Chapter Nine: The Truth Behind the Black Market

A month passed in the blink of an eye, and the "IntelliCore Power" test drive event by Tian Sheng Group became a global sensation. Test drive videos flooded every major social media platform, causing Tian Sheng’s stock price to soar dramatically. This even sparked a reshuffle in the capital market’s new energy vehicle sector.

At the same time, inside Shen Corporation, an unusual quiet prevailed.

“Yun Chuan, are we really going to do nothing in response?” Zhang Jianguo furrowed his brow. “If we let Tian Sheng continue like this, our market share might be further eroded.”

Xu Yunchuan crossed his hands on the table, his gaze deep and steady. “Rushing to react will only put us on the defensive. Every move Tian Sheng makes now is guiding public opinion. The real victory depends on who can uncover their fatal flaw.”

He had already begun a covert counterattack.

The Deep Blue Alliance’s Dark Web

Following clues provided by Ling Yun, Xu Yunchuan discovered a dark web forum called the “Deep Blue Mirror.” It was said to be a secret exchange platform for members within the Deep Blue Alliance.

With the help of his technical team, Xu Yunchuan successfully breached the forum’s firewall. Once inside, he quickly found critical information: the Deep Blue Alliance was about to hold a high-level “Private Technology Summit” overseas, with “IntelliCore Power” as one of the core topics.

“If we can get hold of their core files, we can completely expose Tian Sheng’s technological deception,” Xu Yunchuan murmured.

He resolved to go in person.

Disguise and Infiltration

The Deep Blue Alliance’s summit was set on a private island in Southeast Asia, with strict identity verification for entry and exit. To infiltrate the event, Xu Yunchuan contacted Ling Yun to help forge identification documents.

“This isn’t ordinary business rivalry. Are you sure you want to go?” Ling Yun’s eyes showed a hint of concern as he handed over the forged ID. “If you’re discovered, not only you but Shen Corporation will be implicated.”

“I have no other choice,” Xu Yunchuan said firmly as he took the documents. “This is the only chance to turn the tide.”

Several days later, posing as a representative of a fictitious company, he successfully boarded the exclusive yacht bound for the private island.

The Dark Rules of the Summit

The summit venue was extravagantly decorated yet completely cut off from the outside world. Every attendee was required to surrender communication devices and sign a confidentiality agreement.

Xu Yunchuan scanned the room and recognized many familiar faces, including executives from top tech firms and investment institutions. Han Dongming, CEO of Tian Sheng Group, was also present, speaking quietly with someone who appeared to be a foreign businessman.

“Welcome to the Deep Blue Alliance Technology Summit,” a host stepped onto the stage, his voice low and authoritative. “We will showcase the latest technological innovations and future business opportunities.”

The large screen lit up, first displaying the technical principles behind “IntelliCore Power.”

“The core patent of IntelliCore Power is based on a novel battery material that greatly enhances energy density and charging efficiency,” the host explained.

Xu Yunchuan noticed whispers among the audience, as some seemed skeptical of the technology.

“Is this technology really as advertised?” someone whispered.

“Who knows? The Deep Blue Alliance is always crafty; only they truly know what’s real and what’s fake,” another replied.

Unexpected Intelligence

During a break, Xu Yunchuan cautiously approached Lin Zhicheng, a technical advisor for Tian Sheng Group and one of the leaders of the “IntelliCore Power” project. Rumor had it Lin harbored grievances against the Deep Blue Alliance.

“Mr. Lin, what do you think of this technology?” Xu Yunchuan probed tentatively.

Lin was startled for a moment before he gave a bitter smile. “What do I think? It’s all hype.”

“What do you mean?”

Glancing around to ensure no one was listening, Lin lowered his voice. “IntelliCore Power does have some technological advantages, but nowhere near as exaggerated as they claim. A 1000-kilometer range? That’s just theoretical; there are many practical issues.”

“Such as?”

“Battery stability at high temperatures, degradation rates over long-term use—none of these problems have been solved,” Lin sighed. “But Tian Sheng is rushing to seize the market, ignoring these hidden dangers.”

A spark of realization lit Xu Yunchuan’s eyes. He knew this was the key to dismantling Tian Sheng’s technological myth.

Sudden Crisis

Just as Xu Yunchuan prepared to leave the venue, he sensed his cover had been compromised. A security officer stopped him coldly. “Sir, please come with us.”

Knowing confrontation was futile, Xu Yunchuan forced a calm smile. “Is there a problem?”

The officer said nothing and escorted him to a sealed room.

“Who are you? Why are you investigating our technology?” A man wearing sunglasses demanded inside, his voice deep and icy—clearly no ordinary guard.

“I’m just a regular businessman, interested in the technology,” Xu Yunchuan replied coolly, trying to defuse suspicion with vague answers.

“Regular businessman?” The man sneered. “We’ve checked your background; your identity is fabricated.”

He snapped his fingers, and Xu Yunchuan’s forged documents appeared on a screen.

Desperate Counterattack

The situation was critical; Xu Yunchuan knew he could no longer hide. Taking a deep breath, he feigned openness. “Since you’ve found out, I won’t deny it. I’m indeed from Shen Corporation, but my purpose is to expose the hidden flaws in Tian Sheng’s technology.”

The man in sunglasses was silent for a moment, seemingly weighing his options. Finally, he said, “The Deep Blue Alliance doesn’t want anyone breaking our rules. However, if you have something of value to trade, maybe we can let you go.”

“Value?”

“Like Shen Corporation’s next-generation battery technology.”

Xu Yunchuan’s heart jolted. He understood their true intent was to steal Shen’s technology, but he also saw this as his chance to escape.

“Alright, I can provide partial data, but I need time to prepare,” he said.

The man nodded. “Three days. Give me an answer.”

Clash of Fates

After leaving the room, Xu Yunchuan quickly relayed the situation to Shen Qingwan.

“This is even more complicated than we thought,” Shen Qingwan’s tone was tinged with urgency. “But now that we’ve found their weakness, we can’t give up.”

“Don’t worry. I already have a plan,” Xu Yunchuan said, his eyes gleaming with determination.