Chapter 280: Attack Before Dawn (10,000 Explosions!)

Ding Junyi frowned: "Someone injured?"

"Three people injured. Professor Guo was rushed into the medical pod and barely survived," Wei Kexue said, removing his black-rimmed glasses as he walked while wiping them. "The pressure from the monster tide on the front line is immense. The command center suspects a possible uprising by some mysterious group, so they're closely monitoring our current experiments to determine if any unusual conditions exist."

"If it were just the Dark Mark, under current conditions, there shouldn't be any possibility of high-level marks appearing—otherwise, these past two days wouldn't have been so quiet."

Ding Junyi walked as she spoke: "But the command center wants to extract other information from these marks—there are currently zero indicators."

"But it's strange."

Wei Kexue said: "We've captured over twenty snow entity specimens and conducted numerous control experiments. Why haven't any of them shown Professor Ding's earlier experimental parameters? And why did Experiment Subject 13 suddenly go berserk this time—could it be related to the environment?"

"That's exactly what confuses me most."

Ding Junyi's expression turned grim. The two hurried into the adjacent building, pushed open a door, and found the room packed with people—some standing, some sitting on the floor—all researchers from the Science Team and Emperor Team. Phoenix Association medics were bandaging and cleaning wounds for several injured personnel. Guo Sicheng lay on a makeshift hospital bed, his cold-weather suit torn and stained with blood, his demeanor visibly agitated.

Several investigation battalion soldiers were also present. A burly soldier stood nearby; when he saw Ding Junyi and Wei Kexue enter, he turned and saluted.

"Commander He, how's it going?"

He Zhen was commander of the Seventh Investigation Battalion, with a square face and permanently furrowed brows, looking intimidating.

But those who knew him well understood that Commander He was usually easygoing with subordinates and other departments—only on the battlefield was he swift and decisive.

"Ah, can't stop him. His head nearly split open, and he's still rushing back to the lab," He Zhen glanced at his deputy. "Xiao He, report."

"Yes."

Xiao He, a young soldier, immediately addressed Wei Kexue and Ding Junyi: "Professor Guo and Director Yu were preparing to administer electric stimulation to Subject 13 to test the Dark Mark's release response. Suddenly, the monster went berserk—bit through its own limbs to break free from the restraints, attacked the lab staff. We arrived just in time."

"Bit through its limbs?" Ding Junyi frowned, then turned to the other injured researchers. "We've done electric stimulation before—why did this happen? Did we miss something?"

The three gray-faced old men exchanged glances and shook their heads.

"All protocols were identical."

"The electric voltage didn't change either..."

"But—!" At that moment, Professor Guo on the bed struggled to sit up. Wei Kexue rushed over to help him. "Teacher, what happened?"

Professor Guo adjusted his cracked glasses, his voice urgent: "Because the subject showed no reaction, Zhang and I adjusted the testing distance. The monster remained unchanged no matter how we stimulated it—but when we brought the Catastrophe Plant close, everything changed. I suspect the monster has a special sensitivity to Catastrophe Plants."

"Professor, don't excite yourself—internal bleeding hasn't fully healed," a medic urgently pressed him down.

"Teacher!" Wei Kexue quickly helped Guo Sicheng lie back. "Listen to the doctor. Don't move."

"But... there's something odd. When Subject 13 went berserk, the other dozen or so specimens also went into chaos simultaneously—except they were all locked in isolation chambers, so they didn't escape. But they were all far apart!" The man called Professor Zhang, a middle-aged researcher with a balding crown and weary face, had also been injured in the attack and looked disheveled.

Ding Junyi's expression hardened. She suddenly recalled back in Rain Town—the fake human who infiltrated the train had intended to attack the team members too, and she'd narrowly escaped because of the Hell Black Chrysanthemum. At the time, she'd noticed the strange entity's special reaction to Catastrophe Plants.

She looked around at the disheveled researchers in the room, her heart sinking. She'd assumed that research with the Phoenix Association would proceed smoothly—after all, she'd already deduced the final steps of her findings.

