Super Mechanic: God of Superpowers!

Chapter 161 Tender Sprouts, Never Withering!

Chi-

A sharp metallic screech of depressurization abruptly pierced the noise, and the previously closed hatch suddenly sprang open.

The crisp sound of boots hitting the metal deck echoed through the thick smoke, and the silhouette of a slender figure gradually became clear.

The acrid smoke from the "welcome ceremony" was dispersed by a pair of hands, revealing Ye Xiu's furrowed brows. "Wasn't this a bit too enthusiastic?"

He moved his numb neck, the energy patterns of the lightning mech faintly visible beneath his skin.

The sudden turn of events caused the air to freeze instantly.

The nearest Pipi Black Mechanical City-State soldier was still in the posture of throwing a Molotov cocktail, sparks falling from his stiff fingers.

"Alive!" The smuggler leader's electronic prosthetic eye flashed wildly, and the iris pattern shrank to the size of a pinhead.

Having been in contact with alien debris for many years, they know best how much a complete alien life form can fetch on the black market.

Hundreds of gazes acted like tangible shackles, and emotions of greed, fear, and fanaticism grew wildly among the crowd.

A soft "click" came from the safety of someone's gun, but this subtle sound was like a falling domino, instantly triggering a chain reaction.

"Form ranks!" A furious shout from the depths of the dense forest broke the tense atmosphere.

The heavily armored guards of Tender Sprout City marched out of the woods in orderly steps, the flowing blue light on their breastplates illuminating the entire clearing.

Behind the archer formation, twelve power furnaces were humming as they charged, their energy arrows glowing a dangerous red light in their slots, ready to be unleashed.

"It's the Ranger Regiment's Annihilators!" Someone recognized the specially made arrowheads engraved with unique patterns, and their expression changed instantly.

"Damn it, they've even brought out their heavy city defenses!"

The commander of the tender bud raised his longsword, inlaid with energy crystals, pointing it directly at Ye Xiu: "Holy City's forces, wipe out the battlefield!"

At this command, all the crossbows simultaneously emitted a buzzing sound indicating that they had completed charging, like hundreds of poisonous bees displaying their stingers.

The warriors from all sides were tense and hastily retreated, not daring to be surrounded due to their numerical disadvantage.

As is customary, targets that cannot be reached should be destroyed, but many soldiers hesitated when faced with rare alien life forms.

Since there has never been a case of killing an alien creature, perhaps we should preserve this unknown possibility.

The commander of the Black Mechanical City-State, his eyes flashing with a cold light, his knuckles clenched so tightly they turned white: "No need for hesitation, military orders are absolute!"

"Since we can't capture the objective, we can't leave it to Tender Sprout City—Open fire!"

Upon hearing this, the sniper raised his gun, locked it on Ye Xiu's forehead, and pulled the trigger abruptly.

"Stop!" the commander of the Sprouts unit cried out in alarm.

Amidst the deafening gunshot, all eyes turned to the center.

Ye Xiu tilted his head slightly and then slowly straightened it. The white marks from the gunpowder smoke on his forehead were clearly visible, but the skin was not even scratched.

On this planet Aquamarine, a C-level powerhouse can withstand traditional firearms, while a B-level being is considered a superhuman.

His physical strength even surpassed that of martial artists specializing in body tempering, so primitive gunpowder weapons naturally could not harm him in the slightest.

A look of horror spread across everyone's faces like a tidal wave; only now did they realize what was happening.

What lies before us are not goods to be fought over, but mysterious visitors from deep space.

Risk rating: Cannot be calculated!

"No damage detected." Ye Xiu lightly touched his forehead, a faint crack of electricity flashing at his fingertips, as terrifying lightning indiscriminately unleashed its attack in all directions.

The battle situation was instantly reversed.

In less than ten minutes, the battlefield was reduced to nothing but wails and pools of blood.

Ye Xiu deliberately left survivors to pass on information; apart from the members of the Pipi Black Mechanical City-State, all the others perished.

The smugglers, who had escaped the calamity by hiding in the forest, collapsed to the ground, witnessing the alien visitors instantly suppress the terrifying fighting force of hundreds of elite troops.

Aliens are terrifying!

"Introduce yourself." Ye Xiu looked around the room. "I am a mercenary from interstellar space, here in search of a certain wooden statue."

"The sensor indicates that the target city is ahead. If you wish to trade, you can use cosmic intelligence as a bargaining chip."

He pointed to the distant outline, "If you refuse—that city isn't far away, I'll take it myself."

