Chapter 394: The Council Is Dissolved! (8k)

In the underground Federal Council Hall of Dawn City, dozens of senior council members were assembled; the atmosphere was tense, as if a dark cloud hung overhead, suffocating and oppressive.

"Monitoring report: Abnormal expansion activity along the eastern edge of Star Abysses 5, 7, and 8 near Dawn City continues to intensify; nighttime coverage is expected to arrive 25 minutes earlier than predicted. Over 227 frontline observation posts have sent red alerts, and large-scale anomalous activity has been detected in some urban zones."

"Sky monitoring: Large-scale thunderstorm warnings have been issued over the eastern Jinhai Plain and the Dawn City region within the past week."

"Eastern Frontline monitoring report: The Phoenix Society's 83rd Iron Guard Fleet arrived at Pingcheng twenty minutes ago, approximately 200 kilometers straight-line distance from Dawn City. Ground forces are stationed at Kangcheng and are expected to rendezvous with the fleet before tomorrow's nightfall. Our nearest outpost, No. 1341, has visually confirmed the Iron Guard Fleet, but they have not initiated any frequency communication."

A federal official continuously reported emergency updates; all attendees were senior officials of Dawn City, including leaders from the Ministry of Finance, Population Control Bureau, Resource Department, Underground City Management Committee, Garrison Command, and the Seraphim Force.

Federal Chair Chu Zhaonan stood alone by the window, silently gazing at the vast underground city complex outside.

On the deputy seat, Zhou Mingyuan sat with hands clasped, expression grave; he scanned the room and broke the silence first.

"The Phoenix Society stands at our gates—should we respond? At this critical juncture, any military friction would be a disaster for our human alliance."

"But how should we respond? We don't even know their intentions," said one council member.

"Isn't it obvious? Using the Crimson World as an excuse, they intend to swallow Dawn City whole."

"What the Phoenix Society wants, I believe everyone here understands," said Senate President Xu Yan, adjusting his glasses with a piercing gaze. "The key issue now is: the Star Abyss anomaly has already occurred—what can we still do?"

"Xu Lao is right," Zhou Mingyuan seized the core issue and turned to the Seraphim Force Minister Luo Ming.

"Minister Luo, by how much has this anomaly accelerated? Has it been calculated? What impact will it have on us?"

Luo Ming spoke gravely: "Not optimistic. It's exceeded any previous level. It might be fifteen or twenty days now, but after tonight, it could shorten drastically again."

"Fifteen or twenty days?" An elderly female council member turned pale with fear. "What do we do? Hide in the underground city?"

"Data from the past week shows that darkness infiltration concentration in the underground city during nighttime is 10% higher than on the surface. If extreme nightfall arrives this fast, the underground city won't survive more than a month."

All turned toward the voice—this sharp female tone came from a corner of the hall, where Wen Hui sat.

Minister Luo Ming glanced at her with deep meaning, then turned to Zhou Mingyuan: "Vice Chairman Zhou, I've heard the Resource and Finance Departments, along with the Garrison and Night Patrol, have been making moves these past two days. Have you already formulated a response strategy?"

At these words, several in the hall shifted expressions, but Zhou Mingyuan remained calm. He spoke with solemn gravity.

"In the past three days, we've suffered far more attacks than usual. Combined with the Star Abyss anomaly and rampant rumors, I've ordered all departments to tighten controls. Resources are scarce now—we can't afford any mishaps."

Xu Yan sighed, wanting to speak but swallowing his words.

The hall fell silent; senior officials harbored private thoughts—anxiety, unease, panic, despair—all subtly transmitted through their breaths.

At that moment, Zhou Mingyuan's expression darkened. He glanced at Chu Zhaonan, then suddenly shouted aloud.

"Chairman Chu, colleagues—we must respond to this crisis. Since the Day of Revelation, we've pursued every plan to combat the apocalypse: nuclear war, off-world colonization, underground city projects, high walls… None have solved humanity's survival crisis. We know Chairman Chu's Vanguard Plan is a necessary effort to preserve the flame of human civilization—but we who remain cannot wait passively to die. We must enact a practical, viable self-rescue plan."