Wei Kexue and Yu Yuheng had directly used her experimental parameters to design the computational formula. By reverse-engineering the Hell Black Chrysanthemum's reaction and using ultra-pure germanium detectors, they could very likely uncover the truth behind the Dark Mark.

Yet strangely, the Phoenix Association had conducted multiple control experiments using captured strange entities—and not a single Dark Mark had appeared. The Hell Black Chrysanthemum showed no reaction at all.

This utterly abnormal phenomenon left Ding Junyi baffled.

He Zhen checked the time, then said to Ding Junyi: "Professor Ding, you requested more test subjects for group experiments. Can you give a specific number? I'll immediately organize a special team for capture."

"Yes..." Guo Sicheng lay pale on the bed, weakly agreeing: "I've carefully studied Professor Ding's parameters. These snow entities may have minimal individual influence—they definitely need..."

BOOM!!

Amid their discussion, a deafening roar like collapsing mountains and splitting earth erupted. The ground shook violently. Wall plaster rained down. Lights flickered wildly, as if a massive explosion had occurred.

"Xiao He, Li Luo! Protect the scientists!!!"

Amid the tremors, He Zhen reacted first, immediately ordering his men to safeguard the researchers in the room.

Ashes rained down. He looked up—and saw Ding Junyi had already rushed out. He followed immediately.

The two sprinted out of the corridor—and suddenly saw the floor ahead had completely collapsed. The adjacent Experimental Building B had vanished—half its structure gone. In its place loomed a colossal abyssal worm, rising from the ground like a mountain, a towering black cylindrical column.

And half the building had been swallowed whole.

"Watch out!"

He Zhen yanked Ding Junyi back. Her face was panicked—because the Hell Black Chrysanthemum was still inside that building!

"Strange Entity attack on the inner city!"

After pulling Ding Junyi back, He Zhen led his men out immediately. Instantly, gunfire, artillery blasts, and air raid sirens shattered the silence of Xilan City.

Powerful spotlights swept over the scene. Everyone clearly saw the colossal worm emerging from the ground—its black body, under the blizzard, resembled a concrete mountain. The adjacent experimental building exposed broken floor slabs and exposed rebar, sparking wires flashing erratically.

TATATAT! PUM! PUM!

Within moments, firepower surged from weak to overwhelming. Long-range rifles and artillery shells rained onto the worm's body.

OOOOMMM!!

Rubble collapsed. The abyssal worm emitted a deafening hum—the very earth trembled.

In an instant, every survivor in Xilan City awoke. Thousands of vehicle headlights across the Central Street area flared up like ripples spreading outward.

"What's happening?!"

"Strange Entity attack!!"

"Where?!"

"Inside the city."

"The air raid siren just went off..."

"Hurry, grab your gear!"

"All vehicle teams, listen..."

WOOOOO...

At the northern airport, the aerial combat formation received orders and immediately took off. Fighter jets on the tarmac, the colossal floating engines of the Invincible-class aerospace carrier, all powered up. The entire airport swarmed with frantic pilots and ground crew.

On the streets, heavy armored vehicles and towed artillery were rapidly being redirected toward the university.

At Xilan Industrial University, the abyssal worm, having swallowed half the building, surged dozens of meters above ground. Countless shells slammed into its body, showering the ground with chunks of worm tissue.

But just minutes later, the black giant emitted a subterranean tremor and violently retracted—rumbling, churning dust—before vanishing back into the earth.

Just as Xilan City believed it had suffered a massive assault, the abyssal worm vanished as strangely as it appeared. Soon after, the city fell silent.

Even more strangely, the frontline battles along the eastern and southern city walls—where snow entities had relentlessly attacked—suddenly ceased. The endless waves of snow entities fell still.

At the northern freight rail platform.

Lin Xian, just falling asleep, was jolted awake by the piercing air raid siren and seismic waves. Outside the carriage, the Infinite Team members repairing and upgrading the vehicle all froze, their faces turning pale.

