Chapter 272: Scientific Debate (110k Explosion)

"This really does fit the predator's survival-of-the-fittest law—though this evolution is too fast…" Lin Xian murmured softly.

"What are you talking about?" Chen Sixuan asked.

"Nothing. What did you need?"

Chen Sixuan glanced at the armored plates densely arranged on the roof and below on the platform, then looked at Lin Xian with concern: "You've been working all night. Leave the rest to us—go rest now."

Lin Xian shook his head: "Not done yet. There's still a lot to do. Don't worry—I'm still full of energy. Once everyone wakes up, we'll get them all to help."

Seeing Chen Sixuan's condition, Lin Xian decided not to wake the resting team members; let them sleep until naturally awakened. Such rest was rare, and clearly beneficial to everyone's physical condition.

Meanwhile, Lin Xian told Chen Sixuan about the city's situation. After completing the armor upgrades, he planned to have everyone undergo testing with the Phoenix Society's Nightwalkers, then tour the city's various camps to gather intelligence, rumors, and exchange for supplies.

If circumstances allowed, he wanted to grant some free time, letting the team members move about freely in this relatively safe city—psychological pressure often weighed heavier than physical strain.

These dozens of people, from Yubei Airport to now, had barely relaxed at all—even little Shasha had become quieter.

"We currently have forty-one Level One Blood Essences, five Level Two, and one Level Three," Chen Sixuan said, listing the vehicle's current reserves upon hearing Lin Xian's words: "As for supplies, we exchanged plenty at Hengshan Pass—food and water are temporarily sufficient. We may need some hygiene items, but nothing else."

Lin Xian nodded: "For us right now, the most critical issues are the train, weapons, and psychic abilities."

Once food and water were secured, the next concerns were living conditions and defensive strength.

Against the tide of monsters: how to make the train's defense, power, and drive systems independent of tracks; how to enhance individual physical fitness, mental strength, and combat capability against Guiyiti and the Dark Side…

Clang~

Lin Xian placed a newly forged armor plate onto the crane, then operated it to lower it onto the platform below. Though each armored plate used composite material rather than pure steel, each still weighed over two tons. Each side panel of a carriage consisted of nearly eight different types of armor plates assembled together.

In one night, he'd barely finished half—and now he was stuck again due to material shortages, as tungsten-titanium alloy conversion demanded enormous quantities of ordinary steel.

Huh~

Looking at the dense rows of armor plates stacked along the right-side platform, Lin Xian exhaled deeply: "For now, let's finish the right side today. We'll tackle the left side tonight."

The right side had suffered the heaviest battle damage; he started with the most urgent areas.

Daylight was only a few hours away—he still needed to find Zhou Wuer and Mo Nika. He had his schedule tightly planned; if necessary, he'd go directly to exchange for higher-grade armor materials to boost efficiency.

Vrrrm~

Suddenly, several military snowmobiles sped through the blizzard in the distance, heading straight toward the Infinite.

"It's the Phoenix Society," Chen Sixuan said, her sharp eyes spotting the insignia from afar.

Lin Xian's expression shifted. He'd anticipated the Phoenix Society might come looking for him—but hadn't expected them to arrive before dawn.

"Let's go down and see."

"Jump down?" Chen Sixuan asked instinctively. She hadn't questioned it when climbing up, but now she doubted her own abilities.

Lin Xian smiled: "Chen Laoshi, you can jump higher than I can now."

Chen Sixuan opened her mouth. Lin Xian's words gave her an eerie sense of having become a monster. She stared at the snow below, took a deep breath, suppressed her inner pressure, and leapt straight down.

Splash~

Agile body, focused gaze—in that instant, she clearly sensed her speed, descent, every muscle activated. In midair, she even felt the snowflakes slow slightly.

As she landed lightly, her anxiety vanished. In its place surged a lightness beyond physical limits, a confidence of boundless power—her inner timidness and fragility began to recede, gradually replaced by firm resolve.

She turned her head, lifted her face, and gazed at Lin Xian with warm, steady eyes.

Seeing this, Lin Xian smiled gently, stepped forward, and leapt off the train.

At that moment, the snowmobiles arrived. Doors opened. A thin, middle-aged man with messy hair and thick glasses stepped out, beaming, and shouted toward Lin Xian.

