Eunuch, do you really know these martial arts?

"Let's begin." Bai Yongxu didn't waste any words.

"The ambush area has been selected, and the Sea Dragon Squad is already on its way to the area. They are expected to arrive in two hours and begin deployment."

He brought up the nautical chart projector, and a red circle appeared on the screen.

"With a radius of five nautical miles and a central depth of three hundred and twenty meters."

"The seabed has a complex topography, with canyons and hydrothermal vent areas, which are conducive to concealment and acoustic interference."

"The Sea Dragon team carried twelve sets of seabed vibration sensors and heavy-duty suction mines. It will take three hours to complete the deployment."

"What about the South China Sea Fleet?"

Bai Yongxu asked.

"The frigate has departed and is expected to arrive at a point 50 nautical miles outside the ambush zone in four hours to await orders."

General Zhao switched the screen to show the real-time location of the frigate.

"They will keep their radar silent, but their sonar will be fully operational. Shipborne helicopters can take off at any time."

Yang Zhan nodded and looked at Elder Qin: "Where's the jammer?"

"Optimization complete."

Professor Qin gestured for Dr. Fang to show the actual object.

It was a thinner inner vest than before.

The surface has six slightly raised firing units, the color of which blends in with the combat uniform.

"The weight has been reduced to three kilograms, the energy unit has been replaced with a higher density model, and the full-power battery life has been extended to eight hours."

Old Qin picked up a launch unit.

"The newly added low-frequency module has been integrated, expanding the coverage to all response frequency bands of the deep nodes of the five internal organs."

"Actual test results?" Yang Zhan pressed.

Dr. Fang retrieved the test data: "In the simulated environment, with the guidance of Consultant Jiang's own internal strength, the synchronization rate of external signals can be suppressed to between 8% and 12%."

“Twelve percent…” Bai Yongxu hesitated, “Jiang Nian, can you handle this number?”

Jiang Nian recalled his feeling during last night's training: "It was okay. The 12% traction was very weak and did not affect my movement or judgment."

"But this is laboratory data," Qin reminded. "In actual combat, signal strength, seawater environment, and your physical and mental state will all affect the results."

“I understand,” Jiang Nian said. “That’s why we need a backup plan.”

"Take the sealing needles with you," Yang Zhan said. "And this too."

He took out a black metal box from under the table, inside which were twenty cylinders about the size of a thumb arranged neatly.

"An improved version of the instantaneous chaff."

Yang Zhan picked up one. "After being triggered, it generates a strong interference field, which lasts for forty-five seconds and covers a radius of thirty meters. However, it can only be used once before its energy is depleted."

“That’s enough.” Jiang Nian took one and weighed it in his hand. “In close combat, forty-five seconds can decide life or death.”

"Let's double-check the operational procedures." Bai Yongxu looked at the operations staff officer.

A lieutenant colonel in his thirties stood up, picked up a laser pointer, and pointed it at the nautical chart.

"Advisor Jiang arrived at the center of the ambush zone at 10:00 a.m. aboard the modified Explorer II research vessel. The Sea Dragon Squad completed its deployment at the same time."

"Then, Consultant Jiang descended to a depth of 200 meters, activated the jammer, and released a marker harmonic signal of preset strength."

"The signal lasts for thirty seconds. The technical department has calculated that this duration is sufficient to elicit a response from the target without causing excessive exposure."

"Regardless of whether the target appears, Advisor Jiang must begin to ascend within twenty seconds after the signal ends. Li Su and Wang Chuang will provide support from a depth of 100 meters in another miniature submersible."

"What if the target appears?"

General Zhao asked.

"Three-tiered response." The lieutenant colonel switched the camera. "The target appeared alone and showed no intention of attacking. The Sea Dragon Squad will conduct covert surveillance, and Advisor Jiang will withdraw as planned."

"If the target is accompanied by escort units or exhibits aggressive behavior, the Sea Dragon Squad will activate acoustic decoys to draw attention and cover Advisor Jiang's retreat."

The lieutenant colonel paused, then added, "If the target size exceeds expectations or there are multiple units, activate the suction mines and simultaneously call for support from frigates and anti-submarine aircraft."

"Advisor Jiang must immediately ascend at full speed; evacuation is the highest priority."

The meeting room was silent for a few seconds.

“Jiang Nian,” Bai Yongxu looked at him, “do you have anything to add?”

Jiang Nian stared at the ambush zone on the nautical chart and suddenly asked, "What is the exact location of the hydrothermal vent area?"

The lieutenant colonel zoomed in on the image: "Southeast corner of the ambush zone, about two nautical miles from the center. The water temperature is 15 to 20 degrees Celsius higher than the surrounding area, there are numerous sulfide chimneys, and visibility is extremely low."

Jiang Nian nodded: "If I need to hide urgently, I can go there."

