70 Cambrian Consciousness
Cong Xia hurriedly ascended the stairs, finding Cheng Tianbi's room with the door wide open. Upon entering, he discovered Professor Wang engaged in conversation with Cheng Tianbi. The moment Cong Xia stepped in, Cheng Tianbi's gaze fixated upon him, while Professor Wang, after glancing at Cong Xia, stated, "I will return tomorrow," and proceeded to walk past Cong Xia, departing.
Enveloped by Cheng Tianbi's silent stare, Cong Xia's thoughts turned blank. Witnessing Cheng Tianbi sitting there in perfect health, all the anxieties he had harbored for the past few days dissipated. Overwhelmed by his emotions, Cong Xia instinctively rushed forward and tightly embraced Cheng Tianbi.
A hint of surprise flashed through Cheng Tianbi's eyes. His hands lifted and then dropped, lifted again, uncertain and frozen in the air.
"Tianbi... It's great that you’re fine..." Cong Xia felt relieved to the point of tears. The day Cheng Tianbi collapsed in his arms, Cong Xia had never seen him so weak. In his eyes, this man had always been spirited and extraordinarily capable. The enormous wound on his ribs made Cong Xia shudder even now when he thought about it.
He held Cheng Tianbi's neck tightly, awkwardly trying not to touch his wound, but he didn't want to let go.
After hesitating for a while, Cheng Tianbi finally placed his hands on Cong Xia's waist, gently embracing him, and whispered, "I'm fine."
"Yeah." Cong Xia rested his chin on Cheng Tianbi's shoulder, carefully caressing his back with his fingers, his eyes slightly red as he nodded.
As soon as Liu Fengyu entered the room, he saw the two of them embracing in a remarkably cautious manner. The innocent posture that yearned to be close yet filled with infinite trepidation struck Liu Fengyu as both comical and heartwarming.
They really are an interesting pair.
Cheng Tianbi observed his presence and gently disengaged from Cong Xia's embrace. Cong Xia rose to his feet and faced Liu Fengyu, feeling a twinge of embarrassment.
Liu Fengyu playfully quipped, "Go ahead, keep hugging. Why bother about me?"
Cong Xia, feeling awkward, swiftly turned towards Cheng Tianbi and inquired, “Is your injury healing well?"
"It's healing well. By diligently changing the bandages and getting sufficient rest, it should be fine," Cheng Tianbi replied.
"I had intended to go hunting with Brother Liu today, but..." Cong Xia trailed off, uncertain about his plans.
Cheng Tianbi suddenly covered his mouth.
Confused, Cong Xia looked at him, and Cheng Tianbi pointed to the corner of the ceiling. They both turned to look and saw a camera.
Surprised, Cong Xia exclaimed, "They installed it?"
"No, Zhuang Yao did. It's for monitoring during my treatment. However, this device is not secure; it's susceptible to being surveilled by someone else," Cheng Tianbi explained.
Curiously, Cong Xia inquired, "Where did Zhuang Yao go?"
"He went to the research institute," Cheng Tianbi responded.
Cong Xia's brows furrowed, and he voiced his concern, "He went to the research institute alone... Isn't he afraid that those individuals will discover his status as a cerebral domain evolved human? Possessing control over natural forces and being a cerebral domain evolver are equally rare."
Cheng Tianbi's expression grew somber as he coldly replied, "I believe he has a way."
Curiosity still lingering, Cong Xia pressed on, "You have been the sole individual in contact with Professor Wang these past few days. Did he inquire about anything during your interactions?"
"No," Cheng Tianbi replied.
Interjecting, Liu Fengyu added, "How could Professor Wang interrogate Cheng Tianbi? He is merely an ordinary person."
Cheng Tianbi shook his head and said, "He did try to increase the dosage of anesthesia for me, which had hallucinogenic effects. However, I have undergone resistance training, and anesthesia doesn't affect me much. He didn't dare to make it too obvious because I remained conscious the whole time."
Surprised, Cong Xia exclaimed, "So, during your surgery..." The anesthesia didn't work? He had indeed heard of rigorous training that required people to build resistance, especially against hallucinogenic substances, to prevent leaks while under the influence of drugs. He hadn't expected Cheng Tianbi to undergo such training. What kind of mission was Cheng Tianbi carrying out?
