Otherworld Bone Dragon Operation Guide

Chapter 297 The Legend of the Golden Crow in Another World

Warden Sabina relies on "Nirvana" for transformation; the Shining Singer draws on the life force and magic of the choir members; and the Fate Master neglects to hone his individual combat skills, relying entirely on the synergy and resonance of the puppet troupe to fight.

“That’s only part of the reason,” Dodder interjected. “You came prepared, but the Temple of Light seriously underestimated your strength. This intelligence gap gave you a crucial tactical advantage.”

"Moreover, the opponent's personnel configuration is also seriously flawed," Jin Rongjia added. "They seem to lack a truly qualified and authoritative battlefield commander."

“Actually, there used to be one. There was a military officer in charge of defense in the Holy Mountain area.” Su Ming continued, his tone slightly subtle. “According to intelligence, this military officer had a lot of combat experience and was quite meticulous. However…” He paused, “Unfortunately, before the battle began, he had a sudden family emergency and had to ask for leave to go home.”

“That’s quite a ‘coincidence’,” Jin Rongjia said, raising an eyebrow.

"It's no coincidence." Su Ming's voice deepened.

Although Catherine never brought up the specific details of the incident, Archbishop Stanton privately revealed to Violet that on the eve of the battle, the military officer's house was deliberately set on fire, and his family members were seriously injured as a result.

A glint of admiration flashed in Dodder's eyes. "This Catherine is indeed a very qualified strategist."

“But I’m not.” Su Ming shrugged helplessly, his tone frank. “Every time I work with her, or even just deal with her, I feel like there’s a sharp knife against my back, and I could be tricked by her at any moment.”

“Strong abilities are not something that Catherine should be criticized for,” said Dodder.

“You’ll get used to it.” Jin Rongjia smiled. “Believe me, the opponents we face on this side of ‘Earth’ will be even dirtier and more despicable than this. Many times they don’t even bother to hide it, to the point of being shameless.”

“I understand this. Before I transmigrated, I also followed current events frequently.” Su Ming smiled. “Don’t worry, I don’t have any moral fastidiousness. But—” He changed the subject and said seriously, “What I’m worried about is that when it comes to the degree of ruthlessness, I’m afraid I can’t compare to these people.”

There are some things that can't be learned just by studying, and Su Ming knew clearly that he couldn't do them.

"It's alright, let's take another path then." Dodder's voice was clear and crisp. "When you have enough power of your own, a straightforward 'open strategy' will become the most efficient strategy!"

****
The focus of the three's discussion quickly shifted to the subsequent strategic plan.

“While the Temple of Light is a formidable enemy, it is also a huge source of ‘nutrients.’” Dodder’s eyes flashed with a sharp light. “I suggest that we maintain strategic restraint at this stage. Only after accumulating sufficient strength should we consider taking it down in one fell swoop.”

"Pretty much, that's my thinking too," Su Ming nodded. "However, we still have to take down the naval fleet sent by the Temple of Light this time. Especially that aircraft carrier carrying the giant dragon—'Azure Sea Valley', it's really annoying!"

“‘Azure Sea Valley’.” Dodder said thoughtfully, “The mythical land where the sun rises in legend… This name of the other world is consistent with our ancient Eastern legends.”

“There are still many differences,” Su Ming corrected. “In the myths circulating in other worlds, three three-legged golden crows dwell on the Fusang Divine Tree. Every day, they compete to fly into the sky, and their blazing light scorches the earth, causing widespread suffering and misery.”

"Three suns appear simultaneously, suspended high in the sky... Is this another world version of the 'Three-Body Problem' crisis?" Dodder couldn't help but complain.

Laughter from the three men filled the conference room.

"And then? Was there another hero who shot down two of them?" Jin Rongjia asked with great interest.

“No, in the otherworldly version, a colossal serpent, larger than the heavens themselves, descended upon the world,” Su Ming recounted. “It first used its supreme power to drive away two golden crows, then bit the last one to death. Afterward, the giant serpent hurled the enormous carcass of the golden crow into the sky, commanding it to illuminate the earth and nurture life during the day, and to withdraw its light at night so that all things could rest. From then on, the world returned to peace, and all living beings were able to live in peace and prosperity.”

"The aesthetics of this myth... are indeed unique," Jin Rongjia commented.

"I'm incredibly looking forward to establishing stable two-way communication as soon as possible," Dodder said, her eyes shining. "If we can transmit the complete information about the other world's culture back to Earth, we're sure to make groundbreaking discoveries!"

