"Commander, the missile has been shot down!"
"Report this to the governor and send an inquiry to Fortress 82."
Dongfang Zhenghong hung up the communication, his face dark as he cursed, "A bunch of pests! Fortress 82 has been completely devoured by them! Damn it!"
Wang Jixuan was a bit confused. "Shooting missiles, what does that mean?"
Zheng Shiduo swallowed a piece of grilled meat and quickly explained, "Fortress 82 launched a missile at us, and it landed just twenty-five kilometers from our ground camp. It's a show of force, or a warning, if you will. The main instigator is likely the Thirteenth Institute. They'll probably give us an explanation, likely saying, 'Oh, it was a mistake, don't be alarmed.' Or maybe they'll say, 'Oops, we accidentally shot at a passing Pterodactyl.'"
Zheng Shiduo couldn't help but roll his eyes.
Sure enough, within two minutes, Dongfang Zhenghong received a report from his subordinate. A missile site near Fortress 82 had mistakenly entered the wrong coordinates during a test of a new missile model, and they expressed deep apologies for the incident.
"See," Zheng Shiduo spread his hands, "they've apologized. What else can we say?"
Dongfang Zhenghong silently chewed on a skewer of freshly grilled Blade Beast meat.
Wang Daolong wanted to remind this middle-aged man... eating too much of this could really cause constipation...
Among those present, the only person Wang Daolong wasn't worried about in that regard was Zheng Shiduo. A very niche advantage.
Deep Sea chuckled, "Looks like there's going to be a good show. Let's see how our governor negotiates."
"Don't worry," Dongfang Zhenghong said with a frown, "the more the enemy opposes us, the more it shows we're on the right path! Teacher Wang Zheng, I'll leave the spiritual energy weapons to you!"
"Sure," Wang Daolong replied casually.
He wasn't just putting on airs. It was just a necessary demeanor of a senior.
...
By the time Wang Daolong returned to his dorm, it was already past midnight.
There was a small plastic bag hanging on the doorknob, with a note attached. Inside the bag were a dozen crooked little bear cookies.
The note read:
"Thank you for your care before! These are baked by the children in our class! Please forget about the previous incident! We beg you! — Your neighbor on the right."
Wang Daolong looked a bit puzzled.
The neighbor on the right... if he turned around, wouldn't that be the left? Can this girl even tell directions?
Shaking his head, Wang Daolong took two cookies and ate them.
They tasted average, with a mix of undercooked and burnt flavors, but natural starch is still much better than synthetic starch.
However... these cookies reminded Wang Daolong of some not-so-pleasant memories.
There was once a girl living in a wooden house who was incredibly skilled at baking these things.
Wang Jixuan sighed lightly and returned to his room to practice.
He wasn't short on crystal cores for now, so he wouldn't be stingy with himself. He took out twenty-one crystal cores, planning to heal while also increasing his internal magical energy, expanding his meridians, and strengthening his body.
As for the messy political struggles, he would leave that to Xiao Zhou, Commander Dongfang, and the governor.
Focus on cultivation!
For the next week, his practice routine gradually settled into a full schedule.
Every morning, he would use the power of the rising sun to purify the remaining demonic energy in his body, entering a meditative state to mend the gaps in his soul.
He would meditate until noon, and when the fire element in the spiritual energy became too intense, he would break free from his meditation and head to the 'workshop' surrounded by blue canvas for lunch made by Xiao Qi.
Compared to Wan Jie, Wan Xiao Qi's cooking still had a lot of room for improvement, focusing on normal flavors and cooking the meat thoroughly.
Compared to someone’s mother, it was quite good!
In the afternoon, Wang Jixuan would self-study all the courses for mechanics and consult Uncle Tai with questions; after dinner, he would pull Uncle Tai to research the secondary development of Blade Beast bones, aiming to break them down into a more moldable state for mass production of the Demon Breaking Dagger.
Around ten at night, Wang Daolong would return to his dorm, using the Spirit Suppression Array to supply spiritual energy and speed up his cultivation.
In a week, his soul injuries had healed by more than half, and the demonic energy in his body was mostly purified.
His cultivation officially entered the mid-stage of the Gathering Spirit Realm!
At this point, Wang Jixuan's spiritual sense could probe a radius of four hundred meters, about one hundred twenty zhang.
Wang Daolong felt quite pleased with this.
He was very satisfied with his current state of cultivation, and the improvement and mass production plan for the Demon Breaking Dagger was also accelerating.
Now, Wang Jixuan and Uncle Tai had determined the basic structure of the improved Demon Breaking Dagger:
- A metal shell carrying edge restrictions to ensure basic sharpness;
- A retractable Blade Beast bone inner core, which could form a complete restriction when pushed in;
- A detachable multi-module handle, allowing the dagger to be transformed into a spear.
At the same time, Wang Jixuan had proposed two plans for engraving restrictions.
One was to use laser engraving on the Blade Beast outer bones, combined with spiritual energy nourishment, to construct the 'spiritual energy pathways' within the restrictions;
The other was to use 3D printing methods to coat the outer bones with a spiritual paste made from a mix of Blade Beast bones and blood.
