Chapter 376: Train Loading Factory

The night wind howled bleakly; chaos erupted across Dawn City, every corner radiating unease and fury.

The city defense guard battalion and night patrol unit had nearly emptied their ranks; at the three main entrances to the city walls, severe blockages and riots had broken out—large convoys fled outward, while small groups seeking survival supplies and shelter slipped inward, their alarms piercing the night sky.

On the suburban streets, iron barricade belts were overwhelmed by billions of zombies surging like a tidal wave.

Beyond the iron barricades, Dawn City had three defensive lines: Wall One, Wall Two, and the Starport Defense Base; the underground city, located beneath the Twin Stars Tower's Starport, was currently the safest refuge.

At the summit of the Twin Stars Tower, the vast observation deck stood empty, its lighting dim, the high-quality panoramic windows seemingly sealing out even the sound of wind.

Ye Lan stood before the window, watching the dense streams of vehicle lights flicker across the inner and outer districts; though distant, the clamor of chaos felt unnervingly close.

"The last time I left this city, it was just like this—humans never learn. They always forget that destruction begins from within."

Ye Lan's voice was utterly calm, like a detached observer recounting a tale.

Chu Zhaonan stood near another window, listening intently, then replied:

"Because most people don't know destruction is inevitable—like a book already written; no matter how many times you read it, how many insights you gain, the ending never changes."

Ye Lan said: "In three months, our understanding of Star Abyss has made great strides—we've found a breakthrough in blocking its intrusion. Has your stance changed at all?"

Chu Zhaonan: "The day the Federation collapsed, I already said: between us, there are no moral or political differences—only different methods of survival. We both know humanity has deployed every scrap of technology and weaponry in this catastrophe, yet fundamentally, we still don't know what we're facing—high-dimensional life? Overlapping multiverses? Dark World disaster? All guesses. Do you understand what it means when a civilization exhausts all its power yet loses 99% of its population in an instant?"

He looked to the sky and said calmly: "With human strength, we can't even eliminate 99% of a single insect species in nature. From that perspective, you, Professor Ye, should have more authority on this than I do."

Ye Lan paused several seconds, gazing down at the magnificent night city: "So you publicly push the underground city project, secretly develop Eternal-Level cryogenic stasis pods, form the Curtain-Breaking Plan, let Zhou Mingyuan manipulate politics, fabricate illusions of hope—all for this moment?"

Chu Zhaonan's gaze sharpened: "The essence of the Thought Stamp is to keep humanity hopeful in a war already lost." He turned to Ye Lan: "But hope—that is the true chain."

Inside the room, silence reigned. Two figures stood side by side, yet the words echoed like a temple bell.

"I respect your reason, Chairman Chu."

Ye Lan continued: "I came here to remind you—you already knew the outcome of this meeting. Because we communicate, we understand each other. We've known each other for twenty-six years; the deeper the understanding, the less the outcome deviates. But the problem is: between humanity and darkness, no such communication exists."

"I know."

Chu Zhaonan's gaze flickered slightly: "So for humanity, in this inevitably lost war, the Vanguard Plan is our fastest possible response. Professor Ye—no, Commander Ye—you and I both know Phoenix Society and Dawn City are fundamentally the same: both gambling. The difference is, I'm more objective; you're more idealistic. Since you know the outcome won't change, why risk coming to Dawn City? Do you have advice for me?"

Ye Lan: "No."

Chu Zhaonan: "Star Abyss expansion?"

Ye Lan: "Uncontrollable. Humanity can't even control itself—otherwise, Dawn City and the Crimson World wouldn't exist."

Chu Zhaonan: "Existence is justification. The sole law of cosmic survival: abandon old morality, survive by any means. Whether you're the Descent Faction or the Salvation Faction, so-called faith is merely an individual's self-imposed moral restraint to seek survival. I've considered it—if humanity perishes entirely, and the Crimson World survives in its unique form, who's to say that isn't a continuation of human civilization?"

Ye Lan: "It surprises me you can think this way."

"Surprising?" Chu Zhaonan said flatly: "Wasn't that the original purpose of Phoenix Society seventy-six years ago? You shouldn't be surprised by this."

"What about Chu Jing?"

Ye Lan looked at him: "In your eyes, is he morality or method?"

Chu Zhaonan's gaze hardened, his voice low:

"He's a clever boy. Since taking over the Curtain-Breaking Plan, he's known clearly—he stands on humanity's side, not as my son."

Ye Lan nodded, softly saying: "Good."

"So what is Phoenix Society's purpose here?" Chu Zhaonan, hands behind his back, turned to face Ye Lan.

