Chapter 450: Preparations Before the Test-Fire

Sokolov pondered for a moment, "From a military perspective, I believe we should maintain restraint and wait to see how things develop. Unlike the Star-Spangled Country, we have a special relationship with Long Country and it is not appropriate for us to make an over-the-top reaction. But at the same time, we must do our utmost to obtain technical data and assess the real threat."

The Chief nodded, falling into deep thought. The conference room was deathly silent; everyone was waiting for the decision of this iron-fisted leader.

Finally, the Chief spoke, his voice low and firm: "Execute the intelligence gathering plan, but all actions must remain low-key; there must be no direct confrontation with the Star-Spangled Country or Long Country. Technical assessment is the primary task; I want to see the first-hand test-fire data."

He paused, his gaze becoming sharp, "As for diplomatic contact... wait and see for now. Let us first see the results of this test-fire before deciding the next step."

The Chief stood up, signaling the end of the meeting, but before leaving, he turned back to add: "Additionally, issue a new directive to the 'Thunder Project'—accelerate progress at all costs. If Long Country can do it, we must be able to do it too!"

At the same time, the Beijixiong Guo Academy of Sciences emergency conference room.

"This is simply a fantasy!" Rocket propulsion system expert Professor Kozlov shook his head in disbelief, "How could a country that has just begun industrialization develop technology in a few months that we have failed to break through after years of effort?"

"Facts speak louder than words," countered Grigoryev, Dean of the Academy of Aviation Engineering, "Long Country has already achieved satellite launches, and now they are going to conduct an intercontinental missile test-fire. We must admit that under the leadership of Li Mingyuan, they have achieved a technological miracle."

"Or perhaps they stole our technology!" Kozlov said angrily, "Remember those experts who went to support Long Country? They took our blueprints and knowledge with them!"

Grigoryev shook his head, "No, this is not simple imitation or theft. The 'Changfeng' missile uses a brand-new design concept, completely different from our ballistic missiles. According to intelligence, it uses a turbofan engine for low-altitude cruise, an area we have never studied in depth."

The scientists in the conference room fell silent, and an unsettling question rose in everyone's heart: Who exactly is Li Mingyuan? Where did his technological innovations come from?

"We need to re-evaluate Long Country's technological strength," Grigoryev finally said, "In the past, we always viewed them as technological followers; now it seems that in some fields, they may have already moved ahead of us."

Kozlov's face was livid, but he could not refute this cruel fact. The scientific community of Beijixiong Guo was facing a painful cognitive shift: they were no longer the undisputed technological leaders.

Long Country, Ministry of Foreign Affairs press briefing hall.

In stark contrast to the turbulence outside, Long Country's reaction to the military mobilization and diplomatic protests of the Star-Spangled Country was surprisingly calm.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Wang Zhiyuan faced the swarming international reporters with a composed posture and a calm tone:

"Regarding the diplomatic note from a certain country, we have already received and studied it. I would like to emphasize that Long Country's missile test-fire activity is fully in compliance with international law, is being conducted on the high seas, and relevant parties have been notified in advance. This is a normal activity for Long Country's peaceful development of defense technology and is not directed at any specific country."

A reporter from *The New York Times* pressed: "But the test-fire location you chose is so close to a Star-Spangled Country military base; isn't this a provocation?"

Wang Zhiyuan smiled faintly: "The water depth conditions in the Jiaoshi Island sea area meet our testing requirements, and the meteorological conditions are also relatively stable. The choice of the test-fire location is purely for technical considerations. If certain countries feel uneasy about this, perhaps they should reflect on whether their own behavior of deploying military forces at other countries' doorsteps is appropriate."

This clever response triggered a round of low murmurs. Indeed, the Star-Spangled Country possesses hundreds of military bases globally, many located around other countries. Now that Long Country is conducting a single missile test on the high seas, the Star-Spangled Country is making a fuss, appearing somewhat double-standard.

A reporter from *The London Times* asked: "There are reports that the Star-Spangled Country has mobilized a carrier strike group to head toward the vicinity of the test-fire sea area; how do you view this military deterrent action?"

"We have noted the relevant movements," Wang Zhiyuan remained calm, "Long Country respects the freedom of navigation of all countries on the high seas. At the same time, we hope that the relevant countries will remain calm and not take actions that could lead to tension. Long Country's test-fire activity is open and transparent; we have even invited international observers. This in itself demonstrates our peaceful intentions."

The reporters continued to press for technical details, but Wang Zhiyuan cleverly avoided these questions, only repeatedly emphasizing the peaceful nature and legality of the test-fire. The entire press conference lasted 40 minutes, but substantive information was scarce, which is precisely Long Country's strategy—maintain moderate transparency, but never leak key information.

At the same time, major newspapers and radio stations across Long Country were also reporting this news in a restrained manner. The reports emphasized that this was a major achievement in defense technology, demonstrating Long Country's growing comprehensive national strength, but at the same time downplayed the color of military confrontation, describing it as a necessary step for peaceful development.

"Long Country to conduct new strategic weapon test-fire, demonstrating technological strength"—such a restrained and confident headline appeared on the front pages of major newspapers, making the public feel proud without overly stimulating international tensions.

