"Bang!"
With a crisp sound, the black bird circling in the air exploded mid-flight, its shattered body and feathers scattering as they fell to the ground.
Feng Qi withdrew his right hand, which had been shaped into a gun, and reabsorbed the psychic energy he had just released.
On the way to the secret base of the Crimson Research Institute, this bird had persistently circled above his head, its shrill cries grating on his nerves. He had endured it for a long time.
But instead of leaving, the bird grew bolder, even attempting to drop something on his head.
When the enemy fired the first shot, Feng Qi wasn't one to hold back. A decisive blast of his psychic energy ended the bird's harassment.
Killing the domain-derivative bird only earned him a single Bloodline Evolution Point, but even a small gain was better than nothing.
With this minor nuisance dealt with, he resumed his journey.
Walking through the desolate streets, Feng Qi kept scanning his surroundings. The broken pavement ahead bore streaks of sticky residue left by some creature's passage, while nearby building walls were overrun by twisted vines resembling spiderwebs.
These domain plants had become part of the city's structures. Without their support, most of the abandoned buildings would have long since collapsed.
Following his memories, Feng Qi navigated the streets and eventually scaled a building over 30 meters tall.
Standing at its summit, he peered westward.
In the direction of the desolate Bone Pile Zone, Little Black shrouded in hazy black mist was advancing swiftly.
After confirming Little Black's position, Feng Qi leapt from the rooftop. Using his psychic energy as a cushion, he landed gracefully and continued on his way.
He wasted no time, striding toward the Crimson Research Institute's secret base, his thoughts occupied by Wei Wei's promised "gift."
A talent ability would certainly be valuable, but what excited him even more was that he was only a little over 100 Bloodline Evolution Points away from triggering his next evolution.
The last time, the Spicy Lobster Wei Wei had left behind provided 273 Bloodline Evolution Points. Even if this time's domain-modified creature was less potent, 100 points didn't seem like an unreasonable expectation.
With luck, this evolution could restore his human form.
If that happened, he could choose a timeline focused on confronting the Institute of Technological Research, allowing him to interact with future inhabitants and gather even more crucial intelligence.
After hours of travel, he reached the area around the abandoned hospital.
This time, Suction Cup wasn't perched atop the building, gazing at the moon.
Undeterred, Feng Qi stepped into the hospital, searching for his loyal guardian.
Narrator: "End of the left corridor, Suction Cup's right there!"
Hearing the narrator's guidance, Feng Qi turned toward the left hallway.
From a distance, he spotted Suction Cup crouched on the ground, nibbling indifferently at some grass. Its expression was as dull as ever.
Suction Cup sensed Feng Qi's presence and whipped its head around. Gray-white eyes lit up with faint starlight as it recognized him.
[Hug incoming!]
As soon as the words landed, Suction Cup leaped from the ground, hurtling toward Feng Qi.
He grinned, opening his arms to catch the oncoming Suction Cup.
[Automatic Combat Suction Weapon 'Suction Cup' has been equipped. Launcher Feng Qi is now operational. The main body's combat strength has significantly increased.]
Feng Qi: "…"
"Get to work," he retorted, rolling his eyes.
Following the narrator's directions, Feng Qi reached an overgrown area inside the hospital. He brushed aside the grass and smashed through the floor.
Beneath it, the hidden entrance to the Crimson Research Institute's secret base lay revealed.
Dripping a drop of blood into the slot, he watched the hidden door slowly open. A synthetic voice echoed:
"Welcome home, Feng Qi. The entrance will automatically close after your entry."
The greeting caught him off guard for a moment, but he quickly stepped into the passageway.
As the door sealed behind him, he noticed it was now twice as thick as before—a deliberate change made by the Crimson Research Institute.
They understood the danger of Little Black pursuing him into the dream realm and had upgraded the entrance accordingly, strengthening it to buy him precious time.
A warmth spread through Feng Qi's chest.
It was good to have allies on this journey.
He walked down the passageway to its end, where the space opened into a vast underground plaza.
