239: In order to counter the threat, we must take the initiative!

When Lu Chen's domineering declaration, "Wipe out that nest of bugs," was transmitted back to Earth via super-long-distance communication, there was only the faint hum of current flowing through the Underground Command Center No. 1 in Jinghai City.

Long Weiguo, Ye Qingcang, and all the top human decision-makers present were plunged into a strange silence. It wasn't fear or hesitation, but a kind of shudder after digesting a massive amount of information.

That shudder stemmed from the awe of the unknown deep within human bones, and even more so from the excitement for the epic war to come!

"Wipe them out?"

Ye Qingcang gulped down a mouthful of cold tea, trying to suppress the burning thirst in his throat. He stared with wide eyes at the ridiculously young figure on the holographic screen. "Little Lu, you aren't joking, are you? That's the Galactic Center! That's Sagittarius A*! That's the event horizon of a black hole from which even light cannot escape!"

"Although we have that 'dimensional elevation' technology that lets us dodge attacks like paper figures, this is going to the enemy's lair 26,000 light-years away! It's like telling a duck that just learned to swim to cross the Pacific Ocean to duel a shark. Is… is this even possible?"

Although Ye Qingcang's words were rough, they voiced everyone's inner thoughts.

After all, just a few hours ago, they were wracking their brains over how to defend against the arrival of the "cleaner." Now, Lu Chen wanted to take the war right to their doorstep?

This leap was just too big!

On the screen, Lu Chen's expression remained calm as water. He seemed to have anticipated everyone's reaction, merely turning slightly to let the star map behind him dominate the frame.

On that star map, the blood-red light point symbolizing the "Star Devourer" nest was pulsing slowly at the center of the Milky Way Galaxy like a malicious heart. Each beat seemed to send ripples of destruction and death in all directions.

"Old Ye, do you think we have any other choice?"

Lu Chen's voice was soft, yet it felt like a heavy hammer striking everyone's heart.

"Passive defense? That is the helpless resort of the weak."

"We have established the 'Heavenly Sword' defense line on the outskirts of the Solar System. That's true, it is indeed powerful. But have you all thought about what it would mean if the battlefield erupted right at the edge of the Solar System?"

Lu Chen reached out and drew a circle around the location of the Solar System.

"It means that even a stray bullet, an overload of an energy shield, or even just a collision with a piece of enemy wreckage could cause a devastating blow to Earth!"

"Earth is too fragile."

"Faced with energy releases at the level of interstellar warfare, our home planet is like an egg placed next to an anvil. As long as the hammer is off by even a tiny bit—it doesn't even need to hit—the wind pressure alone could shatter it!"

At this point, Lu Chen's gaze instantly turned sharp, as if a drawn sword was piercing through the screen and into people's hearts!

"And do you really think that so-called 'Star Devourer' only has these tricks?"

"They are an ancient civilization that has entrenched itself in the Galactic Center for countless eons. They have devoured more stars than the grains of sand we have ever seen! If we give them enough time to assemble their forces, if we let them bring their army to our doorstep at their leisure..."

"What will we use to block them then?"

"With our heads?!"

This series of rhetorical questions, like a barrage of gunfire, left all the big shots present speechless.

Long Weiguo's expression changed repeatedly. Finally, he sighed heavily and nodded solemnly.

"Lu Chen is right."

"Defending against the enemy outside our borders is the best strategy for the military. Since we have already formed a deadly feud, we cannot give the opponent any chance to catch their breath. Once they recover, we will be the ones to die."

He slowly stood up, looking deeply at the young man on the screen.

"Little Lu, what do you want to do?"

"What do we need to do?"

No nonsense, no questioning, only unconditional trust and support. As long as Lu Chen pointed out the direction, even if there was a mountain of blades and a sea of fire ahead, the power of the entire nation would pave the way for him!

The corners of Lu Chen's mouth curled up slightly, revealing that iconic, confident smile.

"It's simple."

"Assemble the 'Expedition Legion'!"

"I don't just want one 'expedition'; I want an invincible fleet capable of sweeping across the Milky Way Galaxy!"

