Inside the Sky Do train's science module, the Infinite crew gathered together, quietly listening to Lin Xian recount the two civilization simulations he had just witnessed. Each person wore different expressions, their eyes fixed on Lin Xian.
"Sounds like so kind of AI-calculated ga," said KIKI, who had rushed over still wearing shorts and pajamas, floating in the air with crossed arms and furrowed brows. "The key question is, what does it represent?"
"Could it be trying to tell us that human civilization is ultimately dood to destruction?" Ning Jing scanned the group as she spoke.
"Absolutely impossible," Fire Bro declared with confidence, his voice coming from where he stood alone in the corner.
"Heh," Qian Dele sighed softly while fanning himself with a small fan. "So they're using this thod to undermine our confidence? Is the Foundation that bored or is the dark civilization that bored?"
Chen Sixuan leaned against the table, deep in thought. "Lin Xian has now experienced two civilization simulation gas, but both ended with human extinction. Hua Xiaoling told Lin Xian that through this ga he would gain a completely new understanding of the dark civilization and the Star Abyss. I'm wondering if there's so hidden information within this."
"Definitely," Luo Yang nodded with serious expression. "Didn't Brother Lin just say that the holographic experience this thing provides feels completely from another dinsion? That ans this isn't human technology but from another civilization. There must be more information hidden within."
"Well that's simple enough," Shasha chid in. "Brother Lin is a chanical ability user, just scan it directly."
Lin Xian shook his head at this, weighing the silver tal sphere in his hand. "This thing is covered by a force similar to Forbidden Artifacts. I can't scan it, and I can't disassemble it either."
Monica spoke up from the back of the crowd. "Why does it jump from Civilization 1 directly to 807? Did we miss sothing in between? Or were all the civilizations in between simulation failures with no reference value?"
"Like what?"
"Like the dinosaur age," Monica shrugged.
"Dinosaurs... are they related to this?" Lü Chang asked with a puzzled expression.
"She ans the butterfly effect that influences civilization developnt," Ding Junyi explained, having put down her work and turned around with hands in her pockets. "From the Triassic period to human evolution, spanning tens of millions of years—a single teor crisis, a century-long rainstorm, an ice age, or even extrely minor changes in the universe could cause human civilization to disappear, wiped out before it could sprout. Strictly speaking, a civilization requires the combination of nurous favorable conditions of timing, geographical advantages, and human unity to erge." She looked toward Viola as she continued, "If an AI were to perform calculations, even with identical initial conditions, too many variables would cause possibilities to diverge exponentially. So selecting valid references for demonstration should be reasonable."
[I agree with this conclusion,] Viola's calm voice sounded as she addressed Lin Xian. [This civilization simulation calculated humanity's developnt 700 years into the future. Preliminary calculations show its computational power growth multiplier exceeds 10^6700, and this conclusion doesn't account for nonlinear complexity growth so it's not accurate.]
"Then we've reached a conclusion," Lin Xian placed the silver tal sphere on the experintal table, and everyone's gaze simultaneously fell upon it. "This thing indeed cos from an extraterrestrial civilization. Since Hua Xiaoling gave it to us, it likely represents the dark civilization."
The atmosphere suddenly grew tense at these words.
Chen Sixuan broke the silence with a complex expression. "If the dark civilization indeed possesses extrely high intelligence, then our operations in Dawn City..."
"Let's not jump to conclusions," Lin Xian interrupted her. "Chu Yan and I clearly connected with the consciousness of dark creatures. Plus, including the Phoenix Society, we've had such judgnts before. Such high intelligence and technological advancent are based on our understanding. Let's not imagine the dark civilization as omnipotent yet."
Qian Dele shrugged. "If they were that powerful, they would have sent Sanctum and Sacred Revelation people to assassinate him already. I think once the tide cos in, everything becos unknown."
"Right," KIKI looked at Shu Qin, then gestured toward the tal sphere on the table with her chin. "Since there's no danger and it can enhance your ability, you should try it a few more tis. Maybe the problem is actually very simple—better than all of us guessing blindly here."
Lin Xian nodded. "I was thinking the sa thing."
"Since the Foundation has their eyes on us, should we depart imdiately after daybreak?" Ding Junyi asked cautiously.
"No rush," Lin Xian looked at the tal sphere on the table, his eyes flickering. "This isn't our first ti dealing with the Foundation. Hua Xiaoling must want to convey so information through and the Phoenix Society. Otherwise, if they wanted to take direct action, the fight would have already started."
He scanned the group as he shared his thoughts. "Rest opportunities are rare. We're not being chased by the Star Abyss Polar Night right now, and we don't have dark marks either. South Arica will definitely bring constant troubles. The massive relocation from Dawn Center is being hunted by various Star Abysses. Since we'll ultimately need to flee to the poles anyway, why don't we rest properly here? Our equipnt, Forbidden Artifacts, and so on all need improvent and adaptation."