Hearing this, some unwilling council members turned sorrowful; some even nervously swallowed.

That was the suffocating silence before true death.

"It sounds like Vice Chairman Zhou has some ideas?" Chu Zhaonan turned back, his tone serious.

Zhou Mingyuan no longer concealed his intent—he nodded firmly.

"I believe the best, though most desperate, strategy now is to actively seek alliance with the Phoenix Society!"

At these words, many held their breath. Many had already thought of it—but none dared voice it first.

"Alliance with the Phoenix Society? Abandon Dawn City?" someone asked nervously.

"Yes."

"But will the Phoenix Society accept us?" a middle-aged man said sharply. "Our resource allocation, our military, the basic guarantees for elite residents—if we ally with them, will we still have any say?"

"Elite residents?" Xu Yan replied coldly. "Minister Wang, you're overthinking. The issue now is how to save and relocate our six million residents!"

The Wang minister fell silent, face flushed with shame.

Zhou Mingyuan pressed on: "You may misunderstand me. We're not joining the Phoenix Society—we're seeking cooperation. Governance and resource allocation remain independent, mutually non-interfering. But since we're cooperating, we can make mutual concessions—after all, it's all about human unity."

"Therefore, to demonstrate sincerity: First, we must initiate dialogue with the Phoenix Society, expressing our willingness to cooperate."

"Second, regarding the Crimson World: To fulfill the Vanguard Plan, we must cooperate with these Descenders—it's a tragic necessity for human civilization. But afterward, we must sever ties with the Crimson World and synchronize all relevant information. This is critical."

Hearing this, Luo Ming across the table narrowed his eyes. He thought: This old fox has done countless atrocities with the Crimson World, yet now he pins everything on the Vanguard Plan—his intent is obvious: to imply Chu Zhaonan should bear the greatest blame.

But Chu Zhaonan showed no reaction. He spoke to Zhou Mingyuan:

"The people won't forgive us. Why would you think the Phoenix Society will choose to ally with you just because you claim to have severed ties with the Crimson World?"

Zhou Mingyuan sighed helplessly: "Then we must negotiate, gauge their stance. For the survival of human civilization, there is no good or evil—only necessity. We are reaching out now. If they refuse, we will stand and die with Dawn City's entire population. I believe—with our high walls, heavy artillery, and six million warriors united—we can still carve out a dawn in the darkness!"

At these words, many changed expression. None here were fools—they immediately grasped Zhou Mingyuan's implication.

Chu Zhaonan's face turned cold: "So you mean to use the entire city's lives and resources as bargaining chips with the Phoenix Society?"

Zhou Mingyuan remained expressionless, smiling faintly: "Entire city's lives? Chairman Chu, I can't wear such a heavy hat. We are the ones seeking alliance—if they refuse, what other option do we have? As the government, we must protect our citizens, correct? And the Star Abyss anomaly, the accelerated darkness—these aren't our doing, are they, Chairman Chu?"

A tense atmosphere filled the hall—unprecedented in the Federal Council. Even when Zhou Mingyuan and Chu Zhaonan had clashed before, it had never been this direct.

"You're right," Chu Zhaonan said, his gaze sharp as he fixed Zhou Mingyuan. Then he addressed the assembly: "Let me tell you all what this emergency council is truly about."

The hall fell deathly silent. Chu Zhaonan walked slowly to the head seat, his military boots crushing a shattered federal emblem beneath him. He stood tall, expression stern.

"Colleagues, this will be the Federal Government's final official meeting. This is my last speech as Federal Chair!"

The entire hall fell utterly still.

Zhou Mingyuan's eyes narrowed; his little finger trembled involuntarily.

Since the Day of Revelation, the Federal Government, as humanity's leader on Blue Star, has deployed every known resource to respond. Regrettably, all efforts ended in failure. As humanity's leader, I bear undeniable responsibility for every disaster—yet my reason tells me clearly: this is a war humanity is destined to lose. To preserve the flame of human civilization, I cannot afford to take chances. The Vanguard Plan has been activated. Every sacrifice is justified. All blame and infamy rest with me, Chu Zhaonan.

