209: Chapter 208 Aid in the Cold Night! Multi-line Rescue Ignites Sparks, Mutual Support in Crisis Forges Warmth (3)

Just as the students were about to exit the rescue passage, a sudden "boom" echoed. A massive crack appeared in the classroom wall, running through the entire structure. The glow of the Xuanguang Energy Barrier began to dim, its energy fluctuations weakening until it was on the verge of shattering. [System Prompt: Detected a sharp decline in classroom structural stability; the Xuanguang Energy Barrier is about to break! Immediate evacuation is advised, otherwise there is a risk of collapse!]

“Quick! Speed up!” Li Rui shouted. He led his team members in supporting the injured students as they ran toward the safety zone, while the teachers followed closely behind, protecting the others. Just as they sprinted out of the rescue passage, the classroom collapsed with a thunderous roar. Debris and dust filled the air, blotting out the sky. The original classroom was instantly reduced to ruins, leaving everyone with a lingering sense of dread.

“That was close!” one teacher said fearfully, hugging a student tightly. Their body wouldn't stop shaking, and their face was filled with the relief of having survived a disaster.

Li Rui looked at the collapsed classroom, his heart full of lingering fear. If they had evacuated even a few seconds later, they would have all been buried under the rubble. He turned to the students and noticed a little girl with her head down, sobbing incessantly. Her shoulders trembled slightly, and she didn't join the other students in cheering, looking exceptionally lonely. Li Rui walked over and asked gently, “Little one, what’s wrong? Are you hurt anywhere? Tell me, and I’ll help you take care of it.”

The little girl looked up, her eyes blurred with tears and her face full of distress. She said, “My paintbrush... my paintbrush is still in the classroom... It was a birthday present from my mother, and I like it very much. Now I can’t find it...”

Li Rui’s heart softened. Looking at the collapsed classroom, he felt some hesitation. The classroom had completely caved in and was filled with debris; a secondary landslide could happen at any moment. Finding the paintbrush was almost impossible and extremely dangerous. But seeing the girl’s distressed eyes and remembering how he felt losing a cherished item as a child, he decided to try. “Wait for me here. I’ll go find your paintbrush for you. I’ll definitely bring it back!”

“Captain Li, it’s too dangerous! The classroom has completely collapsed, and a secondary landslide could occur at any time. The debris inside is very unstable; you can’t go in!” a team member urged, their tone filled with worry for Li Rui’s safety.

“I know, but we can’t let a child’s wish go unfulfilled,” Li Rui said firmly. “I’ll put on the Xuanguang protective suit and take the Xuanguang detection equipment. I’ll be back soon; there won’t be any danger.” With that, he donned the Xuanguang protective suit, activated the Xuanguang detection equipment, and walked toward the collapsed classroom. The Xuanguang detection equipment could penetrate earth and stone to precisely locate objects, providing a guarantee for his search. With the aid of the device, Li Rui carefully navigated through the ruins, avoiding loose debris. He soon found the girl’s paintbrush—it was a pink brush printed with her favorite cartoon characters, pinned under a rock but undamaged.

Just as he picked up the paintbrush and prepared to leave, a loud crash sounded behind him. A secondary landslide occurred, and a massive amount of earth and stone surged toward him at high speed. “Captain Li!” the team members shouted in panic. Some tried to rush in to save him but were held back by others, fearing further danger.

Li Rui’s heart tightened. He immediately channeled the Xuanguang Energy within him to form a golden Energy shield, firmly blocking the incoming debris. The rocks slammed against the shield with loud thuds, causing ripples across its surface, but it held firm. Taking the chance, he quickly ran out of the danger zone and back to safety. Though covered in dust, he tightly gripped the pink paintbrush, ensuring it remained completely unharmed.

“Uncle!” Seeing Li Rui return safely with her paintbrush, the little girl ran over excitedly. Her tears stopped instantly, and a long-absent smile appeared on her face.

Li Rui handed the paintbrush to the girl and said, “Little one, I found your paintbrush. Look, it’s not damaged at all.”

The little girl took the paintbrush and hugged it tightly to her chest. She thanked Li Rui repeatedly, “Thank you, Uncle! Thank you! You’re so kind!”

Li Rui smiled and said, “You’re welcome. Now, we’re going to take you to a safe place. There are warm rooms and good food there. Once the danger passes, I’ll send you Home.” He led his team, the students, and the teachers onto the Assault Boat and flew toward the safe zone. Inside the cabin, smiles gradually returned to the students' faces, and the teachers looked relieved.

At ten o'clock in the morning, the three rescue teams successfully completed their missions and returned to the Xuanguang Energy Base on time. Mu Li, Zhao Gang, and Li Rui returned to the Command Center. Without taking a moment to rest, they immediately checked with the Technical Team regarding the defense system's calibration, their minds constantly on the approaching Void Temple army.

