Returning to hometown to farm: The apocalypse system arrived ten years earlier?

Chapter 351 A Mourning Thought Amidst the Stars

The core clauses of the "Dawn Era Survival Strategy Outline" drafted by Li Xiang and Jiang Cai'er are as follows:
1. Deep Dive Project
Forced Hibernation Order: All dungeons will implement the "Shadow Protocol," shutting down non-essential energy consumption (such as landscape lighting and entertainment facilities), and only maintaining the operation of basic survival systems.

Information control: Sending electromagnetic signals outward is strictly prohibited. All radar/drone reconnaissance must be quantum encrypted to avoid revealing the coordinates of the underground city.

This "quantum encryption" technology was already implemented in March 2025. It utilizes quantum principles to perform a series of encryption techniques, including key generation, plaintext obfuscation encryption, ciphertext decryption, ciphertext communication, and anti-eavesdropping.

In March 2025, a research team from the University of Science and Technology of China, together with the Jinan Institute of Quantum Technology, the Shanghai Institute of Technical Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites, and other institutions, collaborated with a research team from Stellenbosch University in South Africa to establish a quantum key distribution system over a distance of more than 12900 kilometers between China and South Africa, enabling the encryption and transmission of image data using a "one-time pad" method.

And Jiang Cai'er is a top expert in this field.

2. Project to Spread the Flame of Civilization
Extraordinary Particle Enrichment Chamber: Establish "Psionic Matrix" in each major city, collect extraordinary particles from the ground through crystal gold pipelines, and increase the concentration to 300 times that of the ground surface for all citizens to accelerate their cultivation.

The Li Family Breathing Method encourages practice: it establishes a "Breathing Method Level Examination," and those who reach the first level receive an increased food ration, thus motivating the lower classes to strive for progress.

3. Hive Defense System
Underground transportation network shutdown: Emergency passages between the main city and satellite cities will be preserved, while the remaining railways will be permanently sealed with rapidly solidified crystal gold to prevent the infiltration of alien beasts.

Ecological closed-loop verification: Each underground city must pass the "millennial self-circulation" stress test (water/air/food regeneration rate ≥ 99.7%).

4. Preparations for the Hunt for the God King
Saint-Rank Special Forces: Selects extraordinary individuals under the age of 30 and above of Rank 15 from around the world for "Godslayer" special training.

At the same time, Li Xiang will also closely monitor the progress of the beasts at the God-King Realm vying for the Earth's core.

This grand strategy has naturally sparked much discussion among netizens around the world.

Domestically, there's no question about strict implementation; internationally, they'll generally cooperate as well. This is because behind this grand strategy lies a series of additional clauses. For example, if this strategy isn't implemented, the advanced breathing technique assessment will be suspended, meaning the city will no longer be able to easily access the advanced breathing techniques and physical skills.

For example, failure to implement this strategy will result in automatic withdrawal from the Global Anti-Alien Beast Alliance, and Li Xiang will not provide support in the event of future danger.

and many more.

Therefore, the implementation of the strategy is generally not a problem.

Jiang Cai'er would also secretly extend her influence to various suburban cities. This would not be openly discussed, nor would it be known to anyone except Li Xiang.

Li Xiang suddenly felt immense pressure and quickly made a trip to see Chiba Yukio and Eileen to secretly offer them advice. The best solution was to avoid installing surveillance cameras or any internet-connected devices at their residence.

In a relatively remote room at the shelter, Chiba Yukio had set up a makeshift "home internet cafe." The environment was very cozy and comfortable; from now on, this would be the only place to go online. There were no cameras or microphones.

Eileen rolled her eyes at Li Xiang, but did as she was told.

Cousin: "..." She secretly complained about Li Xiang several more times.

Li Xiang travels at Mach 80, covering more than 16,000 kilometers in 10 minutes. He knows the way to Mount Fuji like the back of his hand, taking only 2 minutes, and to Irene's castle in 5 or 6 minutes. For an ordinary person, going out to buy a pack of cigarettes might take longer than that.

