Mirami's pretty face fell, and she was left speechless, all of it her fault. If she hadn't started the trouble herself, things wouldn't have escalated to this situation.

"The sister knows her mistake. I think it's best if you don't..."

"Enough, she doesn't need your protection." Cast didn't let Vladimir finish his sentence and interrupted him. When Cast looked at Roland, his expression was surprisingly gentle, "Roland, what do you suggest?"

"Uh, I don't have suggestions. Personally, I don't think going into battle is wise. Not only is there no chance to train, but there's also a chance of getting badly beaten," Roland said, blinking playfully.

The Heavenly Kings exchanged glances, their minds filled with disbelief, "Could it be, could it be that we are not enough to fight?"

"I'm not sure about that, but everyone could compare themselves with Jiu Ling."

Roland simply smiled faintly, and upon hearing this, the four of them felt like they had been struck by lightning. They couldn't deny that even Jiu Ling was suppressed by this guy. At the same level, they didn't stand much chance against Jiu Ling, let alone...

Vladimir punched the wall fiercely. He wanted to regain the honor he lost last time, but realized there was no chance at all.

——

At the Zana official match venue, the atmosphere wasn't as serious as at Hell's Gate, which left the matter of whether to fight the Revenge Shadow Rider and who could fight it unresolved.

If one must mention fighting, anyone was eligible to confront the Shadow Rider on the same stage. The opening battle was, objectively speaking, a form of performance, with all major powers eligible to compete.

However, compared to watching Mecha Battles from various countries, the media undoubtedly paid more attention to the Revenge Shadow Rider's first match which, in fact, demonstrated the organizers' clever move of distancing themselves from national affiliations. I provide the venue, you provide the fighters, the outcome has nothing to do with me. If you can beat the Revenge Shadow Rider, good for you, Saudi clearly values world opinion more.

Of course, if the opening battle fails to meet public expectations, it could lead to another kind of murmur, "Is there no one left in the world? Can't the countries together produce a contender to match the Revenge Shadow Rider?" This is an underlying mockery beyond the fight itself.

Kexiao was no simpleton. He had foreseen this, though it was unclear if he had a third plan. If the contestants recommended by the countries failed to provide a good show, and if Kexiao could overcome the Revenge Shadow Rider in the final Mecha Battle, he would undoubtedly replace the Shadow Rider. Even if he couldn't prove himself by defeating the Shadow Rider, so long as the show was entertaining enough, it would reflect his potential to become the next big name after the Shadow Rider. This man was incredibly impressive.

But there's a saying, being opportune is better than being prompt. Jade Clear Sect and the Zana officials had a longstanding close relationship. Given that Mingfei and two others were at the Dragon Gate space station at the time, Heller seized the opportunity through various means to extend a sincere invitation to them both.

Mingfei was there for tourism and almost exploded upon receiving the message. She had no good impression of these big bosses, and despite her reservations, the sect's orders were clear, and she had to comply even if she loathed them.

Carrying a bit of dissatisfaction, as soon as Mingfei and the others met with Heller, he quickly ushered them into the living room, "Hahahaha... a distinguished guest visits, my apologies for not meeting you sooner."

"You are too kind, General. Please, speak plainly," Mingfei said politely, her smile not reaching her eyes.

Heller, who initially planned on exchanging pleasantries as Jade Clear Sect's response was ambiguous, placed his greater hopes on Mingfei. Since the latter was straightforward, he too dropped the vagueness, his voice grave, "Protector Mingfei, there is an upcoming match of great importance to our nation. Since Miss Mengdie previously had a nominal position in Zana, might I ask if Lady Butterfly would consider competing in it?"

"Your Excellency flatters us. While Butterfly and I can comprehend some aspects of Ancient Martial Arts, we fear we are hardly capable in Mecha Battles."

Heller's expression darkened, "Just this one battle. I believe the higher-ups also hope your sect can contribute to the nation."

Hum, still using the Military Department to pressure her, Mingfei thought coldly. Although Heller was the head official of the Zana official division, there is a massive difference between officials. Greedy Wolf was also a head official, yet the weight behind each was as different as heaven and earth.

Though their military ranks were similar, a rank was just a facade. In other words, one was a national leader, the other merely a township leader. Heller's real position wasn't even comparable to Lord Wu Tian.

As a core member of Jade Clear Sect and with her status as a protector, Mingfei indeed had the authority to command Mengdie, yet Mingfei only gave Mengdie a perfunctory glance...

Mengdie was very quiet and gentle, her eyes solemnly meeting Mingfei's before swiftly looking away.

Despite Mingfei's displeasure, she wasn't foolish enough to cause a scene. She maintained polite civility, "May I know against whom you wish Lady Butterfly to compete, General?"

Heller smiled awkwardly, "Hehe, well... of course, against the Revenge Shadow Rider. I particularly remember the last fight where Lady Butterfly almost claimed victory, just one match will do."

What!? Mingfei almost spat out her tea upon hearing this. Sending a mere fan, pah pah, she had been influenced too. Letting Butterfly compete against such a monster was no different from sending her to her doom.

Mingfei stood up abruptly, bowed, and said her goodbyes without offering to see him out. Even if it meant offending the Military Department, she couldn't possibly let Butterfly fight this battle.

Heller, left utterly baffled, eventually shook his head with a wry smile... It's true that it's difficult to find someone in Mecha Battle who could defeat the Revenge Shadow Rider, but if it comes down to a single fighter, Mengdie had a chance. And defeating the Shadow Rider would undeniably have a deeper impact on Zana.

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