"The deadline is tomorrow at dawn. I await your reply."

"I also hope you can be more sensible."

After being translated by the language conversion device, his words were transformed into the common language of the planet Mystic.

The crowd's expressions changed drastically. Realizing that Ye Xiu had no intention of killing them, they suppressed their chaotic thoughts and staggered away, supporting each other.

The warriors from all factions tacitly agreed to a ceasefire; the most urgent task now was to transmit information about the extraterrestrial visitors.

The dilapidated camp was reduced to metal wreckage; the smugglers had long since vanished without a trace, but Ye Xiu had no intention of pursuing them.

"The original political structure and technological monopoly determined the city-state's pattern." Ye Xiu glanced at the battle damage records.

"As the first interstellar visitor to make formal contact, it is enough to cause a civilization shock."

"The closed planetary ecosystem has resulted in a fragmented superpower system, with individual limits no more than the C-level and their numbers less than one-tenth of those on Aquamarine."

While B-level combat power isn't top-tier in interstellar warfare, it's akin to a devastating blow on this remote planet.

I'm not afraid even if I'm faced with a massive human wave tactic.

Even if these local forces harbor some strategic weapons, it's not a problem for me.

"Ideally, Tender Sprout City would hand over the Holy Image willingly, but unfortunately, the chances are slim," Ye Xiu thought to himself, his eyes flashing slightly.

He knew these people wouldn't just sit idly by and wait to die, after all, he was very familiar with their nature.

In other words, they are arrogant and reckless, and there is almost a 99% chance they will not compromise.

If you wait here for a day, tomorrow you'll likely face a massive army encirclement instead of a smiling face.

Of course, this is precisely why Ye Xiu deliberately gave the other party time to prepare.

Concentrated attacks are the most effective way to destroy the will to resist.

Although the resonance of the three holy statues had locked onto the final target's location, Ye Xiu preferred a direct confrontation rather than stealthy infiltration.

Infiltrate? Isn't that still the same as Musou?

Moreover, the strategy of arriving alone is quite profound: crushing an army of ten thousand men by oneself can activate a very powerful achievement feat - [Impassable].

After glancing at the mess on the ground, Ye Xiu returned to the airdrop pod, closed his eyes, pretended to sleep, and waited patiently.

……

In the darkness, emergency communication frequencies flickered wildly.

The news of the first extraterrestrial visitor's appearance caused a civilization-wide upheaval, and the think tanks of various city-states activated war protocols overnight.

The dome of the Temple of Sprouts projects a star map, and the governor grips the scepter of inheritance tightly, data flowing between his wrinkles.

Half of the twelve elders still had the condensate from their hibernation pods, and the holographic projection continuously replayed battle images of terrifying lightning tearing through the defenses.

"The other side demands a response before dawn." The consul's voice echoed in the hall, and he tapped the ground with his scepter to summon the strategic sand table.

"We need a conclusion within three hours: negotiation or annihilation?"

"The extraterrestrial visitor possessed a wealth of information related to the mysteries of the universe, and he expressed his willingness to exchange some of this information for the icon. I believe there is room for negotiation."

The chief executive, dressed in splendid attire, spoke first, tapping his knuckles lightly on the table as he added, "But what the other party is asking for must contain extraordinary value."

"From the perspective of interstellar civilizations, they may be attempting to exploit information asymmetry to engage in unequal trade."

"I suggest that the icon be thoroughly inspected first to avoid making a hasty decision."

The leader of the sprouts nodded in approval.

Soon, the guards retrieved the long-forgotten rhombus-shaped artifact from the forbidden vault.

This extraterrestrial object, which has existed since the time of previous rulers, has driven generations of researchers to mental breakdown and was eventually listed as an untouchable taboo.

Had it not been for this interstellar negotiation, it would still be slumbering in its sealed container.

Gazing at the shimmering, glowing surface of the crystal, the leader of the sprouts unconsciously stroked the scepter with his fingertips.

He didn't want to hand it over.

Even if they cannot unravel the mystery, the value of an object that can be sought by interstellar civilizations across light-years is self-evident.

"The deadline they've given is dawn." The leader of the sprouts lowered his eyelids slightly. "What are your thoughts?"

"The research value of living interstellar species far exceeds that of inanimate objects." The legion commander, clad in black armor, spoke with a voice like the clang of metal, his body radiating a murderous aura.

"The fact that the opponent is only coming alone is undoubtedly a once-in-a-century opportunity."

