Watching three Dark Elf warriors, despite multiple injuries, agilely battling the cloaked figures, Haoyun nodded in agreement with Dao Lao's assessment. Indeed, the sight of these Dark Elves in combat, along with the formidable display of the two zombie soldiers, prompted both of them to reevaluate the Dark Elves' prowess. Besides the ongoing skirmish between the Dark Elves and the cloaked figures, the two zombie soldiers played a significant role in shifting their perspective.

The zombie soldiers exhibited an abnormal level of combat proficiency despite being riddled with arrows from head to toe. Their relentless assault with massive axes resembled infernal slaughterers, making it nearly impossible for the cloaked figures to retaliate effectively, let alone approach them. As a result, some of the cloaked figures struggled to withstand the relentless onslaught.

Witnessing the Dark Elves and zombie soldiers turning the tide of battle, Haoyun and Dao Lao couldn't help but marvel at the Dark Elves' capabilities. This made them recall Ellena's words about how the introduction of the zombie legion by Ashelin had swiftly altered the course of battles, causing the well-equipped Lyrte Elves to retreat continuously. Contemplating the formidable fighting force composed of three Dark Elves and two zombie soldiers, they realized the terrifying potential of such a mixed combat unit if its numbers were multiplied.

"So, who are these cloaked figures? Are they Lyrte Elves?" Haoyun speculated as he observed the cloaked figures struggling in combat.

"Why else? Could they be fighting among themselves?" Dao Lao retorted.

"Then how did these Lyrte Elves infiltrate the territory of the Dark Elves? Were they sent by Ellena as well? But if they are all Lyrte Elves, why hide their faces in battle? Is it for the sake of intimidation?" Haoyun inquired further.

"They might be scouts or something similar. You know, those who undertake covert missions love this kind of mysterious attire," Dao Lao guessed casually. Then, with a grin, he gestured towards a cloaked figure who had just been thrown against a stone wall by the zombie soldiers, indicating that the individual would likely sustain serious injuries.

"If they are Lyrte Elves, should we... help them?" Haoyun asked hesitantly.

At that moment, Haoyun seemed to have undergone significant mental growth. Not only did he accept and adapt to the current situation, but he also felt capable of joining the fray, gradually diminishing any guilt associated with combat.

Before Dao Lao could respond, a deep horn sounded, carried by the wind along with the swirling sand through the crevices of the surrounding rocky terrain. Following the horn, the ominous "Ugh-ugh" sound resurfaced, echoing around Haoyun and his companions.

Haoyun's expression changed immediately upon hearing the sound, prompting Dao Lao to swiftly lead him to a crevice between two nearby boulders. Simultaneously, a fully armed squad of Dark Elf warriors, accompanied by three zombie soldiers, emerged from the nearby rocky landscape.

"Hahaha! Did you expect this? Our entire patrol was conducting reconnaissance in this rocky area! Hmph! You lowly Lyrte Elves dared to ambush us here? Prepare to die! Rest assured, we will turn your corpses into zombies and continue to slaughter your kin! Hahaha!" The Dark Elf holding the necromantic control token laughed menacingly upon seeing the reinforcements arrive.

Meanwhile, the patrolling squad members quickly formed up and, brandishing their weapons, charged towards the group of cloaked figures.

"Damn it! More reinforcements? And three more zombie soldiers? Plus, a dozen or so Dark Elf warriors? Looks like those cloaked figures are in real trouble. Hey, Dao Lao, do you have some sort of jinx? How come every time you mention something, it happens? It's getting absurd!" Haoyun couldn't help but express his frustration, looking at Dao Lao incredulously.

"Thank goodness we didn't act impulsively earlier; otherwise, we'd be in real trouble! Let's take advantage of not being detected and slip away!" Having just adjusted his mindset, preparing to face the brutal battle, Haoyun was immediately demoralized upon seeing a whole squad of Dark Elf reinforcements joining the fray.

"Darn it! Do they think I'm scared of them? Haoyun, since we're prepared for battle, let's not back down! I'll handle those Dark Elf warriors, and you take care of those zombie soldiers!" Dao Lao awkwardly scratched his helmeted head, expressing extreme annoyance at the Dark Elves' reinforcement tactics.

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Dao Lao indicated his determination to deal with the Dark Elf soldiers to redeem himself. Thus, he fiercely discarded the pile of equipment and drew a runic staff from some concealed location on his person.

Seeing Dao Lao produce his weapon, Haoyun knew Dao Lao meant business. Thus, Haoyun decisively plunged his sword into the ground and summoned his enchanted blade, "Blade of Speed and Fury."

According to Dao Lao, the zombie soldiers were originally made from corpses, so Haoyun wouldn't bear any guilt even if he killed them. From this perspective, Haoyun could indeed participate in the battle without any moral burden limiting his actions.

However, upon seeing the five zombie soldiers wielding heavy weapons, Haoyun couldn't help but express some anxiety, saying, "Those zombie soldiers seem quite powerful. I'm not sure if we can defeat them!"

