Chapter 380: Lin Xian

"Alive? What do you mean?"

"By studying the existence form of that nest in White City, Star Abyss No. 5, recorded by you, I became deeply curious about this form of life composition. Life normally originates from embryonic division and follows a natural growth process—this stitched-together form is extremely difficult to comprehend."

Ding Junyi pushed a large petri dish forward on the table; inside was a mass of what looked like hardened, dehydrated biological tissue. She said to Lin Xian: "But look—most of this tissue comes from human and animal flesh. We've been in contact with the Strange for so long, including the Federation and the Phoenix Society, and we've always assumed they're another form of life, lacking brains or hearts as we understand them. Yet they clearly exhibit carbon-based biological traits."

"At least they're carbon-based—our weapons still work." Lin Xian said.

"Normally, after biological death, cells don't immediately lose viability. We've collected many samples, but the problem is…"

"None of them are alive?"

Ding Junyi nodded, picked up a piece of black tissue with tweezers, and as she lifted it, the once-flesh now resembled carbonized sand, rapidly crumbling away.

"Human tissue has been 'processed' to achieve extreme hardness, flexibility, and defensive capability—and… it's incredibly heavy."

"So you're saying the Strange aren't biological entities at all?"

Ding Junyi nodded: "The Phoenix Society discovered this long ago. From their recent global bulletins, I've also picked up on it—beyond biological tissue research, the most critical point is biological nature."

"What biological nature?"

"Hunting, feeding, mating, reproduction—these are basic behaviors they fundamentally lack. They are like born killing machines: they hunt humans but show no reaction to flesh. The Dark Mark is merely an instruction—so long as one living human exists, they launch frenzied attacks, even showing no fear of death."

Lin Xian fell silent. He had noticed this too—not just him, but all survivors understood it.

The Strange, including zombies, seem to exist solely for killing. They never feed. They don't stop for artillery fire. This madness is one reason survivors grow increasingly terrified of the Strange.

"So I combined the Fire Data Pack from the Phoenix Society and the Nightwalkers, along with synchronized research data from Silent City, and reached a conclusion."

Ding Junyi looked at Lin Xian: "The Strange are a mechanized entity manufactured by some force or civilization, using hundreds of billions of human and animal tissue through 'crafting.' And what drives them is this."

She threw a spherical object toward Lin Xian. He caught it and saw it was a Level Two Blood Essence.

"Strange Blood Essence…" Lin Xian's expression changed slightly: "You're saying this is the Strange's battery?"

"It should be easy to understand."

Lin Xian fell silent, suddenly recalling what Professor Han Qiming had told him back in Underground City No. 9.

"The reason this speculation can't be leaked is twofold: first, to avoid panic; second, it's not rigorous. There's no accurate judgment from biological pathology, bacterial strain research, or live zombie investigations. 'Zombie' itself isn't a precise concept—biologically speaking, no such individual organism exists."

"For example, an adult with extremely poor bodily function couldn't suddenly gain immense vitality and strength without any caloric metabolism. A body damaged by a virus would only deteriorate further—how could it become ferociously alive, attack people, and survive so long?"

"So the Dark Invasion toxin is, in essence, the energy of Dark Beings—including zombies—similar to our oxygen. And Blood Essence is a high-density form of this energy—the core driver of Strange movement?"

"Yes."

"That makes sense," Lin Xian nodded. "Every time a Strange is killed, black mist is released—that must be high-concentration Dark Invasion toxin…"

No wonder, when he approached such black mist, he heard screams from hell—it wasn't hallucination. It was a psychic shock from high-concentration Dark Invasion.

Absorbing such concentrated Dark Invasion places an enormous burden on the human body. Fail to endure, and you degenerate and mutate. Survive it, and you evolve. That's why those rogue Ability users hunting in groups tried to use this method to enhance their powers.

"So now you say this cell is alive—what does that mean?"

Ding Junyi pointed to the Dark Shi cell in the petri dish: "That's exactly what puzzles me. After my research, I found this cell has a cellular structure entirely unlike any on Blue Star. Most crucially, it can absorb Dark Invasion without any effect. The only problem is: the Crimson World can only maintain its viability by anchoring it to living human tissue—otherwise, it couldn't be extracted from the Star Abyss. So I believe this thing… is likely…"

"The true Dark Being!"

Lin Xian was startled, then understood: "I get it—you're saying some of the Strange are true Dark Beings, but most are flesh machines created like the White City nest."

"Yes."

"Is it Class A, Special, or S-Class?"

"Uncertain," Ding Junyi said. "I had Shu Qin collect tissue samples from the Abyssal Worm in Xilan City and the Black Thorn in the Clouds. But from my side, I found no such Dark Shi cells."

"That's strange—even S-Class doesn't have them?" Lin Xian exclaimed.

