10:06 AM, the dark tide receded like ebbing waves. The deep night that had devoured the sky instantly dissolved, replaced by the clear morning sunlight of Hawaii pouring down. The sky revealed a gem-like azure blue without a single stray cloud. Warm, radiant light enveloped the entire coastline of Oahu.

Lin Xian stood at the coastal dock of a wealthy estate, having just finished devouring the half-sunken yacht. The sea breeze gently patted the reefs and sandy shore, stirring up delicate sprays of foam. The salty sea air mixed with the fragrance of subtropical vegetation, creating a leisurely and tranquil atmosphere in the air. He looked into the distance;

this former vacation paradise was now shrouded in deathly silence, yet such a place offered their group of apocalypse survivors a rare sense of peace.

Whew~

Lin Xian hadn't slept all night and had gained substantial rewards. Besides scavenging large amounts of supplies from the city, Lin Xian's mechanical source points had surged by nearly ten thousand overnight, directly breaking through to Mechanical Heart LV7.

"And then there's this blueprint."

Opening the Research Center, Lin Xian called up the blueprint for the Interstellar Predator XR01 mech. This mech's combat prowess had proven remarkable at Dawn City, working in synergy with Emperor Xuanwu and Emperor Suzaku to become core defensive forces against S-level abnormal entities on the City Wall. Its 60-meter frame could be called a behemoth, yet Lin Xian had no plans to manufacture this mech.

Firstly, the construction time was extremely long. Even utilizing all 6 construction queues would take over 144 hours, and dedicating massive amounts of materials and effort to it would prevent Lin Xian from manufacturing other items during that period, which was very problematic.

After entering the ocean orbit, considering the risks, Lin Xian prioritized the manufacturing of the Sky Dome train arsenal ship above all else. If problems arose, the Sky Dome train was his final safeguard in the Pacific Ocean.

And facts had proven his decision absolutely correct. Moreover, from a comprehensive combat capability perspective, the Interstellar Predator XR01 occupied an awkward position. Against a single S-level entity, one unit alone couldn't pose a threat, while for threats below S-level, Lin Xian's elite team could handle them completely. So, for Lin Xian, it wasn't very practical. But for the Interstellar Military, such a super-large mech operable by single-person neural linkage would undoubtedly become a mainstay weapon for future defensive battles.

Therefore, Lin Xian's current manufacturing focus, besides drones, was the "Iron Man Dragon Woman" mech army co-developed with Viola. If Lin Xian were to manufacture a super-sky type mech, it would need to be at least at the prototype unit level or above. Hence, he was currently only quite interested in the [Planetary Grade] Planetary Titan indicated in the Research Center.

Lin Xian placed the blueprint back into the Research Center. At that moment, the light screen appeared again.

[This blueprint grade has reached [Celestial Grade]. To conduct [Planetary Grade] research, Mechanical Manufacturing level must reach 7]

[Planetary Grade Titan Mech (Blueprint) Research Time: ****]

[Requires 6000 quantum bits of computing power]

The content this time was basically unchanged from last time.

"And then there's this computing power." Lin Xian frowned at this point. "Both Viola and Grace are AI with 8192 quantum bits of computing power, so they should meet the requirement. But the problem is how to connect them?"

"Could it be that I need to throw Viola into the Black Star Forge as well?"

This was somewhat troublesome. Currently, Viola was the main control core for his Sky Dome train and drone swarm. Without Viola, just their group of 20 people couldn't operate this 5-kilometer-long interstellar giant ship. And Grace was currently on the Southern Celestial Gate...

After thinking for a while, Lin Xian decided to first grind up the Mechanical Manufacturing level. That way, he could find out the specific time required by the Research Center.

Lin Xian immediately entered the Black Star Forge space. At this time, the "Iron Man Dragon Woman" mech blueprint wasn't complete yet. Not wanting the construction queues to sit idle, he filled all 6 construction queues to capacity with automated manufacturing tasks, all dedicated to producing functional drones: industrial robots for transportation, 3D construction, and maintenance. The more of these drones, the better;

they could greatly improve Lin Xian's manufacturing and maintenance efficiency.

