Volume 1: The Dragon in the Abyss
Chapter 6: Guardian System 1.0
VI. Fusion of Technology
[Part 1: Return - Hero's Reception and Hidden Concerns]
When Chen Yang and Lin Xiao returned to base from Cloud Temple, it was already evening three days later.
Xiao Li and Xiao Wang had been waiting at the entrance. Seeing the two return safely, their eyes reddened. Old Zhang directly went forward and gave Chen Yang a solid hug: "You punk! Do you know how I spent these three days? Satellite phone cutting in and out, weather bureau saying mountain blizzards, I thought..."
"Old Zhang, I'm fine." Chen Yang patted Old Zhang's back. "And I wasn't alone—Engineer Lin was there too."
Old Zhang released Chen Yang, turning toward Lin Xiao, expression complex: "Engineer Lin, you..."
Lin Xiao indeed looked somewhat disheveled. Frostbite marks on her cheeks hadn't fully faded, lips chapped, hands wrapped in bandages—mild frostbite treatment. But her eyes shone with unprecedented brightness, as if she'd found something precious somewhere.
"Old Zhang, I understand now." Lin Xiao said. "I understand why you don't want to be replaced by machines. Because some things truly only humans can do."
Old Zhang smiled with relief: "If you think this way, I'm reassured. Come in, I've stewed mutton soup—both of you need nourishment."
During dinner, the conference room transformed into a celebration banquet. Xiao Li had specially bought highland barley wine from town, Xiao Wang prepared dried yak meat, Old Zhang personally stewed mutton soup, and Zhaxi—that Tibetan young man—brought butter tea. Everyone sat together, listening to Chen Yang recount the Cloud Temple experience.
"...The wind was particularly strong then, Engineer Lin almost got blown off. I grabbed her, and we both rushed into the cave..."
"Then what?" Xiao Li pressed.
"Then we waited out the night." Chen Yang said matter-of-factly. "Negative twenty-something degrees, we took turns tending the fire until dawn."
He didn't mention the down jacket incident, nor those midnight conversations. Some things didn't need explaining to outsiders.
But Lin Xiao looked at Chen Yang, complex emotions flickering in her eyes. She knew—he was "understating" again. Just like he'd never tell others he nearly got blown off Tower #37; just like he'd never say his right hand had an old injury that ached every overcast day.
This person always kept the most dangerous parts to himself, telling others only the lightest parts.
After three rounds of drinks, Old Zhang suddenly turned serious, pulling out a document from under the table: "Chen Yang, I need to tell you something. Provincial HQ's notice came down."
Chen Yang set down his glass: "What notice?"
"About the Cloud Temple mission." Old Zhang opened the document. "Provincial HQ gave you and Engineer Lin commendations plus a special bonus. But simultaneously..."
He paused: "Deputy Director Wang criticized you. He said you violated safety protocols, persisting with operations despite knowing about blizzard warnings, endangering yourself and colleagues' lives. He demands the team conduct deep reflection, strictly enforcing the 'retreat when endangered' rule."
Chen Yang fell silent.
"Also." Old Zhang continued. "Deputy Director Wang submitted a report to Provincial HQ recommending comprehensive drone inspection promotion, gradually eliminating manual operations at high-risk towers. He says the Cloud Temple incident proves manual work's uncontrollability and high risk."
Lin Xiao shot up: "That's unfair! Without us, Cloud Temple station would still be paralyzed! Three counties' communications depend on that node!"
"I know." Old Zhang sighed. "But Deputy Director Wang's logic also makes sense—if there's a safer method, why take risks?"
Chen Yang looked up, eyes calm: "So he wants to make me an example?"
"Not an example, but... a warning." Old Zhang said. "He wants to use this incident to push technological reform. Frankly, he wants to prove manual inspection is outdated."
The conference room fell silent.
Finally, Lin Xiao broke the silence: "Old Zhang, give me one month."
"What?"
"One month." Lin Xiao's voice was firm. "I'll complete the 'Guardian System.' Then prove with facts that people and technology aren't opposed—they can fuse. By then, Deputy Director Wang will have no reason to call manual work 'uncontrollable.'"
Chen Yang looked at Lin Xiao, smile curving his lips: "What do you need from me?"
