123: Cracks under the foundation

Liranta's betrayal, like a giant rock thrown into a calm lake, stirred up monstrous waves in the "Star Language" Network. The news could not be completely suppressed, especially as the Sharp Advance Collective and its allies began to spread carefully edited and distorted information through channels they controlled—portraying Liranta as an "awakened one" who saw through Lin Mo's "weak leadership," calling the "Evolution Faction spark" an opportunity to lead the alliance to "true strength," and subtly implying that the tide of delusion might be related to earlier laboratory attacks, attempting to confuse the public.

Trust, the most fundamental bond holding the alliance together, had a deep rift.

In the Watch Outpost command center, the atmosphere was as heavy as iron.

"The Sharp Advance Collective and its seventeen publicly affiliated civilizations have unilaterally announced their withdrawal from the Star Language Council's regular deliberation mechanism and have blocked deep network access to their core star systems," Xiao Li's voice carried suppressed anger. On the holographic star map, large areas turned dark red, representing alert. "They claim this is 'a temporary self-preservation measure based on the alliance's current chaotic situation,' and demand 'a thorough investigation' into the leadership's 'decision-making errors' and 'internal security risks.'"

"They're stalling for time, and testing our reaction," Wu Yong slammed his fist on the control panel, leaving a shallow dent. "That bitch Liranta must have taken the stolen data and hidden with them! What 'myriad phenomena astrolabe'? I think it's just an excuse for them to realize their ambitions!"

Doctor Einstein's projection appeared exceptionally serious: "The more serious problem is technical. Liranta was deeply involved in the maintenance of the keystone probe network and some Genesis Blueprint sub-permissions. She knows our defensive weaknesses and monitoring blind spots. If she shares these with the Sharp Advance Collective..."

"How is Sola?" Lin Mo interrupted the doctor. His voice was calm, but those who knew him could feel the undercurrent surging beneath that calmness.

Ling Shuang had just returned from the medical bay, her face showing fatigue and sadness: "Her vital signs are stable, but her consciousness is severely damaged, especially the part connected to the Void Whisperer's main consciousness, which was almost forcibly torn apart. She won't wake up in the short term, and certainly can't provide more information about the 'spark' and the details of the attack. The Void Whisperer collective expresses strong anger about this; they believe it's a desecration of the guardians of knowledge. Some extreme consciousnesses even demand a... 'purification' at the consciousness level for the Sharp Advance Collective and its associated civilizations."

Internal and external troubles were on the verge of erupting. On one side was the blatant split and potential military threat from the radical faction; on the other, the grief and distrust of important allies, and internally, widespread panic and suspicion caused by betrayal.

Lin Mo was silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over every core member present, over the glaring red areas on the star map. He slowly spoke, issuing a series of clear and calm commands:

"First, Wu Yong, immediately raise the entire army's combat readiness level to 'amber.' The Watchers' rapid response forces are to enter maximum alert, closely monitoring all military movements of the rebellious factions, especially the assembly of their main fleets. But until the other side fires the first shot, we will not act."

"Second, Doctor Einstein, lead the technical team to immediately conduct an emergency security review and key rotation for all keystone probes, Genesis Blueprint sub-permissions, and core network protocols. I want you to build an 'internal firewall' that Liranta cannot easily penetrate within forty-eight hours."

"Third, Ling Shuang, you are to personally communicate with the Void Whisperers and other uneasy allied civilizations. Express our deepest apologies and our determination to investigate to the end, promise to share the final investigation results, and invite them to send representatives to join a special investigation team. We must stabilize them; the alliance cannot withstand a second split."

"Fourth, Xiao Li, activate the 'Truth echo' protocol. Broadcast the raw data of the laboratory attack (excluding core secrets), evidence of Liranta's betrayal, and our proof of innocence regarding the tide of delusion to the entire "Star Language" Network with the highest authority. No concealment, no embellishment; let all civilizations judge for themselves. At the same time, announce the establishment of a special investigation committee composed of representatives from neutral civilizations to thoroughly investigate this incident."

"Fifth, and most importantly," Lin Mo's gaze sharpened, "I will personally attempt a deep connection with the tide of delusion. Liranta tried to frame it; there must be a purpose behind this. Perhaps the tide of delusion can provide us with unexpected clues."

The orders were swiftly carried out. The Watch Outpost, like a precise war machine, began to operate at high speed and efficiency.

---

Meanwhile, in the "Efficiency Core" star system controlled by the Sharp Advance Collective.

Liranta's figure appeared in a highly confidential holographic communication room. The one speaking with her was the Sharp Advance Collective's Supreme Executive—an existence whose consciousness was as precisely cut as a cold diamond, codenamed "Logic Core."

"Data has been initially verified," Liranta's voice showed no emotional fluctuation, as if stating a fact unrelated to her. "The theoretical foundation of the 'Evolution Faction spark' indeed transcends the limitations of the current Architect system, especially in terms of rule plasticity and directed guidance. The myriad phenomena astrolabe is the key interface for activating and manipulating the 'spark.' According to the guidance of the Void Whisperer's fragmented memories, it may exist within a peculiar rule anomaly zone called the Nexus of Myriad Laws."

"Lin Mo's reaction?" Logic Core's stream of consciousness was cold and direct.

