“This is the Nanyu Temple, located near Mount Heng. It sits within a low-lying jungle, making it an ideal place to conceal troops if electronic warfare systems go down.”
The enemy commander really was a remarkably formidable figure.
Nanyu Temple sat at the intersection of multiple defensive lines. From there, forces could reach any of those lines within five hours.
After hearing Lin Xiaohe’s analysis, the eyes of the officers in the war room lit up. Their faces were filled with admiration and awe for her insight.
The senior officer seated first to Lin Xiaohe’s left finally lowered his proud head and spoke with humility. “General Lin, please issue the operational orders.”
Time was of the essence. Once the enemy completed their encirclement, the Federation would be like a beast trapped in a cage, with little hope of escape.
Lin Xiaohe delegated task after task, leaving only the mission concerning Nanyu Temple unassigned.
Everyone looked at her expectantly. Who would take on this most critical and perilous task, a mission that was almost certainly a one-way trip?
Lin Xiaohe’s voice was calm. “I will lead the team personally to Nanyu Temple.”
What?!
“That’s out of the question! You are our Supreme Military Commander! If something happens to you, what becomes of the Federation here?”
You An panicked too. “Big Boss, don’t be rash! Have you forgotten…”
He winked furiously at Lin Xiaohe, his eyelids practically fluttering into spasms.
Lin Ye quietly took a step backward, deeply worried that Lin Xiaohe would call his name and drag him along to Nanyu Temple.
Lin Xiaohe waved her hand dismissively, her gaze unwavering. “My decision is final.”
Just as others were about to protest further, President Johnson, who had been invisible until now, walked into the room.
Johnson and Lin Xiaohe locked eyes. A look of satisfied relief appeared on his face.
“General Lin, you are indeed a person whose actions match their words. Your love for your homeland is truly moving.”
Lin Xiaohe studied the man before her carefully, trying to read something from his demeanor.
Johnson smiled warmly, allowing her to scrutinize him without reservation. “What are you looking for, General Lin?”
“Where is your homeland?”
“Haige Star. It’s a very beautiful, peaceful, and lovely planet.”
Lin Xiaohe sighed inwardly. Johnson had no intention of hiding anything. So, Nanyu Temple really was destined to be the final battlefield.
“Mr. President, I have very, very important family on Haige Star. I deeply sympathize with the plight of Haige Star’s original inhabitants. But for the sake of my loved ones, I will spare no effort and give everything I have!”
Lin Xiaohe met Johnson’s gaze without flinching. A wild, untamed light blazed in her eyes, like a predator poised to strike, radiating an overwhelming aura.
Johnson chuckled. He stepped forward and straightened Lin Xiaohe’s slightly crooked uniform jacket. His tone remained gentle, yet carried a sharp edge like hidden ice.
“General Lin, the war is about to begin. I look forward to seeing just how far you are willing to go for your homeland.”
He gave a light pat to brush some dust off her clothes. “The battlefield is fair. Be a good little one now.”
With that, Johnson turned and walked away.
Only after he left did Xinbao burst into sobs. [Xiaohe, all my skills have been locked down.]
Lin Xiaohe was momentarily stunned.
The war scenario involved an intense electronic warfare engagement between the Federation and the Empire, resulting in significant damage to both sides’ electronic systems.
If Xinbao were available, Lin Xiaohe could have dominated the battlefield using [Data Storm] alone.
So that was why Johnson had sealed Xinbao’s abilities.
Lin Xiaohe comforted her. [Xinbao, it’s alright. You’ve already done wonderfully. Take a break for now.]
Doudou chimed in: [Exactly. Leave protecting Xiaohe to me.]
Tiantian’s voice was small but resolute: [Even if I have to pop every kernel and turn into popcorn, I’ll protect Xiaohe.]
Fanfan remained silent, only quietly diverting most of the nutrients toward the fruit.
Having resolved to lead the team to Nanyu Temple herself, Lin Xiaohe’s next task was selecting her comrades-in-arms.
“You An, notify all examinees. I have an important announcement to make.”
“Yes, Commander!”
In no time, fewer than 800 examinees were assembled in the main conference hall.
Lin Xiaohe sat at the head of the room, scanning the faces before her.
Their faces were so young, their eyes so clear.
These well-born youths, who had sailed smoothly through life, had faced their greatest challenges only within examination halls.
Now, they placed all their trust entirely in Lin Xiaohe.
Lin Xiaohe took a deep breath and spoke with a solemn, steady voice. “It is highly probable that we will not receive rescue from the Federation. We must save ourselves.”
These words completely shattered the examinees’ last shred of hope.
You An lowered his eyes, a flicker of disappointment in them. After a moment, he looked fixedly at Lin Xiaohe. “Big Boss, who is the mastermind behind this?”
Lin Xiaohe connected the Imperial troop movements near Nanyu Temple with a single black line. “They are.”
The image drawn by the black line was unmistakably the shape of a Gigasonic Whale!
The room erupted into chaos.
“It’s the Gigasonic Whales? Weren’t they supposed to be completely extinct on Haige Star?”
“How did they do this? Is this revenge against humanity?!”
In a flash of insight, You An recalled Johnson’s earlier words. Goosebumps rose on his skin, and he exclaimed in horror, “Johnson is with the Gigasonic Whales! Holy black hole, have we all been played for fools?!”
How were they supposed to fight this? The Empire was controlled by the Gigasonic Whales, and the President of the Federation was also one of them! What could they even trust in this exam arena anymore?!
Lin Xiaohe raised a hand and pressed it downward. The noise in the hall gradually subsided.
She rubbed her temples, her expression complex. “Quiet down. Listen to me. Based on my analysis, after we rescued Johnson from the capital planet, the Gigasonic Whale faction could have immediately infiltrated the Starnet. But they still gave us this one chance—a chance to face them head-on, fair and square.”
Lin Ye’s palms were slick with cold sweat. His voice trembled. “Big Boss, are you saying… the burden of defending the Federation rests on our shoulders? What happens if we fail?”
Lin Xiaohe: “We die. And the Federation… will be plunged into crisis. Can you imagine a world without the Starnet?”
Oh my god!
The examinees’ eyes widened, their hearts pounding frantically in their chests.
Their young, fragile shoulders couldn’t possibly bear such a monumental weight!
Their average age wasn’t even twenty. They were still just kids.
You An was the first to snap out of it and asked urgently, “Why would they give us a chance? Is there some trick behind it?”
Lin Xiaohe thought of Johnson’s words, a mix of complex emotions swirling in her heart. “There’s no trick. Just as Johnson said—they want to see how far we’re willing to go for our home, for our loved ones, for the Federation.”
Lin Xiaohe glanced at the time and got to the crux of the meeting. “Nanyu Temple will be our final battlefield. Even if we win, we might not make it out alive. But we will certainly buy the Federation precious time to react.”
Her gaze swept across each examinee’s face. “Those willing to come with me to Nanyu Temple… raise your hand.”