Although Cong Xia was amazed in his heart, he didn't ask further. Compared to that, he was more concerned that Cheng Tianbi couldn't use painkillers. The surgery and sutures were performed under the circumstances of ineffective anesthesia for such a severe injury...
Seeing the furrowed brow on Cong Xia's face, Cheng Tianbi explained, "I'm used to it. It's nothing."
Cong Xia had originally planned to tell Cheng Tianbi the good news that he could sense the energy core, but with the camera present, he couldn't say it. He simply mentioned that he was going hunting with Liu Fengyu to gather some food for the people in the industrial park.
At that moment, a child from the industrial park approached Cong Xia and said, "Uncle, the big cat and the young man are back. They want you to come to Tang Ge's room."
Cong Xia's expression froze. Zhuang Yao...
Cheng Tianbi was about to get out of bed, but Cong Xia held him back and said, "Don't go. Rest properly."
"I can get out of bed," Cheng Tianbi insisted, as he stood up, his brows lightly furrowing due to the strain on his wound.
"Tianbi, how about I go instead? We can remove the camera."
Cheng Tianbi's gaze turned icy. "No need. I want to see him now."
Helpless, Cong Xia helped Cheng Tianbi put on a piece of clothing, and the three of them slowly made their way downstairs.
They arrived at Tang Yanqiu's room, where Zhuang Yao was already sitting by the bed, and a few chairs were placed around.
Zhuang Yao saw them and remained composed. "Oh, you can walk now? Your recovery seems to be going well."
The three entered the room, and Liu Fengyu closed the door behind them.
Zhuang Yao said, "I just returned from the research institute and learned a lot of useful information. Fortunately, there isn't a single cerebral domain evolved humans there. I can now conceal my energy fluctuations within a certain range, and they haven't discovered that I..."
As Cheng Tianbi slowly approached him, he suddenly took a swift step forward and grabbed Zhuang Yao's neck, lifting him up from his seat.
Tang Yanqiu's eyes flashed, and he swiftly used a small joint lock technique to grab Cheng Tianbi's wrist. Cheng Tianbi raised his hand to block, and their arms forcefully collided with each other, causing their sturdy muscles to tremble!
"Tianbi, no!" Cong Xia shouted.
Tang Yanqiu sternly admonished, "Is this how you deal with a child? Are you still a man? Let him go!"
Cong Xia also held onto Cheng Tianbi's arm and pleaded, "Tianbi, let him go. We can talk things through."
Liu Fengyu also grabbed Cheng Tianbi's wrist and said in a deep voice, "Release him."
Zhuang Yao's face turned red, and he stared at Cheng Tianbi intensely.
Cheng Tianbi released his grip, and Liu Fengyu caught Zhuang Yao's body, placing him back in his seat.
Zhuang Yao coughed violently while clutching his throat. Tears welled up in his bright eyes, glistening on his delicate and jade-like face, making him look pitiful.
However, only Tang Yanqiu, who didn't have much contact with Zhuang Yao, would be confused by his performance.
The atmosphere between Cheng Tianbi and Tang Yanqiu became tense. Both of them were injured, and even though their confrontation was brief, it strained their wounds. Their faces turned somewhat pale, but they stared at each other without backing down.
Liu Fengyu pressed Tang Yanqiu back onto the bed and said, "Have you thought it through?"
Cong Xia also pulled Cheng Tianbi away and made him sit in a chair.
Tang Yanqiu coldly asked, "What was the reason for your actions?"
Cheng Tianbi glanced at Zhuang Yao and replied, "Why don't you ask him?"
Tang Yanqiu looked at Zhuang Yao.
Zhuang Yao took a breath. There were still red marks on his slender neck, and he did indeed look pitiful. However, his attitude was unusually calm as he said, "I did calculate various unexpected events, including Cong Xia getting injured, but I was certain he wouldn't die."
"Rubbish," Cheng Tianbi gritted his teeth. "The leader of the Qingyan Gang wanted him to die."
"But he didn't die. I don't base my judgment on luck alone. I have two considerations. First, Cong Xia is quite clever, and regardless of whether it's true or false, he has a lot of information that can buy him another chance at life, at least delaying until we can save him. Second, he possesses an unknown ability that, from my speculation, holds far greater value than yours or mine. He wouldn't easily die. I know you blame me for putting Cong Xia in danger, and I know you don't trust me. But any mission inherently carries many unknown variables and risks. Not only could he get injured, but every person is also at risk of death every minute and every second in this world. If you want him to be safe, you might as well stay in Chongqing, relying on hunting and farming for a living, never leaving this place, assuming it remains relatively safe for decades. But can you guarantee that today's relatively safe Chongqing won't be plagued by disaster tomorrow?"
Cong Xia solemnly said, "Zhuang Yao, we blame you not because anyone got hurt, but because you didn't inform us about the danger you anticipated. To achieve your goal of preventing us from retreating, you kept us in the dark and sent us on the mission. Zhao Jin's strength is far beyond what those two can easily handle. If anything went wrong, they might not have returned at all."
Zhuang Yao shook his head and replied, "You underestimate them, especially Cheng Tianbi. He possesses incredible potential in manipulating natural forces. On the day we arrived in Chongqing, I gathered a lot of information about that amphibious atavistic person. I thoroughly analyzed it, and I believed they can kill him."
Zhuang Yao's attitude was so certain, as if he had everything under control. However, when Cong Xia recalled their miserable situation that day, he couldn't help but feel unconvinced by Zhuang Yao's words. He said, "What about me? Are you so certain that I won't die? I have no attacking abilities, and I could be stabbed at any moment during their fight."
Zhuang Yao looked at him and said, "The secret you kept from me is what will keep you alive. You won't die, guaranteed."
Tang Yanqiu listened silently for a while and then spoke, "Zhuang Yao, I finally understand why they can't trust you. It's because you don't see us as flesh-and-blood comrades, but merely pawns in your plan."
Zhuang Yao's expression froze, and he remained silent.
Liu Fengyu added, "That's right. That's the reason we can't trust you. Today, you may ensure that everyone returns alive for the sake of the team's overall strength, but what about the day when you sacrifice one of us for the greater benefit of the team? Or even sacrifice the entire team for your own interests? Don't talk about guarantees; no one believes your promises because you've lied too many times."
Cong Xia sighed, "Perhaps... you simply don't care about telling us the truth."
There was a slight stiffness in Zhuang Yao's facial muscles, and he clenched his fists behind his back. He coldly responded, "Regardless of whether you believe it or not, I have never intended to harm you. Don't think too highly of yourselves. My goal cannot be achieved even if all of you die. I'm only responsible for getting you to Beijing, and then we part ways completely."
Cong Xia looked at Zhuang Yao with a complicated gaze. He remembered the somewhat awkward "thank you" that Zhuang Yao said to him in the villa in Guiyang. Does this child really lack emotions?
No, he does have them. He values Abu a lot. Despite their distrust of Zhuang Yao, they never once considered harming an 11-year-old child, and they even wanted to treat him as one of their own. But this still couldn't make Zhuang Yao develop any affection for them, which was truly disheartening.
Perhaps Zhuang Yao reluctantly joined them from the beginning and won't stay with them in the future either. In that case, they should do as Zhuang Yao said: cooperate until they reach Beijing, and then sever ties completely.
Yes, it's just cooperation, not companionship.
Cong Xia felt a pang of discomfort as he contemplated this.
Cheng Tianbi coldly stared at Zhuang Yao and said, "From now on, any plans must be clearly communicated to each one of us, including the risks involved."
"Okay," Zhuang Yao answered straightforwardly.
However, none of them truly believed him.
Cong Xia took a deep breath and said, "Let's not dwell on that. Tell us what you found out at the research institute."
"When I initially went to the research institute, my intention was simply to bring Zhao Jin's body back to you. However, I discovered that they valued that body greatly, and I couldn't take it with me."
"Wait, under what pretext did you go to the research institute?"
"I am an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and there was a person in the institute whom I had worked with in Beijing."
Liu Fengyu furrowed his brows and asked, "Are you really not someone who has traveled through time?"
Zhuang Yao gave him a scornful look and replied, "No, I'm not."
"Even if a child is exceptionally intelligent, their knowledge absorption is limited due to their age."
Zhuang Yao shrugged. "I won't be able to make you understand even if I explain. Can we focus on the main point?"
"Fine, please continue."
"When I learned that this person was here, I went to find him and exchanged some information, including my analysis of the 'Cambrian Consciousness' and intercepted messages from Beijing."
"So, what did he tell you?"
Zhuang Yao said, "He painted a very optimistic blueprint for post-apocalyptic reconstruction."
"Reconstruction?"
"Yes, rebuilding human society here. Because Chongqing is surrounded by mountains, according to their multiple sources of information, besides the northeastern provinces furthest from Qinghai and the coastal islands, Chongqing is currently the city least affected by non-attribute energy waves on the mainland. Of course, we can't contact the people living in the mountainous areas, and we don't know how they are faring. But at least within the major cities, Chongqing is in relatively good condition. Additionally, there were many stationed troops in Chongqing at the time. Immediately after the earthquake, the city was taken over by the military, and the governance was relatively timely. Although there were casualties and people fleeing at the beginning, the remaining several hundred thousand people were brought under control. Due to the abundance of natural resources in the surrounding mountains, many people can survive by hunting. Currently, a rudimentary barter-based new society has emerged here. Even those who don't have hunting skills can obtain basic food by working for the military or others. As long as they are not lazy, they won't starve. The research institute is currently studying new medicines, crops, and mutated livestock. Once successful, Chongqing will return to an agricultural age. The military also plans to issue currency as the next step and rebuild the social system with corresponding rules. They want to bring Chongqing back onto the track of a regulated society."
This vision sounded very inspiring. In fact, most people in the post-apocalyptic world longed to return to the past era. Despite its criticisms, that era could at least fulfill their basic needs and prevent their loved ones from disappearing without a trace. However, everyone sitting here was sober. They knew how many obstacles lay ahead in rebuilding human society. The transformation of China's social system over thousands of years would be condensed into this small society.
Cong Xia asked, "This idea is great. How far have they progressed with it?"
"The development of new drugs and crops has shown initial success, and they have already begun trial cultivation of crops."
Cong Xia asked, "What are your thoughts on this?"
Zhuang Yao's lips curled slightly. "These old intellectuals are quite naive. They are wholeheartedly focused on scientific research, thinking that as long as they provide the basic conditions for people to have enough to eat and wear, they can achieve their ideals. If they spent some effort studying the current situation in Chongqing, they would realize that the conditions they are providing will only be a shroud for the dead."
Cong Xia nodded. "You're right, especially that Chen Shao. After the Hongwei Gang was wiped out, his influence grew even stronger. He came to me earlier and asked us to take a pro-Huaxue faction stance when meeting with Wu You from the Frost Society."
"I know he came to see you, and I can guess what he said."
"So, what should we do?"
Zhuang Yao replied, "Let's wait until we meet Wu Yu and understand his intentions before deciding."
"But will Chongqing really be controlled by Chen Shao in the future?"
"Well, even if it does, it doesn't matter to us what this place becomes. Even if Chen Shao takes control of the entire Chongqing, he won't kill everyone. He would just be a regional king, and the people in the industrial park are not worth his time. This man's capacity is nothing more than that. There's nothing to worry too much about. The reason I say this is because I obtained some seeds of new drugs and crops, and they also have decent preservation techniques. I'll go there tomorrow and make sure to bring some back. What's even more important is that I am very interested in their research on mutated livestock. In the process of understanding it, I stumbled upon some unexpected things." Zhuang Yao's expression suddenly became serious.
"What things?"
Zhuang Yao said, "They are researching the transplantation of genes from mutated species into ordinary species using harmless viruses as a medium, in order to enhance the mutation of animals such as pigs and cows, resulting in more meat."
Cong Xia nodded. "This should be quite feasible."
"In Beijing, they should be able to complete this experiment, but there are some difficulties here. They lack the equipment for genome sequencing and can only rely on low-end instruments for gene identification and comparison, which slows down the progress. However, they have made some achievements. The experimental subjects currently cannot survive successfully, but there have been a few cases where their sizes did increase as desired, although they died quickly. Since the start of this experiment, the power within the research institute has split into two factions."
Everyone listened attentively.
"One faction is represented by these few old scientists I have been in contact with, who insist on using this experiment to revive animal husbandry, allowing ordinary people in Chongqing to have meat without risking their lives. The other faction is controlled by the military, and they want to create more mutated species, especially mutated humans."