Hearing this, Shasha imdiately nodded her head like she was knocking on a wooden fish, her eyes shining. "I agree! I agree! My Flying Peach hasn't finished its modifications yet! Plus there are still many areas on this island we haven't scavenged. Since our big spacecraft can carry everything, let's not waste anything!"
Ning Jing and Shu Qin also nodded. "Indeed, such intense places might beco rare soon."
Qian Dele smiled and leaned forward. "I don't care anyway. Hawaii's sunshine is quite comfortable—might not get to enjoy it later~"
Hearing this, Lu Xingchen also nodded. "Hey, this place is indeed suitable for cultivation."
"Just too many zombies, all that groaning and moaning~" KIKI shrugged.
"Okay, then if that's the case, tomorrow we'll continue splitting into multiple teams to thoroughly search this island, treating it as rest and recuperation," Chen Sixuan said with so relief.
"Agreed," Lin Xian said calmly. "Many areas on the island now have signal coverage. Maintain communication and you can move freely, though it's best not to travel alone."
"Lin Xian," KIKI addressed him. "Since we have this opportunity now, do you think we should attempt Crystal Lattice evolution? We've obtained quite a few level 4 blood crystals and could use this chance to enhance everyone's strength. What do you think?"
At these words, everyone beca interested. Monica looked at Lin Xian with a glowing smile.
Lu Xingchen's eyes also lit up as he put down his hands excitedly. "Brother Lin, this cultivation thod—I am willing to risk trying it!"
"No need for risks," Lin Xian said. "According to Phoenix Society data, using level 4 blood crystals at spirit values above 10,000 almost never causes accidents. Plus, if perford under the dark energy resonance device, it can reduce physical damage. The only remaining issue is the possible side effects. One thing that's currently certain..."
He scanned the group and spoke solemnly: "Reduced lifespan."
The mont these words fell, everyone's eyes flickered, but no one appeared nervous. Qian Dele actually burst out laughing. "I thought it was sothing serious! Lifespan? Every day we live is profit! Who cares about that during the apocalypse!"
"How much lifespan reduction?" Ning Jing asked.
Lin Xian shook his head. "Uncertain. The Phoenix Society reached this conclusion from cell division analysis. Currently, it appears to reduce a person's lifespan by at least 5 to 10 years, possibly more."
After hearing this, Ning Jing imdiately said, "10 years? What does that matter? If I can double my combat power, even 20 years wouldn't matter."
"I feel the sa," Shu Qin added.
Lin Xian smiled wryly. "My thoughts align with yours. If it's just lifespan, it's not a major issue. As for other side effects, we'll take it step by step."
Then he looked directly at Ding Junyi. "Last night I had Viola prepare a plan. Considering full team safety, everyone will be divided into three batches for Crystal Lattice cultivation. We'll use hibernation pods and cryogenic systems as Crystal Lattice incubation chambers, with providing final security. However, we lack experience in this area. Cai En and Vanessa told Crystal Lattice cultivation requires at least 72 hours. To be safe, I've discussed with Monica—she'll conduct an experint first. After she succeeds, we'll proceed with batch processing."
"Monica?"
Several people turned to look at him simultaneously. Fire Bro, who had been eager to volunteer, swallowed his words. Though his personality naturally attracted him greatly to anything that could enhance his "cultivation," he always supported Lin Xian's decisions, so he suppressed his excitent.
Monica nodded and smiled at the group. "Don't worry, I'll experience it first for everyone. If I gain any insights, I'll share them after I wake up."
"Your current spirit value peak hasn't reached 10,000 yet, right?" Qian Dele asked.
Monica raised her hand, releasing a substantial-looking sound wave in her palm. "It's alright. After that night, it reached 8,500. That's the limit index, barely acceptable."
Crystal Lattice matters couldn't be rushed. They had ti now and could use this opportunity to thoroughly research it.
"Then it's decided," Lin Xian said.
He also knew that if this group's ability indices could all double, then even without the Sky Do train, many of them could face special-level entities head-on, and perhaps even put up a fight against S-level threats.
After this, everyone visibly relaxed. Such rest ti was quite rare—no urgent travel, abundant island resources. Everyone could properly unwind from the tense crises of the Oceanic Titan and volcanic eruption.
Ding Junyi looked at Lin Xian and advised, "The hibernation pod's sedation life support system can indeed effectively maintain ntal stability, but it has drawbacks. If subjected to ntal attacks, there will be no resistance whatsoever. Even with dark energy resonance shielding against dark infestation, complete protection isn't guaranteed."
"I know," Lin Xian raised his hand, and a Heterogeneous Cube landed in his palm. Then he looked at Monica. "That's why I prepared double insurance."
Qian Dele smiled and leaned forward. "I don't mind anyway. Hawaii's sunshine is quite comfortable—might not get to enjoy it later~"
Monica looked at Lin Xian with a faint smile. "I'm genuinely touched. You're so good to ."
Lin Xian said helplessly, "No choice. Since you volunteered yourself, as team leader, I naturally need to protect you."
