Chapter 65 Now, I'm going to be a hunter!

"Reduces detection probability by 30%... increases spatial technology comprehension by 50%..."

Lin Yuan looked at the description of the new skill [Void Affinity] on the system panel, his grin nearly reaching his ears.

This thing was practically tailor-made for him!

Reducing the detection probability meant he could walk through this death labyrinth with much higher safety. Before, he was a camper in a ghillie suit; now, he was a pro player with a translucent cheat active. His survivability was maxed out!

And that "50% increase in spatial technology comprehension" was a heavyweight addition!

Previously, looking at the spatial tech data in the "ashilya" database was like reading ancient classical Chinese—he had to stumble through with guesswork. Now, it was as if the system had hired a simultaneous interpreter and a gold-medal tutor for him. His learning efficiency was bound to skyrocket, wasn't it?

"Not bad, not bad. These 1,500 authority points were well spent!" Lin Yuan thought happily.

Holding a fortune of 1,500 points and a bunch of newly upgraded functions, he felt incredibly secure. The anxiety from being lost and low on energy had long been washed away by these massive gains.

"Chief, Academician Wang, don't worry on your end yet," Lin Yuan said into the communicator. "Give me some time. I'll figure something out here first. I'll definitely find the way, and I'll definitely find the fuel."

"You brat, what kind of scheme are you cooking up now?" Academician Wang's voice came through the static, sounding both exasperated and amused. "I'm warning you, no more risking your life like you just did! That 'void crystal core' is a priceless treasure! And you are a priceless treasure now too! Neither of you can afford another accident!"

"Don't worry, Academician Wang, I know what I'm doing," Lin Yuan chuckled. "When I do business, I prioritize stability. Earlier, I had no choice; I was forced into a corner. Now that I have the initiative, I have to ensure the safety of the principal investment first, right?"

Ending the communication, Lin Yuan began calculating his next move.

Going home was a must. But returning dejectedly with less than full energy didn't quite suit his current status.

Furthermore, to obtain the "heart of chaos," he had sacrificed the "box of miracles" and his only "deep blue star." Although he got a more powerful "void crystal core" in return, he couldn't exactly use it for fuel yet.

The energy of the "ghost" was at 53%. It definitely wasn't enough for the return trip. Relying on the armor to slowly absorb energy on its own would take forever.

"It seems I need to get another 'deep blue star' to use as a power bank," Lin Yuan quickly determined his "small goal."

Before, he had passively encountered that "Tunneling Worm" and relied on trickery to steal one.

But now, the situation was different.

He had a brand-new energy weapon comparable to a weapon of mass destruction.

He had the divine skill "Void Affinity," allowing him to hide better.

Most importantly, through the "ashilya" database, he had a deeper understanding of the habits of these "Native Predators."

"Tunneling Worms feed on the bio-energy of the 'giant beast skeleton'... they like to move near the energy-rich 'Main Vessel' channels..." Relevant data flashed rapidly through Lin Yuan's mind.

He was no longer the prey that could only hide passively.

Now, he was going to be the hunter!

"System, pull up the 'Bio-energy Flow Map' I mapped out earlier!" Lin Yuan commanded.

Soon, a massive three-dimensional network map composed of countless red lines unfolded before his eyes.

His current location was a relatively remote "Capillary" area with thin energy.

"Based on the energy flow, mark the nearby areas where 'Tunneling Worms' are most likely to appear," Lin Yuan ordered again.

This time, he utilized the 50% boost to his spatial technology comprehension. He found that when he looked at this complex energy map, he wasn't just seeing lines anymore. He could vaguely sense the "rhythm" and "logic" of those energy flows.

"Oh... I get it!" Lin Yuan slapped his thigh. "This thing is just like looking at a city map when I used to collect scrap! Which ones are the main roads, which are the alleys, where the traffic is heavy, and where the crowds are—it's clear at a glance!"

"These thickest red lines with the strongest energy flow are the 'main roads.' Those worms are like roadside food stalls; they all like to set up shop in these places!"

With this new layer of understanding, Lin Yuan quickly locked onto a target on the map.

It was a massive main energy channel about fifty kilometers away. The energy there was dense, and according to the map, there were several large pits resembling "Tunneling Worm" nests.

"Let's go there! I'll go grab another pile of 'Immortal Dung' to use as gas money!"

Lin Yuan made up his mind and piloted the upgraded "ghost," stealthily creeping toward the target area.

...

Meanwhile, back on Earth, in the underground Command Center.

The atmosphere had shifted from the earlier euphoria into a more intense and feverish working state.

All the scientists were working frantically at their posts as if they had been injected with adrenaline.

"The coordinate data sent back by Comrade Lin Yuan has been integrated into the 'pangu system'! Optimal return route planning is in progress! Estimated time: 25 minutes!"

"Energy group reporting! Regarding the energy utilization plan for the 'void crystal core,' we have proposed 17 preliminary concepts! Among them, the one with the lowest risk and highest feasibility is the 'Gravitational Tide' plan!"

A gray-haired energy expert gestured excitedly at the screen. "We can use the space-warping properties of the 'void crystal core' to create a miniature, high-frequency 'Gravitational Tide' around it! Just as the moon's gravity causes tides on Earth, this Gravitational Tide can 'extract' pure spatial energy from higher dimensions!"

"This plan doesn't require direct contact with the core, making it the safest! Moreover, the extracted spatial energy is of extremely high purity and can theoretically be converted directly into energy usable by the 'ghost'!"

"Good! We'll go with that plan!" Academician Wang decided immediately. "Perform the theoretical deduction at once! I want a complete 'charging' plan in Comrade Lin Yuan's hands before he begins his return!"

"And that 'Spark' signal!" Li Na suddenly remembered something and asked urgently, "Academician Wang, are we still going to save it?"

This question caused the frantic Command Center to fall silent for a moment.

Indeed, their original goal was to save the spark of the "Eternal Flower." In the end, so many complications had arisen midway.

Academician Wang looked at the green dot on the map, which had become extremely faint due to distance and energy storm interference, and fell into deep thought.

Reason told him that they should have Lin Yuan return immediately and not invite further trouble.

But Lin Yuan's previous words still echoed in his ears.

"If we refuse to save someone just because we're afraid of danger... then what difference is there between us and those 'Void Devourers'?"

"Chief..." Academician Wang looked toward Chen Weiguo, who had remained silent.

Chen Weiguo watched the green dot representing Lin Yuan on the screen, which was moving toward an unknown area, and spoke slowly.

"I trust Comrade Lin Yuan's judgment."

His voice wasn't loud, but it carried an unquestionable trust.

"He is not a reckless man. Right now, he is preparing for his return."

"As for that 'Spark'..." Chen Weiguo paused, his gaze deepening. "Once he's filled up on fuel, if there's still time, and if he decides to go..."