Cherreads

Chapter 112 - Undercover Route Activated - Scarlet Secret [2.3k]

 

Translator: CinderTL

 

The Blood Moon hung high in the sky, casting an eerie crimson glow as Yin winds howled through the desolate landscape.

Piles of withered bones stretched for miles, transforming the area into a grotesque imitation of the infernal abyss from twisted tales—a realm of utter stillness.

The rising and falling moans of the living dead only amplified the world's chilling silence, adding a layer of sinister dread to the scene.

Feng Qi, now accustomed to this macabre spectacle, crushed Little Cripple's skull under his boot and strode directly to the control console of the Star City Underground Shelter.

Activating the console, he watched as the dust-covered screen flickered to life.

After typing his name into the search bar and filtering the results, his personal information materialized on the screen:

Feng Qi (A-Rank Scientist, S-Class Human Elite)

Age at Death: 29

Cause of Death: Exposure to radiation from an overflowing rune crystal during research, leading to rapid physical deterioration and ultimately, death despite emergency medical intervention.

Date of Death: August 15, 2034

Lifetime Achievements (Honors): S-Class Outstanding Graduate of Star City Academy, S-Class Human Elite Medal, Outstanding Contribution to Human Development Award, A-Rank Researcher at the Scarlet Research Institute...

Research Achievements: Cultivation Exercises Version 2.0, Fierce Tiger Fist, Body Tempering Art, Heaven and Earth Meditation, Soul Seizing, Founder of the Human Body Deity Seeding Concept, Participant in the Version 3.76 Update of the Cultivation System, Limb Regeneration Technology (Biological Sciences Domain)...

Assessment: Ranked among the top ten historical geniuses in online polls, Feng Qi's life can be summarized as "exceptionally gifted."

In his early years, he achieved remarkable success in Cultivation Technique Research, earning acclaim as a leading figure in establishing the new cultivation system. All of humanity held high hopes for him, believing he would usher in a new era in the field.

However, at the end of his second year teaching at Star City Academy, he resolutely accepted an invitation from the Scarlet Research Institute to become a biological sciences researcher.

This decision caused a massive uproar at the time, with everyone lamenting Feng Qi's choice.

Yet, as it turned out, Feng Qi was no ordinary super genius. Over the next few years, he successively resolved four unsolved problems in the biological sciences domain. His Limb Regeneration Technology, in particular, had a profound and lasting impact on future generations.

Just as all of humanity was anticipating further miracles from him, a laboratory accident claimed his young life, bringing Feng Qi's era to an abrupt end.

To this day, his statues stand tall at Star City Academy and the Hall of Human Heroes, revered by future generations.

Online Comments:

JustLoveMilkTea: (Flower emoji) Thank you, Mr. Feng, for your contributions to humanity. I wish I could have lived in your era to witness your glorious rise firsthand. Sadly, I can only learn about you through statues and biographies.

NonFriedKitten: (Flower emoji) I vividly remember my history teacher's regretful expression when introducing you. She said, "If Mr. Feng had lived just a few more decades, Human Civilization would have undergone a radical transformation, and history itself would have been rewritten. Your passing was a loss for all of humanity, but we will never forget you."

Respectfully dedicated by Ye Feiyu, September 30, 2687.

NeverStopRunning: A genius etched in the annals of time, a hero immortalized in history. Some see Feng Qi as a mythical figure, but delving into the historical records reveals we still underestimated him. Can you believe he developed six cultivation techniques by the age of seventeen? I'd believe he was a time traveler! What I can't understand is why he joined the Scarlet Research Institute. Though he achieved much there, it feels like his talents were buried.

After reviewing the character profile and online comments, a smile spread across Feng Qi's face.

This time, he had finally earned the world's recognition.

But your untimely death remains unchanged. In fact, your lifespan has been even shorter compared to last time. My poor A-Qi, if only life could be recharged like a subscription, I'd sell everything I own to extend your life by a hundred years.

Feng Qi: ...

He had long mentally prepared himself for his early demise.

But to believe he died from research? That was impossible.

To uncover the truth, he closed the character profile page and typed his email address into the search bar.