She turned back, vanishing into shadow; the neon glow of the night city swept across Ye Lan's still, water-like face as she spoke to Chu Zhaonan:

"To clean up the wreckage."

With that, she stepped away, her tall, slender figure swiftly disappearing into the shadows of the observation hall.

…

Jinhai.

For safety reasons, the Silent City landed slowly on an open patch of land in the city's western suburbs; its massive jet exhausts blasted a shock zone across twenty kilometers of dead earth.

Inside the Cloud District's main bridge, voices rose in discussion.

The Crimson World launched no attacks tonight—neither unexpected nor surprising to Lin Xian, yet deeply contradictory.

In his view, their ability to restrain the Crimson World stemmed from Dawn City's hesitation. But from current conditions and Jian Xuwēi's communications, Dawn City had split into two factions: Zhou Mingyuan, as expected, dared not act against the Silent City, even advocated protection and peace—to quell internal riots and reduce threats to the Federation's rule.

Yet the mass evacuation from Jinhai Starport was inexplicable. Lin Xian couldn't fathom it; no one else could either.

"As I understand, since Dawn City became the End-Time Capital, Chu Zhaonan has never managed civil affairs or governance. All his energy went into the Farstar Project. Aside from the Farstar Fleet, engineering and R&D, Lu Tianye's Dawn City Garrison, and underground defenses, all other authority rests with Zhou Mingyuan. So I don't know if Chu Zhaonan has collaborated with the Crimson World—but one thing is certain…"

"Chu Zhaonan knows." Lin Xian, watching Jian Xuwēi on screen, replied.

Jian Xuwēi nodded: "So I deduce: Phoenix Society's arrival, combined with your exposure of Dawn City's collusion with the Crimson World, triggered the Federation's red line. That's why they're acting so massively—it means Dawn City will make a major move soon."

Hearing this, everyone's expressions grew tense. Lin Xian frowned, sighing: "Phoenix Society… looks like we've got good luck."

Kiki glanced at him helplessly: "You think Dawn City's giving up?"

"It's very possible!" Shi Di shouted. "Why else would Dawn City abandon its own industrial base so casually?"

"It's not that they're abandoning it," Xiang Ningjing said now. "So far, they're just transferring resources, completed starships, and vehicles. Except for the orbital train factory, which Jian Miss seized by force, the Starport still has guards stationed."

"It's practically running away," Qian Dele crossed his arms. "This move has us completely confused—we were ready for a big fight, now we don't even know what to do."

Mo Nika said: "Does this mean Dawn City and the Crimson World don't consider us important?"

"It seems that way," Chen Sixuan also frowned.

Mochi Shinji stood at a distance, speaking clearly: "I think if neither Dawn City nor the Crimson World are paying attention to us, it's not a bad thing, is it?"

Everyone turned to look at Lin Xian.

Lin Xian nodded, agreeing: "You're right. With Dawn City in chaos and Phoenix Society arriving now, they're bound to be on high alert. As for the Crimson World—eh, whatever. They'll attack eventually anyway. The sky won't fall on us yet. Since we're in Jinhai, let's…"

He turned to Jian Xuwēi: "Can we use your factory to refurbish our train?"

On the control tower, Jian Xuwēi looked out the window at the vast magnetic levitation docking zone and said to Lin Xian:

"Actually, I have a better plan—but it requires the Silent City's assistance."

"Let me guess—it's that Sky-Class one?" Wang Yue Zhenji said with interest.

"And other things."

Jian Xuwēi's expression turned grave: "It'll blow your minds."

Boom!

The Silent City landed; zombie hordes surged from all sides, strange entities pouring from the night—but over a hundred electromagnetic railguns and thousands of self-defense pulse weapons along the Silent City's main deck fired in relentless cycles like a star-destroying warship. The firepower alone eliminated the hordes and scattered low-tier entities without needing armed personnel.

In the lower deck's docking area, crowds surged. The Unified Train Team, after two days of rest, resumed activity. Many personnel had changed: two train convoys, plus the Windwalkers and the Akesai Brotherhood who had followed since Akesai, had merged into the Silent City. They'd sold all their vehicles to other convoys in exchange for resources.

For Lin Xian and Shi Di, the Silent City's next target was to dock at Yongcheng Port for Farstar voyage upgrades—forcing them to restart their journey and enter the orbital ring for escape.

As for those who chose to leave from the two train convoys and other groups, Lin Xian fully understood.

Many were exhausted and hopeless; a safe mobile city stood before them, and they no longer wished to flee. Many Silent City residents were staunch Digital Life advocates, giving them a subtle but distinct perception of crisis and death compared to others—understandable.

Hssss—oooh~

The massive docking deck slowly opened; below, a zombie horde filled Jinhai's freight backup rail segment—they could directly merge onto it and enter the industrial train factory, then proceed straight into the orbital ring.

