150 Mystery of the End Times
After about twenty minutes, the group that had been sent out returned. Several people were carrying a large stretcher, on which lay a man with his arms and legs covered in a silver-white sterile capsule. His face was pale, and he was still unconscious.
At the rear of the group, two exhausted-looking elderly people were anxiously scanning the surroundings, their eyes filled with anticipation.
"Dad, Mom!" In a hoarse voice, Liu Fengyu shouted and rushed towards them, overwhelmed with excitement.
"Xiao Yu!" As soon as the two elderly people saw their son, tears welled up in their eyes. The three of them tightly embraced each other, crying uncontrollably.
Watching this heartwarming scene, Cong Xia couldn't help but feel a tinge of emotion.
Being separated from one's family for a year might have been as simple as buying a train ticket in the civilized era, but in this post-apocalyptic age of communication breakdown and uncertainty, it required enduring countless hardships, possessing the strength to survive and the ability to mobilize resources, and most importantly, a stroke of luck, to realize such a dream. People like Liu Fengyu, who met all these conditions, were few and far between. Therefore, in the past year, separation almost equated to permanent farewell.
This reunion scene touched everyone's heart deeply.
As Deng Xiao watched the heartwarming scene, his eyes also welled up with tears. His expression was filled with envy and longing. Sometimes, hope could be a double-edged sword. It tugged at one's heartstrings, not knowing where the other person was or whether there would be a chance to see them again in this lifetime. The pain of such uncertainty was difficult to bear.
Cong Xia embraced his shoulders and gently said, "Xiao Deng, don't cry. Your mother will definitely be found."
Deng Xiao rubbed his eyes and nodded, "Yeah, she must be alive, and I will find her for sure."
In contrast to their relief, Zhou Fenglan was seething with anger. He glared fiercely at them.
Xu Ying gruffly said, "How much longer do we have to wait!"
Cong Zhenzhong whispered to Liu Fengyu, "Take your parents inside and follow my assistant."
Liu Fengyu wiped his eyes. He knew the situation was tense, and this wasn't the place for reunions.
"Wait!" Zhou Fenglan shouted, "Xu Gongzi is not healed yet. You can't leave until Xu Gongzi recovers from his injuries."
Several of Zhou Fenglan's subordinates blocked the elevator door, refusing to let them pass.
Cong Xia looked at their persistent behavior and calmly said, "Bring him inside."
They carried Xu Hang into the treatment room, but Xu Ying tried to follow. Cong Xia was firm, not allowing anyone to enter, and promptly closed the door in Xu Ying's face.
Xu Ying was infuriated, his face turning pale. Cao Zhixian had a faint smile on his lips, enjoying Xu Ying's humiliation.
Inside the room, Cong Xia opened the sterile capsule and examined Xu Hang's injuries. Chen Tianbi had neatly severed Xu Hang's limbs, leaving only a thin layer of flesh connecting them. However, this kind of injury was easier to repair compared to the complete loss of limbs. At least, there was no need to recreate the limbs.
Cong Xia infused energy into Xu Hang's body, watching the rotten flesh fall away and fresh tissue regenerate. The separated limbs gradually came together...
In less than half an hour, Cong Xia came out. He nodded to Xu Ying and said, "He's healed."
Xu Ying rushed into the treatment room, looking at Xu Hang, who was still unconscious but now completely unharmed. He let out a deep sigh of relief.
They placed Xu Hang back on the stretcher and took him back to the car.
Cong Zhenzhong spoke confidently to Xu Ying, "General Xu, now that Xu Gongzi is fully recovered, I will take my leave. This place is a scientific research academy and not suitable for such a tense atmosphere."
Xu Ying's cold gaze swept across the people present, full of warning. He stood there with his hands behind his back for a few seconds before turning and walking towards the exit.
Zhuang Yu smiled lightly and said, "Fenglan, let's go."
Just then, Zhou Fenglan suddenly raised his hand, and a strong light made everyone squint. The crackling sound of thunder sent shivers down their spines. A high-voltage thunder, at least ten thousand volts, shot towards Liu Fengyu, his parents, and himself!
Liu Fengyu was horrified, but he couldn't react in time. The pupils of the three of them reflected a strong golden light.
Tang Yanqiu and Deng Xiao, who were farthest away, just managed to start running towards them. Zhuang Yao and Cong Zhenzhong widened their eyes, and invisible wavelengths sharply pierced into Zhou Fenglan's brain. He screamed in pain, clutching his head and kneeling to the ground.
However, the thunder couldn't change its course and was unstoppable as it struck towards Liu Fengyu's family of three.