"That sound—it's from Central Street."

"So it's an attack?"

HISS~

In the next instant, Lin Xian, Kiki, Chen Sixuan, Shu Qin, Lu Xingchen, and other Infinite Team core members, along with Shi Di, Ningjing, and Lu Yong from Dragon Mountain No. 1, all burst out of the train.

"What's going on? It's almost dawn and now this?" Shi Di rushed forward. "Bai, Chen Dong—go recon."

WHOOSH! From Dragon Mountain No. 1, a winged adept immediately took off with Bai into the sky.

Lin Xian glanced at Kiki and Chen Sixuan. They nodded. Kiki grabbed Chen Sixuan and soared upward for aerial reconnaissance.

High above, Chen Sixuan pulled out Meteor-3 and scanned for the source of the tremors.

"It's the Industrial University!"

Chen Sixuan's face changed. She landed and immediately told Lin Xian.

"It's a giant worm—the monster's aura is extremely strong," Bai said, tense, from the other side.

Lin Xian and Shi Di exchanged glances. Everyone understood.

At that moment, the air raid siren cut off.

"The alert's over?"

"Kiki, take me there," Lin Xian picked up his black rifle without hesitation.

"Shu Qin, Professor Chen—full alert on the train."

"Got it." Chen Sixuan looked at Lin Xian with worry. She knew he'd worked all night—hadn't even rested ten minutes—and now this happened. And she knew that place was where Director Ding was—her heart burned with anxiety.

Lin Xian and Kiki had already taken to the sky, racing toward Xilan Industrial University.

"Let's go check it out. Old Lu, you stay here!" Shi Di immediately called to Ningjing and Bai, heading for the scene.

Outside the experimental building at Xilan Industrial University, the field and streets were packed with tanks and heavy artillery. Over a thousand Investigation Battalion soldiers surrounded the area, on high alert.

Beneath Building B's foundation lay a massive crater over ten meters wide. Countless searchlights probed downward. The remaining half of the building swayed precariously in the air. Desks, chairs, documents, and lab equipment continuously slid down.

HUM.

A large snow vehicle sped up. The door opened. A tall middle-aged man in a thick overcoat leapt off the tracks and strode forward across the filthy snow.

Behind him followed a dozen Nightwalkers from the Starfire Team.

The man's face was gaunt, eyes sharp as falcons, radiating a rock-solid calm.

Zhao Yu, overall commander of the Phoenix Association in Xilan.

"Where's He Zhen?"

Zhao Yu turned to a nearby sergeant, his voice stern.

"Report, Director Zhao: Commander He is over there," the sergeant said, handing over a mobile terminal as he walked, reporting real-time data.

"The building collapsed. During the attack, Professors Guo and Zhang were evacuated to the A-wing medical center—no life-threatening injuries. But over thirty people were working in B-wing—only a few rescued so far."

Zhao Yu snatched the terminal and turned to Wen Zhuo.

"Starfire Team."

"Yes."

Wen Zhuo's face turned icy. He ordered: "Jing Tian, Wang Mocheng—come with me."

WHOOSH!

Wen Zhuo flicked his hand, pulling out two metal rods and tossing them behind him. Instantly, he rose into the air. Behind him, a tall and a short Nightwalker each grabbed one of the hovering rods and followed him upward.

Magnetic Control System!

Hummmmm~

Under Wen Zhuo's ability, the exposed broken rebar on the ground trembled and hummed, carrying the three of them swiftly toward the cave's abyss.

Meanwhile, at the remaining half of the experimental building, He Zhen was personally leading a rescue team to save survivors.

Wei Kexue and Ding Junyi stood behind the rescue team, now at a loss.

At that moment, several soldiers dragged out a researcher covered in ash from the tilted structure; Wei Kexue immediately rushed over in panic.

"Teacher Wang, where are Professor You and the others??"

The researcher's face was caked in blood and dust; he gasped and waved his hands frantically: "They… they fell down. All of them… gone."

