219: Chapter 218 Xuan Guang's Attack! A Perilous Ambush on the Return Journey, Upholding the Original Aspiration to Protect the Vast Territory (2)

Hearing this, Mu Li breathed a slight sigh of relief, and his tense nerves relaxed a little, but he did not slack off in the slightest.

He understood that this was merely a stopgap measure; the energy of the backup xuanguang crystal was limited and could not last long. Furthermore, the enemy's attacks had never ceased. They had to find a chance to break through as soon as possible or wait for support from the base; otherwise, they would still face the fate of being annihilated.

Just then, the black aircraft on the left suddenly broke through the terrain restrictions. Relying on its agile fuselage, it forced itself close to the canyon rock wall and launched a fierce attack on the xuanguang assault boat.

A barrage of bullets, like a torrential downpour, rained down densely upon the Xuanguang Energy Shield, emitting a rapid "patter" sound. The shield's light fluctuated violently once more, and the rate of energy consumption accelerated instantly.

"Engineer Mu, the energy consumption of the left shield is too fast; it has dropped to 20%! We won't be able to hold on much longer!" the technician warned again, their voice filled with anxiety and a hint of despair.

"Abandon the left shield and concentrate all energy on the front and right sides!" Mu Li decided instantly, without a moment's hesitation. "Pilot, turn right immediately, avoid the enemy's attacks with all your might, fly close to the right rock wall, and use the rock wall to block their fire!"

The pilot immediately maneuvered the Assault Boat to turn sharply right, the fuselage nearly scraping the right rock wall, barely dodging the enemy's dense attack. However, because the left Xuanguang Energy Shield lost its energy support, it shattered instantly, exposing the cold metal shell of the Assault Boat. The steep rock wall was right at hand; if it were attacked again and the shell was pierced, the consequences would be unimaginable.

"Engineer Mu, this can't go on!" Zhao Gang said anxiously, his tone tinged with despair. "The enemy's attacks are becoming increasingly fierce, our Xuanguang Energy is depleting day by day, and sooner or later we will be worn down to death here! How about we abandon the boat and break through? The terrain in the canyon is complex and the woods are dense; the enemy's aircraft cannot search at low altitude. If we disperse, perhaps there is still a glimmer of hope, and at least we can preserve the core data of Xuanguang Technology!"

Mu Li shook his head slowly, his eyes firm, his tone brooking no argument: "No! We absolutely cannot abandon the boat! The xuanguang assault boat stores the core data of Xuanguang Technology, as well as all the research materials for the grassroots line renovation. Once we abandon the boat, these precious materials are very likely to fall into the enemy's hands, and the consequences would be unimaginable. Moreover, since the enemy carefully planned this ambush, they must have deployed ground personnel around the canyon, creating layers of blockades. Abandoning the boat to break through would only be more dangerous, and we would just be annihilated one by one. We must hold onto the Assault Boat and persist until the base's support arrives; this is our only hope and our mission."

He knew in his heart that after the base received their warning message upon departure, it would certainly dispatch a support unit immediately, but since communications were cut off, they could not know the specific progress of the support. The most critical thing right now was to grit their teeth and persist, to get through this difficult time. As long as they waited for the support to arrive, they could turn the danger into safety, protect Xuanguang Technology, and safeguard the light and hope for the grassroots people.

Just then, the private communicator in Mu Li's pocket suddenly vibrated slightly. The faint tremor seemed exceptionally clear amidst the noisy alarms and explosions. He was slightly stunned, then immediately realized—the private communicator used the highest level of encryption, and the signal frequency band was special; the enemy's jamming equipment could not completely block it. This might be their only chance to call for help, and the only channel to obtain information from the outside world.

Mu Li immediately took out the private communicator, his fingertips trembling slightly as he tapped the screen. The screen displayed a text message from the base's security department. The words were few, but like a beam of light in the darkness, it illuminated everyone's hope: "Support unit has departed, expected to arrive in one hour. Please hold on, protect the core data, we will arrive as soon as possible, we will never abandon anyone!"

"We are saved! We are saved!" Mu Li felt a warmth in his heart, and the emotions suppressed for many days finally eased a little. He immediately announced this news loudly to everyone in the cabin, his voice carrying a hint of imperceptible excitement. "The base support unit will arrive in one hour! Everyone, hold on for a little longer. As long as we get through this hour, we can return to the base safely and continue to protect the light of thousands of households at the grassroots level!"

This news was like a shot of adrenaline, instantly injected into everyone's hearts. The crowd, originally low in morale and filled with despair, rekindled the flame of hope. The panic on their faces gradually faded, replaced by firm conviction. Everyone cheered up, endured their injuries, performed their duties, and dealt with the enemy's attacks with all their might. No one complained, no one retreated; everyone was gritting their teeth and persevering, just to hold onto this glimmer of life, to protect the future of Xuanguang Technology, and to protect the expectations of the grassroots people.