At that critical moment, a strong wind hit them. Everyone watched as their clothes were tugged at, as if two invisible hands were pulling them, and the three were thrown away forcefully. The thunder struck the ground, leaving a deep pit in the solid marble floor.
Cong Xia was scared stiff. If the thunder had really struck them, they might have died of cardiac arrest instantly. He wouldn't even be able to save them. If that scene had truly unfolded before his eyes, no matter the cost, they would have made those people pay with their lives.
Liu Fengyu finally reacted and, as they landed, transformed his arms into large and thick petals, cushioning his parents beneath him. The whole hall was instantly filled with a pungent odor. Liu Fengyu's stench had increased not only tenfold compared to the initial amount, but its speed and range had also multiplied.
Deng Xiao rose into the air, kicking Zhuang Yu, who was mentally competing with Cong Zhenzhong, to the ground. Tang Yanqiu opened his wings and flew at an incredible speed to Zhou Fenglan's side. He wielded a giant bow, pressing his foot against Zhou Fenglan's chest. With his other hand, he pulled the bowstring taut. The sharp arrow was only three centimeters away from Zhou Fenglan's eyeball. One shot would make his head explode.
Zhou Fenglan's eyes were bloodshot, and his expression was desperate. Thunder and lightning gathered around him, causing Tang Yanqiu's rubber shoes to crackle. He was nearly enveloped in electricity, at risk of being turned into charcoal at any moment. The two of them glared at each other, not daring to let their guard down for a moment.
On Xu Ying's side, his people and the Dragonblood Clan members were also tense and confronting each other. This scene made them all hold their breaths.
After a moment, Cao Zhixian spoke up, "Stop this, what's the point of behaving like this?"
Liu Fengyu helped his frightened parents up, his eyes filled with vigilance.
Zhuang Yu got up from the ground and sneered, "I see. So this was the variable I didn't take into account—elemental transformation. It's truly eye-opening."
Everyone witnessed the terrifying scene just now, as well as the instant disappearance and reappearance of the two arms of Cheng Tianbi. This secret could no longer be concealed. They didn't expect Zhuang Yu to be so cunning, using this method to test Cheng Tianbi.
Cheng Tianbi looked coldly at Zhuang Yu, his eyes showing a dangerous glint.
Zhuang Yu smiled happily, "Little Zhuang Yao, you're really lucky, always stumbling upon good things. I admit that in this regard, you are slightly better than me."
Zhuang Yao glared at him fiercely, "That's because you always pick up garbage. So get lost already."
Xu Ying acted as if nothing had happened and calmly said, "Little Zhuang, Little Zhou, let's go."
Zhou Fenglan glared back at Tang Yanqiu, who met his gaze unyieldingly. Both of them were ready to strike at each other at any moment, and at a time like this, nothing anyone else said could distract them.
Cong Xia walked over and whispered, "Little Tang, let him go." Although they all wanted to kill Zhou Fenglan right now, doing so would only cause them more trouble.
Tang Yanqiu slowly straightened up, and the foot on Zhou Fenglan's chest also slowly lifted. However, the lethal arrow still pointed at Zhou Fenglan's eye. Zhou Fenglan also gradually retracted his thunder energy. The two of them seemed like characters in a slow-motion film, slowly withdrawing their attacks.
Finally, Tang Yanqiu stepped out of Zhou Fenglan's thunderous perimeter and lowered his bow.
Zhou Fenglan got up from the ground, giving him a malicious look but refraining from making any hasty moves. He shook his head, bloodshot eyes full of anger. Being attacked by brainwaves was a terrible feeling—like having a splitting headache, eyes on the verge of exploding, and body being burned from the inside. Even a brief moment of this was enough to render him unable to move. If he presented an opportunity to the enemy, that moment could cost him his life.
Xu Ying and his team finally started to withdraw one after another, and the tension in the room eased.
Several people ran to Liu Fengyu's side. Cong Xia asked, "Are Uncle and Auntie alright?"
Liu Fengyu shook his head, "They were frightened, but they're okay."
At this moment, Xiao Wang rushed over, picked them up, and arranged their accommodation.
Cong Zhenzhong asked, "Xiao Cheng, Xiao Tang, are you both okay?"
Both of them shook their heads, but their expressions were grim.
Cao Zhixian looked at his son with pride and admiration, saying, "Tianbi, you're definitely much stronger than Zhou Fenglan. Xu Lao's face changed completely. Haha."
Zhuang Yao didn't look too good. "Our trump card has been revealed again."
Tang Tingzhi said, "If Zhuang Yao knows about Cheng Tianbi's elemental transformation ability, it might not be a bad thing. The more he evaluates your strength highly, the less likely they are to act recklessly in the short term."
