Chapter 306: The Incident of Lu Xingchen

Hssss~

In the dark underground tunnel, the automatic door of the Infinite Train opened; Lin Xian stepped out wearing a black Wolf-S power armor, his night-vision and smart target-search systems activating automatically to scan both ends of the tunnel.

This power armor had excellent overall coordination and decent protective capability; back in Xilan City, Lin Xian had seen similar units among a mechanized company of the Seventh Investigative Corps, though their paint scheme and model differed slightly—overall, they were nearly identical to those worn by Mo Nika's forces.

Soldiers capable of wearing such power armor typically belonged to special operations units, a step above the standard exoskeletons issued to the Interstellar Army; combined with the bodily evolution triggered by dark energy, these soldiers likely possessed at least Evolutionary or Diamond-level combat strength.

But combat assessment was one thing; actual combat was another. Human bodies remained fragile compared to monsters—even the most ordinary snow wraith could kill an inattentive soldier with its sharp tail stinger. Lin Xian had studied that snow wraith's stinger: its density was extreme, comparable to high-strength hard alloy; it was hard to imagine a carbon-based lifeform growing such a biological limb.

With these Wolf-S power armors, the Infinite Train's regular crew had been significantly enhanced—more agile, better protected, and now armed with the latest arc-pulse rifles, they matched Interstellar Army infantry combat power. Still, they lagged behind professionally trained soldiers in tactical discipline. More importantly, the Hellblack Chrysanthemum acted as a universal cold-darkness catalyst, pushing the Infinite Train crew further in evolution, while the Heteromorphic Cube provided shielding against dark incursion, making their evolution somewhat safer.

"Hey, Lin Xian."

Kiki followed behind him, whispering: "Don't you think Brother Huo's been acting weird since we came down here?"

"How so?"

"He's always the first to drink tea or liquor and loves showing off—but since we entered this tunnel, he's gone quiet and put on several extra layers of clothing." Kiki frowned. "Isn't that strange?"

Lin Xian paused, then said: "I remember when we went to the SIID Foundation's underground lab, he said he hated going underground. Maybe that's why."

Kiki nodded: "Oh right—I remember. Okay."

Lin Xian and Kiki stepped down from the train. He had already constructed multiple dedicated carrier railcars outside the weapons depot's empty track, designed to hold all-terrain armored trucks and Nightflight Star aircraft, loaded aboard by the Longshan No. 1 crew; outside, he built simple external cargo compartments, so once the train departed, the rear car could hook them with cables and tow them away—saving considerable trouble.

He planned to first consume valuable targets inside the Zero Element Center, then return to the train to manufacture new electromagnetic railguns to boost firepower.

The two walked together along the tunnel to the Zero Element Center's platform, entered through the now-safe passage, and as the automatic door opened, Luo Yang and the others inside immediately turned around.

"Captain Lin!"

Lin Xian scanned the group and saw, besides Luo Yang, the injured Li Guangwen and A Min Luo Luo—all now wearing black Wolf power armors, quietly conversing in the lobby. They rushed forward upon seeing him.

"No abnormalities. The robots operate automatically, but since the main brain went offline, fault alarms kept triggering—though none caused real issues."

Lin Xian nodded. He'd assigned Luo Yang to station personnel here to ensure nothing went wrong, given the thousand-plus people lying here—but he hadn't expected Luo Yang to come himself, bringing injured comrades.

"Captain Lin!" Li Guangwen, A Min, and Luo Luo all greeted him enthusiastically.

"How are your injuries?" Lin Xian looked at them. He knew they were badly hurt; though emergency external repairs had been done via the All-Efficacy Medical Pod, human bodies weren't machines. They'd all teetered on death's edge—even Liang Lei, the ox-like man with metallic skin, still hadn't awakened.

"Much better," A Min and Luo Luo replied, grateful eyes fixed on Lin Xian.

"Yes, thanks to Captain Lin's medical pod."

"Huh?" Kiki flew over to the row of control terminals, studying the fluctuating data. "These people's brainwave activity has dropped dramatically."

"Yes!"

Luo Yang spoke up: "We noticed it right away. I checked the monitoring logs—it started right after the 'active' period Lin Xian mentioned. Every person's brainwave signal dropped by over 98%. Over a dozen have already entered brain-dead status."

Lin Xian walked to the glass wall, gazing down at the honeycomb center. The hexagonal pods still glowed blue; each occupant appeared peacefully asleep, the white mycelia severed again by special blocking devices.

