Chinese animation: Starting with Bad Guys

Chapter 40 could easily be called an old flame.

Looking at Yan, who was enveloped by the transparent space sphere and whose face was full of astonishment and confusion, He Xi smiled slightly, calmly straightened his cuffs, and then spoke slowly.

Her voice was clear and melodious, yet it carried a certain timeless quality, as if she were telling a long-forgotten legend.

"Many years ago, I went to Lieyang Star for academic exchange and learned some of their solar flare technology. I originally planned to use it to test my skills with Keisha and give her a 'surprise'."

He Xi's lips curled into a nostalgic smile, as if she were immersed in some distant and pleasant memories, but she quickly pursed her lips, revealing a hint of boredom:

"Unfortunately, it wasn't long before Keisha became unfazed by such tricks. Well, her Silverwing and Knowledge Treasury were too easy to crack. It was incredibly boring."

Her gaze returned to Yan, whose expression was tense inside the spatial sphere, carrying a hint of scrutiny, like a mentor examining their most promising student:

"Today, I'll use you as a test. Let me see how Keisha's chosen successor will deal with this, well, let's call it 'precision heating' for now."

He Xi took a half step forward, extended her slender white finger, and lightly touched the transparent sphere in mid-air, causing subtle ripples to spread from her fingertip.

"The pure solar flare algorithm is powerful, but its impact is too wide and it can easily destroy too many innocent things. So I modified it a bit."

Her tone carried the unique reserve and confidence of a researcher:

"Using this specially designed space sphere to isolate it ensures that all energy bursts and high temperatures only affect the internal area of ​​the sphere, making it highly efficient and environmentally friendly."

Her gaze fell on Yan's slightly sweaty forehead, and she calmly pronounced her verdict:

"Starting now, every minute the temperature of the flares generated inside the sphere will increase exponentially. With your current strength as a third-generation divine body, theoretically speaking, you can only withstand it for a maximum of nineteen minutes. So, you have to find a way to deal with it within nineteen minutes. Otherwise, you'll die a very ugly death."

After saying that, He Xi ignored Yan, whose expression had changed drastically inside the space sphere and who had begun to resist the high temperature with all his might. It was as if she had just temporarily put aside an unimportant experimental subject. Instead, she walked lightly toward Qin Chuan, who was standing quietly to the side, and switched back to a relaxed and chatty expression on her face.

"Speaking of which, it seems that my research and development of divine bodies has stalled after reaching the fourth generation of divine bodies."

Her topic shifted to divine body technology, her tone revealing the frustration of a top researcher encountering a bottleneck and an undisguised thirst for knowledge:

"The fourth-generation divine body, which is the current state of Keisha and me, can theoretically be reborn with enough energy as long as there is still one divine atom. In a sense, it can almost be called immortal."

She frowned slightly, looking at Qin Chuan with a sincere searching in her eyes:

"But what about after that? What direction should the fifth-generation divine body take? The kind advocated by Death God Karl, completely abandoning the material form, merging into the void, and transforming into a phantom body. Do you think that's the correct direction for evolution?"

Qin Chuan shook his head, his tone unwavering: "That's not evolution, it's going to extremes, it's the coward's escape."

His voice was steady and firm: “Abandoning the physical body can certainly make one immune to most physical attacks, but at the same time it completely exposes oneself to the pure spiritual and rule-based realm. When faced with attacks that specialize in the spiritual, mental, or higher-dimensional rule-based realms, that illusory form is utterly vulnerable.”

He articulated his insights, his gaze deep and unfathomable, as if containing the stars:

"In my view, the direction of the next generation of divine bodies should not be abandonment, but integration and sublimation. It is a perfect combination of matter and spirit, another complete leap in life form, and the cornerstone for moving towards true 'omnipotence'. This is precisely the path I am currently exploring and practicing."

He looked at He Xi, their eyes meeting, as if exchanging knowledge in silence:

"As for the understanding and application of the power of 'spirit,' or rather 'mind,' it's not just you, He Xi; it can even be said that all the major civilizations in the known universe are still at a very rudimentary stage. The reason why Karl's so-called illusions can appear so bizarre and difficult to defend against is largely because everyone is too unfamiliar with this field, and even fearful of it."

Without reservation, Qin Chuan began to share his understanding and insights into the Way of the Heart with He Xi in a way that was almost akin to the Way itself.

It wasn't a specific technical blueprint, but rather a philosophical concept, a cognitive framework, and a directional guide, yet it was enough to make a wise man like He Xi's eyes light up and fall into deep thought.

Inside the space sphere, Yan, who was enduring excruciating pain from the rapidly rising temperature, feeling as if her bones were about to melt, also clearly heard the conversation between the two.