“But the risks are huge.” Yang Zhan frowned. “The environment in hydrothermal vent areas is harsh. Although your deep-sea suit can withstand high temperatures, there is a limit to prolonged exposure.”

"It's better than getting caught," Jiang Nian said calmly.

"Alright." Bai Yongxu stood up. "Everyone, proceed according to plan. Yang Zhan, Jiang Nian's safety is in your hands."

"clear."

The meeting ended and everyone dispersed.

Jiang Nian was taken by Yang Zhan to the meditation room at the base.

This is a completely soundproof room, with sound-absorbing material on all four walls, and only a cushion and an incense burner.

"Sit down." Yang Zhan closed the door. "The last two hours, no practicing moves, just mental preparation."

Jiang Nian sat cross-legged on the cushion.

Yang Zhan lit a small piece of sandalwood incense in the incense burner, and wisps of smoke rose up.

"Close your eyes and take a deep breath."

Jiang Nian did as instructed.

Imagine you are in the deep sea right now.

Yang Zhan's voice was low and calm, "The surroundings are dark, absolutely silent."

"You can hear your own heartbeat and feel your blood flowing."

Jiang Nian's breathing rhythm changed slightly.

"You are an observer, not a participant."

Jiang Nian tried to do as Yang Zhan said.

It was difficult at first.

The awakening of the marking system is always accompanied by a surge of energy, but it slowly finds that subtle sense of distance.

"Very good." Yang Zhan noticed the change in his aura. "Maintain this state."

Time passes slowly.

The sandalwood incense in the incense burner has burned out.

"Time is up."

Yang Zhan stood up. "Remember, tomorrow in the deep sea, there are no good people or bad people, only the living and the dead."

"If you want to live, you have to let others die."

8:50 a.m., base pier.

The modified Explorer II has been started, its streamlined hull gleaming coldly in the morning light.

Jiang Nian put on a specially made deep-sea diving suit, which was lighter and had a greater range of motion in her joints than the previous one.

"Teacher Jiang, all equipment is working properly. The jammer battery is fully charged, and all six spare batteries are here."

"Twenty instantaneous jamming grenades, distributed in the waist and legs. The pulse-sealing needle is in a hidden pocket on the inside of the left arm."

Jiang Nian nodded and looked at Li Su and Wang Chuang beside him.

The two were fully armed, with various tactical equipment attached to their deep-sea suits.

Li Su carried a compact underwater rifle on his back, while Wang Chuang had two fighting knives at his waist.

“Advisor Jiang.” Li Su stood at attention. “The underwater support is up to us.”

“I believe in you,” Jiang Nian said.

Yang Zhan was the last to walk over, holding a small silver box in his hand.

"Take this with you."

He opened the box, inside was an antique jade pendant, engraved with intricate cloud patterns.

"This is……"

"It's a token of my sect." Yang Zhan stuffed the jade pendant into Jiang Nian's breast pocket. "Wearing it is a token of my appreciation."

Jiang Nian felt the jade pendant against his chest, sending a warm and smooth sensation through him.

"Thank you, instructor."

"Don't thank me, I'll thank you when I come back alive."

Yang Zhan patted him on the shoulder, "Let's get on the boat."

The Explorer II's cabins have been completely renovated, with no scientific research equipment left, only combat control systems.

The captain was a dark-skinned, wiry middle-aged man surnamed Zheng, a retired submariner.

Seeing Jiang Nian board the ship, he nodded: "Advisor Jiang, the route has been set. At full speed, we can reach the target sea area within an hour." "Okay." Jiang Nian sat down in the seat in front of the control panel.

The ship sailed away from the dock, and its speed gradually increased.

Through the porthole, you can see the base slowly shrinking in the field of vision, eventually disappearing behind the mountains.

Qin Lao's voice came through the communicator: "Jiang Nian, can you hear me?"

"Clear."

"We have detected new activity at the South China Sea base."

Old Qin's voice was somewhat tense, "Thermal imaging shows that a second large heat source has appeared at the opening and is slowly moving out."

"A second spacecraft?"

“Uncertain, but it’s larger than the previous one.” Old Qin paused. “Its thermal radiation pattern is strange; it’s not uniform, with several localized hot spots.”

Jiang Nian frowned: "What do you mean?"

"It may be equipped with some kind of high-energy-consuming specialized equipment."

Old Qin quickly replied, "We are analyzing it now, and we will notify you immediately if we have any news."

Communication is temporarily cut off.

The cabin fell silent, save for the roar of the engine and the sound of seawater lapping against the hull.

Li Su and Wang Chuang were inspecting the equipment, while Captain Zheng was focused on maneuvering the ship.

Su Qing sat next to Jiang Nian, her fingers unconsciously stroking the edge of the encrypted tablet.

"Nervous?" Jiang Nian asked.

"Yes." Su Qing nodded honestly. "Teacher Jiang, what about you?"

"I'm nervous too," Jiang Nian said, looking at the sea rushing past the window. "But being nervous won't help."