"Now, with the Star Abyss anomaly and imminent crisis, we all know Dawn City can no longer protect refugees. I declare: effective immediately, curfews and entry-exit controls are lifted. Let those who wish to leave, leave. Let those who seek shelter, find it. The Seraphim Force and Unified Garrison Command will defend Dawn City to the last man, the last moment—until all have evacuated or are safe."

"Finally, in my capacity as Chairman of the Blue Star Federal Government, I declare: After completion of the Vanguard Plan, Dawn City will be fully transferred to Phoenix Society control. The Federal Council—dissolved!"

"Absolutely not!!"

No sooner had Chu Zhaonan finished than Zhou Mingyuan leapt to his feet, eyes blazing, his face trembling with fury.

"Under Federal law, the Chair has no authority to dissolve the Council!"

The hall fell silent. All eyes locked onto the two Federal Chairs.

"Vice Chairman Zhou, if you still have objections… you still have time to draw your weapon," Chu Zhaonan said coldly, fixing Zhou Mingyuan with a piercing gaze. "By the way—where are your Night Patrol and Garrison troops?"

"I had them all executed."

Boom!

The council hall doors burst open. Dozens of fully armed Garrison elite, clad in powered armor, stormed in, instantly seizing control. Lu Tianye, clad in gleaming steel armor, entered with icy menace, his gaze sweeping over Zhou Mingyuan and his faction.

"What did you say?!" Zhou Mingyuan's face paled, panic flashing in his eyes at the scene.

Lu Tianye walked forward slowly, voice low: "Without military authorization, Garrison and Night Patrol forces are forbidden from entering administrative zones. Defense of Xinggang falls under Garrison command. Garrison Commander Wang Quan and Night Patrol Deputy Commander Song Ke violated military orders by carrying lethal weapons into a military restricted zone. I executed them all. Night Patrol Commander Ji Kun is missing."

Hearing this, Zhou Mingyuan's faction members panicked. Wen Hui rose, her expression grave—she hadn't expected the situation to escalate so suddenly.

"Good! Good! Good!" Zhou Mingyuan knew he was now irreparably broken from Chu Zhaonan. He sneered: "Chu Zhaonan, you've got guts. Since this underground city was built, you've managed zero governance. Six million lives—food, shelter, waste, survival—all managed by us. Now your Vanguard Plan dooms the entire city—and all of humanity. You're the traitor! What right do you have to hand Dawn City over to the Phoenix Society?!"

"I indeed have no such right."

Chu Zhaonan's expression was calm: "But neither do you have the right to hold the entire city hostage to bargain with the Phoenix Society, to cling to your privileged status. Zhou Mingyuan, face reality: the moment the gates open, you'll see the people have abandoned you—and me."

"From now on, you are no longer council members. I am no longer Chair. This disaster may not let us choose how to live—but at least, we can choose how to die." He scanned the hall:

"Colleagues—farewell."

With that, Chu Zhaonan turned and walked out.

Whoosh!

The hall erupted in chaos—questions, screams, curses rose in waves; documents were thrown, papers fluttered like snow.

Because of the Garrison and Lu Tianye's presence, the conflict did not escalate.

Within the underground city, political chaos erupted. All formerly privileged residents suddenly received emergency orders: evacuate within 48 hours. Instantly, uproar spread.

In the corridors, Chu Zhaonan and his group walked swiftly—Lu Tianye, Luo Ming, Xu Yan, Su Jin—all escorted toward the distance.

"General Lu, how many from the Night Patrol and Garrison came? Did you execute them all?" Xu Yan asked.

"About two hundred. These men Zhou Mingyuan trained have never fought real battles. Kill the leaders, and the rest submit." Lu Tianye replied as he walked.

"Two hundred men tried to seize power?" Luo Ming frowned.

"He dared not seize power. With the Garrison present, tens of thousands of Night Patrol and Garrison troops couldn't stir up much. Zhou Mingyuan only wanted to use them as leverage to rebuild a 'small government.' He never expected me to dissolve the Council and hand control to the Phoenix Society. Those men were his personal guards." Chu Zhaonan said.