In fact, Chiba Yukio and Irene's sanctuary is private property, outside the government, and not a member of the Anti-Monster Alliance.

Domestic social media platforms:

@种田流yyds: "Isn't this just the Dark Domain Project from 'The Three-Body Problem' plus the saturation rescue from 'The Wandering Earth'? I suggest adding a 'survive, develop, and draw cards' clause, and holding a server-wide alien beast hunting competition every ten years to reward Saint-level equipment."

@Sichuan-Chongqing Bandit Li Laosi: "That turtle's strategy is too conservative! I'm applying to form a 'Hot Pot Suicide Squad' to conduct guerrilla warfare on the surface!"

Hot topic on Reddit
u/SurvivalistTom: "Oppose the privileges of the superhuman. Why do superhumans receive larger food rations? #HumanRightsCouncilHasSue."

One comment read: "Superhumans will be going out to fight in the future; how can they have the strength if they don't eat their fill?"

"Exactly, how about you be on the front lines when the alien beasts invade the base?"

"If you want more resources, then cultivate diligently. In the future, extraordinary individuals will not only have food privileges, but perhaps many other privileges as well. This is determined by strength. Once you truly reach the Saint rank, do you expect to suffer like you at the bottom?"

"Look at Li Sheng, the number one person in the world, whose words become law. Do you expect him to eat the same food as you and live in the same house?"

r/NoFap community: "Will the Extraordinary Particle Enrichment Chamber enhance sexual desire? We suggest adding a 'wise man's mode' filter to prevent teenagers from going astray."

"What? There are such benefits? I definitely have to try it!"

Indian Forum
Sanskrit scholar @Vishnu: "Breath cultivation exams should have caste quotas! Why should Shudras compete with Brahmins for spiritual resources? Shiva will punish egalitarians!"

Mumbai programmer @Dev_Patel: "I suggest developing 'Curry-flavored Extraordinary Particles,' as Ganges Data shows that localization adaptation efficiency can be improved by 47%."

African Tribal Network
Chief @Mbaku: "The white paper does not consider the need for voodoo rituals! It requires every African dungeon to be equipped with an 'Ancestral Communication Room' or we will summon the Lizardmen to join the war."

Japanese Anonymous Version

5ch user: "The strategy name is too corny! It should be called 'About My Reincarnation as a Dungeon Ratman But My Desire to Slay Gods,' and the tactical guidance should be recorded by Chiba Yukio in a shrine maiden outfit."

Chiba Yukio previously saved people during a great flood, and during her time running a hot spring resort, she repeatedly performed miracles to teach unsuspecting homeless people a lesson, making her a legendary figure in Japan. The twin magatama have now grown up and become a popular twin duo in Japan.

This mother and her two daughters are extremely beautiful and powerful. They live in a sacred place like Mount Fuji, making them the dream girls of countless Japanese men. Many people want to sneak into Chiba Yukio's sanctuary, but unfortunately, she doesn't accept men.

@Akihabara Otaku: "Request to rename 'Godslayer Special Forces' to 'Godslayer Academy' and add a cross-dressing challenge to the entrance exam #AnimeSavesTheWorld"

Twin Magatama: "Mom, we want to sign up! We want to go to Godfather's place for special training!"

French intellectual and philosopher @Luc: "This is a new form of panopticon! I suggest opening a 'Despair Salon' every week—to gracefully welcome death amidst red wine and existentialist discussions."

……

Regardless, all the suburban areas have implemented closed-off management, cutting off almost all contact with the outside world except for the internet.

A nationwide craze for cultivation has begun.

The fiber optic cable is buried deep underground and was laid by Li Xiang himself, so it generally won't be interrupted. If there is an interruption, he can repair it at any time.

Li Xiang was busy with the construction of the extraordinary particle enrichment chamber, but only those who performed exceptionally well could enter for cultivation.

To the Twin Jade's disappointment, the Saint-level training team had not yet been formed due to the scarcity of transcendent beings above rank 15. However, Li Xiang assured them that they would be the first to receive notification when the Saint-level training team was established.

