58: Chapter 58 Chen Fan Publicly Refuses to Surrender! War is Imminent!

At the blockade of the third shipping lane in the Dead Zone, the starry sky was like ink, and the intent to kill was boiling.

The 100,000 warships of the Federation Vanguard Fleet were arrayed in strict formation. The pale golden light charging in the muzzles of their main guns looked like stars filling the sky, illuminating the entire airspace until it was deathly pale. The broadcast from the flagship, Federal Glory, had just concluded, and Major General Kalan's ultimatum was still echoing in the starry sky. Those four humiliating mandates were like four poisoned daggers, ruthlessly stabbing into the hearts of the billions of living beings in the Dead Zone.

A ten-minute countdown ticked on the holographic timer in the command hall, each second as heavy as a hammer, pounding painfully against everyone's eardrums.

Inside the bridge of the dawn sovereign, the air was so dry and hot it felt as if it could ignite. On the holographic star map, the red Federation Vanguard Fleet and the blue blockade line of the Dawn Legion were locked in a tense standoff. The distance of 100,000 kilometers was merely a stone's throw on an interstellar scale. The sound of main guns finishing their charge rose and fell, shield energy climbed to its peak, and all warships entered Level 1 combat status, ready to unleash earth-shattering firepower at a single command.

Emperor Chen Fan stood in the center of the command platform, his posture as straight as a pine, his golden eyes calmly sweeping over the enemy and friendly situation on the star map. Behind him, the six major commanders—Commander Lei Meng, Commander Ling Ye, Old Hu, Commander Su Qingyue, Aila, and Commander Ling Shuang—stood in a row. The energy patterns on their battle armor shimmered, and the battle intent surrounding them condensed into substance, almost breaking through the bridge barriers.

"Nine minutes remaining." Major General Kalan's voice came over the broadcast again, carrying a playfulness like a cat toying with a mouse. "Emperor Chen Fan, you haven't been scared silly, have you? Think about your Dawn Legion, think about the billions of lowly people in the Dead Zone, and think about your own life. Surrender is your only way to survive!"

With these words, the anger throughout the Dead Zone was instantly ignited to the extreme.

On the surface of Qingming Planet, the elderly Grey Race man who had just recovered leaned on his cane, trembling as he raised his fist toward the direction of the Federation fleet in the sky. Miners on Red Flame Mining Planet threw down their pickaxes, shouldered the newly issued electromagnetic rifles, and roared in unison within the mine tunnels. On the anti-aircraft positions of Black Rock Planet, gunners pressed their fingers hard against the firing buttons, eyes red as they waited for the order to fire. In countless Dawn Legion warships, crew members pounded on the consoles, their roars almost drowning out the roar of the engines.

"Never surrender!"

"We would rather die than submit!"

"Fight those Federation dogs to the death!"

The shouts gathered into an earth-shaking torrent, piercing through the atmosphere and resounding across every inch of the Dead Zone.

Inside the bridge of the dawn sovereign, Commander Lei Meng could no longer hold back. His heavy military boots stomped hard on the floor as he took a step forward. Clenching his fists until his knuckles cracked, his voice exploded like thunder: "Legion Commander! No need to wait any longer! The Main Fleet will launch an all-out attack, blockade all shipping lanes, space stations, and strongholds in the Dead Zone from the front, cut off the enemy's retreat, and implement total suppression! I am willing to lead the First Battle Cluster to smash their vanguard formation first and let Major General Kalan know that the Dead Zone is not a place where he can run wild!"

On the holographic screen, the million warships of the Main Fleet under Commander Lei Meng's command had long since deployed into an "Iron Wall Encirclement" formation. The 300 "Dawn-class" battleships of the First Battle Cluster were in the center, their large-caliber annihilation main guns fully charged, dark blue energy spheres condensed and ready to fire. Cruisers and destroyers on both sides were deployed in a goose-wing formation. Thousands of next-generation electromagnetic cannons and particle beam cannons were aimed at the Federation fleet. Space minefields, energy blockade zones, and spatial interference anchors were all activated, forming an impenetrable barrier of steel.

"Shadow Fleet is in position." Commander Ling Ye's figure seemed to merge into the darkness. Beneath his half-invisible mask, his icy eyes showed no ripples. He took a half-step forward and said coldly, "The Shadow Fleet has infiltrated stealthily, prioritizing the decapitation of pirate leaders, command hubs, and anti-aircraft positions to open the way. Targets are locked on the Federation Vanguard Fleet's flagship, Federal Glory, three core communication hubs, and six forward radar stations. Three thousand stealth motherships have infiltrated the asteroid belt and dark matter blind zones. Special forces are all on board, and anti-ship armor-piercing shells and high-energy pulse bombs are loaded. Within three minutes, we can paralyze the enemy command system and take Major General Kalan's head!"

