warriors couldn't imagine.
Once Divine Power Ant strength talents were acquired, even authentic Great Martial Artist opposition might become manageable.
Lin Family Compound - Three Days Later
The Lin family's territorial control dwarfed every other Linhai Base power structure. Where the Mo family had represented significant local influence, the Lins commanded absolute regional dominance.
Before achieving Martial Artist status, he'd assumed single Great Martial Artist leadership. Elite warrior knowledge revealed devastating underestimation.
Five Great Martial Artists. Peak-level leader possessing 900,000 pounds of strength.
Such overwhelming force concentration could annihilate ordinary Great Martial Artists effortlessly. No wonder competing families maintained respectful submission rather than challenging Lin supremacy.
The designated assembly area contained over one hundred warriors—mixture of Martial Artists and Elite classifications representing Linhai Base's finest combatants. Notably absent: Great Martial Artist participation.
Their most powerful fighters would remain behind to maintain base security.
"Several familiar faces in the crowd."
Recognition sparked as he identified figures from his past—individuals whose presence suggested either remarkable advancement or desperate circumstances driving them toward such dangerous operations.
The mission was about to become far more interesting than simple Divine Power Ant hunting.
Anticipation and calculation burned through his consciousness like liquid fire as he prepared for the most dangerous expedition of his martial career.
The rewards would justify every risk.
[End of Chapter 26]