Chapter 83
Miao Weizhen's battle plan was named "Operation Clearance", and its core was bold and sophisticated.
He will deliberately leak the false information that "Wen Ling will conduct a second, deeper test of full-network consciousness resonance to try to initially activate some of the defense functions of the reality stabilization field", and pretend to mobilize a large amount of resources and fleets to guard Taoyuan Mirror Sea, creating the illusion of internal emptiness.
The real killer move is hidden in the dark: Han Zhong's main fleet uses the new invisible force field developed by Xinglan to lurk in the preset battlefield -
"Cross Reef", a resource transfer star field far away from Mirror Sea but with an important strategic location; Luo Yan's special forces team is divided into small groups, lurking in several key nodes within the alliance that are most likely to be infiltrated, setting up a net and waiting; and Miao Weizhen himself will stay in Mirror Sea, on the one hand to ensure Wen Ling's absolute safety, on the other hand to remotely command the overall situation.
"Cross Reef is one of our energy storage points, and its location is sensitive. If Qu Beichen wants to inflict a heavy blow on us, or test our true military strength, this is a target he can't ignore," Miao Weizhen explained at the combat meeting. "He'll see this as a flaw we have to expose in order to protect Mirror Sea."
"The risk is that if he doesn't take the bait, or sees through our intentions..." Han Zhong pondered.
"Then treat it as a real combat exercise," Miao Weizhen said coldly. "But according to the analysis of the encrypted communication fragments intercepted by Luo Yan, they reacted unusually actively to the news of the 'second test'. Greed will cloud his judgment."
Wen Ling participated in the entire planning process. He trusted Miao Weizhen's judgment and Han Zhong's execution. After the plan was finally confirmed, he looked at Miao Weizhen and asked, "What do I need to do?"
"Continue your resonance training as usual." Miao Weizhen looked at him. "The more stable you are, the stronger the power of the Mirror Sea will be, and the more real our bait will be. Leave the rest to me."
False information was quietly leaked through carefully designed channels.
Everything seemed normal within the alliance, but secretly, a vast war machine began to silently operate. Han Zhong's fleet, under the guise of a "routine patrol," quietly disappeared into the starry sea. Luo Yan's men, like drops of water merging into the ocean, lurked in the shadows.
A few days later, a distress signal came from a monitoring outpost on the periphery of the "Cross Reef" star field. Unlike the previous small-scale harassment, this time a mixed fleet of considerable size appeared, equipped with warships that clearly surpassed the level of ordinary pirates, and the attack was swift!
"The fish has taken the bait." Miao Weizhen received the report at the Jinghai Command Center with sharp eyes.
He immediately ordered, "According to the plan, the garrison fleet will be 'rout' and the enemy will be lured deep into the country."
The plan went surprisingly smoothly. The attackers, apparently believing the Alliance's main force was pinned down in the Mirror Sea, boldly attacked the core area of Cross Reef, attempting to destroy the energy storage depot there.
Just when they were about to succeed, something strange happened!
Outside the "Cross Reef" star field, the space rippled like water waves. Han Zhong's main fleet tore off its camouflage and rushed out from the invisible force field like a divine army descending from the sky, instantly completing the encirclement of the invaders.
The dense artillery fire wove a web of death, enveloping the panicked enemy fleet.
At the same time, within the alliance, Luo Yan's special forces took action at the same time and arrested several insiders who were about to create chaos in the energy system and communication network with lightning speed.
The battle was almost one-sided, and the invading fleet was quickly defeated by Han Zhong's elite troops.
"Catch a few of them alive!" Han Zhong yelled into the communication channel, "I want to see who's behind this!"
However, just as the Alliance fleet was trying to capture the enemy flagship, the flagship suddenly burst out with an ominous dark red light, its engine overloaded, and it crashed into the nearest asteroid with a decisive attitude!
The violent explosion illuminated the star field.
"Self-destruct program..." Han Zhong watched the flames on the screen dissipate and slammed the console hard. "That's damn cruel!"
Although the enemy leader was not captured alive, Operation Clear Air was undoubtedly a significant victory. The elite fleet dispatched by Qu Beichen was nearly annihilated, and several key nodes hidden within the alliance were eliminated, effectively demonstrating the alliance's military strength and anti-infiltration capabilities.
When the news came back, morale within the alliance was greatly boosted.
However, the joy of victory did not last long.
While clearing the battlefield and interrogating the captured spies, Luo Yan discovered a disturbing detail. Although these spies and the enemy fleet members were well-equipped and well-trained, they seemed to know very little about the threat of the "Void Tide", and some even didn't believe in its existence at all.
The belief they were instilled with was "restoring the glory of the Federation" and "eliminating the tyranny of the Alliance", and they firmly believed that Qu Beichen possessed some ultimate weapon that could "purify" the star field and transcend the stability field.
"They're not fighting for survival," Luo Yan reported to Miao Weizhen and Wen Ling in a serious tone, "they're fighting for a set of...distorted beliefs."
This discovery sent a chill down Wen Ling's spine. If Qu Beichen wasn't simply sabotaging and seizing power, but was weaving a massive, deceptive lie, then they wouldn't just be facing a military enemy, but a plague of thought.
