167 Enchanted Forest
Cong Xia was startled in his heart. Did these people know them? How could they have such accurate information?
Cheng Tianbi's eyes turned cold, tightening the grip on the dagger in his hand.
The white man waved his hands repeatedly, "Don't be nervous; we mean no harm." He took a step back while speaking, though he seemed more nervous, facing a wind natural power evolved human who could tear people apart without even moving. Anyone would be cautious.
Cheng Tianbi asked, "Is the old man with you?"
The white man hesitated and replied, "We weren't sure it was you, so we sent him to test the waters. We had no malicious intent."
"Where is he now?"
"He has left. Whatever information you want to know, we can provide. We guarantee that we have the most comprehensive information in this area of Manzhouli."
"These people who attacked us, are they also sent by you?" Cheng Tianbi pointed to the people who attempted to rob them in the middle of the night.
"No, no, no. They saw you winning money at the casino, and that sparked some evil thoughts in their minds. They have nothing to do with us. We couldn't organize them in time, and I apologize for that."
Cheng Tianbi and Cong Xia understood what was going on. This person must have used that group to test their abilities. Otherwise, how could they have had a key, and how could seven or eight people go upstairs together without being noticed? However, they didn't bother to expose this.
Cheng Tianbi asked, "Who exactly are you people?"
The white man smiled, "Please come with us; let's have breakfast together and talk."
Cong Xia walked up to Cheng Tianbi with his backpack on his back, "Should we go and take a look?"
"Sure."
They weren't afraid. With Cheng Tianbi's strength and Cong Xia's support, it would be challenging to trap them.
They followed the white man downstairs to the second-floor restaurant. The restaurant was brightly lit, and several men and women were sitting at a square table, seemingly waiting for them.
Upon entering the restaurant, all those people turned their heads to look at them. The tall Russian man sitting in the main seat stood up, showing a cheerful smile and greeting them in English.
Cheng Tianbi scanned everyone in the room. Under his gaze, they all stood up unconsciously, waiting for them to take their seats.
Cong Xia said, "Could everyone introduce themselves first?"
The white man who brought them in said, "Mr. Cong, we are the largest organization of evolved humans in Manzhouli. You can call us 'Shadow' in Chinese. Our organization consists of Russians, Mongolians, and many Chinese. We have over 200 members. This person here is our leader, Ivan Kurovinsky, and he is a bear-type evolved human."
The bear-type evolved human boomed, "Just call me Ivan. Come, come, have a seat. I froze five pounds of milk ice cream last night, and now it's ready to eat."
Cong Xia glanced at the breakfast on their table and was quite speechless. There was a large basket of bread and jam, two pig legs thicker than buckets, and ice cream and vodka. Who wants to eat these things so early in the morning?
The white man said, "You can call me Oleg. I am the... well, the PR person for Shadow."
Both of them sat on the other side of the dining table, and the members of Shadow looked at them with various expressions: curiosity, suspicion, and speculation.
Oleg said, "Let's eat something first, and we can talk while eating."
Cong Xia said, "Can you bring us two cups of hot water? Do you guys... drink in the morning?"
"Sure, no problem," Oleg said a few words in Russian to a nearby waiter, and soon the waiter brought them two cups of hot water and hot milk.
The two of them also began to eat without any ceremony.
Oleg smiled, "I wonder if it suits your taste?"
Cong Xia smiled faintly, "It's alright." He wiped his mouth, "How did you recognize us? It's not close to Beijing from here. Do you have dedicated people collecting intelligence?"
"Of course, because this place is at the junction of three countries. After the apocalypse, it has become one of the busiest information exchange stations in the Eurasian continent. We are most concerned about the situation in China, or rather, the whole world is concerned about the situation in China. After all, the earthquake's epicenter was in your country, and the puppet jades were unearthed from there. China is the country most severely affected by the evolutionary disaster, but on the other hand, it is also the country that benefits the most."
"Benefit? Can you call this benefiting?" Cong Xia frowned. Over nine hundred million of his compatriots disappeared from this world in just over a year. Nine hundred million, an unprecedented tragedy. He couldn't accept the word "benefit."
Oleg apologized, "I didn't mean to offend. This is not just China's disaster but a global disaster. We also grieve for the death of our fellow kind. By 'benefit,' I mean the hope brought by the puppet jades for our development."
"Since you are so concerned about the situation in Beijing, then you should know that the ultimate result of evolution is destruction. Do you know about this? The puppet jades may bring us a brief feeling of rapid evolution, but they also drag humanity into the abyss."