"I want to squeeze out every bit of war potential on Earth! I want those bugs to know that if they anger humanity, even if they hide in a black hole, I can drag them out and dry them into jerky!"

"heavenly craft!"

Lu Chen snapped his fingers.

[I am here, Master!]

The image on the holographic screen switched instantly, and design blueprints for brand-new warships filled with violent aesthetics poured down like a waterfall!

"This is the modified version of the 'shenzhou-class' interstellar battleship—the 'Dawn' class!"

"It has removed all unnecessary living facilities, increased the 'dragon gall' star-annihilation cannon array by threefold, and installed the latest 'dimensional armor'! This is a pure war machine born for destruction!"

"This is the 'Winged People' class fast assault ship!"

"Combining the psionic technology of the Winged Human Race with our space jump engine, its speed is as fast as a ghost, specifically used for decapitation tactics and harassment!"

"And this one..."

Lu Chen pointed to the last blueprint, which was a spherical structure so large it was suffocating, looking like an asteroid cast from steel.

"The 'pangu' class stellar fortress!"

"It is a mobile base, a supply station for the fleet, and our ultimate weapon!"

Looking at these crazy blueprints, the big shots in the conference room only felt their scalps tingle and their blood boil!

Is this what interstellar war is like?

This is the romance of a man!

"Good!" Ye Qingcang slapped the table hard, making the teacup jump. "This is the heavy weapon of a great power! This is what we want! Lu Chen, tell me, how many people do you need? How many resources? I, this old man, will go and grab them for you!"

"I have the people."

Lu Chen's gaze turned to the other side of the bridge, where a hundred Super Soldiers who had just completed the "dimensional elevation" experience were standing, currently in a state of extreme excitement.

And...

That Winged Human Queen, Alia, who was looking at him with a complex expression.

"Queen Alia."

Lu Chen's voice sounded on the bridge, carrying a trace of unquestionable majesty.

"You have also seen what we are going to do."

"Your people, your home, were destroyed by those bugs. Now, the opportunity for revenge is right before your eyes."

"Tell me, do you of the Winged Human Race still have the courage to pick up weapons?"

Alia's body shook.

She looked at Lu Chen, looked at that young yet domineering face, and then looked at the raging flames of war burning in the eyes of the human soldiers around her.

That was something she had never seen in the eyes of her own people.

That was wolf-like nature!

It was the determination to shatter like jade rather than remain whole like a tile!

The blood in her heart that had long since cooled seemed to begin to boil again.

"We do!"

Alia gritted her teeth, and the snow-white wings behind her spread out suddenly, emitting a clear, sharp shriek!

"Although the Winged Human Race loves peace, we are by no means cowardly!"

"Those demons took everything from us. If we don't tear them to pieces, our souls will never be able to rest in peace!"

"Respected Lord Lu Chen, the three thousand remaining warships of the Winged Human Race, as well as all our people, are willing to listen to your command!"

"Even if we fight to the last person, we will never take a step back!"

"Very good!"

Lu Chen nodded with satisfaction.

He turned around to face the vast starry sky, to face that distant and terrifying Galactic Center.

His voice spread throughout the entire Solar System via quantum communication, reaching the ears of every human preparing for war.

"Compatriots!"

"I know the road ahead is dark and dangerous."

"I also know our enemy is very powerful, powerful enough to make people despair."

"But!"

"Just as we have overcome disasters on Earth time and time again, and risen from the ruins time and time again..."

"This time, we will never lose either!"

"Because behind us is our home, our loved ones, and our five thousand years of civilization!"

"We have no way back!"

"For survival, for dignity, for our place under this starry sky..."

Lu Chen waved his hand violently, pointing forward!

"All forces, listen to my command!"

"Target—the Galactic Center!"

"Set off!!!"

"Boom—!!!"

Following Lu Chen's order, the massive fleet docked at the "Heavenly Court" port simultaneously ejected dazzling blue flames from their engines!

At that moment, the entire space was illuminated!

That was the fury of human civilization!

That was the flame of revenge!

That was the spark that was about to start a prairie fire!