047 The Big Shot Behind the Black Mountain Society

Tianyu Mining Area No. 013, located on the far side of the Baita Floating Continent, became the focal point for Song Chao and Shen Wenjie's group of eight Xinhuo airships. They halted their advance upon reaching the coordinates obtained several days earlier.

"Attention everyone, commence exploration immediately. Report any findings promptly," commanded Shen Wenjie. 

Following his orders, the six psionic airships dispersed swiftly, initiating comprehensive scans of the surrounding asteroids. Meanwhile, Shen Wenjie's "Bronze Halberd" and Song Chao's "Blue Sky" maintained vigilance, stationed apart from the exploration team.

Despite precautions taken during departure and the use of communication blockers by the mining area, the disturbance caused by intercepting personnel from the Black Mountain Gold Store had drawn attention. Uncertainty loomed regarding potential observers.

More than half an hour passed with no sign of the titanium crystal, despite the ongoing exploration by the six psionic airships.

"Could it be a coincidence? Both miners mistook a similar-looking ore for titanium crystal simultaneously?" Shen Wenjie voiced his doubts aboard the Bronze Halberd.

Song Chao remained indifferent. "Don't worry. Until we confirm the ore, nothing is certain. We've invested too much time into this to be deterred easily."

Ten minutes later, one of the psionic airships sent a communication request.

Shen Wenjie, who had been resigned to disappointment, brightened. He gestured to Song Chao to accept the call.

Before Song Chao could speak, a young man's excited voice filled the communication screen.

"Uncle, I've found it. It's indeed titanium crystal. Initial estimates suggest a vein with 1,000 to 2,000 units."

"Excellent!" Shen Wenjie, who had served as "inspection team captain" for nearly twenty years, couldn't contain his joy and broke into laughter. "Gather the other five and begin mining at full capacity..."

Boom!

A sudden blast echoed from behind, shaking the Blue Sky beneath Song Chao's feet. The energy shield, a level 29 blue component, depleted by one-fifth. Song Chao's heart sank. Normally, this shield could withstand such a blow, but maintaining it was crucial; otherwise, the blast could have penetrated the Aozora's armor, causing significant damage.

Realizing the news of the titanium crystal had likely attracted attention, Song Chao acted swiftly.

"Old Shen, the enemy includes a frigate. Be cautious."

"Xiao Lin, leave two airships for mining. The remaining four, prepare to assist," he ordered.

...

The eight Xinhuo airships divided tasks efficiently. Two remained to mine the asteroid, while the other six gathered swiftly. Two guard-class psionic airships led the way, with four following closely. All six main guns charged ominously, preparing for a counterattack.

Hundreds of kilometers away, a formidable fire fleet loomed on the horizon.

"Two frigates and seven nether-energy airships, possibly affiliated with the Black Mountain Association. The origin of the frigates is unclear. What are your thoughts, Old Shen?" Song Chao inquired.

Shen Wenjie's laughter rang out from the Bronze Halberd. "Hahaha, let's find out. Attack until they surrender."

Song Chao chuckled in agreement. "Indeed. Today, we test these frigates' mettle. To seize this opportunity, they must prove their strength."

Turning serious, he instructed the five psionic airships behind him, "Xiaolin, Xiaoqing, engage and stall. Withdraw immediately if your ship sustains damage. The outcome hinges not on you."

"Understood, Uncle!"

...

Among the hostile fleet, the silver-armored guard-class psionic airship took the lead. Its commander, a youth with a calm demeanor, observed the unexpected intervention with mild surprise.

Unprepared for such audacity in meddling with the titanium crystal issue, he hadn't expected the opposition to deploy two frigates. Such firepower was rare in Jiangyuan City.

A communication request interrupted his thoughts. On accepting, a projection of a stout man with prominent ears appeared—the unmistakable Scar, president of the Black Mountain Association.

"Young Master Kang, given the opponent's strength, it appears significant. Should we..." Scar began cautiously.

Interrupting, Kang declared impatiently, "Regardless of their background, I'll handle this. I want to see who dares intercept Zhu Kang's plans."

The four frigates launched in agreement, departing the mining area and choosing a battlefield kilometers away. The frigates' power was immense, capable of reducing nether-energy airships and asteroids to dust in their wake.

As the frigates engaged in battle, the skirmish among the twelve psionic airships seemed relatively tame. Despite continuous exchanges, their energy shields remained dim, indicating the conflict would not be swiftly resolved.

In a distant, deserted mining zone, the battle between the four frigates had begun in earnest. Song Chao faced off against a silver battleship, while Shen Wenjie's Bronze Halberd engaged the other frigate.