Wei Huan had already risen and walked to Mu Zhong's side. Simultaneously, a teleportation portal opened outside the vehicle. A massive eyeball, bearing a pair of black wings composed of muscle and blood vessels, flew out from the portal and glided toward the source of the light.
Mu Zhong, seeing the upgraded Demon Eye Lord for the first time, turned to glance at Wei Huan.
Wei Huan had already descended his vision into the Lord. His left eye burned with green flame while his right was as dark as obsidian; though he was looking out the window toward the front, he seemed to perceive even Mu Zhong's subtle expressions.
A corner of his mouth twitched upward. "Handsome, isn't it?"
"Handsome," Mu Zhong said, watching the receding Demon Eye Lord.
"Anything with wings is handsome."
"Wings represent flight, so..."
Wei Huan suddenly trailed off.
In his field of vision, a group of mythological creatures appeared that, theoretically, should not exist.
It was a flight of winged angels. Massive wings unfurled behind them, shedding glowing white flecks like golden dust. That surge of holy power made Wei Huan feel intensely uncomfortable.
Wei Huan narrowed his eyes, peering into the depths of the light source. Amidst the throng of angels who possessed only a single pair of wings, one angel with two pairs of wings stood out, exceptionally dazzling.
Her wings were larger, more numerous, and glowed with a more brilliant light. Vaguely, the auras of all the other angels seemed tethered to her, flanking her like a valiant honor guard.
From that extra set of wings, Wei Huan recognized her.
She was the Daxia Prayer who had caught his eye before the battle—the one who had already possessed a pair of light-wings.
Wei Huan now knew her name: Xia Yu.
She was only twenty-four years old and had entered the Challenge World two years ago. The same age as Xu Qingqiang, she was an Angel even younger than Jiang Yue, with a talent that rivaled hers.
Seeing Xia Yu confirmed the identity of these "angels." It appeared this Profession Training Ground was indeed related to the Angelic Host. It had actually bestowed wings upon them.
Perhaps the winged eyeball Wei Huan had manifested was too terrifying; though the ten of them had been flying toward the light with high spirits, everyone involuntarily slowed down when they came face-to-face with the Demon Eye Lord.
At the same time, the excessively dazzling holy light on their bodies dimmed slightly.
"This is Colonel Wei," someone immediately called out, stopping any potential commotion.
The others nodded. "We know."
One person, their eyes filled with respect, spoke to the Demon Eye Lord: "Pardon the intrusion, Colonel Wei. We have successfully completed the Prayer Assessment Task and obtained the Prayer Training Ground: The Kingdom of Heaven."
Wei Huan's Demon Eye Lord could not speak, but its hearing was as excellent as its sight.
Hearing this, he murmured to himself: "The Kingdom of Heaven."
Mu Zhong, standing beside him, overheard. "What? Is it the Kingdom of Heaven? The Profession Training Ground? The Kingdom of Heaven for Prayers—that is fitting indeed."
He continued, "Angels and the Kingdom of Heaven were always meant to coexist. Legend says that an angel's wings are bestowed by the Kingdom; the strongest possess twelve wings. Through their wings, they can generally be divided into three ranks and nine orders: Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones are the upper choir; Dominions, Virtues, and Powers are the middle; Principalities, Archangels, and common Angels are the lower.
"But regardless of the classification, one thing is certain: angels with wings are not only stronger but also possess the ability to fly. So, with the descent of the Kingdom, have they all received wings?"
Mu Zhong, unable to see the distance, had analyzed everything based solely on the three words Wei Huan uttered. Even Wei Huan, through Mu Zhong's description, gained a general understanding of the relationship between these wings and the Kingdom.
So... this was what the Profession Training Ground was.
The Demon Eye Lord Wei Huan possessed turned and flew back. Its black wings and hideous eyeball spanned ten meters. With its wings of tangled muscle and veins flapping, it flew slowly in the lead.
Behind it, the ten angels glowing with holy light could feel the dark energy radiating from the creature, and the purification power within their own bodies was restless. Yet, at this moment, they were as well-behaved as a group of primary school students following a headmaster.
Even the seven from Great Bear were the same.