Cong Zhenzhong nodded, "At least it will keep Zhuang Yao quiet for a while."
Cao Zhixian said, "Since this matter is temporarily resolved, I'll head back. If there are any movements from Zhuang Yao and Zhou Fenglan's side, report to me immediately."
"Commander Cao, take care."
After Cao Zhixian left, Cong Zhenzhong said, "Let's go to the conference room and talk."
Everyone followed Cong Zhenzhong to the conference room, and surprisingly, the four members of the Dragonblood Clan followed along.
Deng Xiao sat down in a chair and said indignantly, "If we had killed Zhou Fenglan just now, it would have been great."
Cong Xia sighed, "We can't kill him now. It was too dangerous just now. Tang Yanqiu, are you alright?"
Tang Yanqiu shook his head, "I did want to kill him just now, but killing him would have caused more trouble."
Zhuang Yao said, "It's a good thing you didn't act. We haven't firmly established ourselves in Beijing yet, and it's not suitable for us to fight to the death with Fenglan. Most importantly, you might have been killed by the lightning."
Cong Xia smiled bitterly, "Yes, it was too dangerous. Tang Yanqiu was completely enveloped in the thunder circle, and his hair was standing on end."
Deng Xiao said, "Tang-ge looked like an angel just now, with white wings and a golden glow all over. Ah, I really want wings too."
Tang Tingzhi said excitedly, "I can help you with that, as long as you're willing to cooperate with my experiments."
Zhuang Yao knocked on the table and frowned, "Why did you all come in?"
Shen Changze said, "When you first arrived in Beijing, didn't you propose the concept of cultivation and energy nuclei? Now the cultivation method has been popularized in Beijing, and I've been using it too. Lately, I've felt that my energy nucleus is getting fuller, probably approaching what you called 'Second Stage.'"
Cong Xia asked, "Oh? You're also approaching the Second Stage. Have you noticed any changes in your body?"
"Yes, the speed of absorbing energy is getting slower and slower, at least half as slow as before."
Cong Xia said, "That's a sign of reaching the critical point of the First Stage. I will give the method to Professor Cong for breaking through to the Second Stage. Uncle, you can disseminate it then. As for whether we can avoid these people exploding due to over-evolution, I'm not very sure."
Shen Changze's expression became serious. The images of those animals that eventually exploded due to excessive evolution were still fresh in their minds. Everyone knew that if they couldn't stop the Cambrian energy, it would be the ultimate fate of all mutants. The only difference was when it would happen.
Cong Xia comforted him, "Tianbi has successfully broken through to the Second Stage. Perhaps advancing from the First to the Second Stage is relatively safe. We can't determine at this point in which stage those animals exploded, so don't worry too much."
Shen Changze nodded, and Shen Ming patted his head, saying, "Don't worry, you definitely won't die."
After discussing the matter, the members of the Dragon Blood Clan left.
Once they were gone, Cong Zhenzhong took off his glasses and tiredly pinched the bridge of his nose. "Originally, the trip to the northeast would have been a great opportunity to utilize the Thunder ability. However, now Fenglan's group cannot execute missions simultaneously with you. Zhou Fenglan is very powerful, but he is almost incompatible with all other naturally evolved individuals. The only ones he can reluctantly cooperate with are Liudao Huangquan."
Cong Xia said, "Li Dao'ai seems indifferent to his relations with others."
"Yes, that's his strength. He doesn't boast, doesn't seek power, and maintains a certain distance from the military, the Science Academy, and every mutant organization. He's the one who gives us the least trouble, but also the most difficult to command. However, Li Dao'ai's strength is indeed very reliable, and he used to be a police officer, so he has some sense of justice. If you cooperate with him, you don't need to worry too much about being stabbed in the back."
"So, are we going to the northeast with him?"
"We still need to discuss this and consider their recent task arrangements. However, I hope this time it's Li Dao'ai who goes with you, not Yao Qianjiang. Yao Qianjiang is more scheming and not very suitable for cooperation."
Zhuang Yao said, "We have time to continue considering the personnel issue. What's most important now is to ensure the safe breakthrough of the three individuals who have reached the critical point of the First Stage into the Second Stage."
Cong Zhenzhong was surprised, "Besides Shen Changze, who else?"
"There's also Tang Yanqiu and Liu Fengyu."
"I hope that after these three people break through to the Second Stage, their abilities will improve significantly. Seeing Tianbi's changes, I'm also looking forward to theirs."
"Especially Shen Changze." Zhuang Yao said, "If Tianbi can undergo elementalization, theoretically, he should be able to as well. After those natural power-evolved individuals break through to the Second Stage one by one, they should all have the ability to elementalize."