“Engineer Mu, the defense system has been calibrated. We have deployed three layers of Xuanguang Energy defense nets on the outer perimeter of the Home’s atmosphere. These layers can effectively resist the Dark Energy attacks from the Void Temple and intercept their warships. Simultaneously, the Dark Energy tracking equipment has been activated, allowing us to track the position, numbers, and movement speed of the Void Temple army in real-time. We will report the latest developments to you at any time,” the Head of the Technical Team reported with a hint of pride and gravity.

Mu Li nodded and said, “Good, thank you for your hard work. Now, there are less than 12 hours until the Void Temple army arrives. Time is tight; we must be fully prepared. Zhao Gang, lead the Xuanguang Assault Team to the defensive positions on the outer atmosphere. Familiarize yourselves with the deployment and prepare for battle. Once the Void Temple army arrives, intercept them immediately; do not let them break through the defense nets. Li Rui, lead the remaining members to handle the base’s internal defense. Reinforce the base’s lines to prevent sneak attacks from the Void Temple’s vanguard. Guard the base’s core equipment and technical data. Technical Team, continue monitoring the Void Temple army’s movements. Watch their every move closely. Report any abnormalities to me immediately. There must be no negligence!”

“Understood!” everyone responded in unison, their voices firm and their eyes devoid of fear. Although they knew the upcoming battle would be exceptionally difficult, they held a steadfast belief—to protect their Home and their fellow citizens.

Just then, Mu Li’s private communicator rang. It was a message from the National Headquarters, filled with trust and expectation: “Engineer Mu, according to satellite monitoring, the Void Temple army has entered the Solar System and is expected to reach the Home’s atmosphere in 10 hours! Additionally, citizens across the country have basically been moved to underground air-raid shelters, and material reserves are in place. All emergency measures have been implemented. The nation believes in you, and the people of the entire country believe in you. Your Xuanguang Team will surely be able to protect our Home and repel the Void Temple’s invasion!”

A warm current surged through Mu Li’s heart, and his eyes grew slightly hot. He gripped the communicator and said firmly, “Please rest assured! The people of the whole country can rest assured! Our Xuanguang Team will do our utmost to hold the line and fight bravely. We will use our lives to protect our Home and the future of humanity. We will not fail the trust of the nation and its people!”

After hanging up, Mu Li walked to the window and looked at the sky. The weather had cleared, and sunlight spilled onto the grounds of the Xuanguang Energy Base, shimmering with a golden light that was warm and bright, as if the cold night and the perils of moments ago had already faded away. But Mu Li knew that behind this calm lay a massive crisis. The Void Temple army was coming, and a battle that would decide the fate of their Home was about to begin.

He clenched his fists, the Xuanguang Energy surging within him, and golden light flickered slightly at his fingertips. He thought of the baby rescued from Yapai Village, the young boy from the Snow Mountain Pasture, the students from the Mountain Primary School, and all the compatriots they had saved... Their smiles and their gratitude were the motivation for his fight and the meaning of his perseverance. He could not let them down, could not let Home fall into the hands of the Void Temple, and could not let the future of humanity sink into darkness.

"Void Temple, come at us!" Mu Li thought to himself, a resolute light flashing in his eyes. "We are ready! No matter how powerful you are, no matter how difficult the battle, we will be fearless and fight bravely until you are completely repelled!"

Meanwhile, in the depths of space, the Void Temple's flagship led countless warships, like a black tide, rapidly approaching Home with an aggressive momentum that blotted out the stars. Inside the flagship's Command Center, the Leader of the Void Temple sat in the command chair, watching Home on the screen. A sinister smile played on his lips, and his eyes glinted with greed and bloodlust: "Mu Li, Mystic Light Energy, this time you won't escape! Home will eventually fall into the hands of our Void Temple, Xuanguang Technology will be used by us, and humanity will ultimately become our slaves!"

Around the flagship, countless Dark Soldiers stood in formation on the decks of the warships. Clad in black armor, their eyes flashed with bloodlust, and their bodies emitted cold Dark Energy. They stood in perfect unison, awaiting the order to attack Home. Dark Energy surged within the fleet, forming a powerful energy storm that swept toward Home. Everywhere it passed, ripples appeared in space, filled with the aura of destruction.

Inside the Command Center of the Xuanguang Energy Base, the screen displayed the real-time position of the Void Temple's army. The dense red dots were like stars in the sky, rapidly closing in on Home. They were less than 10 hours away from Home's atmosphere. Mu Li took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and said to Zhao Gang and Li Rui, "Brothers, prepare for battle! In this fight, there is no retreat. We can only win; we cannot lose!"

"Yes!" Zhao Gang and Li Rui responded in unison, their eyes filled with firm conviction. Their Xuanguang Energy erupted quietly, a golden light enveloping them like armor, protecting their bodies. They knew the upcoming battle would be a fierce one—a struggle for the survival of Home and the future of humanity. But they were fearless because behind them were the Home and loved ones they had to protect, and the firm conviction in their hearts.

Members of the Xuanguang Assault Team had already boarded the Assault Boats, flying toward the defensive positions on the outer edge of the atmosphere. The engines of the Assault Boats roared, and golden Xuanguang Energy surged around the hulls, like starlight in the darkness, illuminating the way forward. Their figures gradually disappeared into the sky as they rushed toward the defensive positions, ready for the impending battle.

