Chapter 370: Code

【Consumption Progress 15%】

In the engine room of the Dragon-class transport ship, berthed at Docking Zone 24 on Deck 3 of Silent City, Lin Xian was consuming the nuclear reactor core while watching Wangyue Shingo meet with people from Dawn City; Kiki floated beside him, legs crossed, and immediately spoke when Jian Xuwēi appeared.

"Isn't that the woman from the Silver Star? I heard she's been searching for you?"

"Finger Group is one of the largest operators and builders on the Orbital Ring, with deep historical ties to Jinhai Zhongche Group; its factories span the globe, and even after the Collapse, its resources and production capacity remain immense." Lin Xian gazed at the holographic screen showing Wangyue Shingo shaking hands with Zhou Mingyuan and others: "The Silver Star was planning to gather the group's resources along the Orbital Ring all the way to the poles. Now, suddenly partnering with Dawn City—it's strange."

"Do you think Jian Xuwēi is being forced?" Kiki crossed her arms. "But it's not surprising that Finger Group would cooperate with the Federation. Still, why is she still by Zhou Mingyuan's side? What's her goal?"

"I remember she has a younger brother?"

"Yes, named Jian Zeyang."

"What do you think she wants with you?" Kiki asked, intrigued.

"How would I know?" Lin Xian smiled.

Watching the tall, coldly elegant leader of the Silver Star stride through the hologram in high heels, Lin Xian recalled how Jian Xuwēi had supported him during the Elevator Ascent and shown decisive judgment in crisis—he'd known then she was no ordinary woman. The conflict between the Elevator Ascent survivors and the Federation still burned fresh in his mind; logically, Jian Xuwēi should have favored cooperating with the Phoenix Society.

Lin Xian noticed that among the accompanying personnel, besides Dawn City's Vice Chairman Zhou Mingyuan and Jian Xuwēi, there was also a slightly overweight middle-aged man in a gray suit, short-cropped hair, thick eyebrows, square face, and an expression of deep solemnity, silently walking behind Zhou Mingyuan, followed by a squad of guards clad in advanced tactical powered armor.

"I know this guy too," Kiki's eyes lit up. "Lin Xian, guess who he is?"

"Definitely a Wen." Lin Xian blurted out.

"Correct. He's Wen Dong—the husband of Tang Yun from the Zero Element Center. I only spent a short time in the Wen family and met him a few times."

"What's he like?" Lin Xian asked.

"Pfft. A smiling tiger—greedy and lecherous. Just in his phone, he's had seven or eight women he's been close to recently. What kind of scum do you think he is?"

"You know all this?!" Lin Xian stared at Kiki in shock. Kiki shrugged indifferently. "He came after me first. And you think the Wen family is simple? I'm just protecting myself—just in case."

She turned to Lin Xian, eyes half-lidded with a smile. "Know yourself, know your enemy, and win every battle. Any problem with that?"

Lin Xian sighed helplessly and turned his gaze back to the screen, where the scene shifted: Wangyue Shingo led Zhou Mingyuan and the others to the Cloud District—but not to the courtyard where he'd hosted their dinner earlier. Instead, it was a highly formal reception hall.

The silver alloy door slid open silently. Vice Chairman Zhou Mingyuan of Dawn City and Wangyue Shingo walked in side by side, followed by Wen Dong and Jian Xuwēi from Linglong Group, while Wangyue Shingo's side was accompanied by Qiansu Xun and Tianye Lan.

Zhou Mingyuan wore an appropriately concerned expression, nodding slightly. "Mr. Wangyue, we've been deeply worried since Silent City was pulled into the Star Abyss. When we detected your floating city lost in Luling Forest, Dawn City immediately dispatched three search-and-rescue fleets. Unfortunately… Dawn City itself was suddenly attacked by an S-class anomaly—Gray Mist—and the anomaly surge from Mount Qilian left us caught between two fronts."