"We are well aware of it, and even the methods you have developed to avoid body explosion have been disseminated worldwide through our intelligence agents. We have also conducted related experiments, but we have had very few opportunities to come into contact with the puppet jades. At present, the Cambrian energy has only provided us with enhanced abilities. Unlike you, who have access to many puppet jades and are evolving too quickly, bringing you closer to destruction. Most of us are still far from reaching the so-called' energy core.' Therefore, we can focus more on the beneficial use of Cambrian energy."
"Are you saying that you have discovered a way to utilize the Cambrian energy?"
"We are researching it. The number of cerebral-evolved humans in Moscow is less than one-third of Beijing's, and the disparity in strength is quite apparent. However, due to Russia's geographical conditions, we naturally need to pay more attention to transportation and heating. Therefore, after the apocalypse, cerebral-evolved humans in Moscow spent a lot of time developing new energy sources and achieved some success. Just like wind, thermal, and solar energy, Cambrian energy can be harnessed with the right methods. I know that in Beijing, you can already transform Cambrian energy into liquid energy, which is also a new type of energy. However, this kind of energy is more precious than gasoline, so it cannot replace traditional energy sources. In Moscow, our scientists have found a way to convert Cambrian energy in the air into usable energy. However, the current cost needs to be lowered, making it impossible for practical use. If we integrate our research with Beijing's, humanity can overcome this obstacle and solve the critical energy issue for reconstruction and development.
Cheng Tianbi said with a serious tone, "You are not just a PR person. Who are you really?"
Oleg smiled, "I am indeed a PR person. I am the spokesperson for the Moscow government in dialogues with evolved human organizations."
Cheng Tianbi asked, "Why you?"
Oleg shrugged, "I speak Mongolian, and I am a Siberian bird-type evolved human. I am the only one who can fly across the entire Russian continent in three days and is not afraid of the harsh Siberian cold. After the apocalypse, I restored communication between eastern and western Russia, which was interrupted for six months. In short, I am the most suitable person to deliver messages."
Cong Xia couldn't help but carefully observe Oleg. He knew that Oleg couldn't be just a messenger. With such a special ability, he was instrumental in establishing the current intelligence system in Russia. After all, in the post-apocalyptic era, Russia, with its vast territory and large uninhabited areas, had to rely on individuals to restore communication while saving energy. Oleg, who could fly freely and was not afraid of the cold, became an important figure. Cong Xia asked, "So, what is your purpose in coming to Manzhouli? You couldn't have foreseen this and waited for us here."
Oleg shook his head, "There's no such advanced communication here now. I'm just here by coincidence. However, since I've met you, I must convey the wishes of the Moscow government."
"Isn't there communication between the Moscow and Beijing governments? Why do you need to tell us?"
"The communication between the two governments is at the national level, involving research results exchange, and still has a complex process. Beijing has yet to receive any messages, probably because your land has experienced too many extraordinary events, and you need more capacity to deal with foreign affairs. But I believe the development of new energy is of paramount importance. After you return to Beijing, you can convey the wishes of the Moscow Research Institute to your scientists. I believe they will be interested."
"I can't guarantee any results, though."
Oleg smiled, "Of course."
"You found us not just for this matter, right? You should know what we asked that old man about."
Oleg exchanged a glance with Ivan, who took a sip of his drink. "You want to know about the puppet jades and the wood natural force-evolved humans, right?"
"Exactly."
Oleg explained, "I don't need to hide anything about the puppet jades. There is a piece in Manzhouli under the control of the Mongolian government. There are at least four more pieces within Russian territory, one of which is in Siberia, near the Arctic Ocean. It is the most severe climate in the world. As you know, after the apocalypse, the temperatures at both poles have dropped. The temperature there is now around minus 60 degrees Celsius, and even I don't dare to go there easily.
However, since it is within our country, we will reclaim it sooner or later. As for the puppet jade in Manzhouli, I hope you won't make a move on it for now. The Mongolian government is not your opponent. We have reached a consensus at the United Nations General Assembly. Once you have collected the puppet jades within China and found a way to bury them, we will send our puppet jades to China. But now, it's evident that there is still some distance from that goal. So, for now, we need the assistance of the puppet jades to survive in this harsh environment."
In truth, neither of them intended to take the puppet jade in Manzhouli. Although they briefly considered it, Zhuang Yao warned them not to act rashly. After all, it involved foreign affairs, and they couldn't act recklessly without orders from Beijing. It could create trouble if they acted impulsively. So, they just wanted to gather some information.