The group felt a bit pressured when they thought about those formidable natural power-evolved individuals becoming elementalized one by one. If they were allies or people who would not cross their path, it would be a good thing. However, for enemies like Zhou Fenglan, the stronger they became, the more threatening it was to them.
Cong Xia looked at Cong Zhenzhong's dark circles and felt sorry for him. "Uncle, you haven't slept all night. Go rest for a while, and we'll discuss everything again this afternoon."
Cong Zhenzhong pondered for a moment, "Alright, my brain cells are declining, not conducive to thinking." He put on his glasses. "I'll go back and rest for two hours. In the afternoon, organize the method of breaking through to the Second Stage and give it to me."
"Okay."
After Cong Zhenzhong left, the group also felt tired. None of them had slept all night, and they had just experienced such a thrilling confrontation in the early morning. Now that the situation had temporarily settled, they were all a bit fatigued.
Cong Xia suggested, "Shall we go back and get some sleep?"
Tianbi shook his head, "I'll go to the training ground."
Deng Xiao said, "I'll go too."
Cong Xia felt awkward saying he wanted to sleep, so he replied, "Then I'll go to class."
Zhuang Yao said, "I need some sleep; I'm still growing, or I won't get any taller."
Tang Yanqiu said, "I... I'll go check on Liu Fengyu."
Cong Xia said, "That's a good idea. Bring some food with you to comfort them."
After the others left, Tang Yanqiu went to the kitchen to get some food and then went upstairs.
Liu Fengyu's room was next to his. The sound insulation here was good, but he could faintly hear crying from inside. He hesitated outside the door, not knowing whether to knock or not. He just stood there, in a daze, for quite some time until the crying stopped. Only then did he knock on the door.
Liu Fengyu opened the door, his eyes slightly red, looking somewhat surprised to see Tang Yanqiu.
Tang Yanqiu raised the tray in his hand. "I don't know if they've eaten yet?"
Liu Fengyu smiled faintly, "Xiao Wang already brought food over. Come in."
Tang Yanqiu walked in, feeling uneasy. Liu Fengyu's parents looked at him and gave a kind smile, "Hello."
Tang Yanqiu nodded, "Hello, Uncle and Aunt. Sorry for causing you distress."
Liu Fengyu said, "Dad, Mom, this is Tang Yanqiu, the one I told you about just now."
Liu's father said, "Yes, yes, you mentioned him. Little Tang, thank you for taking care of our son."
Tang Yanqiu replied, "You're welcome. We all take care of each other."
Liu Fengyu said, "Dad, Mom, let's eat."
They were indeed hungry and started eating at the nearby table.
The two of them walked to the balcony, closed the floor-to-ceiling windows, and Liu Fengyu looked at Tang Yanqiu seriously, "Thank you for today."
Tang Yanqiu shook his head, "You should thank Tianbi."
Liu Fengyu said, "I thank every one of you." He glanced at his parents who were eating, "I never thought I could find them again..."
Tang Yanqiu replied, "You're very fortunate. They will be safe here, and you don't need to worry anymore."
Looking at Tang Yanqiu with a smile, Liu Fengyu asked, "When did you learn to comfort people? Who did you learn it from?"
Tang Yanqiu felt a bit uneasy and said, "There's nothing... to learn."
"Did you keep your promise back then?"
"What?"
"You promised Yanjin to protect me and also protect my parents. Did you keep your promise?"
Tang Yanqiu answered earnestly, "Yes."
Liu Fengyu smiled and said, "Then I got a great deal." After a moment of laughter, his expression became more serious, "Tang Yanqiu, I don't need you to protect me. I can take care of myself. But in the future, if... if something happens, I hope you can take care of my parents. For example, if I'm no longer here, please take them back to the Tang family. It's much safer there than here."
Tang Yanqiu frowned, "Don't talk like that."
"It's not being pessimistic. Everyone should be prepared for anything. Who dares to say they will live to be a hundred years old?"
Tang Yanqiu turned his face away, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Suddenly, Liu Fengyu changed his tone and teased, "What I said that day also counts."
"Huh?" Tang Yanqiu turned back to look at him.
Liu Fengyu leaned closer to him and blew lightly on his face, "I offer myself."
Tang Yanqiu blushed and took a step back.
Liu Fengyu burst into laughter, "Why are you so amusing?"
Tang Yanqiu looked annoyed and said, "I'm going to the training ground."
Liu Fengyu said, "Go ahead. I'll spend some time with them, and then I'll join you." He stretched his arms, "I have to become even stronger."
People become stronger because they have someone to care for and protect.
****
Translator's note: More bonus chapters are to come!