When the email page popped up, he clicked on the inbox.

Immediately, the messages arranged themselves on the screen. This time, there was no repeat of the previous incident where his inbox had been mysteriously emptied.

Starting with the first message, he began reviewing the contents left by his future self:

Today, I officially became a researcher at the Scarlet Research Institute, assigned to the Gene Research Department. But when I resigned from my teaching position to my grandmaster, and when I said goodbye to Mu Qing, Lin Ran, and my students, I felt a pang of reluctance. Every day, people try to persuade me to give up on the Scarlet Research Institute, but I've already made up my mind. I just need to follow my heart. Only by walking the path myself will I truly know it; no one else can give me the answers. I've officially started working! My direct supervisor is Wei Wei. Initially, I'll be her assistant, helping her with tasks. Over the past two years, I've spent my free time studying a vast amount of knowledge in biological sciences, so I should be able to handle the job without any problems. I've started learning about the rune augment project, but I haven't asked too many questions yet. After all, I'm still not very familiar with Wei Wei, and it might be inappropriate to ask sensitive questions right away. I'll wait until we've worked together for a while. Lately, I've been planning to solve the problem of hair loss for humanity. Hehe. Today, I asked Wei Wei about Mu Qing. She told me Mu Qing volunteered to participate in the rune augment project. She also mentioned that Mu Qing seemed quite resistant to her at first, because Xiao Muqing was living at the Scarlet Research Institute at the time. Wei Wei found Xiao Muqing adorable and often teased her... So, no wonder Mu Qing harbors resentment toward Wei Wei.

When I asked Wei Wei about the rune crystal embedded in Mu Qing's body, she shook her head, claiming she didn't know either. She said she had obtained the crystal by chance. When I pressed for more details, Wei Wei refused to answer further.

I sensed there was a secret involved, but I knew I had to be patient. One day, she would tell me everything.

Over the past year of living together, Wei Wei had never shown any hostility toward humans. Perhaps she was on our side. I hoped my guess was correct.

Today, I was promoted to C-Rank Researcher at the Scarlet Research Institute. I finally gained access to many confidential documents. Wei Wei also revealed something important: the Scarlet Research Institute had never abandoned the rune augment project, even when it was officially banned. They believed this project could change the future of humanity.

I underwent another comprehensive physical examination today, including mental assessments. The Scarlet Research Institute is extremely strict about these matters.

I couldn't help but suspect this was to prevent infiltration by malevolent forces. But what I really wanted to know was the truth about the Domain-Transcending Creature in the institute's core area. Unfortunately, my current clearance level doesn't even grant me the right to enter that area.

Promoted to B-Rank Researcher! I even made the news headlines today, with every major media outlet showering me with praise. I haven't let you down on this timeline, have I? Reading the comments online shouldn't be so painful now, and I won't feel the urge to engage in keyboard wars with them anymore. (Laughing.jpg) (Red Flag) After years of working undercover, Wei Wei has gradually come to trust me. Following today's inspection, she revealed a crucial piece of information.

She told me that the world isn't as simple as it appears. There's a dark side we haven't yet discovered, the true source of all calamities.

All domain creatures originate from that place.

Moreover, a vast number of evil forces are lurking among humanity, plotting to destroy our civilization. The Scarlet Research Institute has long been aware of this and has initiated a top-secret Anti-Infiltration Plan.

I was stunned by this revelation. When I tried to ask for more details about the plan, Wei Wei said the subsequent information was classified at the highest level and I wasn't cleared to know it yet.

How infuriating! Does a lowly B-Rank Researcher not deserve to know more?

It seems our efforts are paying off; we're getting closer to the truth. Future you, await good news from me.

Feng Qi's face lit up with surprise as he read this.

He had previously only speculated about the dark side of the world, but Wei Wei's words confirmed its existence.

Recalling the mysterious disappearances of powerful individuals, he suddenly realized they might have learned the truth and been reassigned to the dark side.

Yet numerous questions flooded his mind:

Where exactly was the dark side of the world? What were the details of the Anti-Infiltration Plan?

Was this the Heaven-Reaching Road Liu Yue had mentioned?