"Captain Lin!"

Lin Xian looked over—and his eyes lit up instantly.

"Wei Ke Xue?"

"It's me, it's me!!"

Meeting an old friend took Lin Xian by surprise. He still vividly remembered repairing the gate and climbing the elevator with Wei Ke Xue at Yubei Airport. But after learning from Zhou Wuer that the airbase support team had been wiped out, Lin Xian assumed Wei Ke Xue was dead—never expecting to see him again in Xilan City.

Yet Wei Ke Xue now looked utterly different from his airbase days—emaciated, unkempt beard, worn and weary, yet behind his glasses, his eyes still burned with fierce passion.

Wei Ke Xue jumped down from the snowmobile's tracks. Then another elderly man, roughly fifty or sixty, with a weathered face, stepped out. Wei Ke Xue tried to help him down, but the old man waved him off stubbornly, stepped onto the track's edge, leapt down, nearly lost his balance, then hurriedly shuffled through the snow toward Lin Xian.

"Captain Lin! It really is you! I saw the trial data submitted by the Courier Team—it mentioned the Infinite. I thought I'd misread it!" Wei Ke Xue said, approaching excitedly.

Lin Xian stepped forward and embraced him. "Didn't I hear your team suffered a disaster?"

Wei Ke Xue opened his mouth, hesitated, then hastily explained: "We did suffer a disaster—but I was lucky enough to survive. The Phoenix Society found me among the dead and assigned me to the Xilan Research Unit."

He immediately introduced the old man beside him.

"By the way, let me introduce you—this is Professor Guo Sicheng, head of the Xilan Joint Research Group, my mentor, now my superior. He's extremely advanced in cold-dark fundamental particle research."

"Hello. Guo Sicheng. You're the leader of the Infinite convoy, right? Was this research data provided by you?"

Lin Xian glanced at Wei Ke Xue, then nodded to Professor Guo: "Yes."

The old man immediately removed his glove and shook Lin Xian's hand with solemn care.

Lin Xian had expected the Phoenix Society to approach him regarding psychic abilities—but he never imagined the first to arrive would be the researchers.

As he shook hands, Lin Xian observed closely: the professor's cold-weather coat collar was still rolled up inside, one button misfastened—like he'd rushed out in a hurry.

Guo Sicheng noticed Lin Xian's gaze, looked down, chuckled awkwardly, and adjusted his collar: "Left in a hurry—no matter, no matter."

Meanwhile, Wei Ke Xue, excited, said: "As soon as Teacher received your research data, he called every researcher together, held a multi-hour discussion, and even petitioned higher-ups for specialized equipment and assistants—all to replicate the experiment as soon as possible. But unfortunately, we clashed with the Emperor Group, so we came here without prior notice. We know you just escaped death, and we're sorry to disturb your rest."

"Emperor Project?"

Lin Xian frowned. How had the Dark Mark research become entangled with the Emperor Group?

As he spoke, several people from the snowmobiles stepped out—clearly lab researchers, mostly older. On the following vehicles, Lin Xian spotted Yu Yuheng of the Emperor Group.

"Captain Lin," Yu Yuheng hurried forward with an awkward smile: "We haven't even thanked you for your help yet—and now we're disturbing you again."

Lin Xian looked at the two groups, puzzled. The Joint Research Group studied psychic abilities and Dark Tides; the Emperor Group studied mecha warfare. Why would they argue over his research data?

"Professor Guo, Group Leader Yu—what's going on?"

"It's like this," Yu Yuheng began. "The Xilan Command Center is planning the evacuation route two days from now. Though our Emperor Group wasn't originally scheduled to be stationed here, we still have an obligation to share our findings from the Trakama Ice Valley with sister units. We believe this is an extremely unusual phenomenon of Guiyiti clustering. We've combined our initial data from contact with S-class Guiyiti with the research team's input to prepare a recommendation for command."

"And then…" Yu Yuheng glanced at Professor Guo's team: "Professor Guo's side holds a very unique perspective on the behavior patterns of dark creatures."

Lin Xian and Chen Sixuan exchanged glances. Why were researchers arguing among themselves—and dragging him into it?