Several months passed in a flash. During these months, there were a few sporadic large-scale battles between the beasts and humans, but small battles and conflicts continued. However, the humans held their ground in the underground city and did not provoke any attacks, thus preserving their strength.

In particular, after verification, many dungeons keep their ventilation openings closed for extended periods.

Eileen not only developed the "Mind Image Trial," but also some particularly practical gadgets, such as the Extraordinary Particle Concentration Monitor, which, after being promoted by Li Xiang, was dumped in various urban areas. As for oxygen concentration monitoring, the existing technology and equipment are already quite mature.

If the dungeon is really lacking in oxygen or supernatural particles, you can just secretly open the ventilation vents to add some fresh air.

In addition, Eileen invented a "black fog separation membrane," which, after being improved by Jiang Cai'er's team, was used to develop a large-scale black fog separator that can strip away black fog.

The black mist is not an extraordinary particle, but a peculiar substance, possibly an extraordinary particle that humans cannot utilize. However, the black mist has flooded into the underground city, greatly affecting people's daily lives.

Now, with the black fog separator, the dungeon has regained its clarity.

With global logistics disrupted, online sales are naturally impossible. Therefore, Yongye Media has also transformed, shifting from online sales to online mini-classes.

It mainly involves explaining some common sense and experience in spiritual practice, and sometimes answering questions from netizens and providing online Q&A.

This kind of business is naturally extremely popular, especially since Li Xiang sometimes gives lectures himself. Whenever Li Xiang gives a lecture, the server crashes several times, with billions of people online.

Later, Jiang Cai'er had to upgrade to a more advanced server to ensure that billions of people could be online at the same time without lag or network congestion.

It's worth mentioning that now, the world has entered a dark age; the previous time differences have disappeared, and everyone's day and night are the same. The world has a unified time zone, based on China's time. Well, what can you do? China produced Li Sheng!

Although Chiba Yukio and Eileen are both Saint-level, they are both very low-key and have not revealed their true strength. Currently on Earth, there are only two Saint-level beings on the surface: Li Xiang and Jiang Cai'er.

Jiang Cai'er is more research-oriented and, being Li Xiang's wife, naturally respects Li Xiang.

Then Jiang Cai'er, Yao Yao, Zhao Xueqing, Lei Xiaohui, and others would occasionally go online to talk a few times, but they were too busy and didn't have much time. So Yongye Media specially promoted several anchors, such as Lei Jiaming, Han Qifeng, Li Xiang's cousin Shen Ziming, and cousin Shen Wenqian.

Among these people, Shen Wenqian is the most popular because she is also a big shot in the power department, in charge of reviewing the advanced breathing techniques of superhumans around the world.

Because of this job, Shen Wenqian got to know many extraordinary individuals, so Yongye Media would also invite some senior figures from home and abroad to give lectures. For example, that old master of Chinese martial arts, after the apocalypse, extraordinary particles emerged, and he accumulated his strength and broke through, reaching the sixth level in just one month, becoming one of the top new extraordinary individuals in the country.

This old man is fond of teaching, and Li Xiang treats him very well. He not only receives generous "calorie coins" for lecturing, but also "spiritual medicine allowances." He has the most and most frequent classes scheduled for him.

Originally, this old man's hair was gray, but now it has turned black, as if he has lived a second life.

However, it is actually quite rare globally for someone of advanced age to reach such a transcendent level. Moreover, most of them were already proficient in traditional martial arts or health cultivation practices during peacetime.

Among these people, there were mostly martial arts masters, Taoist priests, high monks, and ascetics.

Helium coins are actually a type of encrypted digital currency. With helium-3 energy available and the challenges of controlled nuclear fusion solved, electricity is no longer an issue. And with current human technology, the internet is also no longer a problem.

Especially with the support of extraordinary capabilities, Jiang Cai'er's team has developed the world's most advanced lithography machine, achieving mass production of sub-1 nanometer process (0.5 nanometers), while small-batch production in the laboratory can reach 0.2 nanometers.

