173 Enchanted Forest
As Cong Xia entered, he immediately felt a wave of dizziness, as if a domineering force invaded his mind, attempting to tug at his consciousness, giving him the sensation that his head was about to explode. He steadied himself against the glass wall, vigorously shaking his head.
Tang Yanqiu's voice sounded beside him, "His power affects the human brain. Take a moment to adapt."
Only then did Cong Xia notice that Tang Yanqiu had a pale complexion with red eyes, indicating a prolonged struggle against Zhuang Yu's released energy using their willpower.
Unlike all other second-stage mutants, Zhuang Yu's ability was not a physical attack. It was an invisible and colorless brainwave that could influence the nervous system of people around him. Though not as immediately perilous as Shen Changze's fire or Zhou Fenglan's thunder, it could easily control people if they didn't concentrate. Cong Xia knew that Zhuang Yu wasn't intentionally trying to manipulate anyone, and he was struggling to preserve himself.
Cong Xia also kept his distance from Zhuang Yu, injecting water energy into him from two meters away. Compared to several other naturally evolved individuals, Zhuang Yu's energy was weaker. In theory, Cong Xia should have felt at ease. However, the opposite was true. When his water energy mixed with Zhuang Yu's, he felt a strong electric shock, convulsing violently.
In the next moment, an immense and complex set of information resembling a starry sky appeared before his eyes! Countless images, formulas, languages, symbols, and more, all lined up in his mind, rotating and updating ceaselessly. Cong Xia realized that it was the knowledge inside Zhuang Yu's brain, and he could see it all! The sheer magnitude of that knowledge was beyond words, encompassing areas he could and couldn't imagine. Despite having read many books before and considering himself somewhat intelligent, compared to Zhuang Yu, he was a complete illiterate.
The overwhelming information kept rushing chaotically in his brain, making him feel like his head was about to explode. He couldn't fathom how Zhuang Yu stored such an immense amount of knowledge in his mind.
When he helped others break through the second stage, he only perceived their energy, even if it was powerful. It never caused this chaotic, scream-inducing feeling. Was this the difference between a cerebral domain evolved person and others? Zhuang Yu's knowledge seemed to have melded with his energy. While others used wind, fire, or thunder to attack, Zhuang Yu attacked with brainwaves containing vast amounts of information.
At the first stage, cerebral domain evolved individuals had almost no attack power and couldn't even defend themselves. However, the experience now made Cong Xia believe that as the cerebral domain evolved individuals progressed, they would indeed possess terrifying attack capabilities. These attacks wouldn't harm the flesh but could directly destroy a person's central nervous system. If Zhuang Yu were powerful enough, he could render Cong Xia unconscious the moment his brain waves invaded. This thought frightened Cong Xia.
The urge to kill Zhuang Yu arose in Cong Xia once again. He had never killed anyone, and he didn't need to do it himself. He just wanted to see Zhuang Yu dead, as keeping such a formidable enemy was a constant threat.
"I can sense your murderous intent," Zhuang Yu's voice suddenly echoed in Cong Xia's mind.
Cong Xia widened his eyes, staring at Zhuang Yu, who had his eyes closed and mouth tightly shut. He hadn't spoken verbally, so how did the voice come from his mind?
"That's right, I'm communicating with your mind directly, without words. Do you want to kill me? My energy now is several times more than usual, far beyond my capacity. If you don't help me channel this energy into the energy core, I'll die. However, I can also control this energy to sever any nerve in your brain—any of them. Would you like to lose your senses or become an imbecile?" Zhuang Yu's words were heard clearly by Cong Xia.
Cong Xia attempted to bluff in his mind, "You're just trying to intimidate me."
Unexpectedly, Zhuang Yu heard it and chuckled, "But you're scared, aren't you? I'm not bluffing. If it weren't for reaching the breakthrough point of the second stage, I wouldn't have this immense energy. This level of energy surpasses the sum of multiple cerebral domain evolved individuals. It only occurs during advancement. Once the advancement is complete, such colossal energy vanishes inexplicably. The reason is unknown, but it does exist. I suspect it might be the source energy of the energy core, the foundation of the energy core.