Commander Su Qingyue's slender hands moved across the console, her fingertips tracing dense streams of data. Her cool voice carried absolute control: "The Research Center is providing battlefield scanning, energy interference, and mothership support throughout the operation, ensuring absolute information superiority on the battlefield! The communication frequencies, command links, and detection bands of the Federation Vanguard Fleet have all been cracked. The energy interference towers are running at full power. What their detectors are receiving is only the fake image of a 'weak defense and empty military force' that we forged. The 'Sky Net,' composed of tens of thousands of detection satellites, has transmitted the location, main gun charge status, and shield strength of every one of their warships to each combat unit in real-time. Every one of our attacks will be precise and fatal!"

Before she finished speaking, dozens of red light points suddenly popped up on the holographic star map—these were three reconnaissance squads of the Federation Vanguard Fleet attempting to break through the blockade to investigate. Commander Su Qingyue hooked the corner of her mouth into a cold smile and said softly: "Interference, activate!"

Instantly, the screens of the three reconnaissance squad warships were filled with static. Communications were completely cut off, detectors failed, and they bumped around in space like headless flies. Commander Lei Meng immediately ordered: "Destroyer squadron, clean up the trash!"

Dozens of destroyers fired simultaneously. Beams of particle cannon fire hit with precision, and the Federation reconnaissance ships exploded instantly, turning into a few fleeting sparks in the universe.

"Good!" Old Hu roared, clenching his fist. His bronze-colored face was full of iron-blooded passion. He stepped forward, his voice clanging like iron: "The Ground Legion is responsible for planetary landings, ground mopping up, mining planet reclamation, and permanent occupation. Every inch of land, every inch of Dawn! The ground defenses of Qingming Planet, Black Rock Planet, and Red Flame Mining Planet have all been reinforced. One million ground troops have entered bunkers. Five thousand heavy main battle tanks and twenty thousand orbital anti-aircraft guns are aimed at space. The ancient fortresses and pirate-left fortifications three hundred kilometers underground have been opened, and gravity bombs and spatial collapse devices are all activated. If the Federation army dares to land, I will make sure they never return and cannot move an inch!"

"Logistics support is foolproof." Aila bowed slightly, pale golden energy patterns of the Grey Race flowing around her. Her voice was gentle yet firm: "The Grey Race is responsible for resource inventory, mineral vein sealing, and logistics support, ensuring that we can win if we fight, and hold if we win! The trillion-unit mineral veins are operating at full capacity. Combat supplies, energy blocks, weapons and ammunition, and medical supplies have all been allocated to each combat unit. The twelve research motherships and maintenance platforms in orbit of Qingming Planet are on 24-hour standby, capable of repairing damaged warships and replenishing ammunition in real-time. The mining planet self-destruct program is locked; we will not leave a single bit of resources for the Federation!"

Finally, Mecha Legion commander Commander Ling Shuang stepped forward. Her silver-white mecha commander uniform shimmered, and she slammed her mecha command staff onto the alloy floor, emitting a crisp, loud sound. Her face was stunningly beautiful but cold as frost. Her cool voice carried an unstoppable sharpness: "The Mecha Legion is fully launching, stationed in the orbit of Qingming Planet and all core airspaces, responsible for anti-aircraft interception, mecha combat, and assault breakthroughs! Five thousand 'Dawn-class' ace mechas and thirty thousand elite mecha pilots have entered combat stance, equipped with super-alloy ship-slashing blades and high-energy shoulder-mounted missiles. If any Federation fighter jets or mechas dare to cross the border by even half a step, they will be torn apart in mid-air immediately!"

On the holographic screen, above the orbit of Qingming Planet, the silver-white mecha group looked like a steel nebula, their engine exhaust flickering with cold light, arranged in a sharp knife formation, ready to charge at any moment.

Six major commanders, six powerful armies, each performing their duties, interlocking perfectly. A perfect combat system refined from the mopping up of Dead Zone pirates was now fully operational, aimed at the behemoth that was the Federation Vanguard Fleet.

On the bridge, all staff officers, communication soldiers, and operators were performing their duties. Fingers danced rapidly on the consoles. Reports, orders, and the sounds of equipment operation intertwined, tense but orderly. Everyone knew that every decision made next would concern the survival of the Dead Zone and the future of the Dawn Legion.

Major General Kalan's teasing voice came again: "Five minutes left! Emperor Chen Fan, if you don't surrender, I will order the bombing of the civilian areas of Qingming Planet first, and let you watch with your own eyes as the 'home' you protect turns into a sea of fire!"