"What perspective?" Lin Xian asked.

"Dark Mark!" Before Lin Xian finished speaking, Guo Sicheng stepped forward, excited: "Your naming is extremely accurate. The Phoenix Society's global research teams have proposed over a dozen hypotheses on dark creature behavior patterns—seeking their emergence logic: pack hunting, predator tracking, Danglingzhi attraction, psychic resonance, etc. But none have been experimentally verified. But you—you—you…"

Professor Guo spoke urgently, staring at Lin Xian: "How did your observational data achieve 99. % accuracy in predicting Guiyiti appearances without even measuring Danglingzhi —and using only a single experimental subject?"

99. %?

Lin Xian internally mused: Director Ding really is meticulous…

Professor Guo's words overwhelmed Lin Xian momentarily. Wei Ke Xue quickly added: "Captain Lin, Teacher previously proposed a 'Bonfire' theory—coincidentally, it matches your 'Dark Mark' almost exactly. Though lacking solid theoretical support, our team compared results from many survivor convoy data—and several other teams are increasingly leaning toward this hypothesis. But we can't find any factual evidence for this 'Bonfire,' and even from a behavioral logic standpoint…"

"From a behavioral logic standpoint, it completely contradicts biological behavior!"

At that moment, Yu Yuheng stepped forward bluntly: "All natural organisms prioritize survival and reproduction as their core behavioral logic. Our research has confirmed these dark creatures have hierarchical distinctions—and these hierarchies function like command structures. This proves dark creatures communicate directly among themselves, not through humans as intermediaries."

"Your data comparisons only rely on periodic death statistics from survivor convoys—this has no real reference value! Under current conditions, everyone knows each Dark Tide is a brutal survival test—rising death rates are only natural!"

"But that still doesn't explain their emergence logic!!" Professor Guo retorted loudly: "Why does the same target, once attacked and fleeing, suffer attacks from different creatures in different regions? Elementary math teaches us: find the constant within variables. Humans are the constant here!"

Yu Yuheng immediately countered: "Dark creature emergence is inherently unpredictable—it's fundamentally a problem of Darkness, not of humans. No one knows what monsters will appear in a region after darkness falls."

Yu Yuheng grew more agitated, then turned to Lin Xian: "Captain Lin, wasn't our experience in Trakama Ice Valley the perfect example? High-level Guiyiti can command snow wraiths and snow demons to surround us, drawing all nearby snow wraiths away. If the 'Bonfire' theory were true, how do you explain this difference?!"

"So your meaning is—we encounter Guiyiti in the dark purely by luck?" another middle-aged professor from the research group spoke up.

"At least we can't observe dark creatures' daytime behavior—that's the problem!" someone from the Emperor Group added.

Professor Guo tapped his palm: "The constant within variables! The constant within variables! Focus on this most basic issue—don't overcomplicate it!"

"If dark creatures can see us in daylight and communicate among themselves, wouldn't that explain everything?" Yu Yuheng argued back.

"Oh right—so the monsters in Yubei City called the monsters in Wei River: 'The support team's coming!'—and that's why they attacked us the moment night fell?!!" another elderly researcher from the research group shot back.

Instantly, the two groups erupted into heated, sharp-tongued debate.

Lin Xian and Chen Sixuan stared, bewildered. Wei Ke Xue stepped forward, looking troubled: "They've been arguing like this all night."

"What are they arguing about?"

Wei Ke Xue said: "The Emperor Group submitted a research inference to Director Zhao. It could alter the Phoenix Society's next actions—so the debate exploded over it."

Lin Xian frowned: "Why would the Emperor Group interfere with this topic?"

"Not interference," Wei Ke Xue sighed, looking at Lin Xian. "The behavioral logic of dark creatures isn't just a concern for Nightwalkers or the Emperor Group—it's a problem for all humanity. Disputes between research teams are common. Now that cold-dark fundamental particles have emerged, we all believe we can quickly uncover the dark creatures' communication logic. That's why both my teacher's team and your group's secret mission include this subject."

"Simply put, Group Leader Yu's team believes my teacher's 'Bonfire' theory is completely baseless."

Chen Sixuan watched the two groups grow more heated, unable to help asking: "Why are they so fiercely opposed?"