150 Mystery of the End Times
After about twenty minutes, the group that had been sent out returned. Several people were carrying a large stretcher, on which lay a man with his arms and legs covered in a silver-white sterile capsule. His face was pale, and he was still unconscious.
At the rear of the group, two exhausted-looking elderly people were anxiously scanning the surroundings, their eyes filled with anticipation.
"Dad, Mom!" In a hoarse voice, Liu Fengyu shouted and rushed towards them, overwhelmed with excitement.
"Xiao Yu!" As soon as the two elderly people saw their son, tears welled up in their eyes. The three of them tightly embraced each other, crying uncontrollably.
Watching this heartwarming scene, Cong Xia couldn't help but feel a tinge of emotion.
Being separated from one's family for a year might have been as simple as buying a train ticket in the civilized era, but in this post-apocalyptic age of communication breakdown and uncertainty, it required enduring countless hardships, possessing the strength to survive and the ability to mobilize resources, and most importantly, a stroke of luck, to realize such a dream. People like Liu Fengyu, who met all these conditions, were few and far between. Therefore, in the past year, separation almost equated to permanent farewell.
This reunion scene touched everyone's heart deeply.
As Deng Xiao watched the heartwarming scene, his eyes also welled up with tears. His expression was filled with envy and longing. Sometimes, hope could be a double-edged sword. It tugged at one's heartstrings, not knowing where the other person was or whether there would be a chance to see them again in this lifetime. The pain of such uncertainty was difficult to bear.
Cong Xia embraced his shoulders and gently said, "Xiao Deng, don't cry. Your mother will definitely be found."
Deng Xiao rubbed his eyes and nodded, "Yeah, she must be alive, and I will find her for sure."
In contrast to their relief, Zhou Fenglan was seething with anger. He glared fiercely at them.
Xu Ying gruffly said, "How much longer do we have to wait!"
Cong Zhenzhong whispered to Liu Fengyu, "Take your parents inside and follow my assistant."
Liu Fengyu wiped his eyes. He knew the situation was tense, and this wasn't the place for reunions.
"Wait!" Zhou Fenglan shouted, "Xu Gongzi is not healed yet. You can't leave until Xu Gongzi recovers from his injuries."
Several of Zhou Fenglan's subordinates blocked the elevator door, refusing to let them pass.
Cong Xia looked at their persistent behavior and calmly said, "Bring him inside."
They carried Xu Hang into the treatment room, but Xu Ying tried to follow. Cong Xia was firm, not allowing anyone to enter, and promptly closed the door in Xu Ying's face.
Xu Ying was infuriated, his face turning pale. Cao Zhixian had a faint smile on his lips, enjoying Xu Ying's humiliation.
Inside the room, Cong Xia opened the sterile capsule and examined Xu Hang's injuries. Chen Tianbi had neatly severed Xu Hang's limbs, leaving only a thin layer of flesh connecting them. However, this kind of injury was easier to repair compared to the complete loss of limbs. At least, there was no need to recreate the limbs.
Cong Xia infused energy into Xu Hang's body, watching the rotten flesh fall away and fresh tissue regenerate. The separated limbs gradually came together...
In less than half an hour, Cong Xia came out. He nodded to Xu Ying and said, "He's healed."
Xu Ying rushed into the treatment room, looking at Xu Hang, who was still unconscious but now completely unharmed. He let out a deep sigh of relief.
They placed Xu Hang back on the stretcher and took him back to the car.
Cong Zhenzhong spoke confidently to Xu Ying, "General Xu, now that Xu Gongzi is fully recovered, I will take my leave. This place is a scientific research academy and not suitable for such a tense atmosphere."
Xu Ying's cold gaze swept across the people present, full of warning. He stood there with his hands behind his back for a few seconds before turning and walking towards the exit.
Zhuang Yu smiled lightly and said, "Fenglan, let's go."
Just then, Zhou Fenglan suddenly raised his hand, and a strong light made everyone squint. The crackling sound of thunder sent shivers down their spines. A high-voltage thunder, at least ten thousand volts, shot towards Liu Fengyu, his parents, and himself!
Liu Fengyu was horrified, but he couldn't react in time. The pupils of the three of them reflected a strong golden light.
Tang Yanqiu and Deng Xiao, who were farthest away, just managed to start running towards them. Zhuang Yao and Cong Zhenzhong widened their eyes, and invisible wavelengths sharply pierced into Zhou Fenglan's brain. He screamed in pain, clutching his head and kneeling to the ground.
However, the thunder couldn't change its course and was unstoppable as it struck towards Liu Fengyu's family of three.