Lin Xian led the Infinite's crew back aboard the Infinite. Engines ignited, lights blazed, every carriage crew stood ready. Children, under Li Yi's care, had safely returned to their compartments. In the cockpit, Chen Sixuan's gaze was complex: "Past Jinhai and Yongcheng Port lies the Pacific. This should be our final train refurbishment stop."

Lin Xian nodded: "Don't forget—if this is the Crimson World's stronghold, refurbishment won't be easy. But…"

He turned to Chen Sixuan: "At least for now, the Silent City is a big tree we can lean on."

Chen Sixuan met his gaze: "If the Silent City heads east, have you ever seriously considered joining it?"

"Of course."

Lin Xian smiled: "I'm not stupid. The firepower's strong, the team's large, my mechanical ability lets me coast—why wouldn't I consider it?" "Liar. You wouldn't," Chen Sixuan smirked lightly.

"Why not?"

"Because even if you built another Silent City, it wouldn't ease your sense of crisis. You and Wang Yue Zhenji think the same way—fly beyond Blue Planet, don't you?"

Lin Xian sighed helplessly: "I don't want to be overly anxious, but this temperament is innate—I can't change it."

"Then how did you plan the orbital train project to launch into the sky during your first Polar Night?" Chen Sixuan looked at him. "You know: only by running do you have a chance."

Lin Xian's gaze sharpened slightly, and he nodded.

He pushed the throttle lever, activating the train, then pressed his comm:

"We'll set up the orbital train factory's defense line first, then notify you."

"OK, no problem."

Wang Yue Zhenji's calm voice came through: "I've sent Xun and others to investigate Jinhai Starport. We'll meet again soon—Dawn City and Phoenix Society will have news soon."

"I hope it's good news."

The Infinite's Long Dragon-class electric locomotive pulled the following carriages, winding like a dragon out of the massive rail platform, then hurtling down the loading ramp. Behind the Unified Train, Hu Lushou stood tense in the cockpit of a salvaged end-time train, praying fervently.

"Heaven protect me, heaven protect me—let me have chosen the right side this time!"

"You have nowhere else to go," Sun Chang cut in coldly. "Wang Yue Zhenji dislikes you, and you're terrified of falling behind the Unified Train like in Akesai. This is your only option."

Hu Lushou scowled, shot her a disgruntled look, then muttered:

"True enough…"

"Then let heaven protect us—let nothing happen on this journey with Team Lin, let every city we reach be safe and smooth, and let us earn plenty of supplies~"

Sun Chang stared at him in surprise, wanting to say something—but swallowed the words.

Fine. She hoped for smooth sailing too.

Swish-swish~

Leading the way: the Infinite, followed by Queen Mo, Joker, Longshan No. , and sixteen other trains. The horizon gate clamped tightly onto the rails and plunged down from the Silent City. Under the train lights, a grotesque, rotting horde surged toward them.

The Unified Train crashed in with violent force, instantly spraying a rain of severed limbs and blood. Countless zombies were crushed under iron wheels; sparks flew along the freight rail loading line.

Ahead of the Infinite, dozens of flying drones flew alongside, clearing zombies ahead and preemptively switching rail junctions to guide the Unified Train onto the correct track.

At weapon stations, three 1130s and three G3 electromagnetic railguns had fully risen, firing furiously. This colossal steel dragon roared into Jinhai, charging through dense zombie hordes—metal storm and electromagnetic cannons shattered the night's silence.

Squeak—squeak~

Not just the train tracks, but many end-time train carriages now emitted unsettling noises—likely lingering damage from the Star Abyss leap. Longshan No. 's issues were especially severe; after careful consideration and due to time constraints, Shi Di had only upgraded a small portion of the critical carriages.

"Hold tight! All cars, watch for changes in the Dark Markers—be ready to lock on and eliminate them!"

"Understood!"

"Jian Xuxi says there are other survivor convoys stationed in the industrial zone, and plenty of armed guards at Xinggang—we need to be careful."

Shi Di's voice came through: "These armed guards may not be stronger than the Weird Entities, but they're still a serious threat to us."

Lin Xian replied in agreement: "Good. She's already sent us the defense layout of the loading factory. Once we arrive, we'll move quickly to seize key defensive positions and outposts according to our prearranged roles—Jian Xuxi's drones will provide cover."

Watching countless corpses shattered and flung aside by the icebreaker shield of the Heavy Gas Turbine Train 03e, Lin Xian controlled the train's speed while keeping watch with Chen Sixuan.

In the past, Lin Xian would have had Grace assist with train control—she could simultaneously manage the radar and drones—but now that AI had been shut down; in this sea of corpses, manual operation was the only option.