Mutated humans...
Liu Fengyu showed a disgusted expression. "That doesn't sound like a good thing."
"The unexpected thing is not that. I believe many people fantasize about the creation of mutated humans and are even willing to take risks to become privileged in this era. What surprised me was that when I participated in their dissection of Zhao Jin's body, I discovered some secrets regarding energy bodies."
"What secret?"
"The energy of the energy bodies, shortly after their death, may be extractable," Zhuang Yao explained.
Cong Xia's eyes widened.
Zhuang Yao looked at him. "That's right. It's not just your method of absorbing energy. Perhaps it can also be done through some kind of device. However, if such a device truly exists, you are infinitely more advanced than it, and you can also store, utilize, and output energy."
"How did you... discover this?" Cong Xia asked.
"This is currently just my speculation. If it were the old me, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to come up with such a guess based on such subtle energy fluctuations. But after my cerebral domain evolved, my thinking ability has increased dozens of times compared to before. My mental domain is vast, and some ideas are simply fantastical, something the old me would never have dared to imagine. But now they are happening to me. Especially because you can absorb energy, it has expanded my thinking in this area. Those ordinary scientists, although they are intelligent, never even considered this possibility, but I did. Moreover, combined with your way of absorbing energy, I have even formulated some theoretical concepts. Since I can make such guesses, those cerebral domain evolved individuals in Beijing, who have undoubtedly dissected countless energy bodies, will eventually come up with similar speculations."
"If energy can truly be extracted..." Cong Xia suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
Zhuang Yao's expression turned solemn. "If energy can truly be extracted, then by deduction, it can also be absorbed. If this theory is put into practice, it means that if there are more people like you, it will be a greater disaster for humanity."
Cong Xia felt a shiver run down his spine.
In this isolated mountain city, with only a few hundred thousand people, there were already open conflicts and hidden battles, filled with killings and plundering every day. If energy became something that could be plundered, those who sought to become stronger would not stop at robbing the energy of others and other species. By then, there would be no need for other species to encroach upon human survival space; humans would gradually perish in their own self-destruction.
How cruel it was.
Zhuang Yao said, "I don't want such a thing to be put into practice, but I have a feeling that I can't stop it anymore. Those people in Beijing, they are at the forefront of this era of disaster."
Cong Xia took a deep breath, unable to suppress the chill running through his body. Everyone in the room had an unsettling expression on their faces.
70 Cambrian Consciousness
Cong Xia hurriedly ascended the stairs, finding Cheng Tianbi's room with the door wide open. Upon entering, he discovered Professor Wang engaged in conversation with Cheng Tianbi. The moment Cong Xia stepped in, Cheng Tianbi's gaze fixated upon him, while Professor Wang, after glancing at Cong Xia, stated, "I will return tomorrow," and proceeded to walk past Cong Xia, departing.
Enveloped by Cheng Tianbi's silent stare, Cong Xia's thoughts turned blank. Witnessing Cheng Tianbi sitting there in perfect health, all the anxieties he had harbored for the past few days dissipated. Overwhelmed by his emotions, Cong Xia instinctively rushed forward and tightly embraced Cheng Tianbi.
A hint of surprise flashed through Cheng Tianbi's eyes. His hands lifted and then dropped, lifted again, uncertain and frozen in the air.
"Tianbi... It's great that you’re fine..." Cong Xia felt relieved to the point of tears. The day Cheng Tianbi collapsed in his arms, Cong Xia had never seen him so weak. In his eyes, this man had always been spirited and extraordinarily capable. The enormous wound on his ribs made Cong Xia shudder even now when he thought about it.
He held Cheng Tianbi's neck tightly, awkwardly trying not to touch his wound, but he didn't want to let go.
After hesitating for a while, Cheng Tianbi finally placed his hands on Cong Xia's waist, gently embracing him, and whispered, "I'm fine."
"Yeah." Cong Xia rested his chin on Cheng Tianbi's shoulder, carefully caressing his back with his fingers, his eyes slightly red as he nodded.
As soon as Liu Fengyu entered the room, he saw the two of them embracing in a remarkably cautious manner. The innocent posture that yearned to be close yet filled with infinite trepidation struck Liu Fengyu as both comical and heartwarming.
They really are an interesting pair.