"I thought so," Lu Tianye nodded. "But Zhou Mingyuan wanted to use the entire city as hostage to bargain with the Phoenix Society. Why not just execute him outright?"

Tap.

Chu Zhaonan stopped walking.

"Old Lu," he said, turning to Lu Tianye with solemn gravity: "If we applied crimes against humanity, everyone in that council hall would be executed."

"Including me."

Lu Tianye's expression darkened.

"Our current mission is to launch the Vanguard Plan. Any internal conflict is meaningless. Once we publicly announce the government's dissolution, Zhou Mingyuan's authority vanishes." Chu Zhaonan said:

"After that, let them judge him."

…

Dawn Underground City, Core Administrative Hall.

Smash!

A delicate porcelain teacup shattered into powder on the floor. Zhou Mingyuan's faction of Dawn City elites had erupted into chaos, staring at Zhou Mingyuan's rage.

"Once Chu Zhaonan announces the Council's dissolution, the entire city will descend into anarchy! What do we do, Chairman Zhou?!" A senior council member turned ashen. Others were panicked. "What do we do? Lu Tianye's here—should I order the Garrison and Night Patrol to storm in?!"

Zhou Mingyuan, furious: "That Chu bastard sold us all out at the critical moment! He should've just killed himself! All the resources, wealth, and population of Dawn City—I built them! What right does Chu Zhaonan have to hand it over? What right?!"

Smash!

Another porcelain piece shattered.

Wen Hui's expression was complex. In her view, Zhou Mingyuan's words were nonsense. Dawn City attracted survivors because it inherited the Federation's legacy, backed by the Garrison and the original main city's infrastructure. Those so-called resources and wealth were almost entirely extracted from the people's suffering—including her own Linglong Group.

And Wen Hui knew: under these circumstances, she had no choice but to cling to Zhou Mingyuan. The situation was dire—there were no other options.

She spoke calmly: "Chairman Zhou, we have two paths. First: our accumulated resources, Garrison, Night Patrol, and armed council members combined form a formidable force—over two hundred thousand. The Phoenix Society claims humanitarianism; they're fellow humans—they won't exterminate us. Our large group can still secure favorable conditions in the polar regions through cooperation."

Zhou Mingyuan's fury slowly subsided. He squinted at Wen Hui: "And the second?"

The Voyager 1 star-class starship is ready as planned. Our people have analyzed it: the Vanguard Project consists of seven starships—one "Farstar-class" and six "Stellar-class." Chu Jing's 【Civilization Vanguard】 will lead as the breakthrough vessel, followed in sequence by 【Natural Selection】, 【Deep Blue】, 【Stellar Shepherd】, 【Star Cluster】, 【Ocean】, and 【Ark】. If we board 【Voyager 1】 and follow the formation, as long as the Breakthrough Plan succeeds, we have over a 90% chance of escaping the Celestial Veil together. Chu Zhao nan would never fire on us in this scenario, nor would it disrupt the Vanguard Project.

"Escape?" Zhou Mingyuan's gaze flickered: "No one has ever succeeded. We still don't have the complete data from the Qingluan. If this fails, we all die."

"Hong Hong has already run one experiment. Theoretically…"

"It's because that Chu bastard ran this experiment that he blew up all three Star Voids! Otherwise, we'd still have months to figure something out!" Zhou Mingyuan slammed his fist on the table, cutting off Wen Hui's words.

After his outburst, Zhou Mingyuan scanned the group, remembered something, then suppressed his anger and asked in a low voice:

"How's the recruitment rally going?"

At that moment, Wen Hui pulled out a controller and tapped it once.

Instantly, a holographic screen appeared in the massive office, showing the Wireless Alliance recruitment rally held at the Galagher Black Market.

"The situation is favorable. We've already recruited over ten thousand people—all elites. Their combat strength surpasses even the Night Patrol. Now that everyone senses the crisis, many caravans are seeking alliances. If this trend continues, we'll recruit over thirty thousand before the Vanguard Project launches."

