170: Chapter 169 Searching for the Key to the Ruins! Solving the Mystery and Obtaining the Key, Activating the System and Reshaping the Future (1)

The private jet returning to Jing City glided smoothly through the clouds at an altitude of ten thousand meters. The fuselage barely jolted, as if suspended in soft cotton. Mu Li stood alone by the cabin window, his fingertips lightly pressed against the cool glass, gazing at the rolling, endless sea of clouds below. Sunlight spilled through the gaps in the clouds, casting mottled light and shadow across his face. He tightly gripped the silver USB drive in his hand, his thumb repeatedly rubbing its smooth casing. The drive still held a faint warmth, as if echoing the strange energy surging quietly within him. Ever since completing the first fusion of the fragments with the code in his mind at the Gobi Desert secret base, he felt an intermittent warm current in his body. His thinking had become increasingly agile, and even the coronary heart disease that had plagued him for years occurred significantly less often, with the tightness in his chest easing considerably, as if this energy were subtly nourishing his body.

“Engineer Mu, the Technical Team just sent over the latest analysis report; it's urgent.” Lin Wei's voice came softly from behind, breaking the silence in the cabin. Dressed in a sharp black business suit and carrying a silver tablet, she walked quickly to Mu Li's side. Her steps were light yet carried a hint of urgency, and an undeniable excitement was hidden between her brows. “Our Technical Team performed a deep analysis of all the encrypted data obtained from the Gobi Desert base. After six full hours, we finally cracked a set of hidden satellite coordinates. After repeated verification, these coordinates point precisely deep into Wuliang Mountain on our country's southwestern border. It matches Locke's confession of an ‘ancient ruin hidden within Asia’ perfectly!”

Mu Li slowly turned around and took the tablet, his fingertips sliding gently across the cool screen. The screen clearly displayed a satellite image of Wuliang Mountain—a canyon tightly swathed in dense primeval forest was highlighted by a striking red circle. The canyon was surrounded by mountains and overlapping peaks; the terrain was treacherous and complex, with almost no signs of human activity. Below the map was a preliminary deduction compiled overnight by the Technical Team, with neat handwriting and clear logic: “A suspected ancient civilization architectural site exists in this area. Stable, continuous abnormal energy fluctuations have been detected on the surface. The energy signatures highly match the core system fragments. It is speculated to be the location of the key ruins for activating the core system, where an ‘activation key’ likely exists.”

“Wuliang Mountain...” Mu Li murmured the name, his gaze suddenly becoming sharp with a glint in his eyes. He tapped the canyon's location on the screen. “It seems this is the key we have been searching for so painstakingly, and the final threshold for the core system's revival. Caesar is extremely ambitious and must possess similar clues. We must find the key in the ruins before he does; otherwise, once he gets it first, the consequences will be unthinkable.” His tone was steady but carried an unquestionable sense of urgency. He was already calculating his next moves, knowing that not a single step could go wrong.

“I have already made thorough preparations in advance.” Lin Wei nodded slightly, her tone firm and her eyes full of efficiency. “We have urgently assembled an elite exploration team, including senior archaeology experts, top special operations members, and core technical personnel. All types of surveying, combat, and communication equipment have been inventoried and calibrated, ready for departure at any time. Additionally, the interrogation team has made a new breakthrough. Under high-intensity interrogation, Locke finally talked. He confessed that Caesar has already left the Europa Alliance with his core team and is heading toward Asia on a private jet. He is expected to reach our border in three days, targeting the Wuliang Mountain ruins.”

“Three days is enough for us to reach the ruins first and find the key.” A flash of certainty appeared in Mu Li's eyes, his tone decisive. “Notify everyone immediately. Once the jet lands, the exploration team is to assemble in full. Without any delay, we will drive directly to Wuliang Mountain. We must penetrate deep into the mountains and find the entrance to the ruins before Caesar's team reaches the border.” He knew the importance of time; every minute gained was an extra chance of victory. He could not give Caesar any opportunity.

“Understood!” Lin Wei did not hesitate. She immediately turned and walked to the communication equipment in the cabin, quickly dialing the Technical Team and the exploration team. She conveyed Mu Li's orders methodically and efficiently, without a hint of procrastination.

Mu Li returned to the window, his gaze once again fixed on the sea of clouds outside, his mind churning with countless thoughts. The restoration of the core system was close at hand, and the mysterious veil of the ancient ruins was about to be lifted. Caesar's encroachment, the impending change in the global energy landscape, the unknown secrets of ancient civilizations... all clues and confrontations converged on this trip to Wuliang Mountain. He let out a soft sigh, his fingertips still tightly gripping the USB drive. He knew this would be the pivotal battle that decided success or failure, concerning the fate of the core system and the future of global energy. There was no room for the slightest oversight or error.