Internal defenses of the base had also been deployed. Xuanguang Energy Cannons were lined up around the base, their muzzles aimed at the sky, ready to fire at any moment. The team members stood ready, clutching their Xuanguang Energy Weapons, their gazes steady and alert as they watched the sky, prepared to counter any sneak attacks from the Void Temple and protect every inch of the base, as well as the core equipment and technical data.

Minutes and seconds ticked by as the arrival of the Void Temple's army drew closer. The atmosphere in the Command Center grew increasingly tense; everyone was on edge, not daring to be even slightly negligent, their eyes fixed on the Dark Energy signal curves on the screen, closely monitoring the movements of the Void Temple's army. Mu Li stood in the center of the command station, his eyes sharp as he silently counted down: "10, 9, 8..."

Just then, the system suddenly issued a sharp alarm: [System Alert: Detected that the Void Temple army has released a large number of Dark Energy Probes, currently flying toward Home in great numbers. They are expected to reach Home's atmosphere in 1 hour! They are suspected of being used to scout our defensive deployment and steal defensive intelligence!]

Mu Li's expression instantly became solemn, and a cold glint flashed in his eyes. "The Void Temple wants to scout our defenses in advance to prepare for their subsequent attack! Zhao Gang, order the Xuanguang Assault Team to immediately destroy these Dark Energy Probes. We must not let them get close to Home or allow our defensive deployment to be leaked!"

"Understood, Engineer Mu!" Zhao Gang's voice came through, his tone resolute. "I will issue the order immediately. The entire Xuanguang Assault Team will strike out and ensure all Dark Energy Probes are destroyed!"

In the outer atmosphere, the Xuanguang Assault Team's Assault Boats immediately adjusted their course and flew toward the Dark Energy Probes. Beams of golden Xuanguang Energy shot from the Assault Boats, accurately hitting the Dark Energy Probes. One after another, the Dark Energy Probes exploded in space, turning into fragments and dissipating into the vast universe. The team members attacked with all their might, not daring to slacken for a moment, each beam hitting its target precisely to destroy as many probes as possible.

However, there were too many Dark Energy Probes from the Void Temple, flying toward Home like a swarm of locusts—dense and continuous, as if they could never be fully destroyed. Although the Xuanguang Assault Team fought hard, some Dark Energy Probes still broke through the line of defense and sped toward Home, moving extremely fast in an attempt to scout the defensive deployment and transmit intelligence back to the Void Temple's flagship.

"Engineer Mu, some Dark Energy Probes have broken through the line of defense and are flying toward the ground. There are about a dozen of them, and they have already approached the edge of the atmosphere!" the Head of the Technical Team reported, his tone tinged with anxiety.

Mu Li's expression darkened even further, and a surge of anger rose in his heart. "Li Rui, order the base's internal defense forces to immediately activate the Xuanguang Energy Cannons and destroy those Dark Energy Probes that broke through! We must not let them scout our defensive deployment or give the Void Temple any opportunity!"

"Understood, Engineer Mu!" Li Rui immediately ordered. "Activate all Xuanguang Energy Cannons, aim at the Dark Energy Probes that broke through the defense, and attack with full force. Ensure they are all destroyed!"

The Xuanguang Energy Cannons around the base were activated immediately, firing golden energy beams into the sky like golden swords, accurately hitting the Dark Energy Probes that had broken through. Every explosion was accompanied by falling fragments of the probes. In less than ten minutes, all the Dark Energy Probes that had breached the defense were destroyed; not a single one could get near the ground, and no defensive intelligence was leaked.

After more than half an hour of fierce fighting, the Dark Energy Probes in the outer atmosphere were also completely destroyed by the Xuanguang Assault Team. The Void Temple's scouting plan was a total failure. But Mu Li knew this was only the beginning—just a prelude to the Void Temple's invasion. The real battle was yet to come. The Void Temple's army would soon arrive at Home, and an unprecedentedly fierce battle was imminent.

At this point, there were less than 8 hours left until the Void Temple's army reached Home's atmosphere. Everyone in the Xuanguang Team was prepared for battle. Clad in combat suits and holding Xuanguang Weapons, their eyes were firm, and their hearts were filled with courage and conviction. They would use their lives to protect Home and the future of humanity, using the light of Xuanguang to dispel the darkness and welcome hope.

Mu Li walked to the window again and looked at the sky outside. The sunlight was still bright, warmly bathing the land and illuminating every inch of the Xuanguang Energy Base, as well as the resolute figures of the team members. He thought of the people rescued during the missions, their smiles and words of gratitude, and the trust and expectations of the nation and the people. His heart was filled with strength and fighting spirit.

"No matter the cost, we must win!" Mu Li thought to himself, his eyes shining with a resolute light, like the brightest star in the night sky, guiding the way for everyone. The rescue in the cold night had ended, but the battle to protect Home had only just begun.