Chapter 377: Fenge Group (Request End-of-Month Votes!)

Lin Xian found it hard to find words to describe the shock in his heart.

If the Red Menace he encountered in the Star Abyss could be understood as a human mutation fused with an implant, this one before him had completely surpassed human comprehension.

"You're right—this is indeed a secret manufacturing facility of the Deep Crimson World."

Jian Xuwei looked at Lin Xian: "This was originally the heavy mecha and aerospace carrier assembly bay, classified top secret, used exclusively for wartime production. I only learned of this place after taking control of the factory's main command center."

"So this is also an abandoned construction site?" Chen Sixuan asked.

Jian Xuwei said: "I don't know. The Deep Crimson World operates with extreme secrecy, but such highly classified facilities can only be provided by an organization of the Federation's caliber."

"Damn, what the hell are they trying to do?"

Lin Xian looked up at the massive grotesque implant. Unlike the Unit-01—Pangu he had seen in the Emperor Project, which radiated the peak of human industrial machinery and weight, this flesh-based implant exuded an uncanny, demonic aura. The overpowering smell of disinfectant made him feel as if he were standing inside a tank of formaldehyde-preserved alien specimens, sending chills down his spine.

"Kiki, let's go take a closer look."

"Alright!"

Without hesitation, Kiki lifted Lin Xian upward, flying to the top of the grotesque implant.

Lin Xian's gaze fell upon it—it stood in the shadows of the hangar like an ancient god forcibly dragged into the human world. Its head was fused with armored plating; at the back of its skull, a massive brain-machine interface module was embedded. Two giant biological suppression devices pierced its spine like twin blades, connected by countless fluid tubes filled with yellow-brown liquid, the source of the putrid stench.

Its neck and joints were bound in dark red restraints. The metal armor, etched with warning symbols, was not meant to protect the grotesque body—it was designed to contain the suppression modules and restraints.

Lin Xian stared at the monster's head. Through the eye armor, he saw its compound eyes—grayish-black, hardened, clearly dead. Yet the instant he looked, a surge of dark intrusion flashed through his mind, as if a freezing wind had slammed into him and Kiki. Slowly, he lowered his hand from his eyes. His gaze sharpened. Was it an illusion? He saw the monster's eyes flicker green. Its jaw armor parted, its fangs slowly unfolding, its spine emitting a series of clicking, twisting sounds!

In the next instant, everything returned to normal. Nothing had happened.

The entire grotesque body, covered in mechanical implants, was held upright only by fixed factory supports and hydraulic systems. Lin Xian pulled out his Ripple Value detector—it showed no dark signature, not even a trace of Ripple Value. The grotesque body was completely dead.

"Kiki."

Lin Xian pointed at a computer on the control panel and signaled to Kiki.

Kiki nodded and flew over immediately, while Lin Xian activated his mechanical scan to examine the restraints and suppression modules on the implant.

Below, Chen Sixuan watched Lin Xian scanning and turned to Jian Xuwei.

"They built something this huge underground—and nobody above knew?"

Jian Xuwei shook her head: "There are secret transport tunnels below, connecting not just to Xinggang but also to several military airfields and bases. The Deep Crimson World prefers underground operations, and now, under the apocalypse, no one can track their movements."

"No." Qian Dele frowned, looking up at the giant implant: "Is this thing meant to be a weapon? Are they trying to control grotesque bodies?"

"This scale is at least Class-A grotesque body level," Xiang Ningjing said to Mo Nika: "We encountered one like this when we evacuated Baicheng—remember? Standing on top of a skyscraper?"

"Of course I remember. That thing was a nightmare without heavy firepower," Mo Nika crossed her arms, puzzled. "From what we've seen of Deep Crimson World's test subjects and Red Menaces, their goal seems to be transferring self-awareness into these biological forms. But clones and human-mutants are still human—can this grotesque body even be controlled the same way?"

"Very likely," Shi Di nodded.

"Isn't that exactly their goal? But if grotesque bodies were this easy to control, wouldn't humanity already be extinct?"

"So this is just a corpse."

At that moment, Lin Xian and Kiki descended from above, their expressions complex.

"Checked it. The fungal brain-machine interfaces and biological suppressors use the same tech as the Red Menaces—but this one looks more like a prototype."

"What kind of experiment?"

"I don't know," Kiki said, operating her mobile terminal. "All logs were erased three days ago, but this thing's been here a long time."

"Three days ago?"

Chen Sixuan frowned: "Then this has nothing to do with our arrival in Jinhai."

Lin Xian nodded: "Right. It's just an abandoned device."

