Eunuch, do you really know these martial arts?

Inside the command center, on a huge electronic screen, cold genetic maps and data streams scrolled silently.

The technical lead's voice sounded exceptionally clear in the silence:
"According to Han Dong's initial confession and some of the encrypted communications we intercepted, in their context, Guixu does not refer to a place in mythology, but is a code name, an unprecedented extreme environment simulation and life form observation station hidden at the bottom of a trench in the Pacific Ocean."

He switched the screen to display several blurry but stunning deep-sea topographic maps and complex structural simulations.

"Its design goal is to simulate and surpass all known extreme environments on our planet—ultra-high pressure, absolute darkness, environments with highly toxic chemicals, and... a special physical field that is generated by specific geological activities deep in the Earth's crust and can strongly interfere with bioelectrical signals and cell activity."

Another geophysicist added, his tone incredulous.

"They are trying to create a pressure cooker in the Ruins of Return that is more extreme and purer than the Greenland subglacial base and the previous underwater stronghold, to test and refine individuals they believe carry the ancestral genes, such as Zero, such as you, Consultant Jiang."

Bai Yongxu spoke, his sharp gaze fixed on Jiang Nian.

"As for the key..."

The technical lead took a deep breath.

After a brief pause, a large amount of data on zero and an analysis report highlighted in red were brought up.

"Han Dong was vague, but combining Zero's physiological data with the observation logs we obtained from the base's main control station, we have a startling hypothesis."

On the screen, the gene sequence map of Zero is displayed side by side with Jiang Nian's, next to a complex bioelectric signal simulation and neural response model.

The things inside look extremely complicated.

Even Jiang Nian frowned, looking somewhat puzzled.

"Zero, as a perfect clone based on you, while exhibiting high homology in its gene sequence, contains a large number of seemingly redundant yet highly stable silent sequences in certain non-coding regions and regulatory segments that cannot be explained by existing biological knowledge."

“We initially thought these were meaningless byproducts of the cloning process or failed attempts at organization. But now it seems that they may be artificially embedded instruction sets or receivers.”

"Command set? Receiver?"

Jiang Nian said with a difference.

This is probably something they've been worried about all along.

The ominous premonition in my heart grew stronger and stronger.

"Yes."

The technical lead nodded emphatically, “We suspect that when Zero or any individual implanted with similar silent sequences is exposed to the special physical field environment simulated by Guixu, these sequences may be activated or resonate.”

"The physiological changes it produces or the specific biological pheromones it releases may be the key to unlocking some core function of the Ruins or stabilizing its extreme internal environment!"

"And you, Consultant Jiang, as the most perfect carrier of the ancestral gene in the natural state, your very existence may be the ultimate template for verifying whether this key is effective, or for creating an even more perfect key!"

Upon hearing this, a collective gasp filled the command center.

The organization's plan is interconnected, with each step linked to the next.

From energy weapons at seabed bases to gene coverage in the Greenland Ice Marrow Project, and now to the "Ruins" and "Key" hidden deep in the ocean!
Its ambition and far-reaching plans are chilling!

Many of these technologies were beyond their wildest imaginations; even professional scientists like themselves might not be able to comprehend these bizarre technologies.

They're not just trying to create super soldiers; they're trying to play the role of creators and open a door to unknown life forms!

Ling and Jiang Nian are the two most crucial pieces in their hands!
"Therefore, the organization's obsession with Zero is not only because he is a perfect clone, but also because he may be the living key to activating the Ruins!"

General Zhao's voice was low and deep, filled with suppressed anger.

"Their pursuit and testing of Jiang Nian were both to perfect the key and to obtain the most original and powerful genetic blueprint!"

Bai Yongxu slowly summarized, then looked at Jiang Nian with a serious expression.

"Now you understand why you're always in the eye of the storm, right?"

Jiang Nian remained silent, his eyes deep and unfathomable.

He spoke slowly, his voice calm yet carrying an undeniable power: "Any clues about the location of Guixu?"

The technical lead shook his head: "Han Dong claims he doesn't know the exact coordinates. This is top secret of the organization, known only to the leader and a very small number of core members. We are doing our best to analyze all the data we obtained from the Greenland site and Charles, trying to find any clues. But the Pacific Ocean is too vast, and the trench environment is too complex, making the search extremely difficult."