Overnight, nearly 900 communication relay stations had been deployed throughout the city. That was all thanks to these drones, allowing Lin Xian to quickly monitor most areas of the city and link to the Sky Dome's signal, providing protection for team members exploring outside.

"Worker Ant-7" nano 3D printing construction robot manufacturing complete. Mechanical Manufacturing proficiency +15.

"Steel Vein" pipeline/circuit laying robot manufacturing complete. Mechanical Manufacturing proficiency +12.

"Silver Shuttle-α" maglev cargo transport robot manufacturing complete. Mechanical Manufacturing proficiency +11.

With all 6 construction queues operating at full capacity, a drone was manufactured and ready for charging in less than 5 minutes. Now, Lin Xian's material space was ample. At this efficiency, 12 drones could be manufactured per hour, nearly 300 various types of industrial drones per day. With such investment, his Mechanical Manufacturing would level up in about a day.

The team entered a rest period. After daybreak, Lin Xian hadn't assigned specific tasks, but several groups of team members still went into the city to search separately. Perhaps they enjoyed the thrill of adventure and gathering supplies, or perhaps they simply couldn't stay idle and wanted to explore this island city. Early in the morning, Ning Jing, Xiao Qing, and A Bai went to explore the wealthy district area. Shu Qin, Xiao Lou, and Shasha headed towards the casino district. Meanwhile, Shiori and Takahashi Ryunosuke prepared to check out the surrounding small islands. Sun Yuzhen expressed she could help and joined them.

"Everyone, maintain communicator contact at all times. Communication modules have been set up in the urban areas of the island. Still, be sure to pay attention to safety."

Qian Dele's voice came from the bridge, transmitted to everyone's communicators.

Lu Xingchen and Qian Dele found a comfortable spot on a white sandy beach, set up lounge chairs and a sun umbrella, and leisurely started their post-apocalypse holiday mode.

"You must be really looking forward to that Crystal Lattice evolution thing," Qian Dele said, wearing a floral shirt and taking a sip of ice-cold beer scavenged from the island. His small sunglasses covered half his handsome face. He was speaking to Lu Xingchen.

"Mechanical Heart has already reached level 7. Only Mechanical Manufacturing is left. That should be quick. Coincidentally, I'm preparing for batch production of the mech army, so I'll use this to grind proficiency..."

Lu Xingchen looked relaxed, lying in the shade, feeling the warm sea breeze contentedly. "Anything that enhances cultivation is eagerly sought after."

Qian Dele was nonchalant: "I'm indifferent. My ability speed is already fast enough. I don't know how much stronger it can get. But speaking of which, having a crystal grow inside my body is a bit repulsive."

He turned his head towards Lu Xingchen and grinned: "So it's not without reason that Lin Xian has concerns about this."

Lu Xingchen looked up and was silent for a moment, then turned to Qian Dele, lowered his sunglasses, and said, "Brother Qian, have you heard of the Nascent Soul concept?"

Qian Dele frowned: "Heard of it, from cultivation novels."

"Correct." Lu Xingchen said confidently. "Comparing the Crystal Lattice to refining a Nascent Soul makes it easier to accept. I believe there are surprising similarities between the two. That Crystal Lattice is a container capable of accumulating dark energy, and it's the foundation that allows us ordinary humans to contain great power and fight against those colossal demons and monsters."

Qian Dele was surprised by his theory: "That's how you think about it?"

Lu Xingchen smiled: "Brother Lin once mentioned that the blood crystals of demons and monsters are like power cores to mechs. Those massive things can split mountains and crack earth, overturn rivers and seas, yet inside they only have a fist-sized crystal. From a scientific perspective, being able to miniaturize a nuclear power core to that size, whether viewed from a cultivation lens or a scientific one, represents a form of power, isn't it?"