The return point for these ten Prayers was not at the location of the chest, but on the sea ten kilometers away. Wei Huan had flown all the way there following the light source. He was fast—just a single eyeball moving on a whim. By the time he had picked them up and traveled back a ways, several war vehicles, also following the light, appeared ahead.
There were vehicles from both Daxia and Great Bear.
Wei Huan's vision rose, looking down from a high vantage point until he was certain that the Prayers from Great Bear and Daxia had entered their respective national vehicles. Only then did he follow the Daxia vehicles back to the temporary encampment.
After completing the joint development of the Diamond Chest yesterday, Daxia had not remained on the island. Firstly, the upper facilities of the island base were destroyed; secondly, one must always guard against others. No one knew how the Prayer Training Ground would work, and to prevent potential conflict, Mu Dehao had arranged for the vehicles to park on the sea outside the island, to the east.
The three recovery vehicles for each side traveled together for about three minutes before branching off. Wei Huan accompanied the Daxia vehicles back to the camp before recalling the Demon Eye Lord to the Great Tomb.
the green flame in his eyes vanished. He and Mu Zhong opened the door and went downstairs together. In the first-floor conference room, Mu Dehao was already seated. Before him were the three Prayers who had obtained wings.
Mu Dehao was waiting for the three of them to finish their water. Seeing Wei Huan enter, he asked, "Whoever has recovered first, speak up. What did you all experience?"
The three Angels, who had just begun to relax, immediately sat up straight, clutching their water cups and looking somewhat nervously at the supreme leader of the Azure Dragon Pioneer Army.
The male Angel spoke first: "The training ground we obtained is the Kingdom of Heaven. As you can see, every Angel who completes the ordeal of the Kingdom receives a pair of wings. They significantly increase our spell effects and movement speed, while also granting us varying degrees of Angelic Protection."
"Like a type of dharma treasure?" Mu Zhong asked.
The male Angel thought for a moment and shook his head. "Rather than a treasure, I personally feel it is more like a Rank." Having said that, he looked at Xia Yu, who possessed two pairs of wings. "We are merely Angels. Xia Yu has obtained the title of Archangel. Her authority in the Kingdom is above ours. Not only can she control the keys to the First and Second Heavens, but she can also participate in the assessment for the Third Heaven."
Mu Zhong looked at Xia Yu. He did not rush to ask about the keys or the ownership of the Kingdom, but instead asked with concern, "Are you alright now? How has the second pair of wings affected you?"
Compared to the introverted and shy Jiang Yue, Xia Yu displayed an elegant, intellectual temperament. She was quite beautiful, with her black hair tied in a high ponytail behind her head, standing at least 175cm tall with a model's build. Naturally, those two pairs of wings made her appear even more elegant and divine.
A smile appeared on Xia Yu's face, and her answer was full of confidence: "I am very well. The second pair of wings has filled me with power. These wings are actually vessels for holy energy, like an external power bank. Although using our abilities still depends on our innate qualities, they allow me to have much greater stamina and stronger holy power."
After finishing, Xia Yu looked at Mu Zhong, her eyes sparkling. "Furthermore, the second pair of wings allows me to barely possess the ability to exert power across sequences. Colonel Mu, I am confident I can heal your legs."
'Screeech!!' The sound of a chair scraping against the floor rang out as it was pushed back.
The person who stood up was the usually silent and somewhat cold Wei Huan.
The way Wei Huan looked at Xia Yu now was completely different. He said, "Angel Xia, if you can heal Mu Zhong, I personally owe you a promise. Any request, as long as it does not violate morality or order, will be granted."
Xia Yu, however, met Wei Huan's gaze squarely. "Colonel Wei, there is no need to make such a heavy promise. Saving the dying and healing the wounded is the duty of medical personnel. Healing challengers to prepare for the descent of the Challenge World is our calling as Prayers."
Mu Dehao laughed. "Colonel Wei never gives promises lightly. Since he has spoken, you should accept it. You must understand the feelings of a person who has been ill for a long time without hope—the moment hope appears, what he and his family must feel. Simply saying thank you is certainly not enough. So, whatever thoughts you have, feel free to raise them. If possible, strive to complete this task before the Opening Battle."
Seeing Xia Yu hesitate, wanting to say more, Mu Dehao added: "You can think about it, there's no rush. For now, let's talk business. Is the Kingdom of Heaven in your hands?"
