The disastrous defeat of the Knights Templar's purification ritual was like a cold winter current, completely freezing any lingering optimism within the temporary forward operating base.
The fall of the Holy Light and the defeat of the knights brought not only a loss of strength but also a heavy spiritual blow.
That collapse, stemming from the power of faith and order, was more impactful than a simple military failure.
The atmosphere in the base was extremely oppressive.
The surviving members of the Temple Knights were immersed in grief and anger. Priest Barder had locked himself in the temporary chapel, his former assertiveness gone, replaced by a silence almost like a martyr's and a suppressed rage.
The soldiers of the 7th Brigade were filled with lingering fear and confusion. Faced with such a terrifying existence that defied conventional understanding, the steel torrent seemed to have lost its former deterrence.
The people of Panshi Fortress, especially Dawn Squad, felt more frustration and unwillingness. Zhou Yunguang was still in a coma, Chen Xue was haggard, and Li Mingyu's injuries were improving, but the ferocity in his eyes only increased. Li Fan was like a silent volcano, his dragon transformation aura sometimes uncontrollably escaping, indicating his extreme inner turmoil.
Only Ling Chen's (Lin Chen's) demeanor appeared exceptionally "calm" and even "reliable" in everyone's eyes.
After his "recovery," he participated more frequently in the base's defensive reorganization and intelligence analysis work. With his "calm mind" and "professional judgment," he assisted Gao Zhan in stabilizing morale and adjusting deployments.
Many of his suggestions, such as enhancing the sensitivity of energy detectors to pre-warn of underground assaults, stockpiling more corrosion-resistant materials, and specifically training soldiers to deal with various new types of mutated creatures, proved practical and effective, gradually earning him the trust of many officers, including Gao Zhan.
(A flock of startled birds needs a seemingly sturdy straw. I will be that straw. The more trust I gain, the easier my next actions will be.)
Ling Chen coldly calculated the impact of each step in his mind.
After receiving detailed battle reports and video records of the continuous front-line defeats, the Shengjing Headquarters was plunged into unprecedented shock and debate.
The threat level of the mutated creature leader—a Hundred Forms Realm peak, possessing a bizarre devour-and-evolve ability, and commanding a vast hidden army—was instantly elevated to the highest level!
The issue of the potential connection between "ancient evil inheritances" and the current evolution of mutated creatures was also brought to the highest decision-making level for the first time, sparking fierce debate.
One side argued that at all costs, more powerful strategic forces must be immediately mobilized, even requesting the use of certain forbidden-level weapons, to utterly flatten Linghui Academy with overwhelming force and eliminate this huge hidden danger that could trigger a chain reaction.
The other side adopted a cautious attitude, believing that the abilities displayed by Zhuang Han and the unique terrain he occupied were too special. Rashly using extreme measures could cause uncontrollable ecological disasters or spatial collapses, and might even accidentally release more terrifying existences (they thought of the legends of ancient battlefields).
They advocated a strategy of containment, attrition, and research, while fully supporting Lin Chen's (Ling Chen's) proposal for in-depth exploration of ancient ruins and anomalous energy zones, hoping to find a way to counter it at its source.
The result of the debate was a compromise.
A few days later, an encrypted order from the Supreme Command arrived at the forward operating base:
"Order: All front-line units are to transition to a strategic defensive posture.
The 7th Rapid Response Brigade is to be expanded into a mixed task force, with the 'Dragonfang' Heavy Psionic Mech Squad and the 'Zhuyin' Strategic Bomber Squadron reassigned to it, responsible for outer perimeter absolute firepower blockade and deterrence. The Panshi Fortress Special Affairs Bureau's 'Dawn' Squad and the Central Special Operations Bureau's 'Ash' Squad are to be merged to form the 'Abyss Exploration Task Force,' codenamed 'Grave Digger.'
The core mission of the task force is changed: under the premise of ensuring safety, conduct limited, protective, in-depth exploration and data collection of the discovered Zhuolu Ancient Battlefield teleportation array ruins and the suspected sacrificial canyon ruin site, with a focus on finding ancient information or countering methods related to the current abnormal evolution of mutated creatures. Colonel Lin Chen will serve as the task force leader, and Colonel Li Fan as the deputy leader. The Central Academy of Sciences' chief archaeological expert team and top-secret scientific research equipment will arrive with the next batch of supplies. This mission priority: Top Secret · Highest."
