134: Spiritual veins forge cannons to guard the northwest, and secret plots in Lingnan are revealed.

Chapter 137: Spirit Vein Cast Cannons Guard the Northwest, Lingnan's Secret Plot Revealed

Countdown: 40 days, 6 hours.

In the furnace of the underground spare workshop in the Northwest Heavy Industry Zone, a dazzling golden light emanated. Titanium alloy ingots, infused with the energy of the star core Spirit Vein, slowly floated within the furnace. The originally cold metal, nourished by the pure star core energy, developed spiral patterns on its surface, identical to those on the Northern Territory Stone Tower. Even the surging star core raw fluid in the furnace became as docile as a tamed stream.

Petrov, clad in a heat-resistant protective suit, stood by the furnace, his eyes fixed on the energy monitor. On the screen, the alloy's energy bearing threshold climbed at an astonishing speed, finally settling at twelve times its original value. He abruptly turned to look at Professor Ivanov by the medical pod, his voice trembling uncontrollably: "Professor! It's done! The Spirit Vein energy has pushed the alloy's bearing capacity beyond its limit!"

Professor Ivanov, supporting his injured leg, slowly walked to the control panel. His aged fingers traced the alloy data on the screen, his eyes welling up with tears of excitement. Behind him, Chinese and Russian engineers were already cheering, the days of suppression and despair completely dissipated at this moment.

"Initiate the barrel forging program!" the professor ordered in a deep voice. "According to the ancient pattern ratio, integrate the antler energy factor with the Spirit Vein alloy. Cast three layers of superconducting purification coating on the inner wall of the barrel. It must be able to pierce the main armor of an Abyssal warship with a single shot!"

Upon receiving the command, the red alert engineering robots immediately activated their mechanical arms, sending the melted Spirit Vein alloy ingot into the forging chamber. A massive forging hammer, imbued with golden energy, repeatedly struck the alloy with dull roars. Under the hammering, the alloy gradually stretched and formed, eventually becoming a twelve-meter-long cannon barrel—its body covered in golden spiral patterns, its muzzle encircled by a faint purifying halo. Even the cold hardness of the metal was infused with a soft, majestic power by the star core energy.

The barrel, mount, and energy core of the Star Core Magnetic Storm Cannon were assembled in sequence. When the last Spirit Vein energy conduit was connected to the gun body, the entire weapon suddenly lit up with dazzling golden light. Star core energy rapidly flowed within the barrel without any leakage, and all values on the monitor remained stable within the safe range.

The first true Star Core Magnetic Storm Cannon was born.

"Test fire!" Professor Ivanov commanded. The cannon barrel slowly turned towards the uninhabited wasteland outside the Northwest Heavy Industry Zone. The energy core began to charge, the golden light at the muzzle grew increasingly intense, and the surrounding air subtly distorted due to the energy accumulation.

"Charging complete! Fire!"

A golden stream of star core energy shot out from the muzzle like a giant dragon, tearing through the air with a roar, directly blasting into the depths of the wasteland. A colossal explosion shook heaven and earth, instantly creating a hundred-meter-wide crater in the wasteland. The rocks at the bottom of the pit turned into fine golden sand under the purifying energy, and even the dark matter residue deep underground was completely dissolved.

Even more astonishingly, the cannon barrel was only slightly warm after firing, the superconducting coating on its inner wall was undamaged, and the energy core's depletion rate was less than 5%—meaning this cannon not only possessed world-destroying power but could also fire continuously.

"We succeeded! We succeeded!"

Cheers erupted again in the workshop. Engineers hugged each other, some crying tears of joy. Petrov looked at the gleaming golden Star Core Magnetic Storm Cannon, clenching his fists, the guilt in his eyes replaced by determination: "From today on, the Northwest Heavy Industry Zone will operate at full capacity. Within 40 days, produce one hundred Star Core Magnetic Storm Cannons to defend the three major front lines: Northern Territory, East Sea, and South of the Ranges!"