Oleg sounded sincere and reasonable. At least at the United Nations General Assembly, representatives of all major countries had reached a consensus. As for whether they would follow through or not was a matter for three to five years later. They had no right to question it now. Therefore, Cong Xia quickly replied, "We have no intention of taking that piece of puppet jade. Our actions are well-planned, and we won't act recklessly."
Oleg smiled, "That's good. Now, let's talk about the wood natural force-evolved humans that you are very interested in." He looked at Cheng Tianbi.
Cheng Tianbi said, "Does your country have only this one natural force-evolved human?"
"Yes, and it has only emerged in the past two months. Before that, the world was focused on China's few natural force-evolved humans. You were once mythologized; legends claimed that you could freely control a certain natural force, possessing the highest individual combat power among humans. In the future of continuous evolution, you were believed to have the potential to be world-shattering. You were always at the forefront of recovering puppet jades, facing the most dangerous environments and the most powerful mutants. In this era, you are the heroes and gods of humanity."
Cheng Tianbi frowned, seeming quite uncomfortable with Oleg's exaggerated speech. Cong Xia also felt uneasy, as he dealt with these "heroes" and "gods" every day and knew they weren't much different from regular people. They had their joys and sorrows and many flaws. Cheng Tianbi was reticent, Shen Changze had a father complex, Yao Qianjiang was too hedonistic, Li Dao'ai never finished his sentences, Zhou Fenglan had a fiery temper, and Wu Yu had ambitious goals. If they weren't natural force-evolved humans, how much difference would there be between them and others? It felt eerie to think that he had even slept with one of them...
It was precisely because Cheng Tianbi and Cong Xia were in the midst of it all that they didn't know the height to which natural force-evolved humans had been elevated in the eyes of others. It was not only related to their actual strength but also to the publicity created by the Academy of Sciences. After the apocalypse, humanity faced unimaginable fear and despair. Unable to see the future or any hope, many people couldn't bear it and took their own lives before succumbing to sickness or starvation. To continuously give hope to the people, the Academy of Sciences publicized the achievements of natural force-evolved humans and promised a better tomorrow that everyone yearned for.
The natural force-evolved humans became the pioneers leading them toward that future. In this crumbling end-of-the-world, the Academy of Sciences artificially created a new belief, thus exaggerating the strength and achievements of the natural force-evolved humans and even spreading these exaggerated claims through intelligence networks to foreign countries.
China's six natural force-evolved humans were highly acclaimed, and eight months ago, the gold natural force-evolved human that emerged in the United States, a country with a strong culture of individual heroism, became a god-like figure. Now, Russia also has a natural force-evolved human. Regardless of how formidable this wood natural force-evolved human, who has only evolved two months ago, might be, the Moscow government would shape him/her into a deity, giving people hope to survive and struggle.
Oleg noticed their strange expressions and smiled, "I can understand your feelings. You always come into contact with natural force-evolved humans, so you naturally can't perceive how they are seen in the eyes of others. We have longed for the emergence of a natural force-evolved human, and now our Goddess has finally appeared."
"Is it a female?"
"Yes." When Oleg mentioned the "goddess," his expression changed entirely. He took out a pocket watch from his pocket and opened the lid, revealing a portrait of a woman inside. "This is our wood natural force-evolved human, Goddess Jacqueline."
Both of them looked at the picture. The woman in the portrait seemed to be in her early twenties, with thick golden hair, deep blue eyes like the sea, fair skin, and stunningly beautiful features that made it impossible to look away. Cong Xia was mesmerized by her beauty.
Ivan proudly said, "Goddess Jacqueline possesses formidable abilities and unparalleled beauty."
Cong Xia nodded in admiration, "She's really beautiful."
Cheng Tianbi glanced at him sideways and said indifferently, "Is this goddess currently in Moscow?"
Oleg replied with an unchanged expression, "Of course."
Cong Xia had been observing Oleg, hoping to see some flaws in his expression. According to the information they retrieved from the forest of Devil's Pines, the wood natural force-evolved human should have set off for Qinghai or already arrived there. However, he couldn't verify this with Oleg. Oleg wouldn't admit that the Moscow government sent someone to cross the border illegally, and they wouldn't let Oleg know that they obtained the belongings of those two individuals.
Cong Xia asked, "What are her abilities? Can you reveal that?"
