# 1114
Chapter 1115: War Mode
The guardian of Sunken Dragon Pass?
Lin Qiye said in surprise, "Wasn't the person in charge of Sunken Dragon Pass the Night Watch before?"
"That was during peacetime." Master Chen led the way forward without hurry. "Now that the full-scale divine war has begun, all twelve A-rank war fortresses have entered war mode. Inside this pass, multiple forces are merged together... drone logistics support, Great Xia's military, Night Watch, special squads, Human Apex, and even Heavenly Court deities.
These war forts are no longer the empty shells you saw before. It can be said that nearly eighty percent of Great Xia's current combat power is dispersed across these passes."
As Master Chen finished speaking, a dozen military trucks loaded with surface-to-air interceptor missiles hummed past Lin Qiye and the others, billowing dust rising in overwhelming waves.
Lin Qiye waved away the dust before his eyes and surveyed this magnificent pass once more, his gaze now filled with shock.
"So, does Great Xia's deity still guard Sunken Dragon Pass now?"
"Naturally."
Master Chen led everyone to the inner wall edge of Sunken Dragon Pass, where several military figures immediately saluted and opened the gate to let them through.
After passing through the inner wall, large-scale buildings and supply teams became rare. What came into view were mostly circular water areas where fleets were docked, or sea platforms carrying helicopters. Thick artillery barrels emitting silver light were embedded in the walls, arranged like a honeycomb, aimed at the junction between the outer and inner walls—like a火力堡垒.
Traveling along the military-green road made of floating planks, Lin Qiye and the others crossed several water zones. A helicopter roared overhead and landed slowly on a nearby sea platform. Several Night Watch members draped in dark red cloaks jumped out carrying luggage and black cases, and soon someone came to register their information.
"Those look like the Night Watch squad from Huaian City?" An Qingyu recognized those figures at a glance.
Lin Qiye looked in the direction she pointed, pondering for a moment. "Mm, that's right."
More than two years ago, before the [Nightfall] was established, they had followed Zhou Ping to challenge Night Watch squads from various major cities. They had also fought the 007 Squad stationed in Huaian City. Who would have thought that after all this time, they would meet again here at Sunken Dragon Pass?
"True enough, squads from all major cities have come." An Qingyu sighed.
Hearing this, Lin Qiye's heart stirred, and images of Hongying and Wen Qimo suddenly appeared in his mind.
If Night Watch squads from across the nation have been mobilized, then the 136 Squad stationed in Cangnan should be among them? He wondered which war fort Hongying and Wen Qimo had been assigned to...
After exchanging brief greetings with Squad 008, the group continued forward. After walking about two kilometers, they arrived at a large body of water with numerous ships docked.
"That one there is the exploration vessel prepared specifically for you." Master Chen pointed to one of the ships—a medium-sized vessel that looked quite sturdy.
"It's equipped with ample fresh water and food, enough for a round trip. Other traditional maritime equipment is also provided, though you may not know how to use them..."
"Rest assured, we have Qingyu." Lin Qiye patted An Qingyu's shoulder with a smile.
For An Qingyu, who possessed [The Only Correct Answer], any mode of transportation or professional equipment posed no difficulty. Lin Qiye didn't doubt for a second that even if they piloted a spaceship into outer space, An Qingyu could bring it safely back to Earth.
An Qingyu smiled bashfully.
Master Chen nodded and continued, "One more thing—electronic communication devices won't work in the mist. Once you enter the mist, you'll be completely cut off from Great Xia."
"We understand."
Lin Qiye and the others boarded the ship, checked all the facilities, confirmed everything was in order, then steered the vessel out of the inner wall's water zone, passed through the outer wall gate, and headed straight toward the Great Xia border.
...
As Sunken Dragon Pass gradually faded from view, the exploration vessel's bow cut through the mist border and vanished into nothing.
Lin Qiye stood on the rear deck. A faint silver glow emanated from the insignia on his chest, shielding his body from the mist's erosion.
After leaving Great Xia's territory, gray-white mist obscured the sky, making the already dim sunlight even more hazy and faint. Even standing at the stern, when Lin Qiye looked back, he could barely make out the location of the cabin—the bow was completely submerged in the mist.
In the dead-silent environment, only the deep black seawater churned endlessly.
At that moment, a figure emerged from the mist behind him and also stood at the edge of the stern.
Lin Qiye turned to look at the blonde man beside him. After a moment of hesitation, he couldn't help but ask, "You said you could help extend the time our insignias can resist the mist. That was true, right?"
The insignias left behind by the [Blue Rain] squad did grant them the ability to move freely within the mist, but the time limit was only 24 hours. Lin Qiye and the others' mission destination was quite far—24 hours would likely not be enough to arrive. Long before their departure, Michael had already said he could solve the insignia time limit issue.
Michael glanced at him and said calmly, "Not difficult."
He waved his hand gently, and a golden light bloomed from his fingertips, instantly covering the entire ship. The insignias on the chests of Lin Qiye, An Qingyu, Jiang Er, and Shen Qingzhu all flickered briefly as a tiny "miracle" was inscribed upon them.
Seeing this, Lin Qiye's heart finally settled.
The two stood in the churning mist like statues, neither speaking, falling into silence together.
Perhaps feeling the atmosphere was too oppressive, Lin Qiye took the initiative to say, "What do you think of Great Xia's war forts?"
Michael was silent for a moment. "Impressive."
"...Be more specific?"
"To perfectly fuse human power and divine power, to coexist in this way—impressive." Michael paused, then added, "The gods are not高高在上, and humans have never humbled themselves. The two depend on each other yet do not interfere with one another. I have watched over the mortal world from the Moon for countless years, and in all that long span of time, only Great Xia has achieved this.
No other divine kingdom, including our Heavenly Kingdom, has been able to do this.
But..."
"But what?"
"The more unique Great Xia becomes, the greater the wariness other divine kingdoms have toward it... Under absolute disparity in total strength, anything can be broken. The war forts are no exception."