The good news from the Northwest spread like wildfire across the Five Districts. The populace, originally terrified by the Abyssal infiltration, was instantly reignited with hope. Farmers in the Southwest Purification Zone worked through the night to plant fast-growing crops, South of the Ranges naval soldiers who had surrendered voluntarily applied to garrison the Northern Territory, red alert factories at the East Sea Base produced Spirit Vein energy protective suits at full speed, and even civilians in the Northern Territory Ecological Conservation Area spontaneously organized to assist researchers in transporting star core Spirit Vein energy tanks.

Every corner of the Eternal Kingdom was fighting with all its might for this battle of life and death.

Northern Territory Underground Palace, Command Center.

Lin Zhou looked at the Northwest test fire footage on the holographic sandbox, a faint arc finally appearing on his taut lips. He leaned against the stone tower, covered by a golden star core energy shield—Dr. Mary had given him a temporary purification with Spirit Vein energy. Although it couldn't completely eradicate the dark matter residue, it temporarily stabilized the mutation level at 90%, and his consciousness had returned to clarity.

"Commander, the production lines at the Northwest Heavy Industry Zone have been fully activated. At the current pace, 120 Star Core Magnetic Storm Cannons can be manufactured within 40 days, enough to defend the three major front lines," Chen Hao reported, holding a Five Districts combat readiness list. "The Northern Territory's star core defense barrier has been integrated with Spirit Vein energy, increasing its defensive strength threefold; the East Sea's red alert fleet has added 20 Spirit Vein energy frigates; the Southwest's farmland restoration rate has reached 80%, guaranteeing three months of logistics for the entire army; South of the Ranges..."

He paused, his tone dropping. "Zhou Tao of South of the Ranges has surrendered all military equipment as ordered, but three of his core generals consistently refuse to be integrated into the East Sea Fleet. They've also deployed half of South of the Ranges' naval vessels near a secret island, citing 'coastal defense' as the reason, their actions are highly suspicious."

Lin Zhou's eyes instantly turned cold, the dark purple patterns on his left arm subtly pulsating, but firmly suppressed by the star core energy shield: "After all this time of investigation, they've finally shown their true colors."

Beside him, Lin Xiaoyu was sitting cross-legged in front of the stone tower, his fingertips connected to a star core crystal, with golden and purple energy slowly circulating around him. He opened his eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them: "I can sense that the three suspicious vessel deployment points in South of the Ranges are emitting faint Abyssal energy signals, and the signal frequency is completely synchronized with the Abyssal Fleet in the asteroid belt—Zhou Tao is not only dealing with the Abyss but has also set up Abyssal vanguard rendezvous points in South of the Ranges."

Dr. Mary immediately pulled up satellite aerial images of South of the Ranges, overlaying the three vessel deployment points with the Abyssal energy signals. Red dots precisely coincided on the secret island: "Furthermore, according to monitoring, deep-sea detection signals in the South of the Ranges waters have been unusually frequent over the past three days. Zhou Tao is most likely using deep-sea equipment to mark landing coordinates for the Abyssal Fleet."

"It seems he's determined to be a running dog for the Abyss," Chen Ye clenched his purifying combat knife, his voice filled with killing intent. "Commander, give the order! I'll lead the Northern Territory elites in an overnight raid on South of the Ranges, capture Zhou Tao, and destroy the Abyssal rendezvous points!"

"No," Lin Zhou shook his head, his eyes hiding deep calculations. "Acting now would alert the enemy. If Zhou Tao is cornered, he might preemptively open a breach in the defense barrier, or even directly detonate South of the Ranges' military equipment, causing us unnecessary losses. Moreover, we still don't know the exact location of the breach he left in the defense barrier, nor how many Abyssal vanguards are hidden in South of the Ranges."

"Then are we just going to watch him collude with the Abyss?" Chen Hao asked urgently.

"Of course not," Lin Zhou slowly stood up, the star core energy shield gently swaying with his movement. "What we need to do is not act prematurely, but to use his scheme against him."

He raised his hand and drew an arc on the holographic sandbox, connecting the secret island of South of the Ranges with the Northern Territory defense barrier: "Zhou Tao wants to trade with the Abyss, so we'll pretend to be unaware, letting him transmit false information and deploy rendezvous points. Before the Abyssal Fleet arrives, I will send a red alert special operations team to infiltrate South of the Ranges, monitor his every move, and locate the breach in the defense barrier. At that time, we will not only capture Zhou Tao and the Abyssal vanguard but also use this breach to set a pocket formation for the Abyssal Fleet."