Oleg smiled, "I'm more interested in your purpose for coming to Manzhouli. Did you come here specifically to see Goddess Jacqueline after learning about her from the intelligence trafficker, or was it solely for the puppet jade?"
"Both. If possible, we really want to see this Goddess in person."
Oleg smiled mysteriously, "The goddess also wants to meet you."
Cheng Tianbi raised an eyebrow, "Oh, why is that?"
"The goddess said that you are fellow natural force-evolved humans, and your energy attributes have complementary characteristics."
"How does she know that?"
Oleg said, "Perhaps because she is a natural force-evolved human herself? The most significant ability she exhibits now is the power of rejuvenation."
"Power of rejuvenation?"
"Yes, in simple terms, it's a healing ability. She can repair the injuries of animals and plants."
Cong Xia was surprised; this ability seemed similar to his own. Could it be that she also had a connection with Ancient Jade? No, this was probably the wood's natural force ability. He didn't know if she could freely use energy like him.
"However, her healing ability has certain limitations, and there is still a considerable gap compared to Mr. Cong's."
"Such as?"
"Let's not talk about the extent of her healing abilities for now, as she is still in the early stages of evolution. Goddess Jacqueline can heal ordinary people without any obstacles. Still, when it comes to mutated animals and plants, she can only repair wood and fire energy mutants. She uses wood energy to heal, so she can only repair injuries caused by wood energy and its generating energy. Any energy that is incompatible with wood energy, such as Cambrian energy, would not respond to her healing and might even have adverse effects, causing harm to herself. The other two types of energy show no response at all."
Cong Xia nodded, "The principle of different energies countering each other is indeed well-documented."
"We hope that she can overcome this limitation as she evolves. Mr. Cong, do you think it's possible?"
Cong Xia thought for a moment, "I think the possibility is low. As you know, the energy I use for healing is attributeless Cambrian energy. In normal humans, the five energy attributes are relatively balanced within the body, and even if one type of energy is dominant, the difference wouldn't be too great. However, mutants have one type of energy far exceeding the other four. When a mutant is completely dominated by one type of energy, injecting an energy that counters it will be like administering poison because the dominant energy within their body will resist the countering energy. The consequences of this energy conflict will be borne entirely by the mutant, whereas normal humans don't face this obstacle. I believe evolution cannot resolve this contradiction."
Cong Xia once tried to strengthen his teammates using the principle of the generating cycle of the five elements and succeeded easily. He also tried to counter his enemies using the principle of the countering cycle, but unless the enemy willingly allowed the intrusion of certain energy, he found it almost impossible to penetrate. Even if he disguised the Cambrian energy as something else and entered the enemy's body, the moment he transformed it into countering energy, the energy within the enemy would immediately start to backlash, nearly causing him to vomit blood. So, he could understand Jacqueline's situation very well; trying to invade the body with energy that counters hers would come with a price.
Oleg nodded, "We generally think the same way. However, thankfully, Goddess Jacqueline's abilities are not limited to that. She can also control vegetation for combat, but so far, it's relatively weak, and she cannot control plants with strong self-awareness."
Cong Xia said, "Continuing to evolve like this, such ability is quite formidable."
Oleg smiled and replied, "Which natural force-evolved individual isn't formidable? How about you, Mr. Cheng? Are you interested in meeting Jacqueline, the Goddess of Wood Nature?"
Cheng Tianbi responded with an expressionless face, "Yes, when and how will you arrange for us to meet?"
"We would prefer to meet you in China so that we can also visit the reconstruction efforts in Beijing."
"That is not something we can decide."
"Of course, we will first send a letter to the Academy of Sciences in Beijing. As long as you are willing, your country's cerebral-evolved individuals would also be willing to meet the Goddess.
Cong Xia asked, "I'm curious to know why the Goddess believes that two individuals with the same natural force can cause some positive change when they are together."
Oleg shrugged with a smile, "It's not that I don't want to tell you; I truly don't know."
Cong Xia scrutinized his eyes intently but still couldn't determine if he was telling the truth. He wished Zhuang Yao was here; he would surely be able to elicit more information.
Oleg continued, "Have both of your questions been answered? May I ask some questions now?"
Cong Xia nodded, "Go ahead."
Oleg looked into their eyes, "I heard that there are many lost Puppet Jades in Qinghai. It's the place with the most concentration of Puppet Jades in the world, second only to the National Academy of Sciences in Beijing. I wonder if the Academy has any plans for them?"