Unimaginable pain swept through her entire body, every cell screaming in agony, but her mind became exceptionally clear and sharp under the scorching heat.

"The Heavenly King wouldn't set a trap for me that would surely lead to my death... Just like before, their conversation must have contained hints!"

She struggled to maintain her conscious state:

"The subsequent discussion about the fifth-generation divine body is too profound for me to understand for the time being... but the fourth-generation divine body... 'can be reborn as long as a single atom remains!'"

This concept was like a supernova suddenly shining in the dark universe, instantly illuminating all her thoughts!

"As long as I can find a way to advance to the fourth generation of divine body from Queen Keisha's treasure trove of knowledge, I can survive this desperate situation! That is the only way out!"

Thinking about this, she finally understood the true meaning of the "configuration" that Qin Chuan had mentioned earlier.

To become the new Angel Queen and bear the heavy responsibility and future, her current third-generation divine body is indeed insufficient. At the very least, she needs to upgrade to the level of the fourth-generation divine body!

Without the slightest hesitation, Yan Qiang endured the terrifyingly high temperature that almost tore his soul apart, concentrated all his mind, and used his strong willpower to discard all the pain and interference, trying to connect to the sacred knowledge treasury that only the King of Angels and his successors had the authority to access, which symbolized the highest wisdom of angelic civilization!

[Permissions confirmed... Angel Yan, successor status... Permission verification successful...]

[Relevant upgrade program found... Tianji Wang Hexi submitted... "Divine Body" upgrade plan... Confirmed to be compatible...]

[Transferring core data has begun... Energy guidance mode activated simultaneously...]

A massive flow of data and a special energy guidance method instantly surged into Yan's consciousness and body.

Her body began to decompose and vaporize irreversibly at extremely high temperatures; her skin, muscles, and bones melted away like snow under the scorching sun. But at the same time, a deeper, atomic-level immortality began to be activated and reconstructed…

When the temperature inside the space sphere reached a terrifying critical point, Yan's body completely transformed into a dazzling stream of golden particles, swirling and surging like a miniature galaxy.

However, this stream of particles did not dissipate in the energy storm. Instead, under the powerful pull of some unwavering will core, it began to recombine and reshape itself in a more optimized structure!

A moment later, the dazzling light gradually subsided, and an angel named Yan, completely unharmed, with skin flowing with a faint glow, an even stronger and deeper aura, and eyes as sharp as a newborn eagle, reappeared inside the space sphere!

She successfully advanced to the fourth generation of the Divine Body!

Seeing that Yan had finally found the answer on his own and successfully completed the upgrade, Qin Chuan and He Xi exchanged a smile and tacitly stopped their conversation about the profound technology.

A barely perceptible hint of approval flashed in He Xi's eyes. With an elegant wave of her hand, she removed the transparent spatial sphere barrier. The terrifying heat energy remaining inside the sphere was instantly channeled into the special dimension's energy circulation system and dissipated without a trace.

At the same time, a brand-new, gorgeous, beautifully designed, and powerfully energetic silver-blue queen's uniform.

Its design clearly blends Keisha's majesty with Hexi's technological feel, appearing out of nowhere and perfectly covering Yan's slightly awkward state due to the reshaping of her body, shining brightly.

"Congratulations, you've passed the second test."

He Xi's tone was calm, but it carried a hint of genuine approval compared to before.

Yan quickly adapted to the immense power and unprecedented clarity of perception of the surrounding energy brought by her new divine body, but she knew that now was not the time to savor or revel in it.

She looked at He Xi, her azure eyes burning with unwavering determination: "King Tianji, please proceed with the final test!"

This time, He Xi didn't keep them in suspense any longer. Her expression turned serious, and the majesty of the Heavenly King was naturally revealed.

"The final test is not designed by me. It requires you to prove through your actions that you possess the 'ability' and 'determination' to truly lead the angelic civilization and address future crises."

Qin Chuan took over the conversation, his gaze fixed on the deep darkness beyond the distant star field, his voice carrying a calm that seemed to possess a profound understanding of the future:

"The opportunity to prove your abilities has come to you. Hua Ye is leading his rabble toward the Heavenly Court of Merlo. Lead the angel legion to defeat these remnants of the old era head-on, and protect everything Keisha left behind. This is your best proof and your final test."

“Hua Ye…”

For Yan, this name is more of a decaying symbol in textbooks and historical records, a tyrant who was overthrown, and a dark history that must be remembered but has long since passed.

But for He Xi, this name represents a real and tragic past intertwined with blood and fire.