At that critical moment, a strong wind hit them. Everyone watched as their clothes were tugged at, as if two invisible hands were pulling them, and the three were thrown away forcefully. The thunder struck the ground, leaving a deep pit in the solid marble floor.
Cong Xia was scared stiff. If the thunder had really struck them, they might have died of cardiac arrest instantly. He wouldn't even be able to save them. If that scene had truly unfolded before his eyes, no matter the cost, they would have made those people pay with their lives.
Liu Fengyu finally reacted and, as they landed, transformed his arms into large and thick petals, cushioning his parents beneath him. The whole hall was instantly filled with a pungent odor. Liu Fengyu's stench had increased not only tenfold compared to the initial amount, but its speed and range had also multiplied.
Deng Xiao rose into the air, kicking Zhuang Yu, who was mentally competing with Cong Zhenzhong, to the ground. Tang Yanqiu opened his wings and flew at an incredible speed to Zhou Fenglan's side. He wielded a giant bow, pressing his foot against Zhou Fenglan's chest. With his other hand, he pulled the bowstring taut. The sharp arrow was only three centimeters away from Zhou Fenglan's eyeball. One shot would make his head explode.
Zhou Fenglan's eyes were bloodshot, and his expression was desperate. Thunder and lightning gathered around him, causing Tang Yanqiu's rubber shoes to crackle. He was nearly enveloped in electricity, at risk of being turned into charcoal at any moment. The two of them glared at each other, not daring to let their guard down for a moment.
On Xu Ying's side, his people and the Dragonblood Clan members were also tense and confronting each other. This scene made them all hold their breaths.
After a moment, Cao Zhixian spoke up, "Stop this, what's the point of behaving like this?"
Liu Fengyu helped his frightened parents up, his eyes filled with vigilance.
Zhuang Yu got up from the ground and sneered, "I see. So this was the variable I didn't take into account—elemental transformation. It's truly eye-opening."
Everyone witnessed the terrifying scene just now, as well as the instant disappearance and reappearance of the two arms of Cheng Tianbi. This secret could no longer be concealed. They didn't expect Zhuang Yu to be so cunning, using this method to test Cheng Tianbi.
Cheng Tianbi looked coldly at Zhuang Yu, his eyes showing a dangerous glint.
Zhuang Yu smiled happily, "Little Zhuang Yao, you're really lucky, always stumbling upon good things. I admit that in this regard, you are slightly better than me."
Zhuang Yao glared at him fiercely, "That's because you always pick up garbage. So get lost already."
Xu Ying acted as if nothing had happened and calmly said, "Little Zhuang, Little Zhou, let's go."
Zhou Fenglan glared back at Tang Yanqiu, who met his gaze unyieldingly. Both of them were ready to strike at each other at any moment, and at a time like this, nothing anyone else said could distract them.
Cong Xia walked over and whispered, "Little Tang, let him go." Although they all wanted to kill Zhou Fenglan right now, doing so would only cause them more trouble.
Tang Yanqiu slowly straightened up, and the foot on Zhou Fenglan's chest also slowly lifted. However, the lethal arrow still pointed at Zhou Fenglan's eye. Zhou Fenglan also gradually retracted his thunder energy. The two of them seemed like characters in a slow-motion film, slowly withdrawing their attacks.
Finally, Tang Yanqiu stepped out of Zhou Fenglan's thunderous perimeter and lowered his bow.
Zhou Fenglan got up from the ground, giving him a malicious look but refraining from making any hasty moves. He shook his head, bloodshot eyes full of anger. Being attacked by brainwaves was a terrible feeling—like having a splitting headache, eyes on the verge of exploding, and body being burned from the inside. Even a brief moment of this was enough to render him unable to move. If he presented an opportunity to the enemy, that moment could cost him his life.
Xu Ying and his team finally started to withdraw one after another, and the tension in the room eased.
Several people ran to Liu Fengyu's side. Cong Xia asked, "Are Uncle and Auntie alright?"
Liu Fengyu shook his head, "They were frightened, but they're okay."
At this moment, Xiao Wang rushed over, picked them up, and arranged their accommodation.
Cong Zhenzhong asked, "Xiao Cheng, Xiao Tang, are you both okay?"
Both of them shook their heads, but their expressions were grim.
Cao Zhixian looked at his son with pride and admiration, saying, "Tianbi, you're definitely much stronger than Zhou Fenglan. Xu Lao's face changed completely. Haha."
Zhuang Yao didn't look too good. "Our trump card has been revealed again."
Tang Tingzhi said, "If Zhuang Yao knows about Cheng Tianbi's elemental transformation ability, it might not be a bad thing. The more he evaluates your strength highly, the less likely they are to act recklessly in the short term."
Cong Zhenzhong nodded, "At least it will keep Zhuang Yao quiet for a while."
Cao Zhixian said, "Since this matter is temporarily resolved, I'll head back. If there are any movements from Zhuang Yao and Zhou Fenglan's side, report to me immediately."
"Commander Cao, take care."
After Cao Zhixian left, Cong Zhenzhong said, "Let's go to the conference room and talk."
Everyone followed Cong Zhenzhong to the conference room, and surprisingly, the four members of the Dragonblood Clan followed along.
Deng Xiao sat down in a chair and said indignantly, "If we had killed Zhou Fenglan just now, it would have been great."
Cong Xia sighed, "We can't kill him now. It was too dangerous just now. Tang Yanqiu, are you alright?"
Tang Yanqiu shook his head, "I did want to kill him just now, but killing him would have caused more trouble."
Zhuang Yao said, "It's a good thing you didn't act. We haven't firmly established ourselves in Beijing yet, and it's not suitable for us to fight to the death with Fenglan. Most importantly, you might have been killed by the lightning."
Cong Xia smiled bitterly, "Yes, it was too dangerous. Tang Yanqiu was completely enveloped in the thunder circle, and his hair was standing on end."
Deng Xiao said, "Tang-ge looked like an angel just now, with white wings and a golden glow all over. Ah, I really want wings too."
Tang Tingzhi said excitedly, "I can help you with that, as long as you're willing to cooperate with my experiments."
Zhuang Yao knocked on the table and frowned, "Why did you all come in?"
Shen Changze said, "When you first arrived in Beijing, didn't you propose the concept of cultivation and energy nuclei? Now the cultivation method has been popularized in Beijing, and I've been using it too. Lately, I've felt that my energy nucleus is getting fuller, probably approaching what you called 'Second Stage.'"
Cong Xia asked, "Oh? You're also approaching the Second Stage. Have you noticed any changes in your body?"
"Yes, the speed of absorbing energy is getting slower and slower, at least half as slow as before."
Cong Xia said, "That's a sign of reaching the critical point of the First Stage. I will give the method to Professor Cong for breaking through to the Second Stage. Uncle, you can disseminate it then. As for whether we can avoid these people exploding due to over-evolution, I'm not very sure."
Shen Changze's expression became serious. The images of those animals that eventually exploded due to excessive evolution were still fresh in their minds. Everyone knew that if they couldn't stop the Cambrian energy, it would be the ultimate fate of all mutants. The only difference was when it would happen.
Cong Xia comforted him, "Tianbi has successfully broken through to the Second Stage. Perhaps advancing from the First to the Second Stage is relatively safe. We can't determine at this point in which stage those animals exploded, so don't worry too much."
Shen Changze nodded, and Shen Ming patted his head, saying, "Don't worry, you definitely won't die."
After discussing the matter, the members of the Dragon Blood Clan left.
Once they were gone, Cong Zhenzhong took off his glasses and tiredly pinched the bridge of his nose. "Originally, the trip to the northeast would have been a great opportunity to utilize the Thunder ability. However, now Fenglan's group cannot execute missions simultaneously with you. Zhou Fenglan is very powerful, but he is almost incompatible with all other naturally evolved individuals. The only ones he can reluctantly cooperate with are Liudao Huangquan."
Cong Xia said, "Li Dao'ai seems indifferent to his relations with others."
"Yes, that's his strength. He doesn't boast, doesn't seek power, and maintains a certain distance from the military, the Science Academy, and every mutant organization. He's the one who gives us the least trouble, but also the most difficult to command. However, Li Dao'ai's strength is indeed very reliable, and he used to be a police officer, so he has some sense of justice. If you cooperate with him, you don't need to worry too much about being stabbed in the back."
"So, are we going to the northeast with him?"
"We still need to discuss this and consider their recent task arrangements. However, I hope this time it's Li Dao'ai who goes with you, not Yao Qianjiang. Yao Qianjiang is more scheming and not very suitable for cooperation."
Zhuang Yao said, "We have time to continue considering the personnel issue. What's most important now is to ensure the safe breakthrough of the three individuals who have reached the critical point of the First Stage into the Second Stage."
Cong Zhenzhong was surprised, "Besides Shen Changze, who else?"
"There's also Tang Yanqiu and Liu Fengyu."
"I hope that after these three people break through to the Second Stage, their abilities will improve significantly. Seeing Tianbi's changes, I'm also looking forward to theirs."
"Especially Shen Changze." Zhuang Yao said, "If Tianbi can undergo elementalization, theoretically, he should be able to as well. After those natural power-evolved individuals break through to the Second Stage one by one, they should all have the ability to elementalize."