"Cooperate with testing." Lin Xiao said. "Also, teach your skills to more people. If every lineman could reach half your level, combined with the Guardian System, we'd create a new standard."
Old Zhang looked at the two young people, relief in his eyes: "Then let's do it. I'll fully support you."
[Part 2: Development - Sleepless Nights in the Lab]
The following two weeks, Lin Xiao barely left her temporary lab—a converted base warehouse crammed with servers, monitors, sensors, and electronic equipment.
Her task: transform all data collected at Cloud Temple and before into a practical AI system.
Step One: Risk Warning Module.
Lin Xiao pulled up Chen Yang's physiological data from Tower #37, cross-referencing environmental parameters—wind speed, temperature, humidity, pressure. She discovered a subtle correlation between Chen Yang's heart rate changes and wind speed: when wind speed suddenly increased over 15%, Chen Yang's heart rate would drop 5-8 BPM within 0.3 seconds, then rapidly recover.
What was this?
After repeated analysis, Lin Xiao realized—this was Chen Yang's "predictive response." His body had formed muscle memory, able to stabilize heart rate through breathing adjustment the instant wind speed changed, maintaining calm judgment.
"If AI could learn to recognize this pattern..." Lin Xiao murmured.
She wrote an algorithm: monitor operator heart rate, respiratory frequency, muscle tension. When these three indicators showed abnormal fluctuations, the system would auto-analyze environmental data, judge potential dangers, and issue warnings 0.5 seconds early.
0.5 seconds—insignificant to ordinary people. But for high-altitude workers, these 0.5 seconds could be the difference between life and death.
Step Two: Path Optimization Module.
This idea came from Chapter 3's dense forest inspection. When drones lost direction in the canopy layer, Chen Yang precisely found the optimal path.
Lin Xiao retrieved all data from that mission—terrain scans, vegetation distribution, historical weather, Chen Yang's travel trajectory. She discovered Chen Yang's path selection followed several hidden principles:
Prioritize sunny slopes (less snow, dry rocks) Avoid beneath cliffs (rockfall risk) Stay near water sources (vegetation indicates stable terrain) Observe animal tracks (don't go where animals don't)
These experiences appeared in no textbooks but were wisdom old-generation linemen had summarized with their lives.
Lin Xiao coded these rules into algorithms, enabling AI to auto-plan "Chen Yang-style" optimal paths based on terrain data.
Step Three: Real-time Assistance Module.
This was the hardest part. Lin Xiao wanted AI to become linemen's "second pair of eyes"—not replacing human judgment but supplementing human perception blind spots.
She designed an improved AR smart glasses version. Wearing them, operators could see in their field of vision:
Real-time wind speed, temperature, humidity at current location Conductor voltage levels and safety distance markings Danger ratings for paths ahead Teammate positions and physiological status Direction and distance to nearest emergency rescue point
But most critical—this information wouldn't overwhelm operator attention. Lin Xiao referenced fighter pilot HUD (Heads-Up Display) design, making data appear semi-transparently at vision edges only when needed, not interfering with environmental observation.
Two weeks later, late at night, Lin Xiao finally wrote the last line of code.
She leaned back in her chair, watching the blinking green cursor on screen, suddenly feeling dizzy. She checked the clock—3:40 a.m. She'd worked continuously for nineteen hours.
"Still awake?" The door opened—Chen Yang entered carrying two cups of hot milk.
"Why aren't you asleep?" Lin Xiao rubbed her eyes.
"Heard noise from your side, came to check." Chen Yang handed her the milk. "Finished?"
"Yeah." Lin Xiao accepted the cup. "Guardian System version 1.0. Though still many imperfections, all basic functions are realized. Tomorrow—no, today, we can conduct the first field test."
Chen Yang looked into her eyes: "You need rest."
"I know." Lin Xiao smiled. "But I'm too excited. Chen Yang, you know? This is the most meaningful project I've ever done. Working abroad, I made many 'advanced' things—autonomous driving, robots, smart homes. But they were all icing on cake. While the Guardian System..."
She paused: "It can save lives."
Chen Yang fell silent several seconds, then said: "Then I must make you sleep. Because tomorrow, I'll show you whether this life-saving system can actually work in real environments."