Bright lamps flickered on one by one above the plaza, forming a celestial pattern. At the center, points of light arranged themselves into eight characters:
"Against the Current, Reach the Other Shore."
[Wow, it looks like the Crimson Research Institute has fully pivoted to prioritize you in this timeline, even after the Reverse Infiltration Plan failed. Everything here was prepared with you in mind.]
Feng Qi nodded in agreement, striding toward the elevator at the far end of the plaza.
This underground plaza mostly stored supplies and experimental equipment. Whatever vital information or gifts Wei Wei had left for him would surely be on the second sublevel.
At the elevator, he pressed the button to descend. A green light scanned his body, and the synthetic voice returned:
"Welcome home, Feng Qi."
The metallic door rose with a hum, and he stepped inside.
After a brief wait, the elevator doors opened to reveal the database console of the Crimson Research Institute, flanked by two massive screens.
Approaching the console, Feng Qi brushed away the thick layer of dust before pressing the activation button.
As the machine hummed to life, the screens lit up, and he typed "Wei Wei" into the search bar.
Her message archive appeared instantly, filled with messages, videos, and attached documents.
Curiosity burning, Feng Qi opened the first message.
The video showed Wei Wei, wearing glasses and a rabbit-themed pajama suit, lazily gazing into the camera.
"Hey, brat. If you're watching this, that means you've made it to the base..."
"The emails are all the messages I left for you. Let our conversation through time officially begin."
1. Six years after your death, which was two years after Lin Ran introduced Flesh Sacrifice, we were overwhelmed by the full-scale suppression from the Institute of Technological Research. As a result, we relocated to the secret base of the Crimson Research Institute and embraced an underground lifestyle.
From then on, I, Wei Wei, became a proud underground warrior—an adorable, rebellious beauty fighting for justice.
2. You said the Reverse Infiltration Plan would undoubtedly fail, but we didn't give up. After all, no one willingly bows to the whims of fate.
Despite knowing the outcome, we persisted. Every warrior sent into the Dark World lost contact with us. As you predicted, the plan was doomed from the start.
3. I bet you're curious about the gift I mentioned. Honestly, when I wrote that message, I hadn't even started designing it yet. All I had was a vague idea—basically, I handed you a blank check in advance. Ha!
5. The base remains intact, but for safety reasons, we're cut off from external networks. As a result, I can't leave new messages in the mailbox; most of the information will have to wait until you arrive.
By the way, you mentioned needing a crystal from Mu Qing for cloning Little Mu Qing. I haven't given up on the project. That's just who I am: stubborn, inflexible, and a perfect blend of beauty and brains.
You and I share a trait—we don't give up easily. Even when we know the odds are stacked against us, we refuse to quit. I'm betting that before you die in every timeline, you struggle until the last second, right?
[This old lady is terrifying. She has you completely figured out, like a prophet.]
Feng Qi: "…"
8. Let me give you a sneak peek of the gift I prepared.
The Rune Enhancement Project is relatively advanced in human trials, but there's little to no research on embedding rune crystals into other creatures.
Your ability lets you kill domain creatures and absorb their talents. So, I designed a special talent ability just for you—to make you stronger.
Strength is just as important as intelligence. As you gather intelligence, don't neglect your own power.
You said the Spicy Lobster I raised in the last timeline helped you significantly. This time, I'm raising a different creature for you.
Since Narrator Son insists on the physical cultivation route, and future you ended up as a skeleton… after much deliberation, I decided on Scaly-Foot Snail.
This deep-sea snail's shell has three layers, primarily composed of sulfur iron. It's incredibly tough—axes and knives can't damage it, and even bullets leave no mark. Early military armor and helmet designs were based on it.
It's one of the natural world's strongest skeletons. If you acquire its talent, you'll have an iron-like frame. Combined with your regenerative abilities, your melee combat prowess will soar.
Melee combat is the ultimate expression of masculinity, isn't it?
[I fully agree that melee is manly. But can you explain why this so-called old lady keeps calling me Narrator Son?]
"That's future me talking, not current me. People change. My future thoughts differ from my present ones because of shifting circumstances. Like in this timeline, my future self clearly deviated from my plans."