167 Enchanted Forest
Cong Xia was startled in his heart. Did these people know them? How could they have such accurate information?
Cheng Tianbi's eyes turned cold, tightening the grip on the dagger in his hand.
The white man waved his hands repeatedly, "Don't be nervous; we mean no harm." He took a step back while speaking, though he seemed more nervous, facing a wind natural power evolved human who could tear people apart without even moving. Anyone would be cautious.
Cheng Tianbi asked, "Is the old man with you?"
The white man hesitated and replied, "We weren't sure it was you, so we sent him to test the waters. We had no malicious intent."
"Where is he now?"
"He has left. Whatever information you want to know, we can provide. We guarantee that we have the most comprehensive information in this area of Manzhouli."
"These people who attacked us, are they also sent by you?" Cheng Tianbi pointed to the people who attempted to rob them in the middle of the night.
"No, no, no. They saw you winning money at the casino, and that sparked some evil thoughts in their minds. They have nothing to do with us. We couldn't organize them in time, and I apologize for that."
Cheng Tianbi and Cong Xia understood what was going on. This person must have used that group to test their abilities. Otherwise, how could they have had a key, and how could seven or eight people go upstairs together without being noticed? However, they didn't bother to expose this.
Cheng Tianbi asked, "Who exactly are you people?"
The white man smiled, "Please come with us; let's have breakfast together and talk."
Cong Xia walked up to Cheng Tianbi with his backpack on his back, "Should we go and take a look?"
"Sure."
They weren't afraid. With Cheng Tianbi's strength and Cong Xia's support, it would be challenging to trap them.
They followed the white man downstairs to the second-floor restaurant. The restaurant was brightly lit, and several men and women were sitting at a square table, seemingly waiting for them.
Upon entering the restaurant, all those people turned their heads to look at them. The tall Russian man sitting in the main seat stood up, showing a cheerful smile and greeting them in English.
Cheng Tianbi scanned everyone in the room. Under his gaze, they all stood up unconsciously, waiting for them to take their seats.
Cong Xia said, "Could everyone introduce themselves first?"
The white man who brought them in said, "Mr. Cong, we are the largest organization of evolved humans in Manzhouli. You can call us 'Shadow' in Chinese. Our organization consists of Russians, Mongolians, and many Chinese. We have over 200 members. This person here is our leader, Ivan Kurovinsky, and he is a bear-type evolved human."
The bear-type evolved human boomed, "Just call me Ivan. Come, come, have a seat. I froze five pounds of milk ice cream last night, and now it's ready to eat."
Cong Xia glanced at the breakfast on their table and was quite speechless. There was a large basket of bread and jam, two pig legs thicker than buckets, and ice cream and vodka. Who wants to eat these things so early in the morning?
The white man said, "You can call me Oleg. I am the... well, the PR person for Shadow."
Both of them sat on the other side of the dining table, and the members of Shadow looked at them with various expressions: curiosity, suspicion, and speculation.
Oleg said, "Let's eat something first, and we can talk while eating."
Cong Xia said, "Can you bring us two cups of hot water? Do you guys... drink in the morning?"
"Sure, no problem," Oleg said a few words in Russian to a nearby waiter, and soon the waiter brought them two cups of hot water and hot milk.
The two of them also began to eat without any ceremony.
Oleg smiled, "I wonder if it suits your taste?"
Cong Xia smiled faintly, "It's alright." He wiped his mouth, "How did you recognize us? It's not close to Beijing from here. Do you have dedicated people collecting intelligence?"
"Of course, because this place is at the junction of three countries. After the apocalypse, it has become one of the busiest information exchange stations in the Eurasian continent. We are most concerned about the situation in China, or rather, the whole world is concerned about the situation in China. After all, the earthquake's epicenter was in your country, and the puppet jades were unearthed from there. China is the country most severely affected by the evolutionary disaster, but on the other hand, it is also the country that benefits the most."
"Benefit? Can you call this benefiting?" Cong Xia frowned. Over nine hundred million of his compatriots disappeared from this world in just over a year. Nine hundred million, an unprecedented tragedy. He couldn't accept the word "benefit."
Oleg apologized, "I didn't mean to offend. This is not just China's disaster but a global disaster. We also grieve for the death of our fellow kind. By 'benefit,' I mean the hope brought by the puppet jades for our development."
"Since you are so concerned about the situation in Beijing, then you should know that the ultimate result of evolution is destruction. Do you know about this? The puppet jades may bring us a brief feeling of rapid evolution, but they also drag humanity into the abyss."