"This system must be synchronized with the mycelia's active frequency: nine hours of activation, then thirty hours of disconnection."

"So the dead weren't all killed at once," Kiki crossed her arms, scanning the room. "Those who couldn't survive the nine-hour cycle died. I thought everyone was stuck in this state 24/7."

"How could they be? Constant connection would turn them into mycelia."

Lin Xian said: "But this disconnection method is too crude. I expected some high-tech system."

"So does that mean there's no real danger? Their bodies are fine—they just get 'happy' for nine hours. How does that kill them?" A Min, clearly curious, leaned in.

"Happy for nine hours?" Lin Xian smiled wryly. "In 17th-century Europe, besides brutal physical torture, there was a punishment called 'laughter torture.' No bloodshed—just a seemingly harmless method: bind the prisoner tightly, smear honey or salt on their soles, then let goats lick them. How long do you think they'd last?"

"Licking the soles? That's punishment?"

"Yes," Luo Yang added. "I know this. Half an hour, they can't take it. One to two hours is enough to trigger cardiac arrest or suffocation."

"Correct. But that damages bodily functions. This only affects the brain—still different. Still, high-intensity brain activity causes irreversible trauma."

Lin Xian turned, scanning the monitoring hall, considering where to begin.

He had no interest in the maintenance robots—they were designed solely for the hive center and far less useful than his PX-05 repair bots. He already had the Lei Sun 2000 for attack roles; these machines were only worth consuming.

But he planned to consume these robots, the large suspended robotic arms, and the energy system last. First, he'd target the instruments, the various detectors in the passages—and most importantly, the ultra-high-temperature plasma beam cutting array. He'd thought of this on the train: if he replaced the train's electric-blade armor system with this array, arranged densely, and paired it with arc-pulse string vibrators, the Infinite Train could become a massive cutting machine—any snow wraith or snow demon horde would be shredded on contact!

Of course, with current material tech, this plasma beam array couldn't run continuously. Even if it could, its power draw would surpass the electromagnetic railgun. With the Infinite Train's current Twin Star power supply, Lin Xian estimated it'd be borderline impossible.

But you eat a meal one bite at a time. Just like the electric-blade armor system—he could build one segment first. If he could integrate Grace's AI system into the train's design, his blueprints would gain vast potential for expansion.

No time to waste. Lin Xian assigned Luo Yang and the others to patrol the zones, then began preparing to consume. Kiki, bored as bodyguard and assistant, tagged along with Luo Yang for a stroll.

【Consumption Successful: Mechanical Source Points +15, Mechanical Consumption Skill Proficiency +10】

Lin Xian first consumed the energy conversion cabinet of Grace's body, then planned to directly take Grace's power chamber. This chamber could recharge and partially repair the Jiti —he Landesaomiaozhizao, just taking it back was more convenient.

Since entering Yijin City, Lin Xian had consumed extensively. With the benefit of remote consumption, efficiency had risen sharply; his proficiency had surged by hundreds in a short time.

Mechanical Consumption: 4 (1316/2000)

He estimated that after finishing the Zero Element Center and consuming a nuclear power unit, he'd reach Level 5. Then not only would consumption efficiency increase, but he'd also meet the conditions to activate the electrical surge mechanical amplification.

Click!

Lin Xian pried open the maintenance hatch in the passage, located the plasma beam assembly, and began scanning.

【Scanning Progress: 2%】

Though intricate, the device was compact. He estimated about an hour to complete scanning, then consumption.

Meanwhile, on the Infinite Train, some crew in the living car had rested; others stood guard on rotation, all wearing power armor for the first time, excitedly exploring every function.

Xiao Yuan's injuries hadn't fully healed, but she was learning power armor operation with her comrades, eager to master it and improve herself.

During the Xilan City battle, she'd deeply felt the dangers Lin Xian and the core crew faced. After Lin Xian pulled her from the abyss worm's jaws, Xiao Yuan silently vowed to grow quickly—to keep pace with Lin Xian and share his burdens.

In Car 5, Da Lou stared at the power armor's size, frowning. The armor auto-adjusted to the user's body—but his nearly two-meter height meant even at maximum extension, he couldn't fit inside.

"Give up."

Sha Sha adjusted the armor's parameters. "This is made for standard military builds. You're too tall, I'm too short—we both can't use it."

