MMORPG: Divine Mech Hunter
Chapter 1573: Suppress First, Boost Later

Chapter 1573: Chapter 1573: Suppress First, Boost Later

Li Yao’s words were simply too arrogant, especially to those top-tier experts who were itching to tear him apart.

This was practically rubbing their faces into the dirt repeatedly, and yet they had no way to fight back.

Li Yao had first killed the Faceless Apostle, showcasing his sharp judgment and skill. Then, in a domineering counterattack, he ambushed a top-tier expert who attempted to sneak attack him, further demonstrating his power and tactics.

Now, the Flying Demon had been slain, and Edward had only managed to escape through self-detonation, leaving him clearly in a weakened state. Judging by his condition, it looked like he wouldn’t be able to participate in the subsequent battles.

Additionally, Edward had revealed his trump card, likely ruining his chances of claiming a first kill. Without Edward, the odds had significantly decreased.

The remaining experts, who were still aiming to secure a position, were struck with fear. It wasn’t that they were truly afraid of Li Yao—after all, this was just a game and not a life-or-death situation.

But this was a dungeon where the first kill was up for grabs. They started to realize that their opportunities to attack Li Yao and seize his spoils were running out. Many of them wisely chose to give up.

Those who couldn’t quite let go also didn’t dare act recklessly. They could only watch as Li Yao slowly stored the spoils from the Touch of Darkness into his backpack.

A glint of calculation flickered in Edward’s eyes: "Starfire’s battle formation has already been unstoppable, and their military merits far exceed those of the team using steroids. Now, the Hunter King has even killed the Faceless Apostle. It seems the first kill will once again fall into Starfire’s pocket."

The crowd immediately came to their senses. Indeed, if nothing unexpected happened with Starfire’s current state, they were almost guaranteed to secure the first kill.

However, they weren’t entirely without hope just yet. There was still the Abyss Demon Throat and, finally, the Demon Marshal. If they could achieve something in the upcoming battles, they might still have a chance to compete with Starfire.

With this thought, countless eyes gleamed with renewed determination. A consensus was silently formed: under no circumstances could Li Yao be allowed to participate in the hunt for the Demon Throat.

"General Prairie Fire, Starfire already has so many military merits and is practically guaranteed the first kill. Please give us a chance to perform."

"Hunter King, you’re generous, aren’t you? Surely you wouldn’t want to hog all the rewards."

"Exactly, the Faceless Apostle’s spoils and merits have already gone to the Hunter King. As the saying goes, full cups spill, full moons wane. With the Hunter King’s wisdom, you surely understand this principle."

"We worked hard too. Please, Hunter King, give us a chance to catch up with Starfire. Otherwise, this competition is going to be far too dull."

"What are you all saying? The Hunter King is courteous and reasonable, never forcing others unfairly. With all the treasures and military merits he already has, there’s no way he would snatch our last chance."

"Well said. The Hunter King and Starfire have never bullied the weak. Have a little decency, you lot. You’re truly underestimating the Hunter King. He’s not the kind of person to exterminate others completely."

"You pieces of trash dare to question the Hunter King’s character? Anyone else in his shoes would have slaughtered you all by now."

Their voices overlapped into a chaotic mess, but the meaning was clear—they didn’t want Li Yao to participate in the upcoming battle against the Demon Throat.

Only Edward’s eyes flashed with disappointment. Her goal wasn’t merely to have them exclude Li Yao but to provoke them into a frenzy, pushing them to launch an all-out assault on Starfire and Li Yao.

Unfortunately, she failed. She understood why. First of all, Starfire’s battle formation was unmatched. While they hadn’t said anything yet, they were already moving closer to the battlefield. Their intent was obvious—they were there to back Li Yao. If anyone dared to send forces to encircle and attack Li Yao, Starfire would undoubtedly retaliate without hesitation. Additionally, Li Yao’s own Hunter Legion wielded immense deterrence. The bloody scene of heads rolling from mere moments ago was still vivid in everyone’s memory.

Secondly, the Green Dragon Princess and the Green Dragon Legion posed an equally massive threat. Although Starfire’s air forces and the Green Dragon Legion were positioned far away, it was clear that they would join the fray at the slightest sign of a fight.

Thirdly, Li Yao himself was unfathomably powerful. Now enhanced with multiple buffs, he was even more ferocious and not an opponent that current players could match.

Given these factors, unless they were complete idiots, those top-tier experts wouldn’t easily tear their relationships with Li Yao apart.

So they resorted to this strategy of subtle coercion, hoping to make Li Yao recognize their collective strength and back off voluntarily.

What they desired was merely a chance to compete with Starfire once more.

Li Yao shook his head slightly: "Monsters like the Demon Throat don’t interest me. And let me also offer you all my advice. While the Demon Throat does offer some merits, it’s ultimately just a fragment of an Ancient God’s power. Though it appears strong in combat, its essence is too insignificant, lacking even independent thought. Even if you kill it, there won’t be any worthwhile loot."

The crowd was instantly overjoyed, understanding Li Yao’s implication—he wouldn’t compete with them for the Demon Throat. As for whether Li Yao would participate in the battle against the Demon Marshal, they actually hoped he would. The Demon Marshal was far too powerful, and for Li Yao to fall in that battle would be an ideal outcome.

As for Li Yao’s warning, they completely disregarded it, thinking it was simply his way of excusing himself. No one argued over this matter, and the crowd reluctantly bowed to Li Yao.

"Hahaha! Now that we’ve added another powerhouse to the fray, and one of the two helpers sent by the Ancient God is already dead while the other is powerless against the crowd, Demon Marshal, your defeat is certain." The human General, who had been observing other battlefield events, finally relaxed a little after analyzing the situation elsewhere.

"Heh heh heh, so what? As I’ve said before, I’ve already achieved my goal in coming here—successfully and even beyond expectations. Now, this so-called final battle is nothing more than a game to me. If I win, I’ll be pleased; if I lose, I won’t regret it. If you dare to play, you’d better be prepared to lose." The Demon Marshal’s words were unyielding, and neither were his actions. He fought the three opponents evenly, even faintly suppressing them: "Do you know what a game is? It’s something inconsequential. Winning pleases me, but if I lose, it doesn’t matter. The only thing that matters is that I play without regrets."

"Is that so? Then let’s speed up your defeat." Cain glanced at Li Yao. "General Prairie Fire, your combat strength is extraordinary, and you are guarded by a Divine Artifact. Surely, you don’t intend to just sit back and watch the spectacle, do you?"

The Great Angel added, "Indeed. We’re at our limits here. Surely you’re not going to stand aside, are you?"

Li Yao smiled faintly, "You’re joking, seniors. Your tricks may fool others, but not me. Take this human General, for instance—you’re actually a pure-blooded Werewolf. If you unleash your bloodline power, your combat strength will surge once more. Plus, Werewolves have incredible regenerative abilities, and you even carry the Werewolf sub-Divine Artifact, the Howling Moon Flute..."