However, the unidentified forces clearly did not want to give them the opportunity to hold out until support arrived, nor did they want them to have even the slightest breathing room. The three black aircraft suddenly changed tactics, no longer attacking separately, but adjusting their positions simultaneously to launch a fierce frontal assault on the xuanguang assault boat. Dense missiles and bullets came like a tide, overwhelming and leaving no gaps. The light of the Xuanguang Energy Shield dimmed at a speed visible to the naked eye, and the energy reserves drained away rapidly.

"Engineer Mu, the Xuanguang Energy Shield has only 10% energy left! It can no longer withstand any attacks! The shield may shatter at any moment!" The technician's voice carried a crying tone, but they still struggled to operate the equipment, trying to delay the energy consumption and using their last ounce of strength to protect everyone's safety.

"Pilot, activate the Xuanguang Sprint Mode immediately! Maximum power, smash through the obstacles ahead, and break out of the canyon!" Mu Li ordered loudly, his tone resolute. "The Xuanguang Sprint Mode is our last emergency escape function. Although it will cause serious damage to the engine and may even lead to the engine being scrapped, this is our only chance to break through the enemy's blockade!"

"Understood! Xuanguang Sprint Mode activated! Engine power maximized!" A flash of determination crossed the pilot's eyes as they gripped the control stick tightly, using all their strength to operate the equipment and pinning all their hopes on this final sprint.

Boom!

The xuanguang assault boat's engine emitted a thunderous roar, and its tail ejected a dazzling golden light. The light was blinding, like a scorching sun in the sky, and the speed instantly soared to the extreme, like an arrow off the string, speeding towards the canyon exit. The two black aircraft in front had no time to react and were knocked off balance by the powerful impact of the Assault Boat. Their fuselages shook violently, and one of them crashed directly into the steep canyon rock wall, causing a violent explosion. Flames soared into the sky, thick smoke billowed, and it instantly turned into a pile of wreckage, dissipating in the canyon.

"We succeeded! We broke through the blockade!" The people in the cabin couldn't help but cheer, their faces revealing long-lost smiles. The fatigue and fear of the past few days were dispelled a little by this brief victory, and the hope of survival rekindled in their eyes.

But there was no smile on Mu Li's face; he remained solemn, looking out the window with sharp eyes. He knew that this was only a temporary victory. The remaining two black aircraft would soon adjust their positions and pursue them again. Moreover, the duration of the Xuanguang Sprint Mode was limited; once the energy was exhausted, the engine would completely fail, and they would fall into danger again, perhaps even more difficult than before.

Sure enough, in less than a minute, the remaining two black aircraft had readjusted their positions and were chasing the xuanguang assault boat like mad dogs, their speed undiminished. The weapons under their fuselages locked onto them again, ready to launch a fatal blow at any time. Even worse, the xuanguang assault boat's engine, due to overload, had begun to suffer serious malfunctions, emitting "click-clack" abnormal noises. Its speed gradually slowed, and the golden light at the tail became much dimmer, like a candle in the wind, ready to go out at any moment.

"Engineer Mu, engine failure! Cannot continue to maintain the Xuanguang Sprint Mode! Speed is dropping rapidly! If this continues, the engine will be completely scrapped soon!" the pilot shouted anxiously, their voice full of despair. Their hands were still struggling to control it, but they couldn't stop the speed from sliding, and their eyes were filled with helplessness.

Mu Li gritted his teeth and made a difficult and resolute decision in his heart—he could not let everyone die with him, and he could not let the core data of Xuanguang Technology fall into the enemy's hands. He turned to look at Zhao Gang, his eyes firm, his tone brooking no argument, carrying a hint of heaviness: "Zhao Gang, you lead the technicians and other colleagues to evacuate in the small Xuanguang escape pod! I will pilot the Assault Boat to attract the enemy's attention and buy you enough escape time. You must take the core data of Xuanguang Technology and return to the base safely!"

"No! Engineer Mu, if we go, we go together! I cannot let you stay here alone!" Zhao Gang immediately refused, his tone firm, his eyes instantly turning red. "You are the backbone of the Xuanguang Team, our reliance. Without you, the Xuanguang Team will fall apart, and the grassroots power work will not be able to continue! If there is to be a rearguard, it should be me. You take everyone and go!"

"This is an order!" Mu Li's tone became stern, his eyes cold and firm, with no room for discussion. "Zhao Gang, remember, the core data of Xuanguang Technology is more important than anyone's life. It concerns the light and hope of the grassroots people, and it concerns the country's energy security; it must absolutely not fall into the enemy's hands! You lead everyone back to the base safely, hand the data to the R&D department, and continue to promote the grassroots line renovation work; this is the top priority! I am the head of the Xuanguang Team; protecting Xuanguang Technology and protecting everyone is my responsibility. I will stay here for the rearguard!"