The group felt a bit pressured when they thought about those formidable natural power-evolved individuals becoming elementalized one by one. If they were allies or people who would not cross their path, it would be a good thing. However, for enemies like Zhou Fenglan, the stronger they became, the more threatening it was to them.
Cong Xia looked at Cong Zhenzhong's dark circles and felt sorry for him. "Uncle, you haven't slept all night. Go rest for a while, and we'll discuss everything again this afternoon."
Cong Zhenzhong pondered for a moment, "Alright, my brain cells are declining, not conducive to thinking." He put on his glasses. "I'll go back and rest for two hours. In the afternoon, organize the method of breaking through to the Second Stage and give it to me."
"Okay."
After Cong Zhenzhong left, the group also felt tired. None of them had slept all night, and they had just experienced such a thrilling confrontation in the early morning. Now that the situation had temporarily settled, they were all a bit fatigued.
Cong Xia suggested, "Shall we go back and get some sleep?"
Tianbi shook his head, "I'll go to the training ground."
Deng Xiao said, "I'll go too."
Cong Xia felt awkward saying he wanted to sleep, so he replied, "Then I'll go to class."
Zhuang Yao said, "I need some sleep; I'm still growing, or I won't get any taller."
Tang Yanqiu said, "I... I'll go check on Liu Fengyu."
Cong Xia said, "That's a good idea. Bring some food with you to comfort them."
After the others left, Tang Yanqiu went to the kitchen to get some food and then went upstairs.
Liu Fengyu's room was next to his. The sound insulation here was good, but he could faintly hear crying from inside. He hesitated outside the door, not knowing whether to knock or not. He just stood there, in a daze, for quite some time until the crying stopped. Only then did he knock on the door.
Liu Fengyu opened the door, his eyes slightly red, looking somewhat surprised to see Tang Yanqiu.
Tang Yanqiu raised the tray in his hand. "I don't know if they've eaten yet?"
Liu Fengyu smiled faintly, "Xiao Wang already brought food over. Come in."
Tang Yanqiu walked in, feeling uneasy. Liu Fengyu's parents looked at him and gave a kind smile, "Hello."
Tang Yanqiu nodded, "Hello, Uncle and Aunt. Sorry for causing you distress."
Liu Fengyu said, "Dad, Mom, this is Tang Yanqiu, the one I told you about just now."
Liu's father said, "Yes, yes, you mentioned him. Little Tang, thank you for taking care of our son."
Tang Yanqiu replied, "You're welcome. We all take care of each other."
Liu Fengyu said, "Dad, Mom, let's eat."
They were indeed hungry and started eating at the nearby table.
The two of them walked to the balcony, closed the floor-to-ceiling windows, and Liu Fengyu looked at Tang Yanqiu seriously, "Thank you for today."
Tang Yanqiu shook his head, "You should thank Tianbi."
Liu Fengyu said, "I thank every one of you." He glanced at his parents who were eating, "I never thought I could find them again..."
Tang Yanqiu replied, "You're very fortunate. They will be safe here, and you don't need to worry anymore."
Looking at Tang Yanqiu with a smile, Liu Fengyu asked, "When did you learn to comfort people? Who did you learn it from?"
Tang Yanqiu felt a bit uneasy and said, "There's nothing... to learn."
"Did you keep your promise back then?"
"What?"
"You promised Yanjin to protect me and also protect my parents. Did you keep your promise?"
Tang Yanqiu answered earnestly, "Yes."
Liu Fengyu smiled and said, "Then I got a great deal." After a moment of laughter, his expression became more serious, "Tang Yanqiu, I don't need you to protect me. I can take care of myself. But in the future, if... if something happens, I hope you can take care of my parents. For example, if I'm no longer here, please take them back to the Tang family. It's much safer there than here."
Tang Yanqiu frowned, "Don't talk like that."
"It's not being pessimistic. Everyone should be prepared for anything. Who dares to say they will live to be a hundred years old?"
Tang Yanqiu turned his face away, feeling a bit overwhelmed.
Suddenly, Liu Fengyu changed his tone and teased, "What I said that day also counts."
"Huh?" Tang Yanqiu turned back to look at him.
Liu Fengyu leaned closer to him and blew lightly on his face, "I offer myself."
Tang Yanqiu blushed and took a step back.
Liu Fengyu burst into laughter, "Why are you so amusing?"
Tang Yanqiu looked annoyed and said, "I'm going to the training ground."
Liu Fengyu said, "Go ahead. I'll spend some time with them, and then I'll join you." He stretched his arms, "I have to become even stronger."
People become stronger because they have someone to care for and protect.
****
Translator's note: More bonus chapters are to come!
