11: Based in Nanyang, the deep blue flag is flying!

After a solemn and dignified sea burial ceremony, the remains of their fallen comrades now rest eternally in the waters they protected.

Sadness weighed heavily on everyone's hearts, but Deep Blue 01 and Deep Blue Port Outpost did not stop.

Repair and reconstruction were the best solace for the departed.

Onboard, damage control expert Zhang Meng—a stout man in his thirties with eyes as firm as iron—became the new damage control captain.

He led his team, meticulously addressing the damage on the port side like a surgeon.

The damaged hull was reinforced with temporary steel plates, leaking oil pipes were completely replaced, and charred compartments were cleaned and decontaminated, awaiting future repairs.

The air was filled with the acrid smell of welding and the pungent scent of disinfectant, replacing the gunpowder and blood from the previous day.

The power system, after a comprehensive overhaul, regained its surging vitality, and energy reserves finally rose to a safe 65% under continuous refueling.

Onshore, the construction of Deep Blue Port Outpost entered its final sprint.

With Zhang Defu, the experienced old engineer, in command, and a sufficient supply of exchanged resources, progress was rapid.

The circular wall constructed from discarded containers and sandbags had closed, topped with barbed wire, and several key positions had simple watchtowers and heavy machine gun emplacements.

Inside the core command tent, basic communication equipment, tactical maps, and monitoring screens were already set up, becoming the brain of the outpost.

The crucial [Basic Fuel Purification Module] platform was completed, and the massive purification equipment began trial operation amidst the roar of small generators.

Murky, low-quality crude oil was drawn from underground storage tanks, and after a series of heating, separation, and catalytic reactions, finally flowed out as clear, amber-colored refined oil, continuously transported through temporary pipelines to the fuel tanks of Deep Blue 01, which was moored offshore.

Seeing this scene, which symbolized the complete mastery of their energy lifeline, everyone involved in the construction smiled with relief.

Energy was no longer a noose around their necks!

[Ding!]

[Deep Blue Port Outpost (Primary) construction progress: 100%!]

[Outpost "Deep Blue Port Outpost" officially established!]

[Obtained: Outpost basic functions activated!]

- Defense Bonus: Simple walls and firepoints provide basic defense.

- Resource Output: Fuel purification module stably produces qualified fuel (daily limit: 50 tons).

- Residential Function: Can accommodate basic living for 50 personnel.

- Storage Function: Provides basic material storage space.

[Outpost Reputation: Emerging (Local)]

[Task: Clearance and Expansion - Goal 3 (Outpost construction progress reached 100%) completed!]

[Obtained: Energy/Points +500 (Stage Reward)]

The system's prompt announced the official completion of their foothold.

Lin Feng stood on the newly built highest watchtower of the outpost, surveying this nascent "territory."

Though crude, it was the first cornerstone, forged from steel, blood, and sweat, on this wasteland.

In the distance, the majestic silhouette of Deep Blue 01 silently guarded the harbor, its Deep Blue flag fluttering in the morning breeze at the bow.

"Raise our flag too!" Lin Feng said in a deep voice.

Soon, a similarly Deep Blue flag, embroidered with a simple white crossed anchor and sword in the center, slowly rose on the flagpole in the center of the outpost, echoing the flag on the warship.

The flag stood out prominently against the backdrop of the ruins, announcing the birth of a new force—Deep Blue!

"Long live Deep Blue!"

"Long live the Captain!"

Onshore and onboard, people who witnessed the flag raising spontaneously cheered, and the gloom of the past few days seemed to be somewhat dispelled by this touch of Deep Blue.

Zhao Tiezhu was moved to tears, Zhang Weiguo tightly embraced his wife and daughter, and Zhang Defu caressed the cold steel casing of the purification equipment, his eyes filled with a sense of accomplishment.

This was their new home!

However, the joy of celebration did not last long.

Chen Hai, responsible for outer perimeter security, hurried up the watchtower, covered in dew, his face grim.

"Captain, the reconnaissance team has a discovery." He handed over a hand-drawn simple map. "Scarface's remnants, about fifteen or sixteen of them, haven't fled far.

Instead, they've retreated to the deepest part of the E-zone living area, into that cluster of reinforced concrete buildings that used to be the port management office.

The structure there is complex, easy to defend and hard to attack.

And…"

Chen Hai paused, pointing to an inconspicuous mark on the map near the edge of the cliff: "During our reconnaissance, we found a very hidden entrance, well-camouflaged, like a ventilation shaft or aAbandoned sewer outlet.

There are fresh signs of activity, and also… this." He opened his palm, revealing a half-extinguished, low-quality hand-rolled cigarette butt. "We suspect this might be a secret passage to the rear of their hiding spot!

Scarface is very cunning, he might have left a back route, or even… might want to use this secret passage to launch a sneak attack!"

Secret passage!

Lin Feng's eyes narrowed.