Ding Junyi shook her head: "I find it odd too. The Black Thorn in the Clouds was humanity's first S-Class kill. Zhao Yu and Wen Zhuo's team collected massive data. Yet even the Abyssal Worm showed no Strange Blood Essence. So I suspect these Dark Shi cells exist only in specific locations or under certain conditions—but that's all speculation."

"This Dark Shi cell is undoubtedly a major discovery," Lin Xian said grimly. "The Crimson World went to great lengths to protect it—even designed a covert plan to prevent us from seizing it. This thing is far from ordinary."

"Humans have now separated Dark Energy from Cold Dark Particles—this is essentially the transformed form of Dark Invasion. You can think of it as a higher-purity, human-absorbable Cold Dark reagent. Wang Yue Zhenji's formula derivation shows 18% is the current human conversion limit—the threshold for Ability evolution. In principle, aside from forced human filtration, no material on Blue Star can isolate or store this energy," Ding Junyi said.

Lin Xian looked at the Strange Blood Essence in his hand and the Dark Shi cell on the table: "If it can't be found on Blue Star, maybe it exists in the Star Abyss?"

"Yes. That's precisely why Wang Yue Zhenji and the Phoenix Society study the Star Abyss. The Crimson World does too. Whether it's Catastrophic Plants, Blood Essence, the Strange, or Forbidden Items—all these factions seek answers in these non-Blue Star materials."

"So this cell's immunity to Dark Invasion is a key to research?"

"Exactly," Ding Junyi nodded. "At least we've discovered this."

"Holy shit—so the Dawn City's claim of 95% purified water technology… could they really achieve it through cooperation with the Crimson World?" Lin Xian exclaimed. "Could Dawn City be betting on this?"

"I don't understand politics," Ding Junyi set down her tools. "I only handle scientific research."

"Alright."

Lin Xian felt the secrets of the Dark were slowly surfacing—but he didn't know if humanity could resolve the Dark Invasion before Global Eternal Night, or before water scarcity killed them. Fortunately, Silent City No. 2 hadn't been pulled into the Star Abyss—he could still extract some water resources to replenish himself. Otherwise, even drinking water would be impossible now.

"The Skytrain has a high-standard research cabin," Lin Xian now looked at Ding Junyi. "Director Ding, I want you to serve as my research officer. There are some scientists in the Jian Xuxi Alliance who might collaborate with you and provide support."

Ding Junyi looked toward Car No. 3 and said to Lin Xian: "Are you planning to abandon the Infinite?"

"I…"

"I suggest you stay for now."

Before Lin Xian could speak, Ding Junyi continued: "Fighting the apocalypse is a destined difficult and dangerous journey. We haven't even left Asia-Pacific yet. We still have to enter the Oceanic Orbit, cross the Eastern Islands, traverse the Equatorial Ridge, sail through the endless Black Ocean Rainforest, and cross the Infinite Black Sea before reaching the poles. Many things…"

Lin Xian waved his hand to interrupt, smiling faintly: "I never intended to abandon the Infinite. Unless absolutely necessary, I won't. The current situation is complicated. Acquiring the Skytrain is one of my plans—it gives our Combined Train a fallback. At least we won't need to rely on Silent City to escape predicaments later."

Lin Xian looked at the Infinite's cars—all armor and weapons were built by his own hands. The Infinite has no operational issues beyond some hidden structural damage.

Its firepower and propulsion are invaluable assets. Even if Lin Xian eventually devours the entire Combined Train, he'll keep the Infinite until the end.

Ding Junyi stared at Lin Xian, her gaze deep with surprise: "So this was one of your plans?!"

She gazed at him in disbelief: "You used the Akse Forbidden Item to enter the Star Abyss—you already knew Silent City and the Crimson World were inside. So you used magnetic levitation to rescue Silent City, then destroyed the Crimson World's research facility and seized their Dark Shi cells?!"

"No, you're mistaken," Lin Xian frowned. He thought this woman had too wild an imagination—this was stretching too far.

But Ding Junyi grew even more astonished, stepping back two paces, as if suddenly enlightened, excitedly saying: "Now Silent City is your right hand, even the world's greatest genius Wang Yue Zhenji is your strategist. The Skytrain is handled by Kiki Linglong Group, manufactured by Jian Xuxi and Fenger Group. So you used Silent City to eliminate the Wen family, drew the Phoenix Society into the scene, forced Dawn City to fear you and surrender Jinhai and the Skytrain—this… this was all part of your plan?!"

"No…" Lin Xian stared at the woman, her words tumbling out too fast—he tried to interrupt but couldn't get a word in. Watching her shocked, reverent expression, Lin Xian swallowed hard.

"No… uh… well, okay."