She furrowed her delicate brows slightly, looked at Qin Chuan, and asked with a questioning tone: "I remember... after the Battle of the Raging Sea, wasn't Hua Ye personally killed by you, leaving not even ashes behind?"

She clearly remembered that utter destruction, something Qin Chuan had told her himself back then.

Qin Chuan nodded, confirming her memory:

"The real Hua Ye is indeed completely dead. With the current level of technology in the universe, there is no possibility of resurrecting him. This one is just a clone created by Death God Karl using the spacetime data stored in the Great Clock, through some unknown void technology or genetic means. He is just a tool that has been given a special void engine."

He reminded him, his tone slightly grave:

"But don't underestimate this clone. Since Karl released him, he must have given him enough power to turn the tide of the battle. The void engine he carries is of a very high level and is extremely targeted. Even if you, He Xi, face him, if you don't know his background, your chances of winning are probably not high."

Compared to Yu Yan's instantaneous tense body, entry into a state of combat readiness, and the burning of fighting spirit in his eyes, He Xi's reaction was much more relaxed, even somewhat lazy.

She even had the leisure to glance at Qin Chuan teasingly, a hint of coquettishness appearing on her exquisite face, her tone drawing out:

"Oh? So the main reason you've come to the Heavenly Court of Merlo this time is to deal with Hua Ye and his group of scumbags?"

She sighed softly, feigning disappointment, "I thought you came all this way to visit your old friend. What a disappointment! I was just being presumptuous."

Qin Chuan couldn't help but smile upon hearing this, naturally sensing the teasing and affection in her words, and laughed:

"Crushing Hua Ye, that disgusting fly, is just a trivial matter that happened along the way. My main purpose in coming here is naturally to catch up with old friends, have a chat, and discuss the possibilities for the future."

As he spoke, his gaze gently fell upon He Xi.

He Xi smiled sweetly, her eyes sparkling, clearly very satisfied with the answer; her previous feigned little complaint vanished instantly.

Yan, standing to the side, quickly donned her new queen's uniform, subconsciously observing the natural familiarity and tacit understanding between the two—an understanding far exceeding that of ordinary friends, even carrying a hint of indescribable ambiguity. She couldn't help but mutter to herself:

"The relationship between these two doesn't seem to be as simple as just 'old friends,' does it? It wouldn't be an exaggeration to call them old lovers..."

The meaning behind their exchanged glances was anything but ordinary.

Recalling the complex entanglement between Qin Chuan, Keisha, and Liang Bing back on Earth, Yan became increasingly curious and eager to explore this mysterious and powerful Earth God.

"What kind of charm, or rather, what qualities, does he possess that could draw the three most powerful queens in the known universe to him..."

Her thoughts drifted away quietly.

Just then, an urgent communication sharply entered her dark dimension combat system—

[Alert! A massive unidentified fleet has been detected jumping out outside the Nine Star Domain defense line! The fleet is enormous! Energy signal characteristics...confirmed as remnants of the ancient Heavenly Palace Legion! They...have arrived!]

Yan's expression instantly changed, all distracting thoughts were completely thrown to the back of his mind, and his eyes became sharp as swords, cold to the bone.

The new King of Angels exuded an aura as sharp as a drawn sword.

She took a deep breath, her voice clear, cold, and authoritative, echoing across the communications channel:

"Pass down the order: All angels, to full combat readiness! Follow me and meet the enemy!"

Chapter 41 A piece of trash is still a piece of trash

Outside the Heavenly Court of Merlo, in the Nine Star Region.

The massive Tiangong warship, like a moving palace, slowly sailed through the sea of ​​stars.

Its gilded hull, illuminated by distant starlight, reflected a cold yet luxurious light, resembling a colossal beast patrolling the deep sea, approaching the most sacred core of the Angelic Civilization with an overwhelming sense of oppression.

The interior of the bridge is extremely luxurious; it is more like a floating palace than a combat command center.

Hua Ye leaned lazily against the throne in the center, which was made of dark alloy and rare gemstones, with his legs crossed. In the exquisite wine glass in his hand, the scarlet liquid swayed with the movement of his wrist.

He was smug and boasted to Sumali, who was standing beside him, his voice carrying an unsettling lewdness and self-satisfaction.

"Little Su, smell this wine... and open your eyes wide to take a good look!"

Hua Ye didn't taste the wine first. Instead, he forcefully patted his breastplate, which was inlaid with intricate patterns, making a dull sound. His face was filled with an almost distorted sense of pride.

"Can you feel the power contained within this? This is the good stuff that kid Karl eagerly installed for me, the Black Hole Engine!"

He leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed intently on Sumari: