190: Chapter 189 Fierce Battle Across China! A thousand peaks forge an iron wall against the invaders, a thousand miles protect the soul of the nation.

"Attention everyone! Adjust the Defense Barrier energy to maximum! All Xuanguang batteries aim at the Dark Fleet's capital ships and fire simultaneously!" Mu Li's voice spread through the entire defense system via the communication channel, his tone as firm as steel. His fingers moved rapidly across the control panel, pushing the xuanguang core's energy output to its limit. Within the Command Center, the golden light grew increasingly dazzling as Xuanguang Energy, like boiling lava, poured continuously into the Defense Barrier and various batteries. All Xuanguang batteries in near-earth orbit lit up simultaneously, and beams of golden energy shot toward the Dark Fleet in the sea of stars like sharp swords, dense as a web and magnificent in momentum.

"Fire!" The Dark Archon's roar fell, and the dark matter main cannon of the "Dark Throne" erupted. A black beam as thick as a mountain range, carrying world-destroying power, bore down on the Xuan-guang Energy Defense Shield. Everywhere it passed, space was completely torn apart, leaving a pitch-black trail. Surrounding asteroids were instantly swallowed by Dark Energy and turned to dust. Meanwhile, all ships of the Dark Fleet opened fire at once. Countless black beams of Dark Energy poured down like a torrential rain, crashing densely against the golden Defense Barrier with a deafening roar. The entire starry sky trembled violently, and the golden barrier fluctuated wildly, rippling like a lake ravaged by a gale, its light flickering as if it might shatter at any moment.

"Hold on! We must hold on!" Mu Li clenched his fists, his eyes fixed on the holographic screen. Beads of sweat the size of beans broke out on his forehead, and his palms were already soaked. He could clearly see the light on the Defense Barrier gradually dimming, with fine cracks appearing in some areas. The energy consumption rate of the xuanguang core far exceeded expectations. The needle on the energy dashboard of the command console kept dropping, and the red warning light flashed again, emitting a rapid alarm. "Although the bomb planted by Professor Zhang was defused, the energy supply to the three pilot bases hasn't fully recovered. The energy reserves of the xuanguang core are being consumed rapidly. At this rate, the barrier won't last much longer!" the head of the technical team shouted anxiously, his fingers tapping the keyboard frantically in an attempt to optimize energy distribution and delay the barrier's depletion.

At this critical moment, the Leader of the Nightwatchers slowly walked to Mu Li's side, holding an ancient Xuanguang Jade Pendant. The pendant emitted a warm and powerful energy that resonated strongly with the xuanguang core. "Engineer Mu, the true essence of Xuanguang Energy has never been simple defense and attack, but symbiosis and convergence." The white-haired old man's voice was steady and powerful as he placed the Xuanguang Jade Pendant on the xuanguang core's interface. "This pendant is a token passed down through generations of our Nightwatchers. It contains the essence of ancient Xuanguang Energy. It can resonate with the xuanguang core, awakening the potential energy deep within and doubling the power of the Defense Barrier while significantly reducing energy consumption."

The moment the pendant touched the xuanguang core, the golden light surged instantly, far exceeding its previous brightness. A dazzling pillar of golden light shot up from the core, piercing through the Command Center's dome and reaching into space. The Xuan-guang Energy Defense Shield was instantly enveloped by the golden pillar, and its previously dim light became increasingly brilliant. The cracks on the surface were quickly repaired, and the energy fluctuations became more stable. It even emitted a stronger pressure, reflecting some of the Dark Energy beams back and hitting several nearby Dark Cruisers. The warships exploded instantly, their black wreckage floating in the sea of stars.

"How is this possible?!" Standing in the command room of the "Dark Throne," the Dark Archon watched the scene before him, his eyes filled with unbelievable shock and fury, his face ashen. "What is that? Why has the Xuanguang Energy suddenly become so powerful?!" He never imagined that humanity, already in a desperate situation, could burst forth with such formidable power, making his originally certain victory incredibly difficult.

"Marshal Rex, requesting a counterattack!" Mu Li immediately connected to the Interstellar Alliance's communication, his tone carrying an unprecedented firmness. "Our Defense Barrier has stabilized, and we have sufficient Xuanguang Energy. Now is the best time for a counterattack. Let us coordinate from within and without to completely crush the Dark Fleet and drive them out of the Solar System!"

"Copy that! Mr. Mu, we've been ready for a long time!" Marshal Rex's voice was filled with excitement and passion, with the roar of warship cannons in the background. "All Interstellar Alliance fleets, advance! Target the Dark Fleet's main force. Attack with full power, show no mercy!"

As the command was given, the Interstellar Alliance fleet launched a fierce counterattack like a waking lion. The Quantum Main Cannons of the "galaxy-class" capital ships fired in unison. Blue beams interlaced with the golden beams of Xuanguang Energy, forming a brilliant and deadly light net that swept toward the Dark Fleet. The "hummingbird-class" Micro-interceptor groups were dispatched again, coordinating with the Interstellar Alliance's fighters to weave between the Dark Fleet's warships, precisely striking enemy energy nodes and cannon barrels. Countless dark warships were hit, and the light of explosions rose and fell in the sea of stars like blooming flowers of death.

Members of the Nightwatchers also joined the battle, piloting ancient Xuanguang Warships through the sea of stars. Their Xuanguang Weapons emitted beams of pure energy, each strike precisely hitting the Dark Fleet's vital points. The perfect combination of ancient Xuanguang Energy and modern defense technology unleashed unprecedented power. The Dark Fleet's formation was completely disrupted, and warships were destroyed one after another. The drone swarms also fell like autumn leaves under the strikes of the Xuanguang interceptors. The sea of stars was filled with black wreckage, and the aura of Dark Energy gradually dissipated.

Watching his fleet retreat in defeat, the Dark Archon's anger and despair grew stronger. He knew he had failed completely, and continuing to resist would only lead to total annihilation. But he still refused to give up, a flash of madness crossing his eyes as he ordered once more: "Activate the 'Dark Throne' self-destruct sequence! If I can't have the xuanguang core, I will make human civilization pay the price, even if we perish together!"

"Not good! He's going to start the self-destruct sequence!" Mu Li instantly sensed the abnormal energy fluctuations from the "Dark Throne." Startled, he immediately ordered, "All Xuanguang batteries, concentrate fire on the 'Dark Throne's' Core Cabin! We must destroy its core and stop the self-destruct before the sequence starts!"

Countless golden beams of Xuanguang Energy converged, forming a massive pillar of golden light that precisely struck the "Dark Throne's" Core Cabin. With a thunderous "Boom—", the "Dark Throne's" Core Cabin exploded instantly. Black fragments flew everywhere, dark matter energy spiraled out of control, and the entire flagship began to shake violently and disintegrate. Standing in the command room, the Dark Archon watched his crumbling warship through the window, letting out a shrill roar before finally being swallowed by the runaway Dark Energy and turned to dust.

Deprived of their flagship's command, the Dark Fleet fell into complete chaos. Without unified leadership, the remaining warships either resisted desperately or turned to flee, only to be destroyed one by one by the Interstellar Alliance and human defense forces. After several hours of intense fighting, the last dark warship was hit by a Xuanguang Battery. The light of the explosion faded in the sea of stars, and the outer reaches of the Solar System finally returned to peace. Only floating warship wreckage and faint energy fluctuations remained, as if telling the story of this brutal battle.

Inside the Command Center, the alarms gradually subsided, the red warning lights went out, and the golden light remained warm and dazzling. Mu Li slowly unclenched his fists, a weary but gratified smile appearing on his face. The tension and exhaustion of the past few days vanished completely in this moment. Lin Wei also returned to the Command Center from Zhongyuan City, her face dusty but unable to hide her joy: "Engineer Mu, it's wonderful! The Secret Strongholds in Zhongyuan City have been completely dismantled, and all internal traitors have been captured. The dark energy weapon Manufacturing Workshop in Xijing City was also successfully destroyed, leaving no hidden dangers. The energy supply for the three pilot bases has also returned to normal."

Mu Li looked at the peaceful starry sky on the holographic screen. That sea of stars, once obscured by the Dark Fleet and filled with smoke and wreckage, was now as clear as if it had been washed, with stars shining brightly, as if it had never experienced that brutal battle. He slowly turned his head to look at his comrades who had fought by his side: the technical team members slumped in front of their consoles, their faces full of exhaustion but their eyes sparkling with the light of survival, some patting each other's shoulders, others silently wiping sweat from their foreheads; the Nightwatchers had put away their Xuanguang Weapons, their ancient clothing still bearing traces of Dark Energy erosion, yet they remained upright and determined; Lin Wei stood not far away, quietly communicating with the security department about follow-up work, the dust on her face unable to hide the joy and relief in her eyes. Seeing every tired but determined face in the Command Center, Mu Li's heart surged with a thousand emotions, and his nose stung slightly. He knew clearly that the victory of this battle was never the credit of a single person, but was earned with the sweat, blood, and even lives of countless people. Professor Zhang's betrayal was like a sharp blade piercing the most trusted line of defense; the Dark Fleet's invasion brought a world-destroying force that made it hard to breathe; the internal traitors' secret sabotage repeatedly pushed humanity toward the abyss. Every crisis almost caused human civilization to be completely wiped out, but they never gave up, never retreated, and always held onto the belief of protecting their Home. They thought as one and worked together, using persistence and courage to defeat the most powerful enemy and protect this land they rely on for survival.

Through the dome of the Command Center, Mu Li could clearly see that the Xuan-guang Energy Defense Shield still steadily enveloped Home. The golden light shroud was warm and brilliant, like a mother's arms, holding the entire Home tightly. The golden light pierced through the clouds and spilled into every corner of the earth, dispelling the long-standing darkness and fear, bringing long-awaited hope and peace. On the ground, people stepped out of shelters and looked up at the golden light shroud above their heads, smiles of survival appearing on their faces. Cheers and shouts rose and fell, spreading to every corner of the city. In space, the Interstellar Alliance fleet was neatly arranged, patrolling the outer reaches of the Solar System. The blue light of the warships and the golden light of the Defense Barrier complemented each other, guarding against any potential threats from the depths of the universe and protecting this newly peaceful star region. The Xuanguang Energy Bases in the three pilot cities had long since returned to normal operation, with glowing golden energy continuously output from the bases to provide clean and powerful energy for all walks of life in Home. Factories restarted, cities regained vitality, and everything was moving in a better direction. Members of the Nightwatchers and the Core Laboratory stood side by side around the xuanguang core, quietly discussing the deep mysteries of Xuanguang Energy. Ancient heritage and modern technology collided to create dazzling sparks, planting seeds of hope for the future of human civilization and silently providing protection.

Mu Li slowly walked to the xuanguang core, his steps light, as if touching a rare treasure. He reached out his fingertips and gently brushed across the glowing golden crystal. Warm and powerful energy slowly seeped into his body through his fingertips, dispelling the exhaustion of the past few days. His heart was full of peace and determination. The patterns on the surface of the crystal flickered slightly, as if responding to his touch, resonating deeply with the conviction in his heart. He raised his head and looked at the clear starry sky on the holographic screen, his eyes shining with a determined light. He knew that this interstellar battle of protection, though concluded, was by no means the end, but a brand-new beginning for human civilization. The mysteries of Xuanguang Energy still awaited further exploration, unknown dangers still lurked in the depths of the universe, and the road ahead was still full of challenges. But he firmly believed that with the support of Xuanguang Energy and the joint efforts of everyone protecting Home, human civilization would surely achieve a new leap, step out of the Solar System, move toward the broader universe, and write a glorious chapter belonging to humanity. And he would continue to stand fast at his post, never forgetting his original intention, keeping his mission in mind, and working with all like-minded partners to protect this land, protect the future of human civilization, and let the light of Xuanguang pierce through the darkness, illuminate every corner of the universe, and warm every life.

The fierce battle has finally ceased, the galaxy is clear, and the golden Xuanguang barrier still hangs high in the sky like an eternal protective totem. Xuanguang forges the shield to protect our Home; with united wills, we head toward a new journey. Above a thousand peaks, the soul of national protection will never fade, for it is a spiritual monument forged by countless people with faith and courage; below ten thousand miles, the heart to defend the land will never lose its color, for it is an obsession and persistence carved into the heart of every human. This interstellar battle of protection has finally concluded with humanity's victory. Blood and sweat have nurtured the flowers of hope, and persistence and courage have forged an immortal legend. The new chapter of human civilization is slowly unfolding along with the starlight. The road ahead is long, but there is glory; with Xuanguang leading the way and firm steps, humanity will eventually bloom with its own dazzling light in the vast universe.