[He~tui!]
11. The rune crystal embedding failed again.
The stupid snail is way too small, and the process is prone to errors. I had to use smaller rune crystals from a domain creature. After careful selection, I chose the Silver Moon Mouse. Its rune crystal is relatively compact.
Even so, the crystal occupies almost a third of the snail's body. Successfully embedding it is extraordinarily difficult.
13. Dozens of snails have died in the process. Frustrated, I stir-fried some of them for dinner—delicious!
Spirit energy makes the snails' meat tender and flavorful. Just one big suck and you'll get all the juicy flesh.
I'll have the Battle Team Three leader fetch more snails, claiming it's for experiments. Hehe.
15. When it comes to talent, I, Wei Wei, truly am the chosen one.
The rune embedding finally succeeded! The snail is now fusing with the crystal, and its vitality is increasing.
Hahaha, how can I be so amazing?
I just realized—cooked rune-infused snail might be even tastier. The thought makes me hungry… but I'll leave it for you.
Soon, you'll have steel bones. Don't forget to thank me. If you find my grave in the future, light some incense and kowtow a few times.
"Hey Narrator, is Wei Wei related to you somehow?"
[You're my only family, Feng Qi.]
Feng Qi: "…"
19. Just got word—Lü Yue has fallen in battle.
He led his team on repeated assaults against Tiger Soul Research Institute outposts. Unfortunately, one day he was ambushed by top-tier domain combat squads under the institute. Outnumbered and trapped, he fought to the end.
Lü Yue and his squad were wiped out, but they took down nearly half of the opposing forces.
His death was a terrible loss. That guy was a brute, stubborn to the core. I don't know how you taught him, but he wouldn't listen to reason.
We wanted to recruit him as the leader of our Combat Team Eight. But he refused, saying he'd rather die fighting on the surface than hide underground.
If I were there, I'd have spit in his face.
"That kid, even when he was by your side, did he always act this way? Even in death, he kept up his tough-guy facade. People like him aren't suited to be leaders. In the next timeline, you should find someone else to lead the Dawn Organization."
Actually, I think you'd make a great leader.
I won't comment on your talents in other areas—you know where you stand—but I can confidently say you're suited for leadership.
Unwavering determination, effective action, charisma, clear goals… You have all the qualities needed to be an exceptional leader.
Even after your death, those around you still remember you vividly.
Especially Hui Xu—your passing seemed to awaken something in him. His entire trajectory in life shifted. He's no longer the monk wasting away in mediocrity.
While you were alive, you had a constant, transformative influence on them.
A true leader's importance doesn't lie in their own strength but in what their presence means to those around them. Like how the wind meets summer flowers, adding to their brilliance; or how rain meets seeds, bringing life into bloom… You inspire those around you to become better. For this alone, you deserve to be a leader.
32. Headache.
The lifespan of the scaly-foot snail isn't as long as the spicy lobster's. Even in a secure environment, it can't live for centuries.
I need to figure out how to solve this issue.
33. During today's meeting, I brought up Little Snail's situation while brainstorming ideas. Someone suggested a decent solution.
Instead of extending its lifespan, why not allow it to reproduce? Through its offspring, it could last until you arrive.
By then, Little Snail might be gone, but its descendants will still be alive.
However, this direction presents another problem.
Resources.
Not the resources required to raise a large number of snails—the snail's appetite isn't as alarming as the lobster's, which grows substantially during development.
The problem lies in control. While we're alive, reproduction can be monitored.
But after we're gone, reproduction might spiral out of control. The energy reserves we've left behind might be depleted before you arrive. Without food, the snail's descendants could die off completely.
I must find a solution to this.
35. Hahaha, how could I be this smart? I've come up with a brilliant solution: a Little Snail Culling System.
The concept is simple.
Install a life-detection system in the snail habitat. If the snail population exceeds a certain threshold, weapons will deploy from the ceiling to eliminate the excess, maintaining a stable population size.