Cheng Tianbi observed his presence and gently disengaged from Cong Xia's embrace. Cong Xia rose to his feet and faced Liu Fengyu, feeling a twinge of embarrassment.
Liu Fengyu playfully quipped, "Go ahead, keep hugging. Why bother about me?"
Cong Xia, feeling awkward, swiftly turned towards Cheng Tianbi and inquired, “Is your injury healing well?"
"It's healing well. By diligently changing the bandages and getting sufficient rest, it should be fine," Cheng Tianbi replied.
"I had intended to go hunting with Brother Liu today, but..." Cong Xia trailed off, uncertain about his plans.
Cheng Tianbi suddenly covered his mouth.
Confused, Cong Xia looked at him, and Cheng Tianbi pointed to the corner of the ceiling. They both turned to look and saw a camera.
Surprised, Cong Xia exclaimed, "They installed it?"
"No, Zhuang Yao did. It's for monitoring during my treatment. However, this device is not secure; it's susceptible to being surveilled by someone else," Cheng Tianbi explained.
Curiously, Cong Xia inquired, "Where did Zhuang Yao go?"
"He went to the research institute," Cheng Tianbi responded.
Cong Xia's brows furrowed, and he voiced his concern, "He went to the research institute alone... Isn't he afraid that those individuals will discover his status as a cerebral domain evolved human? Possessing control over natural forces and being a cerebral domain evolver are equally rare."
Cheng Tianbi's expression grew somber as he coldly replied, "I believe he has a way."
Curiosity still lingering, Cong Xia pressed on, "You have been the sole individual in contact with Professor Wang these past few days. Did he inquire about anything during your interactions?"
"No," Cheng Tianbi replied.
Interjecting, Liu Fengyu added, "How could Professor Wang interrogate Cheng Tianbi? He is merely an ordinary person."
Cheng Tianbi shook his head and said, "He did try to increase the dosage of anesthesia for me, which had hallucinogenic effects. However, I have undergone resistance training, and anesthesia doesn't affect me much. He didn't dare to make it too obvious because I remained conscious the whole time."
Surprised, Cong Xia exclaimed, "So, during your surgery..." The anesthesia didn't work? He had indeed heard of rigorous training that required people to build resistance, especially against hallucinogenic substances, to prevent leaks while under the influence of drugs. He hadn't expected Cheng Tianbi to undergo such training. What kind of mission was Cheng Tianbi carrying out?
Although Cong Xia was amazed in his heart, he didn't ask further. Compared to that, he was more concerned that Cheng Tianbi couldn't use painkillers. The surgery and sutures were performed under the circumstances of ineffective anesthesia for such a severe injury...
Seeing the furrowed brow on Cong Xia's face, Cheng Tianbi explained, "I'm used to it. It's nothing."
Cong Xia had originally planned to tell Cheng Tianbi the good news that he could sense the energy core, but with the camera present, he couldn't say it. He simply mentioned that he was going hunting with Liu Fengyu to gather some food for the people in the industrial park.
At that moment, a child from the industrial park approached Cong Xia and said, "Uncle, the big cat and the young man are back. They want you to come to Tang Ge's room."
Cong Xia's expression froze. Zhuang Yao...
Cheng Tianbi was about to get out of bed, but Cong Xia held him back and said, "Don't go. Rest properly."
"I can get out of bed," Cheng Tianbi insisted, as he stood up, his brows lightly furrowing due to the strain on his wound.
"Tianbi, how about I go instead? We can remove the camera."
Cheng Tianbi's gaze turned icy. "No need. I want to see him now."
Helpless, Cong Xia helped Cheng Tianbi put on a piece of clothing, and the three of them slowly made their way downstairs.
They arrived at Tang Yanqiu's room, where Zhuang Yao was already sitting by the bed, and a few chairs were placed around.
Zhuang Yao saw them and remained composed. "Oh, you can walk now? Your recovery seems to be going well."
The three entered the room, and Liu Fengyu closed the door behind them.
Zhuang Yao said, "I just returned from the research institute and learned a lot of useful information. Fortunately, there isn't a single cerebral domain evolved humans there. I can now conceal my energy fluctuations within a certain range, and they haven't discovered that I..."