404 Military Base, Hexin Command Center.

Unlike the calm and composed Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the interior of the 404 Base was a scene of tension and busyness. Preparations before the missile test-fire were being fully rolled out, with every link being carried out under the personal supervision of Li Mingyuan.

"The latest weather report," the Group Leader of the meteorological team handed over a document, "On the day of the test-fire, the Jiaoshi Island sea area is expected to be cloudy with good visibility, wind speeds of 6-8, and wave heights of 2-3 meters, fully meeting the launch conditions."

Li Mingyuan nodded and turned to the head of the navigation team: "How is the final calibration of the guidance system?"

"Three rounds of calibration have been completed, all meeting standards," the navigation team leader replied, "The terrain matching Data Library has been updated, adding high-precision terrain data for the sea area around Jiaoshi Island. According to simulation tests, the hit accuracy can reach within 50 meters."

"Very good," Li Mingyuan smiled slightly, then looked at the Group Leader of the security team, "Reconnaissance situation?"

The security team leader's expression was serious: "The Star-Spangled Country is making big moves; it has been confirmed that at least three U-2 Reconnaissance Planes are operating over the high seas, and there are many warships and electronic reconnaissance ships gathering toward the test-fire sea area. Beijixiong Guo's activities are more covert, but we have also detected their electronic reconnaissance signals."

Li Mingyuan was not surprised: "All within expectations. Is the upgraded version of 'Mirror Operation' ready?"

The technical deputy director replied immediately: "Everything is ready. We have deployed three layers of Electronic Interference System. The first layer targets ordinary Radar, creating false signals; the second layer targets high-altitude reconnaissance, producing visual interference; the third layer targets electronic eavesdropping, emitting confusing signals. Simply put, even if they see something, it may not be real."

Li Mingyuan nodded with satisfaction: "Perfect. Remember, our goal is not to completely block their reconnaissance, but to let them see what we want them to see."

He walked to the huge operational map, his gaze sweeping over the markers indicating various deployments. The camouflage nets for the launch site had been laid out, and the ground facilities used special materials that could effectively reduce Radar reflection. At the same time, multiple dummy targets were also cleverly arranged to distract the enemy's attention.

"Launch preparation status?" Li Mingyuan asked, his gaze falling on the technical lead for the "Changfeng" missile.

"Missile status is perfect," the technical lead replied confidently, "All system checks show no abnormalities, fuel loading will be completed tomorrow morning, after which we will enter the final countdown."

Li Mingyuan looked around at everyone in the room, these engineers and scientists who had been fighting day and night; excitement and tension flickered in their eyes. They knew they were participating in a historic moment that would change the fate of the country.

"From now on," Li Mingyuan's voice was low and firm, "all security levels are raised to the highest, and a full lockdown is implemented. Any personnel, vehicles, and communications must undergo triple verification. The 'Changfeng' missile is Long Country's most important strategic asset in decades; we cannot tolerate any risks."

He paused, his expression becoming unprecedentedly serious: "Everyone, history will remember this moment. Be prepared to welcome the coming storm."

Inside the command center, everyone straightened their backs, their eyes filled with determination. Beneath this seemingly calm surface, a storm that would change the world's landscape was brewing.

West Pacific, Jiaoshi Island sea area, morning of the test-fire day.

The sky was like a wash, azure as jade, without even a wisp of cloud. The sea surface shimmered with golden light under the warm sun, as if the heavens intended to provide the most perfect stage for this historic test-fire.

Jiaoshi Island—this barren little island with an area of less than three square kilometers suddenly became the global focus today. The only building on the island was a square concrete structure about ten meters high, painted with a huge concentric target mark, which was particularly eye-catching in the sunlight.

The sea area around the island was strictly blockaded, but outside the safe distance in international waters, dense numbers of observation ships sent by various countries were anchored. The most eye-catching was the massive fleet of the Star-Spangled Country—the mighty silhouette of the "Wei" carrier strike group was clearly visible, and carrier-based fighter jets whistled past from time to time, cutting through the sky.

"With so many pairs of eyes watching," on the Long Country observation ship, Minister Zhang whispered to the Military Representative beside him, "it's just like performing acrobatics in front of the whole world."

Military Representative General Huang was expressionless, only saying faintly: "The more people who see it, the better. After today, the world will no longer be the same."

At the same time, major radio stations around the world interrupted their regular programs and began special live broadcasts. The strained voices of the broadcasters carried an undisguisable tension:

"... This is the Star-Spangled Country International Radio, we are broadcasting live for you the intercontinental missile test-fire that Long Country is about to conduct. According to the official announcement from Long Country, the test-fire will begin at 10 o'clock sharp..."

"... According to expert analysis, if Long Country's missile truly possesses the claimed performance, this will be the biggest variable in the global strategic landscape since the end of World War II..."

"... The Star-Spangled Country has already dispatched a powerful fleet to the test-fire sea area, showing an unprecedented level of importance..."

In newspaper editorial offices around the world, front-page headlines had already been laid out, waiting only for the final results to be filled in. Hundreds of millions of people around the world held their breath, waiting for this moment to arrive.