The issuance of the order once again caused a stir within the base.
The "Grave Digger" Task Force? Exploring ruins? This seemed to mean that Headquarters had temporarily abandoned the strategy of a strong offensive, turning instead to a more "technical" solution.
And Lin Chen's appointment as leader, with Li Fan as deputy, was undoubtedly an affirmation of Lin Chen's previous performance, and also revealed Headquarters' intention to leverage his "professional capabilities."
When Li Fan received the order, his expression was unusually complex. Cooperating with Lin Chen had already left a bad taste in his mouth, and now to be subservient to him and follow his command almost made his dragon-transformed blood boil.
But military orders were like mountains, so he could only forcefully suppress his anger and coldly say to Ling Chen:
"Captain Lin, I hope your judgment this time won't lead us into a desperate situation again."
Ling Chen met his gaze calmly, his tone peaceful yet with an undeniable firmness:
"Captain Li, our goal is consistent: to resolve the immense threat of Zhuang Han.
Exploring the ruins is a well-considered decision by Headquarters, and it might lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
I will be responsible for the safety of every team member."
(Be angry, be unwilling, Li Fan. The more unstable your emotions, the more beneficial it is to my plan. Deputy leader? It's perfect to have you under my nose, firmly under my control.)
The Temple Knights reacted strongly to this order. Priest Barder protested vehemently, considering it a compromise with "evil," and demanded to participate in or even lead the exploration, but Gao Zhan sternly refused, citing "highest military secret."
The Knights Templar were ultimately assigned to the outermost perimeter alert and "purification" work, effectively marginalized.
In the following days, the base entered a period of intense preparation and waiting.
Reinforcing mechs and bombers arrived one after another, and their powerful firepower restored some confidence to the soldiers.
The Academy of Sciences' expert team also arrived, escorted by an elite Special Affairs Bureau squad, bringing various peculiar detection instruments and sealing equipment.
Ling Chen used this time, under the guise of familiarizing himself with new equipment and formulating exploration plans, to frequently move between the warehouse and temporary laboratories. The will of his Soul Jade Physique, like the most precise scanner, thoroughly understood the principles, weaknesses, and operation methods of all newly arrived important equipment, especially those high-level instruments used for energy detection and sealing items.
He even "casually" pointed out a calibration issue with a certain energy resonance frequency to a young researcher, earning the latter's grateful gaze.
(Understanding your tools allows me to better circumvent and utilize them. These instruments may one day become my tools for misleading you.)
At the same time, he did not relax his monitoring of Zhuang Han. Through the Soul Guiding Talisman inscribed on the soul-sealing spirit gold, he could vaguely sense that Zhuang Han, who had retreated deep into Linghui Academy, was frantically devouring stored flesh and blood energy, repairing the wounds left by the battle with the Temple Knights. Its aura, amidst the pain, became even more condensed and violent, its dark golden bone armor seemed thicker, and the fleshy tentacles on its back became even more hideous. While the power of the Holy Light harmed it, it also acted like a whetstone, forcing it to transform to a higher level.
(Very good, keep getting stronger, mad dog. The stronger you are, the more valuable your crystal core will be. The moment you reach the peak of the Hundred Forms Realm will be... the time for harvest.)
On a dark and windy night, Ling Chen, alone, quietly arrived at a deserted radar station on the outermost edge of the base.
This place was far from the main camp, with severe energy interference, making it a blind spot for base monitoring.
He sat cross-legged on the cold metal floor and took out the soul-sealing spirit gold fragment with the Soul Guiding Talisman already inscribed.
Under the moonlight, on the dark golden surface of the spirit gold, the complex rune, inscribed with his essence blood and soul power, emitted a faint, pulsing glow, like breathing.
He formed an extremely ancient and strange hand seal with both hands, forcing out a drop of the Soul Jade Physique's essence blood from his fingertip. It was crimson with a hint of dark golden luster, containing vast vital energy and a cold aura of death.
He slowly dripped this drop of essence blood onto the center of the Soul Guiding Talisman.
Buzz—!
The moment the essence blood touched the rune, the entire spirit gold fragment trembled slightly!
The rune seemed to come alive, greedily absorbing the energy from the essence blood, its light shining brightly, and an invisible, specific soul-targeting attractive force field quietly formed!