"We are well aware of it, and even the methods you have developed to avoid body explosion have been disseminated worldwide through our intelligence agents. We have also conducted related experiments, but we have had very few opportunities to come into contact with the puppet jades. At present, the Cambrian energy has only provided us with enhanced abilities. Unlike you, who have access to many puppet jades and are evolving too quickly, bringing you closer to destruction. Most of us are still far from reaching the so-called' energy core.' Therefore, we can focus more on the beneficial use of Cambrian energy."
"Are you saying that you have discovered a way to utilize the Cambrian energy?"
"We are researching it. The number of cerebral-evolved humans in Moscow is less than one-third of Beijing's, and the disparity in strength is quite apparent. However, due to Russia's geographical conditions, we naturally need to pay more attention to transportation and heating. Therefore, after the apocalypse, cerebral-evolved humans in Moscow spent a lot of time developing new energy sources and achieved some success. Just like wind, thermal, and solar energy, Cambrian energy can be harnessed with the right methods. I know that in Beijing, you can already transform Cambrian energy into liquid energy, which is also a new type of energy. However, this kind of energy is more precious than gasoline, so it cannot replace traditional energy sources. In Moscow, our scientists have found a way to convert Cambrian energy in the air into usable energy. However, the current cost needs to be lowered, making it impossible for practical use. If we integrate our research with Beijing's, humanity can overcome this obstacle and solve the critical energy issue for reconstruction and development.
Cheng Tianbi said with a serious tone, "You are not just a PR person. Who are you really?"
Oleg smiled, "I am indeed a PR person. I am the spokesperson for the Moscow government in dialogues with evolved human organizations."
Cheng Tianbi asked, "Why you?"
Oleg shrugged, "I speak Mongolian, and I am a Siberian bird-type evolved human. I am the only one who can fly across the entire Russian continent in three days and is not afraid of the harsh Siberian cold. After the apocalypse, I restored communication between eastern and western Russia, which was interrupted for six months. In short, I am the most suitable person to deliver messages."
Cong Xia couldn't help but carefully observe Oleg. He knew that Oleg couldn't be just a messenger. With such a special ability, he was instrumental in establishing the current intelligence system in Russia. After all, in the post-apocalyptic era, Russia, with its vast territory and large uninhabited areas, had to rely on individuals to restore communication while saving energy. Oleg, who could fly freely and was not afraid of the cold, became an important figure. Cong Xia asked, "So, what is your purpose in coming to Manzhouli? You couldn't have foreseen this and waited for us here."
Oleg shook his head, "There's no such advanced communication here now. I'm just here by coincidence. However, since I've met you, I must convey the wishes of the Moscow government."
"Isn't there communication between the Moscow and Beijing governments? Why do you need to tell us?"
"The communication between the two governments is at the national level, involving research results exchange, and still has a complex process. Beijing has yet to receive any messages, probably because your land has experienced too many extraordinary events, and you need more capacity to deal with foreign affairs. But I believe the development of new energy is of paramount importance. After you return to Beijing, you can convey the wishes of the Moscow Research Institute to your scientists. I believe they will be interested."
"I can't guarantee any results, though."
Oleg smiled, "Of course."
"You found us not just for this matter, right? You should know what we asked that old man about."
Oleg exchanged a glance with Ivan, who took a sip of his drink. "You want to know about the puppet jades and the wood natural force-evolved humans, right?"
"Exactly."
Oleg explained, "I don't need to hide anything about the puppet jades. There is a piece in Manzhouli under the control of the Mongolian government. There are at least four more pieces within Russian territory, one of which is in Siberia, near the Arctic Ocean. It is the most severe climate in the world. As you know, after the apocalypse, the temperatures at both poles have dropped. The temperature there is now around minus 60 degrees Celsius, and even I don't dare to go there easily.
However, since it is within our country, we will reclaim it sooner or later. As for the puppet jade in Manzhouli, I hope you won't make a move on it for now. The Mongolian government is not your opponent. We have reached a consensus at the United Nations General Assembly. Once you have collected the puppet jades within China and found a way to bury them, we will send our puppet jades to China. But now, it's evident that there is still some distance from that goal. So, for now, we need the assistance of the puppet jades to survive in this harsh environment."
In truth, neither of them intended to take the puppet jade in Manzhouli. Although they briefly considered it, Zhuang Yao warned them not to act rashly. After all, it involved foreign affairs, and they couldn't act recklessly without orders from Beijing. It could create trouble if they acted impulsively. So, they just wanted to gather some information.