It belongs to us and yet doesn't belong to us. It lies buried deep within us and cannot be controlled by us under normal circumstances. It's like the burst of adrenaline that can turn an ordinary person into a superhuman, but the burst requires miraculous conditions, so it cannot be considered our true strength. However, at this moment, the only time of advancement, I can control this energy, and it is enough for me to do many things to your brain. Do you dare to try?"
"At such a critical moment, you still have time to think about all these things."
"That's the difference between an ordinary person's brain and mine. In these past twenty hours, I've been contemplating a lot of things. My brain is clearer and more efficient than ever before. It's an exhilarating feeling. If I hadn't broken through the second stage, I'd never experience the feeling of suddenly opening the doors to many previously incomprehensible questions.
For example, my speculations about this sudden massive energy are enough to make me excited. But I won't tell you too much. Let's wait until Zhuang Yao himself breaks through the second stage, and then you can research it. Now, help me break through the second stage immediately. If I fail, I won't spare you either."
Cong Xia didn't dare to gamble with his own brain against Zhuang Yu. He believed that Zhuang Yu had the capability to render him paralyzed. After all, nobody had ever attempted to control this energy before. When others broke through the second stage, they wouldn't be preoccupied with such thoughts. Zhuang Yu's ability to endure pain and fear while still thinking was truly frightening.
He assisted Zhuang Yu in pushing the energy step by step into the energy core. After succeeding, Zhuang Yu opened his eyes, but he looked very weak.
Cong Xia looked at him coldly, "Now you can release the cockroaches."
Zhuang Yu smiled faintly, "Have you rescued Cong Zhenzhong?"
"Guess."
Zhuang Yu chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it as soon as I return."
The people from Zone 2 opened the laboratory and carried Zhuang Yu out. Cong Xia let out a sigh of relief and walked over to Tang Yanqiu, "Xiao Tang, are you okay?"
Tang Yanqiu shook his head, "Whether it was intentional or unintentional, he kept trying to invade my mind. I've never been this exhausted before."
"It's probably unintentional. The energy eruption was so powerful that even he had trouble controlling it. However, we need to be more cautious in the future when cerebral domain evolved individuals advance. It's too dangerous with just a few of us present."
Zhuang Yao walked in, "What happened?"
"There was a bit of a situation. We'll talk later. Have Tianbi and the others returned?"
"They're already back. Let's go to the dining hall. We can discuss things while eating."
Everyone arrived at the dining hall, where Cheng Tianbi, Cong Zhenzhong, and the four members of the Dragonblood Clan were already waiting.
As soon as Cong Zhenzhong saw Cong Xia, he quickly asked, "Has Zhuang Yu broken through the second stage?"
Cong Xia nodded, his expression somewhat grave.
"What's wrong?"
"Cerebral domain evolved individuals are very different from us..." Cong Xia explained what had just happened.
After he finished describing, the three cerebral domain evolved individuals present had peculiar expressions.
Zhuang Yao furrowed his brow, "So, you saw the information inside Zhuang Yu's brain, had a conversation with his thoughts, and then he claimed he could control that energy and used it to threaten you?"
"That's right. I feel that Zhuang Yu is too dangerous."
Zhuang Yao tapped the table, "I'm interested in the entire process of breaking through the second stage. Zhuang Yu is right; we need to hurry and break through the second stage ourselves to experience what happens."
"You're right. We can't fall behind Zhuang Yu," Cong Zhenzhong said, "Both Colonel Tang and I are approaching the critical point. Within a month at most, I think for the next month, we should focus most of our energy on this matter."
Zhuang Yao agreed, "I should adjust my schedule as well."
Cong Xia added, "My advancement time is similar to yours. After helping Yao Qianjiang break through the second stage, I won't be doing anything else. I'll devote myself to practice wholeheartedly and strive to advance before you. This way, when you advance, I can be more confident. The advancement of a cerebral domain evolved individual is much more dangerous for me than for a naturally evolved individual. I must ensure your safety."
"Good."
Cong Zhenzhong said, "What's the reaction from Xu Ying's side?"
Shen Changze shook his head, "What reaction could there be? At most, they'll create some trouble for Commander Cao. Once Zhuang Yu has rested enough, he will control his actions. Anyway, Zhuang Yu has already achieved his objectives."
