From Titan Corporation to the Empire of Man

Chapter 748 may hold a secret far beyond imagination.
Crossing the sea of ​​stars, reaching the other shore.

As the stern of the last escort ship completely disappeared into the dazzling "gate of light," the Sixth Fleet, led by the Renwei Yonggu, completed its unprecedented intergalactic voyage and vanished entirely from the Milky Way.

The "gate of light" slowly rotated behind them, like a giant vortex, connecting two galaxies 2.54 million light-years apart.

Immediately afterwards, the enormous portal of light that stretched across the void did not close immediately.

The energy flow at its edge, as if constrained by an invisible force, still rotates and flows steadily, emitting a heart-pounding energy fluctuation.

The massive 01 ring, located far away in the Milky Way, continues to emit a silent hum and is extracting enormous amounts of dark matter energy with astonishing efficiency, like a tireless lighthouse guardian, doing its utmost to maintain this passage connecting the two galaxies.

This "gate of light" is not only an entrance to the unknown, but also a vital lifeline for the Imperial Warriors' "Expeditionary Force," ensuring that they can retreat to the known universe in time when faced with unavoidable dangers.

Inside the bridge of the Renwei Yonggu ship at the moment the fleet completed its jump and restabilized in the target star system;

Without any instructions from Sui Meng, Wu Ji had already begun operating efficiently.

The ship's long-range detection arrays were operating at full power, and invisible scanning beams spread across this unfamiliar star field like a giant net.

Various sensors are frantically collecting data:

Gravitational field distribution

Cosmic microwave background radiation,

Composition of interstellar dust

Energy fluctuation spectrum, etc.
"Preliminary environmental scan complete."

Wu Ji's clear voice broke the silence on the bridge, and a rough model of the current galaxy quickly appeared on the main screen: "The center of the galaxy is a white dwarf star that has entered its twilight years and is in a relatively stable state. Its surface temperature is about 9800 degrees Celsius, and it continues to release light and heat."

Within its gravitational field, only two Earth-like planets orbit it at close range.

However, her report did not end there; a more detailed data analysis followed.

"However, based on the reverse calculations of existing planetary orbital parameters, the distribution of residual nebula material, and the mass of the white dwarf itself, this galaxy experienced a severe mass loss in ancient times."

The model suggests that its original structure was much larger than it is now, containing at least five terrestrial planets, as well as an unknown number of gas giants and ice giants.

Its total mass.
It is estimated to be at least five to ten times the size of our solar system.

Upon hearing this, before Wu Ji could continue her analysis, Halsey had already strode to the control panel. Her gaze swept over the star map and data, and her scientist's intuition immediately led her to the key point.

Cortana followed suit and began assisting with deeper data analysis.

Halsey, the "white dwarf," spoke rapidly, his excitement barely concealed:
"This means that its predecessor was likely a blue giant star or even larger than the Sun. Blue giant stars have relatively short lifespans and end their lives in a spectacular supernova explosion, ejecting all their outer matter and eventually causing their core to collapse into a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole."

She pointed to the lonely, burning white dwarf star on the screen, her tone becoming solemn and filled with a sense of historical weight:
"This galaxy was once a large and active star system in the extremely distant past."

However, its glorious period was also short-lived, and its host star likely reached the end of its life 'not long' after the birth of the universe, perhaps only a few billion years.

If a devastating supernova explodes, the energy produced would be enough to destroy all signs of life in inner orbits and severely perturb outer orbits, causing planets to be ejected or collide and be destroyed.

Cortana added, "Based on calculations of the white dwarf cooling model and analysis of the abundance of heavy elements in the surrounding interstellar medium, the upheaval in this galaxy occurred about 100 billion years ago."

The deathly stillness we see before us has persisted for over ten billion years, far exceeding the age of our solar system and even the Earth itself.

Halsey then summarized: "If the Tavorantis are pointing here and it is indeed related to the creator of the divine seal, then they have only captured a trace that was almost annihilated and remained here billions of years ago."

Time is the best camouflage for this galaxy.

"."

Upon hearing this, Sui Meng stood silently in front of the observation window, gazing at the white dwarf star in the distance that emitted a cold, pale light, and the two terrestrial planets that were barely surviving under its gravity and destined to be barren.

As Halsey stated, on such a long timescale and in a galactic environment that has undergone such dramatic changes, the possibility of life, even beings of the level of the Creators of the Divine Seals, leaving behind substantial traceable clues is extremely slim.