"You managed to bring ten thousand people out of the Star Abyss alive—that's nothing short of a miracle!" Wen Dong's voice rang out clearly. After sitting down, he turned directly to Wangyue Shingo: "Chairman Zhou rushed us here overnight out of sheer curiosity. All major city alliances are on the same boat now. Your experience dealing with the Star Abyss is vital to us."

"Oh?" Wangyue Shingo looked calmly at Zhou Mingyuan. "Thank you for your concern. But our No. 2 City has remained docked in Luling Forest since being pulled into the Star Abyss. According to their reports, they never received any support from Dawn City—only a few reconnaissance teams kept watching. Those… weren't from Dawn City, were they?"

The room fell tense. Lin Xian and Kiki, watching the hologram, hadn't expected Wangyue Shingo to be so blunt, and immediately focused on Zhou Mingyuan's reaction.

Yet the Dawn City Vice Chairman instantly wore an expression of surprise.

"No. 2 City has been in Luling Forest all this time?"

Zhou Mingyuan's gaze was filled with concern. "Our intelligence indicated it was crippled, the main city vanished. So the survivors were all on it?"

"Yes. Before being pulled into the Star Abyss, the main city and No. 2 City had already separated." Wangyue Shingo's expression remained serene, not exposing the lie.

"So you escaped the Star Abyss with just a few people?" Wen Dong asked immediately.

"Not just a few." Wangyue Shingo corrected gently. "There were other survivors trapped in the Star Abyss. We joined forces and uncovered some truths: we found that vast numbers of low-level anomalies are stitched together by some kind of factory-like 【Nest】, then spreading from the Star Abyss. We also discovered time dilation effects within the Star Abyss—suggesting it may be an infection extending from another dimension into our world…"

"We also discovered the Descent Sect's secret base in the Crimson World, where they kidnapped psychic survivors and used parasitic technology to turn them into clones, mass-deploying them as biological computing units for experiments. This same technology also generated a type of humanoid anomaly with partial controllable thought—something Chairman Zhou and everyone here should be familiar with. Currently, all organizations and survivors refer to it as…"

"Red Anomaly."

The temperature in the hall seemed to drop several degrees. Zhou Mingyuan took a quiet sip of tea; the cup's base tapped the table with a crisp "ding."

…

"Wow, they say politicians lie without blushing—but this is next level." In the Dragon-class transport ship, Kiki stared at Zhou Mingyuan's face, amazed.

"Strange…" Lin Xian frowned.

"What's strange?" Kiki asked.

"No. 2 City stayed in Luling Forest for so long—how could the outside world not know?" Lin Xian looked meaningfully at the middle-aged man on screen. "How did Wen Dong know we brought ten thousand people out?"

"Oh right." Kiki nodded. "No. 2 City wasn't pulled into the Star Abyss."

Lin Xian also frowned. He'd sensed from Wangyue Shingo's words that he wasn't aiming for friendly talks with Dawn City.

Cloud District, reception hall.

"After destroying that secret evil lab, we obtained extremely detailed research data," Wangyue Shingo continued calmly, hands tucked in his sleeves. "Analyzing these materials, I believe the former Crimson Pharma Group—now a human-antagonistic organization—is conducting consciousness parasitism research, transferring life carriers onto zombies, humanoid anomalies, and even anomalies themselves. They're using this technology to treat survivors as disposable biological material to achieve their goals."

Thud!

Zhou Mingyuan slammed his palm on the table, voice cold. "Utterly inhuman!"

"We're well aware of Crimson World's kidnappings of psychics—bandits from the northern Xidi Desert, southern forest marauders attacking survivors everywhere. Large numbers of people vanish. Even within Dawn City, Red Anomaly raids targeting psychics occur frequently. We've deployed the Seraphim Psychic Unit and the Chi Xiao Strike Team, coordinating with major survivor groups for a thorough investigation. We confirmed all these are linked to the Descent Sect. But we never imagined their kidnappings were for such cruel experiments!"

