Since the reaction could not be stopped, the only option was to find a way to release the energy within.
However, a colossal nuclear bomb capable of leveling an entire military base and erasing it from Earth contained terrifying amounts of energy. To release it smoothly, a vessel was needed to contain it.
After circling the colossal nuclear bomb twice, Jing Mingqiu had a sudden flash of inspiration.
The main tanks and new fighter jets of the US military base at Ajqionghan were inoperable due to a lack of energy. The nuclear bomb's explosion would release a tremendous amount of energy.
Thus, if they could find a way to transfer the energy from the nuclear bomb to those tanks and aircraft, it would be a perfect solution, killing two birds with one stone: resolving the nuclear bomb crisis and completing the equipment transfer.
With time pressing, Jing Mingqiu didn't have time to overthink. He extended his mechanical arms to cut through the nuclear bomb's outer casing, commencing preparations, while simultaneously notifying Ajqionghan to have soldiers immediately transport materials.
Soon, under Jing Mingqiu's command, a massive cable extended from beneath the US military base, eventually connecting to the US military's armored cluster.
Forcing such a large number of US tanks to switch from gasoline to electric power in a short period was nearly an impossible task. Fortunately, the Ajqionghan soldiers were all wearing Longguo auxiliary mechs.
Through special means, the core components were replaced, using the mechs to power the US aircraft and tanks instead of their original engines.
Twenty minutes later, William Sterne, escorted by his subordinates, arrived at a safe location. Standing on high ground, he put on his sunglasses, ready to witness the colossal mushroom cloud of the nuclear explosion.
However, he waited for a long time, but the massive mushroom cloud never appeared. Instead, he received a call from Smith Lunen.
This time, Smith Lunen showed no fear of William Sterne; instead, he began to curse him directly.
"William, what the hell are you doing? The last time Ajqionghan captured three stealth bombers, it was already a huge embarrassment for the US in front of the world!"
"This time, you've handed over a thousand US main battle tanks and two hundred of the US's most advanced fighter jets to Ajqionghan!"
"With the military fuel not yet delivered, I can accept defeat. But before that, you should have at least destroyed those high-tech weapons, those planes and tanks!"
"I strongly suspect you of colluding with the enemy, betraying your country, and conspiring with Ajqionghan to lead our troops to their deaths, thereby selling a large quantity of military equipment!"
William Sterne was stunned and quickly explained, "It wasn't me, I didn't! Mr. Director, you must listen to my explanation. Before I evacuated, I activated the base's self-destruct system."
"Under normal circumstances, the entire military base should have been flattened by the nuclear explosion. I don't know why it didn't detonate? I truly didn't betray my country!"
"Heh," Smith Lunen sneered, "William Sterne, keep those explanations for the judge at your military court! I have other matters to attend to, so I'll hang up now!"
Listening to the dial tone from the other end, William Sterne seemed to have all his spirit drained, collapsing powerlessly to the ground. His adjutant walked over to help him up, but William Sterne grabbed his arm tightly, as if grasping at the last straw, and said fiercely.
"Adjutant, did you betray your country? Did you fail to activate the nuclear bomb as per my orders? Did you help Ajqionghan dig tunnels?"
"Commander," the adjutant sighed, "What's the point of saying all this now? This burden is too heavy, I, a mere adjutant, cannot carry it! Even if you try to force it upon me, it will be meaningless."
Upon hearing this, William Sterne's eyes instantly dimmed, and his hands fell limply. His soft, pampered skin on the ground was instantly cut by several gashes, but he seemed not to feel any pain and made no reaction.
In fact, William Sterne knew this without the adjutant's reminder. The loss of three hundred thousand troops, two tank divisions, and two hundred of the latest fighter jets was a burden too great for even a small adjutant to bear, let alone himself.
Earlier, in the base, he had ordered the adjutant to activate the nuclear bomb, thinking he could bury the Ajqionghan army, and even Jing Mingqiu along with them, thus perhaps having a chance to redeem himself.
Now that the plan had failed, William Sterne knew he was doomed if he returned to the US. At this point, he had only one choice.
"Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!"
William Sterne drew his pistol from his waist and, with lightning speed, shot and killed all the US soldiers except his adjutant.
"Adjutant," William Sterne said coldly, glancing at the corpses on the ground, and then turned to instruct, "Contact Longguo. Tell them I want to join Longguo and ask them to find a way to bring me back from Ajqionghan."
The adjutant knew very well that if they truly returned, he, as William Sterne's aide, would face severe consequences. He agreed without hesitation.
About half an hour later, at the US military base in Ajqionghan, Jing Mingqiu was directing Ajqionghan soldiers to transport US tanks and aircraft when he suddenly received a call from the supreme leader.
"Hello, boss, what do you need me for? I'm busy right now."
"Mingqiu," the supreme leader's joyous voice came through the earpiece, "Put down your work for a moment. I have something important that requires your assistance. Find a secluded place first, and I'll tell you the specific details."
"Okay, boss, wait a moment."
Jing Mingqiu called over Qiaonason Yinok, an Ajqionghan special forces member, to help maintain order, then flew up into the sky.
Here, not only could no one eavesdrop, but the satellite phone signal was also better.
"Alright, I'm ready, you can speak?"
The supreme leader slowly said, "William Sterne, Commander of the US Expeditionary Force in Ajqionghan and Director of the US Intelligence Agency, has just contacted me seeking political asylum, stating he wants to abandon the darkness and embrace the light and join Longguo."
"Huh?" Jing Mingqiu was taken aback. "Boss, William Sterne quit his prestigious position as Director of the US Intelligence Agency to suddenly seek political asylum from Longguo. Isn't there some conspiracy behind this?"
"Hahahaha! Don't worry, there's no conspiracy. He's simply run out of options. To be precise, William Sterne's sudden surrender is mainly due to you, Mingqiu... your credit..."
The supreme leader briefly explained, and Jing Mingqiu quickly understood.
"I see. Boss, don't worry, I will definitely deliver that fellow William Sterne to you intact."
"Be careful," the supreme leader cautioned again, "The US will never allow someone like William Sterne, who possesses so much classified information about the US military, to betray the US and defect to another country!"
"They will stop you by any means necessary during your journey back with William Sterne!"
Hearing this, Jing Mingqiu fell into thought, "This is indeed a bit troublesome. The flying speed of ordinary military auxiliary mechs is too slow, and I can't lend my Silver Dragon mech to William Sterne..."