Chapter 385: Operation Begins

Zhou Mingyuan's faction is now on high alert; although the situation is under control, the underground city's movements have drawn attention, and the Curtain-Breaking Project has added many new candidate names—all descendants or relatives of officials.

Tell Su Jin to cancel the political review; eliminate anyone who fails the Starbody Qualification Test or the Personality Strength Assessment, regardless of their name.

In Chu Zhaonan's office, just after ending the communication, a knock came at the door; a man in military uniform, with calm and sharp eyes, entered. Chu Zhaonan didn't turn around, but his tone was already stern.

You should be preparing aboard the Vanguard Plan's Farstar vessel, not here.

Chu Jing removed his military cap and looked at his father's back. He had two questions—one about the Vanguard Plan, one about the boarding list.

But seeing that back, he abandoned asking the second question, because he knew his father, and himself, and knew exactly what answer he'd receive—and he didn't want to hear it.

Dad, the Vanguard Fleet is ready. Of the two Shield-Breaking plans, only the second remains.

Chu Zhaonan nodded, saying nothing. Between father and son, silence had long replaced speech, conveying more than words ever could.

You were right—the dark-eroding cells discovered in the Deep Red World share the same survival structure as psychic energy and invasion phenomena. With deeper research, we have a real chance to solve both the Dark Invasion and drinking water issues. This is the right direction, and I believe the Phoenix Society can achieve it.

I know they can. Chu Zhaonan said calmly.

Can we give them a chance, Dad? I mean others—everyone. I've thought about this all night. Seeing you just now made me hesitate again. I know asking this as Vanguard Fleet commander will disappoint you. I remember when you appointed me head of the Curtain-Breaking Project, you asked if I understood your decision. I said: I understand. But my hesitation proves I still can't see from your perspective—not truly. That must be immense pressure, a terrible choice, far more painful than facing "the Chairman's son as the first fugitive." But Dad—if solving Dark Invasion buys the world a few hundred more days, wouldn't that change everything?

Perhaps. But the logic is contradictory.

Chu Zhaonan's voice softened slightly, speaking patiently: Do you remember when you first entered the Naval Academy, and came home telling me what you'd learned?

The key to a submarine's success is silence before striking. Chu Jing replied.

Yes. Chu Zhaonan nodded. Dark Invasion is a toxin. The Celestial Veil is a barrier. When you discover the bugs have developed resistance and can break through glass containers—what do you do?

Thank you, Dad. I'm sorry you had to say this to me.

Chu Jing fell silent. As head of the Curtain-Breaking Project, he knew only from his father's perspective could such words be spoken—only by abandoning hope, and choosing the most decisive path, gambling everything.

He glanced at Chu Zhaonan's rigid, upright back, then looked away, preparing to put his cap back on and leave.

Wait.

Chu Zhaonan called him back. Chu Jing turned. His father pointed to a tea table in the corner of the study—a table that had been brought in but never used. "Since you're already ready, stay and have tea with me."

This might have been the calmest evening Chu Zhaonan had known since moving into the underground city. The father and son brewed tea, spoke rarely of family matters, then Chu Zhaonan shared his old Federation-era ideas on interstellar colonization. Chu Jing spoke of fleet operations. They discussed the meaning of civilization crossing into the Far Stars, speculated on the high-dimensional nature of the Dark Civilization, and debated whether humanity could ever launch a counterattack against Blue Planet.

Throughout, Chu Zhaonan felt a rare sense of ease. The tea in his cup never cooled. He watched the military emblem on Chu Jing's neatly placed cap gleam gold under the study's light—and in that gold, he seemed to see a fleet of a hundred million human embryos and tens of thousands of young people boarding vast Farstar vessels, charging into the stars beneath golden solar halos, countless star-drive engines leaving trails of blue fire, carrying all hope and the sparks of civilization toward the Far Stars.

…

Jinhai. Night wind howled. The ruined city reeked of decay.

Far above, faint lights from survivor convoy camps still glimmered against the city's dark silhouette, but these lights were swallowed by endless darkness and the horde of corpses. High walls encircled the industrial zone. At the Ringstar Train Factory, thousands guarded the site while countless manufacturing robots and engineering teams raced to complete an unfinished standard interstellar train hull.

On the Skytrain's main bridge, key figures from Silent City and Infinite Alliance gathered. The air was heavy, bleak—as if a storm cloud hung over everyone's heads.

Lin Xian didn't want to spread negativity, so he called only Shi Di, Xiang Ningjing, Mo Nika, Qian Dele, Kiki, Chen Sixuan, Director Ding, and their new ally Jian Xuxi.

