CH 152

As the countdown to the dry season continued, the peaceful days in the Shui Jing Gong began to be tinged with anxiety. The reforestation efforts in the Cangyu Mountains also slowed down. The protective array’s range had become sufficiently extensive, although it didn’t cover the entire Cangyu Mountains. It included all the bases within its boundaries.

This was partly due to the initial choice of settlement locations by the various bases. People, being social creatures, still preferred to gather together even while maintaining a safe distance from the Shui Jing Gong.

On the third day following the completion of the protective array, which was the 85th day of the dry season, both Zone A and Zone S finally took action. They conducted large-scale searches around the mountains, even enduring attacks from mutant creatures without easily retreating. Various reconnaissance methods were employed tirelessly from day to night.

However, what puzzled Zone A and Zone S was that, no matter how they tried, even using rare extragalactic technology, they couldn’t probe the interior of the Cangyu Mountains beyond a certain distance. All their detectors seemed to hit an invisible wall, making any progress nearly impossible.

This inexplicable situation was reminiscent of the recent torrential rain, and just like that event, they couldn’t find a reasonable explanation. It was all so mysterious and awe-inspiring.

Inside the Cangyu Mountains, aside from the Shui Jing Gong, other bases were equally astonished by the power of the protective array. They had heard about the protective array countless times before and knew that their ultimate goal in planting trees was to activate the array, but it had always been a vague concept, sounding highly unscientific.

However, when faced with the reality, this miraculous existence, which had even contributed to its creation, intensified their sense of awe. This was probably the reason why the Shui Jing Gong could command the Cangyu Mountains. Their strength lay in their ability to create miracles and consistently shape hope with their own hands.

Even on such a desolate planet, they had never lived like others, just scraping by and stealing a meager existence. They were not like those who would take pride in finding a moldy piece of bread in the corners of the galaxy where the Galactic Alliance wouldn’t even bother looking. The people of the Shui Jing Gong lived freely, confidently, and with determination.

The greening project had come to a close, but the Shui Jing Gong remained as busy as ever. Shu Shuishui distributed the jade tokens for entering and exiting the protective array. Only those who held these tokens and were led by the gray rats could enter or leave the protective array. Each base received a limited number of jade tokens, which, although few, were sufficient.

With only five days left until the end of the dry season, there was no need for a large number of personnel to go out searching for survivors during this special time. After all, Zone A and Zone S had stationed a large number of people nearby, preparing for a final assault. Even those who came seeking refuge could easily detect something amiss and avoid this period.

The Shui Jing Gong dispatched exploration teams every day to patrol the edges of the protective array and investigate the outside situation. Initially, the patrolling individuals were quite nervous, fearing sudden attacks. However, each time, they found it quite amusing to watch others spin in circles a few steps away or even crash into the barrier, resulting in minor injuries.

The people of the Cangyu Mountains understood that as long as they didn’t leave the protective array, they were safe. Thus, patrolling became relaxed and enjoyable. Nevertheless, they dared not lower their guard. This earthly paradise was worth their utmost patience and diligence to protect.

On the 88th day of the dry season, people from Zone A and Zone S utilized quantum cannons. When the artillery pieces were set up outside the mountains, the various bases in the Cangyu Mountains had already received the news. They couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Although the protective array was strong, could it withstand such a powerful extragalactic technology attack?

Shu Shuishui, in fact, didn’t know. After all, he had never witnessed the power of quantum cannons. However, once a small protective array could withstand an electromagnetic storm, this increasingly robust protective array would be even stronger.

Gu Langu placed a roasted grasshopper into Shu Shuishui’s bowl. “Shui Shui, don’t worry. Quantum cannons are commonly used weapons on the interstellar battlefield. They are easy to assemble, easy to transport, and have strong firepower. However, compared to Shui Shui’s protective array, they still fall far short.”

“Oh, I see! Then I can relax,” Shu Shuishui said, relieved, as he trusted Gu Langu’s judgment. After all, Gu Langu had once seemed quite formidable.

Upon hearing this, the others at the dining table gradually relaxed, willingly accepting this bowl of dog food. After lunch, Nan Ge issued a notice to inform the other bases not to be anxious and to continue their development and base construction as the main focus. Additionally, another batch of micro-farms and contract devices had been completed, and those with enough planting points and energy stones could come and exchange.

Once the notice was conveyed, the bases in the Cangyu Mountains, who had been worried, immediately forgot about the quantum cannons outside. They hurriedly prepared their energy stones, counted their planting points, and rushed to the Shui Jing Gong for exchange. These items had always been highly sought after and in high demand, and being late meant having to wait for the next batch.

On the 90th day of the dry season, the micro-farms and contract devices produced by the Shui Jing Gong had been completely exchanged. Shu Shuishui was happily placing batches of energy stones into the purification array, waiting for the delivery of high-quality spirit stones. These were all money, Shu Shuishui thought, and with more money in the future, he could hire others to catch grasshoppers!

Standing by the side, Gu Langu looked at the large number of energy stones that Shu Shuishui had received as a result of the exchange of micro-farms and couldn’t help but feel very poor. The secret funds earned were still not enough, far from enough. Shu Shuishui, who was so talented and good at making money, must be tapped for all the energy stones in the world. Gu Langu lowered his head in thought; should the Gray Rat Company consider developing some new businesses?

The Gray Rats, who were working diligently, all shivered involuntarily as if sensing a chill. They couldn’t help but sigh, it’s truly the last day of the dry season, and winter is just around the corner. The temperature changes were indeed unpredictable.