Wei Kexue turned pale; his whole body shook. There had been over twenty researchers in that room.

"What about Group Leader Yu? Weren't they still inside?"

"Group Leader Yu is right here!!!"

Before the words finished, Xiao He and several soldiers burst out from behind the rubble and smoke, shielding a figure covered in dust; everyone turned their gaze—and it was indeed Yu Yuheng. Not only that, he clutched a transparent plant growth chamber in his arms, inside which was the Hell Black Chrysanthemum!

Ding Junyi's eyes widened instantly; she and Wei Kexue rushed over together.

"Cough… cough… cough…"

The disheveled Yu Yuheng clung tightly to the calamity plant; as soon as he saw Ding Junyi, he handed it to her: "When we left, the measuring device… was still on. I noticed—the calamity plant hasn't changed at all."

Xiao He, who had been covering the rescue, turned to the group: "We got him out. He insisted on going back to retrieve this thing, said it was extremely important."

Wei Kexue nodded frantically, turning to He Zhen: "Yes, yes—this is vital. To uncover the Dark Creature's attack pattern, we rely entirely on it."

He Zhen nodded thoughtfully. At that moment, footsteps came from behind; he turned to see Zhao Yu approaching with a group.

"Old Zhao."

"He Zhen, what's the situation?"

He Zhen frowned: "I was right here. No warning. The monster suddenly erupted from underground and attacked the experimental building. There should have been over thirty people working in Building A. Now we've rescued only nine."

He pointed to Wei Kexue and Ding Junyi: "Earlier, there was an attack in the lab. Professors Guo and Zhang were injured and transferred here to the medical station—they barely escaped."

Whoosh~

At that moment, Wen Zhuo and his three companions flew in from the cave probe.

"It's gone. We didn't dare pursue deeper—we're not sure if it's the same one the Emperor Team reported from the Ice Valley," Wen Zhuo reported to Zhao Yu.

Yu Yuheng, dusty and trembling, stepped forward: "Yes—it's the same one. I saw the scars on its body—the exact wounds we left when we evacuated!"

When the Abyss Worm erupted, Yu Yuheng had been standing by the door. One thunderous crash—and the entire building, along with his colleagues behind him, vanished in an instant. The hellish scene nearly knocked him down. But in that instant, he saw the thick, piercing hole in the black worm's body, and the seared, laser-sliced gash left by Bai Bai.

So he was certain: this giant worm was the same Abyss Worm they had encountered in the Trakama Ice Valley!

Hearing Yu Yuheng's words, He Zhen's face darkened: "An A-rank Weird Body suddenly attacked here, Old Zhao—this isn't a good sign."

Zhao Yu's expression grew grim; his gaze fixed on the massive exposed hole before them, which howled in the cold wind. Phoenix Society members were organizing the evacuation of the remaining researchers and urgently transporting equipment.

"Report."

At that moment, Zhao Yu's communicator crackled with a subordinate's update: "Director Zhao, many caravan leaders from the city have arrived—over a hundred now."

"Let the Phoenix Order caravans enter."

"Understood."

Lin Xian hadn't expected his first use of the Crimson Phoenix Order to occur here. Hundreds of caravan members rushed toward the site, eager to learn what happened—but only fewer than ten caravans were permitted entry into the university grounds.

As Phoenix Society partner caravans, they represented strength and recognition. In times of crisis, they could serve as exemplars among survivors and coordinate joint operations with the Phoenix Society.

Among them, only Lin Xian and Kiki had flown in empty-handed; the others arrived in vehicles. Dozens of various cars, cleared by guards, rolled into the university square.

Besides Shi Di, Qian Dele, and Lin Xian, other leaders stepped down from their vehicles: Han Jun and Lü Chang of the Arctic Wind Alliance, Qin Xueming of the Cosmic Caravan.

From afar, Lin Xian saw the half-collapsed building and the massive pit beneath the searchlights; his heart sank. He and Kiki hurried over—and immediately spotted Ding Junyi and Wei Kexue standing among soldiers, and the disheveled Yu Yuheng.