Miao Weizhen's eyes grew colder. "It seems we need to adjust our strategy. Destroying his fleet is easy, but shattering the poisonous fog he spreads requires more thorough measures."
Just as the alliance leaders were discussing their next move, the shabby man who had appeared in the remote bar, after several twists and turns, finally arrived at the checkpoint outside the Taoyuan Jinghai area. He took off his hat, revealing a weathered yet sharp face, and said to the defenders:
"I want to see His Highness Wen Ling, or Minister Miao Weizhen. Tell them my name is 'Night Owl', and I have information about Qu Beichen's 'Purification Weapon'."
Two standard hours later, the man calling himself "Night Owl" was brought before Miao Weizhen under guard. The lights in the interrogation room were deliberately dimmed, and Miao Weizhen sat in the shadows. Only the occasional tapping of his fingertips on the table was distinctly heard in the silence.
Night Owl looked calm, and despite being dusty and exhausted, his eyes were as sharp as an eagle. He voluntarily handed over all the items he had with him, including the ancient pocket watch.
"My name is Lei Hao, a former member of the Federation's 'Shadow' special forces, codenamed 'Night Owl.'" He got straight to the point. "I worked for Qu Beichen until I discovered his so-called 'Purification Project.'"
Miao Weizhen didn't say anything, but just signaled him to continue with his eyes.
"The so-called 'purification weapon' isn't a physical bomb or energy weapon," Lei Hao's voice deepened. "It's a massive consciousness interference network, codenamed 'Heart Abyss.' Its core technology is the same as 'Luofeng Reverberation,' but its scale and application are completely different. It's not used to torture individuals, but to—"
Distort group cognition. "
He described in detail the operating mode of "Heart Abyss": by emitting consciousness waves of a specific frequency through nodes hidden in civilian networks and basic communication facilities, it subtly amplifies people's inner fear, suspicion and xenophobia, and ultimately leads to the denial of the existing order (i.e. the Nine-Nation Alliance) and a blind yearning for the "pure past" described by Qu Beichen (i.e. the period of the Federation's prosperity).
"He believes that the 'bad nature' of intelligent life leads to conflict and decline, and that a thorough 'spiritual cleansing' is necessary." Lei Hao's lips curled into a hint of sarcasm. "He considers himself a god."
"Why did you betray him?"
Miao Weizhen finally spoke, his voice cold and without any emotion.
Lei Hao was silent for a moment, stroking the pocket watch. "For my wife, Lin Xue. She was once the Federation's finest communications engineer and an early participant in the 'Heart Abyss' project. She discovered the project's true purpose and tried to stop it, and then... she died 'accidentally.'" He looked up, suppressed pain and anger in his eyes. "The official report said it was an experimental accident, but I know it wasn't. I've been lurking for years, just to find the evidence and destroy it."
He provided some possible distribution coordinates of the "Heart Abyss" nodes, as well as the locations of several secret research bases where Qu Beichen might be hiding.
"This information may be outdated. He's very cautious and moves frequently," Lei Hao said. "But I can confirm that Heart Abyss has entered its final testing phase. His goal is to activate it at the most critical moment in the Alliance's battle against the Void Tide, completely destroying you from within."
After the interrogation, Miao Weizhen immediately summoned Xinglan, Anthony and Luo Yan.
"How credible is the intelligence?" Miao Weizhen asked directly.
"Some of the coordinates he provided match the area of abnormal consciousness fluctuations we previously monitored," Xinglan pulled up the data. "Furthermore, his description of the technical details of 'Luofeng Reverberations' is very professional and not something an outsider could fabricate."
"After comparing the photo in the pocket watch, it turns out to be Lin Xue, the Federal Communications engineer who died in an 'experimental accident' three years ago," Luo Yan added. "His identity and background are basically true."
Anthony pushed his glasses up. "From a technical perspective, large-scale mind jamming is feasible, especially if the majority of our population is connected to the mind network. This would essentially open a backdoor for them."
The situation is more serious than expected. The enemy is no longer satisfied with physical destruction, but is targeting the foundation of the alliance - the trust between people and the belief in a shared future.
"We need to upgrade our network firewalls and develop countermeasures," Wen Ling said solemnly. He had just finished resonance training, and his face still wore a hint of fatigue, but his eyes were sharp. "We must find and destroy the core of the 'Heart Abyss' before it activates."
"How should we deal with Lei Hao?" Luo Yan asked.
"Temporarily control him, but show him basic respect." Wen Ling made the decision. "We need him to provide more information about 'Xinyuan' and Qu Beichen's actions. At the same time, verify the intelligence he provides."
Miao Weizhen looked at Wen Ling, and the two exchanged glances. They both understood that a new, invisible war had begun. This time, the battlefield lay deep within everyone's consciousness.
"Luo Yan, based on the clues provided by Lei Hao, expand the search area, focusing on civilian communication hubs and energy transfer stations," Miao Weizhen ordered. "Xing Lan, Anthony, pool all resources to analyze the possible frequency and attack patterns of 'Xin Yuan' and come up with a defense plan as soon as possible."