Both plans had their pros and cons and could mass-produce Demon Breaking Daggers with basic refining restrictions but without the ability to activate them.
The most critical and challenging part of mass-producing the Demon Breaking Dagger was this final processing step:
- "Activating these Demon Breaking Daggers in batches."
There were already two ideas: the Thunder Summoning Method and the Sacrifice Method.
Wang Jixuan was currently leaning more towards the 'Thunder Summoning' idea because the 'Sacrifice' of Blade Beast souls would require his personal involvement.
He just wanted to give the human army a 'basic magical weapon,' not to tie himself down to this position.
Cultivation was his main job.
Uncle Tai had already found a few reliable engineers to design a simulated lightning strike experimental device.
They certainly couldn't achieve the energy of natural lightning strikes; simple magical weapons like the Demon Breaking Dagger couldn't withstand the impact of natural lightning either.
Subsequent experiments would be pushed forward rapidly.
In places where Wang Daolong couldn't see, the open and covert struggles between the Thirteenth Institute and the D5 Military District had escalated to a breaking point.
Political persecution, Professor Zhuang being targeted, military threats, Professor Zhuang being sentenced, spiritual energy pressure, and Professor Zhuang being betrayed, the Commander-in-Chief was furious, and Professor Zhuang fell into a coma in prison...
These dramas were unfolding in succession.
In Wang Daolong's view, everything was incredibly peaceful.
Ling Tong was waiting for her mechanical arm to be repaired.
Wan Jie secretly told Wang Jixuan that they had received orders from the Commander-in-Chief to upgrade Ling Tong's mechanical arm without deeply modifying her body.
Because tests showed that the parts of Ling Tong's human body, which had been fully enhanced before, had significantly improved in various metrics.
This wasn't just a one or two percent improvement; it was about a ten percent boost!
The reason, Wan Jie concluded, was related to Wang Jixuan's massages.
Wan Jie secretly asked Wang Daolong to continue giving Ling Tong massages, as she might really become the Commander-in-Chief's successor, piloting the new generation of terrifying mechas and bringing hope for humanity to fight back against the Blade Beasts.
Wang Daolong readily agreed.
Later, he could even teach Ling Tong some simple methods to strengthen her spirit, helping her make up for her last shortcoming — vulnerability to mental shocks.
As for Ling Tong's future body enhancements, he needn't worry; the higher his cultivation, the further he could take her.
These matters were a 'conspiracy' between him and Wan Jie. Ling Tong had a bit of a strong sense of pride, so they decided not to tell her for now.
Wan Jie, being someone with experience, understood Ling Tong's character very well; during this time, Wan Jie would send Wang Daolong a photo of Ling Tong every day through Uncle Tai's communicator.
Every night at ten, Wang Jixuan would send Ling Tong a message to check in, simply letting her know he was safe.
Every morning at six, Ling Tong would send a message saying, "Get up and train."
Since both of them had their own things to be busy with, they didn't chat much.
Zhou Zhengde, on the other hand, seemed to be settling down; he had started learning, reading, and entertaining himself in the military prison. His total sentence was still undecided, and once the struggles outside settled down, he would be released directly.
As long as Wang Daolong evaluated this matter, he could only say one thing:
Well done!
If Wang Daolong were to give Zhou Zhengde a sentence, it should be...
A few more months.
Anyway, Zhou Zhengde was enjoying himself in there, and Zhou Meiying was really starting to arrange blind dates for her son in the military prison!
Wang Jixuan could almost picture this scene:
"In the dark visiting room of the prison, the dashing Young Master Zhou, dressed in a crisp prison uniform, sat across from a lady in a mermaid dress. They lit two white candles, savoring the fermented alcohol's taste, eyeing each other's muscular chests, secretly drooling, while the guards in the next room set up the beds."
"Tsk, even I’m starting to learn bad things."
Wang Daolong shook his head and continued his steady cultivation.
On the tenth day after they moved in, Dongfang Zhenghong came to find Wang Jixuan again.
This time it was around eleven at night, and Dongfang Zhenghong brought a few guards, heading straight to Wang Jixuan's dorm.
Clearly, the commander had some important matters to discuss with him.
...
"Teacher Wang Zheng, take a look at this."
Dongfang Zhenghong handed Wang Jixuan a piece of white paper.
It was filled with handwritten data.
This was about the battle against the Young King Worm and the fortress defense battle, detailing how many Blade Beasts were killed and how many crystal cores were seized.
Wang Jixuan was a bit confused. "What's going on?"
"Ahem," Dongfang Zhenghong said quietly, "this data is currently only in our hands because there are no spiritual energy users in the fortress to supervise... You understand what I mean."
Wang Jixuan's eyes lit up. "How much can we hold back?"
"The upper half of this data, concerning the battle against the Young King Worm, is almost transparent."
Dongfang Zhenghong continued, "Satellite detection data and our data sharing with the two-level battle zone command center should remain untouched; otherwise, it will give the Thirteenth Institute a chance to strike. The current laws are a balance point after the competition of various forces and should not be broken for now.
