Initially, I worried that these snipers might have weaker close-quarters combat abilities (sufficient against ordinary people, but perhaps not against individuals from the martial world), and I wanted to concentrate them at various vantage points since we didn't have enough elite fighters.
During the actual operation, Daji raised a valid concern: if we clustered everyone together, it could easily lead to a "total annihilation" scenario. A single area-of-effect spell or even a well-placed grenade could result in massive casualties.
I adopted Daji's suggestion and dispersed all the snipers. I then divided the second and third floors into several zones, assigning one elite fighter to each zone to protect the snipers within that area. This arrangement seemed more reasonable.
Many snipers claimed they didn't need protection, asserting their marksmanship was enough for self-defense. All I could say was that they were still too young and likely hadn't encountered true masters!
To be fair, these snipers were quite adept at hiding. Standing in the middle of the waiting hall, I surveyed the area. Aside from the martial world elites, I couldn't spot a single sniper, or even the barrel of a gun. However, once I switched to my spiritual sense mode, they were completely exposed. They appeared in dense layers, their auras steady and unwavering, all facing my position.
I called Yaoyao to inquire about the situation on her end. Yaoyao reported that the researchers had spent a long time studying the substance within the box's interlayer but couldn't identify it. It resembled some kind of alloy, so they were hesitant to open it, fearing the demon core might escape.
However, their scans did detect an electronic component within the interlayer, which appeared to be a tracking device.
"That's perfect, then. We don't need to spread any messages. Just bring the box over. My defenses are already set up," I said.
"Alright, I'll ask 201 for approval."
A short while later, Yaoyao called back, stating that Bai Qingcheng had approved the plan and would arrive at the station in ten minutes.
Ten minutes later, a formidable convoy arrived outside the station. It was a large contingent from the Shabia Jinling Action Team, escorting the demon core. Nearly a hundred people were involved. Bai Qingcheng positioned them around the station's entrances and exits, allowing people to enter but not leave. The Shabia Action Team, while perhaps not the strongest in direct combat, was equipped with an array of highly advanced demon-hunting tools, which could compensate for any perceived lack of combat prowess.
I assigned Bingbing to the top floor, giving her control over the entire area. Her task was to use spiritual sense to detect enemy movements. She must have been secretly training, as Bingbing's observational range with spiritual sense now exceeded mine, reaching about ten kilometers. The station surroundings had few residential areas, meaning fewer human auras. Any sign of the Chiyou organization entering the defense perimeter would be immediately detected by her.
Human radar.
With all arrangements finalized, I suddenly realized I had no designated position. I asked Bai Qingcheng where I should be for the ambush.
"...Ambush what? Go to the monitoring room. Oh, and Mujige, you too. I heard you know the Sound Transmission technique?" Bai Qingcheng looked at Yaoyao.
Yaoyao nodded. "Yes, but I'm not very proficient. It should be sufficient for remote control of the waiting hall."
I understood. Bai Qingcheng was entrusting the on-site command to Yaoyao and me. In the monitoring room, I would have an "all-seeing eye" perspective, while Yaoyao, with her Sound Transmission technique, would effectively have ten walkie-talkies. Although she couldn't direct every sniper precisely, she could communicate with the负责人 of each defense zone. Yaoyao had also established contact with the three helpers Bai Qingcheng had brought in.
The station staff led Yaoyao and me to the monitoring room and instructed us on its operation. I then asked them to go to the adjacent duty room, turn off the lights, and lock the door. If they couldn't hear my voice, they were not to come out to avoid friendly fire.
The monitoring room contained dozens of screens integrated into a large central display. After familiarizing myself with the controls, I removed the less critical surveillance feeds, leaving only those covering key areas to enhance clarity.
As expected, the Miao King and his group were indeed in Jinling. Less than forty minutes after the demon core arrived at the station, Bingbing called from the rooftop: "Southeast direction, many humans and demons detected, driving this way. Estimated arrival at the station in five minutes."