"Fear what? Don't forget, you have a protective shield blessed with divine power. So, even if they're strong, they won't be able to harm you in the slightest," Dao Lao retorted, giving Haoyun a skeptical look.

"Besides, aren't you afraid of zombies? Consider this battle as desensitization therapy for you, guaranteed to cure your fear after it's over!" Dao Lao teased again.

However, despite the banter, Dao Lao's words dispelled many of Haoyun's concerns, boosting his confidence for the upcoming battle and even instilling a hint of anticipation.

"Remember, make strategic use of your Limit Overload state, combining your current strength and speed to ensure you maximize your attack power within a short burst of the Limit Overload!" Dao Lao quickly prepared Haoyun for battle once more.

Then, Dao Lao patted Haoyun's helmet encouragingly. "Go! Don't worry, I've got you covered!"

Although Dao Lao's smile at this moment still appeared somewhat cynical, Haoyun knew that Dao Lao was undoubtedly the most reliable ally on the battlefield. So, after taking a deep breath and issuing a command to the Mold Energy Pursuit System, "Activate all functions and enter combat mode immediately!" Haoyun's gaze hardened.

With the addition of a dozen Dark Elf warriors to the battle, the cloaked figures immediately found themselves at a disadvantage and were quickly pushed back, some of them gruesomely hacked to pieces by the charging zombie soldiers.

The defeated cloaked figures were now surrounded by the Dark Elf patrol, with no way to retreat. They could only huddle together back-to-back, preparing for a final stand. However, as the Dark Elf warriors focused their attention on the cloaked figures within the encirclement, many of them unknowingly exposed their backs to Haoyun and Dao Lao, who were poised to strike.

Seizing the opportunity, Dao Lao said to Haoyun, "Now's the time, let's go!" Then, he leaped out of cover, wielding his staff high and ready to strike the Dark Elf behind him.

It wasn't until this moment that Haoyun finally understood the extraordinary nature of Dao Lao's staff. As Dao Lao swung the staff, it was instantly enveloped in a bright yet non-blinding holy light. With a resilient thud, the staff easily left a dent in the Dark Elf's helmet, undoubtedly crushing his skull.

Due to the sudden and swift nature of Dao Lao's attack from behind, the Dark Elves, who were pushing towards the encircled cloaked figures, didn't immediately realize they were under attack. Dao Lao took full advantage of their distraction, quickly dispatching the first Elf before retracting the glowing staff and, with a steady hand, delivering a precise thrust to another nearby Dark Elf.

With a muffled thud, the glowing staff pierced through the Dark Elf's chest armor, the powerful force impaling his body. The second Dark Elf fell.

Only then did the other Dark Elf warriors realize they were being attacked from behind. They quickly turned to face their unseen assailants and saw Dao Lao swinging his staff at the third Dark Elf.

"Damn it! It's that out-of-control zombie soldier again! How did it lose control again?" exclaimed the Dark Elf holding the necromantic control token, recognizing the zombie.

"It's useless! That zombie is too dangerous! Kill it now!" commanded a Dark Elf who seemed to be the leader of the patrol.

Having lost three soldiers to the surprise attack, the Dark Elves didn't have time to ponder why this rogue zombie was so powerful or why its weapon was glowing. They only wanted to eliminate it as quickly as possible.

As Dao Lao had said, dealing with these lower creatures was as easy as cutting vegetables for him. Dao Lao skillfully dispatched two more Dark Elf soldiers with his staff before transforming it into a whip of light and swiftly incapacitating another Elf with precise strikes to the throat.

Damn, is Dao Lao really this powerful?! While others might kill one person from ten paces, leaving no trace within a thousand miles, this guy simply kills one person with each step, leaving no blade of grass within a hundred meters! This was Haoyun's first time witnessing Dao Lao unleash his true prowess, and he was genuinely amazed.

"Haoyun! Quit spectating and get to work!" Dao Lao urged amidst the chaos.

If Dao Lao was this powerful, what was there to fear? Seeing Dao Lao effortlessly dispatching enemies left and right, Haoyun felt even more confident about the upcoming battle. So, he rotated his "Blade of Speed and Fury," leaped out of cover, and charged towards a zombie soldier.

Having prepared in advance, as soon as Haoyun burst out of cover, the Dark Elf with the control token spotted him. Upon seeing the rogue zombie appear, he immediately ordered the two zombie soldiers, "Go stop that zombie! Kill him! Kill them all!"

The two zombie soldiers wasted no time in obeying orders, swiftly turning around to confront Haoyun. At this moment, Haoyun's focus had become unprecedentedly sharp. Just as the two zombie soldiers entered Haoyun's attack range, he suddenly felt his body sink slightly. With the assistance of the mobility enhancement feature, he fully unleashed the explosive speed of his enhanced physique, rushing towards the two zombie soldiers in the blink of an eye.