"But the lower half can be worked on... Many young Blade Beasts do not have crystal cores inside.
"What I mean is, we could label some adult Blade Beasts as young ones, reducing the crystal core yield from the current 67% to 47%... What do you think?"
Wang Jixuan leaned back. "Can't we lower it to 27%?"
"That would be too outrageous; they would see through it immediately."
"How many crystal cores can we get in total?"
"We could get about five thousand..."
Dongfang Zhenghong smiled, "The crystal cores in the young ones are smaller, with a lower spiritual energy response. We can also secretly swap them out; as long as we don't give the Thirteenth Institute any evidence, we can operate."
Wang Jixuan stood up and quickly walked to a nearby cabinet.
"Commander, I've made two top-tier Demon Breaking Daggers these past few days."
Wang Daolong brought out two long swords sheathed in their scabbards and smiled as he handed them to Dongfang Zhenghong, saying gently, "They recharge spiritual energy in five seconds and can pierce the relatively weak spots of the Pterodactyls, but they require a certain level of skill."
Clang!
"This?"
Dongfang Zhenghong held it with delight, chuckling, "For me? But I’m not participating in frontline command; isn’t that inappropriate?"
"They're just some keepsakes, nothing serious. The other one is for our Commander-in-Chief as a decoration."
Wang Jixuan said seriously, "As long as the D5 Battle Zone keeps the confidentiality in place, after the mass production of the Demon Breaking Daggers, I will create a large sword for each half-mechanical soldier in the D5 Battle Zone, like the one for Ling Tong.
"In the future, if I feel the timing is right, I will make a full set of armor using my unique secret technique for Ling Tong.
"I have only two conditions: first, no rushing; second, I only trust Ling Tong."
"Deal!"
Dongfang Zhenghong extended his right hand, his eyes shining, "Five thousand crystal cores at your disposal! Just tell Uncle Tai how many you need, and we’ll transport them in small batches."
Wang Daolong shook hands firmly with Dongfang Zhenghong.
Dongfang Zhenghong stood up, saying, "I’ll go back to work... Deep Sea is waiting for you in the workshop; he wants to take you down to study that crystal. We’ve invested a lot of manpower and resources lately but haven’t been able to collect that crystal."
"Alright," Wang Jixuan replied, "thank you for making the trip."
"With Zhengde not here, it’s better to discuss such big matters face to face."
Dongfang Zhenghong's gaze carried a hint of emotion as he suddenly bowed slightly to Wang Jixuan.
Wang Jixuan was a bit taken aback. "Commander?"
"Thank you! I represent myself!"
Dongfang Zhenghong turned and quickly left, moving away with a few guards.
Outside, a neighbor girl who was taking out the trash happened to see this scene. She was so startled that she hid around the corner, curiously looking at Wang Jixuan's dorm.
When Dongfang Zhenghong and the guards looked over, she instinctively lowered her head against the wall, trembling a bit from nervousness.
Wang Jixuan noticed and blinked, smiling as he closed the door.
This girl was indeed very shy.
...
On the third level edge of Fortress 76, protected by heavy gates, was the entrance for materials.
A convoy of trucks was stopped for inspection.
These armored trucks had traveled a long way, and the drivers were quite exhausted. A male and female driver caught the inspector's attention.
This inspector had sharp eyes and quickly realized that these two seemingly ordinary people were not ordinary at all.
The man had a strong physique, and the woman had an alluring figure, both shaped by years of training and good nutrition.
The newly added spiritual energy detection equipment at the checkpoint was already showing a faint red light.
"You..."
Just as the inspector was about to speak, the woman smiled and opened her gray coat, revealing a deep neckline and a note tucked within.
She pulled out the note, rubbed it against her lips, and handed it to the inspector.
The inspector took a quick look, raised an eyebrow slightly, and discreetly pocketed the note, waving his hand to the side.
The convoy was allowed to pass.
"I'll be waiting for you," the woman winked.
The inspector blinked casually.
However, once the convoy drove through the next heavy gate, the smiling inspector's expression changed instantly. He calmly picked up the intercom.
"One C and one D have come in, the convoy from Fortress 82. Heavy firepower is set up behind; following the commander's orders, take them out with anti-equipment sniper rifles. If we can't hit them, blow them up, collateral damage is allowed."
"Received."
"Captain, are you talking about their spiritual energy levels or their chest muscles?"
"Perfectly matched."
The inspector chuckled lightly and returned to his post to sit quietly.
A few minutes later, two muffled gunshots rang out from the back gate.
The inspector clicked his tongue lightly, expressing disdain.
"What era is this? Still doing such low-level bribery? Are the spiritual energy users all brainless? I'm almost losing interest in those open-minded hot girls... They can't even provide any rare materials; do they even know what human feelings and worldly affairs are?"
At the same time.
Outside Fortress 76, on the edge of the Sarir Desert.
Several figures sat inside a stealth aircraft, quietly discussing something.
(End of Chapter)