The next day, Qian Lan, Xuan Lin, Xing Yuanche, and Ma Rao boarded the space capsule and headed for the Moon.
Dada Zhu Mi Hua and Ha Xiang Pi Dog are not traveling together; they are already on their way to the data center.
The capsule pierces the atmosphere and enters the dark void of space. Through the viewport, Earth shrinks until it becomes a solitary blue planet suspended in darkness.
Qian Lan gazed at the planet and whispered, "First time leaving Earth."
Xuan Lin, by her side, held her hand. "You'll be back."
Qian Lan nodded and leaned against his shoulder.
The capsule flew in silence for three days and nights. When the Moon appeared outside the porthole, everyone held their breath.
That wasn't the moon they knew. On its far side, a massive energy vortex spun, with countless streams of energy extending outward like tendrils.
The lunar base is almost here. It's a massive dome structure built on the Moon's surface, housing an Earth-like city within. They were welcomed into the command center by the commander, where a large screen displayed live footage from the far side of the Moon.
"That's it." The commander pointed at the screen. "It appeared three days ago out of nowhere. We detected a strong spatial anomaly, but we don't know what it is."
Xing Yuanche looked at the screen, his heart sinking further.
The vortex was far larger than he imagined. Over ten kilometers in diameter, its edges shimmered with blue and purple light, while the center plunged into an abyss of darkness. Even through the screen, you could feel the terrifying energy it contained.
"It's expanding," the commander said. "About one percent per hour. In thirty days, it'll be wide enough for large objects to pass through."
Xing Yuanche took a deep breath. "We need to go there."
"Where to?" the commander paused. "That area has unstable space; getting too close will tear you apart."
"We have a way." Xing Yuanche looked at Ma Rao.
Ma Rao instinctively lowered her head, then slowly raised it again. She remembered what Xing Yuanche had said: You are lightning.
"I'll try," she said.
Behind them, a translucent figure quietly trailed. Yi Sheng had used invisibility to infiltrate the lunar base. Watching Ma Rao's back, her eyes were filled with complex emotions—jealousy, resentment, and a hint of envy she hadn't even noticed herself.
"Lightning..." she murmured. "Why does she get such power? Why is Xing Yuanche so good to her?"
She clenched her fist, her nails digging deep into her palm.
Once I possess Xuanlin and command the power of Starmark... I'll deal with you first.