In 807.M41, only 192 years remained until Abaddon's terrifying Thirteenth Black Crusade would erupt.
At this time, the cosmic situation was volatile; although the Federal Government was constantly developing and growing, it was still beyond its reach to exert influence over the distant Cadia region.
However, the Infinite Engine, controlled by Lin Yu, was like a sharp blade in the universe, possessing extraordinary abilities, capable of easily jumping through Warp to instantly reach the battlefields of Cadia.
Lin Yu stood in the Infinite Engine's command center, gazing at the vast universe through the huge transparent viewport, a hint of struggle in his deep eyes.
To go, or not to go for support? This question, like a fog, lingered in his mind.
On one hand, he knew that although this Black Crusade would weaken the defensive forces of the Cadia line, it would ultimately end in failure.
On the other hand, exposing himself too early to the gaze of the Chaos Gods and the Imperium would undoubtedly put him in a dangerous spotlight.
After an intense ideological struggle, Lin Yu finally made up his mind and chose to temporarily ignore this Black Crusade.
Perhaps by that time, he might even possess the power to completely suppress both sides!
Although the continuous expansion of the Divine River Federation would eventually attract the attention of the Warp Chaos Gods, at least for now, this was not a key area for them to monitor.
However, Lin Yu knew in his heart that the exploration of the Ghoul Star Region was imminent and must be accelerated to find more human colonies, thereby increasing the Federation's total population.
At the same time, it was necessary to collect the Dark Technology from those abandoned Forge Worlds to inject powerful impetus into the Federation's development.
Although the Great Clock, with its powerful computing power, had already generated the Milky Way Galaxy Tree, due to interference from civilization activities in some Star Sectors, the information collected was not accurate and needed real-time updates.
Lin Yu therefore had a grand plan in mind: he intended to build a set of God River Guards in the later stage, similar to the Angel's Silver Star System in the Super God Universe, and spread them across the entire known universe.
This system would not only collect real-time data from all Star Sectors interfered by civilization but also serve as a galactic-level monitoring base station, comprehensively monitoring the development of all civilizations within the galaxy and meticulously recording relevant data to assist the Great Clock in perfecting the Star Sector Tree.
However, at this stage, Lin Yu decided to hand these tasks over to the Divine River Federal Government, considering it a training exercise for the navy.
He handed over the Star Charts calculated by the Great Clock within a 300-light-year three-dimensional range, including the coordinates of 10 Star Sectors with potential human presence or ruins, to the Federal Government, asking them to send people to explore.
Thomson, this young and passionate naval officer, was one of the members of this expedition fleet.
His fleet was well-organized, mainly composed of one Moon-class Cruiser and four frigates, and was also equipped with an accompanying scientific research vessel, carrying a group of curious scientists, experienced engineers, and various specialized survey equipment.
The Federation dispatched a total of four such exploration fleets this time.
They knew that in a special environment like the Ghoul Star Region, the probability of encountering an enemy fleet was extremely low.
After all, Warp travel was almost impossible here, and naturally, few would choose to conduct sub-light exploration in this area.
Even if they did encounter an enemy, with the excellent high maneuverability of Federal warships, they could quickly withdraw if they couldn't win.
Ten days later, the Moon-class Cruiser where Thomson was located slowly exited Warp travel.
In an instant, the frigates in the spacetime bubble scattered like nimble fish.
This was not only to save energy but also a clever tactical arrangement.
The spacetime bubble generated by the Moon-class Cruiser during Warp travel was sufficient to encompass the frigates as well.
Moreover, this method had a significant advantage: in the same spacetime bubble, the fleet could depart and arrive simultaneously, quickly forming a tight combat formation, ready to engage in battle at any time.
“Report, deep-space radar has not detected any ship signals, no radio waves or psychic signals detected, and there are no signs of civilization activity in the entire Star Sector,” the adjutant reported to the fleet's overall commander, Zhou Yang, the captain of the Moon-class Cruiser flagship, with a focused expression.
Zhou Yang nodded slightly, his gaze firm and composed, and calmly said, “Then, according to the Interstellar Exploration Safety Regulations, proceed with a more detailed exploration of this Star Sector.”
As the order was given, the entire fleet quickly dispersed, like a large net, spreading out in all directions within the Star Sector.
Various artificial satellites and exploration devices were launched like meteors, rushing towards the planets within the Star Sector, conducting comprehensive and detailed exploration of the planets.
“Report, the third planet in this Star Sector is clearly in the habitable zone, but the probes show it as a frozen, dead world, seemingly harboring hidden anomalies,” a data analysis sergeant rushed in, reporting the abnormal situation with a nervous expression.
Zhou Yang frowned slightly, deep in thought: “Hmm, this is indeed strange; it's clearly in the habitable zone, receiving ample solar radiation, yet the entire planet is still in a frozen, desolate state.
There must be something peculiar about it.”
A moment later, Zhou Yang decisively gave the order: “Order, all ships, after exploring the complete Star Sector situation, if there are no other anomalies, gather at 300,000 kilometers from the aphelion of this dead world.