Xia Yu wanted to continue refusing, but with the topic shifted, she could only say: "No, the Kingdom of Heaven cannot be controlled by a person. Once the seal is undone, it will guide all Angels. Once a Prayer reaches Sequence 5, they can come to the Tier 5 world and undergo the assessment of the First Heaven here to obtain the title of Angel and their wings."
Saying this, Xia Yu raised her hand and turned her wrist. A mass of indistinct light appeared in her palm, with a special type of energy flowing within it.
She said, "I do not have the key to the First Heaven, but I have the key to the Second Heaven. There are a total of 'Seven Heavens' in the Kingdom. The Seventh Heaven is the highest, the realm where the Lord resides, and only High Angels can go there for an audience. We Angels rise from the First Heaven; each time we undergo an assessment, we are bestowed an additional pair of wings and obtain stronger abilities. The person who controls the key to a certain layer is also the leader of that Heaven, until they rise to a higher Heaven, at which point they automatically vacate their post in the previous one. I believe the key to the First Heaven should be in Haro's hands."
Wei Huan thought for a moment and matched the name to the person. Haro was the Great Bear Prayer who had run the fastest and was the first to touch the chest.
Mu Zhong and Mu Dehao naturally thought of this as well. They were about to ask about the specific authorities of a key-holder when they heard Xia Yu continue: "Ten of us entered. As First Angels, we also possess a trace of a special soul that helps us cultivate faster than others. The soul that chose me is Michael. Captain Lin's is Gabriel, and Captain Zhao's is Raphael."
Mu Zhong heard this and said, "Of the four Great Archangels before God, we occupy three?"
This was clearly a blind spot in Mu Dehao's knowledge. He listened with bright eyes. "Really?"
Xia Yu nodded. "Yes."
But her face did not show joy. Instead, she said, "However, in the Holy War, there were only seven angels who stood by the Lord's side. Ten of us entered. According to myth and legend, the three of us who were extra... I fear they are Fallen Angels, led by Lucifer."
Mu Dehao pursed his lips again. He felt he should go flip through some materials on angels; he was starting to lose the thread of the conversation.
Mu Zhong, however, clearly understood this knowledge. He conversed back and forth with Xia Yu: "Let me think. Lucifer, Samael, and Semyaza—they are the heads of the three great Fallen Angels. During the Holy War, they were cast into Hell by Michael and became Fallen Angels. So, can they also receive the power bestowed by the Kingdom? Or rather, are you worried their stance will become an issue?"
Xia Yu shook her head. "I don't know, but I am inclined to believe that Fallen Angels can 'pollute' an Angel, allowing them to master dark energy. While possessing powerful combat strength, they can also perform healing on challengers of dark energy."
This time it was Mu Zhong's turn. He glanced at Wei Huan, saw that his expression was well-masked, and then looked back at Xia Yu nonchalantly.
Xia Yu did not notice anything unusual about Mu Zhong. She simply answered according to Mu Zhong's line of thought: "Although these angels fell in myth and legend, what descended upon us is only a trace of a soul so faint it is negligible; its influence on us is minimal. Furthermore, I am more inclined to believe that this Divine Kingdom is not the same as the one in legends. As a sequencer of the Challenge World, the idea that one can only heal non-dark energy is too strange. I suspect the Challenge World has used the Profession Training Ground to patch this loophole."
Mu Zhong realized Xia Yu wasn't targeting Wei Huan with this conversation; she was analyzing it from her own perspective. Wei Huan's disfigurement was no secret; Mu Dehao had sought healers for him with great fanfare in the past. It was normal for Xia Yu to know, and her analysis was very logical.
Mu Zhong nodded. "Thank you. We will verify with the other side who the three individuals mastering dark-type healing energy are. Next, I would like to understand the method of entering the Kingdom. Can any Angel who reaches the Tier 5 world enter directly?"
Xia Yu shook her head. "I am not entirely sure about that."
Mu Zhong asked curiously, "What does the key you control represent?"
Xia Yu bit her lip and said, "I can issue wings."
"Oh? Tell me more."
"This mass of light is less of a key and more of a management system. The names of those who pass the assessment will appear on it. I can choose whether to issue wings or not."