If the Scarlet Research Institute was on humanity's side, how could they explain the Domain-Transcending Creature in their underground base?

Or had the Scarlet Research Institute been partially infiltrated, with Wei Wei herself unaware of the full truth?

With these questions swirling in his mind, he continued scrolling through the email.

Entry 897: Today, Wei Wei revealed another confidential piece of information, confirming my earlier suspicions. She's trying to replicate geniuses, and Mu Qing is her primary target. She's acutely aware of Mu Qing's terrifying growth potential, and it seems the birth of the Little Suction Cup is imminent.

Entry 901: Wei Wei recently contacted Mu Qing and collected several vials of her latest blood samples, preparing to initiate a new round of cloning experiments.

I also called Mu Qing to check on her. She assured me she's been doing well and is currently preparing to establish the Dawn Domain Battle Group.

Within the Scarlet Research Institute, I remain relatively safe. I feel I might live to be seventy or eighty here, perhaps even uncover the truth behind Mu Qing's city-razing rampage.

Entry 937: Today, that old hag Wei Wei threw a fit, smashing everything in the lab. The cloning of Mu Qing failed yet again, and all the cultivated embryos died prematurely. I suspect the problem lies with the rune crystals... I'll mention it to her next time. The old woman must be going through menopause, smashing things while cursing—it was utterly absurd. I stood trembling on the sidelines, watching the spectacle.

I discussed with Wei Wei the possibility that rune crystals might be the key to replicating Mu Qing. She agreed with my theory, but since the rune crystal on Mu Qing's body was clearly unattainable, she decided to experiment with other rune crystals. From a future perspective, I suspected she would face a series of failures. The birth of Little Suction Cup truly was a trial by fire QvQ. I was promoted to A-Rank Researcher and underwent another round of comprehensive evaluations. Wei Wei then took me to her office and revealed another bombshell: I finally learned what the Domain-Transcending Creature beneath the Scarlet Research Institute was.

She explained that the core of the Anti-Infiltration Plan was the rune augment.

Humans emit a distinct aura that domain creatures can easily detect, but rune augments are different. They possess the aura of domain creatures, allowing them to infiltrate the Dark Side World by masquerading as its native races.

The top-secret facility beneath the Scarlet Research Institute serves as the central research hub for rune augments.

The research conducted within these facilities had never been publicly disclosed. While they were referred to as "rune augments," a more accurate description would be humans transformed into domain creatures. The entire project was designed for counter-infiltration and enhanced concealment.

The ultimate goal of this plan was to locate the source of the calamity's transmission from the Dark Side World to the real world and sever the connection at its origin.

As for how to reach that world, the answer lay within the Space Crystal left behind in the dispersed Domain Field. This crystal served as the nexus connecting the Dark Side World to our own. Activating it through a specific method would create a passage to the Dark Side World.

However, when I asked if the historical figures who had vanished from record had been sent to the Dark Side, she shook her head. The Scarlet Research Institute's Anti-Infiltration Plan was still in its early stages, with only two rune augments having been deployed. The institute had never made contact with those missing historical figures.

She also revealed that malevolent forces deeply rooted within Human Civilization were actively plotting its destruction and had launched assassination campaigns targeting the rising generation of human geniuses.

To protect these prodigies, the Scarlet Research Institute had secretly cultivated a number of elite warriors specifically trained to safeguard them.

Reading this, he finally believed that the Scarlet Research Institute had always stood on humanity's side.

The many mysteries surrounding the Scarlet Research Institute were finally answered.

Mu Qing had always known the Scarlet Research Institute was on humanity's side, which is why she never targeted them when she later established the dawn rebels.

As for the Genius List within the Scarlet Research Institute, it had been created to counter a mysterious organization secretly assassinating humanity's rising generation of geniuses.

The mysterious protective force Liu Yue encountered while protecting a young genius in one timeline actually originated from the Scarlet Research Institute.

But new questions arose: Where had the vanished powerhouses gone? Was the Heaven-Reaching Road the Dark World? Did the Scarlet Research Institute know the identity of the lurking enemy?

Filled with these questions, Feng Qi continued scrolling through the email.

(End of the Chapter)

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