"How is Clark doing?"
Seeing the intelligent butler emerge, Batman acted like a father waiting anxiously outside the delivery room, desperate for the results.
After saving Superman, Batman dared not delay, nor did he have extra time to check Superman's physical condition. He immediately rushed him to the Fortress of Solitude for treatment. Therefore, Batman was not aware of Superman's current condition.
The intelligent butler did not hide anything, saying, "There are no major problems. Kryptonians' physical fitness far surpasses that of Earthlings. Even death, with the aid of Kryptonian technology, it's not impossible to resurrect them. Clark simply lost too much energy and didn't receive timely replenishment. He's undergoing treatment now and will recover completely within a week at most."
"Is that so?"
Just as Batman breathed a sigh of relief, the intelligent butler spoke again, "Mr. Bruce Wayne, compared to being here, I believe there are more meaningful things for you to do."
Saying so, he turned his gaze towards the electronic screen beside him.
Upon seeing the scene on the screen, Batman's brows furrowed deeply.
The screen displayed a coastal city under a sky choked with dark clouds, rain pouring down in torrents. From an aerial view, a massive number of Atlanteans were advancing densely from the ocean towards the land. They landed on the beaches, ruthlessly slaughtering all living things on land.
Even though the local government had organized police forces to intercept the invading Atlanteans, their numbers were simply too overwhelming. The police force was limited, and their budget had been slashed in recent years, with their weaponry and equipment not having been replaced for a long time. Despite occupying advantageous positions and firing down at the Atlanteans, their efforts were like a drop in the ocean and were quickly submerged by the tide.
In contrast, the city's residents, in defense of their private territories, took out their prized heavy weaponry, donned modified bulletproof vests, set up sniper rifles on rooftops, and unleashed barrages of gunfire upon the Atlanteans below.
Some of the closer neighbors even banded together, forming joint defense lines and achieving localized suppression with their fierce firepower.
Of course, all of this was merely temporary.
With the continuous landing of Atlanteans, the city's fall was only a matter of time without further reinforcements.
As for how all of this happened, and why the Justice League hadn't joined the fray immediately, everything traced back to two hours prior.
Bai Qi forged ahead alone, with Afu and fifteen Yi Mo hiding inside a submarine, following Bai Qi's descent.
Although Bai Qi was a demon of fire, he would still be weakened when fighting in seawater. However, even with such weakening, he was still no match for the Zerbel people. In fact, if Bai Qi wished, he could evaporate the entire ocean on Earth.
Bai Qi made no attempt to conceal his movements along the way, brazenly heading towards Zerbel. Patrol guards who tried to stop him were easily dispatched by Bai Qi's blade.
Because of Bai Qi's overt actions, the kingdom received news early on.
When Bai Qi arrived at Zerbel, he was met by the Zerbel guard forces armed with weapons. Standing at the forefront of the army were the old king of Zerbel and his queen.
It had to be admitted, despite the old king's advanced age, his queen appeared remarkably young. One had to cooperate with such an old fellow; truly, old but vigorous, a role model for all.
What? You say he's not even a fraction of the Holy Lord's power? Then forget it.
"Demon of the land, Holy Lord, what is your intention in coming to my kingdom? Are you not afraid of provoking a war between the ocean and the land?!"
Faced with the old king's questioning and threatening words, if Bai Qi hadn't had good self-control, he would have burst into laughter.
"Zerbelian, do you truly believe you are that important?"
Bai Qi's smile vanished, and his expression turned grim. "A single Zerbel does not represent the entire Atlantean Empire. Moreover, you are merely toys created by Basha for amusement. Before me, you have no right to speak as equals."
"Yes, we were created by Basha, the water demon."
Being exposed, most people would have become enraged and attacked. However, the old king appeared remarkably calm. Not only did he readily admit their inglorious origins, but his subsequent words elevated them to a new height.
"We have never denied our dark past, but the deeper we are in darkness, the more we yearn for light. Even though Basha is our creator, we have not aided and abetted evil. For the sake of justice in our hearts, for the sake of all living beings, we have united and, together with the surface dwellers, overthrown Basha's evil rule."
Listen, listen, how righteous and benevolent his words were. Who would have thought that such a kind and upright old man had just threatened Bai Qi with a war between the ocean and the land?
Bai Qi looked at the old man and smiled faintly, "Little fellow, don't you want to hear why I've come this time?"
At this moment, Afu and the Yi Mo had emerged from the submarine and stood behind Bai Qi.
Upon hearing Bai Qi's words, the old king's heart sank, and a sense of foreboding washed over him. However, with a sliver of hope, he asked, "Demon, what do you want?"
Bai Qi beckoned, and Afu stepped forward, retrieving the Pan Ku Treasure Box at Bai Qi's instruction.
"What!"
The old king also possessed some knowledge and recognized at a glance that what Afu held in his hand was the key to opening the gates of hell. Coupled with Bai Qi's previous words, a terrifying answer flashed through the old king's mind.
"Attack! Everyone! Seize the Pan Ku Treasure Box, quickly!"
The guards behind him, though bewildered and unsure why their king had suddenly become so agitated, followed orders without much thought.
Seeing the old king's increasing agitation, and looking as if he might faint, the queen beside him quickly supported and comforted him, "Your Majesty, why are you so agitated? With the valiant Zerbel army here, even demons would not dare to act presumptuously in Zerbel."
Watching the army charge towards Bai Qi and his group, the old king finally caught his breath and stammered to his consort, "Let's go, quickly help me to the secret chamber."
Although somewhat puzzled, the queen helped the old king up, called two guards to escort them, and the four slowly made their way towards the secret chamber.
Meanwhile, observing the overwhelming tide of guards rushing towards them, Afu shook his head left and right, transforming into the form of a demon dragon, ready to engage. Fortunately, Bai Qi stopped him.
"What are you doing?"
"Your Majesty, these insignificant shrimp soldiers and crab generals do not require Your Majesty's intervention. Allow me to deal with them all by myself."