Outside, there was nothing but ocean, stretching boundlessly. Who knew which forgotten corner of Earth we had arrived at? This world offered no satellite navigation, no precise coordinates to fix our bearing; we had no idea where that fellow Kang Hui had led us.

Bai and Xue had snagged yet another grand scientific project and excitedly retreated to discuss it, leaving us alone. I went to ask Xia Huren exactly where we were. Xia Huren replied, "Judging by the journey, we must be in the Atlantic. But it’s strange; I constantly feel like the orientation doesn't match the mountain ranges known in Earth's geography six thousand years from now."

I said, "I was confused too, but I’ve figured it out now. If my estimation is correct, the Earth’s axis is straight at this time, not tilted by the current 23-plus degrees. That’s why we haven't felt any significant seasonal changes on our journey, nor any distinct tropical, temperate, or frigid zones."

Xia Huren agreed, "That’s right. We even remarked on the mild climate when we passed near the Bering Strait."

I countered, "But that’s not good. Without the Moon’s gravitational pull, Earth’s axial tilt can’t be maintained around 23 degrees; it will shift irregularly between 0 and 85 degrees. That would cause extreme climatic anomalies, unsuitable for life to flourish. Even if there are no immediate disruptions, we can't guarantee the angle won't change tomorrow. That’s why we must send the Moon up high, letting it steady one of Earth's shoulders; that will be far more conducive to human development."

Xia Huren chuckled, "I understand now. Ah, it’s good to go to university; I didn't know this before."

I let out a couple of laughs, only to be utterly stunned by the sight outside the window. "Tiger, are you sure we haven't taken a wrong turn?"

Xia Huren glanced over twice. "I'm certain. We've been following the guidance Kang Hui sent. If there were an error, they would have warned us. Besides, the treasure is still with us."

Long Nü also caught sight of the view outside and couldn't help but ask, "Where exactly are we?"

I replied, "I was hoping you could tell me, since this is your territory."

Long Nü said, "This is the first time I’ve seen this, too. What are all these massive circular rings for?"

My vision was sharper, so I could see clearly. "They are structures, huge circular buildings submerged in the water. They radiate outwards from a central building like spokes on a wheel. The scale is immense; this couldn’t possibly have been built in just a decade or two. How could your Tai Hao organization have zero intelligence on something this massive? Your intelligence system is clearly far inferior to the rebels'."

Long Nü flushed and shook her head. "We in Tai Hao don't have an intelligence agency at all. Because of the rebel uprising, our flying saucers haven't dared to fly freely. The last time we managed a mission—escorting me to Yanshan—it ended in total annihilation. If it weren't for the Dragon Envoy, I shudder to think what would have happened to me..."

I comforted Long Nü, "Things will get better. The crucial thing now is figuring out this location. I see a tall temple structure at the center of the rings, and the dome decoration is incredibly lavish, all gilded. Pyramids, streets laid out diagonally... This... Could this possibly be the lost continent of Great Xi (Atlantis)?"

Xia Huren looked puzzled. "Old Qian, are you referring to Atlantis?"

I admitted, "I can't be certain, but everything here bears a striking resemblance to descriptions of the sunken continent in ancient texts. However, that continent sank ten thousand years ago, which would be four thousand years before today, into the Atlantic. How can it be appearing before our eyes now?"

Xia Huren smiled faintly. "There are so many things beyond our comprehension. The rebels have sent another message instructing us to land at the third ring of structures."

From the saucer, the ringed complexes seemed manageable, but when we descended, we realized these were truly monumental artifacts. Giant quarried stones were neatly stacked to form temples and palaces. The foundations seemed to be reclaimed land, or perhaps the seawater here is shallow, resting on reefs and bedrock. Numerous vessels were docked between the two ring complexes. I couldn't judge the age of these ships because their designs were entirely new to me. The Great Xi continent before it sank was rumored to look like this, but since no one had ever seen their true appearance, I couldn't make a direct comparison.

Long Nü quietly explained to me, "We rarely see things like boats here. Since we barely understand Earth's landmasses, we haven't even begun to venture into the oceans."

A soldier escorted us into a great hall where we encountered another Kang Hui. Of course, I didn't trust his outward appearance. The rebels' use of gene viruses has probably surpassed Bai and Xue's control; I fear these monsters were developed using that mutated virus. So, where is the real Kang Hui?

"Esteemed guests, welcome after your arduous journey. Please, sit down. Long Nü, I never expected to meet you here—you’ve grown even more beautiful." This Kang Hui seemed very amiable, but the way he kept staring at Long Nü made me uneasy.

Long Nü stated, "Thank you. Let’s discuss serious matters. What exactly do you want? And I need to confirm whether you are the genuine Gonggong Clan's Kang Hui."

Kang Hui dismissed the concern. "Is that really important? I am who I am; I need no name, no codename. My affection for you won't change because of my vessel. Long Nü, Tai Hao is finished. No matter how many helpers you bring, you cannot reverse your failure. We are the ones who can truly bring light to humanity! I hear Long Xi has conferred the title of Zhurong upon that murderer and lunatic—hmpf! I want to see what qualifications he has for that surname. He slaughtered a million of my troops; I swear I will have my revenge!"

Long Nü retorted sharply, "Kang Hui! Don't dream of defeating the Dragon Envoy; he is eternally invincible!"

Kang Hui roared back, "You are mistaken, Long Nü! There is no invincible person in this world, including myself. People only achieve greater success by continuously conquering themselves. I have succeeded! Look! Can you believe everything you see here? Long Nü, if you come with me, everything here will be half yours. Long Xi is a pedantic fool; he is unqualified to possess the Heart of Energy, and unqualified to lead humanity. But I—the true Zhurong of humanity—am your hope, your great sovereign! I alone will bring you everlasting brilliance!"

Long Nü burst out in anger, "Madman! You are the madman! We came here to negotiate, not to listen to your waking fantasies! Right now, if you hand over all the nuclear missiles and cancel all detonation codes, we will give you the four gems. Otherwise, don't even dream about it."

"Since I allowed you to come here, I will not permit you to negotiate terms with me. I can state clearly now: there are eight other great metropolises remaining on this planet, housing tens of thousands of human survivors—the last remnants of our species. The moment I press this small detonator in my hand, the signal will relay instantly to those eight cities. From then on, the history of humanity will be rewritten by me. I will create a new species, one perfectly adapted to this planet, and absolutely obedient to my commands. I will construct magnificent new cities for them, allowing them to live without worry. Everything you see in Poseidon City will be replicated across the globe—that is the blueprint for the future world!"

Long Nü challenged him, "Kang Hui, don't get cocky! The gems are in our hands now. Don't assume we came unprepared. If you don't agree to our terms, we can just as easily destroy the gems, ensuring you never obtain them!"