"A great deal of power," Mu Zhong said, then speculated: "So, competing for keys to higher-tier worlds will be the greatest internal competition within your Prayer sequence. Other nations will certainly find ways to catch up."
Xia Yu nodded. "Because of my special talent, I possessed my first pair of wings upon awakening. Therefore, in this assessment, I directly participated in the Second Heaven trial. Michael's soul likely chose me for this reason. But I can feel that the assessment for the Third Heaven will not be easier than advancing to Sequence 6. This will be a long process."
Mu Zhong looked at Wei Huan after hearing this.
After a silent exchange of looks, Mu Zhong asked Xia Yu, "Would you like to come to our war vehicle?"
Xia Yu's breath hitched. The Angels on either side of her also showed expressions of envy.
Mu Zhong continued, "Our vehicle has many buffs and is conducive to cultivation. Although it is a bit more dangerous at the front, we guarantee we will not rashly enter hazardous areas and are responsible for every crew member. Once you are on the ship, aside from daily healing work, the most important thing is to improve your cultivation. You must always stay ahead and strive to obtain the keys to the Sixth or Seventh Heavens."
Xia Yu didn't dare to agree immediately and looked toward Mu Dehao. Who wouldn't want to be on Wei Huan's vehicle? That was the future of human hope, the "Sacred vehicle" in everyone's heart. At this moment, she even felt a bit disappointed—if only she were a Fallen Angel, she might have a greater use on that ship.
'I wonder if the undead would be even more powerful after receiving dark healing?'
Unfortunately, if her current energy were sprinkled on the undead, it would purify them instantly. Her attributes clashed with her future boss; it was quite depressing.
Indeed, at this moment, Xia Yu was already thinking very far ahead. Even if she wasn't thinking about what to name her children, she was already imagining a future following Boss Wei and Boss Mu all the way to the Tier 9 world and reaching the pinnacle of life!
Mu Dehao was somewhat hesitant. He said, "Xia Yu was originally on the front line, and her duties were quite important. Because of her special talent, we specially arranged for her to come here this time. I'll have to coordinate with the front line."
Mu Zhong asked, "Which army?"
Mu Dehao replied, "Black Tortoise. She's similar to Jiang Yue in our army; both are exceptionally talented Archangels. If she doesn't go back... oh, right, Xia Yu, first tell me: do you want to be on Colonel Wei's vehicle?"
Xia Yu bit her lower lip and nodded. "The front line is important, but pioneering is equally so. Moreover, it concerns the control of the Kingdom of Heaven. I will actively strive for it. I want to concentrate on my cultivation to seize higher-level keys and contribute to our Daxia in this regard."
Mu Dehao laughed. "You're a good girl, very much a woman of her own mind and straightforward character. Fine, with those words, I'll transfer you over no matter what."
Wei Huan suddenly spoke: "If Commander Wang refuses to let her go, I will personally go and ask him."
Mu Dehao's laughter broke out. "Haha, don't worry. He'll agree. Commander Wang's sense of the big picture is not inferior to Commander Dong's. For anything that benefits Daxia, he will surely agree."
Wei Huan nodded, then looked back at Xia Yu.
At first, Xia Yu didn't understand why Wei Huan was looking at her, and she frowned in nervousness. It wasn't until she looked at Mu Zhong that she suddenly understood.
She said, "Back in the legion, I tried limb regeneration. At that time, I could grow back a small section of bone and flesh. But I had only just started experimenting when I received this mission, so I don't have more detailed data. However, I can guarantee that if I exert my full strength, I should be able to heal Colonel Mu's legs in two days."
Mu Zhong said, "There's no need. Focus on the Opening Battle."
"It is needed," Wei Huan insisted. "Since it can be done, it must be done. Once it is done and there are no lingering worries, can we truly fight with all our hearts. If it's only two days, she will still have time to recover. I hope to start as soon as possible."
Mu Zhong thought about it and realized Wei Huan was right. Wei Huan had always cared deeply about his legs, just as he cared about the scars on Wei Huan's body. To put themselves in each other's shoes—they had seen each other's most difficult and unsightly moments, but precisely because of their love, they hoped that pain would not befall the other.
Healing his own legs was, at the same time, healing Wei Huan's heart.
