In the following days, everyone acted according to plan.

Deep within the Royal Court Ruins, Qing Niao and Zi Yuan indeed found the remains of a Workshop Ruins half-buried in the sand.

He cleared out many intact Energy Conduction Crystal Cores, Alloy Plate Material for reinforcement, and even several Sand Lizard Mount Drive Cores that were not completely damaged.

These, with slight modification, might be used to repair the train's Propulsion System.

Meanwhile, through communication with the Desert Remnants, Bai Cheng and the others obtained intelligence far exceeding their expectations.

An old guide who had traveled the surrounding areas told them:

"To the west of this place, past the Quicksand Trench, there is an area called the Thousand Caves Hills. It was once a trade hub where many races lived together, famous for producing a Burning Copper Ore, which is extremely heat-resistant and highly energy-compatible—perfect material for repairing vehicles.

However... after the Eye of the Sand rampaged three years ago, that area was also incorporated into the patrol range of the Enforcement Officer. The current situation is unknown."

Another young hunter mentioned: "In the Wind Erosion Canyon to the northeast, wreckage occasionally drifts in from the Deep Sea. Some look like parts of wrecked ships, and others are mechanical fragments with exotic styles. 𝙛𝒓𝒆𝙚𝒘𝒆𝓫𝙣𝓸𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝒄𝒐𝓶

We've picked up a few, but we dare not go deep, because there are frequent Spatial Distortions in the depths of the canyon, suspected to be related to an Astral Rift."

This information was compiled piece by piece. Bai Cheng realized that this sea area was far more complicated than they had imagined:

The network of the Enforcement Officer, the covert plans of the Constellation Leader, and the hidden resources and risks in different terrains... all intertwined into a vast web of mystery.

Three days later, the main body of the train repair was initially completed. Although its speed and defense had not been fully restored, it now possessed the capability for short-distance navigation.

During this time, Atum, with the assistance of Leng Ningxue, gradually recalled more critical information:

"Among the Twelve Zodiacs, five, including Pisces, have fallen, and Taurus has been captured, but the remaining four are still active.

The Leader's Ascension Ritual requires at least seven different attributes of Top-tier Law as its foundation. He has currently collected nearly half... If he succeeds, not only will we become sacrifices, but the entire Emerald Sea and surrounding territories may be swallowed and ❖ Nоvеl𝚒ght ❖ (Exclusive on Nоvеl𝚒ght) reconstructed by his Law Domain."

"Furthermore, although the Zodiac Generals don't communicate often, each of them carries a Star Seal planted by the Leader. After my defeat, the Star Seal dimmed, and the Leader must have noticed.

He has likely dispatched other Zodiacs to investigate... or even decided to take action himself."

This intelligence caused everyone's expression to become solemn.

Bai Cheng remained silent for a moment, determination gradually hardening in her silver eyes:

"We cannot wait passively. Since the Leader has targeted us, instead of letting him scheme in the dark and defeat us one by one, we should take the initiative.

At the very least, we must first eliminate him, the most direct threat."

Qing Niao gripped his Thunder Spear: "Miss, are you suggesting we counterattack the Constellation Leader's stronghold?"

"Yes," Bai Cheng nodded, "but not a blind charge. Atum's memory contains the coordinates of at least two areas where other Zodiacs are active: one is the Abyssal Trench where Gemini is located, and the other is the Equilibrium Floating Isle where Libra is permanently stationed. We can choose one to clear out first."

Zi Yuan's long blade hummed softly: "This would not only weaken the Leader's wings but also verify whether his method of advancement is truly as we suspect.

If those strongholds truly contain Law Extraction Devices or Ritual Remnants, we might gain insight."

Lu Duo softly added: "Moreover... if we can cut off his source of Law, perhaps we can delay the progress of his ritual and buy ourselves more time."

Yu Nian was eager to try: "Let's do it! It's a good time to test the performance of the repaired train!"

Leng Ningxue looked at Bai Cheng: "Have you decided which one to attack first?"

Bai Cheng brought up the star-chart-like Energy Coordinates from Atum's memory, her fingertip landing on one of the dim light points:

"The Abyssal Trench where Gemini is located—it is the junction of the Deep Sea and the Earth Vein. Cancer excels at defense, so the stronghold is bound to be sturdy.

But precisely because of this, the Earth Vein Law Device contained within might be the most complete.

Destroying it would deal the greatest blow to the Leader's plan."

She lifted her head, her gaze sweeping over everyone:

"There are three objectives for this trip: First, eliminate Gemini, cutting off one of the Leader's arms.

Second, verify his Law extraction methods and confirm the authenticity of the path of the emperor.

Third, seize or destroy the Earth Vein Device to prevent him from continuing to draw upon the Foundation of the Great Earth."

"If successful, we can not only weaken the enemy but perhaps also find crucial clues to fight the Leader."

No one objected.

Under the desert starlight, the decision was made.

The silver train floated above the sand valley, silent as a sculpture in the faint light of dawn.

Bai Cheng stood at the open cabin door, her gaze falling on the massive yet slightly stooped figure at the entrance of the Stone Chamber.

Atum walked out slowly, his bronze skin dull in the morning light. The Taurus Mark on his forehead had lost its former powerful radiance, leaving only a shallow scar.

He looked up, his pure golden eyes meeting Bai Cheng's. There was no resentment, no pleading, only a peace that was almost transparent.

"I understand," his voice was deep, like an echo from the earth's depths, hoarse yet clear, "there is no place for me on this train.

Most of my power is lost, and my body still bears traces of the Leader's Star Seal... Taking me along would only be a burden and a hidden danger to you."

Bai Cheng was silent for a moment, light and shadow shifting in her silver eyes.

She had indeed anticipated this situation—although Atum had defected, he was once an important Zodiac General under the Leader, and his body might still harbor Tracking Marks that he himself hadn't noticed.

More importantly, his massive physique and remaining heavy Law Power were not suited for the train's Spatial Structure, let alone the high-speed navigation and covert operations that were about to take place.

"You can stay here," Bai Cheng finally said, her voice as calm as ever, "the Eye of the Sand has been removed, and this land is recovering.

Although your power is damaged, you still possess King-level Essence, enough to shelter these remnants, help them rebuild their homes, and guard against roaming Sand Golem Puppets or small Patrol Teams of Enforcement Officer."

The corner of Atum's mouth twitched slightly, as if he wanted to smile, but only managed a bitter curve.

"Shelter... I personally drained the vitality from this land, and now I am to become its guardian. How ironic."

He paused, looking toward the three Sandstone Statues near the distant oasis, his gaze complex. "But... perhaps this is the best Way of Atonement. And the only thing I can still do."

He turned to Bai Cheng, a faint but sincere light flashing in his golden eyes: "Thank you... for letting me see the truth and giving me a chance to choose again.

I will stay here and use the rest of my life to protect this land and its people. Please... continue your journey."

Bai Cheng gave a slight nod. She knew this was the ending Atum had chosen for himself.

Not flight, nor dependence, but to re-establish roots on the land he had harmed, as its protector.