As Cheng Tianbi slowly approached him, he suddenly took a swift step forward and grabbed Zhuang Yao's neck, lifting him up from his seat.
Tang Yanqiu's eyes flashed, and he swiftly used a small joint lock technique to grab Cheng Tianbi's wrist. Cheng Tianbi raised his hand to block, and their arms forcefully collided with each other, causing their sturdy muscles to tremble!
"Tianbi, no!" Cong Xia shouted.
Tang Yanqiu sternly admonished, "Is this how you deal with a child? Are you still a man? Let him go!"
Cong Xia also held onto Cheng Tianbi's arm and pleaded, "Tianbi, let him go. We can talk things through."
Liu Fengyu also grabbed Cheng Tianbi's wrist and said in a deep voice, "Release him."
Zhuang Yao's face turned red, and he stared at Cheng Tianbi intensely.
Cheng Tianbi released his grip, and Liu Fengyu caught Zhuang Yao's body, placing him back in his seat.
Zhuang Yao coughed violently while clutching his throat. Tears welled up in his bright eyes, glistening on his delicate and jade-like face, making him look pitiful.
However, only Tang Yanqiu, who didn't have much contact with Zhuang Yao, would be confused by his performance.
The atmosphere between Cheng Tianbi and Tang Yanqiu became tense. Both of them were injured, and even though their confrontation was brief, it strained their wounds. Their faces turned somewhat pale, but they stared at each other without backing down.
Liu Fengyu pressed Tang Yanqiu back onto the bed and said, "Have you thought it through?"
Cong Xia also pulled Cheng Tianbi away and made him sit in a chair.
Tang Yanqiu coldly asked, "What was the reason for your actions?"
Cheng Tianbi glanced at Zhuang Yao and replied, "Why don't you ask him?"
Tang Yanqiu looked at Zhuang Yao.
Zhuang Yao took a breath. There were still red marks on his slender neck, and he did indeed look pitiful. However, his attitude was unusually calm as he said, "I did calculate various unexpected events, including Cong Xia getting injured, but I was certain he wouldn't die."
"Rubbish," Cheng Tianbi gritted his teeth. "The leader of the Qingyan Gang wanted him to die."
"But he didn't die. I don't base my judgment on luck alone. I have two considerations. First, Cong Xia is quite clever, and regardless of whether it's true or false, he has a lot of information that can buy him another chance at life, at least delaying until we can save him. Second, he possesses an unknown ability that, from my speculation, holds far greater value than yours or mine. He wouldn't easily die. I know you blame me for putting Cong Xia in danger, and I know you don't trust me. But any mission inherently carries many unknown variables and risks. Not only could he get injured, but every person is also at risk of death every minute and every second in this world. If you want him to be safe, you might as well stay in Chongqing, relying on hunting and farming for a living, never leaving this place, assuming it remains relatively safe for decades. But can you guarantee that today's relatively safe Chongqing won't be plagued by disaster tomorrow?"
Cong Xia solemnly said, "Zhuang Yao, we blame you not because anyone got hurt, but because you didn't inform us about the danger you anticipated. To achieve your goal of preventing us from retreating, you kept us in the dark and sent us on the mission. Zhao Jin's strength is far beyond what those two can easily handle. If anything went wrong, they might not have returned at all."
Zhuang Yao shook his head and replied, "You underestimate them, especially Cheng Tianbi. He possesses incredible potential in manipulating natural forces. On the day we arrived in Chongqing, I gathered a lot of information about that amphibious atavistic person. I thoroughly analyzed it, and I believed they can kill him."
Zhuang Yao's attitude was so certain, as if he had everything under control. However, when Cong Xia recalled their miserable situation that day, he couldn't help but feel unconvinced by Zhuang Yao's words. He said, "What about me? Are you so certain that I won't die? I have no attacking abilities, and I could be stabbed at any moment during their fight."
Zhuang Yao looked at him and said, "The secret you kept from me is what will keep you alive. You won't die, guaranteed."
Tang Yanqiu listened silently for a while and then spoke, "Zhuang Yao, I finally understand why they can't trust you. It's because you don't see us as flesh-and-blood comrades, but merely pawns in your plan."
Zhuang Yao's expression froze, and he remained silent.