Cong Zhenzhong took a deep breath, finally able to relax a bit.
The kitchen brought out the dishes one after another, and everyone started to eat hungrily. They were all famished.
After finishing their meal, Tang Tingzhi recounted their experiences in the northeast, particularly the observations of Cheng Tianbi and his two companions in Manzhouli.
Cong Zhenzhong was particularly interested in Russia's research on new energy sources and the wooden natural force evolved individual. "I will discuss with the dean and send an invitation to the research institute in Moscow, requesting researchers and Jacqueline, if she hasn't gone to Qinghai."
Tang Tingzhi suggested, "Actually, we don't need to wait for her. If we want someone close, Wu Yu would be more convenient. He won't be able to sit still once all the naturally evolved individuals in Beijing break through the second stage."
Cong Zhenzhong nodded, "You're right. Even if he doesn't come, we'll have to go find him sooner or later. However, according to our plan, it will take at least half a year to go to Qinghai, and he probably can't wait that long. He has rejected invitations to Beijing twice before, so his sudden visit likely means he can't swallow his pride. Let's send the invitation ourselves."
Shan Ming snorted coldly, "It sounds like we're begging him to come."
Cong Zhenzhong smiled slightly, "There's no need to be bothered by such things. If he really comes, it won't be easy for him to leave. So, there's a good chance he won't come."
Zhuang Yao said, "Let's wait for the intelligence from Qinghai first. I hope Jacqueline goes in. Her ability is unique; she might be the only one who can come out of Qinghai. If she comes out, we'll have reliable information."
Cong Xia asked, "What if she brings out the puppet jade?"
Zhuang Yao chuckled, "Then it proves we can come out too. The biggest challenge for us in this Qinghai trip is the abundance of unknowns. I hope someone can answer some questions for us. Although I believe that there is a more than fifty percent chance that she will die in there."
Cheng Tianbi said, "I think we should formulate a six-month plan and list all the preparations before going to Qinghai."
Zhuang Yao confidently said, "That's necessary. Before going to Qinghai, we have three most important tasks: first, everyone must break through the second stage; second, improve overall strength, weapon, and armor development; and third, gather intelligence. Once we've dealt with the cockroach incident, we can begin."
Cong Xia silently clenched his fist. In the next six months, he must dig out more valuable things from the ancient jade to make his companions stronger and safer.
On that day, the Academy issued an emergency warning, instructing all citizens to stay at home and not to go out. They planned to spread roaches carrying a virus on a large scale to eliminate the current mutated roaches.
The people who had gathered to protest and cause trouble in front of the Academy were driven back home. Once they heard about the roach dispersal, no one dared to come out, and the small-scale riots were all suppressed.
Xu Ying didn't go to argue with Cao Zhixian. After all, it wouldn't be meaningful. Now that Zhuang Yao and Zhou Fenglan had successfully broken through the second stage, their main goal had been achieved. They had temporarily stabilized the morale, though the situation was still unfavorable. At least it wasn't as critical as before.
However, as the first to break through the second stage, Zhuang Yu had become even more dangerous and unpredictable than before. Xu Ying hoped that Zhuang Yu could lead the entire 14th Group Army out of their weak position, but without someone with special abilities like Cong Xia, most of the mutant organizations would eventually converge toward the 27th Group Army. At first glance, it seemed that Zhuang Yu and Xu Ying were getting narrower and narrower. But the more this was the case, the more everyone needed to be wary of what unexpected means Zhuang Yu might still employ.
A few days later, news spread that one of Xu Hang's mistresses, Qiao Shan, had suddenly mutated. Qiao Shan was no longer eligible to enter the Xu family. As compensation, Xu Ying promoted Qiao Shan's father by one rank and sent him a lot of gifts. Xu Ying knew that his son was soft-hearted and indecisive, so he did this to avoid further entanglement with Qiao Shan.
After resting for a few days, Cheng Tianbi and the others were not surprised when Yao Qianjiang came looking for them. He was the only naturally evolved individual in Beijing who had not broken through the second stage, and it was evident that he was getting anxious.