Since snails reproduce asexually, there's no need to worry about imbalances in the male-to-female ratio. The culling won't disrupt the reproductive process.
69. Losing it.
I discovered that after embedding the rune crystal, Little Snail lost its ability to reproduce.
It seems that while the crystal modified the snail, it also altered its genetic sequence, rendering it infertile.
Now I have to find a way to solve this.
123. I've restructured Little Snail's genetic sequence, solving the infertility issue. But a new problem has emerged: the snails have no reproductive drive.
This means I need to develop something to stimulate their reproductive instincts.
Why is this so difficult? I'm the Crimson Research Institute's Gene Division Director, yet I spend my days thinking about snail reproduction. Damn.
167. Kai from the Chemistry Division passed away today, and I find myself filled with emotion.
I still remember his shy and uncertain expression when he first joined the Crimson Research Institute.
I watched him grow—transforming from a timid boy into a confident Chemistry Division Director, even into old age.
But he couldn't escape the passage of time. With the blessings of everyone in the base, he left us.
One day, I'll have my turn.
I'm not afraid of death, but I am afraid of losing my looks.
203. Recently, our field operatives brought back a group of orphaned wanderers to the base.
After thorough vetting to confirm no risks, we decided to raise and train them.
These kids might one day become the pillars of the Crimson Research Institute.
The older generation of Crimson members doesn't have much time left. They've devoted their entire lives to research, with no time for relationships.
With the base's gender imbalance, there's no way to continue our legacy. Accepting new blood was our only option.
Ah, time marches on. No one escapes its judgment.
Except you, my sharp-browed, wide-eyed little brother. You can traverse time, mock its passage, and even live on as a decaying zombie.
208. Your gift is finally complete.
It's in Room 201, a total of eight Little Snails. You don't need to worry about being unable to defeat them—they aren't strong.
Next, my research will focus on your Brain in a Vat project.
This is by far the most challenging endeavor I've ever encountered.
Neurons can survive outside the body as long as proper conditions are maintained. Cell culture labs already have equipment for this.
But the brain is more than just neurons. It's a super-complex and delicate system. Oxygen supply, blood flow, and countless regulatory molecules are nearly impossible to replicate in an external setup.
Current in vitro brain experiments involve damaging extraction methods, using low temperatures to minimize oxygen deprivation's impact. Even then, the best I can ensure is physiological activity, not full functionality.
This is so hard.
Wei Wei the Beautiful Genius, charge!
213. Construction of the storage container is underway, handled by collaborating departments.
Meanwhile, I continue cellular activity experiments… I hope you document all this technology.
Otherwise, every timeline will have to start over from scratch. Such a waste.
If the Brain in a Vat plan is fully realized, every time you traverse timelines, it'll be like reincarnation in Buddhist lore—rebirth with memory intact. With accumulated knowledge, even a fool could become a genius.
"Doesn't this make you a little excited? But you'll also feel immense pain, because the suffering experienced by your future self will repeat itself."
To witness the death of close friends, to face despair and helplessness… If you truly intend to carry out the Brain in a Vat plan, I hope you're prepared mentally.
273. Today, I noticed crow's feet forming around my eyes. That very same day, I injected myself with a genetic serum. The results were remarkable—the wrinkles vanished, and I'm once again a beautiful young woman. Hahaha.
293. The container construction has been completed.
All detailed information is stored in the database. When the time comes, search for "Brain in a Vat" to retrieve it. Make sure you take it with you—don't let us waste time repeating the research. For the next timeline, let's tackle something fresh.
Who knows, breakthroughs in biological sciences might just save the world.
332. It's not working. The genetic serum's effects are diminishing.
My skin is gradually losing its firmness, and my once-beautiful visage is aging… If the old hag Mu Yan had any decency, she'd extend my lifespan subscription. I'm begging here.
Watching myself age little by little is absolute torture.
343. Last night, I dreamt of Death sitting by my bed, silently staring at me.
He then told me it was time to go.
I grabbed the curling iron on my bedside table and whacked him on the head… In the end, he ran away. Heh.
There's no such thing as Death in the Eastern Region. This guy must've gone to the wrong place.