Da Lou sighed. "The monsters we face are getting worse. My ability grows too slowly—I'm afraid I can't help you or Xian Ge."

"What are you saying?" Sha Sha punched his arm. "You're way stronger now! You held off that terrifying horde with a knife for hours—more effective than my Shali-Hao! That's slow growth?"

"Besides, didn't Brother Lin say he'd build you a custom power armor to fit your frame? Stop worrying."

Da Lou nodded. He knew his ability had improved since Beiwan, but the monsters kept getting fiercer, making him feel weaker the more he grew. He thought of Lu Yong, who died beside him… even a hero can't stand against a pack of wolves…

Sha Sha saw his gloomy expression, sensing his heavy burden.

"Brother, Xilan City's problems aren't solvable by just having abilities. So many planes and cannons, Brother Lin even deployed a giant mech—and still, so many died to win. It shows that against these dark creatures, our current personal strength alone won't suffice. Don't overthink it. Besides, didn't the Nightwalkers teach you during ability testing? Ability development has huge potential. Focus on that."

Da Lou's brow relaxed. "You're right."

He stood and walked to Lu Xingchen's room, wanting to ask for advice on ability development. This kid always studied abilities most; during the Xilan defense, his new skill had been several times stronger than before—he must have gained something.

But as Da Lou reached the door, he saw Lu Xingchen sitting cross-legged, sipping tea, quietly pulling down his sleeve, his expression uneasy as he looked up.

"You need something?"

"Oh, I just…" Da Lou scratched his head, noticing Lu Xingchen's thick layers of clothing. Something felt off, but he didn't comment—just stated his purpose: "I wanted to ask you—any suggestions on developing my blood qi ability?"

"Didn't the Phoenix Handbook give advice?" Lu Xingchen's gaze darkened slightly.

Da Lou opened his mouth, sensing Lu Xingchen's low spirits. "Uh… okay."

He turned to leave, then added: "Hey, Lu Brother… if you've got anything weighing on you, lighten up. Brother Lin gave me a bottle of white liquor—I've kept it all this time. Want to have a drink?"

"No thanks."

Lu Xingchen shook his head outright.

"Alright."

As Da Lou turned away, Lu Xingchen's complex expression flickered with reluctance. Suddenly he spoke:

"Your blood qi ability's main trait is strong self-healing—the stronger your blood qi, the greater your strength. That means your life force is exceptionally robust. In other words, your resistance to environment, dark incursion, and neural paralysis is higher than other ability users. So you might also resist black smoke and blood essence toxins more effectively… though that's just my guess."

Da Lou froze. He understood: the dark incursion carried by the corpses' black smoke and blood essence devastated both body and mind. Most needed balance—but for someone like Da Lou, the threshold might be higher.

This meant body-type abilities, though seemingly low-potential, likely had high survival rates in darkness. That explained why body-type users were so common and grew so rapidly through combat.

Da Lou nodded, glanced back at Lu Xingchen, and said: "Got it. I'll remember."

He turned and left.

Watching Da Lou go, Lu Xingchen sighed softly. He lifted his sleeve again. His wrist was now covered in dark blue-black patterns—thick mycelia spreading beneath his skin, grotesque and unnatural.

"It seems my cultivation path in this life ends here…"

He looked up at his spotless room—the vanity, the small tea table, Lin Xian's tea maker, the doll Sha Sha gave him—and sighed.

"Brother Lin… I'm sorry."

…

【Scan Complete: Ultra-High-Temperature Plasma Beam Cutting Array (Blueprint) Acquired】

【Consumption Successful: Mechanical Source Points +120, Mechanical Consumption Skill Proficiency +40】

"Huh~"

At the Zero Element Center passage entrance, Lin Xian spent over an hour completing the device. Strictly speaking, this array was custom-designed for this passage; its blueprint was an oddly shaped rail configuration. To install it on the Infinite Train, he'd need to redesign it.

He checked the time: 2 a. . By calculation, the next mycelia active period was still over twenty hours away.

"Finish a few more useless devices, then head back to work on gear."

The decomposition center's materials were nearly ready. After consuming Grace, he'd begin building the electromagnetic cannon. Also, one more robotic arm was missing from Car 11, plus the bullet stamping machine…

Lin Xian considered: once they broke out of here, he'd merge the Sun Convoy into the Infinite Train. Luo Yang and Li Yi were both solid people. Uncle Wu and Uncle Liao had fought to protect them; then Luo Yang's team switched their entire convoy to match the train just to follow Lin Xian. Such sincerity gave him no reason to refuse.

