The eastern gauge began to climb unevenly. Qinghe asked the station for its pressure and valve position. A field engineer replied that the valve was stuck halfway closed, limiting flow through the tested channel.
Yan’s projection was not needed. The ordinary field relay carried the measurement, and the local engineer remained beside the valve. Qinghe read the station plan and sent the release sequence back over the relay.
“Open the bypass first. Use the release handle only after you confirm the pressure drop.”
The instruction reached the station with the latest readings. It was not a distant command that moved the machinery by itself. The engineer checked the local gauge, opened the bypass, and called the new number before touching the handle.
The gauge dipped, but the handle remained stiff. Qinghe asked for another reading before the engineer applied force. Yan adjusted the central ring to reduce the east feed temporarily, giving the local worker a safer margin. The Final Offering continued anchoring the furnace while Qinghe managed distribution.
At the station, the engineer braced one foot against the housing and turned the handle. It gave with a sharp click. The eastern light stabilized. No one was hurt, though the handle bent under the force.