This was indeed a hidden danger.

Scarface was like a venomous snake lurking in the dark; if not completely eradicated, he could strike back at any time.

"Well done, Chen Hai." Lin Feng nodded approvingly. "This secret passage is key.

For now, don't alert them; send more personnel to secretly monitor that entrance 24 hours a day!

At the same time, intensify feint reconnaissance on the front of the living area to put pressure on them, making them hesitant to move freely through the secret passage."

"Yes!" Chen Hai accepted the order and left.

Lin Feng's gaze returned to the ruins of the living area where the enemy was entrenched.

Clearance was imperative.

But a frontal assault would be too costly; that secret passage might be the breakthrough point.

Just then, Professor Wang Hai's excited voice came over the ship's communication: "Captain! The preliminary analysis results from the biological laboratory are out!

There's a major discovery!"

Lin Feng immediately returned to the Deep Blue 01 bridge.

Inside the temporarily converted [Primary Biological Material Analysis Laboratory], Professor Wang Hai excitedly gesticulated, pointing to complex spectrograms and data on the screen:

"Unbelievable! Captain! We have isolated an extremely active, unprecedented energy factor from the blood and muscle tissue of the 'Leviathan Larva'!

Its spectral characteristics… highly match the 'poseidon's eye' energy readings you mentioned previously from the black box information!

The similarity exceeds 92%!"

Lin Feng's heart jolted!

There was indeed a connection!

"What does this mean, Professor?"

"This means that the source of that giant beast's power, and even the origin of its mutation, is very likely directly from 'poseidon's eye'!" Professor Wang Hai's tone was firm. "This energy factor has extremely strong biological inducing and corrosive properties!

It not only promotes extreme mutation in organisms, making them huge, ferocious, and armored, but it also… it seems to contain some kind of… low-level conscious drive?

It's like being forcibly imbued with instincts for destruction and slaughter!"

"Conscious drive?" Lin Feng's brows furrowed.

"Yes! Very primitive, but definitely present!" Wang Hai pulled up a dynamic cellular-level image. "Look, when this energy factor is highly concentrated, the experimental cells (taken from the giant beast sample) exhibit strong aggressiveness and a tendency to approach specific energy frequencies (simulating 'poseidon's eye' characteristics)! This cannot be explained by natural evolution!"

[Ding!]

[Special Research Project: "Leviathan Larva" biological sample analysis (preliminary) completed!]

[Obtained key information: Extreme inductive and control properties of "poseidon's eye" energy on organisms (preliminary).]

[Unlocked subsequent research branches:]

- Energy factor purification and application (Dangerous! Requires advanced laboratory).

- Biological resistance research (against energy erosion).

- Energy source tracking technology (Requires deep-sea detection array).

[Obtained: Energy/Points +800 (Research Reward)]

[Hint: This discovery has greatly elevated the threat level of "poseidon's eye" and may be related to the origin of "Withered Disease."]

The system's prompt confirmed Wang Hai's discovery and elevated the threat of "poseidon's eye" to a new level.

This was not merely a geological anomaly or a source of disaster, but potentially a terrifying energy source capable of manipulating and distorting life!

"Continue the research! Focus on energy source tracking and biological resistance!" Lin Feng ordered. "At the same time, all samples must be strictly isolated!

Ensure safety!"

"Understood!" Wang Hai solemnly promised.

After dealing with the startling discovery from the biological laboratory, Lin Feng turned his attention back to the current outpost development.

The outpost was established, and the energy problem was initially resolved, but defense and expansion capabilities were still insufficient.

He opened the system interface, and with ample points (current remaining: 1600+500+800 = 2900 points), the tech tree and exchange shop offered more options.

Under the [Basic Construction] branch of the tech tree, [Basic Power Facilities] (500 points) and [Simple Wall/Barbed Wire Upgrade] (300 points) were immediate priorities for enhancing the outpost's survivability.

In the exchange shop, the blueprint for a [Lightly Armed Patrol Boat] (800 points) caught his attention.

This thing was fast, had a shallow draft, and moderate firepower (could be equipped with heavy machine guns or small-caliber autocannons), making it very suitable for harbor patrols, coastal defense, and rapid force projection, greatly extending the outpost's defense and control range.

"System, exchange for the [Lightly Armed Patrol Boat] blueprint!

Research [Basic Power Facilities] and [Simple Wall/Barbed Wire Upgrade]!" Lin Feng decisively invested resources.

[Exchange successful! Consumed Energy/Points: 800 points.

Obtained: "Lightly Armed Patrol Boat" Blueprint × 1.]

[Research command confirmed: Technology - Basic Power Facilities (500 points), Technology - Simple Wall/Barbed Wire Upgrade (300 points).

Estimated research time: 6 hours.]

[Remaining Energy/Points: 2900 - 800 - 500 - 300 = 1300 points.]

The blueprint and research projects began to operate.