Oleg sounded sincere and reasonable. At least at the United Nations General Assembly, representatives of all major countries had reached a consensus. As for whether they would follow through or not was a matter for three to five years later. They had no right to question it now. Therefore, Cong Xia quickly replied, "We have no intention of taking that piece of puppet jade. Our actions are well-planned, and we won't act recklessly."
Oleg smiled, "That's good. Now, let's talk about the wood natural force-evolved humans that you are very interested in." He looked at Cheng Tianbi.
Cheng Tianbi said, "Does your country have only this one natural force-evolved human?"
"Yes, and it has only emerged in the past two months. Before that, the world was focused on China's few natural force-evolved humans. You were once mythologized; legends claimed that you could freely control a certain natural force, possessing the highest individual combat power among humans. In the future of continuous evolution, you were believed to have the potential to be world-shattering. You were always at the forefront of recovering puppet jades, facing the most dangerous environments and the most powerful mutants. In this era, you are the heroes and gods of humanity."
Cheng Tianbi frowned, seeming quite uncomfortable with Oleg's exaggerated speech. Cong Xia also felt uneasy, as he dealt with these "heroes" and "gods" every day and knew they weren't much different from regular people. They had their joys and sorrows and many flaws. Cheng Tianbi was reticent, Shen Changze had a father complex, Yao Qianjiang was too hedonistic, Li Dao'ai never finished his sentences, Zhou Fenglan had a fiery temper, and Wu Yu had ambitious goals. If they weren't natural force-evolved humans, how much difference would there be between them and others? It felt eerie to think that he had even slept with one of them...
It was precisely because Cheng Tianbi and Cong Xia were in the midst of it all that they didn't know the height to which natural force-evolved humans had been elevated in the eyes of others. It was not only related to their actual strength but also to the publicity created by the Academy of Sciences. After the apocalypse, humanity faced unimaginable fear and despair. Unable to see the future or any hope, many people couldn't bear it and took their own lives before succumbing to sickness or starvation. To continuously give hope to the people, the Academy of Sciences publicized the achievements of natural force-evolved humans and promised a better tomorrow that everyone yearned for.
The natural force-evolved humans became the pioneers leading them toward that future. In this crumbling end-of-the-world, the Academy of Sciences artificially created a new belief, thus exaggerating the strength and achievements of the natural force-evolved humans and even spreading these exaggerated claims through intelligence networks to foreign countries.
China's six natural force-evolved humans were highly acclaimed, and eight months ago, the gold natural force-evolved human that emerged in the United States, a country with a strong culture of individual heroism, became a god-like figure. Now, Russia also has a natural force-evolved human. Regardless of how formidable this wood natural force-evolved human, who has only evolved two months ago, might be, the Moscow government would shape him/her into a deity, giving people hope to survive and struggle.
Oleg noticed their strange expressions and smiled, "I can understand your feelings. You always come into contact with natural force-evolved humans, so you naturally can't perceive how they are seen in the eyes of others. We have longed for the emergence of a natural force-evolved human, and now our Goddess has finally appeared."
"Is it a female?"
"Yes." When Oleg mentioned the "goddess," his expression changed entirely. He took out a pocket watch from his pocket and opened the lid, revealing a portrait of a woman inside. "This is our wood natural force-evolved human, Goddess Jacqueline."
Both of them looked at the picture. The woman in the portrait seemed to be in her early twenties, with thick golden hair, deep blue eyes like the sea, fair skin, and stunningly beautiful features that made it impossible to look away. Cong Xia was mesmerized by her beauty.
Ivan proudly said, "Goddess Jacqueline possesses formidable abilities and unparalleled beauty."
Cong Xia nodded in admiration, "She's really beautiful."
Cheng Tianbi glanced at him sideways and said indifferently, "Is this goddess currently in Moscow?"
Oleg replied with an unchanged expression, "Of course."
Cong Xia had been observing Oleg, hoping to see some flaws in his expression. According to the information they retrieved from the forest of Devil's Pines, the wood natural force-evolved human should have set off for Qinghai or already arrived there. However, he couldn't verify this with Oleg. Oleg wouldn't admit that the Moscow government sent someone to cross the border illegally, and they wouldn't let Oleg know that they obtained the belongings of those two individuals.
Cong Xia asked, "What are her abilities? Can you reveal that?"