"Wow, I didn't expect you're not just chuunibyou, but also quite clever. That makes sense." Qian Dele nodded. "Micro nuclear power, interesting."

"Focus your attacks more. When strength is insufficient, concentrate it through a single point." Lu Xingchen said loudly without even lifting an eyelid.

"Got it!"

Mo Xiaotian's face showed both excitement and nervousness. He could now casually release arc beams from his fingertips similar to an arc pulse gun, easily piercing zombie skulls. If concentrated, he could release them in a fan-shaped spread, causing extremely large area damage. Lu Xingchen had called him here to help clear the annoying zombies and, incidentally, give him practical combat experience.

It was already incredible for a 12-year-old child to face a zombie horde calmly. Remember, before, he was just deadweight who could only hide behind his grandfather and mother, utterly defenseless. Now he could confront monsters head-on. Although he hadn't killed any abnormal entities yet, with this growth rate, he would soon reach Titan-level.

Inside the Sky Dome train's number two functional hull was a large climate-controlled botanical garden. This was part of the Water-Oxygen Circulation System designed for long-range interstellar travel, and also intended for ecological breeding and plant preservation.

Chen Sixuan, leading Miao Lu and Xiao Yuan, was sowing the acquired rare plant seeds. This cultivation hall was much more advanced than the planting carriages on the train, equipped with comprehensive lighting, air, and circulating water systems. The space was vast, allowing for separate cultivation areas for ornamental plants, trees, fruit trees, vegetables, and grains. Such a large space also required maintenance robots for assistance. Because Ding Junyi was absent, the two girls were currently extremely busy.

"Is Director Ding feeling unwell?" Chen Sixuan, holding a dragon's blood tree seed between her fingertips, was somewhat worried about Ding Junyi's condition. After all, since this scientist boarded the train, her schedule had rarely changed. Even if battles raged chaotically outside, she would steadfastly continue her work. But today, she was still resting and hadn't gotten up, which was indeed somewhat strange.

Xiao Yuan, following behind, shook her head at this point: "Director Ding has been researching something these past two days. Last night, she seemed to use her ability again. Before resting, she specifically instructed us that we have a holiday today, no arrangements, and not to disturb her."

"Really?" Chen Sixuan's brow furrowed slightly, but she didn't think too much more about it.

Viola was sought out by KIKI, apparently to have Viola design or calculate some project for her. The entire Sky Dome train was very quiet, with only Monica and Ding Junyi still asleep.

Lin Xian had returned to the Sky Dome train, originally intending to rest a bit and recover some energy. After all, the construction queues were operating at full capacity now, and he had been devouring all night. These peaceful daytime hours were when Lin Xian could sleep most at ease. But just as he entered his cabin, he heard Chen Sixuan's call, asking him to check on Ding Junyi.

Lin Xian waved his hand in front of his face and called out, "Director Ding?"

No response.

So he pressed the room's air exchange switch. Soon, the fresh air system sucked away large amounts of the mist, and the interior began to clear. Lin Xian's gaze swept across the room;

seeing no one on the bed, he walked further in. Only then did he discover Ding Junyi lying completely naked in the shower stall. The shower water flowed continuously, but seemed to evaporate upon contact with her scorching body. The large amount of mist in the room was emanating from her.

Seeing this, Lin Xian quickly rushed forward, attempting to pick up Ding Junyi. He extended his hand halfway, then stopped. Nano power armor quickly covered one of his eyes. A biological health scan revealed Ding Junyi's current vital signs: heartbeat, breathing, all normal. But the abnormality was Ding Junyi's...

"What's going on?!"

Lin Xian's hands covered with nano-armor layers, then he carried Ding Junyi from the shower stall to the floor outside. He initiated a medical scan on her and simultaneously activated the spirit value detector.

Beep beep beep.