"Useful?" Kiki looked at Lin Xian, eyes hopeful: "Can we activate it? Use it as a giant mecha?"

"No."

Lin Xian pointed at the implant's chest: "It's not designed like a mecha. Aside from the suppression modules and restraints, it's just armor. Those plates were clearly meant for mobility tests—there's no propulsion system beyond minimal power units."

"No propulsion system…" Qian Dele scoffed, incredulous: "So this thing needs a living grotesque body to move? The implant's just a saddle and a bridle?"

"Theoretically, yes."

"Then what's the point?" Shi Di looked baffled.

Lin Xian said: "If the Red Menace model works, it's essentially humans controlling the grotesque body's consciousness and movement. In that case, strength and agility would far exceed even the Emperor Project's super-heavy mechas."

"And no risk of dark intrusion," Jian Xuwei added.

"Exactly."

"Son of a bitch," Shi Di's eyes widened as he understood: "These bastards have big ambitions."

"I'm only speculating, but it's definitely not that simple," Lin Xian said, his expression grave. "First, killing a Class-A grotesque body is already extremely difficult—how do you capture one alive? Second, digital life tech can theoretically be applied to clones, replicants, even human-mutants—Ding Jun knows that best—but grotesque bodies aren't human."

"So they're researching fungal tech," Kiki said. "Lin Xian, you forgot—they're trying to upload consciousness through fungal threads, achieving true transfer, not replication."

Lin Xian nodded: "Right. I forgot about that."

He looked at the experimental implant, sighing: "Let Ding Jun and Wang Yue Zhenji's team study it first. These Deep Crimson people really want to become gods."

"When I investigated Red Menaces in Shuguang City, I noticed this too—but the current situation has surpassed my expectations," Jian Xuwei said.

"Strange."

Kiki frowned: "We were told Jinhai was the Deep Crimson World's stronghold. So are they gone?"

"That's my second point."

Jian Xuwei spoke: "The Deep Crimson World isn't a fixed organization. Their personnel are few, but through AI, digital life, and Red Menaces, their productivity and operational capacity are immense—and extremely hidden. We've captured Red Menaces before, but they're useless—their brain-machine interfaces and storage self-destruct. We get nothing."

"Because they parasitize kidnapped psychics. Truly vile," Qian Dele said.

"In Shuguang City, there were frequent disappearances and Red Menace incidents—always targeting large organizations with powerful psychics. We watched for a long time and found these Red Menaces didn't come from outside the city."

"You mean Shuguang City colluded with the Deep Crimson World and let them in?" Lin Xian said, voice low.

"No."

Jian Xuwei looked at Lin Xian: "I suspect part of the Deep Crimson World is already inside Shuguang City."

"What?!"

"That's too brazen!"

Everyone's expressions turned shocked.

"They're so hidden, they know the city better than the Night Patrol. That's why I think this. And besides Red Menaces, there's no way to identify Deep Crimson operatives. Even if someone stood right in front of you, how would you know which side they're on?" Jian Xuwei said.

"That's definitely a problem."

Lin Xian looked at Jian Xuwei: "What's your plan?"

"Same as yours."

Jian Xuwei said: "Our people will gradually withdraw. Now that the Phoenix Society has arrived, the Nightwalkers will too. While Shuguang City and the Deep Crimson World are distracted, we prepare for evacuation."

As she spoke, she flipped her wrist. The armored unit opened, revealing a crimson Phoenix Token slowly rising.

"Believe me—the alliance between Shuguang City and the Deep Crimson World is far more complicated than you imagine."

"Crimson Phoenix Token?" Lin Xian looked at her: "You weren't sent by the Phoenix Society to investigate Shuguang City, were you?"

Jian Xuwei shook her head, serious: "No. I came to Jinhai for the Skyline Train. It was originally part of the Orbital Project—a test unit for orbital transport between Blue Star and the Moon Cycle. Fenge Group, Xinghua Heavy Industry, and Jinhai CRRC were all original builders—including..."

She glanced at Mo Nika, who smiled brightly, arms crossed, indifferent:

"The Cartia family is dead. No assets remain. Talk all you want—I don't care. But if Captain Lin takes the Skyline Train, can I have a seat? Mo Nika would be eternally grateful." Her voice was sultry. Lin Xian sighed helplessly: "Fine. If I take it, I'll reserve you a first-class cabin."

"Perfect," Mo Nika leaned in, whispering in Lin Xian's ear: "As thanks, you can 'consume' the Mo Queen anytime~" She emphasized the last two words, leaving them dripping with implication.

"Sounds good," Lin Xian's eyes lit up—his mechanical ability could upgrade again.

