"Everyone, maintain constant communication through your devices. The communication modules have been set up across the island city area by Lin Xian. However, do take care and stay safe."

Chen Sixuan’s voice came from the bridge and transmitted to everyone’s communication devices.

Lu Xingchen and Qian Deli found a comfortable spot on a stretch of white sandy beach, setting up lounge chairs and a sun umbrella to leisurely enjoy a post-apocalyptic holiday mode.

"I bet you’re really looking forward to that Crystal Grid Evolution," Qian Deli said to Lu Xingchen, taking a sip of ice-cold beer scavenged from the island, his large sunglasses covering half of his handsome face.

"Absolutely!"

Lu Xingchen lay in the shade, feeling the warm sea breeze with ease, and said, "Being able to improve one’s cultivation is something I desire greatly."

Qian Deli shrugged indifferently, "I don’t really care. My superpower’s speed is already fast enough. I don’t know how much stronger I can get. What’s more, the idea of developing some sort of crystal in my body is a bit off-putting."

He turned to Lu Xingchen and grinned, "So Lin Xian’s concerns aren’t unfounded."

Lu Xingchen leaned back in thought for a moment, then turned to Qian Deli, lowering his sunglasses as he spoke, "Brother Qian, have you heard of the concept of the Nascent Soul?" 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

Qian Deli furrowed his brow, "I’ve heard of it, from cultivation novels."

"Exactly," Lu Xingchen said confidently, "If we compare the crystal grid to refining a Nascent Soul, it becomes easier to accept. I believe there’s a similarity between the two; the crystal grid acts as a container to accumulate Dark Energy, and it’s the foundation that allows us mortals to wield great power to fight those massive demons."

Qian Deli was startled by his theory, "Is that how you see it?"

Lu Xingchen chuckled, "Brother Lin once mentioned that Blood Essence Demons are like power cores in a mecha. Such colossal entities can move mountains and split the earth, but they contain only a fist-sized crystal stone. From a scientific standpoint, being able to miniaturize a nuclear power core to such a size is a form of strength, whether seen from the perspective of cultivation or science, isn’t it?"

"Huh, who would’ve thought you’re not only a bit juvenile but also quite bright. Makes sense." Qian Deli nodded, "Miniature nuclear power, interesting."

Lu Xingchen lifted his sunglasses and turned over on the lounge chair. From the direction of the beach, there was an explosive crackle of electric sparks. Mo Xiaotian, emitting two arcs, caused a pile of rocks fifty meters away to explode with a charred smell. Eight zombies were carbonized into twisted skeletons as he, drenched in sweat, faced off against the zombies surrounding him on the beach.

"Concentrate your attacks more. If the force is insufficient, focus it into a single point." Lu Xingchen said loudly without lifting an eyelid.

"Got it!"

Mo Xiaotian’s face was a mix of excitement and tension. He could now easily release arc beams similar to an Arc Pulse Gun from his fingertips, easily piercing the zombies’ heads. If concentrated, he could spread the attack in a fan shape, causing significant area damage. Lu Xingchen had called him here to help clear away the troublesome zombies and give him some practical combat experience.

For a 12-year-old to calmly face a horde of zombies is already quite incredible, especially since he used to be a burden with no ability to resist, needing to hide behind his grandfather and mother. Now, he could directly confront the monsters, though he hasn’t yet defeated an Abnormal Body. But with this rate of growth, he’ll soon reach the Vajra Level.

Within the No. 2 function hull of the Sky Dome Train, there is a large constant-temperature botanical garden. It’s a part of the water-oxygen circulation system designed for long-distance interstellar travel, also serving to facilitate ecological breeding and plant protection.

Chen Sixuan, along with Miao Lu and Xiao Yuan, was planting rare plant seeds they had acquired. This cultivation hall was much more advanced than the train’s planting carriages, equipped with perfect lighting, air, and circulating water systems. It had ample space for cultivating ornamental plants, trees, fruit trees, vegetables, and grains in distinct areas. With such a large space, maintenance robots were needed for assistance. Since Ding Junyi wasn’t around, the two girls were swamped.

"Is Director Ding feeling unwell?" Chen Sixuan clutched a dragon blood tree seed between her fingers, worried about Ding Junyi’s condition. This scientist had seldom changed her routine since boarding the train; even when battles raged outside, she unwaveringly continued her work. But today, she was still resting, which seemed strange.

Following her, Xiao Yuan shook her head, "Director Ding has been researching something these past two days. It seems she used her superpower again last night. Before resting, she specifically instructed us to take today off with no schedule and not to disturb her."

"Really?" Chen Sixuan frowned slightly, but didn’t think much of it.

Viola had been summoned by KIKI, likely to design and compute some project for her, leaving the Sky Dome Train to a hushed silence, with only Monica and Ding Junyi asleep.

Lin Xian had returned to the Sky Dome Train, planning to rest and regain energy. Since the Manufacturing Sequence was running at full capacity, and he had devoured throughout the entire night, the peaceful daytime was the most reassuring time for Lin Xian to get some sleep. However, as he entered his cabin, he heard Chen Sixuan calling him to check on Ding Junyi.

Lin Xian then went to Ding Junyi’s lower-level resting room, preparing to press the door’s call button, when suddenly he felt an extremely concentrated Dark Energy fluctuation emanating from inside. His expression shifted immediately, and he activated the Mechanical Heart control, and the ~hiss of the automatic door to the rest room opened. A burst of unusually hot air gushed out from inside, and as he looked up, he saw Ding Junyi’s room filled with steaming mist, as if it were a sauna.