173 Enchanted Forest
As Cong Xia entered, he immediately felt a wave of dizziness, as if a domineering force invaded his mind, attempting to tug at his consciousness, giving him the sensation that his head was about to explode. He steadied himself against the glass wall, vigorously shaking his head.
Tang Yanqiu's voice sounded beside him, "His power affects the human brain. Take a moment to adapt."
Only then did Cong Xia notice that Tang Yanqiu had a pale complexion with red eyes, indicating a prolonged struggle against Zhuang Yu's released energy using their willpower.
Unlike all other second-stage mutants, Zhuang Yu's ability was not a physical attack. It was an invisible and colorless brainwave that could influence the nervous system of people around him. Though not as immediately perilous as Shen Changze's fire or Zhou Fenglan's thunder, it could easily control people if they didn't concentrate. Cong Xia knew that Zhuang Yu wasn't intentionally trying to manipulate anyone, and he was struggling to preserve himself.
Cong Xia also kept his distance from Zhuang Yu, injecting water energy into him from two meters away. Compared to several other naturally evolved individuals, Zhuang Yu's energy was weaker. In theory, Cong Xia should have felt at ease. However, the opposite was true. When his water energy mixed with Zhuang Yu's, he felt a strong electric shock, convulsing violently.
In the next moment, an immense and complex set of information resembling a starry sky appeared before his eyes! Countless images, formulas, languages, symbols, and more, all lined up in his mind, rotating and updating ceaselessly. Cong Xia realized that it was the knowledge inside Zhuang Yu's brain, and he could see it all! The sheer magnitude of that knowledge was beyond words, encompassing areas he could and couldn't imagine. Despite having read many books before and considering himself somewhat intelligent, compared to Zhuang Yu, he was a complete illiterate.
The overwhelming information kept rushing chaotically in his brain, making him feel like his head was about to explode. He couldn't fathom how Zhuang Yu stored such an immense amount of knowledge in his mind.
When he helped others break through the second stage, he only perceived their energy, even if it was powerful. It never caused this chaotic, scream-inducing feeling. Was this the difference between a cerebral domain evolved person and others? Zhuang Yu's knowledge seemed to have melded with his energy. While others used wind, fire, or thunder to attack, Zhuang Yu attacked with brainwaves containing vast amounts of information.
At the first stage, cerebral domain evolved individuals had almost no attack power and couldn't even defend themselves. However, the experience now made Cong Xia believe that as the cerebral domain evolved individuals progressed, they would indeed possess terrifying attack capabilities. These attacks wouldn't harm the flesh but could directly destroy a person's central nervous system. If Zhuang Yu were powerful enough, he could render Cong Xia unconscious the moment his brain waves invaded. This thought frightened Cong Xia.
The urge to kill Zhuang Yu arose in Cong Xia once again. He had never killed anyone, and he didn't need to do it himself. He just wanted to see Zhuang Yu dead, as keeping such a formidable enemy was a constant threat.
"I can sense your murderous intent," Zhuang Yu's voice suddenly echoed in Cong Xia's mind.
Cong Xia widened his eyes, staring at Zhuang Yu, who had his eyes closed and mouth tightly shut. He hadn't spoken verbally, so how did the voice come from his mind?
"That's right, I'm communicating with your mind directly, without words. Do you want to kill me? My energy now is several times more than usual, far beyond my capacity. If you don't help me channel this energy into the energy core, I'll die. However, I can also control this energy to sever any nerve in your brain—any of them. Would you like to lose your senses or become an imbecile?" Zhuang Yu's words were heard clearly by Cong Xia.
Cong Xia attempted to bluff in his mind, "You're just trying to intimidate me."
Unexpectedly, Zhuang Yu heard it and chuckled, "But you're scared, aren't you? I'm not bluffing. If it weren't for reaching the breakthrough point of the second stage, I wouldn't have this immense energy. This level of energy surpasses the sum of multiple cerebral domain evolved individuals. It only occurs during advancement. Once the advancement is complete, such colossal energy vanishes inexplicably. The reason is unknown, but it does exist. I suspect it might be the source energy of the energy core, the foundation of the energy core.