[Part 3: Field Test - Novice's Baptism]
Next morning, 10 a.m., Tower #14.
This tower perched at cliff edge, Nujiang Gorge below with over 300-meter drop. Constant crosswinds here, variable speeds—a notoriously difficult operation point.
Zhaxi stood at tower base, face somewhat pale.
He was the first "student" Chen Yang selected—young, good physical condition, strong ambition. But now, facing this dizzying tower, his legs trembled slightly.
"Nervous?" Chen Yang asked.
"A bit." Zhaxi admitted honestly.
"Good." Chen Yang said. "Nervousness is normal. If someone isn't nervous in this environment, that's abnormal. Remember what I taught you—accept fear, then advance."
Zhaxi inhaled deeply, putting on the AR glasses Lin Xiao handed him.
The instant the glasses activated, semi-transparent prompts appeared in his vision:
[Guardian System 1.0]
Operator: Zhaxi
Current Environment: Wind 7m/s Temp 18℃ Humidity 45%
Heart Rate: 118 BPM (slightly elevated, recommend deep breathing)
Path Ahead: Safety Level B
Recommendation: Climb from left side, avoid direct wind opening
"See it?" Lin Xiao asked via radio.
"See it." Zhaxi's voice still nervous but more stable than before.
"Listen to system recommendations, but don't completely depend on it." Chen Yang said. "It's your assistant, not your master. Final decision authority always stays with you."
Zhaxi began climbing.
At ground command station, Lin Xiao stared intently at three screens—left showing Zhaxi's first-person view, center showing physiological data curves, right showing AI system's real-time analysis report.
At 10 meters elevation, Zhaxi's heart rate suddenly spiked to 135.
System immediately popped up:
[Warning]
Abnormal heart rate increase
Recommendation: Stop climbing, adjust breathing in place
"Zhaxi, listen to system, stop and rest." Chen Yang's voice came through radio.
Zhaxi stopped at a crossarm platform, following system prompts for deep breathing—inhale four seconds, hold two seconds, exhale four seconds. After three cycles, his heart rate dropped to 110.
"How do you feel?" Chen Yang asked.
"Much better." Zhaxi said. "This system... really works."
"Continue."
Zhaxi continued upward. At 20 meters elevation, suddenly the system issued a red alert:
[EMERGENCY WARNING!]
Wind speed about to surge to 12m/s
Estimated arrival in 3 seconds
Recommendation: Immediately secure fixed point
Zhaxi froze momentarily, but muscle memory made him react instantly—he quickly clipped safety hook to nearest beam, hands gripping tower body tightly.
1 second, 2 seconds, 3 seconds—
A gale howled in! Zhaxi's body swayed in the wind, but having prepared in advance, he steadily withstood the gust.
After the wind passed, Zhaxi collapsed on the platform, gasping heavily. But excitement gleamed in his eyes: "System... it predicted the wind!"
Lin Xiao exhaled in relief, smile curving her lips. She turned to Chen Yang beside her: "Success."
"Just the first step." Chen Yang said. "But indeed, a good start."
[Part 4: Promotion - Collision of Ideals and Reality]
The following week, Chen Yang took the Guardian System testing at ten tower positions around the base. Test participants included Zhaxi plus three other young linemen from the team.
Results were encouraging:
Risk Warning Accuracy: 89% (System gave early warning of 17 sudden wind speed changes, hitting 15) Abnormal Heart Rate Recognition: 94% (Average 8-second advance warning before operators showed danger signs) Path Optimization Effect: Average 23% operation time reduction (AI-planned paths indeed more efficient) Zero Accident Rate (All test personnel uninjured)
Lin Xiao compiled test results into thick stacks of documents, submitting to Provincial HQ. Report title was simple: "Guardian System: A New Paradigm for Human-Machine Collaboration."
Two days later, Provincial HQ's reply arrived.
Not praise, not criticism, but a notice: "Chen Yang and Lin Xiao please report to Provincial HQ by the 28th for 'Intelligent Inspection Technology Route' review meeting. Deputy Director Wang will chair, comparatively demonstrating fully automated drone inspection versus human-machine collaboration advantages and disadvantages."
Old Zhang looked at the notice, frowning: "This is making you 'compete' with Deputy Director Wang."
