Chapter 327: Sword Pointing Beyond the Milky Way

Finally, we have reached the Fifth-level Civilization.

Qin Hao felt his body tightly connected to the Yanhuang Civilization's spiritual power network, a vast, mighty force like an ocean.

He knew the time had come.

The time spent hiding in swaddling clothes has been long enough.

He slowly raised his hand and connected to the communication with the Yanhuang Supreme Command Center.

On the screen, Luo Lao's figure appeared.

"Qin Hao! You… you finally came back!" Luo Lao's voice was full of excitement.

Qin Hao smiled slightly and nodded.

"Luo Lao, thank you for your hard work."

"Prepare to convene the Supreme Strategic Meeting."

"The Century of Silence has ended."

"The Pathfinder Plan, Phase Two, is officially launched."

Qin Hao's order, issued at the Yanhuang Supreme Command Center, stirred up a tremendous wave.

A century of silence.

A full hundred years of peace and rapid development have made everyone almost accustomed to this comfort.

They had grown accustomed to being the sole rulers of the Milky Way Galaxy, to looking down on all beings, and to the feeling of absolute safety.

To the point that many, even including some senior generals, were about to forget that beyond the seemingly impregnable "Final Barrier",

there lurked an unknown, terrifying shadow capable of devouring a Fifth-level Civilization.

The Supreme Strategic Meeting was convened urgently.

When Qin Hao's holographic image, appearing calmer than a century ago yet exuding an intangible aura of authority, appeared at the center of the conference hall,

Everyone present, including Zhou Shaoqing and Zhang Xianzhong, these military leaders, involuntarily held their breath and straightened their bodies.

They felt that the Qin Hao before them was now completely different from the one a century ago.

If the Qin Hao of a century ago was a divine sword with its edge fully exposed, then he now is unfathomably deep and boundlessly vast.

"Over the past century, we have gained the ability for preliminary self-defense."

Qin Hao got straight to the point, his voice calm yet clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"But forever hiding in swaddling clothes will never make us truly strong. Comfort only erodes our will."

"We must go out and see with our own eyes what our enemy truly is."

His words were like a bucket of cold water, waking everyone present.

Yes, the enemy.

That terrifying enemy could only flee in panic even from the Fifth-level Star Language Civilization, ultimately facing annihilation.

Zhou Shaoqing's passion ignited instantly.

This century of peace was about to drive him crazy.

He was the first to rise, eyes blazing, loudly requesting battle:

"Qin Consultant! Give the order! Our newest generation of the Divine Vessel Fleet is ready."

"A billion ships can set out at any time; no matter what monsters lurk out there, we'll charge straight in and blast them to pieces!"

However, Qin Hao shook his head.

"No, Shaoqing. This time we will not fight."

He waved his hand, and a vast star map unfolded in the center of the conference hall.

At the center of the star map lay their familiar Milky Way Galaxy, and far beyond it stretched a vaster, more brilliant spiral galaxy.

The Andromeda Galaxy.

"The data left by the Star Language Civilization shows that their original escape route came from the direction of the Andromeda Galaxy."

"That means it is the area nearest to us where traces of the Devourer's activity might exist."

"At the same time, other exiled civilizations, having survived like the Star Language Civilization, might also be found there."

Qin Hao's tone grew utterly grave.

"Therefore, the core objective of Phase Two of the Pathfinder Plan is not conquest."

"But rather \"exploration\" and \"cognition\"."

"Knowing oneself and the enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles."

"Launching war without knowing the enemy's exact form, strength level, and civilizational rules is foolish."

He then announced the plan's specific details.

"I will personally lead the team, selecting a group of scientists, warriors, and linguists to form the first Andromeda Exploration Fleet."

"Aboard the flagship Void Voyager, carrying dozens of the latest mobile star gates, we will for the first time cross the Final Barrier, head to the Andromeda Galaxy, and conduct a small‑scale preliminary exploration focused on reconnaissance and information gathering."

"I need to know what that world is like. I need to know what form our enemy takes, how strong they are, and where their weaknesses lie."

This plan, like a heavyweight bomb, left everyone present stunned.

Personally lead the team?

Cross the barrier?

Go to a completely unknown galaxy where a terrifying enemy lurks?

"No way! This is too dangerous!"

"Luo Lao was the first to stand up in opposition: \"Xiao Qin! You are the cornerstone and soul of our entire civilization! You cannot take this risk! \"

"Yes, Qin Consultant!"

Zhang Yunfeng also got anxious, "If we have to go, then we will go! I will take the Divine Vessel Fleet's First Legion to go!"

Even if the whole army is wiped out, I will absolutely not let you risk yourself!

I agree! I'll go!

Zhou Shaoqing even slapped his chest, making a bang-bang sound.

Seeing the impassioned crowd, Qin Hao felt a warmth spread through his heart.

He simply shook his head calmly.

Your going would be useless.

The Void Walker and the core of the mobile star gate are both deeply bound to my system.

Only I can guarantee that, when encountering irresistible force, I can bring everyone back safely, as well as safely return the most important star gate.

Moreover...

His gaze became extremely firm: "Because I am the cornerstone, I must go."

Some paths must have someone walk them first; some dangers must be borne by me.

We cannot live forever in fear of the unknown.

His words left everyone silent.

Because what Qin Hao said was the truth.

But reason is one thing; emotionally they could not accept it no matter what.

But... what if?

Old Luo still couldn't rest easy: "What if you don't come back, then we..."

Don't worry, Old Luo.

Qin Hao gave a slight smile, trying to lighten the mood: "I've left a backup."

He lightly tapped the light curtain with his finger, projecting a holographic image of two people.

It was Ke Huang and Jia Ge Lie.

In the image, the two stood respectfully in their respective governor's offices, handling tedious government affairs.

Their expressions were focused and devout, the most loyal of servants.

During my absence, the two of them will become the most reliable bulwark of the Yanhuang Civilization.

Qin Hao revealed part of his backup to everyone,

I have, through them, implemented a grander secret plan within the two major administrative regions—the Fire Seed Plan.

They will, within their own territories, using the Yanhuang Civilization's genes as a blueprint, secretly establish tens of thousands of gene banks and civilization incubation bases.

Even if our headquarters suffers the worst-case scenario, the fire seed of Yanhuang will also reignite in every corner of the Milky Way Galaxy.

Hearing this plan, everyone's hearts only then settled a little.

They knew Qin Hao never does anything unprepared.

Since he has arranged things to this extent, it shows he has considerable confidence.

Finally, under Qin Hao's insistence, the meeting passed the resolution for the second stage of the Pathfinder Plan.