Translator: CinderTL
After reading the email, Feng Qi finally understood the Scarlet Research Institute's secret.
It turned out that this place was home to a group of unsung heroes who had silently dedicated themselves, even willingly sacrificing themselves to participate in rune modification experiments.
They had always stood by humanity, never abandoning hope.
Having read the email, Feng Qi already had a rough idea of how the Scarlet Research Institute would develop in the future.
The Anti-Infiltration Plan had ultimately failed.
Otherwise, the Dream Realm he had witnessed wouldn't have shown the desolate ruins of a destroyed Human Civilization.
He speculated that as the hidden enemy gradually unfolded their plans against the Scarlet Research Institute, the institute's subsequent countermeasures would lead to an increasingly dire situation.
However, the Scarlet Research Institute would certainly not fall easily.
As one of the few special organizations with the highest authority, it possessed deep reserves of resources and influence. Unless the hidden organization openly declared war, they couldn't easily destroy the Scarlet Research Institute.
A fierce struggle of covert operations and open conflict was inevitable.
But with the Mysterious Force operating in the shadows, the Scarlet Research Institute would be at a significant disadvantage in their confrontation.
Thinking of this, Feng Qi suddenly recalled that during his previous search of the future database, he had seen Wei Wei labeled as a "human traitor" by the Future People.
He now suspected that Wei Wei might have exposed herself during a subsequent operation, potentially revealing information detrimental to the Scarlet Research Institute. To protect the institute, she likely chose self-sacrifice.
It's also possible that a Mysterious Force obtained compromising information about the Scarlet Research Institute, implicating Wei Wei. The institute might have chosen to cut off its arm to save its body, sacrificing Wei Wei to preserve itself.
Wei Wei, accepting her fate with composure, used her death to ensure the Scarlet Research Institute's survival, shouldering all the exposed vulnerabilities.
Hearing the Narrator's words, Feng Qi couldn't help but sigh.
Regardless of the reason, Wei Wei's fate was destined to end in tragedy.
A woman who had dedicated her entire life to securing humanity's future ultimately became a "sinner" reviled by the world.
Isn't this exactly what you experienced in the future? You must understand that the path to a brighter future is fraught with thorns and twists. But humanity's greatest virtue lies in its noble defiance in the face of despair. There will always be those who refuse to yield, even when hope seems nonexistent... Wei Wei was such a person, and so are you.
Hearing the Narrator's words, Feng Qi shook his head helplessly.
"You don't need to comfort me. I'm fine. I'm not that fragile."
That's good. Now that we know the Scarlet Research Institute is an ally, perhaps you could collaborate with them. For example, Mo Fei's Brain in a Vat Project—the Scarlet Research Institute might be able to help you realize it.
After all, biological sciences are their specialty. If you partner with them, you might even find your own brain in their underground base next time.
"But if I actually go through with this plan, it'll be hell for my future self."
Your future self is still you. Your thoughts are the same. If one day you need to sacrifice yourself, you'll do it without hesitation. So don't feel guilty. Everything is for the future... Of course, if you really feel bad, you could kowtow to your future self a few times.
Feng Qi: ...
"Maybe I can even get an authorized account from the Scarlet Research Institute."
Exactly! As long as the Scarlet Research Institute survives until the Star City Shelter is established, they'll definitely help you obtain an authorized account. If the dark force wipes them out before the shelter is built, the situation becomes uncertain. In any case, this is a timeline worth exploring.
"That makes sense," Feng Qi nodded immediately.
Stop making sense! Little Black is on his way. We should leave now. Checking the email took too long.
Hearing the Narrator's warning, Feng Qi glanced at the time in the lower right corner of the screen and strode without hesitation toward the metal tunnel.
His strength had indeed increased significantly after obtaining the blood source and malevolence, but he was realistic enough to know that this power was nothing compared to Little Black's.
Following the upward-sloping metal tunnel, he left the Star City Underground Shelter and emerged into the outside world.
After scanning his surroundings, he headed east, unable to resist asking:
"Narrator, you've been guiding me east all along. What's actually there?"
I didn't want to answer before because you were too weak. Even reaching the city ruins was a struggle, so telling you would have been pointless. But now, perhaps we can try.
To the east, I sense a faint life source and, further beyond, countless energy nodes. This life source in particular feels utterly out of place in this world. I can't identify what it is.
"Out of sync with the world?"
The Narrator's words startled him, and he couldn't help but speculate that the "faint life source" might be human survivors.
This world was already enveloped by the Domain Field. The only life source that could seem out of sync with the Domain Field would likely be life from the Original World.
With this thought, he immediately asked:
"Is it far from my current location?"
As for the energy nodes, given your current speed and strength, you definitely can't reach them unless you can deal with the little black creature that's been relentlessly hunting you. As for the location of that faint life source, you might be able to reach it. It's worth a try.
"Then let's try," Feng Qi nodded decisively.
Having made his decision, he sprinted toward the city ruins.
While psychokinetic flight was fast, it couldn't be sustained for long, so he changed his strategy this time.