Lin Xian stilled his expression, too lazy to explain. He sighed deeply, feigning profundity: "Fine. Don't tell anyone. I don't want others to see me as a cunning strategist. Better to stay low-key."

Ding Junyi's chest heaved rapidly, her face flushed as she suddenly rushed forward, excitedly starting to strip off Lin Xian's shirt.

"You… you're my god…" she panted. "I haven't satisfied my needs in too long. Please… give me a moment."

"Wait—"

Lin Xian was stunned: "We were just discussing serious scientific research—what about the living cell…"

Hearing "living cell," Ding Junyi shuddered, as if touched by something pleasurable. She bit her lower lip softly and let out a soft "Mmm~"

"Wait, you hadn't finished explaining the formula derivation…" Lin Xian continued.

Mmm~

Hearing the word "formula," Ding Junyi felt even hotter. She no longer wanted to derive formulas—she only wanted to pin Lin Xian down.

"I heard the Skytrain's research cabin has a large rest room?" she said. "Probably."

"Then it's definitely not as stimulating as this little room…" Ding Junyi grabbed Lin Xian's hand and pulled him toward the research cabin's rest area.

"Huh?!"

…

Lin Xian knew Director Ding had this contrast trait. He thought he understood her well—after all, he'd experienced it firsthand. But every time, she redefined his understanding of contrast. Every word related to the lab triggered a strong reaction in her—as if ordinary scientific terms had become forbidden pleasures. After her calm research life came an accumulated explosion.

And this time, after the adrenaline of Akse and the Star Abyss, it was even more intense.

After a… period, the two emerged exhausted from the rest room. Ding Junyi's flush faded as she calmly buttoned her lab coat and said to Lin Xian:

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Lin Xian replied automatically, then grimaced, preparing to leave. At that moment, his eyes fell on the Hell Black Chrysanthemum, the Silver Dragon Ten Thousand Mistakes, and the Blood Vine retrieved from the White City station basement. He changed the subject:

"By the way, have these Catastrophic Plants changed?"

"The Hell Black Chrysanthemum's conversion efficiency seems to be increasing. I compared our supplies from Akse—our train's food and water are infected much slower than others'. That's likely due to the Hell Black Chrysanthemum and your heteromorphic cube."

Lin Xian nodded.

"The Silver Dragon Ten Thousand Mistakes hasn't changed since we left the Star Abyss—it's nearly stopped growing, with no sign of flowering. As for the Blood Vine, when we broke through the zombie horde just now, I noticed some changes, but they're subtle. Its function is still unknown. Do you want to name it?" Ding Junyi looked at Lin Xian.

"Since you call it Blood Vine, just call it Blood Vine…" Lin Xian sighed and said to Ding Junyi.

"Director Ding, you should transfer to the Skytrain as soon as possible. First, for easier communication. Second, it has many experimental devices—should meet your needs."

"I know."

Ding Junyi lowered her head, organizing her research materials. After a long pause, she raised her eyes behind her glasses, her gaze calm yet carrying hidden meaning:

"I waited for you to come. Now my needs are satisfied."

Lin Xian: …

Lin Xian stepped off the Infinite and walked directly into the previous bio-enhancement factory, taking the elevator down. It was already 9 a. ., about two hours until dawn. Jinhai was utterly quiet. Around the industrial zone, only dense zombie swarms moved—no Strange appeared.

Shu Qin, Liang Lei, and other squad leaders were scattered across their assigned zones, occasionally reporting to Lin Xian.

The elevator descended into the massive bio-enhancement factory. Hundreds of scanning robots and various drones hovered in the air. Wang Yue Zhenji stood beneath the bio-enhancement unit. Before Lin Xian even approached, he spoke:

"Answering your two questions: the Skytrain's design, aside from the ionized air sheath and electrostatic field generator, only carries four electromagnetic railguns and two high-energy pulse beam cannons—mainly for clearing space debris and small meteorites. The orbital planet-cracker you want cannot be added—it's incompatible with the starship's design."

He glanced at Lin Xian approaching: "This pre-designed spacecraft has one major flaw compared to your train—you can't just retrofit any car with weapons. It's built to starship standards: internal airtightness and thermal insulation layers are integrated."

Lin Xian frowned: "Wait, didn't you say you'd help me install weapons?"

"There's another option," Wang Yue Zhenji said calmly. "First, redesign the entire blueprint. Second, build a weapons depot ship and dock it. The latter is more realistic. This interstellar train is modular—that solves your problem."

Lin Xian nodded: "Forget the redesign. The second option is better. What's the second question?"

Wang Yue Zhenji slowly raised one finger, pointing upward at the Strange bio-enhancement unit.

"This isn't an experimental device. Nor is it a failed design."

"What do you mean?"

Judging from those implant suppressors and restraints, the Crimson World was designed specifically for it—but this creature was already dead. Why would they bother installing all this stuff?