Where is Lin Wanxing?

Jiang Nian suddenly asked, "Does she know something? She mentioned overlay before, which seems to be related to the concept of a key."

Bai Yongxu signaled to the intelligence officer to report.

"Lin Wanxing is currently under strict detention and cooperating with the investigation."

"She provided some valuable information about the organization's internal personnel structure and some external locations."

"But regarding the Ruins and the Key, she said that she had no direct access to them, only vaguely heard of these code names."

The intelligence officer paused, then added, "However, she mentioned a detail. Before her defection, she overheard a conversation between Charles and another senior member, in which they discussed the keyhole being in place in the Abyss, just waiting for the key to turn."

keyhole!

Abyss!
This undoubtedly further confirms the speculation that Guixu is located in the deep sea and requires a key to activate!

"Intensify the interrogation of Lin Wanxing to see what else she can recall."

"At the same time, mobilize all available marine monitoring satellites and underwater listening networks to focus on investigating abnormal signals and unidentified man-made objects in various deep-sea trenches in the Pacific Ocean!" Bai Yongxu decisively ordered.

"understand!"

After the meeting, Jiang Nian remained alone in the command center, gazing at the deep blue area on the screen that represented the unknown deep sea region.

The organization's ultimate goal seems to be becoming clearer, yet also more elusive.

What exactly do they want to achieve by spending such enormous resources to build such a terrifying facility in the deep sea?
What kind of being do you want to forge?
Does Zero know that he himself might be a key?

Jiang Nian felt an unprecedented weight on her shoulders.

He was not only the organization's target, but also the key to stopping their insane plans.

And the unknowns that the organization brings them are increasing!
He must recover faster and become stronger!
Over the next few days, Jiang Nian devoted almost all his time to recovery training and gravity adaptation.

The gravity training room at the base became his most frequented place.

2.5 times, 2.8 times, 3.0 times...

He gradually increased the load, tempering his physical body, refining his internal strength, and adapting to the new power perception brought about by breaking through to the Grandmaster realm.

At the same time, he was also constantly absorbing the combat experience he had brought back from the Greenland subglacial base.

His encounters with the modified soldiers and guards in extreme environments gave him a deeper understanding of his own martial arts skills and control over his internal energy.

He tried to integrate the more subtle and refined control of power he had learned in the pressure of the deep sea and the extreme cold of the icy plains into his daily training and combat skills. His strength was steadily recovering and climbing to a higher level.

During that time, he also visited Zero.

Zero remains in a special isolation observation area.

However, under the guidance of the expert group and the stabilizing effect of Jiang Nian's regular visits, his mental state improved significantly, and he became more and more adept at controlling his internal energy.

Ling seemed very happy to see Jiang Nian arrive.

"Father! You're back!"

He strode quickly to the special glass, his eyes bright.

"Well, I'm back."

Jiang Nian smiled gently and looked at Ling. "It seems you've been doing well lately."

“Professor Li and Dr. Wang taught me a lot.” Ling nodded obediently, then looked at Jiang Nian with some curiosity, “Father, you seem a little different.”

Jiang Nian's heart stirred slightly; Zero's perception was indeed sharp.

"Oh? What's different?"

"I can't quite put my finger on it." Zero tilted her head, trying to find the right words. "It just feels like I'm even more powerful?"

Children's intuition is often the most direct.

Jiang Nian smiled, not denying it, and then asked, "What about you? Have you noticed anything unusual lately? Or had any unusual dreams?"

His seemingly casual question was actually a test to see if Zero had any connection to the key or his own unique genetic sequence, or any subconscious awareness of it.

Zero shook her head blankly: "No. Sometimes I just feel a warm, comfortable feeling inside my body. My dreams... are just ordinary dreams, like running on grass, or seeing lots of lights..."

His answer was genuine, not feigned.

Jiang Nian was temporarily relieved; it seemed that Ling was unaware of her special identity.

This might be a good thing, at least it allows him to maintain his relatively calm state of mind.

