Chapter 791: Fissure Omen

The meeting was held on the top floor of the Commander Tower.

The Light Curtain map hovered in the center.

Chen Wen sat in the main seat.

Zhang Cheng stood beside the map and reported.

"Observation Point Seven is showing persistent anomalies."

"The Light Curtain's thickness has weakened by forty percent."

"Energy permeability has increased."

He called up the data charts.

"The onset of the anomaly coincides with last month's rescue operation."

"But the attenuation rate exceeds expectations."

Lin Chong frowned.

"Is the Pure State Army reinforcing that side?"

"No." Zhang Cheng shook his head.

He pulled up another set of data.

"Monitoring shows that the Yin Energy response intensity within the Pure State has risen by three hundred percent compared to the same period."

"The two may be related."

Zhu Yuanzhang suddenly spoke.

"You mean, the more the Pure State uses Yin Energy, the weaker the Light Curtain becomes?"

Zhang Cheng looked at Chen Wen.

Chen Wen nodded, indicating he should continue.

"Current data supports this speculation."

"Large-scale mobilization of Yin Energy may be interfering with the Light Curtain's maintenance mechanism."

Liu Ji stroked his beard.

"The Great Ming and the Pure State have fought for a hundred years; I have observed similar phenomena before."

"After the Pure State Army launches a major offensive, the Yin Energy field in the areas they occupy becomes temporarily disordered."

"If the Light Curtain and Yin Energy share the same source, then one waxing and the other waning makes sense."

Xu Da added.

"The Pure State Army's warfare indeed follows a pattern."

"The vanguard assault is fiercest, while subsequent forces often run out of strength."

"Previously it was thought to be a troop deployment issue, but now it seems the use of Yin Energy may be limited."

Chen Wen fell silent for a moment.

"If this speculation is correct."

"Then the weak points of the Light Curtain will fluctuate with the intensity of the Pure State's Yin Energy usage."

"Currently, the Pure State's Yin Energy response continues to climb."

"This means they are preparing for a large-scale operation."

"It also means……"

He gazed at the dim light point on the map.

"Point Seven will become increasingly fragile."

"It could become a breakthrough point."

"It could also become a dangerous entrance."

The hall fell silent.

Zhu Yuanzhang said in a low voice.

"Mr. Chen, how do you intend to respond?"

Chen Wen rose to his feet.

"Two matters."

"First, establish a research team, with Zhang Cheng, Liu Ji, and Gongsun Sheng responsible."

"Fully analyze the connection between the Light Curtain and Yin Energy, and predict the trend of change."

"Second, form a reconnaissance team."

He looked at Lin Chong and Xu Da.

"Before Yue Fei recovers from his wounds, Lin Chong will be responsible for selecting the elite of the Northward Aspiration Army."

"General Xu Da will provide all his experience in fighting the Pure State Army."

"The mission is to conduct limited reconnaissance outside Point Seven."

"To ascertain the situation there."

"If possible, carry out small-scale probing."

"Observe the Pure State's reaction."

Lin Chong clasped his fists in acceptance of the order.

Xu Da looked at Zhu Yuanzhang.

Zhu Yuanzhang gave a slight nod.

Only then did Xu Da turn toward Chen Wen.

"I, Xu, will certainly do my utmost."

Chen Wen finally looked toward Zhu Yuanzhang.

"Lord Zhu, this move carries risk."

"It might alert the Qing prematurely."

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head.

"Waiting is more dangerous."

"Our Ming's defeat stems from knowing too little about the enemy."

"When there is a chance to scout, we cannot miss it."

Chen Wen nodded.

"Good."

"Execute it immediately after the meeting."

The meeting ended.

Zhu Yuanzhang's party left the command tower.

On the way, Liu Ji spoke softly.

"Your Majesty, the Chen dynasty's move is fraught with meaning."

"It is both probing the Qing and consolidating us."

Zhu Yuanzhang gazed at the distant workshop.

"He knows we are observing and learning."

"So he gave us clear roles and tasks."

"This is acceptance, and also a test."

Xu Da clenched his fist.

"I request to join the reconnaissance team."

Zhu Yuanzhang shook his head.

"Chen Wen asked you to help devise the plan because he values your experience."

"Incorporate all your century of knowledge about fighting the Qing into the plan."

"This is your battlefield now."

Xu Da nodded heavily.

"I understand."

The top level of the command tower.

Chen Wen stood alone before the light curtain map.

Zhang Cheng left and then returned.

"Your Majesty, the reconnaissance operation carries high risk."

"The Qing may have already noticed the anomaly at Point Seven."

Chen Wen did not turn back.

"The rescue operation is so large-scale that they surely noticed."

"Hiding one's clumsiness is now meaningless."

"Better to take the initiative."

He reached out and pointed lightly at the map.

"What I wonder is."

"When a reconnaissance team marked with Fortune Momentum appears there…"

"Which issue will the Iron Crow Army prioritize?"

Zhang Cheng fell into thought.

"Are you trying to distract it?"

Chen Wen withdrew his hand.

"The way of Fortune Momentum lies in this waning, that waxing."

"The more attention it pays here, the less control it may have elsewhere."

"We need more such opportunities."

Outside the window, North City operates in regular rhythm.

But beneath the surface of that regularity, undercurrents have begun to stir.

Late night.

Observation Point Seven.

The light curtain's pulse suddenly intensified.

The dim area expanded for a moment.

It seemed as if something lightly touched the other side.

Then it quickly recovered.

The on‑duty observer recorded this anomaly.

Tagged as a 'precursor fluctuation.'

He did not know.

On the other side of the light curtain.

On the black wasteland.

A unit of Yin Energy Cavalry was patrolling.

The squad leader's knight suddenly reined the horse.

His emerald pupils beneath the helmet gazed toward the light curtain.

There, a discordant ripple appeared.

He let out a low groan.

He turned his horse and galloped toward the rear camp.

The news must be reported.

The rift in the light curtain.

Both sides saw it.