Jian Xuwei glanced coolly at Mo Nika, but the woman gave her a strange look. Jian Xuwei turned away, continuing:

"This unfinished project was forcibly seized by Shuguang City after the Day of Revelation as a post-apocalyptic initiative. The Silver Star, though Eternal-class, couldn't safely enter the Oceanic Orbit under these conditions, so I changed plans and prepared to head north. Then Zhou Mingyuan of the Federation used 'cooperation talks' as an excuse to seize my Silver Star and all Fenge Group assets in Jinhai and Shuguang. I had no choice but to temporarily cooperate with Shuguang City."

"I never expected they were using Fenge Group's resources to build the Skyline Train—and then I found out this project was proposed by Wen Hui of Linglong Group."

"Wait, wasn't Linglong Group supposed to have funded this train? You're saying you built it?" Kiki looked bewildered.

"Linglong Group is the Federation's main partner in the Underground City Project and controls major maritime trade. They're deeply allied with the Federation. Later, Zhou Mingyuan handed the Skyline Train project to Wen Dong. But after I received the construction plan, I realized—for the Federation, this was purely political propaganda. A star train carrying a million people? That requires at least a thousand standard Skyline carriages. These aren't ordinary cars—each carriage meets interstellar standards. With the Federation's current production capacity, it would take twenty years to build them all," Jian Xuwei said.

"But with this plan, Shuguang City moves one step closer to becoming humanity's light, right?" Lin Xian said flatly.

"Yes."

Lin Xian looked up at the massive grotesque implant, fanning away the thick disinfectant smell, frowning:

"So you're cooperating with the Federation while secretly investigating the Deep Crimson World?"

"I had no other choice," Jian Xuwei said, studying Lin Xian curiously. "But you—cooperating with Wang Yue Zhenji—how did you manage such a big move? You must have coordinated with the Phoenix Society's Tianzhen Fleet in advance."

Lin Xian chuckled bitterly: "We're just trying to survive. We had nothing to do with the Phoenix Society."

Jian Xuwei's expression changed: "You… weren't in contact with the Phoenix Society?"

"No," Chen Sixuan said. "When Jingjing City emerged from the Star Abyss, Zhou Mingyuan immediately targeted us. When you and Zhou Mingyuan and Wen Dong came to Jingjing City, we had no preparations at all."

Jian Xuwei looked at Lin Xian with complex eyes, paused, then said:

"That's strange. Such a coincidence?"

"It's possible," Shi Di said. "The Federation's alliance with the Deep Crimson World has already branded them as anti-human. I suspect they fear the Phoenix Society will overthrow them and seize control of Shuguang City. Now Jingjing City is on the left, the 83rd Iron Guard Brigade of Yongcheng Port on the right—in their eyes, this is a pincer movement surrounding them. So they're forced to consolidate all fleets and resources, or we'll take advantage."

"I think so too," Mo Nika stepped forward. "They're so tense now, they probably think this whole thing is a setup by the Phoenix Society's commander."

"That makes sense," Qian Dele nodded.

Jian Xuwei nodded: "Alright. That seems the only plausible explanation."

Lin Xian looked at Jian Xuwei, surprised. In Jingjing City, he and Wang Yue Zhenji had suspected she was sent by the Phoenix Society to seize the train factory. Though both sides carried Crimson Phoenix Tokens, neither had contacted the Phoenix Society beforehand. Now, with Shuguang City so panicked, Shi Di's theory seemed the most reasonable.

But Lin Xian disliked coincidences—especially now, facing the Federation and the Deep Crimson World, neither of which were the bumbling bandits of Akse. If something couldn't be explained, he trusted Shuguang City had other moves. Perhaps the Phoenix Society's arrival wasn't just about the Star Abyss's disturbance.

"I have a question," Chen Sixuan asked Jian Xuwei: "Shuguang City claims its drinking water purification has reached 95% against dark intrusion. Is that true?"

At this, everyone turned to Jian Xuwei.

"Yes," Jian Xuwei said directly.

"What?!" Kiki exclaimed in shock: "Is that real?"

Everyone looked stunned: the Phoenix Alliance had gathered the strength of tens of millions, yet even after prolonged battles by the European Storm Alliance, the North American United Front, and the Dawn Center, they had only reached 18%.

"Could this… be related to the Crimson World?" Xiang Ningjing asked at this moment.

To their surprise, Jian Xuxi shook her head and spoke calmly to the group.

"At first, I was curious too, because the Inner City and Underground City did have 95% purity water supplies. Though expensive, nearly every part of the city had access to this drinking water—even people in the Old District could get some. Many began to believe Dawn City truly possessed this technology. But I soon realized things weren't that simple."