As he ran, he focused his mind, and invisible psychokinesis surged from his body, forming a propulsive force behind him that propelled him forward.
This method consumed less mental energy while significantly increasing his running speed, making him much faster than before.
Ah Qi, you're so clever! You figured out a new way to use psychokinesis so quickly!
"I've always been this clever."
Good, just like me.
"Shut up!"
In half the time it usually took, Feng Qi reached the city ruins.
He slowed his pace.
As he scanned his surroundings, he suddenly felt a flicker of anticipation at the prospect of encountering the Scarlet Eye again. Killing it would grant him a boost to his mental strength.
Give it up. Even if you encounter it, you can't defeat it. Do you think you'll always be lucky enough to swoop in and claim victory?
Just listen to me one last time. Turn back now while you still can. Let's go the route of the steel-muscled macho man. One punch to shatter mountains, another to split the earth. We'll send our enemies to the afterlife with our fists.
Hearing the Narrator's rant, Feng Qi retorted, slightly exasperated, "Why can't I cultivate both my physical body and art magic?"
Cultivate both? Let me imagine that for a moment... Why am I picturing a musclebound hunk waving a magical glowstick? Demons and monsters, begone! He~tui! You can't cultivate both. Magic will taint you.
Feng Qi: ...
The Narrator's words conjured an image in Feng Qi's mind, sending a chill down his spine.
"Don't disgust me. I meant cultivating both combat and art magic, not some superficial combination of appearances."
He~tui! Disgusting!
"Pah! The disgusting images are all in your head!"
Even as they bickered, Feng Qi remained vigilant, constantly scanning his surroundings.
The further east he traveled, the more frequently domain creatures appeared.
Although he now possessed the means to defend himself, he felt it prudent to remain cautious until he acquired the Suction Cup.
Following the familiar route, he detoured around any domain creatures he spotted in the distance, conserving his life-saving abilities as much as possible.
His current objective was the "Faint Life Source" mentioned by the Narrator, making time of the essence.
Even with the Suction Cup's time-delaying assistance, he might not find the Faint Life Source within the limited timeframe.
As he advanced, he harvested any spirit plants along the way, storing them within his body as instructed by the Narrator.
These plants would help the Suction Cup recover its strength, potentially granting him more time in future Dream Realms.
After several hours of travel, he reached the abandoned hospital area.
Slowing his pace, he began searching for the Suction Cup.
After circling the abandoned hospital, he stepped inside.
He immediately spotted Suction Cup squatting on the ground, staring blankly at the ground.
As if sensing Feng Qi's presence, Suction Cup suddenly looked up at him.
After a brief moment of eye contact, she grinned.
"Suction Cup, I brought you something delicious!"
Before he could finish speaking, Suction Cup charged at him, sending him flying backward. He landed heavily on the ground.
Climbing to his feet, he glanced down at the endearingly dazed Suction Cup and gently patted her head.
Suction Cup's creation in this timeline was somewhat connected to his future self.
After all, he had once worked as Wei Wei's assistant, undoubtedly assisting with Mu Qing's cloning and replication experiments.
Tsk, shameless! Claiming you participated in Little Suction Cup's creation just because you made coffee for Wei Wei? He~tui!
Feng Qi: ...
"I'm not wasting my breath on you."
He glanced down at Suction Cup again, then reached into his chest cavity and pulled out a fragrant spirit plant, offering it to her mouth.
"Eat up."
Suction Cup leaned forward to sniff the plant, then opened her mouth and took a large bite.
After tasting the spirit plant, starlight flickered in Suction Cup's grayish-white eyes. With a few quick bites, she devoured the entire plant.
Having fed Suction Cup all four spirit plants they had gathered along the way, Feng Qi decided to continue their journey.
This time, he had no intention of returning to Star City Shelter. Instead, he planned to explore further east, hoping to find the faint life source the Narrator had mentioned.
Whether they would succeed remained uncertain, making time extremely precious.
To this end, he even abandoned his plan to explore the second-level laboratory beneath the Scarlet Research Institute base.
Before setting off, Feng Qi surveyed the surroundings and climbed to the top of a tall building to pinpoint little black's current location.
Under normal circumstances, little black wouldn't be too far away.
Therefore, without deploying Suction Cup, it would be best to find an opponent for little black to delay his progress.
As for Suction Cup, she would serve as his protective deity on their eastward exploration.
Without her protection, he feared he might perish along the way.
After determining little black's position, Feng Qi scanned the nearby area, searching for domain creatures.
With the Narrator's assistance, he quickly located a suitable opponent for little black.
This was an elemental lifeform, its entire body crackling with electric arcs.
Its nearly transparent form revealed a circular, blue energy core glowing within. The creature lay curled in a street corner, its body wreathed in dangerous-looking arcs of electricity.
Having identified his target, Feng Qi leaped down from his vantage point.
Just before his feet touched the ground, telekinesis surged through him, gently cushioning his landing.
"Works like a charm!" Feng Qi grinned, dispelling the telekinetic force as his feet touched down.
Pah! A landing that doesn't leave a crater in the ground? That's hardly manly!
Feng Qi: ...
(End of the Chapter)
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