Oleg smiled, "I'm more interested in your purpose for coming to Manzhouli. Did you come here specifically to see Goddess Jacqueline after learning about her from the intelligence trafficker, or was it solely for the puppet jade?"
"Both. If possible, we really want to see this Goddess in person."
Oleg smiled mysteriously, "The goddess also wants to meet you."
Cheng Tianbi raised an eyebrow, "Oh, why is that?"
"The goddess said that you are fellow natural force-evolved humans, and your energy attributes have complementary characteristics."
"How does she know that?"
Oleg said, "Perhaps because she is a natural force-evolved human herself? The most significant ability she exhibits now is the power of rejuvenation."
"Power of rejuvenation?"
"Yes, in simple terms, it's a healing ability. She can repair the injuries of animals and plants."
Cong Xia was surprised; this ability seemed similar to his own. Could it be that she also had a connection with Ancient Jade? No, this was probably the wood's natural force ability. He didn't know if she could freely use energy like him.
"However, her healing ability has certain limitations, and there is still a considerable gap compared to Mr. Cong's."
"Such as?"
"Let's not talk about the extent of her healing abilities for now, as she is still in the early stages of evolution. Goddess Jacqueline can heal ordinary people without any obstacles. Still, when it comes to mutated animals and plants, she can only repair wood and fire energy mutants. She uses wood energy to heal, so she can only repair injuries caused by wood energy and its generating energy. Any energy that is incompatible with wood energy, such as Cambrian energy, would not respond to her healing and might even have adverse effects, causing harm to herself. The other two types of energy show no response at all."
Cong Xia nodded, "The principle of different energies countering each other is indeed well-documented."
"We hope that she can overcome this limitation as she evolves. Mr. Cong, do you think it's possible?"
Cong Xia thought for a moment, "I think the possibility is low. As you know, the energy I use for healing is attributeless Cambrian energy. In normal humans, the five energy attributes are relatively balanced within the body, and even if one type of energy is dominant, the difference wouldn't be too great. However, mutants have one type of energy far exceeding the other four. When a mutant is completely dominated by one type of energy, injecting an energy that counters it will be like administering poison because the dominant energy within their body will resist the countering energy. The consequences of this energy conflict will be borne entirely by the mutant, whereas normal humans don't face this obstacle. I believe evolution cannot resolve this contradiction."
Cong Xia once tried to strengthen his teammates using the principle of the generating cycle of the five elements and succeeded easily. He also tried to counter his enemies using the principle of the countering cycle, but unless the enemy willingly allowed the intrusion of certain energy, he found it almost impossible to penetrate. Even if he disguised the Cambrian energy as something else and entered the enemy's body, the moment he transformed it into countering energy, the energy within the enemy would immediately start to backlash, nearly causing him to vomit blood. So, he could understand Jacqueline's situation very well; trying to invade the body with energy that counters hers would come with a price.
Oleg nodded, "We generally think the same way. However, thankfully, Goddess Jacqueline's abilities are not limited to that. She can also control vegetation for combat, but so far, it's relatively weak, and she cannot control plants with strong self-awareness."
Cong Xia said, "Continuing to evolve like this, such ability is quite formidable."
Oleg smiled and replied, "Which natural force-evolved individual isn't formidable? How about you, Mr. Cheng? Are you interested in meeting Jacqueline, the Goddess of Wood Nature?"
Cheng Tianbi responded with an expressionless face, "Yes, when and how will you arrange for us to meet?"
"We would prefer to meet you in China so that we can also visit the reconstruction efforts in Beijing."
"That is not something we can decide."
"Of course, we will first send a letter to the Academy of Sciences in Beijing. As long as you are willing, your country's cerebral-evolved individuals would also be willing to meet the Goddess.
Cong Xia asked, "I'm curious to know why the Goddess believes that two individuals with the same natural force can cause some positive change when they are together."
Oleg shrugged with a smile, "It's not that I don't want to tell you; I truly don't know."
Cong Xia scrutinized his eyes intently but still couldn't determine if he was telling the truth. He wished Zhuang Yao was here; he would surely be able to elicit more information.
Oleg continued, "Have both of your questions been answered? May I ask some questions now?"
Cong Xia nodded, "Go ahead."
Oleg looked into their eyes, "I heard that there are many lost Puppet Jades in Qinghai. It's the place with the most concentration of Puppet Jades in the world, second only to the National Academy of Sciences in Beijing. I wonder if the Academy has any plans for them?"