The scene before me resembles an ancient tomb, empty and spanning billions of years.

After a brief silence, Sui Meng turned around, his voice regaining its usual calm and decisiveness, echoing clearly in the bridge:

"Order: Each squadron of the Sixth Company shall proceed to the remaining two Earth-like planets according to the pre-arranged reconnaissance groups."

We will conduct comprehensive, multi-band surface and deep subsurface scans, utilizing all available detection methods, including but not limited to ground-penetrating radar, neutron scanning, and quantum resonance imaging.

Look for any unnatural structures, unusual energy signals, or traces of artificial creation, no matter how small or ancient they may be.

The order is given to the remaining cruisers and their escort squadrons of the Sixth Company to remain at the portal coordinates, maintain the highest level of alert alongside the main ship, activate all defense systems, and ensure the absolute safety of our retreat route.

All units should maintain uninterrupted communication and activate the quantum encryption channel.

Any abnormalities discovered must be reported immediately; no unauthorized actions are permitted.

Remember, we may be dealing with a mystery that has existed for billions of years, and any rash action could have unpredictable consequences.

Once the order was given, the massive Sixth Fleet, like a swarm of bees awakening, began to disperse in an orderly fashion.

The first fleet, led by the Emperor-class flagship, headed towards the nearest planet, while another flagship led the second fleet to the more distant planet.

The warship's engines spewed blue flames, drawing graceful arcs across the desolate starry sky.

They plan to use the most advanced technology to carefully examine this star field that has been silent for billions of years, searching for those almost non-existent clues from ancient times.

Meanwhile, the Renwei Yonggu and the remaining small fleet remained firmly anchored in front of the light gate that sustained their life, like a stabilizing force.

The armor plates on the warship's surface reflected a cold light under the pale starlight, and various weapon systems were on standby, "gazing" at this ancient and empty starry sky, ready to deal with any possible threat at any time.

In a corner of the bridge, Halsey and Cortana had already begun an in-depth analysis of the preliminary scan data.

Although the galaxy appears lifeless on the surface, scientists' keen intuition tells them that this star field, which has experienced billions of years of changes, may be hiding unknown secrets.

Every unusual energy reading, every unnatural distribution of celestial bodies, could be a clue pointing to the truth.

Sui Meng stood in front of the observation window the whole time, like an unchanging statue.

His gaze pierced through the vast distance, as if trying to see directly into the essence of those two barren planets. As the Primarch of the Empire, he knew the importance of this expedition—

This is not only about confronting the threat of the divine seal, but also about the human empire's understanding of the ancient beings it may face in the future. At the same time, he must ensure that every possibility is thoroughly investigated.

At the same time, the engines of each warship drew elegant trajectories in the silent starry sky, and all kinds of detection equipment were fully activated to begin long-range scanning of the target planet.

Inside the bridge, Wu Ji continuously received real-time data from the two sub-fleets and simultaneously updated the detailed parameters of the two planets on the main screen.

"Target planet A, 0.5 astronomical units from the white dwarf." Wu Ji's voice echoed in the bridge. "Approximately 6794 kilometers in diameter, with a mass 1.1 times that of Mars."

Due to the lack of atmospheric regulation, the surface temperature can reach 430 degrees Celsius on the sunny side and drop to minus 180 degrees Celsius on the shady side.

Its atmosphere is almost nonexistent, its atmospheric pressure is only one-thousandth that of Earth, and its planetary magnetic field is weak, unable to effectively deflect the high-energy radiation from the white dwarf.

She switched the data to show: "Target planet B is 1.2 AU from the white dwarf, has a diameter 1.8 times that of Earth, and a mass about 2.1 times that of Earth."

The planet has a thick atmosphere, mainly composed of carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide, with a surface pressure equivalent to 80 times that of Earth.

The average temperature remains around 300 degrees Celsius, and the atmosphere contains clouds formed by a large number of sulfuric acid droplets.

Despite the harsh environment, the Sixth Company, responsible for reconnaissance, still demonstrated extremely high professionalism.

On Planet A, numerous landing craft descended amidst intense radiation, releasing specially enhanced reconnaissance robots and auxiliary soldiers clad in heavy protective suits.

They searched meticulously in this desolate world, taking samples and analyzing them with drilling equipment, leaving no possible clue unchecked.

Reconnaissance of Planet B faces even greater challenges.

