**Chapter 5: The Space-Time Wormbridge**
While the chat group was fiercely discussing the newly joined member, our protagonist, Wu Xing, remained completely unaware—because up in the once clear blue sky appeared a pitch-black, chrysanthemum-like anomaly.
Faced with this sudden spectacle, the entire city of Juxia instantly plunged into chaos—stampedes, car crashes, traffic jams—every street was engulfed in madness.
Of course, some daring individuals immediately pulled out their phones and started snapping pictures of the sky.
"As expected, the plot is as strong as ever."
Unlike ordinary people, Wu Xing instantly recognized the black chrysanthemum. He knew exactly what it was—a space-time wormbridge created by an advanced civilization to connect to Earth.
Though aware that this was a wormhole and would eventually become the main battleground for various civilizations, Wu Xing didn't pay it much mind. After a casual remark, he squeezed his way out of the chaotic crowd.
Having just arrived on Earth, he needed to find a place to settle down and plan his next moves—and, of course, finally activate that golden finger that was thirty thousand years overdue.
With the powerful computational ability of his **Tianzhu Engine**, Wu Xing, in less than a second, read all the data of Juxia City. He modified the records through the engine, not only becoming a registered native of Huaxia, but also acquiring ownership of a luxurious uninhabited villa.
After everything was set, he didn't linger. He headed straight for his new residence.
Meanwhile, about two kilometers off the southeastern coast of Juxia City, a massive fleet led by an aircraft carrier was stationed in the sea.
On the deck of the carrier, a stern-faced middle-aged man in military uniform stood, gazing at the massive black chrysanthemum in the sky with heavy concern.
To ordinary people—or even the military—this phenomenon might be a mystery. But to **Duke Kao of the Deno Civilization**, it was all too familiar.
And because of this familiarity, unease crept into his heart. This was a wormhole—a structure only interstellar civilizations could create.
Duke Kao didn't believe that an advanced civilization would come just for sightseeing. Their arrival almost always meant **enslavement, colonization, and domination.**
"Contact Qiangwei. Tell her to meet me immediately. Also, get me a direct line to the top brass," he ordered the guard behind him.
Faced with the possible arrival of a superior civilization, Duke Kao knew he had to take precautionary measures.
"Yes, General!" The guard saluted and left at once.
"I hope it's not what I think it is..." Duke Kao murmured, glancing once more at the sky before returning to the command room inside the carrier.
Back in the city, the local government had also sprung into action. All available police forces were deployed to maintain order. Among them was **Qi Lin**.
"Everyone, please don't panic! Avoid crowding the streets or sightseeing! Keep the roads clear, and don't believe in rumors. This is not the end of the world—this is a normal phenomenon!"
Qi Lin waved her hand against the sweltering heat while loudly trying to reassure the panicking citizens.
This wasn't the first time she'd made such an announcement—her voice was already hoarse. But as a police officer, she had no choice but to continue.
To be honest, she too had been terrified when she first saw the sky—visions of alien invasions and Earth's destruction had flashed through her mind.
But as a cop, she couldn't voice such fears. As long as the truth remained unknown, she had to do her duty and keep the public calm.
"Qi Lin, have some water." A middle-aged officer approached and handed her a bottle of mineral water.
"Thanks." She accepted it gratefully, unscrewed the cap, and gulped down half the bottle.
Too much yelling and the summer heat had dried her out completely.
"Qi Lin, do you really think this is a natural phenomenon?" the middle-aged officer asked, gazing up at the sky.
Qi Lin instinctively looked up at the giant chrysanthemum, then replied, "Didn't the announcement say it was due to ozone layer damage?"
"You believe that?" the officer clearly didn't buy the official explanation.
Ozone damage had been discussed for years, but why now? And why such a gaping hole in that strange shape?
"I'm not sure, but at least it's an explanation with some basis," Qi Lin said. "Besides, that's for the experts to figure out. Our job is to keep the peace."
"You're right. I guess you're the optimistic type." The man smiled, feeling reassured.
Even if the cause wasn't natural, there were professionals handling it. And since no disasters had occurred apart from the panic, there was still hope.
"Exactly. People need to stay positive." Qi Lin looked at him and said, "Lao Hu, traffic's under control here. You head over to Hutong Road—I'll take Xinhai Road."
"Got it." He nodded and drove off on his electric police bike.
Qi Lin took one more glance at the sky, put on her hat, and headed to the next street.
While everyone was taking action, Wu Xing had arrived at **Yunhai Villa**, his new home.
Located along the coast of Juxia City, this villa community was serene and elegant, facing the sea. Most importantly, it was fully furnished and move-in ready—saving him a lot of trouble.
Inside, Wu Xing didn't bother exploring. He plopped down on the living room sofa.
Thanks to the Tianzhu Engine, he already had a mental blueprint of every room and piece of furniture in the house from when he altered the ownership data.
As soon as he sat down, Wu Xing couldn't wait to open the **chat group**—only to be shocked by what he saw.
The group had **999+ unread messages**, and there were only **9 members** in total, including himself. That meant these members were insanely active.
Just as he was about to send a greeting to the others, he glanced at something surprising—
He had become the **group owner**!
"What the hell? I'm the group owner now?" he stared at the shining title next to his nickname, momentarily stunned.
Quickly, he scrolled back to the moment he joined the group, trying to figure out what had happened—and what he saw left him utterly dumbfounded…