Opposition immediately arose: "A civilization capable of breaching atmospheric defenses is no easy feat. Rash action could bring disaster."

Two camps gradually formed in the council chamber: the conservatives advocated for a prudent deal, while the radicals sought to seize greater benefits.

The cognitive biases fostered by prolonged exposure to incomplete alien technology are, in other words, a lack of reverence.

Therefore, most people prefer the latter.

After all, they had never truly experienced the power of the Space Marines, and they misjudged Ye Xiu's solitary arrival.

"Mobilize three thousand elite sprout super-powered soldiers, in conjunction with six holy monument-level psionic amplifiers." The strategic advisor deployed a holographic sand table.

"The dense fog before dawn can perfectly conceal the energy array's charging fluctuations; three waves of saturation attacks will suffice."

The leader of the sprouts reflected the tactical simulation data stream in his pupils, and the bottom of his scepter drew intermittent marks on the ground.

My mind is constantly wavering between harmonious communication and greed.

In the end, he made up his mind.

If I were to capture the aliens, not only would the mysterious statue be mine, but the aliens themselves would also be mine.

"Activate the highest combat readiness order." The Sprout Leader's voice pierced through the crystal dome. "Prepare to deploy strategic weapons."

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and being too cautious will only cause us to miss it."

"We, the Young Sprouts, are determined to get this alien."

……

The latest novel is first published here!

As the first light appeared on the horizon, a chilly edge crept into the still-lingering darkness.

Dappled sunlight filtered through the branches of the forest, falling on Ye Xiu's shoulders as he sat quietly like a rock.

With a slight tremor of his eyelashes, he opened his eyes and gazed at the cool, clear mist that flowed slowly through the forest.

Fine moisture clings to exposed skin, bringing a touch of clarity to those who have been up all night.

"Dawn is approaching, and what's meant to come will come." A few cool drops landed on the tip of his nose. Ye Xiu looked up at the chaotic sky. "It's a good time for rain."

As the patter of rain began, a soft rustling sound as it pattered through the trees and leaves, he rose and looked around at the surrounding landscape.

The swaying shadows of the trees wove an eerie curtain in the gloom, and a faint sense of murderous intent floated in the damp air.

It clung to every inch of space like a spider web.

The sudden, invisible weight made his movements sluggish, and Ye Xiu tried to move his body.

It was discovered that more power was required to maintain normal operation—a sign of a remote gravity array.

"Just as I expected." A cold glint flashed in Ye Xiu's eyes.

These emerging forces only learn to be respectful after suffering heavy losses.

Those in power who have never tasted bitterness always fantasize about monopolizing all the benefits, unaware that the greedy will eventually choke to death on their own ambition.

Caution stems from apprehension; mature civilizations know to exercise restraint when faced with the unknown, but the ignorant often go to extremes.

History is replete with instances of foolish acts of viewing extraterrestrial visitors as evil spirits and launching nationwide campaigns against them.

Greed is like a double-edged torch; it will eventually burn the hand that holds it.

Suddenly, a formidable array of tender shoots appeared in the forest, guarded by thousands of poisoned crossbows that gleamed coldly, forming an encirclement in conjunction with the heavily armored guards who pressed forward step by step.

This was only two thousand vanguards; deep in the dense forest lay seventy percent of the forces of Tender Sprout City.

"O man from beyond the heavens, I am Bazhahei, the commander of the garrison of Nenya City." The general, clad in magnificent armor, stood in the center of the army formation, his voice as cold as iron.

"Giving up resistance will ensure our safety," the hawkish general, who had been mobilizing troops all night, said confidently.

Such an inescapable net was so tight that even the founder of Sprout City, the Sprout Leader, would have found it difficult to break through—he was the strongest figure in the history of Sprout City.

The soldiers in formation stole glances at the rumored "visitor from outer space," who seemed to have nothing special about him except for being a little handsome.

Thus, the tense nerves found some solace amidst the massive spectacle.

"It seems I have no choice but to visit your city, what a pity." Ye Xiu said with regret, but a smile flashed in his eyes.

These words caused a slight tremor in the army formation. Countless hands gripping their weapons were sweating profusely, but they regained their courage as they looked around at their comrades.

Bazahei's pupils contracted slightly as the thirty-six possible responses he had devised the previous night flashed through his mind.

To avoid being limited by the terrain in the forest from bullets, he deliberately deployed his main force in open areas.

At this moment, Ye Xiu faced the direction of the city, raised his right hand, and his body emitted a dazzling white light.

