The temporary forward operating base was established at the ruins of an abandoned mine, a location with high ground and easy to defend but difficult to attack.
Engineers from the Central Army's Seventh Rapid Reaction Brigade constructed simple defensive fortifications and energy barriers with astonishing efficiency; tanks and armored vehicles formed a circular defense, and helicopters hovered at low altitude on alert, presenting a stern and professional military atmosphere.
The Dawn Squad was assigned to rest in a relatively independent barrack at the edge of the base.
Chen Xue was fully engaged in providing psychological counseling to Zhou Yunguang, whose condition remained unstable; his fear of "Lin Chen" and the shock of that face further aggravated his already damaged psyche.
Li Mingyu silently wiped bloodstains from his gauntlets, his expression gloomy.
Lin Wei continuously tried to establish a more stable connection with the Panshi Fortress headquarters, reporting the situation and requesting further instructions.
Li Fan stood by the window, gazing at the largest command tent in the center of the base, his eyes deep; faint dark red dragon scale patterns flickered beneath his skin, and his inner doubts and vigilance had not diminished in the slightest.
Inside the command tent, the atmosphere was equally heavy.
Colonel Gao Zhan sat at the head, his face calm, listening to his subordinates report battle damage and intelligence analysis.
Ling Chen (Lin Chen), as the special liaison officer and captain of the Ash Squad, sat to one side, intently observing the enemy and friendly dispositions marked on the holographic sand table.
"Preliminary count, in this encounter, our side (Seventh Brigade) sustained three minor injuries, with no serious injuries or fatalities. Four Bone Eater Stage Peak mutated leaders were killed, and the estimated number of lower-tier mutants exceeded eight hundred."
A staff officer reported, "Panshi Fortress's Dawn Squad sustained multiple minor injuries, severe psionic energy depletion, and one member (Zhou Yunguang) experienced aggravated mental backlash, though there is no immediate danger to his life."
Gao Zhan nodded slightly, turning his gaze to Ling Chen: "Captain Lin, your Ash Squad's first participation in a battle of this scale was commendable, especially the precise targeted kills at the end, which were crucial."
Ling Chen bowed slightly, his tone humble yet confident: "Chief Gao is too kind; it was merely our duty. It just so happened that our scout (Wang Yuan) detected the energy bursts of those leaders in advance, and our long-range fire support (Chen Mo's shield counter and Su Qing's wind pressure combination) created the opportunity."
He cleverly distributed the credit among his team members, appearing flawless.
A hint of appreciation flashed in Gao Zhan's eyes, but it quickly turned serious: "Zhuang Han's strength and the organization and ferocity of the mutants under him far exceeded headquarters' previous estimates.
Especially... the 'devouring evolution' characteristic they displayed must be taken seriously.
Captain Lin, when you were in Shengjing, have you ever heard reports of mutants with similar characteristics?"
Ling Chen pondered, then shook his head: "Reporting, Chief, the mutants in the areas around Shengjing mostly fight in scattered groups; while they also exhibit devouring behavior, cases of such large-scale, organized, and clearly self-strengthening instances have never been seen. This seems more like... a unique evolutionary pattern exclusive to the local mutants of Jiu'an City."
He cleverly shifted the blame to regional characteristics, distancing himself from any association.
"Unique evolutionary pattern..." Gao Zhan tapped his fingers on the table.
"Is Panshi Fortress aware of this? Why was there such a severe lack of initial intelligence?" His tone carried a hint of accusation.
Ling Chen maintained silence at the appropriate moment. This was an internal issue for Panshi Fortress, and as a member of the Central Special Operations Bureau, he was not in a position to comment.
At this moment, a communications soldier quickly entered: "Report! Priest Barder of the Knights Templar requests an audience!"
Gao Zhan and Ling Chen exchanged glances.
"Invite him in."
Priest Barder entered the tent, his silver divine robe spotless, his expression still solemn and dignified, but no Temple Knights followed him.
"Colonel Gao Zhan, Captain Lin Chen." Barder nodded slightly in greeting, "Thank you for your tactical cooperation just now."
"You're too kind, Priest; with a common goal, it is only natural." Gao Zhan said indifferently, "Priest, what brings you here?"
Barder's gaze swept over the sand table, finally resting on Ling Chen for a moment before he slowly spoke:
"I have come for two matters.
First, on the battlefield just now, this humble monk sensed an extremely subtle yet... unsettling aura of 'stillness' and 'devouring,' which did not originate from the mutants, and it vanished in a flash. I wonder if either of you noticed anything?"
His gaze was sharp, as if it could penetrate the human heart.
Ling Chen sneered inwardly, but on his face, he showed just the right amount of confusion: "A still, devouring aura? I apologize, Priest, the battle was fierce just now, and I was fully focused on coordinating the squad and did not have the presence of mind to sense anything else."
His answer was watertight.
Gao Zhan also shook his head: "I did not notice anything. Is it possible the Priest's perception was mistaken?"
Barder looked deeply at Ling Chen, did not press further, and then said: "The second matter concerns the 'anomaly' that Professor Qin of the Academy of Sciences brought out of the ruins.
The energy properties contained within this object are extremely peculiar, neither holy nor evil, yet it faintly resonates with some ancient forbidden power.