From Silent City, only Getsuki Shinji and Senjuku Jun were present.

"This isn't about Shuguang City and the Deep Red World cooperating anymore—it's about their actions potentially triggering massive upheaval in the Star Abyss," Mo Nika broke the silence first. Her tone was dismissive, but her expression carried traces of gravity.

What will happen? Chen Sixuan asked.

You don't need to think. Didn't we already see this in Yijin? Kiki floated in midair, arms crossed, serious.

But that's just speculation—it might not happen. Ning Jing stood among them and spoke: "I mean, if the Star Abyss or the Weird Entities were going to erupt or change drastically, wouldn't it have already happened?"

I admire your optimism, Miss Ning. But I must say something unpleasant. Senjuku Jun kept operating a computer, then activated a holographic projection: "Since the Day of Revelation, Star Abyss fluctuations have never followed patterns. According to Phoenix Society's detailed observations and Silent City's investigations, over 3, 00 changes have occurred in just six Star Abysses across Asia-Pacific in these hundred-plus days. Most were minuscule—but they prove our current understanding and observation of the Star Abyss are inaccurate. The anomaly in Star Abyss #5 was human-caused, accelerating global polar night. How can you assume it won't become even more extreme?"

Yes. Numerous experiments and conclusions confirm that Darkness itself is "adapting" to our destruction. The Weird Entities evolve, hunt human settlements, and stalk us—this threat isn't static. It responds to humanity and our actions. Ding Junyi, hands in pockets, explained calmly: "Extending cosmic theory and the Fermi Paradox, silence is the best survival strategy between civilizations. Humanity survives at 1% perhaps precisely because this intent is asymmetric. Once we open communication with Darkness, the outcome will inevitably worsen."

Damn it, I thought Shuguang City was colluding with the Deep Red World to fight the Phoenix Society, grab territory, and gain political advantage—but it's this? Shi Diyuan cursed, disbelief on his face.

It's not contradictory.

Jian Xuxi spoke: "Whether the old Federation or today's Shuguang City, the elite have always been faction-ridden. The apocalypse just forced survival ideologies into alignment and collapse. The Federation can't be seen as a single interest group. For example, the faction led by Zhou Mingyuan controls most of Shuguang City's oppressive policies and profit networks. In fact, Shuguang City is essentially under Zhou Mingyuan's control. During my time there, I never saw Chu Zhaonan appear publicly. Meanwhile, the Garrison Commander's flagship fleet, the Keyan Force, and the Seraphim Division—all remain under his command. This Vanguard Plan may be solely his faction's project."

Lin Xian looked at Getsuki Shinji, who had his eyes closed: What do you think?

Getsuki Shinji slowly opened his eyes, calm: "Ye Lan is right. Stopping the Deep Red World from using mycelium technology on the dark-eroding cells is impossible. The Phoenix Society came prepared for this worst-case scenario. From this, Ye Lan is indeed a pessimist—but also a wise, decisive leader."

I didn't ask about that. Lin Xian said. I asked about the Vanguard Plan breaking through the Celestial Veil—and if mycelium and Dark Entities communicate, how bad could it get?

You're asking the wrong question. Getsuki Shinji looked at Lin Xian. Shouldn't you be asking: When will the Vanguard Plan and the dark-eroding cells' communication occur?

At this, all eyes turned to the two.

Lin Xian paused, then understood Getsuki Shinji's meaning: You mean they'll happen simultaneously? And Shuguang City might pressure the Deep Red World not to activate the dark-eroding cells prematurely?!

Bingo! Getsuki Shinji smiled faintly.

So I believe the Phoenix Society asked you to help control Shuguang City's defense system core because they suspect the Deep Red World is deeply cooperating with this Vanguard Plan.

The Phoenix Society doesn't just fear Zhou Mingyuan—they fear Shuguang City has fallen into the Deep Red World's hands. Lin Xian exhaled deeply: The Phoenix Society must have precise intelligence. This is far worse than we thought.

The Taitiewei Brigade from Yongcheng Port has already moved out. Getsuki Shinji said.

Besides that, the Phoenix Society must have deployed other forces too. Chen Sixuan frowned: Shuguang City has millions. One Taitiewei Brigade can't hold it.

Lin Xian shook his head: The Phoenix Society isn't trying to hold it. They're trying to evacuate everyone. Star Abyss #578 is closing. Shuguang City is out of time.

Oh, I forgot to tell you—the Phoenix Society's courier has arrived at Silent City. Getsuki Shinji said. Just now. I need to go receive them. I already know why they're here.

What is it?

