Chapter 106: The Master of the Magnetite Stone

“Warning, warning... unidentified humanoid lifeforms approaching, distance: 50 kilometers, threat assessment level A. Please respond swiftly.”

As Hua Feng and the others noticed the bright spots on the radar screen, the computer alarm of the Jiaolong’s defense system blared.

“Activate the circular defense light barrier! Take your positions and prepare for battle!” Hua Feng sensed that, under these circumstances, a great conflict was inevitable. He wondered what other tactics the adversary might employ. Judging by their sprinting speed, the attackers possessed at least peak Yuan Emperor-level power, possibly enhanced by technology far surpassing human standards in individual equipment.

“Yes!” the group responded in unison.

Like every mission before, each member skillfully operated their instruments in seamless coordination, ready to unleash the maximum combined power of the Jiaolong submarine and their own combat abilities at the crucial moment.

Lin Chong, stationed outside, closely monitored the situation. It was unexpected to encounter unknown lifeforms so soon after submerging. He had to trust the mutual cooperation between Hua Feng’s Flying Dragon Battalion and elite warriors like Bai Feng. His role was limited to logistics support and emergency evacuation if necessary; the command remained firmly in Hua Feng’s hands.

“Shuang Ning, check the submarine’s weapons systems. Yun Meng, Li Long, assist with piloting. Wang Yue, Bai Feng, prepare to deploy with me for the first wave of battle readiness.”

After issuing these orders, Hua Feng, Bai Feng, and Wang Yue stood quietly within the space isolated by the light barrier outside the submarine. The seawater had been completely evacuated, with all water pumped outside the barrier.

At this moment, it felt as if they were visiting an aquarium, observing marine creatures. Yet there was no relaxation or joy—every heart was taut with tension, facing an almost completely unknown threat with no information to rely upon.

The fifty-kilometer distance closed almost instantly. From just over a kilometer away, Hua Feng spotted five humanoid figures charging fiercely toward their position.

The newcomers wore pale gray diving suits resembling rubber. Yet those suits seemed fused with their bodies, as if melded to their skin. As they sped toward Hua Feng’s encampment, time seemed to freeze.

They charged directly at the light barrier enclosing the camp, showing no sign of slowing. Schools of fish, turtles, and jellyfish scattered, as if a special energy field had carved a clear path straight to where Hua Feng and his team stood.

However, the five humanoids clearly underestimated the Jiaolong submarine and their adversaries’ defensive capabilities. Their palms emitted a glow reminiscent of concert glowsticks. As they surged forward within a trail of red heat generated by rapid friction, underwater stones along their path crumbled like tofu under their touch.

In the city’s central square, a place meant for gatherings, the atmosphere grew tense and heavy.

“Who are you?” Hua Feng, for reasons unknown even to himself, suddenly uttered this greeting toward the uninvited guests.

The others silently observed the situation, watching for the opponents’ reaction. Hua Feng’s muscles tensed, like a bowstring drawn back and ready to release. After a moment, finding no immediate opening, the newcomers seemed bored with the stalemate and took the initiative to break it.

“Are you here for the magneto-ore?” Their cold voice betrayed no emotion, as if they had long seen through Hua Feng’s intentions.

“That’s not the point right now. I want to know who you are and why you forcibly intruded on our camp. According to international law, this sea area is authorized by the United Nations for scientific mining. Your trespass is deliberately provoking conflict,” Li Long said, unable to contain his disdain for their arrogance.

The leader of the intruders ignored Li Long’s inquiry and stepped forward. Through the light barrier, his deep blue eyes swept the group, finally resting on Hua Feng’s face.

“You are their captain, yes? I advise you to leave this place as soon as possible. This sea region—what you call the Atlantis civilization—does not belong to you.”

“Nor do we welcome others here. The secrets of the magneto-ore that have spread to the mainland must remain mere legends. You are not the only ones searching for it. Twelve thousand years ago, a catastrophic explosion destroyed most of the magneto-ore, devastating our energy systems.”

“If not for our backup energy system, the core of the Atlantis civilization would have vanished forever, never to be discovered by you. For millennia, we have remained hidden beneath the sea, evolving into a race adapted to the underwater world. We are no longer pure Atlanteans; in some ways, we have become ‘Sea People,’” the chilly voice resonated through the light barrier, entering everyone’s hearts.

“Why tell us all this?” Hua Feng was puzzled. They had just arrived, seemingly invading someone else’s territory. Yet instead of fighting, these so-called Sea People spoke so amicably. Could they truly be pacifists? Hua Feng found himself at a loss.

“Xiaomeng, Bai Feng, what do you think?” Hua Feng whispered privately to Yun Meng and Bai Feng, seeking their counsel. Only the three of them could communicate within this range.

“I think we should watch carefully. Without knowing their true strength, we shouldn’t step outside the light barrier. Maybe they want to lure us out by being friendly. We can’t afford to be deceived. After all, we don’t even know what they truly look like—their sealed suits render them completely undetectable, beyond even our spiritual senses,” Bai Feng replied.

“Exactly. Bai Feng’s right; we need to be cautious. I have no record of ‘Sea People’ in my memory. Could these be aliens in disguise? This feels like a familiar tactic from ancient tribal wars—when defenses can’t be broken, lure the enemy out and strike decisively,” Yun Meng added with concern.

Nearby, Li Long, Wang Yue, and Shuang Ning awaited Hua Feng’s decision.

“Consider this: I’ve told you so much because you’re different from others who came before, who were merely explorers seeking magneto-ore samples. Another faction wants to claim it for themselves,” the Sea People’s leader continued.