"Pocket formation?" Everyone was startled.

"Exactly," Lin Zhou's gaze swept over the Star Core Magnetic Storm Cannon deployment points on the sandbox, a ruthless glint in his eyes. "Let the Abyssal Fleet enter through the breach, then use the Star Core Magnetic Storm Cannons and the Spirit Vein defense barrier to cut off their retreat. The Northern Territory ground forces will meet them head-on, the East Sea's red alert fighters will launch an aerial surprise attack, and South of the Ranges' internal contacts will coordinate from within. We'll wipe out the Abyssal Fleet that enters the breach in one fell swoop!"

This plan was audacious and perilous. If there was even a slight misstep and the breach was exploited by the Abyssal Fleet, the entire Northern Territory defense line would face collapse. But everyone knew this was currently the best option—rather than passively defending, it was better to proactively set an ambush and, with a resounding victory, completely crush the Abyss's arrogance.

"I'll lead the red alert special operations team to infiltrate South of the Ranges," Ivan Lin suddenly said. His shoulder had long been healed by Spirit Vein energy, leaving only a faint golden scar. "I'm familiar with South of the Ranges' coastal terrain, and my 'polar bear' bloodline can shield against some Abyssal energy detection, making it harder to be discovered."

"I'll go with you," Lin Xiaoyu stood up, golden and purple energy condensing into a small energy pearl in his palm. "I can sense the exact location of Abyssal energy and interfere with their communication signals, which can help you escape at critical moments."

Lin Zhou looked at the two young men before him, a trace of relief mixed with worry in his eyes. But he knew that these two children had experienced countless crises and were no longer fledgling eagles needing protection, but warriors capable of standing on their own.

"Good," Lin Zhou nodded. "I'll give you thirty red alert Shadow Squad members, equipped with Spirit Vein energy weapons and stealth protective suits. Depart at midnight tonight. After infiltrating South of the Ranges, rendezvous with the internal contacts arranged by the East Sea. You must ascertain the breach location and the Abyssal vanguard's troop deployment, and report to me at all times."

"Yes!" Ivan Lin and Lin Xiaoyu responded in unison, their eyes shining with determination.

That night, at midnight.

On the coast of the South of the Ranges Coastal Area, the night was as dark as ink, and the sea breeze, carrying a salty scent, slapped against the rocks. Thirty members of the red alert Shadow Squad, clad in black stealth protective suits, emerged like specters from a miniature submarine arriving from the East Sea. Following Ivan Lin and Lin Xiaoyu, they silently landed on the South of the Ranges coast.

Lin Xiaoyu placed his hand on the ground, golden and purple energy spreading through the soil. He quickly opened his eyes and whispered, "There's an Abyssal energy detector five hundred meters ahead. There are two South of the Ranges sentries behind the rocks to the left. We'll bypass them through the mangrove forest on the right; that's where the detection blind spot is largest."

Everyone immediately adjusted their route and plunged into the dense mangrove forest. Branches intertwined, and in the darkness, only the sound of their footsteps in the water and the distant waves could be heard. Ivan Lin, holding a miniature purifying dagger, swiftly dealt with two patrolling sentries without making a sound.

Beyond the mangrove forest was the South of the Ranges Naval Base. The base was brightly lit, with vessels neatly docked at the pier, yet there were few soldiers on patrol, which seemed highly unusual. Lin Xiaoyu again sensed the energy, his expression subtly changing: "The Abyssal energy signal at the base is very weak. The true signal source is on Snake Island to the east, ten nautical miles from here. Zhou Tao should be there."

"Let's go," Ivan Lin said in a low voice. Everyone set off again, riding a stealth speedboat, speeding towards Snake Island.

Snake Island was surrounded by sea, with jagged rocks and no inhabitants, save for a faint light emanating from a derelict lighthouse at its center. The speedboat docked in a hidden cove behind the island. Lin Xiaoyu led everyone around to the back of the lighthouse, and through the window, they clearly saw the scene inside.