The Knights Templar believes this object is extremely dangerous and should not be studied solely by the Academy of Sciences. This humble monk, representing the College of Cardinals, formally proposes that the Knights Templar, the Academy of Sciences, and the Special Operations Bureau jointly establish a research team to analyze it under absolutely secure monitoring.
This is the proposal document."
He produced a scroll emanating a faint holy light and handed it to Gao Zhan.
Gao Zhan took the scroll, didn't even look at it, and placed it directly on the table, his tone flat but unquestionable: "I appreciate the Priest's good intentions.
However, this item is the result of the Academy of Sciences' exploration mission, and how it is handled should be decided by the Academy of Sciences and the Federation's Supreme Academy of Sciences.
My Special Operations Bureau is only responsible for security and escort. I will truthfully relay the Knights Templar's proposal to Professor Qin and Shengjing Headquarters."
Barder seemed to have anticipated this and was not annoyed, merely stating: "I hope Chief Gao will consider carefully. Some powers, if mortals rashly touch them, may invite unforeseen consequences. Farewell." He bowed slightly and turned to leave, his gaze once again meaningfully sweeping over Ling Chen before he departed.
Silence fell over the tent once more.
"The Knights Templar's reach is growing longer and longer."
Gao Zhan snorted, clearly displeased with the Knights Templar's interference.
Ling Chen spoke at the opportune moment: "Chief, while the Knights Templar may have ulterior motives, some caution regarding that black rectangular object is indeed necessary. The ruins and guardians in the Western Rift Zone are extraordinary, and that thing... might truly hide unknown risks for us." He played the part of a loyal and thoughtful subordinate.
Gao Zhan looked at him and nodded:
"I know. But the item must remain in our hands.
Captain Lin, escorting the Academy of Sciences personnel and that item safely back to Shengjing Headquarters is the top priority for now.
The Seventh Brigade will provide outer perimeter security, but internal security, especially guarding against potential 'small actions' from the Knights Templar, will require your close attention."
"Understood! I guarantee the completion of the mission!" Ling Chen stood at attention and accepted the order... Inside the barrack, Lin Wei finally connected with Panshi Fortress via encrypted communication. Commander Qin's holographic image appeared, his face grim.
After listening to the report, especially after seeing the processed side image of "Lin Chen" that Lin Wei secretly transmitted, the Commander was silent for a long time.
"It's not that there aren't similar people in the world... but at this point in time, appearing there..."
Commander Qin's voice was low, "Li Fan's suspicions are not unfounded. But the other party is an official military officer of the Central Special Operations Bureau, with an impeccable identity file. We have no evidence, so we absolutely cannot act rashly, much less clash with the Central Army."
He paused, then ordered:
"Dawn Squad, your mission has changed. While cooperating with the Central Army's actions, secretly observe all behavioral details of this 'Lin Chen' and his squad. Especially his reactions when he comes into contact with that relic item. But remember, do not provoke them, and do not let them detect you! Report any abnormalities directly to me!"
"Yes!" Li Fan responded in a deep voice, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. With the Vice President's authorization, his investigation could proceed covertly... Meanwhile, Ling Chen (Lin Chen) in his single tent, gently brushed his fingertips over an inconspicuous black jade piece embedded in his belt buckle. A subtle, almost imperceptible will of the Soul Jade Physique was injected into it.
Hundreds of kilometers away, deep within the Linghui Academy Ruins in Jiu'an City, Zhuang Han, immersed in a pool of blood, suddenly opened his crimson pupils! He received a cold and direct message of will—
"The Panshi Dawn Squad has arrived, Captain Li Fan, his ability is 【Ya Zi】 (Dragon Transformation), eager for revenge. The Central Army's Seventh Brigade has intervened, their combat power is strong, temporarily avoid their Edge."
"Next step: harass their supply lines, hunt down their isolated personnel, display the 'devouring' characteristic, create panic, and tie down the Central Army's main force here."
"When the time is right, I will give you the signal."
Excitement and savagery flickered in Zhuang Han's pupils. He licked his fangs, letting out a low growl. His master's command was the meaning of his existence!
...On the chessboard, the various pieces had quietly fallen into place.
Gao Zhan of the Central Army intended to control the overall situation, escort the key item, and guard against the Knights Templar.
Priest Barder of the Knights Templar coveted the ancient relic, suspected "Lin Chen," and attempted to intervene in the research.
Li Fan of The Boulder harbored old grudges and new suspicions, tasked with secretly investigating "Lin Chen."
Ling Chen (Lin Chen) played the loyal subordinate, using his authority to subtly guide the situation, remotely controlling Zhuang Han to create chaos with one hand, and with the other, setting up the approach to the black rectangular object.
And in distant Shengjing, Professor Qin of the Academy of Sciences was unaware of the impending storm, immersed only in the excitement of acquiring a treasure; Chu Hang of Panshi Fortress presided over the core, observing coldly; the Knights Templar's College of Cardinals secretly plotted; even the mysterious "Abyssal Echo" plan... was still slowly advancing in the unknown shadows.
The chess game grew increasingly complex, with undercurrents surging.
And Ling Chen, the chess player, calmly surveyed the entire board, waiting to move the next piece to its predetermined position.