Getsuki Shinji walked away as he spoke: My Silent City can carry 500, 00 people.

Hey—

Lin Xian was speechless. He'd planned to rush to Shuguang City tonight, hoping to borrow a transport ship from Getsuki Shinji—and now the man just walked off.

No sooner had Getsuki Shinji and Senjuku Jun left than a sharp knock echoed at the main bridge's mechanical door. Lin Xian frowned—who knocks on a mechanical hatch? Then the screen beside the door showed a timid figure. Lin Xian looked—and it was Shizuki.

Hss—

The automatic door slid open. Shizuki stood nervously at the threshold: "Sorry, I came to deliver support."

Lin Xian pointed to the button outside: You could've just pressed this to open.

I know you were in a meeting, so… Shizuki's voice was soft and hesitant. She looked around the room: "Is now a good time?"

What kind of support? Lin Xian perked up instantly.

Shizuki stood at attention: "It's me. Shinji told me to go into the city with you."

Huh? Lin Xian's eyes widened: Wait—

And there's a Swordfish transport ship. Oh, and the orbital weapon you wanted—Xun has already been delivered to the platform beside the Infinite.

Lin Xian sighed in relief: That guy really—

He looked at Shizuki, smiled, and said warmly: Going to Shuguang City will be dangerous. It's not like Weird Entities. I should warn you—but I'm glad you're joining.

Shizuki, touched by his kindness, hurriedly said: Thank you. I won't be afraid—if… you don't keep staring at me…

Lin Xian frowned. He'd noticed before: this girl wasn't afraid of corpses or Weird Entities—but she feared being watched. A strange, oddly endearing personality.

He said nothing, looked away, and invited Shizuki onto the bridge.

Now with transport, they needed to plan the operation. "Shuguang City's gates have full surveillance and detection systems. You're a top-priority Federation fugitive. Power armor or other disguises won't work." Jian Xuxi said.

So you've got another plan, Director Jian. Lin Xian looked at her.

You're right. Jian Xuxi said directly: The Federation's system looks strict, but there are many ways to enter the city.

Then let's not waste time. If I'm right, Jiang Yun will meet us.

Yes.

Lin Xian. Chen Sixuan said: Shouldn't we bring more people?

No. Too many eyes. Once inside, Nauf will join us. Lin Xian checked the time: Same as always. Chen Laoshi and Shi Dage will hold the rear. Jing Jie, Qian Dele, Mo Nika, Kiki, and Shizuki come with me. And bring Fire Brother along.

And me. Jian Xuxi said calmly.

Right, almost forgot your Silver Star. Lin Xian said.

I'm not here just for that. Jian Xuxi said: The city's situation is complex. My team is already there. With Jiang Yun, I can help you control the entire city defense network.

Lin Xian nodded: That makes sense.

Alright, that's settled. Qian Dele stood up gracefully, sliding on his sunglasses: Ah, Xingcheng—no, Shuguang City. I'm finally returning to this unforgettable night city.

Missing your old life of wine and women? Mo Nika laughed.

I don't like wine and women. Too vulgar. I pursue an artistic life. You understand? Qian Dele tightened his floral suit, chin raised, smug.

Lin Xian.

As everyone prepared to depart, Chen Sixuan stopped Lin Xian in the corridor: Why won't you let me come with you? My identity's better for covert ops. After all this time, you're still just guarding the ship?

I'm not guarding the ship anymore. I'm guarding the city.

Guarding the city?

Yes. Lin Xian looked at her, serious: The Infinite, the United Train, the Skytrain, Silent City—all are in Jinhai. The Phoenix Society is in Qingbo. The Taitiewei Brigade is approaching from the east. The situation could escalate suddenly. But behind us lie three Star Abysses. If crisis strikes, we must be ready.

Chen Sixuan's expression shifted from surprise to resolve. She took a deep breath and nodded.

Understood. I'll handle this side.

Mm.

Jian Xuxi was gone. Shi Deyuan was monitoring industrial zone defenses. Getsuki Shinji's Silent City had other plans with the Phoenix Society. So Lin Xian had no choice but to leave Chen Sixuan in charge of these thousands inside and out—and the Skytrain.

On the square, a Swordfish transport ship was parked—a fast, small aerial transport.

Lin Xian arrived at the Infinite's docking platform and saw two massive, rocket-like devices lying sideways on special launch sleds, covered in waterproof tarps.

Finally seeing this thing.

He hurried over. The closer he got, the larger it appeared—the missile's diameter exceeded the Infinite's train width; its length surpassed seventy meters—like a giant ICBM. But Lin Xian knew this weapon, as a directional constraint device, was far more destructive than any ICBM. When it transformed in flight, its shape resembled the hilt of a great sword—thrilling.