The order was swiftly carried out. The massive machine of the Alliance once again sprang into action, responding to the new threat emanating from the shadows.
At this moment, somewhere in the unknown deep space, in a huge secret base composed of countless abandoned starships and space stations, Qu Beichen was watching the signals of the alliance's frequent mobilization on the holographic screen, with a satisfied smile on his face.
"The fish are feeling uneasy..." he whispered to himself. "Very well, let the panic ferment for a while. When the time is right, the 'Heart Abyss' will guide the lost lambs back to the only 'right path'."
He turned and walked deeper into the stronghold. There, a larger, more complex consciousness-transmitting device was being assembled. Its core components shone with the same light as the "Luofeng Reverberation," but with a darker glow.
The victory of Operation Clearance, led by Miao Weizhen, was like a shot in the arm, injecting a surge of energy into the alliance. Frayed nerves relaxed slightly, and a rare sense of lightness permeated the long-suppressed base.
The Mirror Sea at night is even more mysterious and tranquil than during the day.
The sea surface was still like a mirror, reflecting the stars in the sky and the sparse lights of the base.
Wen Ling stood alone on the balcony of the command tower, the night breeze caressing his slightly frail frame. After the hustle and bustle of the day, the heavy sense of responsibility became even more apparent in his solitude.
Light footsteps came from behind him, with a rhythm that he was familiar with.
Miao Weizhen walked over to him, saying nothing, but simply draped a warm coat over his shoulders. He still had a hint of fresh air about him, as if he had just finished handling military affairs.
"Are you still thinking about the information about 'Night Owl'?" Miao Weizhen's voice sounded particularly low in the night.
Wen Ling hummed softly, leaning back slightly into the warm and solid embrace behind him. Miao Weizhen's arms naturally wrapped around his waist, enclosing him in his own little world.
"If Qu Beichen is really planning some kind of sentient weapon," Wen Ling's voice was filled with worry, "that would be more terrifying than the fleet."
"If an enemy comes, we'll fight him." Miao Weizhen rested his chin lightly on the top of his head. "If he can build it, we can crack it."
He paused, a barely perceptible softness in his voice: "Don't put all the burdens on yourself. You are not alone."
Wen Ling's heart stirred slightly, and he turned around, looking at Miao Weizhen under the hazy starlight. Those deep brown eyes were no longer cold in the night, but like the deep night sky, enveloping the stars and him. His long-stretched nerves finally relaxed at this moment.
He didn't say anything, but just stretched out his hand, and gently traced Miao Weizhen's clear jawline with his fingertips, then slowly moved upwards, stroking his slightly furrowed brows.
Miao Weizhen caught his wandering hand, held it in her palm, and looked at him with a scorching gaze. In that look, there was worry, possession, a deep affection tempered by life and death, and a long-suppressed passion.
"Weizhen."
Wen Ling called him softly, with a hint of dependence in her voice that she herself was not even aware of.
This soft call was like lighting the final fuse.
Miao Weizhen suddenly lowered his head and kissed him on the lips. This kiss was different from the previous restraint, with an irresistible sense of possession. It was as if he wanted to confirm his existence and dispel all his anxiety through this kiss.
After his initial surprise, Wen Ling responded meekly. He could sense the turbulent emotions beneath Miao Weizhen's calm exterior. He took the initiative to put his arms around Miao Weizhen, responding awkwardly but firmly, as if silently saying: I'm here.
The starlight is lingering and the mirror sea is silent.
The night breeze blew gently, but it couldn't dispel the warmth between them. Distance disappeared without a trace, and the last bit of estrangement quietly melted away.
Wen Ling tilted his head back, feeling this slightly predatory intimacy. His body trembled slightly, not out of fear, but rather an unfamiliar, throbbing sensation of being completely enveloped. He could sense the power hidden beneath Miao Weizhen's tense muscles, and the gentleness that that power restrained in his presence.
Beyond the command tower lay the vast starry sky and the dormant Mirror Sea. Yet, in this small space, isolated from all noise, only the intertwined breaths and heartbeats remained.
Miao Weizhen whispered in his ear, his voice hoarse and hot. It was no longer the usual cold command, but a promise tinged with possessiveness. Wen Ling was unable to respond and could only cling to him more tightly, floating in the tide of emotion.
After an unknown amount of time, the wind and waves gradually subsided.
Miao Weizhen carefully wrapped Wen Ling in his coat, carried her sideways, and walked towards the lounge in the tower. Wen Ling leaned tiredly in his arms, listening to her strong and slightly rapid heartbeat, and felt an unprecedented peace.
The closeness of their bodies broke the last invisible boundary. In the darkness of despair and pressure, the instinctive reliance of two souls was the most profound way to confirm each other's existence.
Miao Weizhen placed him on the bed, hugged him tightly from behind, and wrapped his arms protectively around his sides.
"Go to sleep." He placed a soft kiss in his hair. "I'm here."
Wen Ling closed her eyes, feeling the reassuring breath behind her. Her tense nerves finally relaxed completely, and she fell into a dreamless sleep.
Outside the window, the mirror sea is still calm and the stars are still bright.
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