The private jet landed slowly on the dedicated runway of Jing City International Airport. By now, the sky had completely darkened, and night shrouded the entire airport. The indicator lights on both sides of the runway lit up one by one like a brilliant galaxy, guiding the way home. Beside the runway, over a dozen black SUVs were already lined up in an orderly fashion, brand new and fully equipped, with discreet markings on the chassis. The members of the exploration team were dressed in full camouflage, standing tall and spirited beside the vehicles. Their gazes were firm, exuding a sharp aura, fully prepared to set out. Seeing Mu Li and Lin Wei walk off the plane together, the group immediately straightened their postures and saluted, their voices loud and synchronized: “Engineer Mu! President Lin!”

“Is everything ready?” Mu Li strode forward, his gaze slowly scanning every team member. His eyes were sharp and steady as he took in everyone's expression. A warm current rose in his heart—these members were all elites chosen from thousands. Whether it was the breakout in the Gobi Desert or the upcoming exploration of the ruins, they would be his strongest support.

“Reporting to Engineer Mu! The exploration team is fully assembled. Equipment, supplies, and communication devices have all been checked one by one with nothing missing. We are ready to depart at any time!” The team leader, Old Yang, took a step forward and responded loudly with a powerful, confident voice. He wore camouflage and had a shallow scar on his face—a mark left from the fierce battle with the Mercenaries in the Gobi Desert. His eyes were filled with fighting spirit and determination. The team members behind him also nodded, their eyes burning as they looked at Mu Li, waiting for the order to depart.

“Good!” Mu Li nodded slightly, his tone heavy yet firm as he reached out to pat Old Yang on the shoulder. “This mission is of extraordinary significance. it concerns the activation of the core system, global energy security, and even our country's energy strategic layout. Caesar's forces are coming on strong and could appear at any moment. We must not only give our all to find the key to the ruins but also be prepared for combat at all times to deal with various emergencies! Remember, we have only one goal: get the key, activate the system, and return safely!”

“Yes!” the crowd responded in unison, their voices deafening as they echoed across the empty airport runway, dispelling the chill of the night and demonstrating their collective determination to win.

After a brief pep talk, everyone boarded the SUVs quickly and orderly. Soon, the convoy of over a dozen SUVs grandly departed the airport, speeding toward Wuliang Mountain on the southwestern border, their headlights piercing the night sky and leaving long trails of light on the highway. Inside the car, Mu Li leaned back in his seat, opened his tablet, and once again carefully studied the materials related to the ruins, his fingertips sliding gently across the screen with a focused and solemn gaze. Professor Zhang, the archaeology expert, sat beside him. With graying hair and gold-rimmed glasses, he held a piece of yellowed historical data and pointed to a blurry satellite image on the screen, saying slowly: “Engineer Mu, look here. The terrain of this canyon is very special. The overall layout follows the ‘Round Heaven and Square Earth’ concept, which highly matches the characteristics of sacrificial sites from our country's ancient period; it is definitely not a natural formation. Furthermore, according to historical records, a mysterious ‘Xuanguang Tribe’ once existed deep in Wuliang Mountain. This tribe possessed a peculiar energy application technology that could manipulate energy from nature. Later, for some unknown reason, they suddenly vanished, becoming an eternal mystery. I boldly speculate that the ruins we are looking for are the sacrificial holy land of the Xuanguang Tribe and the storage place for the core system's key.”

“Xuanguang Tribe? Energy application technology?” Mu Li's heart stirred, his brows furrowing slightly as his fingertips repeatedly rubbed the canyon's location on the screen. “Could the sudden disappearance of this tribe be inextricably linked to the core system? Could the energy technology they mastered be an early application form of the core system?” A series of questions rose in his mind, filling him with even more curiosity and a desire to explore this ancient ruin.

“It is very possible.” Professor Zhang nodded slightly, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose, his tone certain. “From the information Locke confessed, North American Global Energy Group began secretly researching ancient civilization sites around the world very early on. They firmly believe that the core system is not a product of modern human technology, but an advanced legacy left by an ancient civilization, containing infinite energy. And the energy technology mastered by the Xuanguang Tribe happens to match the energy characteristics of the core system. This is definitely not a coincidence; there must be some connection between the two.”