It belongs to us and yet doesn't belong to us. It lies buried deep within us and cannot be controlled by us under normal circumstances. It's like the burst of adrenaline that can turn an ordinary person into a superhuman, but the burst requires miraculous conditions, so it cannot be considered our true strength. However, at this moment, the only time of advancement, I can control this energy, and it is enough for me to do many things to your brain. Do you dare to try?"
"At such a critical moment, you still have time to think about all these things."
"That's the difference between an ordinary person's brain and mine. In these past twenty hours, I've been contemplating a lot of things. My brain is clearer and more efficient than ever before. It's an exhilarating feeling. If I hadn't broken through the second stage, I'd never experience the feeling of suddenly opening the doors to many previously incomprehensible questions.
For example, my speculations about this sudden massive energy are enough to make me excited. But I won't tell you too much. Let's wait until Zhuang Yao himself breaks through the second stage, and then you can research it. Now, help me break through the second stage immediately. If I fail, I won't spare you either."
Cong Xia didn't dare to gamble with his own brain against Zhuang Yu. He believed that Zhuang Yu had the capability to render him paralyzed. After all, nobody had ever attempted to control this energy before. When others broke through the second stage, they wouldn't be preoccupied with such thoughts. Zhuang Yu's ability to endure pain and fear while still thinking was truly frightening.
He assisted Zhuang Yu in pushing the energy step by step into the energy core. After succeeding, Zhuang Yu opened his eyes, but he looked very weak.
Cong Xia looked at him coldly, "Now you can release the cockroaches."
Zhuang Yu smiled faintly, "Have you rescued Cong Zhenzhong?"
"Guess."
Zhuang Yu chuckled, "Don't worry, I'll take care of it as soon as I return."
The people from Zone 2 opened the laboratory and carried Zhuang Yu out. Cong Xia let out a sigh of relief and walked over to Tang Yanqiu, "Xiao Tang, are you okay?"
Tang Yanqiu shook his head, "Whether it was intentional or unintentional, he kept trying to invade my mind. I've never been this exhausted before."
"It's probably unintentional. The energy eruption was so powerful that even he had trouble controlling it. However, we need to be more cautious in the future when cerebral domain evolved individuals advance. It's too dangerous with just a few of us present."
Zhuang Yao walked in, "What happened?"
"There was a bit of a situation. We'll talk later. Have Tianbi and the others returned?"
"They're already back. Let's go to the dining hall. We can discuss things while eating."
Everyone arrived at the dining hall, where Cheng Tianbi, Cong Zhenzhong, and the four members of the Dragonblood Clan were already waiting.
As soon as Cong Zhenzhong saw Cong Xia, he quickly asked, "Has Zhuang Yu broken through the second stage?"
Cong Xia nodded, his expression somewhat grave.
"What's wrong?"
"Cerebral domain evolved individuals are very different from us..." Cong Xia explained what had just happened.
After he finished describing, the three cerebral domain evolved individuals present had peculiar expressions.
Zhuang Yao furrowed his brow, "So, you saw the information inside Zhuang Yu's brain, had a conversation with his thoughts, and then he claimed he could control that energy and used it to threaten you?"
"That's right. I feel that Zhuang Yu is too dangerous."
Zhuang Yao tapped the table, "I'm interested in the entire process of breaking through the second stage. Zhuang Yu is right; we need to hurry and break through the second stage ourselves to experience what happens."
"You're right. We can't fall behind Zhuang Yu," Cong Zhenzhong said, "Both Colonel Tang and I are approaching the critical point. Within a month at most, I think for the next month, we should focus most of our energy on this matter."
Zhuang Yao agreed, "I should adjust my schedule as well."
Cong Xia added, "My advancement time is similar to yours. After helping Yao Qianjiang break through the second stage, I won't be doing anything else. I'll devote myself to practice wholeheartedly and strive to advance before you. This way, when you advance, I can be more confident. The advancement of a cerebral domain evolved individual is much more dangerous for me than for a naturally evolved individual. I must ensure your safety."
"Good."
Cong Zhenzhong said, "What's the reaction from Xu Ying's side?"
Shen Changze shook his head, "What reaction could there be? At most, they'll create some trouble for Commander Cao. Once Zhuang Yu has rested enough, he will control his actions. Anyway, Zhuang Yu has already achieved his objectives."