Mu Zhong nodded warmly. "Alright. If Commander Mu has nothing else to ask, we shall go for the treatment?"
Mu Dehao looked at Xia Yu. "Anything else to say?"
Xia Yu looked at her two comrades and said, "Actually, what everyone understands is about the same."
"Fine then, I'll talk with them. I'll leave the rest to you." Mu Dehao rose and shook Xia Yu's hand. At this moment, he was not Commander Mu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Azure Dragon Pioneer Army; he was simply a father.
After Mu Zhong stood up, Wei Huan followed him out. Mu Dehao watched the two leave side-by-side, followed by a very awkward and hesitant Xia Yu, and shook his head with a smile. Then, he began to chat with Captain Zhao and the other as if they were old friends.
---
Meanwhile, in the Great Bear Nation.
Upon learning that the [Kingdom of Heaven] could not be controlled, that they had only obtained the key to the First Heaven despite seven people entering, and that even the soul of the combat Archangel Michael was on Daxia's side, the Great Bear Commander-in-Chief didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
After all, they had three Fallen Angels, including the soul of the Fallen Angel Lucifer. In terms of using dark energy, they were extraordinary. But the problem was that, among current sequencers, the Light-type was the mainstream.
Of the three major Dark-types, Wei Huan was the only Gravedigger thus far. Sleepless can regenerate health on their own and don't really need healing. That left only the Convict sequence, and the key was that the Convict sequence can also regenerate its own health.
The status of a Fallen Angel was so damn awkward. For healing, there was no room to perform; for combat... it was still a bit inferior to those pure combat classes. It was quite uncomfortable.
But then again, it was Lucifer! The legendary powerful Fallen Angel! If that isn't strong, how strong do you want it to be? This feeling of discomfort was like swallowing a fly.
More importantly, Daxia contacted them shortly after to discuss the distribution of the Diamond resources. Daxia wanted seventy percent. Because they had obtained the key to the First Heaven and possessed the soul of a leader like Lucifer—and because seven of their Prayers had received the inheritance of legendary angels—it was argued that Great Bear was the one profiting!
Profiting your grandmother's leg!
The Great Bear leader cursed in his heart. He drank a cup of thick, bitter coffee, rolled up his sleeves, and headed for the conference room. This negotiation had to be handled properly!
Wei Huan didn't much care how the Diamond equipment was divided. Although a Diamond-tier robe had dropped that was useful to him, at the moment, healing Mu Zhong's legs was the key.
The treatment took place in the vehicle, in the room temporarily arranged for them. Mu Zhong lay on the bed, looking slightly nervous and ill at ease. He had heard that the sensation of bones growing back was not pleasant—itchy, painful, and long-lasting, requiring great endurance.
"Going into the Profession Temple can slightly block the pain, but be careful of the risk of 'cultivation deviation.' You can try to feel it out; if it's bearable, I suggest you endure it directly," Xia Yu said, resting her gaze on Mu Zhong's legs.
Lying on the bed, Mu Zhong had already removed his prosthetics, revealing his legs which were severed at the hip. After so long, the legs had healed; the two bare stumps of flesh were covered in thin calluses from the friction of the prosthetics.
Wei Huan looked at those legs, his eyes darkening, his lips pressed tight. This version of Mu Zhong reminded him once again of the first time he had seen him after being reborn. At that time, Mu Zhong was lying in a wheelchair, with only a single breath left in him, as they registered their marriage at the Civil Affairs Bureau.
At that time, because of Wei Jinhong's petty and triumphant attitude, he had deeply detested Mu Zhong and his parents. Although he had agreed when Mu Zhong asked to board the ship, it was only out of a moral baseline of not abandoning him. During that period, Mu Zhong was both depressed and insecure, crawling on the ground without legs, hiding from him to go to the bathroom, struggling to pick up even a few shards of shattered self-esteem.
Whenever he looked back now, he regretted his coldness back then. Fortunately, it was all in the past.
Wei Huan watched the pained expression on Mu Zhong's face as he was enveloped by Xia Yu's holy power, but he knew that in his heart, Mu Zhong was happy. A physical defect was, in the end, a regret. Even if he had "stood up" already, he still longed for the day he could truly walk with his own legs.
Today, that day had finally come.