"Ten thousand already? So fast!" an official exclaimed.

"Are they all powerful psychics?"

"Yes. Their combat power is strong. Excluding equipment, their individual strength exceeds Garrison troops," Wen Hui said.

"Good, good, good. Finally some good news." Zhou Mingyuan exhaled deeply: "Once we equip them, they'll be a formidable force."

"Compared to crashing a starship into the Celestial Veil, this plan is far safer."

"Exactly. I agree," someone chimed in. "Maybe the Phoenix will find a way to break the Veil soon—higher success rate. We don't have to rush."

"Yes, yes, yes…"

The safer plan instantly gained widespread approval. After all, boarding a starship and charging straight into the Celestial Veil was an utterly terrifying prospect requiring immense courage.

At that moment, Zhou Mingyuan turned to the surveillance feed, which showed Qin Feng inviting the Four Heavenly Kings and the Twelve Zodiac Lords to challenge him, right after the recruitment ended.

"What's Qin Feng planning to do?"

"Establish dominance!" Wen Hui said sharply. "This hastily assembled team isn't stable. He needs to prove his strength to earn respect. But don't worry—Qin Feng's power can handle it easily."

Zhou Mingyuan's eyes narrowed slightly: "Have Wen Dong and Li Jian keep a close watch. So many eyes are on this—don't let them sabotage it."

"Also, get his fabricated background dossier ready ASAP. Use Lin Xian from the Infinite as the template. Build him as a savior—that's how we'll recruit more people!"

Wen Hui smiled faintly: "Rest assured. With us backing him, we'll craft a perfect savior. And Qin Feng's psychic ability is… 【Civilization Creation Level】 itself."

…

Dawn City, Old District, Galagher Black Market Park Square.

As the sun neared the horizon, the crowd erupted in chaos.

Due to its popularity, Dawn City's net had over a million viewers, and it even boosted recruitment for several caravans.

Everyone now stared at the giant metal platform high above. Many held their breath—not for any other reason, but because the two figures floating in the sky exuded the aura of descending deities.

On the left, Lu Xingchen's face was strikingly untamed, his body wreathed in crimson fire, hovering like a celestial god. On the right, Qin Feng wore an interstellar-grade nanodynamic suit, floating motionless in midair, hundreds of drones rotating slowly behind him like mechanical gods descending.

Such scenes had once existed only in TV and movies. Now, in this post-apocalyptic world, human evolution had made this shocking spectacle real.

"Let's begin, Lu brother. Let me see your full strength. Don't worry—it's just sparring. I won't let you get hurt," Qin Feng said with a gentle smile.

Lu Xingchen's gaze darkened. This guy was ridiculously good at showing off—the effortless, natural air of control… it made him…

Absolutely determined to learn from him!

So he wasted no words. His captain Lin Xian, his teammates, and tens of thousands of others were watching. He had to take this seriously.

"Qin Captain, watch out."

Lu Xingchen coiled his right fist, his eyes sharpening, then roared:

"Divine·Flame Fist!"

BOOM!

A crimson flame fist erupted. Compared to his strike in Akse, Lu Xingchen's fist had doubled in power. One casual punch now spanned over a hundred meters—like a giant sun descending. Instantly, a powerful heatwave rippled across the square. The blinding light vaporized all rain clouds overhead, and the explosive flame surged straight toward Qin Feng.

Beneath the colossal fireball, Qin Feng looked like a tiny black speck. Tens of thousands on the square paled. This punch's power was like a missile detonating—shouts of shock erupted everywhere!

"Damn! Is this a 5300-rank fire psychic ability? So strong!"

"One punch like this could wipe out a whole B-rank Weird!"

"What an envy-inducing ability!"

"He just threw a nuke casually?"

"Wait—did he just name a technique?"

As the punch launched, people instinctively stepped back—even the recruits on the ground scrambled away. Everyone realized: natural psychic abilities had far more devastating visual impact than others.

Qin Feng, floating in midair, watched the massive fireball hurtling toward him. His expression showed no alarm. He simply hovered, motionless, letting the fire fist engulf him.

