Biochemical Martial Arts: Supreme Heavenly Venerate

Xu Mengran, who had just advanced to the Ninth Realm, was actually pondering how Lin Rui managed to initialize his body and soul. How did Lin Rui help him adapt to the new biomechanical implants and achieve another fusion between spirit and body?

Unlike Li Xianglong, Xu Mengran had completely lost consciousness during the surgery, but he had some speculations about Lin Rui's methods.

After all, during the battle against Ling Huan a year ago, Xu Mengran had caught a glimpse of something with his peripheral vision.

Xu Mengran's mouth felt inexplicably dry.

Could it be possible, as he had hypothesized, that Lin Rui was truly a 'God'?

This matter required further confirmation; reckless assumptions couldn't be made.

Fortunately, based on the information Xu Mengran had, there might soon be an opportunity.

Early the next morning, when Xu Mengran was leaving the Rui Fang's Armored Biological Research Institute, Lin Rui personally came to see him off.

"This next period may trouble you a lot. We currently have ninety-two survivors among the first six generations of Alien Walkers in East Asia, all of whom need their biomechanical implants replaced. Xiao Rui, coordinate the arrangements in whatever way is most convenient for you," Lin Rui said.

Walking side by side, Xu Mengran and Lin Rui exited the Rui Fang's Armored Biological Research Institute. Xu Mengran cast a deliberate glance towards the direction of the Ninth Division of the Security Bureau, his expression not particularly pleasant: "Li Xianglong, that wretched guy, talked to me all night yesterday, rambling on and on. Between the lines, it was all about prioritizing the overall situation. He fears that East Asia might disrupt his so-called Federation power structure but hasn't thought about which side he himself should be sitting on."

Lin Rui couldn't help but click his tongue, thinking that if he were Li Xianglong, he might worry too.

Those early Alien Walkers who had survived until now were essentially the best of the best; their martial arts foundation far exceeded that of Quasi-Members and Congressman-Level individuals today.

If these people successfully cured Armament Syndrome and advanced their bloodline and cultivation, they would undoubtedly become top-tier warriors.

Terrifyingly, there were as many as ninety-two such figures in East Asia! If the Federation suddenly gained ninety-two new Members and Quasi-Members overnight, what kind of implications would that hold?

Even if East Asia prioritized the big picture, holding such powerful tools often led to the spontaneous rise of killing intent.

Of course, Lin Rui couldn't perform all the surgeries in a single day; he estimated that he would only be able to free up two to three days within a month.

"Actually, Old Li's concerns are not unfounded," Lin Rui said with a faint smile. "The more top-tier warriors the Federation has, the fewer positions there are to accommodate them. A major upheaval is bound to happen."

Xu Mengran's expression turned serious as he nodded slightly in agreement: "Mr. Lin, you've made a valid point. That's why we need to arrange proper opportunities for them ahead of time. Your Forest Rui Fang Group should still be in need of manpower, right? If you trust us, you can help arrange a few new positions for them.

Also, I heard that recently the trade at the Great Song Star Port has been flourishing. Just two days ago, daily revenue exceeded 3.8 million liang of Divine Gold, and cargo ships are running short. Is there a chance to issue an additional ten thousand trade licenses this year? Could East Asia be given a greater allocation?"

Lin Rui thought to himself that Li Xianglong's worries were already coming true. As East Asia grew stronger, they would naturally seek more.

But this was a development he welcomed—

"I am, of course, eager to recruit talents; the more, the better. That said, I'm just afraid these senior figures might prefer being the head of a chicken rather than the tail of a phoenix and disregard my group," Lin Rui remarked thoughtfully. "As for the trade licenses, I'll do my best to arrange them. The issue is that scarcity creates value. If too many are issued in a short time, it might not favor further liberalization of Great Song's trade. We must ensure that the Great Song Court and legitimate traders earn enough profit and derive substantial benefits so that this prosperity lasts.

Therefore, harmony on Great Song's surface is paramount. Only when the eight provinces of Luojing are peaceful can we procure sufficient supplies. Additionally, with regards to the Light God Sect, could East Asia consider providing them more support?"