"Indeed cruel," Qiansu Xun spoke up. "But we've already destroyed that research facility."

"Oh? Any discoveries?" Zhou Mingyuan asked eagerly. "If we can capture their key figures, trace their funding, or map their labs, we can eradicate them swiftly and resolve this human catastrophe of the Collapse!"

"Unfortunately, we found nothing."

Wangyue Shingo said calmly. "Only some research data, none of which show meaningful progress."

"Ah, too clever," Wen Dong sighed in disappointment.

Zhou Mingyuan's gaze sharpened. "But we suspect Crimson World may be collaborating with high-ranking officials in some of our organizations!"

"Oh~"

Wangyue Shingo looked at him with interest. "Have you uncovered anything specific, Vice Chairman?"

Zhou Mingyuan shook his head. "Still under investigation. But given how Crimson World maintains its operations, it must have massive resource backing—not just what survivor groups can provide. So it's highly likely they have official support."

"The Phoenix Society?" Qiansu Xun asked immediately.

Zhou Mingyuan waved his hand. "We're only speculating based on our findings. No solid proof yet. But such vast resources, deployed globally, cannot be sustained by ordinary organizations. Even within Dawn City, there may be ties. This isn't alarmism—we're already struggling against the Dark. We must be even more cautious with the Descent Sect."

Lin Xian watched the hologram and let out a cold laugh. Zhou Mingyuan was a true fox—he used Dawn City as cover but clearly pointed at the Phoenix Society. If Lin Xian hadn't known Wen Dong was the one colluding with Crimson World, anyone else would've been fooled by this man's righteous rhetoric.

In the reception hall, Wangyue Shingo smiled slightly, then turned the conversation directly to Zhou Mingyuan.

"We're deeply honored by Dawn City's concern. With anomalies roaming at night, you personally braved the dark to come here—truly admirable. How can Silent City assist?"

"The preliminary briefing already stated our intent," Zhou Mingyuan said bluntly. "We urgently need Silent City's cooperation to build Dragon-class, Ray-class, and Stellar-class starships. This concerns the survival of millions. Can you provide such production capacity?"

He glanced at Wen Dong, who immediately added: "Dawn City, Linglong Group, and Finger Group have fully implemented modular cooperation. In Jinhai and Dawn City, we have sixteen starship docks: one 500, 00-ton, three 300, 00-ton, and twelve 100, 00-ton berths—all operating at full capacity. In Zhongche Group's production halls, a 'Celestial Level' interstellar train is under construction. It was originally conceived and designed by Starlight Heavy Industry and Finger Group as a spaceborne carrier for the Orbital Ring, meant to transport supplies to the Wangyue Ring. Now we plan to complete it as the key transport solution for starships to break through the Celestial Veil…"

"I've heard of it—the original Orbital Train concept," Wangyue Shingo said to Jian Xuwēi.

"Yes," Jian Xuwēi, head of Finger Group, finally spoke. Her gaze swept over Zhou Mingyuan and Wen Dong. "The original Orbital Ring was designed above the Karman Line as an interstellar transport system. But due to technological and cost constraints, it was later split into the current Orbital Ring, Elevator Ascent, and Space Elevator structures."

"A bold vision back then," Zhou Mingyuan said calmly, tapping the table. "An orbital ring around Blue Star could boost humanity's space transport capacity from hundreds of tons to tens of thousands—orders of magnitude higher than the Space Elevator. If built, the Wangyue Ring's completion could be accelerated by at least ten years." Wangyue Shingo ignored this, turning instead to Jian Xuwēi. "I'm curious—why did you choose to partner with Dawn City? I recall the Silver Star was allied with the Phoenix Society."

At these words, Wen Dong's expression changed instantly. Zhou Mingyuan only smiled warmly at Jian Xuwēi. "Finger Group sees great promise in Dawn City's Far Star Plan. In this crisis of human survival, all ideologies are merely means to endure. We're all on the same boat. Who we cooperate with, how we cooperate—it's all the same, isn't it? Right, Xuwēi?"