"Team Leader Lin!" Wei Kexue spotted Lin Xian and waved frantically.

Hearing Wei Kexue's call, Zhao Yu, He Zhen, and Wen Zhuo all turned their gazes toward him.

"You must be Lin Xian of the Infinite Caravan."

Zhao Yu stepped forward first, offering his hand: "I'm Zhao Yu, in charge of Xilan City. This is He Zhen of the Seventh Investigative Corps. We've never met, but I've reviewed your file and heard about you from Wei Kexue."

Lin Xian shook their hands, slightly surprised.

"Director Zhao, Commander He—what exactly happened?" Lin Xian's gaze flickered to Ding Junyi and the Hell Black Chrysanthemum in her hands; his tension eased slightly as he asked.

"An underground worm attacked the experimental building. It fled without resistance. Its motive is currently unknown," He Zhen replied.

"Yes! That's the monster's aura!"

Before Zhao Yu could speak, Bai Bai, who had followed Shi Di, spoke up. His voice was quiet, but everyone heard it.

"Can sense Weird Body auras? Tongsight Ability?" Wen Zhuo, leader of the Nightwalker Starfire Group, frowned. He recalled Phoenix Society data: Bai Bai was classified as a "Strange Eye—Laser Beam" type. He hadn't known he possessed this ability.

"Yes. He senses Weird Body auras—including those on humans."

!

Shi Di hurried over, shook hands with everyone, and cut straight to the point: "We heard the commotion. What's happened? Does the Phoenix Society need our help?"

"Longshan No. 1, Shi Di, holder of the Crimson Phoenix Order," Wen Zhuo introduced him to Zhao Yu.

"Joker Caravan, Qian Dele."

Zhao Yu nodded, then pointed to Han Jun and others: "Han Jun and Lü Chang of the Arctic Wind Alliance, Qin Xueming of the Cosmic Caravan, his aide Long, Zhang Tianfang of the Warrior Caravan, Chen Xiao of the Torch Alliance. They arrived before you. Get to know each other—your support will be needed for the evacuation."

"Pleasure."

Han Jun studied Lin Xian, stepped forward, and shook his hand. Lin Xian also briefly exchanged greetings with the other caravan leaders.

All were Phoenix Order holders—meaning their caravans were powerful, recognized by the Phoenix Society as representatives among thousands in Xilan City, and designated as allies in times of crisis.

"Enough introductions."

Zhao Yu pointed to the massive pit behind him: "An A-rank Weird Body attacked the inner city. Group Leader Yu says it's the same one you encountered in the Trakama Ice Valley."

"Yes."

Yu Yuheng, still covered in dust, didn't bother brushing it off: "I saw the scars on its body—left by Team Leader Lin and Bai Bai. It's definitely the same one." His clenched, trembling fists betrayed his inner turmoil.

"An A-rank Weird Body chased hundreds of miles to attack a lab?" Lü Chang's mechanical left eye glowed faintly as it scanned the ruined building. "What's the meaning?"

"It ran away?" Zhang Tianfang of the Warrior Caravan, younger and flanked by two deputies, asked.

"What's the casualty count?" Chen Xiao of the Torch Alliance added.

Han Jun of the Arctic Wind Alliance scanned Lin Xian and Shi Di, then turned to Zhao Yu: "I heard the Phoenix Society's research team has been accelerating a project recently—possibly related to the Dark Creatures' behavior patterns. Is that true, Director Zhao?"

"Correct. Our team is currently cracking a unique attack pattern called the Dark Mark. In essence, Weird Bodies hunt by imprinting an invisible marker on survivors. This marker can stack—so fleeing survivors face increasingly frequent attacks until they're wiped out, like lighting a bonfire in the dark and drawing monsters."

Zhao Yu briefly explained, then turned to the scientists: "I don't know the details. I just got word that Guo Lao was injured. Wei Kexue, you explain."