"Hmph." Lin Xian smiled: "Don't tell me they can not only control the Weird Bodies but also bring them back to life?"

"Control, resurrection—those are too subjective." Mochi Shinji pointed to his temple, looking at Lin Xian: "The Crimson World is a group of madmen. You can't understand them with normal human logic."

"Just say it outright."

Mochi Shinji tucked his hands into his sleeves and gazed at the massive Weird Body implant, speaking calmly: "I don't like making sensational guesses. But logically, the Crimson World must know a dead Weird Body corpse has little research value. They invested so much to build this—there must be some reason."

Lin Xian paused, then said gravely: "Alright, first help me get that standard hull ready. Designing and building a weapons ship won't be that fast, right?"

"Of course. At this scale, even using existing weapons, designing and constructing a weapons ship hull would take at least thirty days."

"Thirty days…" Lin Xian opened his mouth, then swallowed the words he was about to say.

Normally, large starships are built on a yearly scale. Jìjìng City took fourteen years to build, and even now Mochi Shinji is still working full-force to perfect its interstellar hull. The Celestial-Class's size is only possible because many hull segments were already constructed before Revelation Day. Even so, building a ten-thousand-ton weapons ship in thirty days is astonishing speed—Mochi Shinji would have to mobilize nearly all of Jìjìng City's construction personnel to pull it off.

Thinking of this, Lin Xian felt a pang in his chest—but he couldn't demand someone build a massive starship in minutes. If they could, Jìjìng City wouldn't be running from the Star Abyss.

"Then why not design a blueprint for me and give me two Hyperion directional restraints? I'll handle the rest myself."

"Sure." Mochi Shinji spoke casually: "As you wish. I'll design you a weapons ship based on standard modules."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

Lin Xian glanced back, then prepared to leave: "Has Qian Suxun and your robots found the Crimson World's hideout in Jǐnhǎi?"

"A few locations, but all abandoned. I'll let you know if I get any news, Lin." Mochi Shinji didn't turn around.

Lin Xian nodded and immediately returned to the surface. Belowground and at the starport, Mochi Shinji and Jìjìng City were monitoring things; at the train factory, Jian Xuxi, Chen Sixuan, Shi Di, and others were arranging the train relocation plan.

Lin Xian took the engineering train from Qian Dele's Joker Chedui and the train from the Red Rose Chedui and began devouring them directly. He needed massive amounts of materials and mechanical source points—his Mechanical Heart was about to awaken a second time, and he had no time to sleep or rest.

In an empty train loading yard, Lin Xian transferred the train inside and began devouring it alone.

【Devour successful. Mechanical source points +50. Mechanical Devour skill proficiency +20!】

Less than twenty minutes later, Lin Xian completed devouring a living car.

【Devour successful. Mechanical source points +400. Mechanical Devour skill proficiency +200!】

One hour later, Lin Xian devoured Joker Chedui 's high-power ring-orbit traction locomotive, reducing it to ash.

At this moment, the black sky faded, and Jǐnhǎi was bathed in light.

Lin Xian checked the time. He knew that after dawn, Shuguang City would soon be flooded with messages. He seized the moment and began devouring Joker Chedui 's nuclear power core car.

Three hours later.

【Devour successful. Mechanical source points +800. Mechanical Devour skill proficiency +300!】

At this point, Lin Xian's Mechanical Heart level had increased by 1250, and his Mechanical Devour proficiency had risen by 520!

【Current Mechanical Heart Level: Lv. (18890/20000)】

Mechanical Devour: Level 5 (2585/3000) — Increases devour efficiency

"Keep going!"

Lin Xian's expression was intensely focused. He wiped sweat from his brow and began devouring the Red Rose Chedui 's trains.

【Devour successful. Mechanical source points +50. Mechanical Devour skill proficiency +20!】

After devouring one of the Red Rose Chedui 's living cars, a pile of debris tumbled down—women's underwear, condom packets scattered everywhere. Lin Xian stared at the scene and chuckled helplessly. He had already warned Red Rose Chedui 's captain, Zhou Hongqu, and all her members: after forming the alliance, no more flesh trade. For these women, it was a relief—they didn't want to survive in the apocalypse by selling their bodies, not unless they had no other choice…

Just as Lin Xian finished devouring the Red Rose Chedui 's nuclear power car, a brilliant light screen flashed forth.

【Devour successful. Mechanical source points +700. Mechanical Devour skill proficiency +200】

【Congratulations! Mechanical Heart has successfully leveled up to Lv. ! Awakening Mechanical Awakening!】

Zeng!

At that moment, the devour success chime rang in Lin Xian's ears—and the light screen suddenly went dark!

A thunderous, overwhelming roar of machinery exploded within his mind!

(End of Chapter)