When the first reconnaissance robots landed on its surface, the images they transmitted revealed a truly hellish scene:

Beneath the dense yellow clouds lay a churning ocean of sulfuric acid and exposed rocky ground. The high temperature and pressure caused ordinary reconnaissance equipment to malfunction within a short period of time.

"Based on the existing data," Wu Ji continued to report to Sui Meng, "the environment of Planet B is deadly for carbon-based life. Even if life forms exist, they can only be some extreme microorganisms."

Just then, Dr. Halsey suddenly strode to the control panel, his eyes gleaming with a sharp light.

“Wait!” she interrupted. “Cortana, immediately retrieve all data on the conditions for the formation of silicon-based life, including this atmospheric composition and temperature distribution model.”

Cortana responded immediately and quickly retrieved the relevant information from the database.

A holographic projection unfolded in the air, detailing the environmental conditions under which silicon-based life might exist:
Suitable temperature range: 200 to 500 degrees Celsius

Geological environment rich in silicates

Specific air pressure conditions,

Liquid media may exist, such as liquid sulfur or sulfuric acid.

“Compare and analyze the environmental parameters of Planet B with these conditions,” Halsey said urgently.

Cortana was calculating rapidly, and the data on the projection was constantly being updated and matched.

"After comparison," Cortana quickly replied, "Planet B's environment matches the conditions for silicon-based life by 58%, especially its surface temperature, atmospheric composition, and geological features, which are very suitable for the evolution of silicon-based life."

After a pause, Cortana further analyzed: "Considering that this galaxy is over 10 billion years old and that Planet B has relatively stable environmental conditions, according to the probability model of the origin of life, the probability of this planet evolving into silicon-based life is about 16%."

This number caused a slight commotion on the bridge.

On a cosmological scale, a 16% probability is quite astonishing.

Sui Meng stared at the planet shrouded in yellow clouds on the screen, pondered for a moment, and then made a decision: "Prepare my private landing pod. I want to personally explore the surface of Planet B."

Halsey immediately objected: "Child, the environment there is extremely dangerous, 80 atmospheres of pressure and highly acidic."

"It is precisely because of the special circumstances that personal confirmation is even more necessary."

Sui Meng calmly interrupted the other party, "If silicon-based life, or something else, truly exists as speculated, I must witness it with my own eyes."

He turned to Wu Ji: "During my landing, you and the adjutant will be in charge of the overall command of the fleet, maintaining the highest level of alert, especially monitoring that portal."

"Yes, sir." Wu Ji bowed slightly.

As soon as the order was given, the bridge immediately sprang into action.

Inside the equipment depot, technicians began to perform special reinforcement treatments on Sui Meng's power armor, adding an acid-resistant coating and a pressure regulation system.

The landing team quickly assembled, including the previous Vanguard Guard and four War Maidens, while Halsey and Cortana focused on refining the reconnaissance plan.

“We need to focus on monitoring any unusual geological activity or energy fluctuations,” Halsey said, pointing to a topographic map of Planet B. “The metabolism of silicon-based life may be completely different from the patterns we are familiar with.”

Cortana added, "I have adjusted the parameters of the scanning instrument to focus on detecting anomalous silicate polymerization and specific patterns of thermal energy distribution."

Half an hour later, everything was ready.

Sui Meng stood in front of his personal Thunder Eagle gunboat, his power armor gleaming majestically under the lights. The vanguard had already boarded the Thunder Eagle gunboat, with the war maids attending to him.

"Keep communication open," Sui Meng instructed Wu Ji as a final instruction. "Report any unusual activity immediately."

The hatch of the Thunderhawk gunboat slowly closed, and with a mechanical locking sound, the entire hull began to move toward the launch channel.

Inside the belly hangar of the Renwei Yonggu, the dedicated launch hatch opened, revealing the dazzling starry sky outside and the mysterious planet waiting to be explored.

As the countdown ended, the exclusive Thunderhawk gunship was launched and hurtled straight into the thick atmosphere of Planet B.

Several escort aircraft followed closely behind, forming a tight protective formation.

At the observation window on the bridge, Halsey watched the fleet gradually disappear into the distance and said softly:

"May knowledge and emperors guide us to find the truth."

Her eyes held both the expectations of a scientist and a hint of barely perceptible worry.

In this galaxy that has existed for billions of years, they are about to uncover a secret far beyond imagination.
(End of this chapter)