Naked threats, inhumane coercion!

Commander Lei Meng glared with wide eyes and requested battle again: "Commander! Give the order! I want to make Major General Kalan pay for his blood debts!"

Commander Ling Ye's figure flickered slightly, already prepared for a decapitation strike; Old Hu's fists clenched tighter, the Ground Legion stood ready at any moment; Commander Su Qingyue's fingertips hovered over the "Full Firepower" button; Aila's eyes flashed with determination, the Grey Race logistics fleet was prepared for support; Commander Ling Shuang's mecha command staff pointed toward the Federation Vanguard Fleet, the mecha swarm poised for action.

Everyone's gaze converged on Emperor Chen Fan.

He is the founder of the Dawn Legion, the absolute overlord of the Death Sector, and the hope of billions of living beings. His single word would determine the start of this war and decide the fate of the Dead Zone.

Emperor Chen Fan slowly raised his hand, signaling everyone to remain calm. He walked to the microphone for the region-wide broadcast, his golden eyes looking through the bridge's observation window, staring straight at the [Federal Glory] one hundred thousand kilometers away. His gaze was calm, yet carried a domineering air of ruling over the world and an unquestionable majesty.

"Major General Kalan."

Emperor Chen Fan's voice rang out; it was not loud, but like a thunderclap, it spread clearly through the region-wide broadcast to every corner of the Dead Zone, into every bridge of the Federation's one hundred thousand vanguard warships, and into the ears of Major General Kalan.

That voice was calm yet cold, indifferent yet resolute, as if stating an unchangeable fact.

Major General Kalan's mockery stopped abruptly. He frowned and coldly snorted into the communicator: "Emperor Chen Fan, you're finally willing to speak? If you know what's good for you, surrender immediately!"

"Surrender?"

Emperor Chen Fan gently spat out these two words. Then, a cold arc curled at the corner of his mouth, and a surging, domineering aura erupted from his body, sweeping across the entire star sector like a tsunami.

"In my, Emperor Chen Fan's, dictionary, those two words have never existed!"

A single sentence, earth-shattering!

The entire Dead Zone instantly boiled over!

The people of Qingming Planet cheered and wept with joy; the soldiers of the Dawn Legion held their weapons high, their roars shaking the starry sky; the people of the Grey Race had hope flickering in their eyes as they bowed in the direction of Emperor Chen Fan.

Inside the bridge of the [Federal Glory], Major General Kalan's face instantly turned livid. He slammed his hand down, shattering the silver cup on the table, red wine splashing everywhere, and roared: "Emperor Chen Fan! How dare you disobey orders? How dare you reject the Federation's ultimatum?"

"Disobey orders?" Emperor Chen Fan's voice grew colder, a trace of killing intent flashing in his golden eyes. "I protect the Dead Zone, eliminate pirates, and save the Grey Race—what crime is there in that? The Federation acts without asking right from wrong, mobilizing troops, issuing humiliating ultimatums, and attempting to enslave the billions of living beings in the Dead Zone to plunder resources. Is this what you call 'justice'?"

"I, Emperor Chen Fan, was born in darkness, rose in the Dead Zone, and swore to protect this land and every single person here!"

"If the Federation wants war, then I will fight!"

"If the Federation wants destruction, then I will destroy!"

"The Dead Zone is my home, the foundation of the Dawn Legion, and the pure land for billions of living beings!"

"Today, I, Emperor Chen Fan, take this oath here:"

"Better to be broken jade than an intact tile!"

"I swear to protect the Dead Zone to the death, not ceding a single inch of land!"

"Whoever dares to invade shall be executed!"

As the final word "executed" fell, it felt like a heavy hammer striking the starry sky, shaking the Federation Vanguard Fleet's communicators until they emitted harsh static.

Emperor Chen Fan turned sharply to face his six main generals, his golden eyes filled with monstrous fighting intent. He raised his right hand high, then brought it down heavily!

"Pass on my orders—"

"The entire army is to prepare for battle; refuse to surrender!"

"Any Federation warship that crosses the blockade line is to be killed without mercy!"

"Understood!"

The six main generals roared in unison, their voices converging into an earth-shaking torrent that resounded throughout the command bridge.

Commander Lei Meng was the first to turn, roaring into the communicator: "Main Fleet, listen to my command! All personnel enter highest combat readiness. Lock main cannons onto the vanguard of the Federation Vanguard Fleet. Once they cross the line, open fire immediately, crush them completely, and cut off the enemy's retreat!"