Wei Ke Xue sighed helplessly.

"I support my teacher's theory, but I understand both sides. You participated in the Trakama Ice Valley rescue—you know how many the Emperor Group lost. They naturally refuse to accept that their team's annihilation and encirclement resulted from 'hazards' left behind during experiments with S-class Guiyiti elsewhere."

Lin Xian nodded: "But that's exactly what happened. All Guiyiti from Yazehu to Trakama Ice Valley were drawn there—even two giant Abyss Worms. Unless an S-class Guiyiti left a mark, no other explanation makes sense."

Chen Sixuan frowned slightly: "So you came to us overnight… hoping we can provide the answer?"

"The 'Bonfire' theory is indeed one of the most counterintuitive hypotheses among mainstream guesses. But your data provided extremely accurate observations—our entire team, including Teacher, were stunned. His theory matches many control group results, but we can't observe the process—we don't know what this 'Bonfire' actually is. So while support for his theory grows, it's still not mainstream. Many call it divination, result-chasing. After all, survivor convoy death rates are high; survivors of S-class monsters and tides are even rarer. Some even say his theory is 'feeding on human blood buns'…"

"Teacher previously had observational sequences, but they were inaccurate, lacking a reference frame—so the energy form of this mark has never been precisely detected…"

Wei Ke Xue sighed deeply: "So when we got this research data, everyone was shocked. We wondered how your observational data could so precisely predict the variation curve of this mark's energy. To find out, we argued, argued, and came straight to you—since you provided this data."

"The reference frame in your research data is far more than just a hypothesis!!"

Over there, Professor Guo Sicheng, still arguing with Yu Yuheng's group, hurried toward Lin Xian, holding a mobile terminal displaying Ding Junyi's research data: "Captain Lin, I'd like to ask—your observational data seems to lack a crucial control group. We studied all night and found your data consistently uses one specific descriptor. Though it appears hypothetical, this hypothesis accurately predicts Guiyiti emergence. You even successfully identified safe zones three times in a row. That's what we want to know."

"Yes, yes!" Another researcher from the research group joined in: "So we concluded—you must have an exceptionally unique psychic capable of this observation, so…"

"They certainly have an exceptionally unique psychic."

Yu Yuheng stepped forward: "I already told you—our escape from Trakama Ice Valley was thanks to Captain Lin's help. He and his convoy have powerful psychics. Captain Lin himself can disperse tens of thousands of snow wraiths. To dark creatures, he's a massive threat. Our Emperor Group consists entirely of non-psychics, yet we were surrounded en masse—and even attracted threats from other survivor convoys. So 'predator thinking' and 'pack hunting' theories collapse entirely. Dark creatures possess high-level cognition!"

"This also proves my earlier point: dark creatures can assess threat levels. That's why even after large-scale relocation, our Emperor Group was still surrounded by tides!"

"What about the cross-regional threat? Those ordinary survivors are fleeing nonstop!"

"Fleeing means fear—and the more afraid they are, the more they attract hunters, Professor Guo. You understand this better than I do!"

"You! "

"Being marked by dark creatures and those creatures possessing advanced cognition are not mutually exclusive." At that moment, a cold, clear voice suddenly interrupted the argument between the two groups.

Everyone turned toward the voice and saw that a woman had stepped down from the rear of the Infinite and now stood beside Lin Xian.

Ding Junyi.

Lin Xian had just shut off his communicator. Upon learning the purpose of their visit, he had already activated his link with Ding Junyi—he felt this situation was better handled by a professional.

"Who are you?"

Professor Guo and Yu Yuheng asked simultaneously.

Ding Junyi stepped forward and replied calmly: "Ding Junyi. Former chief scientist of the Federal No. 9 Underground City Biological Lab. Currently a biological researcher aboard the Infinite. This research data was provided by me."

"Oh, so it was you who provided it!" "No wonder it's so professional."

Upon hearing this, everyone surged forward.

Yu Yuheng stepped forward first to introduce himself: "Hello, Yu Yuheng. I'd like to ask Professor Ding: Is your assessment of the Guiyiti attacks based on a special ability of one of the passengers, or on your monitoring of the entire vehicle's Dangling value peaks? Due to gaps in this research data, we cannot reproduce the experimental results, and this severely impacts our conclusions. As a researcher, you should understand."

