22: Chapter 22 Dual-Dimensional Counterattack! Locking Down the Enemy in Space, Breaking the Black Hand on the Financial Battlefield

The emergency intelligence from the China Security Bureau struck like a thunderbolt in Mu Li's office. Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapons hung in space like the Sword of Damocles; financial attacks surged as undercurrents, aimed directly at the foundation of the energy industry. With dual crises overlapping, the slightest misstep could lead to a total loss.

Mu Li did not panic at all. His fingertips tapped lightly on the tabletop as he quickly organized his thoughts in his mind. The space threat had the highest priority; he had to ensure precise monitoring and effective interception first. The financial battlefield required uniting domestic forces to launch a proactive counterattack and shatter the short-selling conspiracy.

"Chairman Zhang, how is the progress in coordinating with financial institutions?" Mu Li looked up and asked, his voice as steady as a mountain.

Zhang Hongyuan walked in quickly, his expression grave but carrying a hint of certainty: "We have already contacted the Central Bank, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, and the heads of several major state-owned banks. They all attach great importance to this and are urgently formulating response plans. Additionally, several leading domestic fund companies have expressed their willingness to unite to stabilize the stock prices of the new energy sector."

"Very good." Mu Li nodded. "Have them prepare funds immediately. Once signs of large-scale short-selling are detected, they must act decisively to protect the market. Furthermore, have Universal Energy's legal team compile evidence of international energy giants manipulating the market, and conduct an investigation in conjunction with the China Securities Regulatory Commission. If necessary, issue an international announcement to expose their conspiracy."

Just as he finished speaking, Academician Zhou Ming from the Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation called, his voice urgent: "Engineer Mu, we have expedited the testing of the Energy Detection Satellites. The on-orbit simulation tests for the core sensors have been completed, and the precision perfectly meets the requirements! However, the signals from the Star Alliance Nation's Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapons are very concealed. We need to deploy at least three detection satellites in low Earth orbit to achieve full-range monitoring."

"How long will it take to produce and launch three satellites?" Mu Li asked.

"According to the normal process, it would take at least a month. But since the situation is urgent, we have activated the emergency production plan and mobilized all available production lines. It is estimated that the assembly of the three satellites can be completed within ten days. Regarding the launch, the China National Space Administration has already coordinated the rocket launch window. Once the satellites are assembled, they can be launched within three days," said Academician Zhou Ming.

"Ten days... the time is too tight." Mu Li frowned. "The Star Alliance Nation's Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapons could launch an attack at any time; we must find a way to shorten the time. How about this: I will have the R&D team send several core members with energy signal enhancement technology to the Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation to assist you in optimizing the satellite's detection system and improving signal capture capabilities. This might shorten the assembly and testing time to seven days."

"That's great! With your technical support, we can definitely speed up the process!" Academician Zhou Ming said excitedly.

After hanging up the phone, Mu Li immediately arranged for Dr. Chen to lead three core engineers to rush to the Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation with technical data. Subsequently, he opened the system panel, looked at the remaining 57,000 system points, and decisively exchanged them for the "Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapon Interception Algorithm" and the "Financial Market Risk Prediction Model."

[Exchange successful! The Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapon Interception Algorithm has been issued. It can precisely calculate the trajectory of incoming targets, optimize the interception parameters of Directed Energy Defense Weapons, and improve the interception success rate.]

[Exchange successful! The Financial Market Risk Prediction Model has been unlocked. It can monitor global financial market dynamics in real-time, accurately predict the flow of short-selling funds and attack nodes, and provide data support for counterattacks.]

Mu Li immediately forwarded the interception algorithm to Academician Zhou Ming and sent the financial risk prediction model to Zhang Hongyuan, asking him to share it with domestic financial institutions. With the core technical support provided by the system, he felt more confident in dealing with the dual crisis.

Early the next morning, the first shot was fired in the financial market. After the opening, the new energy sector of the A-share Market suddenly encountered large-scale short-selling. The stock prices of related companies such as Universal Energy and Huaguang Rare Earth plummeted. Within just half an hour, Universal Energy's stock price dropped by 8%, with its market value evaporating by over ten billion.