What is this thing? Kiki asked, arriving beside him.

Hyperion Directional Constraint Cannon. Getsuki Shinji provided it. Lin Xian said.

An orbital weapon. He's generous. Jian Xuxi walked up, surprised: One unit's value could fully arm a 2, 00-person medium convoy. This weapon is a secret S-class tool for large organizations like Shuguang City and the Phoenix Society. Its energy focus yield surpasses nuclear chain reactions.

No wonder you're Deputy Jian—so knowledgeable.

Jian Xuxi glanced at him, leaned close, whispered: If you don't mind, call me Jian Xuxi.

"Didn't you want to be first mate?"

"Yes, but I don't like being first mate, and I don't like this title," Jian Xuwēi said seriously.

"What about Jian Director?"

"Whatever you like."

"Understood, Jian First Mate."

"…"

Lin Xian glanced at Shizhi, who had followed him, and smiled: "Thank Wangyue Shinji for me."

Shizhi nodded, then stepped back behind Kiki.

"When do we leave?" Mo Nika asked, stepping forward.

Lin Xian looked at the Hyperion Directed Constraint Cannon before him, then checked the time, and said sternly: "In twenty minutes, rendezvous at the transport ship!"

Zeng zeng!

In an empty loading factory, arcs of electricity flashed as a Hyperion Directed Constraint Cannon was slowly dragged by electromagnetic force into the Void Gate of the Black Star Forge. Then Lin Xian opened his Mechanical Heart interface and remembered that the previous Doom Train had already been fully consumed.

【Consumption successful. Mechanical Source Points +500. Mechanical Consumption skill proficiency +200!】

"Before, one power core gave me 700. Now, these dozen train cars only give 500. Brother, are you trying to make me swallow entire starships or aircraft carriers?"

Lin Xian stared at the harvested Mechanical Source Points and sighed helplessly. Still, he had spent only one hour on this consumption—and it was fully automated. Thinking of that, he felt a little better.

At that thought, Lin Xian immediately activated all five construction sequences!

"One hundred 'Lei Sun 2000s'—these are the main force!"

"Fifty 'Lei Yu' units first—scale up!"

"The 'Destroyer' is too extreme—build twenty for now. Might be useful in critical moments."

"'Ice Burst 166'—forget it. Not needed yet."

"'Iron Rain'—this one's good. Big impact projectiles. Fifty units."

"Fifty 'Iron Curtain' units—physical shields can't be missing…"

"Now my Mechanical Construction proficiency will skyrocket."

Wū~

Inside the Black Star Forge, Lin Xian watched all five construction sequences operating at full capacity, countdown timers synchronizing, all decomposed materials now in use. His heart surged with excitement.

With this automated production line, Lin Xian's manufacturing efficiency experienced an epic leap. At this rate, if he had enough materials, he could produce hundreds of drones in a single day. Building a mechanical army was no longer a dream.

Besides drones, Lin Xian planned to manufacture heavy mechs like Qian Suxun's and robots like Dancer No. 1 for combat—greater power, larger scale, and most importantly, higher intelligence and adaptability.

"Building so many drones means I need a capable AI assistant, right, Grace?"

【Your reasoning is correct. In large-scale drone deployment scenarios, a powerful AI assistant is indeed the central core. Would you like me to provide a deep solution for drone swarm and AI coordination?】

After complete overwrite, Grace was now a pure AI brain. Though she had undergone deep learning on current-world crisis conditions via Kiki's data upload, her communication with Lin Xian had lost all personality—her responses now sounded coldly mechanical.

"So your sense of humor wasn't programmed… Good. A pure mechanical AI is better."

With that, Lin Xian waved his hand. The Black Star Forge's spatial gate opened and sucked Grace inside.

He checked the time, then strode quickly out of the factory.

On the square, Kiki, Jian Xuwēi, Shizhi, Qian Dele, Mo Nika, and Lu Xingchen were all fully armed and ready. Soon, a streak of thruster glow flashed above the industrial zone, heading toward Dawn City.

In the Cloud District of Silent City, Qian Suxun watched the monitor screen as Lin Xian's transport ship departed, and said to Wangyue Shinji: "Lin has begun his move. What a swift man."

Wangyue Shinji's expression turned grave. He kept his hands tucked in his sleeves, staring at the holographic map of Dawn City's four-sector layout, and spoke:

"I'm intrigued by the Phoenix Society's plan, Xun. Notify all personnel."

"Prepare to separate City Two again!"

(End of Chapter)