Dawn City, north of Qingbo. The massive convoy of survivor forces advanced along both land routes and rail tracks toward the direction of Jin River's heavenly mist. Under the sunlight, the millions-strong procession created an earth-shaking spectacle, kicking up clouds of dust as they flowed slowly yet orderly toward the horizon. This wasn't a rout, but a well-prepared migration.

Every type of vehicle was packed with people. Pickup truck beds loaded with supplies were crammed with foldable tents, water barrels, solar panels, and various other materials. The cab was squeezed full with a family of four - the man driving had bandages on his body as he steered with one hand while holding a half-smoked cigarette in the other, its ashes scattering in the wind like tiny snowflakes.

A modified off-road vehicle had a makeshift basket constructed from sheet metal and old clothes hanging from its rear. A golden retriever lay alert inside, tongue lolling out, already accustomed to traveling through dust clouds as it watched the various bizarre modified vehicles in the convoy.

Some massive trucks modified with all-terrain tracks roared along, leaving deep tread marks in the ground. Supply vehicles bearing Phoenix Society holographic lights and drones moved with the convoy, allowing direct communication with staff via frequency channels to obtain medical aid or emergency assistance. All acquired blood crystals could be exchanged for new blood crystal coins at Phoenix Society stations, or stored on special identification cards for purchasing supplies or trading.

The battle-hardened 83rd Iron Guard Brigade advanced in mechanized formation, stretching several kilometers at the rear of the convoy. In the sky above, low-flying fleet vessels and the Skybreaker Ship slowly passed over the procession, blocking sunlight and casting massive shadows.

Inside a special medical bay, Chu Yan slowly opened her eyes to dim lighting, followed by the sight of multiple medical lines connected to her head and chest. Medical equipment beside the bed emitted soft heart rate pulses.

After ten days unconscious in critical condition, Chu Yan had finally awakened. This time, it was her who appeared in Lin Xian's consciousness, though this had only happened in recent days. It was only after learning this from Lin Xian that Xu Zhenyue, Ye Lan, and others could finally relax.

Upon waking, as Lin Xian had described, Chu Yan discovered significant changes around her. She didn't see her previous task team, but instead found a Night Stalker squad assigned for her protection.

"Chu Yan."

In the office, Ye Lan with her graying hair wore reading glasses while intently reviewing several documents. She spoke to Chu Yan who had just entered: "Welcome back to the team."

"Don't you need me for missions right now?" Chu Yan asked.

Ye Lan shook her head: "After mastering dark energy conversion technology, all elite units from our Night Stalker department can undertake Star Abyss exploration missions. Although there are still many unknowns and some technical issues with communications and cold dark particles, overall survival rates have dramatically improved."

She set down the documents and looked at Chu Yan: "You and Lin Xian are currently the only two people on Blue Star who can contact the Southern Celestial Gate. Before breaking through dark energy nuclear fusion integration technology, this defense platform remains our crucial weapon, even..."

"I've also told Lin Xian that unless absolutely necessary, I hope he won't lightly deploy the Southern Celestial Gate's offensive capabilities."

Chu Yan took a deep breath: "I understand. The Corpse Drivers were significantly depleted by the Gray Mist Envoy and the entire army's efforts, plus the Synchro Tower limited their dark energy recovery. That's why the Southern Celestial Gate found the opportunity for a single decisive strike."

Ye Lan nodded: "Lin Xian is very intelligent. He knows this too. Currently, humanity's most destructive weapons, besides biochemical ones, are only thermal nuclear and high-energy constraint types. But the Caedel Operation taught us that even a 60-megaton TNT equivalent thermal nuclear weapon cannot destroy overlord creatures within the Star Abyss. This might not be just a weapon problem."

Chu Yan fell silent at these words. Ye Lan's perspective aligned with Lin Xian's thinking - both wanted to break through current human technology to respond. This was certainly feasible, though in Chu Yan's view, without the potential for mechanical ability growth that Lin Xian mentioned, it was hard to imagine humanity breaking through physics limitations in such a short time.

Ye Lan seemed to sense Chu Yan's doubts and said directly: "I know what concerns you, Chu Yan. Your thinking is correct - the Emperor Project represents the current limit of our technology in the short term. However, research from the Crimson World's flesh armor has given us significant inspiration, including energy potential wells within the Star Abyss and the special defensive fields of dark creatures. These issues are now our main focus for study and breakthrough..."

Chu Yan said: "We need to research the abilities of Star Abyss creatures?"

"Not only that." Ye Lan removed her glasses and cleaned them: "S-level entities, Corpse Drivers, Abyssal Demons, and the currently discovered World-Class Threats 1 through 7 - we must begin preparatory research on these existences. For example, the Siberian Star Abyss No. 1's giant crustal parasitic organism [Planet Devourer], and the No. 3 you previously tracked from Jiang City..."

"The Floating Giant Corpse."

Chu Yan slightly frowned: "Since we discovered that floating giant corpse, we've never detected any biological fluctuations or signs of awakening. This thing has been flying eastward at approximately 3,000 meters altitude, surrounded by massive dark invasion radiation and chaotic spatial fields. Even our most elite ability users find it difficult to approach for reconnaissance."