Next time, I hope it won't be the Black and White Impermanence. They'd be harder to fight off, and I'd rather not risk them holding a grudge and giving me a hard time in the afterlife.
372. Recently, I've been dreaming a lot—mostly about death.
This time, in my dream, I stood at the platform leading to the Yellow Springs.
A train approached slowly, and through its windows, I saw the smiling faces of my deceased friends, family, and students. They looked at me warmly.
This wasn't death—it was a reunion.
Without hesitation, I boarded the train.
When I woke, I realized it had only been a dream, and the weight on my heart vanished in that moment.
I suddenly felt at peace, ready to face death with calm.
I've lived too long and have grown unbearably lonely.
Everyone around me ages and passes away, yet I remain alive.
There's no one to share my memories of the past.
384. You mentioned in the last future timeline that I decided to see the world outside before I died.
Hey, that's not a bad idea.
By then, I'll go back to my hometown, brew a pot of tea, and sit under the old locust tree at home to watch the sunrise and sunset. Later, under the moonlight, I'll enjoy a beer and barbecue. Just thinking about it makes me happy.
Such simple bliss—I'll file a request to go outside immediately.
401. The time for goodbyes draws near, and I can't help but feel emotional.
You may traverse the future repeatedly, but at the end of the day, you're still just a kid. There will be times when you feel lost and disheartened.
You might even doubt yourself.
But so what if you're not perfect? Everything has its cracks—that's how the light gets in.
To me, you are extraordinary.
So keep moving forward. Never give up.
Farewell belongs to the past; surprises await in the future. You should aim to be a mountain, not a blade of grass.
May you always look to the future with hope.
Go for it, Feng Qi.
403. This should be the final message.
Your Sister Wei has finally gotten approval. From now on, my student will take over my responsibilities. I trust his capabilities.
After a lifetime of hard work, I can finally take a proper vacation.
From here on, I belong only to myself.
Hahaha, just thinking about it makes me happy. I'll pack lightly and get ready to leave.
This is my last farewell to you.
I hope that one day you'll see the prosperous golden age of your dreams.
A world where you'll find everything you've ever hoped for, but without an end or conclusion.
—The Unstoppable Cosmic Beauty, Wei Wei.
After reading Wei Wei's messages, Feng Qi smiled.
Through her messages, he saw how she freed herself from her inner struggles and ultimately chose to face death with serenity.
Her anxieties had transformed into blessings for him in her final moments.
"Sister Wei, thank you."
Checking the time, Feng Qi headed toward the elevator.
Little Black was almost here, and he couldn't allow a battle between Little Black and Suction Cup to occur on the second basement level.
Thus, he needed to wait on the upper level.
Reaching the first floor, he began waiting for Little Black's arrival.
Roughly ten minutes later, Little Black's figure emerged, speeding toward him with incredible velocity.
Through the dense mist, Feng Qi clearly saw a rune crystal glowing within the fog.
Looking at the peacefully sleeping Suction Cup, Feng Qi reached out and ruffled her small head before firmly throwing her toward Little Black.
"Next time for sure!"
Ignoring the narrator's mocking tone, he turned and pressed the elevator button.
As the green light scanned over him, the elevator doors slid open.
Returning to the second basement level, he headed straight for Room 201.
There, Wei Wei's "Little Snails" awaited him—defeating them offered a high probability of acquiring bone-strengthening abilities.
Reaching Room 201, the door slid into the wall after confirming his identity.
Before him lay an expansive area the size of a football field.
Apart from a central walkway, the space was divided into various sections with special glass. Each section contained the remains of various animals, the air thick with the stench of decay.
These experimental domain creatures had clearly succumbed to time or starvation.
The only survivors were eight Little Snails, inhabiting a water tank designed to simulate the high-pressure conditions of the deep sea.
Standing before the transparent glass door separating the Little Snails, Feng Qi reached out to activate the electronic screen.