Moreover, he needed to expand his influence. Darkness devoured dawn; the road ahead grew harder. Gathering these people together, he felt more hope.

He'd studied the Sun Convoy: one engineering-grade nuclear-powered locomotive, output around 200 megawatts—far below intercontinental standards—but in the apocalypse, a nuclear locomotive was priceless.

If not for the Sun Convoy following the Phoenix Convoy to avoid polar night, Luo Yang and Li Yi wouldn't have traded all their supplies and vehicles for this.

That's precisely why Qian Dele's Joker Convoy got one.

The Sun Convoy had eleven cars. Their armor wasn't as advanced as the Infinite Train's composite mech armor, but still formidable—otherwise they couldn't have crossed the snow plains to reach Xilan City. Each car mounted machine gun turrets and Gatling cannons. Other weapons had been taken by the original crew; Luo Yang and Li Yi brought their own light weapons and supplies.

Originally, Luo Yang's team had 34 members. The core was Luo Yang himself—his ability resembled Bai Bai's: twin eyes could store energy and detonate at long range.

Then came the combat core, Li Guangwen—a Thunder Fist ability user. Both he and Luo Yang were at the Frenzy Level. A Min and Luo Luo were elite gene-evolved martial artists. Plus a boy named Zhang Xiaobai, who handled technical support.

Luo Yang's convoy was primarily made up of a few surviving students from the university town, all roughly the same age, mostly from engineering and physical education departments, so they had exceptional discipline and had even built numerous defensive weapons and traps.

Li Yi and Liang Lei's convoy numbered quite a few—around 110 people after losses in Xilan City—with Liang Lei and Li Yi themselves as the leaders.

Liang Lei's ability belonged to a rare subtype of physical enhancement: his skin could metalize and further strengthen, granting him a body as sturdy as a building; after full metalization, he resembled a metallic battle bear. His ability assessment score was 1100, while Dafeng's was 1120—nearly identical.

Li Yi was also an ability user, but her ability was nearly useless, as she rarely had any chance to use it. She didn't even realize she could breathe underwater and fly rapidly until much later. Combined with her pregnancy, she had virtually no opportunity for combat and instead served as the team's strategist and logistics manager.

In addition, about half of the Running Far Camp convoy were Liang Lei's former coworkers from his construction team, all with families in tow. These people had kind hearts and rescued many stranded survivors along the way, steadily expanding their group. Since they rescued only those with weak combat ability and few resources—many of whom carried children—they now had over twenty children in the convoy, aged between three and ten. In the apocalypse, children were of no help at all.

Overall, the convoy's strongest combatants were Liang Lei and the thirty-odd sturdy coworkers with mechanical and construction skills, plus some adult males who joined later. Of the 110 people, roughly 60 were combat-capable; the rest, besides the children, were about thirty women handling logistics.

Now all 144 of them lived aboard the Sun Convoy's train, a significant improvement over their previous life in large vehicles—like a mobile family. Lin Xian estimated that, combined with the original members of Wuxian Hao, the total population was nearly 180. After equipping everyone with powered armor, the overall combat strength had improved: together, they now had nearly 140 suits, enough to arm almost everyone except the children and some logistics personnel. It was no small force!

As Lin Xian absorbed the gait scanner, he was thinking when suddenly Luo Yang's voice came through the communicator.

"Lin, we've got a situation!"

Lin Xian immediately stopped what he was doing, stood up, and woke Kiki, who had been dozing against his back. The two sprinted toward the other end of the circular corridor. Soon, they saw Luo Yang, A Min, and Luo Luo gathered around a woman in a white hibernation suit, who seemed to have emerged from a nearby survival pod elevator.

The woman's hair was disheveled but clean. She lay on the ground, trembling mechanically, convulsing slightly, her eyes wide with terror as she stared at the three men, repeatedly shouting:

"Grace! Grace!! Butler! Butler!!"

Lin Xian stepped forward and noticed residual fungal filaments still clinging to her cheeks and head. His gaze turned cold, and he raised his hand, ready to kill her.

But before he could act, Kiki suddenly called out to him:

"Lin Xian, don't move!"

Lin Xian turned his head and saw Kiki wearing a strange expression, frowning and staring intently. After a pause, she spoke:

"I know her."

(End of Chapter)