"Engineer Mu, the short-selling funds mainly come from several overseas hedge funds, backed by funding from international energy giants!" Zhang Hongyuan called anxiously.

"Have the financial institutions act as planned!" Mu Li ordered in a deep voice. "At the same time, release Universal Energy's latest positive announcement. Make public the news of the successful mass production of Rare-earth-free Permanent Magnets and the smooth progress of the pilot projects to stabilize market confidence."

Upon receiving the instructions, several major domestic state-owned banks and fund companies acted immediately, with massive amounts of capital continuously pouring into the new energy sector. Universal Energy's positive announcement was also released simultaneously, and market sentiment reversed instantly. The stock prices that were originally falling began to rebound rapidly, recovering all lost ground within half an hour and even rising by 5%, leaving the short-selling funds firmly trapped.

However, the international energy giants did not stop there. In the afternoon, they collaborated with overseas media to release fake news about "Universal Energy's technical fraud," attempting to suppress the stock price again. Meanwhile, in the Hong Kong and US stock markets, short-selling of Universal Energy-related concept stocks also commenced in full force.

"Engineer Mu, they've started linked short-selling across global markets!" Zhang Hongyuan's voice carried a hint of tension. "The related stocks in the Hong Kong and US markets have already dropped by more than 10%, and overseas hedge funds are still continuously increasing their leverage to short."

"Activate the financial risk prediction model and lock onto their fund flows and leverage nodes," Mu Li said calmly. "Have the China Securities Regulatory Commission issue a clarification announcement to expose the fake news from overseas media. At the same time, contact overseas Chinese-funded institutions and friendly funds to unite for a counterattack. Additionally, have the legal team submit a complaint to IOSCO, accusing the international energy giants of illegal market manipulation."

The gamble in the financial market entered a white-hot stage. Under the precise guidance of the financial risk prediction model provided by Mu Li, the domestic team accurately targeted the weak points of the short-selling funds and concentrated their strength to counterattack. Overseas Chinese-funded institutions also responded one after another, joining the ranks to protect the market.

By the time the market closed that day, the new energy sector in the global financial markets had fully rebounded. Universal Energy's related concept stocks in the Hong Kong and US markets both rose by more than 10%, causing the short-selling funds to suffer heavy losses. The financial attack meticulously planned by the international energy giants not only failed to disrupt the market but instead significantly increased Universal Energy's popularity, as more investors began to pay attention to this Chinese enterprise that possessed core technologies.

While the first battle on the financial battlefield was won, the development of the space defense system was also progressing intensely. After Dr. Chen's R&D team arrived at the Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, they worked closely with aerospace experts, using energy signal enhancement technology to optimize the satellite's detection system. The satellite assembly and testing work, which originally required ten days, was completed in just six days.

"Engineer Mu, the three Energy Detection Satellites have been assembled, and all performance indicators have met the design requirements. They can be launched at any time!" Academician Zhou Ming called excitedly.

"Excellent! Have the launch base get ready and arrange the launch as soon as possible!" Mu Li was delighted.

Three days later, the rocket carrying the three Energy Detection Satellites was successfully launched from the Satellite Launch Center. The rocket smoothly entered the predetermined orbit, and the three satellites separated in sequence and began their work. After debugging, the satellites successfully entered their predetermined positions in low Earth orbit, forming a global energy detection network.

"Engineer Mu, the detection satellites have been successfully deployed! We have captured the exact location and signal characteristics of the Star Alliance Nation's Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapon and are monitoring its movements in real-time!" Academician Zhou Ming's voice was full of excitement.

Mu Li opened his computer, and the screen displayed real-time footage transmitted back by the satellites. In the footage, an object shaped like a missile was operating in low Earth orbit; it was exactly the Star Alliance Nation's Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapon. The satellites not only precisely locked onto its position but also monitored its energy changes and orbital adjustments in real-time.