However, silicon atoms are 0.117 nanometers in diameter. If we want to go further, we may need breakthroughs in new materials or new transistor structures.

Li Xiang attended a few of Jiang Cai'er's team meetings, but he almost fell asleep listening to them. He really didn't understand them, so he just learned about them superficially and couldn't offer much help.

However, Li Xiang also stated that if any materials are needed, he can search for them in space.

Although alien creatures inhabit the stars, eight planets, and various smaller celestial bodies in our solar system, he is confident that he can ensure his own safety with his strength.

Putting everything else aside, his speed of Mach 80 is something that even most gods don't achieve. He's not afraid of anything except God-King level and above.

Although humanity has moved underground and productivity has greatly decreased, technological levels haven't regressed to World War II levels as they did in the previous life. This is because, thanks to Li Xiang's early warnings several years in advance, humanity's various laboratories and technological factories have been well preserved. Furthermore, an energy revolution has been achieved, resulting in even greater technological advancements.

Putting aside other things, traditional LCD screens have been phased out. Now, we only see holographic projection, which used to be seen in science fiction movies. Moreover, it requires no medium, can form images in a vacuum, and can achieve a naked-eye 3D effect.

As the traditional Chinese New Year approaches, Li Xiang organized an online memorial service to commemorate those who had sacrificed their lives. Many people who had lost loved ones wept bitterly.

But in reality, many families went to heaven together. For example, several underground cities were completely destroyed, and often, family members and friends lived in the same underground city, or even the same neighborhood, which led to the total annihilation.

When we moved, we chose to live together so we could look after each other, but no one expected it to turn out this way. I guess everything has its pros and cons.

The memorial service was broadcast globally via holographic projection technology, utilizing the online platform transformed by Yongye Media. Participants did not need to reveal their dungeon coordinates, accessing the service through a quantum-encrypted channel. The visuals were predominantly black and white, with luminous particles symbolizing the "seed of humanity" emerging within the holographic image, slowly converging to form a massive virtual monument.

The ceremony was announced a week in advance.

On the 26th day of the twelfth lunar month, at 8 p.m., the online memorial service for the victims of "Eternal Night Media" began with a three-minute simultaneous silence across all platforms. All users' interfaces automatically switched to a dynamic starry background, with twinkling stars representing the lost lives. The system generated a corresponding number of light spots based on the number of victims reported by various cities.

Many people participated from home using personal computers or communication devices via holographic projection, but quite a few also came to the core plaza of the underground city. Above the plaza, a huge holographic projection with naked-eye 3D effects was even more stunning.

Li Xiang's figure emerged from the virtual starry sea, his plain white robe fluttering without wind, the "Civilization Spark Repository" inscription floating behind him flowing with pale golden light. With a light tap of his fingertip, the quantum-encrypted channel connected the devices of more than nine billion survivors worldwide to the same black-and-white interface—this was the first funeral in the history of human civilization without a physical venue.

"Please silently recite the brightest star in your heart."

The moment the notification tone ended, all screens fell into absolute silence. For three minutes, a dynamic sea of ​​stars silently surged before everyone's eyes, each flickering point of light corresponding to a life trajectory that had abruptly ended.

In Tokyo, an engineer in an underground city saw a star suddenly explode into the shape of a cherry blossom. It was a unique memorial generated by the system based on the pattern of his wife's favorite kimono. He trembled slightly and tears welled up in his eyes.

In Brazil, deep in the rainforest, a tribal elder watches as the light belonging to his grandson transforms into a hummingbird with fluttering wings. His turbid tears drip onto the touchpad, activating a unique mourning totem of the Amazon basin.

As the AI-generated images of the victims, reconstructed by Jiang Cai'er's team, began to scroll, the sound of countless glasses shattering echoed from a bar in New York's underground city.

……

After reviewing the list of names, the eulogy was delivered.

Li Xiang stands in a holographic form before the virtual monument, dressed in a plain robe, reciting a eulogy carefully written by Jiang Cai'er, emphasizing that "every spark of starlight is the courage to tear through the darkness."

His voice was amplified by the psionic matrix, producing a resonant reverberation effect.