****
The topic returned to reality, and the three continued to analyze the strategic direction.

“I have a different opinion regarding the strategic direction we discussed earlier,” Jin Rongjia’s tone turned serious. “I believe that for the foreseeable future, we should avoid initiating a direct conflict with the Temple of Light. Any war carries uncontrollable risks—this isn’t cowardice, but a necessary risk avoidance based on a holistic perspective!” Dodder initially seemed about to object, but after a moment’s thought, she added, “From a purely strategic standpoint, I disagree with Jin Rongjia’s view. However—” She turned her gaze to Su Ming, “Your existence is irreplaceable, so a prudent strategy makes sense. Building communication links and conducting in-depth research on dimensional portals are the priorities. Isn’t your own goal also to return to Earth safely?”

Su Ming's gaze swept back and forth between the two faces. "So, the consensus reached by your analysis team is this tone?"

“War inevitably means making enemies,” Cuscuta said bluntly. “If you were to encounter a meticulously planned assassination or other unforeseen accidents, the consequences… we simply cannot bear them.”

“Sometimes, concealing one’s strength and biding one’s time is true wisdom,” Jin Rongjia added. “The strategy of patience and forbearance is not cowardice.”

Su Ming suddenly beckoned with his finger mysteriously, and after the two got closer, he lowered his voice and said something.

"Really?! Is it true?!" Jin Rongjia gasped sharply, his voice trembling with shock. "141K...at normal pressure...a superconductor?!"

“Absolutely true.” Su Ming nodded firmly.

"And...you just said...it also has excellent machinability?!" Jin Rongjia jumped up excitedly, his hands unconsciously pressing on the conference table, leaning forward. "Is there any way? Is there even the slightest way to let us see actual images of the object? Or, even just physical property test data?!"

Given the gravity of the matter, he was eager to receive direct confirmation.

“That’s why I’ve been urging the Sangzi team to establish a cross-dimensional communication system as soon as possible,” Su Ming explained. “Then, under your guidance, we can conduct tests and analyses, and then send the data back. In case I ultimately fail to return—” He paused, not continuing, “Never mind that. In short, sending the data back ahead of time is always better.”

"This matter!" Jin Rongjia rubbed his face violently, as if trying to snap himself out of the shock. He then emphasized to Tusizi with extreme seriousness and almost a command, "Absolutely not to leak this to any research group! Not a single word! They're already incredibly enthusiastic about their projects on spatial and magical analysis! If this news gets out—"

Dodder shuddered as well, and nodded solemnly in agreement, "Understood, highest level of secrecy!"

“At the board level, I will personally give a face-to-face report.” Jin Rongjia spoke rapidly. Despite being in a room with a comfortable temperature, he felt a surge of heat and couldn’t help but loosen his collar. “Su Ming, you absolutely, positively must not let anyone in the research team know a word of this, including Sang Zi—otherwise, we really won’t be able to control the situation!”

“Understood.” Su Ming leaned back in his chair, clasping his hands together. “So, should we continue with the ‘appeasement policy’? The core research data for the ‘Gospel’ material is firmly in the hands of the Temple of Light. What if we’re too late—”

"We must take this!" Jin Rongjia said decisively. "What resources do you need? Just name your name!"

****
The return journey was almost entirely downhill, and with the help of gravity, the train's average speed was kept stable at around 50 kilometers per hour.

Because it was traveling downhill, the steep uphill sections that previously required careful maneuvering were now smooth passages. The available routes were much more varied than on the way there. After just two days and nights of continuous high-speed travel, the "Youth Civilization Train" had already covered an astonishing 2400 kilometers, completing nearly one-third of the total journey.

A fierce blizzard descended—it's unclear whether the severe weather struck intentionally or the train simply happened to run into a moving blizzard.

In the howling, biting wind, snowflakes, like thousands of moths drawn to the lamplight, pelted the locomotive's windshield with dense, heavy thuds. In the blink of an eye, the entire train was enveloped in a thick, silvery-white coat. Visibility plummeted to less than ten meters, and even the radar system suffered severe electromagnetic interference, its screen filled with swirling, churning noise.

In the huge beam of light projected by the headlights, the swirling snowflakes cascaded down like a silver river, dancing an elegant yet chaotic waltz in the interplay of light and shadow.

"Reduce speed to 30 km/h, arrange for two people to take turns on watch, rotating every two hours," Su Ming decisively issued the order. Now there are enough people on the train, so there's no need to be as meticulous as before.

In his workspace, Su Ming meticulously organized the battle logs for the Holy Mountain campaign, carefully archiving and preserving the detailed events. The vast amount of intelligence gathered was piling up, and he currently had no time for in-depth study.

Su Ming instructed Yunier to categorize and organize them properly for later analysis.

The top priority right now is dealing with the new hull design proposal that we just received.

(End of this chapter)