"Shadow Fleet, listen to my command!" Commander Ling Ye's figure vanished from the spot, his cold voice transmitting through the encrypted channel. "Maintain stealth. Lock onto the [Federal Glory] and core communication hubs. Once the battle begins, execute the decapitation strike immediately and break the point!"

"Ground Legion, listen to my command!" Old Hu bellowed into the communicator, "All personnel to battle stations. Anti-air cannons aim at orbit, ground defense lines fully activated. Every inch of land, every inch of dawn, defend our home to the death!"

"Research Center, listen to my command!" Commander Su Qingyue's fair hand pressed the "Full Interference" button, "Release energy interference at full power. Cut off communication between the Federation Vanguard Fleet and their rear. Lock onto the enemy's main cannon trajectories to provide precise support for all combat units and seize absolute information superiority!"

"Grey Race logistics, listen to my command!" Aila issued orders into the communicator, "All logistics fleets move to concealed positions. Maintenance platforms and medical ships stand by at all times to ensure frontline supplies. If we win, we must be able to hold!"

"Mecha Legion, listen to my command!" Commander Ling Shuang's mecha command staff pointed toward the starry sky, "All personnel launch. Form a defensive perimeter to intercept enemy fighters and mechas, cover the Main Fleet, and break the enemy formation!"

Order after order spread across the entire Dead Zone like lightning.

The muzzles of the million Main Fleet warships glowed with increasingly intense, deep blue annihilation energy; three thousand Shadow Fleet motherships lay dormant in the darkness, filled with murderous intent; one million Ground Legion members waited in battle array on ground positions, guns aimed outward; tens of thousands of detection satellites and energy interference towers operated at full power, weaving an invisible web of information; the Grey Race logistics fleet shuttled between star sectors, continuously transporting war supplies; five thousand ace mechas lined up in orbit, their super-alloy ship-slaying blades flickering with a cold, icy light.

The entire Death Sector was like a primordial beast awakening, opening its bloodthirsty maw, waiting for prey to intrude.

Inside the bridge of the [Federal Glory], Major General Kalan was trembling with rage. He stared fixedly at Emperor Chen Fan on the holographic screen, his eyes filled with killing intent and madness: "Good! A very good Emperor Chen Fan! A very good Dawn Legion! Since you don't know what's good for you, then I will grant your wish!"

He slammed the red button on his desk and roared hysterically into the communicator: "All forces, listen to my command!"

"The ten-minute countdown is over!"

"Target, the Dead Zone third shipping lane blockade line!"

"Main cannons, fire at will!"

"Crush them!"

"Commander! You cannot!" The adjutant quickly tried to dissuade him, "Our detectors are under strong interference; we cannot determine the enemy's true strength. Opening fire rashly might lead to an ambush!"

"Ambush?" Major General Kalan sneered, his eyes full of arrogance, "A bunch of rabble, what kind of ambush could they have? Open fire! I want to make Emperor Chen Fan and the entire Dead Zone pay the price for their rebellion!"

The adjutant dared not disobey and could only grit his teeth and issue the order: "All ships, attention. Main cannons, fire at will. Target, the Dead Zone third shipping lane blockade line. Fire!"

In an instant, the main cannons of the one hundred thousand warships of the Federation Vanguard Fleet roared simultaneously!

One hundred thousand pale golden annihilation beams, like a burning sea of stars, brought heaven-destroying and earth-shattering power as they whistled toward the Dawn Legion's blockade line. The beams tore through the dark starry sky, leaving behind blinding trails; wherever they passed, space itself trembled slightly.

"Federation main cannons firing! Distance, one hundred thousand kilometers!"

"Energy intensity detection in progress! Estimated impact in thirty seconds!"

"All ships, activate shields at full power! Concentrate energy to the front!"

Inside the bridge of the dawn sovereign, the alarm sounded sharp and piercing, and the reports from the staff officers were hurried and tense.

Commander Su Qingyue's expression turned stern as she quickly operated the console: "Energy interference activated, deflect the enemy's main cannon trajectories! Detection satellites, lock onto the beam paths and send evasion orders to all ships!"

"Main Fleet, listen to my command!" Commander Lei Meng roared, "Activate shields at full power! Battleships in the center to absorb damage, cruisers and destroyers evade to the sides, prepare for counterattack!"

"Mecha Legion, listen to my command!" Commander Ling Shuang ordered, "Form a shield array to cover the Main Fleet!"

Five thousand ace mechas simultaneously activated their energy shields, forming a massive silver-white shield wall in the air, blocking the front of the Main Fleet.

Thirty seconds passed in the blink of an eye.

One hundred thousand pale golden beams crashed violently into the Dawn Legion's blockade line!