Instantly, a green light scanned across the tank from the ceiling, and information related to the Little Snails appeared:
Little Snail (Phylum Mollusca, Class Gastropoda, Order Stylommatophora)
Data Characteristics (Real-Time Updates):
Appearance Features: Two antennae on its head, no eyes, and no specialized reproductive organs. Its red foot is oversized and cannot fully retract into its shell. Before modification, it lived over 2,000 meters below the sea surface, typically near hydrothermal vents.
Rune Modification Progress: Implanted with a rune crystal from a Silver-Tooth Mouse, occupying 37% of its body area. Fusion compatibility is 43.223%, with an 824% increase in physical enhancement. Crystal compatibility rating: Moderate.
Offspring Crystal Compatibility: 98%. Crystal compatibility rating: Extremely High.
Generation: 132nd.
Weight: 1.3–1.5 kg.
After reviewing the information, Feng Qi pressed the unlock button and stepped into the compartment.
Approaching the tank, he noticed a large pile of energy crystals at the bottom, all sucked dry and now transparent.
Scanning the surroundings, he reached the left side of the tank and pressed the drain button.
Immediately, the water level within the tank began to drop at a visible rate.
At that moment, a jet of water shot out from the tank, catching Feng Qi off guard. It drenched him and forced him to step back under the impact.
[This, this is the true essence of 'he~tui'! Coach, teach me!]
Ignoring the narrator's taunts, Feng Qi turned toward the tank.
Several more jets of water shot through the surface, aiming directly at him.
In response, Feng Qi unleashed his telekinetic powers, dispersing the water jets mid-air.
As the water continued to drain, Feng Qi wisely retreated a few steps, putting some distance between himself and the tank.
Eventually, the tank was emptied.
Returning to its edge, he peered inside and saw eight Little Snails, each about the size of a baby's fist, crawling slowly along the tank's bottom.
To kill them, attempting to smash their shells would be nothing short of masochistic.
Even before rune modification, the scaly-foot snails' shells were strong enough to withstand bullets from rifles. Using fists would be utterly futile.
[You could always try biting them. Don't forget your teeth are reinforced special weapons. This is the perfect opportunity to put them to good use!]
"I don't need to. I have telekinesis."
Rolling his eyes, Feng Qi clenched his fist, directing his telekinetic power outward. The invisible force enveloped one of the Little Snails' heads and yanked hard.
Under the grip of telekinesis, the Little Snail didn't even have time to react before its body was torn apart.
A mist of blood emerged from the slain snail, floating toward Feng Qi and seeping into his body.
A wave of warmth surged through him, rippling within for a few seconds before dissipating.
Opening his attribute panel, Feng Qi noticed that the Little Snail had granted him 32 Bloodline Evolution Points.
At the same time, he acquired a new prefix title and innate ability:
[Steel Bones LV1 (Upgradeable Prefix Title)]: Bone density is enhanced by 30%. This effect can increase further as the innate ability level rises.
With a fresh innate ability in hand, Feng Qi felt a surge of joy as he turned his attention to the remaining seven Little Snails.
Sensing danger, they retracted their bodies into their shells.
To Feng Qi, however, this defensive maneuver was laughably inadequate.
Once again, his telekinesis extended outward, slipping through the gaps in their shells. It effortlessly tore through the snails' interiors, killing them one by one.
Absorbing the seven blood mists that followed, Feng Qi's body experienced intense feedback.
His body temperature spiked rapidly, and uncontrollable tremors coursed through him.
Killing all eight Little Snails had yielded a total of 225 Bloodline Evolution Points.
His Bloodline Evolution Points now stood at 1077/1000, surpassing the threshold for his first evolution.
He realized that his bloodline evolution was imminent.
"The long-awaited second form of the Muscle Overlord is about to make its debut! Let's wait and see!" exclaimed the narrator excitedly.
"Shut up. I'm evolving into a human!"
"A muscle-bound, domineering hunk!"
"A human!"
When all the obstacles to humanity's development are removed, Feng Qi knows he will eventually need to interact with the people of the future in the dream realm.
In his current zombie form, such interactions would be severely hindered.
As his evolution approached, Feng Qi couldn't help but anticipate the changes ahead.