"With this detection network, we can provide early warnings for any aggressive intentions." Mu Li breathed a sigh of relief. "Have the R&D team speed up the ground testing of the Directed Energy Defense Weapons. Once there is any movement from the Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapon, we must ensure a precise interception."

Just as a major breakthrough was achieved in the space defense system, good news also arrived from the pilot projects. The docking teams sent to Shanghai and Shen City successfully completed the site selection for the pilot projects. The Shanghai pilot project will be located in the High-Tech Industrial Park in Pudong New Area, while the Shen City pilot project will be located in the New Energy Industrial Base in Nanshan District. Both local governments stated that they would provide the most favorable policies and highest quality services to ensure the smooth progress of the projects.

"Engineer Mu, the preliminary geological surveys and planning designs for the Shanghai and Shen City pilot projects have been completed. Construction is expected to officially begin next week!" Zhang Hongyuan reported the good news.

"Excellent! Have the project teams accelerate their progress and strive to complete construction and begin production as soon as possible," Mu Li said. "The success of these pilot projects is key to breaking the blockade of international forces and proving our technical strength. We must go all out."

However, the crisis had not been completely resolved. The China Security Bureau sent another emergency intelligence report: "Engineer Mu, we have monitored signs of recent orbital adjustments by the Star Alliance Nation's Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapons. The targets appear to be directed at our country's satellite launch centers and the site of the Shanghai new energy pilot project. Additionally, remnants of the Shadow Organization are planning to carry out a terrorist attack during the commencement ceremony of the Shanghai pilot project."

"They really don't give up!" Mu Li's gaze instantly turned cold. "Immediately notify the satellite launch centers and Shanghai's security departments to strengthen preventive measures. Have the Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation speed up the ground testing of their Directed Energy Defense Weapons and be ready for interception at any time. Furthermore, have the China Security Bureau personnel conduct a full investigation to root out any Shadow Organization sleeper agents in Shanghai; they must all be captured before the commencement ceremony."

"Understood! We have activated the highest level of security protocols and will surely ensure the safety of the pilot project's commencement ceremony and the satellite launch centers!" a staff member from the China Security Bureau stated.

Over the next few days, Mu Li devoted himself entirely to coordinating and advancing various tasks. Ground testing of the Directed Energy Defense Weapons progressed smoothly, achieving a 100% success rate in multiple simulated interception tests. The China Security Bureau also successfully captured 12 Shadow Organization sleeper agents in Shanghai, seizing a large quantity of explosives and weapons. Preparations for the commencement ceremony of the Shanghai pilot project were also proceeding in an orderly fashion.

A week later, the Shanghai new energy pilot project officially broke ground. At the commencement ceremony site, colorful flags fluttered and drums and gongs resounded. Mu Li, Zhang Hongyuan, and relevant leaders from Shanghai attended the ceremony. Security measures at the scene were extremely tight, with special security personnel stationed at every corner and energy warning devices fully activated.

Just as the commencement ceremony reached its critical stage and Mu Li was preparing to announce the start of the project, the Space Monitoring Center suddenly sent an emergency alert: "Engineer Mu! The Star Alliance Nation's Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapons have suddenly adjusted their orbits and are moving at high speed toward the Shanghai pilot project. They are expected to arrive over the target in 15 minutes!"

The scene instantly fell into chaos; everyone turned pale and was overcome with panic.

"Everyone, do not panic!" Mu Li shouted loudly, his voice steady and powerful, instantly stabilizing the emotions of those present. "Our Directed Energy Defense Weapons are ready, and we will definitely intercept the incoming targets!"

He immediately picked up the walkie-talkie and gave the order to the Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation's monitoring center: "Activate the Directed Energy Defense Weapons and intercept the targets precisely according to the parameters calculated by the interception algorithm!"

"Copy that! Directed Energy Defense Weapons activated, locking onto targets!" the monitoring center staff replied.

Time ticked by, each second feeling as long as a century. Everyone's eyes were focused on the sky, their hearts filled with trepidation and prayers.

Five minutes later, the monitoring center reported a victory: "Engineer Mu! The target has been precisely locked! Directed Energy Defense Weapon ready for launch! 3! 2! 1! Fire!"