After a routine exchange with Zero about "controlling power" and "distinguishing between good and bad," Jiang Nian left the quarantine area.

He had just returned to the lounge when his encrypted communicator rang; it was Bai Yongxu.

"Jiang Nian, come to my office. I've made a new discovery."

Jiang Nian set off immediately.

The atmosphere in Bai Yongxu's office was somewhat heavy.

Besides Bai Yongxu, there were two other experts responsible for signal analysis and codebreaking.

"By continuously tracking and reverse-engineering multiple encrypted communication nodes left by Charles, we successfully intercepted and partially deciphered a highly encrypted instruction."

Bai Yongxu got straight to the point and handed a document to Jiang Nian.

Jiang Nian took the document and quickly glanced at it.

The instructions were brief, but alarming:
"The key's activity fluctuation has been confirmed, and its resonance cycle with the keyhole is approaching. Initiate the Wind Catching Project, sparing no expense, to ensure the key arrives at the Ruins before the cycle window. Authorize the use of all available resources to clear all obstacles."

The command was sent forty-eight hours after they destroyed the Greenland base!
"Key activity fluctuation?" Jiang Nian's eyes narrowed. "Does that mean zero?"

“It is highly likely.” A cryptography expert nodded. “We detected several extremely covert feature scans around the Xuanwu base before and after the command was issued. The source of these scans was unknown, but the technical characteristics were highly consistent with the organization.”

"They seem to have some way of remotely and indirectly sensing certain physiological changes in zero!"

“Resonance cycle?” Jiang Nian grasped another key word.

"This may be related to the specific physical field activity cycle of the seabed environment where Guixu is located."

Another expert explained, "Just as tides are affected by the moon's gravity, certain deep-sea geological activities or physical fields may also experience periodic fluctuations."

“Organizations may need a window of time when the physical field reaches a certain intensity or state in order to carry out their critical operations.”

"And the Wind Catcher Project..."

Bai Yongxu's tone was heavy, "This is clearly a new action plan devised by the organization to seize Zero and send him to the Ruins of Return! At all costs, with all available resources, and by clearing away all obstacles... This indicates that they are about to launch an attack that is more ferocious and ruthless than ever before!"

A brief silence fell over the office.

The organization's counterattack came faster and more fiercely than expected!

They are like hungry wolves lurking in the shadows, never giving up their goals. Once they smell an opportunity, they will bare their sharpest fangs!
"The base's defense level has been raised to the highest level."

"The area where zero is located is heavily protected."

Bai Yongxu said in a deep voice, "But we cannot remain passively defensive. We must find the Void and seize the initiative before their Wind-Catching Plan is fully implemented!"

Jiang Nian put down the file, a cold glint in his eyes: "Any new leads?"

"Yes, but it's very vague."

The signal analysis expert pulled up a world map, on which a red circle was marked in a vast area of ​​the Pacific Ocean.

"By analyzing the command transmission path and the signal attenuation model of multiple relay nodes, combined with marine geological data, we have roughly located the possible location of Guixu in the middle section of the Mariana Trench, an area of ​​nearly 500 kilometers in radius."

Mariana Trench!

The deepest part of the Earth!

The pressure there is terrifying, the environment is extreme, making it an ideal location to build a facility like "Return to the Ruins"!

However, within a radius of 500 kilometers, in a complex trench environment with an average depth of over 8,000 meters, finding a deliberately hidden base is still like finding a needle in a haystack!
"The scope is still too large," Jiang Nian frowned.

"Yes, but we are trying to narrow down the scope."

The expert pointed to several points on the map, saying, "We mobilized multiple satellites equipped with synthetic aperture radar and multispectral detection capabilities to conduct intensive scanning of this area."

“Look for anomalous micro-changes in sea surface temperature, chlorophyll concentration, or even sea surface height, as these may indicate heat emissions or activity from large underwater artificial structures.”

"At the same time, we are also contacting international marine research institutions to retrieve historical data from underwater seismometers and hydrophone arrays in the area in order to find regular artificial seismic sources or acoustic signals."

This is a technological battle against time!

"We need more direct methods."

Jiang Nian looked at Bai Yongxu. (End of Chapter)