Monica's lips curled slightly as she glanced at Lin Xian, saying nothing.
Afterward, everyone proceeded to Sky Do Two, which housed the low-temperature hibernation pods and civilization embryo chamber, while also serving as the functional hull for orbital guidance, star navigation systems, and gravity field systems.
Monica had now removed her power armor and stood wearing a form-fitting white undersuit beside a low-temperature hibernation pod that Lin Xian had opened.
"What do I do?"
"Lie down inside," Lin Xian said with a grave expression. Everyone watched as he now produced the Crystal Lattice cultivation device given by Vanessa. It resembled an X-shaped tal breastplate with a central slot. Lin Xian placed a level 4 blood crystal into it, then activated the device. With a humming sound, dark red energy began flowing through pipes beside the slot, and the entire device erupted with intense dark energy fluctuations.
At this mont, Lin Xian activated the dark energy resonance device installed in the chamber while simultaneously installing the Heterogeneous Cube. Instantly, the space's dark infestation and chilling sensation were swept away, replaced by a clear, cool feeling.
Lin Xian approached the hibernation pod. Under everyone's watchful eyes, Monica stepped into the pod and slowly lay down. Then he gently fastened the device onto Monica's chest.
"If I beco really ugly during the evolution process, just cremate directly," Monica t Lin Xian's gaze with a confident smile. "Rather than becoming a monster, I'd prefer to die beautifully."
"Ah? Will you beco ugly?" Shasha couldn't help asking upon hearing this.
"Vanessa ntioned before that such cases have occurred, like certain mutations of monstrous limb abilities," Shu Qin said.
Lin Xian looked quite seriously at Monica. "What if your beauty remains but your body changes? Like growing hair all over, or developing a third breast..."
Pfft...
Lin Xian's words imdiately dissolved the tense atmosphere. KIKI burst out laughing, Chen Sixuan gave him a helpless glare, and Monica in the hibernation pod coldly turned her gaze away with a frosty response.
"Burn it."
"Understood, Queen Mo," Lin Xian smiled slightly, then pressed the activation button on the Crystal Lattice cultivation device. Instantly, the device humd, and a crimson flood surged across Monica's skin surface like a spiderweb, spreading from her neck all the way to her face, appearing like so terrifying energy pattern.
Monica's expression suddenly changed, gritting her teeth with a muffled groan as imnse pain assaulted her. The next mont, her pupils were completely covered by a glowing white, her arm went limp, and her consciousness sank into sleep.
"What happened?!" Chen Sixuan asked nervously.
"It's working," Lin Xian looked at the hibernation pod's life detection system. After a strange ECG fluctuation, Monica's vital signs began stabilizing. Everyone watched breathlessly, only relaxing after several minutes of stability.
"Looks quite dangerous still. Who knows what she'll experience during these 72 hours," Ning Jing frowned. Even for these battle-hardened ability users, such active evolution inevitably brought so tension.
Lin Xian now closed the hibernation pod and arranged for service drones to begin monitoring.
"Viola, closely observe Monica's condition. Report any abnormalities to ."
[Viola understands.]
Lin Xian breathed a sigh of relief and dismissed everyone to rest. Soon, all had departed one after another.
After hearing this, Ning Jing imdiately said, "10 years? What does that matter? If I can double my combat power, even 20 years would be nothing to ."
Lin Xian nodded. "I hope so."
Then he left the hibernation chamber with Chen Sixuan. Only after returning to the main bridge did Lin Xian turn his attention to himself. He examined his chanical Heart—a whole night of Devour couldn't compare to the dark energy conversion captured from those two simulations. Though unclear what exactly the tal sphere in his hand produced, it had certainly given Lin Xian a windfall. Originally estimating he'd need another day to reach LV.7, he had unexpectedly achieved it before dawn.
[Current chanical Heart Level LV.7 (2180/100000)]
[chanical Awakening]: chanical Lord
chanical Devour: 6 (3600/5000) Increases devour efficiency
chanical Manufacturing: 6 (1560/5000) Increases construction efficiency
"Power Resonance..."
Lin Xian looked at the chanical Heart's skill description, not entirely understanding what this skill ant. Resonating chanical power to him—wasn't this similar to how his hyperstring reactor phase halos drew power from the Infinite?
Lin Xian clenched his fist, attempting to activate this skill. Suddenly, the Sky Do train's 5000-gawatt [Star Drive] class nuclear power core erupted with terrifying might, all concentrating into his fist. In that instant, Lin Xian experienced an incredibly bizarre illusion—he felt like he had returned to piloting the prototype unit with Chen Wei! Throwing a punch now felt like swinging the prototype unit's chanical arm with over two thousand muscle engines roaring, driving hydraulic power actuators to explosively release trendous force asured in thousands of tons!
But unlike before, this power originated from the Sky Do train!
"Whoa, so this is how Power Resonance works?" Lin Xian's eyes widened in shock.
"Isn't this chanical Soul Armant, ch embodint???"
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