A dazzling blue beam of light shot up from the ground, flying toward the Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapon with lightning speed. The beam traced a beautiful arc in the sky and precisely struck the high-speed moving Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapon.

Boom!

A massive explosion echoed in the sky as the Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapon was instantly destroyed, turning into countless fragments that burned up upon entering the atmosphere.

Thunderous cheers erupted at the scene, and everyone was moved to tears of excitement. Mu Li stood on the podium with a gratified smile on his face. The space threat had been successfully neutralized!

Just then, Zhang Hongyuan brought good news from the financial battlefield: "Engineer Mu, the short-selling capital of the international energy giants has been completely defeated! Their short-selling losses in the global market exceed one hundred billion, and several hedge funds involved are on the brink of bankruptcy! The China Securities Regulatory Commission has opened a case for investigation and has obtained key evidence of their market manipulation. The IOSCO has also stated they will intervene in the investigation!"

The dual crisis was fully resolved!

The commencement ceremony continued, and Mu Li announced the official start of the Shanghai new energy pilot project. The applause and cheers at the scene were unending, and domestic and foreign media reporters raised their cameras to record this historic moment.

That night, the system's voice sounded in Mu Li's mind: [Detected that the host successfully neutralized the threat of Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapons and international financial attacks, and pushed forward the commencement of the pilot project. Completed the 'Two-Dimensional Counterattack' plot challenge. Gained 60,000 system points. Current system points: 57,000 - 30,000 (exchanged for two technologies) + 60,000 = 87,000 points.]

[New function unlocked: Global Energy Security Monitoring System. Can monitor the security status of global energy facilities in real-time and provide early warnings for various security threats.]

[Reward obtained: Key Technologies for Commercial Application of Controllable Nuclear Fusion. Can accelerate the commercial implementation process of Controllable Nuclear Fusion technology.]

Mu Li was ecstatic. The 87,000 system points, along with the newly acquired key technologies for the commercial application of Controllable Nuclear Fusion, brought him a big step closer to achieving the goal of a global energy revolution.

However, Mu Li did not relax in the slightest. He knew that the international energy giants and Western powers would never give up; they would surely plot new conspiracies and challenges. But he was already fully prepared.

Next, he would push forward the following tasks with all his might: accelerate the research and development of Controllable Nuclear Fusion technology to achieve commercial application as soon as possible; advance the construction of pilot projects nationwide so that Wireless Power Transmission Technology can benefit more people quickly; strengthen the construction of the space defense system to build an indestructible space security line; and simultaneously actively expand international cooperation to bring China's new energy technology to more friendly nations.

Late at night, Mu Li stood before the floor-to-ceiling window of his hotel, overlooking the brilliant night view of Shanghai. The waters of the Hujiang River shimmered, and the lights on both banks complemented each other, forming a beautiful picture.

He knew that this global energy revolution had entered a new stage. His energy empire had stood firm amidst the storms and was growing stronger step by step.

Technology is king, and strength is supreme. Anyone who tries to block his progress will be completely crushed by him! In the future, he will lead his team to write a glorious chapter of China's energy rise with more advanced technology and stronger power, letting the whole world witness the power of Chinese technology!

At that moment, in the Oval Office of the White House in the Star Alliance Nation, the President was raging at the Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy: "Didn't you say the Space-based Kinetic Energy Weapons were foolproof? Didn't you say the financial attack could completely bring down Universal Energy? How did it turn out like this!"

The Secretary of Defense and the Secretary of Energy lowered their heads without saying a word. They knew that this failure meant the Star Alliance Nation's hegemony in the energy and space sectors was now being seriously challenged.

"Immediately launch the 'Star Wars 2.0' plan and increase investment in the research and development of space weapons! Additionally, contact other Western countries to form a new technical blockade alliance. We absolutely cannot let China's new energy technology continue to grow and develop!" the President said through gritted teeth.

A new storm was brewing. Mu Li's path to an energy empire was still full of challenges. But his eyes were firm and his fighting spirit was high, ready to face new battles!