Ugh! Ugh!

Inside other cars, team members gripped their weapons, staring at the horrifying zombie faces illuminated by sweeping lights outside the armored windows—calm, serious, unshaken.

Since emerging from Star Abyss Five, their strength had evolved significantly, and their stress tolerance had improved further. The zombie horde posed little threat beyond derailing the convoy; what they truly feared was the chain reaction triggered by Weird Entities activating Dark Markers.

Yet as the convoy surged through the vast zombie tide, no Weird Entity attacked—even as they reached the armored wall surrounding the loading factory, the Spirit-Dampening Meter never lit up.

Everything tonight had gone smoother than expected, leaving many stunned.

Minutes later, the convoy entered the industrial zone's defensive line via the freight track. Sharp yellow lights flashed along the armored wall as massive metal gates slowly opened to let them in.

Due to limited space inside the loading factory, Lin Xian had pre-detached all trains; after charging in, automatic switches routed each one onto separate tracks.

Once inside, Lin Xian noticed bodies of armed personnel clad in powered armor scattered across the platform. As the Wuxian had just stopped, he immediately dispatched Da Lou, Liang Lei's two assault teams, and Shu Qin's mobile unit to secure the factory's defense zone and establish a perimeter. As other trains pulled in, more armored team members were sent out to reinforce the lines.

At that moment, a group emerged from within the factory, holding firearms. Lin Xian's gaze fell on them—they appeared mostly to be engineers and technicians. A woman in powered armor led them, her helmet retracted, long hair falling free. Jian Xuxi hurried toward Lin Xian, her eyes sweeping over the Wuxian's dense weaponry and heavy armor, then spoke first.

"Long time no see. You must've had it rough on this journey."

Lin Xian's expression shifted as he saw this.

"Where are your people?"

"Most are in Shuguang City," Jian Xuxi said.

At that moment, Shi Di, Ningjing, Qian Dele, and Mo Nika all approached.

"Commander Shi, long time no see!" Shi Di boomed.

At Yubei Airport, Longshan No. 1 and the Yin Xing had fought side by side—they had shared life-or-death missions and still had mutual trust.

"Commander Shi," Jian Xuxi turned to Mo Nika, frowning slightly.

"Mo Nika?"

"You know each other?" Lin Xian asked.

"The eldest princess of the Cardia family—how could I not know her?" Jian Xuxi said.

Mo Nika smiled, her gaze sweeping over Jian Xuxi: "Miss Jian, you're too kind. I can't compare to you—you're the head of a conglomerate; I'm just the captain of a stranded convoy."

"It's the end of the world—what's left of conglomerates?" Jian Xuxi said flatly, then glanced at Lin Xian: "Since you're with Team Leader Lin, can I assume we're allies?"

"An honor," Mo Nika replied.

Lin Xian sensed tension between these two women—something sharp, something personal.

But he had no time for old grudges now. Jian Xuxi herself had said: the world had ended. None of it mattered anymore.

"What's the situation in Shuguang City?" Lin Xian asked.

Jian Xuxi turned immediately: "Time is short. Shuguang City or the Crimson World could strike at any moment. No more talk—follow me."

Lin Xian made arrangements, leaving Chen Sixuan and Kiki beside him. The group hurried after Jian Xuxi into the factory's interior.

Passing through the parking and loading zone, heavy rain poured down. Soon, a vast mechanized steel factory loomed under the night sky.

Jian Xuxi then led Lin Xian's group into an elevator car resembling a train carriage, descending rapidly at a steep angle underground.

After descending hundreds of meters, the high-speed car slowed and stopped. Lin Xian frowned—he'd expected to see the Celestial-Class Train first. Why had Jian Xuxi brought them underground?

Just as he opened his mouth to ask, the car doors suddenly slid open, revealing a massive underground facility.

Instantly, everyone's eyes widened.

For when they looked up, a colossal mech stood towering before them!

Compared to the Unit-01 from Xilan City, this mech wasn't particularly large—only about fifty meters tall. But strangely, this wasn't a true mech at all: Lin Xian saw biological tissue on many parts of its body. The giant humanoid's skin was gray-brown, dry and rigid. The air reeked of decay mixed with strong disinfectant. This was a giant humanoid Weird Entity!

The mechanical components were merely armor worn over the creature.

"Isn't this the humanoid Weird Entity we encountered in the Star Abyss?!"

"Is it dead or alive?"

"Strictly speaking, it's dead," Jian Xuxi said grimly.

Everyone paled. Lin Xian's face darkened as he said sharply:

"Don't tell me this is what the Crimson World created… Flesh Zhizhuang?!"

(End of Chapter)