Lin Rui smiled slightly: "They have a large population and strong capabilities. Recently, they purchased four improved 'Stellar Class' colonial battleships from your side, seemingly intending to use their Divine Artifact 'Holy Thunder Tribulation Fire' for underground farming ventures. I find this promising. I believe East Asia could lend them some funds to build ten more 'Stellar Class' ships. Provide seeds and technical support for deeper collaboration between both sides."

"Stellar Class? Underground farming?" Xu Mengran fell into contemplation.

He should have long suspected that Lin Rui, as the 'Supreme,' might also be the new leader of the Light God Sect.

If Lin Rui were indeed a 'God,' recognized as the Supreme by numerous Hearts of Light, then his connection to the Light God Sect would be highly suspicious.

Yet for some reason, Xu Mengran had never considered this angle.

After a moment, Xu Mengran nodded. "I can arrange for someone to contact King Ming to explore this possibility!"

The improved 'Stellar Class' colonial battleships had adopted a variety of new technologies but were still largely based on designs from 800 years ago. Their construction didn't demand ultramassive Quantum Transfer Devices, relying instead on curvature drives to navigate beneath planetary layers. Thus, their cost was only about one-sixth that of an 'Yinglong-Class' battleship.

If negotiations with the newly appointed King Ming led to a successful deal, then East Asia would ultimately monopolize the shipbuilding order.

Moreover, East Asia's previously decommissioned underground mobile bases could also be sold to King Ming through financing schemes.

The East Asia National Security Bureau remained highly cautious of the Invincible Dharma King. Since taking office as the Regent Deputy Sect Leader, his forces had already expanded to 500,000 troops, with an additional thirty-five starships.

Thus, the internal consensus within the East Asia National Security Bureau was to bolster King Ming's position in order to restrain the Invincible Dharma King within the Light God Sect.

"Speaking of the Light God Sect, I also have intelligence related to them to share with you. Mr. Lin, you've likely heard by now that Ling Huan has been resurrected."

Xu Mengran noted the flash in Lin Rui's eyes, signaling his growing interest. Xu Mengran smiled slightly: "We recently discovered traces of Ling Huan's alien form in Tianzhou, among the archipelago of Dalu Islands."

"Tianzhou? The Tianzhou Diocese?" Lin Rui leaned in: "Why would he go there?"

The Dalu Islands were among the twenty-eight islands of Central Continent, governed by the Dalu Kingdom. The nation comprised seven large islands, each with one or two jurisdictions.

Among them, Tianzhou Island was controlled by the Light God Sect and established as a diocese by Dharma King Bai Mei, Yin Wansui, who oversaw the ecclesiastical affairs of Eastern Isles within Central Continent's twenty-eight islands.

"Likely to rescue Elder Wan Xin from captivity."

Xu Mengran raised his hand to operate a virtual screen, forwarding relevant intelligence to Lin Rui: "He's an old adversary of mine. Since Ling Huan's resurrection, I've been closely tracking his movements. His primary body remains recuperating, but his alien form ventured to Tianzhou."

Lin Rui thought to himself, I've been tracking him as well. Not only has Wang Tianwu been pursuing his mentor, but Lin Xi, as the Intelligence Director, has also been assisting.

Additionally, Lin Rui, under the alias Thunder, had mobilized some forces within the Security Bureau, yet was initially unaware of Ling Huan's alien form's whereabouts.

And now the effort to rescue Elder Wan Xin—what was going on?

This made it clear that the Forest Group's intelligence resources had notable gaps.

Of course, they were merely a company and couldn't compete with a national entity.

Xu Mengran continued: "While tracking Ling Huan's movements, I stumbled upon an intriguing revelation. Elder Wan Xin of the Light God Sect has also been resurrected, but he was betrayed by his disciple, Dharma King Bai Mei, Yin Wansui, who suppressed him somewhere within Tianzhou. Ling Huan, together with remnants of the Divine Light Army, is attempting to free Elder Wan Xin."

Lin Rui narrowed his eyes.

He had nearly concluded that Dharma King Bai Mei, Yin Wansui, was a rebel preparing for insurrection.

But now it seemed that while Yin Wansui indeed harbored treacherous traits, the truth appeared more complex—

"What, then, is General Xu's proposal?"