The next second, endless lightning shot out from his palm.

Moreover, each bolt of lightning was as thick as a large tree.

In an instant, the battlefield descended into chaos.

"Get cover!" Bazhahei roared as he slammed into the tree trunk, but the thick oak was torn to shreds by lightning in the next second.

The breastplate, forged from a special alloy, shattered like paper. The commander, spitting blood, fell into the mud, yet still struggled to issue the order: "Fire!"

hum!

More than a thousand runic arrows traced eerie blue trajectories, their specially enhanced arrowheads weaving a net of light in the air, their piercing shrieks sending chills down one's spine.

Although he was the only one around, Ye Xiu had no choice but to use his A+ level ability, [World-Destroying Lightning], just in case.

boom!

Terrifying lightning bolts shot out from his body, instantly turning the storm of metal arrows to ashes.

On the smoke-filled battlefield, young figures marched forward with a steady pace.

The first wave of soldiers were routed under the cover of what resembled a lightning storm.

Boom!

A century-old tree was destroyed by lightning, its burning canopy crashing to the ground and carving out a passage emitting blue smoke.

The drizzle and the high temperature created a thick fog, through which tens of thousands of reinforcements could only be seen as blurry figures, with only the continuous fallen trees indicating their advance.

Once the main force completes the encirclement, a radius of 500 meters becomes a no-go zone.

Heavy armor was as fragile as glass in the face of Ye Xiu's special lightning. The charging formation was like hitting an invisible scythe, and the cries of agony rose and fell, even drowning out the roar of the lightning.

Ye Xiu walked indifferently through the blood-red corridor. Given the overwhelming difference in combat power, finishing off an opponent was pointless.

He wasn't bloodthirsty, and besides, these ordinary soldiers were far below his level, only having 1 experience point.

As for those unfortunate souls who were killed, they were nothing more than insignificant fragments in the gears of war—just like when I infiltrated the Germination Organization.

The flashback of memory was interrupted by the sound of metal scraping together, as three hundred suits of jet-black armor tore through the thick fog.

These are the core weapons of Sprout City, each joint oozing dark red blood—the Termination Guard.

This is a war monster that trades its life for power; only one living weapon can be selected from fifty elite soldiers.

"The tender buds will never wither!"

The group of Termination Guards shouted slogans, urging Ye Xiu to charge.

But the next second, this group of Terminator Guards, on whom Bazhahei had placed high hopes, was instantly torn to shreds by lightning.

Seeing this, Bazhahei's heart sank into despair. The alien invaders' strength was far beyond his expectations!

The poison of regret surged through his veins, but it was too late to wake up.

Without experiencing a painful price, some people will never realize the gap in strength.

"Activate the super ballista!" the commander, dragged from the rubble by his men, roared, clutching his bleeding legs.

Four giant war machines were slowly pushed out; these were the city's treasures, replicas of advanced civilization relics, which were the centerpieces of Tender Sprout City.

Although it only replicates one percent of the original's power, it is already their trump card strategic weapon.

Originally, they were concerned that the excessive destructive power might damage the alien biological samples, but now, in this life-or-death situation, they could not care about such things.

With a buzzing sound, four energy crossbow bolts tore through the air, carrying the last hope of civilization as they hurtled through the sky.

"This is finally starting to look interesting." Ye Xiu raised an eyebrow, his palms pressed together, and his energy surged, with lightning constantly condensing and compressing in his palms.

Soon, the lightning reached the critical point.

The next second, a blinding blue light pierced the sky, and the three super ballistae, along with the buildings behind them, were melted into molten iron.

This is Ye Xiu's latest active skill – [World-Destroying Shockwave], which can be considered a trump card prepared to deal with high-health targets.

In one of his jobs, he helped a local faction fight a void behemoth.

Thanks to the stacking effect of [Burning Will], it achieves a terrifying damage record of 1314.520 points per second.

This remains his highest personal injury record to date.

"What kind of power is this?" Bazahei's face was bloodless, and he trembled all over.

The destructive power exhibited by the alien creatures far exceeded expectations.

The tactics and strategies devised all night now seem so pale and powerless, as laughable as a child's sandcastle facing a tsunami.

That beam of destruction became the hammer that shattered the defenses, plunging the army of Tender Sprout City into complete chaos.

Weapons were scattered all over the ground, and soldiers fled in panic. Some even sat blankly on the battlefield, their pupils unfocused as they stared at the scorched earth.

Even their survival instincts were completely shattered by the shock.

(End of this chapter)