Jian Xuxi said: "It's actually very simple—because Dawn City has the world's best urban pipeline system."

Lin Xian frowned: "What do you mean?"

"She means the 95% purity water is filtered wastewater—after human bodily toxins have been removed," Mo Nika's voice suddenly rose from the crowd.

At this, everyone's expressions changed.

"Huh? So this drinking water comes from… that?" Kiki rolled her eyes.

"Exactly," Jian Xuxi glanced at Mo Nika and continued: "Dawn City's population is nearly seven million. All stored purified water, no matter how well protected, becomes contaminated by the Dark over time—the concentration increases with duration. But the human body filters these toxins. So once the city's entire sewage system is processed through wastewater treatment plants, it becomes 95% purity water—and then sold at high prices."

Lin Xian's face darkened; a thousand wild horses galloped through his mind. Human filtration system? This was pure marketing genius.

"Of course it's fake," Shi Di cursed: "Recycled water systems aren't the problem—every vehicle has one."

"But selling it at high prices while faking technological superiority? That's going too far," Ning Jing added.

"Only politicians could come up with a scheme so good at milking the masses while broadcasting propaganda," Mo Nika sneered. "I know these people too well."

"Who cares? We're not going to Dawn City," Qian Dele said calmly to Jian Xuxi. "So how's the Skyborne-class train doing now? Can we take it?"

"The main body of the Skyborne train has been completed and is docked at Loading Dock One. All four main hull sections are nearly finished; the weapon systems are half-built. What remains are the gravity rings and standard carriages."

"Let's go take a look."

Lin Xian said.

"Also, contact Silent City and check the status of Jinhai Starport. Then we'll discuss together."

"Let's go."

Jian Xuxi looked at Lin Xian: "The industrial zone's defensive walls were built by the Federation and Linglong Group, plus additional iron barriers erected by other survivors. This area is relatively safe—for now, even safer than Dawn City."

"That's true," Shi Di said. "After your analysis, Jian Chair, Dawn City is definitely off-limits. I'd rather face monsters and zombies than that place!"

The group boarded a large elevator car and returned to the surface. Gunfire erupted around the factory zone, but inside, it was eerily quiet.

As soon as they surfaced, Lin Xian contacted Silent City via communicator and updated them on what had just happened.

"A-class Weird's flesh implant? Interesting. It seems they've been researching this for a long time," Wangyue Shinji's voice remained calm.

"Do you think this path can succeed?" Lin Xian frowned.

"I can't easily conclude that," Wangyue Shinji said. "At least so far, they've used mycelium combined with brain-machine tech to create that disgusting Red Weird. If we treat Dark creatures as biological entities, this might theoretically work. By the way, you have a top-tier biology PhD on your train—I suggest you listen to her opinion."

"Alright. What's the status at Starport?" Lin Xian asked.

"It's already secured," Qian Suxun spoke from behind Wangyue Shinji. "Only one platoon remained as guards; everyone else fled. All functional equipment—spacecraft hull modules and unfinished vehicles—has been evacuated. Only empty hulls and incomplete craft remain."

"So fast?"

"They must've had a contingency plan. My reconnaissance team has already deployed. Dawn City's status will arrive soon."

"Good. Let's maintain coordinated defense."

The industrial zone's starport base and the orbital train loading factory were only kilometers apart—not far—and formed a triangular defensive posture with Silent City to the west. Now that the starport had been taken by Silent City's forces, Jin Hai was temporarily under their control.

With no large-scale Crimson World attacks and no counterattack from Dawn City's Garrison Commander, this was Lin Xian's first time—without explanation—taking control of a major city's core.

But he had no time to dwell on that. He summoned the leaders and key figures of the Infinite and the United Train. Dozens of them followed Jian Xuxi toward the largest of the factories.

Before entering the factory, Lin Xian saw the massive carriage floating in the distant magnetic levitation docking ring—and his expression sharpened.

The others stared in shock.

"What is that?" Lin Xian asked.

"Standard hull module," Jian Xuxi said. "Think of it as one ordinary carriage of the Skyborne Interstellar Train."

"This… this is a train? Isn't this a starship?" Hu Lushou, trotting behind Lin Xian, nearly dropped his eyes in awe at the colossal carriage.

"It's both a train and a starship."

An elderly engineer beside Jian Xuxi shouted: "This hull module has autonomous propulsion. Think of the Skyborne Train as a modular starship—capable of infinite connections!"

"Let them see the main hull before we explain further," Jian Xuxi said.

(End of Chapter)