The medical scan showed no abnormalities, but on the spirit value detector, Ding Junyi's ability fluctuations had actually peaked at 6000 and remained consistently at that peak height. This was simply unbelievable, indicating that Ding Junyi's mental power was at its highest excited output, yet she had fallen into a coma.

Lin Xian's eyes flickered, his expression turning grave. Seeing the situation before him, he immediately took out a cold-dark reagent from the Black Star Forge and injected it directly into Ding Junyi's neck. As the dark blue cold-dark factors were injected, that spirit value fluctuation began to become even more frenzied. At the same time, his first thought was of Shiori. Subconsciously, he pressed the communication button to summon Shiori. But at that moment, his movement suddenly stopped because Lin Xian discovered that the extremely tiny flower on Ding Junyi's head had, at some unknown time, turned dark purple.

As if guided by an unseen hand, Lin Xian reached towards that flower. But in the next instant, Ding Junyi, who had been lying unconscious on the floor, suddenly opened her eyes and reached up to grab Lin Xian's wrist.

"Is it daylight already?"

Qian Dele was nonchalant: "I'm indifferent. My ability speed is already fast enough. I don't know how much stronger it can get. But speaking of which, having a crystal grow inside my body is a bit resistant."

Seeing Ding Junyi open her eyes, Lin Xian immediately sighed in relief and asked, "What happened to you?"

"Training my ability." Ding Junyi sat up at this point and looked at Lin Xian. "Whenever I attune to plants, I enter a special state, as if connecting to the higher-dimensional world you mentioned, but from a plant's perspective."

Lin Xian frowned. "You can see the high-dimensional world?"

Ding Junyi shook her head: "It's very bizarre. It can't be called 'seeing,' but it indeed is a certain realm that seems to be a fragmented, complex composite of the dark Star Abyss and the human world."

"So then, any gains?" Lin Xian asked.

"Yes."

In front of Lin Xian, Ding Junyi stood up completely naked and walked towards a terminal computer in the room. Suddenly, countless verdant vines, flowers, and leaves grew from her body, perfectly enveloping her form into a close-fitting and beautiful "green dress." After taking two steps, Ding Junyi stopped, turned to look at the "green dress" on herself, then looked at Lin Xian and said,

"This is triggered by my subconscious. If you don't like it, I can remove it."

Lin Xian then smiled: "It's fine. I rarely see you change styles. Now, it has a bit of a 'Mother Earth' vibe."

Ding Junyi opened her mouth, seemed to want to say something but stopped, then turned around and went to the terminal computer. Seriously, she said, "I will quickly gain control over this spontaneous ability manifestation. Because after coming out of the vortex, my ability evolved significantly. I haven't adapted in a short time. These vine protections aren't as comfortable as close-fitting clothing or the power armor you manufactured. Although the vines are attuned to my ability, having them pass through my butt crack and below isn't particularly comfortable;

it affects walking. It's not even as good as a thong. However, at critical moments, they can provide protection for my body, because my ability evolution doesn't seem to have specially strengthened my physical body. If it's frontal combat, I might be easily injured."

Lin Xian was momentarily stunned, but he was used to Ding Junyi's blunt way of speaking. He then said, "This is perhaps a form of compensation your ability provides for enhanced protection."

"But with your power armor, it's not really needed anyway."

Lin Xian didn't comment directly and asked at this point, "What did you want to tell me?"

"Regarding what you said last time about thinking about the power of abilities, Forbidden Artifacts, and disaster plants from a high-dimensional perspective. And last night, Hua Xiaoling told you that Forbidden Artifacts are singularities where certain phenomena and forces from the high-dimensional world are projected into the three-dimensional world. If what she said is true, we might be able to deduce many things."

"Such as?"

"Such as abilities." Ding Junyi pressed a button, and the screen immediately displayed a comparison diagram of an abnormal entity's blood crystal and a human's Crystal Lattice.

"Human abilities and abnormal entities might share the same origin, yet stand opposed!"