At the same time, dozens of kilometers away, deep within Linghui Academy, Zhuang Han, who was in the midst of devouring, suddenly raised its head and let out a confused and irritated roar. It felt an irresistible summons and yearning from the depths of its soul, making it restless.
Ling Chen closed his eyes, fully operating the Soul Jade Physique, his will completely connected to the Soul Guiding Talisman.
What he was performing was an extremely dangerous soul-binding ritual, completely transforming this talisman into an extension of his body and soul, an anchor point specifically prepared for Zhuang Han's crystal core.
The process lasted a full hour.
When Ling Chen opened his eyes again, the soul-sealing spirit gold fragment had become unremarkable; all its light and inherent power were completely contained, like an ordinary black stone.
But Ling Chen knew that the invisible chain between it and Zhuang Han's crystal core was now incredibly firm.
As long as he willed it, and was within a certain range, he could maximize its effect.
He carefully put away this crucial "key" close to his body, his gaze directed towards Linghui Academy, as cold as ten thousand years of ice.
(All is ready, only the east wind is lacking.)
The next day, the "Grave Digger" Task Force held its first mission preparation meeting.
Ling Chen (Lin Chen), as the leader, presided over the meeting. He presented a detailed exploration route map, emergency plans, and personnel assignments.
His plan seemed flawless, fully considering various risks, maximizing the strengths of the Dawn Squad and Ash Squad members, and even thoroughly considering the safety of the Academy of Sciences experts.
Although Li Fan's expression was still not good, he could not find any fault.
"Everyone, the trust of Headquarters and the danger ahead demand that we must succeed."
Ling Chen concluded, his gaze sweeping over everyone present, his voice calm and powerful,
"This exploration is not a retreat, but a search for a more effective sharp sword.
No matter how strong Zhuang Han is, he must have a source and a weakness. Our mission is to find it!
For this, I demand that everyone absolutely obey orders and cooperate wholeheartedly!"
His words carried an undeniable authority and infectiousness, reassuring the somewhat anxious team members.
After the meeting, Ling Chen kept Li Fan behind alone.
"Captain Li,"
Ling Chen looked at Li Fan, his tone softening slightly,
"I know you have doubts about me, and that's normal. But please believe that when it comes to dealing with Zhuang Han, our goals are highly aligned. You are our strongest combat force and the soul of Dawn Squad. In the upcoming operation, I need your full support and cooperation. Especially in situations where we might encounter Zhuang Han or his main force, your strength is crucial."
Li Fan stared at Ling Chen for a long time, his dragon eyes glinting. Finally, he took a deep breath and said in a deep voice:
"Captain Lin, I, Li Fan, am not someone who disregards the bigger picture. As long as your orders are to complete the mission and reduce casualties, I will naturally execute them. However..."
He changed his tone, his eyes sharp as knives,
"If you have any actions... that endanger my team members or go against the interests of the fortress, I will absolutely not stand by!"
Ling Chen nodded calmly: "As it should be. Happy cooperation, Captain Li."
(A warning? Meaningless struggle. When the game ends, you will find that everything you cherished has already, unknowingly, become a chip on my chessboard.)
Watching Li Fan's retreating back, Ling Chen's lips curved into a barely perceptible, utterly cold arc.
The east wind has arrived.
The latest batch of reinforcements and experts from Shengjing Headquarters will arrive tomorrow.
And the "Grave Digger" Task Force's first in-depth exploration of the Zhuolu Ancient Battlefield teleportation array ruins is scheduled to begin the day after tomorrow morning.
A curtain, ostensibly for exploration but actually pointing towards the final decisive battle, was about to be drawn.
Ling Chen returned to his room and locked the door. He didn't need to make any additional preparations.
His state had already been adjusted to its peak, and all his arrangements were complete.
He was like an experienced hunter, having set up a net, dug traps, and poisoned bait. Now he just needed to wait quietly, waiting for the beast, driven by desire and anger, to walk step by step towards its ultimate destruction.
And he would personally deliver this final blow, seizing the crystal core that contained all the essence of the Hundred Forms Realm mutated creature, and... perhaps the true secrets of the Fourth Ascension Path hidden deep within the ruins.
The night was deep, and the forward operating base was brightly lit, yet eerily quiet.
As if it were the final silence before a storm.