Lin Feng looked at the screen, and a grander vision emerged: utilizing some of the existing port facilities and the "Small Dock" blueprint (system reward), combined with exchange and self-construction, to build a base capable of repairing, and even in the future, constructing small ships!

This would completely change Deep Blue's reliance on a single ship!

He immediately summoned Gao Qiang, Chen Hai, Zhang Defu, the engineering team leader, as well as Zhao Tiezhu (familiar with port terrain) and Zhang Weiguo (representing the survivors) from onshore, to hold the first strategic meeting in the newly built command tent of the outpost.

"Gentlemen," Lin Feng said, pointing to the unfolded port map, "Deep Blue Port is our foundation, but the foundation needs to grow.

There are three primary tasks at hand:"

"First, completely clear out Scarface's remnants, remove the tumor, and ensure absolute safety in the rear!

Chen Hai, the secret passage monitoring cannot slacken, and at the same time, formulate a contingency plan for infiltration and surprise attack using the secret passage!

I need live captives, especially Scarface!"

"Second, accelerate outpost upgrades!

Once the power facilities and wall upgrade research are complete, construction must begin immediately!

We have the patrol boat blueprint, Engineer Zhang, can you look at the existing small dock at the port (referring to the small ship repair slipway in Zone C) and see if it can be modified to build and repair patrol boats?

What resources are needed?"

Zhang Defu leaned closer to the map, then took out the blueprint and pondered it, nodding: "The main structure of the slipway is still usable.

Adding a gantry crane and necessary equipment, and then exchanging for some specialized tools… it shouldn't be a problem!

Materials… special steel and precision components are needed, which should be available in the exchange shop!"

"Good! List the required resources, and prioritize them!" Lin Feng decided.

"Third, and this is a long-term plan," Lin Feng's finger heavily tapped the edge of the Manila Trench in the South China Sea, representing the last known location of "poseidon's eye," "We need power!

We need the power to delve into the deep sea!

The secret of 'poseidon's eye' concerns the root cause of this disaster, and even the future of humanity!

Unlocking the 'Primary Deep-Sea Sonar Array' (blueprint already owned) and installing it on Deep Blue 01 is our next crucial goal!

Professor Wang's research on energy tracking must also be accelerated simultaneously!"

Everyone's expression was solemn, sensing the arduousness of the task and the gravity of their mission.

Clearing out remaining enemies, building a home, exploring the abyss… every step was full of challenges.

"Captain," Zhao Tiezhu suddenly spoke, pointing to a discarded factory area on the west side of the port marked "Dangerous" on the map, "That factory area… before the disaster, it was for chemical production.

I heard there are very deep underground warehouses and air-raid shelters below, and Scarface's men have always wanted to get in but couldn't open the main gate.

There… there might be good things, or there might be danger."

Underground warehouses?

Air-raid shelters?

Lin Feng noted this information point.

This might be the direction for future expansion and resource acquisition.

The meeting concluded, and tasks were quickly distributed.

Deep Blue Port began to operate efficiently like a precise machine.

The engineering team, led by Zhang Defu, began to assess the modification of the small dock; Chen Hai led his men to further refine the secret passage monitoring and surprise attack plan; the onshore survivors, organized by Zhang Weiguo, took charge of the outpost's daily maintenance and material sorting; onboard, the damage control team's repair work was nearing completion, and the engine room was reserving interfaces for the upcoming deep-sea detection array…

As the sun set, golden afterglow spilled over the nascent Deep Blue Port Outpost, over the moored giant ship, and over the two Deep Blue flags fluttering in the wind.

The shadow of sacrifice had not completely dissipated, Scarface's threat still lurked in the dark, and the secret of the deep sea hung like a Sword of Damocles… But at this moment, on this land they had reclaimed and begun to build, a resilient force called "hope" was stubbornly growing in the ruins.

Standing in the South Seas, the Deep Blue flag already flew!

And the journey to conquer the raging sea had just begun!

[Ding!]

[New Task Triggered: Anchor of Deep Blue]

[Task Description: Deep Blue Port Outpost has been established, but its foundation is still shallow.

Comprehensively enhance the outpost's defense, production, and exploration capabilities, making it a true home port for the Deep Blue Fleet.]

[Task Objectives:]

1. Clear and control the entire port area (current control: 35%).

2. Build and deploy at least 2 "Lightly Armed Patrol Boats."

3. Successfully install and activate the "Primary Deep-Sea Sonar Array" on Deep Blue 01.

4. Outpost technology level raised to Level 1 (requires completing current research and building at least 2 new facilities).

[Task Rewards:]

Energy/Points +3000 "Small Dock (Primary)" full function unlocked

Unlock "Tech Tree: Deep Sea Technology" branch

Special Building Blueprint × 1

[Failure Penalty: Outpost development stagnates, deep-sea exploration hindered.]

A new blueprint had unfolded before Lin Feng.