"This research document clearly states that Dangling values are only auxiliary monitoring data. The peaks and troughs were identified after the Guiyiti attacks occurred—not as predictive indicators of their presence. Young man, read the question carefully!!" Professor Guo's face flushed red as he spoke urgently.

Ding Junyi's gaze turned to Lin Xian. From her expression, it was clear she had anticipated this outcome.

A precise research report whose most critical reference point didn't exist—if this data hadn't been delivered by the Phoenix Society's courier and if Ding Junyi hadn't included meticulous annotations and detailed derivations, it would have been dismissed as a joke. It was only because Wei Kexue intervened that Guo Sicheng learned of the Infinite's accomplishments, prompting the professor to take this seriously and seek an actual result—not just a "hypothesis."

Lin Xian met Ding Junyi's gaze and understood her meaning. He sighed inwardly. Wei Kexue, Professor Guo, and Yu Yuheng had arrived with a large research team late at night—he knew he couldn't hide anything. He nodded to Ding Junyi.

Ding Junyi, receiving Lin Xian's confirmation, spoke to the group.

"Not a special ability user, nor a group threat. It's a Blood Calamity Plant. During our escape, we discovered this plant can sense this 'marking.' We began in-depth research—using ourselves as experimental subjects. The results proved this marking is indeed the primary trigger for dark creature attacks. Once we removed the marking, we entered a kind of 'silence' in the night."

"So I infer: Darkness, for dark creatures, is a habitat. Unless we're within a certain distance and range, they cannot perceive human presence. This marking is a specialized form of predation."

"I've also discovered this marking can be stacked, overwritten by higher-level beings, and used for 'individual hunting.' That is, eliminating the highest-level dark creature in the area can remove—or even absorb—the marking."

!

Ding Junyi spread her hands: "In simpler terms, imagine a fighting ring. Dark creatures can eat humans—but humans can eat them too. This power is fair to all life. That's also why humans have evolved."

As soon as she finished, everyone's expression changed.

"Blood Calamity Plant?!!"

Guo Sicheng exclaimed: "What… what kind of nature does it have?"

At this, the research team erupted.

Wei Kexue turned to Lin Xian, astonished: "Lin Captain, is this the thing the Federal's Taylor gave you trouble over?"

Lin Xian nodded: "Yes. We found it in No. 9 Underground City."

"Of course…"

"Makes sense. It's a resonance of the plant's special power."

"We just don't know its classification or nature…"

"Wonderful! So there really is a reference point! This proves Professor Guo's 'Bonfire' theory is on the right track!"

"If we can pinpoint the form of this energy, we might decode the dark creatures' communication—and even glimpse secrets hidden in the darkness!!"

"Yes, yes!"

"This could save millions of survivors! Change survival paradigms!!"

The research team erupted in chatter. Lin Xian hadn't expected such a strong reaction.

In contrast, Yu Yuheng's side looked utterly stunned.

Yu Yuheng stepped forward and asked Ding Junyi in a low voice: "Have you observed the exact form of this energy?"

Ding Junyi looked at him, then pulled out a mobile terminal and handed it over: "I used an axion wave detector and detected a massive particle response similar to cold dark base particles. We can confirm its existence—but with current technology, we cannot capture it."

Yu Yuheng snatched the terminal. His researchers gathered around, but soon their expressions darkened. Yu Yuheng frowned deeply as he reviewed the data—his rebuttals were completely silenced by Ding Junyi's arguments.

If Ding Junyi's theory was correct, the crisis triggered by the Emperor Project wasn't caused by Unit-01's deterrent power—but by the 'mark' left on Chen Wei and Chen Lie after they operated Unit-01 in close proximity to an S-class Guiyiti.

This explained why they suffered repeated massive Guiyiti attacks during transit—the ultimate reason the Transportation Group and Armed Company were nearly wiped out!!

Thinking of this, Yu Yuheng's face turned deathly pale. He muttered over and over: "Impossible… impossible… then why don't those monsters approach the defense lines?"

"Simple. They're just adapting to light," Lin Xian said calmly. "Haven't you noticed? The frequency of monster surges matches the frequency of blizzards."