Inside the lighthouse, Zhou Tao stood before a large sea chart, holding a red marker pen, drawing a small circle at the location of the Northern Territory defense barrier—that was precisely the breach point he had agreed upon with the Abyss. Behind him stood the treacherous communications soldier, and ten Abyssal vanguards clad in dark purple battle armor. Leading them was a two-meter-tall Abyssal general, with eyes burning with eerie purple flames—it was Karun, Morgan's deputy.

"General Karun, this is the weak point of the Northern Territory defense barrier. I've already arranged for people to tamper with it. One hour before your fleet arrives, I will activate the remote device to open a twenty-meter-wide breach," Zhou Tao said obsequiously. "At that time, you can break through here and directly seize the Northern Territory's star core crystals. I will lead the South of the Ranges forces to tie down Lin Zhou's main force. With our combined efforts, we will surely capture the Eternal Kingdom in one fell swoop."

Karun let out a low laugh, his voice like sandpaper rubbing together: "Zhou Tao, you are sensible. As long as we seize the star core crystals, the Abyssal Lord will surely make you Lord of the South Sea, allowing you to enjoy endless glory and wealth. But remember, if you dare to play tricks, I will turn you and everyone in South of the Ranges into nourishment for dark matter."

Zhou Tao's body trembled slightly, a flicker of fear in his eyes, but he quickly nodded: "I wouldn't dare, I will serve the Abyss with all my heart."

"Very good," Karun waved his hand, and an Abyssal vanguard handed over a dark purple communicator. "This is the exclusive communicator for the Abyssal main ship, capable of direct contact with the fleet in the asteroid belt. Take it and report the situation at any time. Additionally, the hundred Abyssal vanguards we brought have already infiltrated various locations in South of the Ranges and will act with you then."

Zhou Tao took the communicator, clutching it to his chest as if it were a treasure, a greedy smile on his face.

All of this was seen and heard by Ivan Lin and Lin Xiaoyu outside the window. Lin Xiaoyu activated the miniature communicator on his wrist, transmitting the images and sounds from inside the lighthouse in real-time back to the Northern Territory's command center.

Northern Territory Underground Palace.

Lin Zhou looked at Zhou Tao's fawning face on the screen, the chill in his eyes almost solidifying. Chen Hao clenched his fists, gritting his teeth: "This traitor, once we capture him, he must be cut into a thousand pieces!"

"Don't rush," Lin Zhou's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority. "Let Xiaoyu and Ivan continue to monitor, ascertain the Abyssal vanguard's strength on Snake Island, and the locations of those hundred infiltrators. Additionally, notify the Northwest Heavy Industry Zone to accelerate the transport of Star Core Magnetic Storm Cannons. Deploy thirty of the most advanced cannons in hidden positions around the breach, forming a crossfire. Notify the Northern Territory ground forces to enter combat readiness ahead of time, ready to close the net at any moment."

"Yes!"

On the holographic sandbox, red operational markers rapidly arranged themselves around the breach in the Northern Territory defense barrier. Star Core Magnetic Storm Cannons, red alert tank clusters, Genetic-enhanced Soldier units, and aerial fighter formations, layered in encirclement, a massive pocket formation was quietly taking shape.

Snake Island, abandoned lighthouse.

Zhou Tao sent off Karun and the Abyssal vanguards, then stood alone before the sea chart, looking at the red circle on the Northern Territory defense barrier, a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. He raised his hand to touch the dark purple communicator in his pocket, recalling Karun's threat, and then the glory and wealth promised by the Abyss. Ultimately, greed overcame his last shred of conscience.

He didn't know that his every move was under human surveillance; he knew even less that the breach he had personally drawn was not a passage for the Abyss to break through, but a tomb prepared for them, to bury everything.

Countdown: 40 days, 0 hours.

The Star Core Magnetic Storm Cannons in the Northwest were still being continuously manufactured, the Northern Territory's defense barrier was already impregnable, South of the Ranges' traitor and the Abyssal vanguards were still dreaming their pipe dreams, and humanity's pocket formation was complete.

The Abyssal Fleet in the asteroid belt was changing course, speeding towards Earth.

A contest of ambush and counter-ambush, a decisive battle for survival, was about to officially begin before the Northern Territory's defense barrier.

And this time, humanity would no longer passively defend, but would grasp their weapons tightly, ready to deliver a crushing blow to the Abyss.