Mu Li nodded thoughtfully, his doubts gradually finding a direction. If Professor Zhang's speculation was correct, then behind the core system lay a forgotten history of an ancient civilization—a mysterious past regarding the use of energy. This made him even more determined to find the key to the ruins, not just to activate the core system, but to uncover this buried historical mystery.

The convoy traveled day and night for two days and two nights, finally arriving at a remote small town at the foot of Wuliang Mountain. The town was built against the mountain, with most houses being simple earth-and-wood structures. The streets were narrow and quaint, and the permanent population was sparse, making it exceptionally quiet. This was the last supply point before entering the depths of Wuliang Mountain. Further in was the primeval forest, rarely visited by humans and overgrown with thorns, where mobile signals were weak or non-existent, like a secluded paradise. Mu Li looked at the quaint town outside the window, pondered for a moment, and decided to let everyone rest here for a night to replenish enough supplies and water and to recharge their energy. They would formally enter the mountains early the next morning to avoid accidents caused by fatigue.

There was only one simple inn in the town with basic but clean and tidy facilities. After everyone settled in, Old Yang immediately volunteered, taking several elite members out of the inn to scout the surrounding environment and eliminate hidden dangers, preventing Caesar's forces from setting up an ambush in advance and posing a fatal threat to the team. Mu Li, Professor Zhang, and Lin Wei stayed in the room, gathered around a simple wooden table to further refine the exploration route, repeatedly simulating possible emergencies and formulating response plans.

“According to the satellite map, after entering the forest from this town, we need to follow this stream inward for about ten kilometers to reach the target canyon.” Lin Wei pointed to the marked route on the tablet, her tone serious. “This stretch of the journey has complex terrain with many cliffs and muddy sections. Moreover, as we go deeper into the forest, communication signals will get weaker and may even be completely cut off. We have prepared satellite repeaters in advance to ensure smooth communication deep in the forest, making sure the team can stay in contact at all times.”

“I have already had the technicians calibrate the satellite repeaters in advance and prepared enough spare equipment just in case.” Professor Zhang added, his tone rigorous. “Additionally, many wild animals live in the primeval forests of Wuliang Mountain, such as black bears, wild boars, and venomous snakes, which are very aggressive. We must take protective measures. Team members must carry snake repellent and self-defense weapons. We must be extremely cautious during the march and not easily disturb the wildlife.”

Just as the three were carefully discussing the route and protective measures, Old Yang suddenly burst through the door. His expression was grave, his breathing a bit hurried, and his clothes were stained with some dust, clearly having rushed back from his scouting mission. “Engineer Mu, the situation is bad!” He lowered his voice, his tone filled with urgency and alertness. “We discovered five SUVs with foreign license plates in a hidden spot on the outskirts of town. The people in the cars are all wearing black combat uniforms with weapons at their waists. They are acting suspiciously and look like Caesar's people. There are about twenty of them!”

Mu Li's expression changed abruptly, and the tablet in his hand almost slipped. His gaze instantly became cold and sharp. “How many of them are there? Have they discovered our trail?” He thought to himself that Caesar had actually arrived so quickly, much earlier than expected; it seemed a fierce battle was inevitable.

“About twenty people, five vehicles, all fully armed. They look like elite Mercenaries.” Old Yang said quickly, his tone steady. “We didn't get too close and stayed hidden in the shadows to observe. They shouldn't have discovered us yet. However, looking at their movements, they are also preparing to enter the forest early tomorrow morning. Their goal is definitely the same as ours—the key in the ruins!”

“It seems a fierce battle is inevitable.” Mu Li took a deep breath, forcing himself to calm down. A flash of resolve appeared in his eyes as he quickly made deployments. “Old Yang, immediately arrange for the team members to strengthen the perimeter security of the inn. Divide into three shifts to stand guard and hold the line to prevent a night raid and ensure everyone's safety. Lin Wei, contact the Technical Team immediately and have them monitor the movements of Caesar's team in real-time via satellite. Report to us as soon as they make any move. Professor Zhang, let's adjust the route again. We will set out two hours early at 4:00 AM tomorrow morning to try and reach the canyon before them and seize the initiative!”

“Understood!” the three responded in unison. Without any hesitation, they immediately moved to action. Old Yang turned and strode out of the room to arrange the security details; Lin Wei took out her communication device to quickly establish contact with the Technical Team; and Professor Zhang opened the tablet to adjust the exploration route with Mu Li, marking dangerous sections and hidden spots along the way.