"That's why I dispatched Night Stalker Division 2 to fully intervene in the Floating Giant Corpse investigation. Creatures No. 1 and No. 3 currently show no aggressive behavior beyond the dark invasion, and moreover..."

Ye Lan looked at Chu Yan: "Our forward observation team has discovered that three days ago, the Floating Giant Corpse already reached airspace above Long River. Speed estimates suggest it will pass over Dawn City within two weeks at earliest. This represents a significant potential threat for us."

Hearing this, Chu Yan immediately said: "Teacher Ye, can my team join this investigation plan?"

"No."

Ye Lan refused directly: "Lin Xian should have told you - he's currently traveling via ocean rail to the poles. We must absolutely ensure your safety, so General Xu and I have agreed that you'll temporarily not undertake any field work. Moreover, your body has experienced significant aftereffects from this crisis and needs time for quiet recovery."

Chu Yan wanted to say more, but seeing Ye Lan's expression of unquestionable calm, she could only nod.

"Alright, I'll follow organizational arrangements."

...

Yongcheng Port, Orbital Network Ocean Shore Docking Port. This once massive sea rail port now stood desolate. Loading areas and the port itself were dotted with numerous standing zombies, occasional wind disturbances provoking scattered cries.

Ye Lan nodded: "Lin Xian is very intelligent. He knows this too. Currently, humanity's most destructive weapons, besides biochemical ones, are only thermal nuclear and high-energy constraint types. But the Caedel Operation taught us that even a 60-megaton TNT equivalent thermal nuclear weapon cannot destroy overlord creatures within the Star Abyss. This might not be just a weapon problem."

The Infinite sat quietly on a loading platform near the coastline. Outside the window, the Pacific Ocean coast glittered under twilight. Other freight train remnants and sea traction platforms docked at installation platforms lay abandoned, their iron skins eroded by sea winds into mottled scars like beached giant beast skeletons. Massive ocean rails stretched toward the deep sea, supported by ridge pillars.

On the port docks, containers stacked crookedly, their paint peeling to reveal long-rotted cargo inside. Several zombies wandered slowly through shadows, their dragging footsteps occasionally bumping against overturned forklifts, metal collisions particularly jarring in the silence.

[Ground and low-altitude areas completed second sweep. No high-threat biologicals or other humans detected.]

Viola operated several mobile mechs and aerial drones conducting searches throughout the port. Chen Sixuan had already completed night preparation procedures for the train with Ning Jing and others. In carriage No. 2, Shasha gazed out at the boundless Pacific Ocean, her eyes sparkling as she said:

"This is my first time taking a train onto the ocean rail section. It looks terrifying! How did they build these Orbital Network structures in the deep sea?"

"You've asked the right person." KIKI sat on a swivel chair with legs propped on the table, deftly spinning a black pen as she told Shasha: "Do you know the original design concept for the Orbital Network?"

Shasha shook her head.

KIKI raised a single finger and drew a spiral in the air, continuously expanding it.

"Simply put, it's about constructing a channel along the equator that can encircle the entire Blue Star and ascend through momentum elevation to near-Earth orbit. Imagine a yo-yo's spiral string - the ultimate destination is the planetary ring. A permanent aerial rail could enable Earth-Moon industrial transport directly through traction systems."

"Huh? Then why not just use space elevators or aircraft for transport?" Shasha asked.

"You don't understand - that's called century-scale planning."

KIKI smiled slightly: "Have you heard of the Dyson Sphere project?"

Shasha nodded: "Heard of it. Building a massive artificial structure to envelop an entire star and obtain perpetual energy?"

"That's why I dispatched Night Stalker Division 2 to fully intervene in the Floating Giant Corpse investigation. Creatures No. 1 and No. 3 currently show no aggressive behavior beyond the dark invasion, and moreover..."

"4,800 meters?" Shasha pondered: "But rail altitude has limits, constrained by materials. This seems more difficult than space elevators."

"Not exactly that difficult. Materials are one thing, cost is another." KIKI spun her pen: "To build rails above 5,000 meters, you can't use foundation pillars anymore. Here you need to treat the rail as a cable extending from surface to Blue Star's synchronous orbit. Beyond its own weight, there's tensile strength - this becomes a spiral cable extended through centrifugal-gravitational balance. The Moon Ring is that kite."

"The ultimate goal is building a planetary ring?"

"Correct. Transforming from a cable to a rail, then gradually building space cities - the logic is same as the Moon Ring. So what the Orbital Network must solve is transportation capacity. To construct such massive space megastructures, space elevator transport capacity still isn't sufficient." KIKI spread her hands, declaring: "We need a highway to near-Earth orbit - a rail!"

In carriage No. 1, Lin Xian sat with closed eyes in contemplation, his consciousness already within the Black Star Forge.

[Current Mechanical Heart Level LV.6 (5520/50000)]

[Mechanical Awakening]: Mechanical Lord

Ye Lan refused directly: "Lin Xian should have told you - he's currently traveling via ocean rail to the poles. We must absolutely ensure your safety, so General Xu and I have agreed that you'll temporarily not undertake any field work. Moreover, your body has experienced significant aftereffects from this crisis and needs time for quiet recovery."