"Now, light up your stardust."

We've now moved on to the virtual flower-offering segment.

Li Xiang's voice carried the ethereal echo unique to the Psionic Matrix, and pure, transcendent particles filtered by the black mist separator swirled around him. Billions of hands simultaneously clicked the floating button, and grains of virtual stardust transformed into white chrysanthemums, piling up at the base of the monument to form a winding galaxy. Comments and bullet screens streaked across the sky like aurora borealis:
"To all residents of Madrid 02: Please pass our flowers on to the security guard at Metro Exit C who blocked the gate with his body."

"Cairo University Physics Department: Professor Najib said that before the black hole theory has been fully verified, he has become a real black hole." (Attached is Arabic crying emoji code)
"Children's drawings from a New Delhi slum: Mom says the angels are all wearing orange-yellow protective suits." (439 crayon drawings uploaded)

“Liu Xiaoya from District 07 of Shanghai: Dad, I survived in Dungeon No. 09.”

"My love, he was humming 'Katyusha' as he detonated the underground tunnel." A woman in Russia sobbed uncontrollably.

In an underground city in South America, a young priest leads his people in a dance of the dead. Ancient chants are simultaneously translated into Chinese prayers by AI: "May their souls cling to the backs of jaguars and leap into the Fifth Sun Age."

Almost simultaneously, survivors of the Norwegian underground city projected models of Viking warships onto a public mourning wall, and an Icelandic poet wrote the runa script on a screen using volcanic ash.

In the No. 03 underground city in China, in the main city where Li Xiang is located, children are stuffing origami cranes into the ventilation ducts—it is said that these origami cranes can float to heaven along with the black fog.

Outside the ventilation duct, several extraordinary cats are on guard, ensuring that if any strange beasts attack during the release of the origami cranes, they can provide timely warnings.

Fortunately, we were lucky and there were no strange beasts.

The suppressed sobs reached their peak when Jiang Cai'er cut off a segment of the video.

Not long ago, a horrific scene unfolded in a satellite city attacked by alien beasts: a seventeen-year-old newly promoted second-tier transcendent, a prodigy and also the captain of the satellite city's militia, pushed his breathing technique to its limit, his right arm, torn and bleeding, still desperately held against the gate, his roar shattering the alien beast's compound eyes in front of the camera: "The circuit breaker protocol password is... my sister's birthday!"

……

As the countdown reached zero and the explosive light engulfed the entire screen, hundreds of thousands of red bullet comments proclaiming "Humanity's Indomitable Spirit" surged like a waterfall of blood. Suddenly, a pianist in an underground city in the Canadian snowfields began to play "The March of the Volunteers" wildly, with echoes from Paris, Siberia, the Cape of Good Hope, and the Amazon layered upon each other, forming a heart-stirring symphony.

As the atmosphere of grief reached its peak, Li Xiang opened his arms, and all the screens displayed a virtual dawn scene created by Jiang Cai'er: the sun, shrouded in black mist, leaped back above the horizon, and the almost lifelike projection allowed every ray of golden sunlight to shine across the underground city.

A Tokyo housewife noticed that the beam of light shining on her daughter's portrait seemed to have increased in temperature by several degrees. Her daughter loved hot spring baths, but now she could no longer enjoy them.

A miner in South Africa stared at the gold thread running through his palm and vaguely saw the glint of light reflected from his wife's wedding ring, which had melted in the steel furnace.

"Lights out."

As Li Xiang issued the order, the energy centers of all underground cities around the world almost simultaneously reduced their pressure.

Humanity collectively sank into the darkness of the deep sea, with only the safety indicator lights flickering like the torches of ancient ancestors.

Thirty seconds later, as the first light came back on, the little Argentinian boy pointed to the newly appeared cherry blossom and pyramid motif on the mourning wall and shouted, "Look! The stars are dancing!"

His mother, however, covered her mouth and gazed at a certain spot—the light that belonged to her husband, which was piecing together half an unfinished Spanish love poem at the top of the monument.

(End of this chapter)