"Competition is competition." Lin Xiao actually seemed excited. "Perfect—I want more people to see the Guardian System's value."
But Chen Yang's expression was grave. He understood bureaucratic system operations too well. Such "review meetings" often weren't for selecting the best solution, but for finding reasonable justifications for pre-determined solutions.
"Lin Xiao." Chen Yang said. "Prepare yourself mentally. Even if our solution is excellent, we may not win."
"Why?" Lin Xiao was puzzled.
"Because our solution requires people." Chen Yang said calmly. "Deputy Director Wang's solution can do without people. For superiors, which has lower cost, smaller risk, simpler management? The answer is obvious."
Lin Xiao fell silent.
She recalled that night at Cloud Temple, Chen Yang's words: "Some things can't be explained in PowerPoint."
[Part 5: Eve of Departure - Two Souls' Promise]
Evening of the 27th, base rooftop.
Chen Yang and Lin Xiao sat side by side at the railing, dark canyon below, brilliant Milky Way above. This had become their habit during this period—after busy work, sitting on the rooftop, chatting, or saying nothing, just quietly watching stars.
"Nervous?" Chen Yang asked.
"Okay." Lin Xiao said. "I've prepared a complete presentation, plus videos, data, test reports. I believe if they look seriously, they'll definitely understand the Guardian System's value."
Chen Yang didn't answer. He just gazed at distant snow mountains where moonlight spilled on peaks, silver-white radiance like another world's reflection.
"Chen Yang, what if we lose?" Lin Xiao suddenly asked.
"Then accept it." Chen Yang said. "Technological development is unstoppable. Maybe someday, people like me truly won't be needed. That's not bad either—at least future linemen won't gamble their lives."
"But..." Lin Xiao's voice slightly choked. "But without you, who'll do things machines can't? Who'll repair cables in Cloud Temple blizzards? Who'll operate at Tower #37 wind speeds?"
Chen Yang turned, looking into Lin Xiao's eyes: "Someone will. Maybe not me, but others. Because there'll always be people who need to do difficult things. That's human nature—we create tools, but we don't abandon challenges."
He paused: "And even if we lose tomorrow, the Guardian System won't disappear. It already exists, already proven effective. Maybe not now, but someday, someone will see its value."
Lin Xiao wiped her eyes: "You're always so optimistic."
"Not optimism, but..." Chen Yang thought. "Acceptance, I guess. Five years ago leaving extreme sports, many said I was crazy, abandoning great prospects. But looking back now, I don't regret it. Because I did the right thing."
He looked at Lin Xiao: "Same for you. Whatever tomorrow's outcome, you did the right thing—you created a life-saving system. That's enough."
Lin Xiao fell silent for a long time, then said: "Chen Yang, if... I mean if, Deputy Director Wang truly implements comprehensive drone inspection, canceling manual operations, what will you do?"
"Then I'll transfer positions." Chen Yang smiled. "Provincial HQ is so big, there'll always be a place needing me. Worst case, I'll become a drone operator."
"Can you bear it?"
"Does bearing it matter?" Chen Yang countered. "I like high-altitude work, but I prefer bringing electricity to people's homes. As long as that goal is achieved, any method works."
Lin Xiao suddenly extended her hand, pinky hooking toward Chen Yang: "Then let's pinky promise."
"Pinky promise?" Chen Yang froze.
"Right." Lin Xiao said seriously. "Whatever tomorrow's outcome, whatever future technology develops, we must remember—people and technology aren't opposed, they can coexist. This is what we've proven together."
Chen Yang extended his pinky, hooking with Lin Xiao's: "Okay. Pinky promise sealed, unchanging for a hundred years."
Their fingers hooked together, casting overlapping shadows in starlight.
This moment, they didn't know what challenges awaited tomorrow.
But they knew—whatever happened, they were no longer fighting alone.
Next Chapter Preview:
Chapter 7: "Provincial Capital's Game" - Chen Yang and Lin Xiao arrive at Provincial HQ for the review meeting. In the conference room, Deputy Director Wang demonstrates the powerful fully automated drone inspection system. They must use the Guardian System and live demonstrations to prove human-machine collaboration's value. This is a technological route dispute about the future...