"We have reached the outer edge of the designated sea area," Captain Zheng reported. "We are still ten nautical miles from the center of the ambush zone. Now, slow down and switch to acoustic concealment mode."

The roar of the engine suddenly subsided, and the ship was almost gliding on the sea.

"Sea Dragon Squad reports: Deployment complete 80%."

General Zhao's voice came through the communicator, "Everyone is expected to be in position in half an hour."

"Received," Jiang Nian replied.

He stood up and stretched his limbs.

The deep-sea suit fits perfectly, and I can hardly feel any restriction.

The jammer vest was slightly warm, a sign that the low-frequency module was continuously operating.

"Teacher Jiang, please check it again."

Su Qing picked up the detector and scanned herself from head to toe.

"All systems are functioning normally. The jammer is operating stably, and the marker activity level is at the baseline value."

"it is good."

"We've reached the center point," Captain Zheng said. "Sea conditions are good, wind speed is level 3, and visibility is excellent."

Jiang Nian walked to the side of the ship.

The seawater is a deep blue, and in the distance, the sea and sky blend into one.

"Prepare to dive." Li Su and Wang Chuang had already put on their helmets.

Jiang Nian took one last look at the sky before putting on his helmet.

The display screen inside the mask lit up, and all data was normal.

"Advisor Jiang, remember the time window."

Old Qin's voice came one last time, "Thirty-second signal, begin surfacing within twenty seconds. No matter what happens, do not hesitate."

"clear."

"good luck."

Communications cut off.

Jiang Nian nodded to Li Su and Wang Chuang, then fell backward.

The icy seawater instantly enveloped my entire body.

Dive.

Darkness surged in from all sides, and the pressure gradually increased.

The deep-sea suit's internal circulation system began to function, maintaining a suitable temperature and pressure.

Jiang Nian adjusted his posture and dived headfirst into the deep sea.

Fifty meters, one hundred meters, one hundred and fifty meters...

The surrounding light quickly disappeared, leaving only a small area illuminated by the headlamp.

Occasionally, deep-sea creatures would be startled and swim away quickly.

"Depth 200 meters," the mask display indicated.

Jiang Nian hovered in the seawater and turned on the jammer to full power mode.

A slight vibration came from the vest, and the six launch units were working simultaneously.

He could feel that the faint connection with the outside world had been severed.

The marking system has fully entered a state of autonomous operation.

"Start the countdown," he told himself.

A red number appeared on the mask: 30.

Jiang Nian took a deep breath and immersed his consciousness into the marking network.

There was no sound, no light.

However, centered on him, a special harmonic pulse spreads outwards in a spherical shape.

One second, two seconds, three seconds...

The deep sea remains silent.

Ten seconds, eleven seconds, twelve seconds...

Nothing happened.

Just when Jiang Nian thought the plan had failed, a sharp sense of resonance pierced his senses!
It didn't come from afar, but from below!
"Warning! High-intensity sonar signal detected! 500 meters deep, rapidly ascending!"

Li Su's voice rang out on the communication channel, carrying an urgency.

“Not just one ship!” Wang Chuang added, “Two signals! One before the other!”

Jiang Nian immediately stopped sending signals.

But it's too late.

Those two signals, like sharks smelling blood, locked onto him!

"Rise!" Li Su roared.

Jiang Nian immediately activated the thrusters and sped upwards at full speed.

But the two signals below are faster!

"Three hundred meters away! Two hundred meters! One hundred meters!"

The headlamp beam swept downwards.

The first thing to appear was a ring of dark blue light.

Immediately afterwards, the streamlined metal shell burst through the darkness, and the honeycomb structure on its head gleamed with a dangerous light.

It was the same kind of aircraft we had encountered before.

But it's not the only one.

Behind it, an even larger shadow was emerging.

"The second target is too large!" Li Su's voice was filled with shock. "This isn't a patrol unit! This is..."

"Mothership," Jiang Nian uttered.

Qin Lao's exclamation came through the communication channel: "Jiang Nian! The thermal radiation characteristics of that hump structure are high-frequency energy concentrators! It can emit activation signals ten times stronger than before!"

Before the words were even finished, the light emanating from that camel-hump structure reached its peak.

An invisible wave pierced through the seawater and instantly enveloped Jiang Nian!
Severe pain!

Jiang Nian felt as if his entire body's marking system had been thrown into boiling oil, causing it to boil instantly!
Synchronization rate skyrocketed!
On the mask's display screen, the number jumped from 12% to 30%, and then to 50%!

"Jack overload!"

Su Qing exclaimed in alarm at the monitoring terminal, "The low-frequency module is burning out!"

Jiang Nian gritted his teeth and used all his internal energy to suppress it.

But that external signal was too strong.

Old Qin's voice trembled, "Jiang Nian, you must evacuate immediately!" (End of Chapter)