"He is expected to conduct internal rectification and public opinion counterattacks, but based on his inherent 'moral shackles,' the Possibility of initiating a military attack is less than 17%. This is our best window to acquire the 'astrolabe.'"

"Are you sure your actions left no evidence traceable to us?"

"The technical disguise and rule signatures used in the attack are sufficient to direct initial suspicion towards the tide of delusion or other unstable factors within the network. Even if Lin Mo suspects us, he won't easily start a civil war before conclusive evidence emerges. His cherished 'unity' ties his hands," Liranta's analysis was ruthless and precise.

"Very good." A flicker of almost pleasure passed through Logic Core's consciousness. "The new steady state is too slow and inefficient. The universe needs strong guidance and optimization, not endless discussions and compromises. We will prove that 'efficiency' is the only truth for civilization's survival and development. Locate the Nexus of Myriad Laws as soon as possible; all necessary resources can be deployed."

The communication ended. Liranta stood alone in the empty room, data streams flowing calmly in her eyes. For her, betrayal had nothing to do with personal emotion; it was merely a rational choice based on higher efficiency and development probability. Lin Mo's path was full of uncertainty and "redundancy," while the Sharp Advance Collective's philosophy, though radical, pointed to a clearer, more controllable path to strength.

---

Watch Outpost, Lin Mo's private meditation room.

Lin Mo cast aside distracting thoughts, his consciousness sinking into the depths of the Genesis Blueprint, sending a connection request along a rarely used rule link specifically for high-level communication with the tide of delusion.

After a moment's wait, that familiar, cold and vast consciousness accepted him. But unlike the purely observational and neutral feeling of the past, this time, Lin Mo clearly perceived a trace of... offended anger surging in the underlying consciousness of the tide of delusion.

"[Identifier: Lin Mo. Request connection. Subject: Internal betrayal and framing incident.]" Lin Mo cut straight to the point.

"[Perceived. Trust game between inefficient life forms. Logical loopholes exploited.]" The tide of delusion's response was still concise and cold, but the displeasure was like an undercurrent beneath ice.

"[The attacker used a forged rule signature of yours. We need to know if you detected any anomalies, or if you have any understanding of the traitor Liranta and the Sharp Advance Collective's target—the myriad phenomena astrolabe?]"

"[Signature forgery technical level: High. Source: Partially based on reverse engineering of early interaction data.] [Target: myriad phenomena astrolabe. Database correlation information: extremely scarce. Marked as 'Pre-Architect Era - Forbidden Creation.' Associated permissions: 'initial designers - Evolution Faction.' Warning: This creation contains the essence of rule fluidity. Control risk: extremely high. Contact by unstable consciousnesses may lead to... rule dissolution or logical collapse.]"

Rule dissolution? Logical collapse? Lin Mo's heart trembled. Was the power of this myriad phenomena astrolabe so terrifying?

"[The Sharp Advance Collective and its allies have de facto split. They seek the 'astrolabe' to implement their 'rule gardening' philosophy. What do you think is their success Probability?]" Lin Mo asked the most critical question.

"[Sharp Advance Collective Logic Core: Pursuit of absolute efficiency and order. Fundamental paradox exists with the myriad phenomena astrolabe's essence (rule fluidity).] [Forced manipulation Probability results: 99.73% leads to localized rule collapse; 0.27% Probability triggers uncontrollable rule mutation, deriving higher threats.] [Conclusion: Their actions will lead to severe damage to system (universe) stability. Meets one of the conditions for 'scavenger' secondary activation.]"

Lin Mo gasped. The situation was worse than imagined! Liranta and the Sharp Advance Collective weren't looking for a different path to strength; they were playing with fire, and very likely to attract the scavenger again!

"[Based on the mutual observation protocol and the common interest of maintaining system stability,]" "[The tide of delusion proposes: Share some sensitive monitoring data (limited to this crisis), assist in locating the betrayer and the dangerous creation.]" "[Objective: Stop the situation before it deteriorates beyond recovery.]"

The tide of delusion proactively offered cooperation! This was undoubtedly a godsend!

"[Agreed. Thank you for your assistance.]" Lin Mo responded solemnly.

Soon, a filtered data stream poured into Lin Mo's consciousness. It contained records of anomalous rule disturbances in the Sharp Advance Collective's border regions, as well as several previously unnoticed, obscure coordinates that might be related to the Nexus of Myriad Laws.

After disconnecting, Lin Mo opened his eyes, a flicker of determination in them.

He walked out of the meditation room and returned to the command center. His companions were all waiting for his news.

"The situation is clear," Lin Mo's voice echoed in the silent command center. "The myriad phenomena astrolabe that Liranta and the Sharp Advance Collective are looking for is a double-edged sword that they cannot control. Its uncontrolled consequences are highly likely to be a localized rule collapse, and may even attract the scavenger again."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over their shocked faces.

"Passive defense and internal rectification are no longer enough. We must take the initiative."

"Wu Yong, assemble the most elite mobile forces of the Watchers' fleet. Einstein, based on the coordinates provided by the tide of delusion, prioritize analyzing the most probable location of the Nexus of Myriad Laws. Ling Shuang, come with me; we need your psionic abilities to perceive and respond to possible rule anomalies."

"This is not a punitive war against dissidents; this is a rescue mission—to stop them before they destroy themselves and drag down the entire alliance and even the universe!"

The clouds of war, for the purpose of salvation rather than conquest, began to gather.