Wei Kexue nervously adjusted his glasses: "Based on prior experimental data, if we correlate our equipment and personnel for reverse analysis, we should get results soon. But strangely—the Dark Mark has never appeared. We've sampled multiple areas using the calamity plant—and… we found no trace of it."

Hearing this, Lin Xian and Kiki exchanged alarmed glances. Lin Xian had assumed their entry into the city had cleared the mark through battle and his gravitational lens—and that others in the city likely still carried it, but were protected by the Seventh Investigative Corps stationed outside.

But now—no mark at all inside the city?

Xilan City had thousands of caravans, tens of thousands of people, all coming from every corner of the land. How could there be no trace of the mark?

Wei Kexue and Yu Yuheng exchanged complex glances, then spoke: "This is highly abnormal. We, Professor Guo, Group Leader Yu, Professor Ding—all tested with different measurement modes. We applied various biological stimuli to the calamity plant—but the results…"

"Could the experiment be flawed? Or was the original data inaccurate?" Qin Xueming of the Cosmic Caravan, blunt as ever, blurted out.

"No!" Wei Kexue and Yu Yuheng answered simultaneously.

Wei Kexue looked at Ding Junyi, his expression resolute: "I, Group Leader Yu, Professor Guo, Professor Zhang—we've all re-examined Professor Ding's data. The predictive models and observational results are flawless. They used themselves as test subjects, cross-referencing multiple regions and different Dark Creature attacks. Even by coincidence, such precision is impossible. There's zero error."

On the other side, Zhang Tianfang of the Warrior Caravan asked: "Can we trust results from the calamity plant?"

"This is the consistent pattern we've found through our entire escape," Lin Xian declared clearly. "So of course I trust it."

"Alright," Zhang Tianfang said seriously. "Then if your calamity plant detected no mark, why did an A-rank Weird Body attack here?"

"Perhaps there's more than one type of mark. This theory can't explain the attacks we suffered inside the city before," Chen Xiao of the Torch Alliance said. He was among the first to reach Xilan City; his group had faced Weird Body attacks before, with casualties, eventually suppressed by a coalition of caravans.

"Hey, we haven't even found the cause yet—how can you be sure it's impossible?" Kiki snapped.

"No, no," Wei Kexue said to Chen Xiao. "Killing a Weird Body weakens or removes the mark. But the problem now is…"

"Every Weird Body attack we've experienced without exception involved direct marking of humans—including the Snow Witch Tide. But since entering the city, all marks vanished. This is an extremely abnormal phenomenon. We believe we must conduct group testing—or even leave the city—to uncover the monster's purpose," Ding Junyi added.

The scene plunged into chaotic debate.

Lin Xian felt his head spin. He was utterly drained. He'd just worked all night and was about to rest—when disaster struck. Seeing the massive pit, the battered Yu Yuheng—he still didn't know the fate of the research team.

And the monster's bizarre appearance left him feeling powerless.

Why? What's the reason?

Could Ding Junyi's theory be wrong? Impossible. Without her theory, the Infinite Caravan wouldn't have made it to Xilan City.

At this moment, Lin Xian felt lost in thick fog.

Standing nearby, Qian Dele glanced at Lin Xian's troubled face. Lin Xian had once explained the Dark Mark theory to him in the Trakama Ice Valley. Though unconfirmed, Lin Xian's evacuation strategy and coordinated train responses to the monster tide were clearly based on this logic—and Qian Dele supported him.

"Aren't we supposed to be discussing the attack?" Qian Dele interrupted the debate. He pointed to the massive pit ahead. "A monster this big attacked the lab. There must be a reason."

"Could it be because there are Weird Bodies here? Didn't you just say you captured many for research?" Qin Xueming crossed his arms.

"Impossible," He Zhen, head of the Investigative Corps, stepped forward. "We've captured countless. The weapons research institute needs even more—for testing weapons and defense materials. They're scattered across all regions—not just here."

Ningjing spoke up: "Then what's the reason? The Industrial University is right in the city center. Such a precise attack on the experimental building can't be coincidence."