Yu Yuheng opened his mouth, eyes wide with disbelief.

At that moment, Professor Guo approached. Yu Yuheng looked at him, struggled visibly, then handed over the terminal, still stubbornly saying:

"Unless we detect this energy particle, we can't draw a final conclusion. Research on the Blood Calamity Plant is still unclear. Though this report's methodology is rigorous, I can only say this direction has some basis…"

"Multiple experimental controls matched the results—so we must eliminate other impossibilities. Young man, we cannot apply Earth biology's logic to these dark entities. What is a 'hunter,' what is a 'threat'? Their behavior is purely mechanical. There must be a logic driving them that we cannot comprehend. The experiments by Captain Lin and Professor Ding prove this hypothesis deserves serious experimental validation!"

Professor Guo took the terminal, scanning it intently as he explained to Yu Yuheng, his excitement growing with every line. He turned to Ding Junyi immediately:

"Where… where is this Blood Calamity Plant? Can we get it now for immediate experimentation?!"

At these words, Lin Xian's expression changed slightly.

The Hell Black Chrysanthemum was a vital treasure of the Infinite—not only did it warn of dark markings, but it absorbed black mist to convert energy, aiding everyone's evolution. After integrating with the Heterogeneous Cube, it even transformed into a mechanical origin point, enhancing Lin Xian's mechanical ability.

This treasure-like artifact—he wasn't about to hand it over.

Seeing Lin Xian and the others remain silent, Professor Guo looked up, puzzled:

"What… is it not possible?"

"Sorry, this item is vital to us," Lin Xian said bluntly.

Ding Junyi had told him: Cold dark base particles had already been detected. If Phoenix Society members followed her experimental methods, they could find the answer without the Hell Black Chrysanthemum. So he didn't have to surrender it.

But only if they believed—and were willing to conduct large-scale experiments using this unknown 'reference point.'

Hearing Lin Xian's refusal, Professor Guo panicked: "What time is it? Survivors everywhere lack effective reconnaissance and countermeasures—they're dying in massive numbers daily! With this reference point, we could drastically shorten experimental progress and develop devices to detect this marking. One day earlier, one hour earlier—how many lives could be saved?!"

"Yes! Discovering this marking would be revolutionary for all survivors' survival philosophy!" another senior researcher added urgently.

"Just identifying the dark creatures' attack logic has already consumed enormous time and resources from hundreds of Phoenix Society research teams worldwide. This cannot wait."

Seeing Lin Xian's hesitation, Professor Guo's lips trembled. He hurriedly added: "I know this is vital to you—but I, Guo Sicheng, swear on my honor: we only borrow it for research, nothing else. Once we get results, we'll return it untouched. Please! I'll ask Director Zhao to approve massive subsidies for you—how's that?"

Seeing Professor Guo grow more agitated, Wei Kexue pulled him aside: "Teacher, calm down. Let me speak with Captain Lin."

He stepped forward and spoke softly to Lin Xian with an apologetic tone: "Captain Lin, forgive my teacher—he speaks too quickly. He's spent his whole life in labs; he doesn't know how to interact with people. If you're uncomfortable, I understand. Or if you have any demands, my teacher and I can petition higher authorities. This matter is truly critical right now. Please…"

Lin Xian sighed slightly and turned to Ding Junyi: "Director Ding, what do you think?"

Ding Junyi replied: "I've said before: with an observational reference, the answer is essentially found. We just lack equipment on the Infinite to detect particle-level matter, so we can't sequence the energy changes in the Black Chrysanthemum. If they have such equipment, they could theoretically find the answer quickly."

"How long?"

Ding Junyi exhaled slowly: "I can't give an exact time. Science requires repeated experiments, influenced by many variables—time, night, Guiyiti, etc. It depends on the size of the research team and the number of replicable experimental subjects."

"In short: if the scale is large enough and the experimental base sufficient, with a reference point, finding this energy might take… a week to a month?"

Lin Xian's expression darkened. He hesitated.

"Of course, if luck's on our side, one experiment could yield results," Ding Junyi shrugged. "Science is like that—especially in materials science. Results are often random molecular combinations. In plain terms: pure luck…"

"We only have two days here," Lin Xian said.