No warship shall send personnel to land without orders; only drones and robots are allowed for remote exploration.
The scientific research vessel shall prioritize approaching this planet and commence exploration nearby.”
Immediately, landing craft laden with drones and robots, like arrows released from a bow, plunged into the planet's atmosphere, rapidly falling towards the planetary surface.
At the same time, a large number of relay probes were also launched into space orbit, acting like loyal guards, systematically scanning and communicating in orbit.
The scientific research vessel slowly approached the frozen dead planet, and the thin air around the hull rapidly rubbed, emitting a sharp whistling sound.
Thomson stood at the observation window of the Moon-class Cruiser, staring intently at every move of the scientific research vessel, feeling both nervous and excited.
His hands unconsciously clenched the handrail, his knuckles slightly white from the effort.
“I wonder what secrets are hidden on this planet,” Thomson murmured to himself, a hint of curiosity and worry in his eyes.
As the scientific research vessel gradually approached the planet, various detection data appeared on the screen like snowflakes.
The scientists stared intently at the displays, their expressions focused and tense, as if deciphering the mysterious codes of the universe.
“The temperature is extremely low, almost close to minus 150 degrees Celsius,” a scientist said loudly, frowning.
“The atmospheric composition is unusually complex, containing multiple unknown chemical substances,” another scientist added.
Suddenly, a landing craft on the planet's surface emitted a violent tremor.
Thomson's heart tightened, and he instinctively leaned forward.
“What's going on?” Zhou Yang's voice came through the communication channel, with a hint of urgency.
“Report, Captain, the landing craft seems to have encountered some powerful magnetic field interference, and some equipment is malfunctioning,” the operator on the landing craft said with a hint of panic in his voice.
Zhou Yang took a deep breath, trying to calm himself: “Stay calm, try to restart the equipment, and continue the exploration.”
While the landing craft was trying to restore its equipment, drones shuttled across the planet's surface, transmitting real-time footage.
The screen showed a vast, boundless ice field, with some vague outlines seemingly hidden beneath the ice, like giant beasts sleeping in the long river of history.
“Look, what's that?” an engineer exclaimed, pointing at the image on the screen.
Zhou Yang carefully observed the image, a hint of doubt flashing in his eyes: “Continue to approach, and be sure to figure out what that thing is.”
The drone slowly approached the object beneath the ice, and as the distance closed, the object's outline gradually became clearer.
It appeared to be a huge structure, covered by a thick layer of ice, faintly exuding a mysterious aura.
“Could this be... the ruins of an ancient civilization?” A surge of inexplicable excitement welled up in Thomson's heart.
Just then, the scientific research vessel's radar suddenly emitted a sharp alarm.
“Unidentified energy fluctuations detected!” the radar operator shouted.
Zhou Yang's expression changed, and he quickly ordered: “Attention all, heighten vigilance, be ready to respond to emergencies at any time.”
The entire fleet instantly entered a state of high alert, all weapon systems activated, aiming at the planet's surface.
The void shield around the scientific research vessel also rapidly expanded, flickering with a ghostly blue light, like a solid protective cover.
As the energy fluctuations intensified, strange lights began to appear around the structure beneath the ice.
The light grew stronger and stronger, gradually forming a huge energy vortex, drawing the surrounding ice and snow into it.
“What the hell is this thing?” a frigate captain couldn't help but curse.
Zhou Yang stared intently at the screen, quickly pondering countermeasures: “Maintain distance, closely observe the changes in energy fluctuations, and at the same time, try to establish communication with the other party.”
The communications officer quickly operated the equipment, sending a communication signal to the energy vortex, but all that responded was a harsh static sound.
“No, unable to establish effective communication,” the communications officer shook his head helplessly.
The energy vortex grew stronger, continuously radiating powerful energy impacts.
The scientific research vessel shook violently under the energy impact, as if it could be torn apart at any moment.
“Activate the light energy shield, increase energy output!” Zhou Yang commanded loudly.
The scientific research vessel's light energy shield instantly lit up, like a huge cocoon of light, tightly enveloping the scientific research vessel.
Under the protection of the light energy shield, the scientific research vessel temporarily withstood the energy impact.
“Report, the energy fluctuations seem to be changing rhythmically, like some kind of signal,” the data analysis sergeant suddenly said.
Zhou Yang's heart stirred: “Try to decipher the signal content.”
The scientists quickly plunged into the signal deciphering work, and a tense atmosphere permeated the entire command center.
“Deciphered, this seems to be a warning, telling us to leave here,” a scientist said in surprise.
Zhou Yang frowned, caught in a dilemma.
Leaving meant giving up this rare exploration opportunity; staying might lead to unknown dangers.
“Captain, what should we do?” the adjutant looked at Zhou Yang, awaiting his decision.
Zhou Yang took a deep breath, and said with a firm gaze: “Continue to observe, stay vigilant.
We cannot give up easily, but we must not act rashly either.”
The fleet, at an orbit 300,000 kilometers from the planet, was ready for orbital artillery support, and the people on the warships carefully observed the changes in the energy vortex, a tense atmosphere like an invisible net, enveloping everyone.