"I think…"

"Enough!"

Zhao Yu cut through the noise sharply, his gaze locking on Ningjing.

"You're right. This monster wouldn't attack the experimental building without reason…" He swept his eyes over Ding Junyi, Wei Kexue, and the disheveled Yu Yuheng, then barked:

"He Zhen! Wen Zhuo!"

"Present!"

Zhao Yu looked at the group of grimy scientists and immediately ordered: "Arrange for the research team to relocate to a secure zone immediately. Reinforce their guard with additional patrols and Nightwalkers for 24/7 protection. He Zhen, assign Xiao He to accompany them. No matter what demands the research team makes, find a way to fulfill them—even if it seems impossible. The more the enemy opposes them, the more we know we're right. The entire military must fully support the research team!"

"Yes!" He Zhen and Wen Zhuo immediately accepted the order.

Lin Xian's expression sharpened. Zhao Yu's words swept through him like a breeze clearing fallen leaves, instantly clarifying the situation.

His statement wasn't just for He Zhen and Wen Zhuo—it was meant for the research team, and for the leaders of the survivor convoys, including Lin Xian and Han Jun. It signaled that the Phoenix Society fully trusted and backed the research team's judgment.

At the same time, his words revealed decisive clarity.

The absence of Dark Markers across the entire city didn't prove the theory wrong—but why had the Weird Ones specifically attacked the experimental building?

In Zhao Yu's view, there were no coincidences—only two possible reasons.

One: The research team's work had inadvertently drawn the monsters' attention.

Two: The research team's findings likely posed a threat to the Weird Ones.

Either way, it proved the research was effective—and correct.

Hearing Zhao Yu's words, others suddenly felt the fog lifting.

Having finished his arrangements, Zhao Yu turned to the representatives of several survivor convoys who had just arrived.

"The situation is urgent. Discussing anything else is pointless. Let professionals handle professional matters. All we can do is trust the research team's judgment. The city is no longer safe—we need your help in other areas."

"No problem. You're the city's General—we'll follow your orders." Shi Di stepped forward, slapping his chest.

"Director Zhao, the Arctic Wind Alliance stands with the Phoenix Society, come what may," Han Jun added.

Zhao Yu looked at the group, spoke without hesitation, his expression stern.

"From now on, the entire city is on alert. All convoys gathered on Zhongyangdajie must disperse according to the Phoenix Society's evacuation plan to prevent congestion. You, as convoy leaders, must set the example."

"Second: To counter potential increased pressure on the outer defenses, I've moved all Investigative Corps troops to the front lines." Zhao Yu glanced at the soldiers outside in the snow. "If something happens inside the city—like tonight—it could leave the front vulnerable. You must hold the interior."

"Understood." Han Jun spoke calmly. "I'll secure the eastern district with the Arctic Wind Alliance and some allied convoys. I'll deploy defenses immediately."

"Then the southern sector is ours," Qin Xueming crossed his arms. "We've got the most convoys here—we can hold it."

Qian Dele spoke up: "We'll take the north. There are many train convoys there, but it's not overly crowded. Strong firepower, plus airport air defense—should be fine."

"Then Fenglan Mountain in the west is ours," Shi Di glanced at Lin Xian, then declared boldly to Zhao Yu: "Few people there, backed by mountains—but neither of our convoys are pushovers, right, Lin Brother?"

Lin Xian nodded, then turned to Wei Kexue and Ding Junyi.

"I'm fine. What's your next move?"

Ding Junyi's expression was calm and serious: "We must conduct mass testing immediately. If that fails, we'll have to recommend an out-of-city test."

The situation had surpassed her expectations, but what troubled her wasn't the danger—it was the frustrating stagnation of the experiment's progress.

"I agree."

Wei Kexue adjusted his glasses: "Professor Guo is injured. I recommend you and Professor Zhang take charge of the lab. I'll handle the mass testing operations."