Mechanical Manufacturing: 6 (1560/5000) Improves construction efficiency

[Special Skills]

Kinetic Cannon [Enhanced]

AT Force Field [Enhanced]

Hyperstring Reactor Phase Halos [Enhanced]

Flashback (Rare) (Level 3)

Magnetic Storm Oscillation (Rare) (Level 1 60%)

Yongcheng Port, Orbital Network Ocean Shore Docking Port. This once massive sea rail port now stood desolate. Loading areas and the port itself were dotted with numerous standing zombies, occasional wind disturbances provoking scattered cries.

[Currently Enhanceable Skills]

Flashback (Rare) (Level 3, Max Level): Can enhance to: [Energy Leap]

Enhancement Materials: Titanium Alloy*100, Hot-rolled Forged Steel*100, Supercarbyn Alloy*100

The Infinite sat quietly on a loading platform near the coastline. Outside the window, the Pacific Ocean coast glittered under twilight. Other freight train remnants and sea traction platforms docked at installation platforms lay abandoned, their iron skins eroded by sea winds into mottled scars like beached giant beast skeletons. Massive ocean rails stretched toward the deep sea, supported by ridge pillars.

"Energy Leap?" Lin Xian slightly frowned: "Sounds quite promising."

Somewhat surprisingly, this enhancement didn't require particularly demanding materials. He directly selected enhancement.

[Initiating Flashback - Mechanical Enhancement]

[Mechanical Enhancement Commenced: Flashback 28:59:59]

Flashback had been an extremely important skill during Lin Xian's earlier train survival journey, helping him avoid countless dangerous situations. Though the skill had shown limitations against large-scale monster hordes later, Lin Xian still urgently needed rapid mobility and danger evasion capabilities, especially since he no longer had Flickering Bullets - those were with Grace. If he teleported to the Southern Celestial Gate now, he wouldn't be able to return...

[Congratulations, obtained Interstellar Predator XR01 Mech (Blueprint)]

The Research Center lights flickered. When Lin Xian opened it, he couldn't help but darken his expression.

"This is my first time taking a train onto the ocean rail section. It looks terrifying! How did they build these Orbital Network structures in the deep sea?"

The Fire God mech upgrade blueprint he'd long anticipated - if this Interstellar Predator blueprint had appeared before the Dawn City battle, he would have been overjoyed. But now that he'd already obtained the Emperor Project super-large mech and Crimson World flesh armor blueprints, this set felt barely better than nothing.

"With interstellar-class nano power armor and current emperor mechs, plus assistance from Mochizuki Shinji and Professor Ye, I already possess humanity's strongest technological mech blueprints. With some Phoenix Society improvements, emperor mechs should already approach capability against S-level entities. The only remaining issue is defensive fields - beyond that, breakthroughs seem difficult."

Within the Black Star Forge, Lin Xian sighed. Looking into the massive construction space, a gigantic interstellar train floated within, six manufacturing sequences operating at full capacity. Mochizuki Shinji had helped design improved blueprints for an arsenal ship that Lin Xian was constructing using available resources. Additionally, Lin Xian prepared to build a flesh armor suppressor device for contingency needs.

After the Dawn City battle, Phoenix Society and all survivors had acquired massive quantities of blood crystals. The corpse mountains outside the city virtually piled blood crystals hill-high, with countless ability users receiving tremendous enhancements. Just through the Infinite's Hellish Black Chrysanthemum conversion, Lin Xian obtained 5,000 mechanical source points - and this was just combat acquisition. Currently, Lin Xian's Black Star Forge also contained a crashed Dauntless-class vehicle obtained from Ye Lan, intended for material acquisition through consumption and upgrade purposes.

"..."

Just as Lin Xian prepared to exit the Black Star Forge space, he suddenly noticed the Interstellar Predator XR01 mech blueprint still floating in the Research Center.

"That's not right. Could this blueprint not be maxed out?"

"Simply put, it's about constructing a channel along the equator that can encircle the entire Blue Star and ascend through momentum elevation to near-Earth orbit. Imagine a yo-yo's spiral string - the ultimate destination is the planetary ring. A permanent aerial rail could enable Earth-Moon industrial transport directly through traction systems."

The next instant, an information screen that made Lin Xian gasp appeared.

[This blueprint level has reached [Celestial Grade]. Conducting [Planetary Grade] research requires Mechanical Heart and Mechanical Manufacturing to reach Level 7]

[Planetary Grade Titan Mech (Blueprint) Research Time: ****]

[Required Computing Power: 6000 Quantum Bits]

"Did I... fucking see that correctly?"

Lin Xian rubbed his eyes. After reaching Level 6 awakening, he hadn't paid attention to the unfinished Fire God mech research progress, only knowing research time had significantly shortened. But now he suddenly discovered the entire Research Center seemed to have undergone earth-shattering changes - not only clearly defining power armor and mech grades, but even requiring computing power integration. This made Lin Xian's hair stand on end.

"[Planetary Grade]..."

Lin Xian stared in stunned disbelief.

"Has humanity already developed mechs of this grade?"