This sight left everyone stunned.

Even Lin Xian, Ningjing, Mo Nika, Qian Dele, Jiang Yun, and Kiki below frowned.

"Not dodging?" Ningjing murmured. "Could it be…"

Suddenly, embers scattered everywhere. After the heatwave passed, everyone looked again—and saw Qin Feng still floating unharmed. Around him, a half-melted black iron sphere had fully encased him, now rapidly turning to ash. The black ash quickly coalesced beside him, reshaping into hundreds of razor-sharp silver blades, all pointed at Lu Xingchen.

"Lu brother, if you can't block it, just step off the platform. No need to harm the harmony."

Qin Feng's lips curled slightly, then his gaze turned cold. A powerful psychic surge erupted. Instantly, hundreds of silver blades shot toward Lu Xingchen. Simultaneously, the hundreds of drones behind him rotated and transformed into miniature cannons, unleashing a storm of bullets at him.

A metal storm surged like a flood toward Lu Xingchen. Those below tightened their expressions.

Kiki's face showed worry. Against Weirds, Lu Xingchen was fine—but bullets? He rarely faced them. Yet Lu Xingchen was ready. He crossed his arms and shouted:

"Divine·Scorching Flame Sword!"

PUFF—BOOM!

Instantly, a blinding white spiral flame erupted from his hands. The blinding light flooded the entire square, turning it bone-white. Spectators felt their vision vanish. The spiral flame engulfed every metal projectile—melting Qin Feng's silver blades and the drone bullets in an instant with searing heat.

Qin Feng's expression shifted slightly. He raised his hand. Countless black dust coalesced before him, rapidly forming a steel shield several meters thick. Lu Xingchen's Scorching Flame Sword struck it—and instantly melted it like butter. Molten iron rained from the sky. But the black dust seemed endless, constantly replenishing the shield, preventing it from being burned through.

"This guy… really has a mechanical psychic ability?" Ningjing exclaimed.

"No."

Beside her, Lin Xian spoke calmly. He looked up and saw fine black dust drifting from all directions, converging on Qin Feng. He reached out, touched one strand, rubbed it between his fingers, then said with a faint frown:

"Iron filings. Magnetokinesis. More advanced than Wen Zhuo's in Xilan City."

"Magnetokinesis?" Mo Nika's voice came through the earpiece: "So his shield and drones are made of iron filings?"

"The shield, yes. But not the drones."

Lin Xian smiled. "Those drones are controlled by someone else."

"Huh?" Qian Dele gasped. "So he's not controlling them…"

"So that's it."

At the caravan camp, Jiang Yun stood beside Lin Qingyu and others. He immediately understood.

"Magnetokinesis—he controls metal at the elemental level. No wonder he's an Angel-tier. I heard of someone like this—Wang Han Chuan. He teamed up with Bai Shuang's rescue squad and Wei Ke Xue during the Wei River battle, then joined the Crimson Phoenix Order. A fascinating guy. But later, his caravan got caught in Star Void #5—annihilated."

"What a pity. Such a powerful ability—with enormous potential," Qian Dele said.

"So Qin Feng only makes simple metal objects? He's not a true mechanical psychic?" Kiki asked.

"Now that you mention it…"

Lin Xian's eyes narrowed. His mechanical psychic scan detected a hidden neural interface beneath Qin Feng's nanodynamic suit. A strange thought stirred in his mind.

"I think this guy is Wang Han Chuan!"

At this, everyone's expressions shifted sharply.

Lin Xian immediately told Huo Ge: "Huo Ge, end this with the next move."

"What…?" Lu Xingchen paused his flame, looking uneasy. He'd just realized Qin Feng was tough. But now, with Lin Xian's order, he hesitated—should he use his ultimate?

Then Lin Xian's voice came through his earpiece.

"Don't worry—he can't block your move. Next one? Make sure the whole city sees how cool you are."

Lu Xingchen's eyes and skin instantly brightened. He nodded firmly:

"Lin brother, don't worry—I've been waiting to use this move for a long time!"

"It'll be legendary!"

(End of Chapter)