He smiled at Jian Xuwēi—but Qiansu Xun and the others felt no warmth in it. Instead, they sensed invisible pressure: as if that smile could twist into a monstrous, ravenous demon, ready to swallow them whole if they strayed even slightly.

Wen Dong also stared at Jian Xuwēi with a probing gaze. As all eyes focused on her, a black mechanical spider slipped silently from his sleeve, crawled through his fingers, and vanished beneath the teacup.

Yet Jian Xuwēi remained calm. She looked at Wangyue Shingo. "In the Collapse, cooperation is about survival. Dawn City's Far Star Plan and research into the Dark are advancing rapidly. We must unite and strengthen each other. Silent City has immense production capacity—it's best not to sever ties."

After Jian Xuwēi finished, Wangyue Shingo raised an eyebrow and looked at Zhou Mingyuan, who still wore his gentle smile.

Zhou Mingyuan spoke solemnly: "Mr. Wangyue, Silent City possesses immense production and computational power. In information and mechanical engineering, you hold unparalleled authority in this world. For the Celestial Level project, breaking through the Celestial Veil, resisting the Dark—we hope Silent City will join forces with Dawn City. This is not about politics or profit. It's purely for humanity's survival!"

"Makes sense," Wangyue Shingo replied flatly. "Silent City will approach Jinhai tomorrow. We can proceed with negotiations on cooperation."

"Excellent!" Zhou Mingyuan stood immediately, shook Wangyue Shingo's hand, and said warmly: "Welcome. I'll arrange Garrison Command to escort you safely into the city."

The talks ended. Zhou Mingyuan declined Wangyue Shingo's dinner invitation and prepared to leave without delay.

Wangyue Shingo made no effort to detain him, smiling as he accompanied them out.

Soon, the group reached the Cloud District's flight deck, where Dawn City's transport ship was berthed. Zhou Mingyuan and his two companions quickly moved toward the armed transport.

"Oh, by the way."

Suddenly, Wangyue Shingo called from behind. "I forgot to mention one important matter to Vice Chairman Zhou."

Zhou Mingyuan stopped and turned. "What is it?"

Wangyue Shingo clasped his hands behind his back. "Inside the Crimson World's secret research base in the Star Abyss, we captured a key individual. He supervised the lab's main control room and was the only living person inside. According to him, Crimson World may be colluding with a high-ranking official in Dawn City."

Zhou Mingyuan frowned. "Who?"

"Right beside you."

At that moment, a clear voice came from behind Wangyue Shingo. All turned to see a young man in powered armor stepping calmly from another corridor.

Wangyue Shingo didn't turn, smiling. "Let me introduce you. This is the captain of the Infinite Train—the one who destroyed Crimson World's lab in Baicheng, seized its core data, and helped Silent City escape the Star Abyss… our partner."

"Vice Chairman Zhou, hello," Lin Xian said calmly.

Zhou Mingyuan and Wen Dong both froze, staring at Lin Xian. Jian Xuwēi stood behind the crowd, watching silently.

"What did you mean just now?" Zhou Mingyuan asked Lin Xian, his gaze neither confused nor surprised—only direct.

"Don't you get it? He said the person colluding with Crimson World is standing right beside you."

Kiki stepped out from behind Lin Xian, smiling sweetly at Wen Dong.

Wen Dong's eyes widened in shock, his pupils contracting as if unable to believe what he saw.

"Wen Qi?!"

"I'm Zhao, not Wen," Kiki crossed her arms. "Your Wen family's sunk so low you're partnering with Crimson World? Don't drag me into this."

Hearing this, Wen Dong glared at Wangyue Shingo. "Mr. Wangyue, what's your meaning?"

Zhou Mingyuan fixed his gaze on Lin Xian, waiting silently.

Lin Xian pulled out a recorder and pressed play. Immediately, Zhou Lei's voice echoed.