Cong Zhenzhong took a deep breath, finally able to relax a bit.
The kitchen brought out the dishes one after another, and everyone started to eat hungrily. They were all famished.
After finishing their meal, Tang Tingzhi recounted their experiences in the northeast, particularly the observations of Cheng Tianbi and his two companions in Manzhouli.
Cong Zhenzhong was particularly interested in Russia's research on new energy sources and the wooden natural force evolved individual. "I will discuss with the dean and send an invitation to the research institute in Moscow, requesting researchers and Jacqueline, if she hasn't gone to Qinghai."
Tang Tingzhi suggested, "Actually, we don't need to wait for her. If we want someone close, Wu Yu would be more convenient. He won't be able to sit still once all the naturally evolved individuals in Beijing break through the second stage."
Cong Zhenzhong nodded, "You're right. Even if he doesn't come, we'll have to go find him sooner or later. However, according to our plan, it will take at least half a year to go to Qinghai, and he probably can't wait that long. He has rejected invitations to Beijing twice before, so his sudden visit likely means he can't swallow his pride. Let's send the invitation ourselves."
Shan Ming snorted coldly, "It sounds like we're begging him to come."
Cong Zhenzhong smiled slightly, "There's no need to be bothered by such things. If he really comes, it won't be easy for him to leave. So, there's a good chance he won't come."
Zhuang Yao said, "Let's wait for the intelligence from Qinghai first. I hope Jacqueline goes in. Her ability is unique; she might be the only one who can come out of Qinghai. If she comes out, we'll have reliable information."
Cong Xia asked, "What if she brings out the puppet jade?"
Zhuang Yao chuckled, "Then it proves we can come out too. The biggest challenge for us in this Qinghai trip is the abundance of unknowns. I hope someone can answer some questions for us. Although I believe that there is a more than fifty percent chance that she will die in there."
Cheng Tianbi said, "I think we should formulate a six-month plan and list all the preparations before going to Qinghai."
Zhuang Yao confidently said, "That's necessary. Before going to Qinghai, we have three most important tasks: first, everyone must break through the second stage; second, improve overall strength, weapon, and armor development; and third, gather intelligence. Once we've dealt with the cockroach incident, we can begin."
Cong Xia silently clenched his fist. In the next six months, he must dig out more valuable things from the ancient jade to make his companions stronger and safer.
On that day, the Academy issued an emergency warning, instructing all citizens to stay at home and not to go out. They planned to spread roaches carrying a virus on a large scale to eliminate the current mutated roaches.
The people who had gathered to protest and cause trouble in front of the Academy were driven back home. Once they heard about the roach dispersal, no one dared to come out, and the small-scale riots were all suppressed.
Xu Ying didn't go to argue with Cao Zhixian. After all, it wouldn't be meaningful. Now that Zhuang Yao and Zhou Fenglan had successfully broken through the second stage, their main goal had been achieved. They had temporarily stabilized the morale, though the situation was still unfavorable. At least it wasn't as critical as before.
However, as the first to break through the second stage, Zhuang Yu had become even more dangerous and unpredictable than before. Xu Ying hoped that Zhuang Yu could lead the entire 14th Group Army out of their weak position, but without someone with special abilities like Cong Xia, most of the mutant organizations would eventually converge toward the 27th Group Army. At first glance, it seemed that Zhuang Yu and Xu Ying were getting narrower and narrower. But the more this was the case, the more everyone needed to be wary of what unexpected means Zhuang Yu might still employ.
A few days later, news spread that one of Xu Hang's mistresses, Qiao Shan, had suddenly mutated. Qiao Shan was no longer eligible to enter the Xu family. As compensation, Xu Ying promoted Qiao Shan's father by one rank and sent him a lot of gifts. Xu Ying knew that his son was soft-hearted and indecisive, so he did this to avoid further entanglement with Qiao Shan.
After resting for a few days, Cheng Tianbi and the others were not surprised when Yao Qianjiang came looking for them. He was the only naturally evolved individual in Beijing who had not broken through the second stage, and it was evident that he was getting anxious.