He knew in his heart what this decision meant—staying behind was almost a dead end, but he had no choice. To protect the core data of Xuanguang Technology, to let his colleagues escape safely, and to hold onto the hope of the grassroots people, he had to step forward, even if he had to pay with his own life. This was his original intention, and it was his mission. From the moment he joined the Xuanguang Team and devoted himself to the grassroots power cause, he had long been prepared to sacrifice, willing to use his own persistence to protect the lights of thousands of households.

"Engineer Mu..." Zhao Gang wanted to say something more, but was stopped by Mu Li's stern gaze. He looked at Mu Li's firm eyes, knowing that he couldn't persuade him, and also knowing that Mu Li's decision was correct. His eyes instantly moistened, and tears swirled in his eyes, but he held them back, refusing to let them fall. He knew that this was not the time for sentimentality; he had to lead everyone away safely, could not fail Mu Li's sacrifice and expectations, and could not let the hope of Xuanguang Technology be extinguished here.

"No time! Carry out the order immediately!" Mu Li shouted loudly, his tone urgent. At the same time, he quickly operated the virtual light screen, backing up all the core data of Xuanguang Technology onto a small encrypted chip. He carefully took out the chip, stuffed it into Zhao Gang's hand, grasped his hand tightly, and said in a heavy but firm tone: "Give this to the base R&D department, you must protect it well, try your best to hold onto Xuanguang Technology, continue to promote the grassroots line renovation, let the light of Xuanguang illuminate every grassroots village, protect the lights of thousands of households, and do not fail the original intention or the mission!"

"Engineer Mu, you must take care! We will definitely bring the support unit back to save you! We definitely will!" Zhao Gang took the encrypted chip and gripped it tightly, as if clutching the future of the entire Xuanguang Team, and also clutching Mu Li's hope. He nodded forcefully, and tears finally couldn't help but fall. His tone was full of guilt and determination: "I will definitely protect the data and complete the task you entrusted to me; I will never let you down!"

"Don't worry, I'll be fine." Mu Li smiled, his smile carrying a hint of resolution and also a hint of relief. "Go quickly! There's not much time left; the enemy will catch up soon!"

Zhao Gang no longer hesitated. He immediately wiped away his tears, turned around, and led the other colleagues to rush quickly towards the small Xuanguang escape pod. The escape pod hatch opened slowly, and everyone entered in an orderly manner, without any panic. Everyone's face carried heaviness and determination—they knew that they shouldered an important mission; they could not fail Mu Li's sacrifice and could not let the hard work of Xuanguang Technology go down the drain.

As the escape pod hatch slowly closed, the side hatch of the xuanguang assault boat opened. The escape pod, like a meteor carrying everyone's hope, flew rapidly towards the mountain forest below, soon disappearing into the dense trees and hiding among the green mountains and waters.

Seeing this, the remaining two black aircraft immediately split one off, changed direction, and pursued the escape pod, clearly unwilling to let anyone go, and even less willing to let the core data of Xuanguang Technology slip away. The other one continued to approach the xuanguang assault boat piloted by Mu Li, the weapons under its fuselage locking onto the target again, clearly treating Mu Li as the primary target, vowing to annihilate him completely first.

"Want to chase? Not that easy!" Mu Li snorted coldly, his eyes icy. Controlling the damaged xuanguang assault boat, he suddenly changed direction and rushed towards the black aircraft pursuing the escape pod. The engine emitted a final roar, and the speed increased a little more. He wanted to interfere with the enemy as much as possible, delay time, and buy enough evacuation time for the escape pod, so that Zhao Gang and the others could hide safely, return to the base smoothly, and protect the hope of Xuanguang Technology.

"Whoosh—"

Mu Li controlled the Assault Boat and quickly fired the last few Xuanguang interference flares. The flares exploded instantly in the air, turning into clusters of golden smoke. The smoke contained majestic Xuanguang Energy, which could effectively interfere with the enemy's radar locking system, making it impossible for them to precisely locate the escape pod, thus buying precious time for the escape pod's evacuation.

The black aircraft pursuing the escape pod was indeed interfered with; its radar system failed instantly, unable to lock onto the escape pod's position, and it had to temporarily give up the pursuit, adjust its posture, and avoid the influence of the interference flares, attempting to re-lock onto the target. Taking advantage of this precious gap, the small Xuanguang escape pod landed smoothly in the mountain forest. Zhao Gang and the others immediately abandoned the pod, quickly drilled into the dense woods, used the complex terrain to hide their figures, and disappeared into the vast sea of forest, temporarily escaping danger.

Seeing the escape pod successfully escape, Mu Li's suspended heart finally relaxed a little, and a smile of relief appeared on his face. But at this moment, the two black aircraft had already reunited and launched a final fierce attack on his xuanguang assault boat. Missiles and bullets from under the fuselage came densely, without the slightest mercy. The Xuanguang Energy Shield of the xuanguang assault boat had long since shattered, the engine was frequently malfunctioning, and the fuselage was damaged in many places, making it impossible to carry out effective defense. Every impact made the boat shake violently, and it could disintegrate and collapse at any time.

"Boom!"