"And me!!!" Yu Yuheng slapped the dust off his face and hurried over. "The research team is short-staffed—I'll bring over all the logistics from the Emperor Group."

Zhao Yu frowned slightly: "Prepare for another attack. I'll assign the seismic monitoring team. Anything moving can't be silent. To ensure absolute safety, the research team must prepare multiple relocation sites."

"That's a good idea," He Zhen nodded. "If the research team is truly targeted, this could happen again."

"I'll assign a dedicated guard unit," Wen Zhuo added.

Zhao Yu nodded, then pulled out a communication device shaped like a Phoenix Medal, adjusted its frequency, and addressed the convoy leaders: "All Phoenix Society dispatches and communications will be sent through the Phoenix Medal."

"Understood."

"Got it."

Everyone replied.

"Comrades," Zhao Yu's gaze swept over them. "The storm is coming. Stand together, guard as one!"

With that, he pulled his coat closed and led the large group away swiftly.

At his words, all felt the weight of an approaching tempest.

Han Jun and the others looked at Lin Xian and Shi Di. The convoy leaders exchanged glances, then immediately departed. Without doubt, within minutes, the dreams of every convoy in the city would be shattered.

Above, the sky hung dark and heavy. Under the blizzard, Xilan City stood in grim silence.

Wei Kexue stared at the vast, bottomless cavern nearby, his eyes filled with sorrow and emptiness.

Just half an hour ago, these dozens of researchers had worked alongside them, burning the night to uncover the truth behind the Dark Markers. Now, in an instant, their familiar faces had vanished before his eyes.

"Professor Wei, it's time to relocate."

Xiao He, He Zhen's deputy, responsible for the research team's security and evacuation, walked up to comfort the dazed man.

Yu Yuheng, wrapped in a thermal blanket by several staff members, glanced at Wei Kexue, wanting to say something—but no words came. His heart was just as heavy. His colleagues had vanished right before him—he hadn't even heard a cry.

Ding Junyi stood watching. Lin Xian and Kiki approached.

"Director Ding."

"Thank you for placing complete trust in my research," Ding Junyi said, her voice flat, staring toward Wei Kexue.

"It wasn't unconditional."

Lin Xian said.

Ding Junyi turned, puzzled.

"Before, I only hoped you'd assist. Now, I need you to complete this mission—and return safely to the Infinite." Lin Xian's tone was heavy.

The closer they got to the answer, the more treacherous the path became. Lin Xian sensed something strange—something suffocating, something that made him furious, as if he'd been fooled. Earlier, he'd only wanted to hand over the Dark Marker data to the Phoenix Society and be done with it. But now, watching so many researchers swallowed by that deep pit—Wei Kexue, Yu Yuheng, Ding Junyi—all trapped—he thought the same thing Zhao Yu had.

That the research team's work might truly have angered and threatened something in the darkness.

And the more he thought that, the more determined he became to fight that darkness to the end.

Ding Junyi steadied herself, meeting Lin Xian's resolute gaze. For the first time, her usually impassive eyes stirred with emotion. She pressed her lips together and spoke.

"I promise you."

Then she turned and walked toward the evacuation vehicle.

After Wei Kexue and the others left, only the Investigative Corps soldiers on guard remained—and the terrifying abyss.

Swish.

Suddenly, the sky flared bright. The blizzard howled louder. Thunder roared and tore through the freezing vortex above, crushing the earth beneath.

11: 0. Dawn broke.

To prevent the Weird Ones from bursting out of the cavern into the city, Zhao Yu had deployed soldiers and ordered engineers and Nightwalkers to temporarily bury the entrance.

Lin Xian and Kiki stood on the square, watching, faces grim.

"What now?" Kiki, shivering in the cold, looked at Lin Xian.

"Go back."

"And then?"

"Sleep."

Lin Xian turned away without another word. He needed rest—immediately. He had to recover his strength and upgrade the Infinite's firepower without delay.

He had a feeling: a catastrophic disaster was drawing closer to Xilan City.

(End of Chapter)