Nan Ge and Liu Po were still gathered together to discuss the next focus of the base’s development. They decided to restart the Simulator Raid Team, training a group of teams specialized in simulator dungeons to obtain starry resources and the latest information. In addition, the planning of Shui Jing Cheng had to be officially put on the agenda. The residential area of the Shui Jing Gong could no longer be makeshift tents. Being located in the Cangyu Mountains, they had no shortage of wood, and they could not only cut down trees but also plant them. They could even use formations to nurture spirit trees, turning wood into a sustainable resource.

The construction of wooden houses had to be put on the agenda, and at the same time, a quarry could be built in the north, where there were good stone mines. According to the estimates of the exploration team, there was a high possibility of developing energy mines or rare metal mines.

One by one, they listed the tasks, considering both site personnel supply and development, maintenance, and operation. This was indeed a cumbersome yet crucial task, and Nan Ge sighed as he flipped through the information. “Fortunately, Zone B joined the Shui Jing Gong, which allowed us to gain talents like you. It would have been very difficult with just me.”

Liu Po, who was recording the data, paused in his actions and smiled lightly. “It’s rare to hear you praise someone.”

Nan Ge seemed somewhat surprised. “Is it? I always thought I was kind and tolerant.”

“But very few people are truly accepted by you. The Shui Jing Gong is so large, but there are only a few in your heart.” Liu Po had been with the Shui Jing Gong for a long time, so he had gradually become more open in his speech.

Nan Ge didn’t deny it after hearing this, he just said, “A few are enough.” After a brief pause, he smiled even more. “By the way, you are one of them.”

Liu Po’s actions of organizing data finally stopped, and he looked into Nan Ge’s eyes seriously. After a moment, he also had a smile in his eyes. “I’m honored.”

Both of them were skilled at reading people’s hearts and managing people. That’s why they were capable of managing the base. Most of the time, just a simple glance or action could make them understand what the other was thinking. This kind of understanding might be a special way of communication between strong individuals that average students might never comprehend.

Meanwhile, the younger brothers of the two strong individuals didn’t quite understand this. At this moment, they were in Cheng Que’s laboratory, trying to help but only getting in the way. Nan Fang, Liu Du, Xie Feng, and Yu Jin were all gathered in the laboratory to expedite the mass production of contract devices, and Xie Feng had come specifically to learn from the research.

Everyone was busy with their tasks on this day, and everything seemed no different from usual until a loud thunderous explosion erupted overhead.

No matter where they were or what they were doing, everyone in the Cangyu Mountains subconsciously looked up at the sky.

The second sound of the quantum cannon firing entered their ears, and before they could raise their hands to cover their ears, the shockwave from the tremendous energy collision still made their hearts numb. This was the power of the quantum cannon, but it was also the power of the Guardian Array.

The third sound, the fourth sound, the fifth sound…

After more than a dozen attacks, the Guardian Array remained unharmed. Although they couldn’t see the Guardian Array itself, the constant barrage of quantum cannons from above was enough to illustrate the Guardian Array’s strength.

People from Zone A and Zone S, however, seemed persistent and continued their attacks. During breaks in the attacks, they even attempted to communicate, trying to get the base of the Cangyu Mountains to surrender.

No one paid any attention to this unrealistic attempt at surrender. After the initial shock, everyone gradually returned to their work.

It was just noise from outside; during this time, it was better to water the lovely little saplings.

In less than half an hour, the attacks from the quantum cannons stopped. It seemed that people from Zone A and Zone S had finally realized that they were wasting ammunition and words! Despite the fresh and tender meat right in front of them, it was covered with a turtle shell from the outside, which couldn’t be broken through or tricked!

Inside the command tent of Zone A and Zone S, Lu Zhouzhi sat across from a person. This person was a senior member of Zone S, but there was no sign of Mang Ya.

Lu Zhouzhi’s expression was somewhat cold, and his already irritable temperament had barely survived the general attack, but now, his fist landed on a cotton ball. “It seems that Mang Ya was right. The Shui Jing Gong indeed has a genius who has built such a turtle shell. We can only break it from the inside; there’s nothing we can do from the outside.”

The people from Zone S smiled. “Our leader would never do something futile. We’ll act according to the plan—use the quantum cannons to divert the attention of Cangyu Mountain and send the signal at night.”

Lu Zhouzhi cracked his knuckles. “I’ve been ready for that for a long time!”

After the brief quantum cannon attack, the assassination team regrouped and dispersed once again into the Cangyu Mountains to search for an entrance, lingering nearby but never leaving, yet they still couldn’t find a way in.

One of the people patrolling near the edge unexpectedly encountered someone. This person claimed to be a member of the Dream Star River, Qing Mengxing. Upon hearing the sound of the quantum cannons and realizing that the total attack by Zone A and Zone S had begun, Qing Mengxing appeared nearby out of concern for the Cangyu Mountains.

The patrolling person carefully scrutinized him for a moment and said, “Brother, your information is outdated. The leader of the Dream Star River was rescued long ago and has been living in the Shui Jing Gong. Why are you pretending to be someone else?”

The person furrowed their brow and said, “That’s exactly what I wanted to say. The man you mentioned, Mang Ya, is extremely cunning and skilled in disguise. He, like Gu Langu, is a high-quality android with all his bones and muscles modified after birth. He can change his face, height, and body shape. The one currently in the Shui Jing Gong is fake, and it’s highly likely that he intends to harm Gu Langu after launching the total attack!”

Now, the patrolling person was somewhat alarmed. However, the other person tried to reassure them, saying, “Don’t panic. You can go find someone to deliver a message or throw a rope in. I’ll tie myself up and come with you to the Shui Jing Gong to confront that imposter!”