"Two days is enough!" Guo Sicheng suddenly said. "Professor Ding just said: with an observational reference, the answer is essentially found. Just lend it to us for two days, and I'll…"

"Professor, no," a researcher from the team said grimly. "I reviewed Professor Ding's data. There are at least a thousand particle types with similar characteristics. Even for control trials, we'd need hundreds of tests…"

"Exactly. Unless we're incredibly lucky, two days won't be enough."

"It's enough!" Guo Sicheng insisted. "I'll contact Zhao Yu right now—he can send someone to Quancheng to borrow a hyperpure germanium detector. We can directly test captured Guiyiti for these massive particles. Two days should suffice."

Clearly, the old professor had thought of every possible solution to resolve this issue.

"No," Wei Kexue shook his head. "There's not enough time to reach Quancheng. We'd need an Investigative Corps escort—and signals can't be transmitted."

At this, the research team fell silent.

Even if they went without sleep for two days, they couldn't guarantee results within that timeframe. The scientists were now truly stuck.

"We have a hyperpure germanium detector."

At that moment, a voice broke the silence. Everyone turned—and saw Yu Yuheng, who had remained silent until now, had spoken.

Yu Yuheng took a deep breath and declared firmly: "The Emperor Project has a dedicated hyperpure germanium detector for detecting energy particles after close contact with S-class Guiyiti. If Professor Guo needs it, we can provide it."

As soon as he spoke, the researchers behind him gasped in shock.

"Group Leader Yu, that detector is for our own…"

"Support them first!" Yu Yuheng said resolutely.

"Current data confirms their theory is correct. If successful, it will save countless lives. Their priority supersedes ours."

"But—"

"Have you forgotten the Phoenix Society's highest principle? I take full responsibility for any consequences!" Yu Yuheng shouted. The entire group fell silent.

He turned to Lin Xian: "Captain Lin, if you're concerned about experimental progress, my team can collaborate with Professor Guo's group to accelerate it and provide full support."

At these words, Professor Guo's team's expressions lit up with fervor. Everyone felt a surge of confidence.

"Really?"

"Wonderful!!"

"Then progress will accelerate!"

"Yes, absolutely!" Professor Guo was ecstatic, his wrinkles seeming to smooth out.

"These old men were just shouting at each other," Lin Xian muttered, watching the strange scene.

Beside him, Ding Junyi, expression unchanged, said:

"Science is the pursuit of truth. All preconceptions are irrelevant before it."

Ding Junyi's words struck Lin Xian deeply. He sighed, humbled: "I was narrow-minded. If that's the case, lend it to them."

"To save humanity?" Ding Jun asked.

Lin Xian's gaze swept over the research team—these researchers all past fifty, and Professor Guo, whose excitement was plain to see—and said calmly,

"I don't have that kind of grand ideal. I'm just doing it to show respect to these old men who've been pushing themselves."

Ding Jun's eyes lingered on his face, and she gave a faint smile. "Do you think I'd believe that?"

Lin Xian sighed. "Actually, I'm still worried."

"I know," Ding Jun said now. "I can join the team these two days and help with the research. I can't guarantee we'll speed up the experiments, but I'll protect the Hell Black Chrysanthemum for you."

Hearing this, Lin Xian's eyes lit up—he thought this was a good idea.

"Besides, Phoenix Association is currently cultivating green plants. Maybe I can bring back some things you need," Ding Jun said, glancing at Lin Xian. The deeper she came to understand him, the more she could align with his thoughts and know exactly what he cared about.

After speaking, Ding Jun looked at Lin Xian, her expression carrying a subtle hint—as if seeking his approval.

"Director Ding," Lin Xian said, looking at her with surprise, pausing a moment before meeting her gaze. "You're really getting better."

"Better?"

What kind of word was "better"?

Lin Xian couldn't quite describe it. She was already smart enough—but when a smart woman's every move aligned perfectly with his feelings, it filled him with deep comfort.

Lin Xian gave a sheepish smile. "Anyway, it's just… better."

Ding Jun looked at him in puzzlement, then her lips curled into a faint smile. She felt his approval—and a warm, blooming sensation blossomed in her chest.

(End of Chapter)