"I was locked in a metal cage. Before boarding the transport ship, I saw another transport unload a group. One of them was Wen Dong, former CEO of Jinhai City Investment. I'd recognize him even if I saw his ashes. Wen Dong is from the Wen family, second-in-command of Linglong Group. Everyone knows Linglong Group now supports Dawn City—and Wen Hui became a new Federation councilor. So if Wen Dong shows up in Crimson World's territory, it's obvious they're colluding!"

"Nonsense!"

Wen Dong's face darkened. He glared at Lin Xian. "You use a single recording to accuse a senior Federation councilor? How old are you? Have you watched too many cartoons?"

"The man was captured from the Crimson World lab. The accusation came from him—not us," Lin Xian smiled at Wen Dong. "No need to get so tense…"

Wen Dong fell silent. He glanced at Zhou Mingyuan, then calmed himself and turned to Wangyue Shingo. "Then tell me—who is this person? When and where did he claim to see me with Crimson World? There must be specifics."

"No." Lin Xian shook his head seriously. "He couldn't say anything. We strongly suspect it's fake."

"Then why are you talking nonsense?!" Wen Dong flew into a rage.

"Didn't Chairman Zhou want to understand the details? We're just bringing them up for discussion." Lin Xian's gaze swept across Jian Xuwei's face, then turned to Zhou Mingyuan: "Isn't this to show our sincerity in cooperation? By the way, Mr. Mochi didn't introduce my name—how do you know I'm surnamed Lin?"

"You!" Wen Dong's pupils shrank; seeing the smile on Lin Xian's face, he instantly realized something and fell silent, ignoring him entirely.

Zhou Mingyuan's eyes darkened slightly as he scanned both Wangyue Zhenji and Lin Xian, then said nothing, turning on his heel and walking straight toward the transport ship.

The group boarded the transport ship, which slowly rose into the air, cutting through the wind and departing.

"Lin Xian, choosing to cooperate with Dawn City will make your path easier."

Jian Xuwei glanced at Lin Xian and the others, then turned and walked after them.

…

"Their attitude clearly means they want to oppose us!"

On the transport ship, Wen Dong's face was flushed with anger, his eyes flickering constantly.

"I never intended to cooperate with them." Zhou Mingyuan held a mobile terminal displaying information on Lin Xian and the crew of the Infinite. His expression was calm as he spoke to Wen Dong: "What's this Wen Qi about?"

"My brother picked up some illegitimate daughter from somewhere," Wen Dong said, eyes closed, voice low.

"The Federation database still lists her as first in line for your family's inheritance." Zhou Mingyuan tossed the terminal onto the table. "A psychokinetic. Impressive. In the Seraphim's evaluations, psychokinetic and mental abilities are both rated Super-S. Only a handful have ever appeared—they're extremely rare. Too bad Julius didn't catch this group."

"They've acquired the Dark Eros cells and the full data set—could they hand them over to the Phoenix Society?" Wen Dong asked.

Zhou Mingyuan shook his head and leaned back in his seat. "It doesn't matter anymore. The Phoenix Society can't change anything. We just need to prepare ourselves."

With that, he lifted his gaze slightly. "Go check on Jian Xuwei."

Wen Dong nodded, but halfway to the door, said grimly: "Given Silent City's hardline stance, could it also be tied to the Phoenix Society? If we'd known this, we never should've brought this woman along just for show."

"We still need to maintain appearances."

Zhou Mingyuan said seriously: "Silent City has over a hundred thousand residents, hundreds of cooperating organizations, and a tightly woven network of relationships. If Wangyue Zhenji cooperates, we'll have fewer troubles. But now it seems we'll have to take Silent City ourselves."

Wen Dong's eyes flickered. He turned and stepped out, entering the outer compartment, where two soldiers armed with pulse rifles stood guard. He peered through the porthole at Jian Xuwei, sitting alone inside, then said to the guards:

"Don't let her out until we reach Dawn City."

"Understood," the guards replied.

…

(End of Chapter)