"My suggestion is naturally to collaborate with Mr. Lin and ensure Ling Huan dies once more. I presume Mr. Lin shares this sentiment? The current situation is already messy enough; we can't let the Divine Light Army continue stirring up trouble."

Xu Mengran clapped Lin Rui's shoulder: "If Mr. Lin plans to take action, kindly notify me in advance."

Having replaced his biomechanical implants and advanced to the Ninth Realm, Xu Mengran was eager to give Ling Huan a surprise.

The Earth Federation's current foremost authority in illusion techniques had returned to its original master—Xu Mengran.

※※※※

After seeing Xu Mengran off, Lin Rui stood at the harbor, lost in thought for quite some time before taking to the skies and arriving at Wang Yinyue's workshop.

Gathered here were the key technical talents he depended on most—Wang Yinyue, Huang Fuqing, representative of the Heart of Light known as 'Number 9,' and Shi Yan, who had been possessed by Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Lin Rui sat boldly in the main seat. "How goes your research on the Sky Curtain Base blueprints sent by the Longevity Association?"

Wang Yinyue furrowed her brows: "There are issues, but I can't pinpoint them."

Huang Fuqing shook his head, replying to Lin Rui via a quantum chip: The issues are significant, but we cannot identify them.

Shi Yan, however, spoke up: "It's a Knowledge Barrier. They've concealed the most critical aspects, likely with another layer of hidden permissions behind the so-called highest clearance."

At this moment, Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable was naturally the one controlling Shi Yan's body.

In ancient times, Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable was reputed for having the highest mastery of talismanic arrays, second only to the creator of the art himself, Divine Talisman Venerable.

Although Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable lacked familiarity with modern technology, he could provide invaluable assistance to Lin Rui.

When Wang Yinyue helped Lin Rui modify the 'Heaven's Will' Battle Armor, Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable had participated in designing the talismanic arrays.

This time, Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable didn't disappoint either.

"Knowledge Barrier?" Lin Rui murmured, furrowing his brows slightly.

He was well aware of the sheer power of the Knowledge Barrier. Despite the fact that the Longevity Association and Xu Mengran had gleaned extensive key intelligence about him, they still couldn't ascertain his true identity.

Even the Longevity Association Master dared to grant him control over advanced permissions within the Sky Curtain—

"Then is my modification plan feasible?"

Pointing to his sketch, Lin Rui asked, "Can you forge a 'Jingyi Altar' and disguise it within the artificial sky?"

He could have simply replicated a 'Radiant Holy Altar,' which had far lower technical challenges.

But Lin Rui refused to settle for repetition; he was determined not to become a mere vessel for the resurrection of Divine Spirits. He had to forge his own path—

"The difficulty is considerable," Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable shook his head. "This isn't just about talismanic arrays; it also involves a significant integration of mechanical and electronic technologies. I'll need some time to study deeply."

Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable's eyes gleamed with a mix of curiosity and fervor.

Earthlings had actually developed something as extraordinary as the 'Artificial Sky.'

Tai Xuan Immortal Venerable realized that he had to showcase his utmost value before Lin Rui to gain reciprocal rewards.

Wang Yinyue also nodded, as the intricate mechanisms within the 'Artificial Sky,' intertwined with divine mysteries, were beyond her immediate comprehension.

Light Heart's Number 9, connected through a Red Spider 8PRO, participated in the technical discussion, her voice firm and excited: "The Heart of Light will exhaustively simulate and calculate to realize the will of the Supreme!"

At that moment, her conviction only strengthened that the Supreme was their 'God'—the savior heralded in the Light Teachings.

Lin Rui, however, frowned slightly, detecting the underlying message in Number 9's words—that calculations would be exhaustive but couldn't guarantee a timeline.

Yet the artificial sky's deployment was a matter of urgency; his only viable recourse seemed to be his Battle Spirit Ring.

He needed more soul power points to see if the technical solution for the 'Jingyi Altar' could be pushed forward.

After brief deliberation, Lin Rui messaged Huang Fuqing: "Stay prepared for today—I'll be requiring your primary consciousness to descend upon your Battle Dragon."

Huang Fuqing's spirit surged as he realized that his master was preparing to re-enter the Ten Thousand Dragon Tower.