Liu Fengyu added, "That's right. That's the reason we can't trust you. Today, you may ensure that everyone returns alive for the sake of the team's overall strength, but what about the day when you sacrifice one of us for the greater benefit of the team? Or even sacrifice the entire team for your own interests? Don't talk about guarantees; no one believes your promises because you've lied too many times."
Cong Xia sighed, "Perhaps... you simply don't care about telling us the truth."
There was a slight stiffness in Zhuang Yao's facial muscles, and he clenched his fists behind his back. He coldly responded, "Regardless of whether you believe it or not, I have never intended to harm you. Don't think too highly of yourselves. My goal cannot be achieved even if all of you die. I'm only responsible for getting you to Beijing, and then we part ways completely."
Cong Xia looked at Zhuang Yao with a complicated gaze. He remembered the somewhat awkward "thank you" that Zhuang Yao said to him in the villa in Guiyang. Does this child really lack emotions?
No, he does have them. He values Abu a lot. Despite their distrust of Zhuang Yao, they never once considered harming an 11-year-old child, and they even wanted to treat him as one of their own. But this still couldn't make Zhuang Yao develop any affection for them, which was truly disheartening.
Perhaps Zhuang Yao reluctantly joined them from the beginning and won't stay with them in the future either. In that case, they should do as Zhuang Yao said: cooperate until they reach Beijing, and then sever ties completely.
Yes, it's just cooperation, not companionship.
Cong Xia felt a pang of discomfort as he contemplated this.
Cheng Tianbi coldly stared at Zhuang Yao and said, "From now on, any plans must be clearly communicated to each one of us, including the risks involved."
"Okay," Zhuang Yao answered straightforwardly.
However, none of them truly believed him.
Cong Xia took a deep breath and said, "Let's not dwell on that. Tell us what you found out at the research institute."
"When I initially went to the research institute, my intention was simply to bring Zhao Jin's body back to you. However, I discovered that they valued that body greatly, and I couldn't take it with me."
"Wait, under what pretext did you go to the research institute?"
"I am an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and there was a person in the institute whom I had worked with in Beijing."
Liu Fengyu furrowed his brows and asked, "Are you really not someone who has traveled through time?"
Zhuang Yao gave him a scornful look and replied, "No, I'm not."
"Even if a child is exceptionally intelligent, their knowledge absorption is limited due to their age."
Zhuang Yao shrugged. "I won't be able to make you understand even if I explain. Can we focus on the main point?"
"Fine, please continue."
"When I learned that this person was here, I went to find him and exchanged some information, including my analysis of the 'Cambrian Consciousness' and intercepted messages from Beijing."
"So, what did he tell you?"
Zhuang Yao said, "He painted a very optimistic blueprint for post-apocalyptic reconstruction."
"Reconstruction?"
"Yes, rebuilding human society here. Because Chongqing is surrounded by mountains, according to their multiple sources of information, besides the northeastern provinces furthest from Qinghai and the coastal islands, Chongqing is currently the city least affected by non-attribute energy waves on the mainland. Of course, we can't contact the people living in the mountainous areas, and we don't know how they are faring. But at least within the major cities, Chongqing is in relatively good condition. Additionally, there were many stationed troops in Chongqing at the time. Immediately after the earthquake, the city was taken over by the military, and the governance was relatively timely. Although there were casualties and people fleeing at the beginning, the remaining several hundred thousand people were brought under control. Due to the abundance of natural resources in the surrounding mountains, many people can survive by hunting. Currently, a rudimentary barter-based new society has emerged here. Even those who don't have hunting skills can obtain basic food by working for the military or others. As long as they are not lazy, they won't starve. The research institute is currently studying new medicines, crops, and mutated livestock. Once successful, Chongqing will return to an agricultural age. The military also plans to issue currency as the next step and rebuild the social system with corresponding rules. They want to bring Chongqing back onto the track of a regulated society."
This vision sounded very inspiring. In fact, most people in the post-apocalyptic world longed to return to the past era. Despite its criticisms, that era could at least fulfill their basic needs and prevent their loved ones from disappearing without a trace. However, everyone sitting here was sober. They knew how many obstacles lay ahead in rebuilding human society. The transformation of China's social system over thousands of years would be condensed into this small society.
Cong Xia asked, "This idea is great. How far have they progressed with it?"
"The development of new drugs and crops has shown initial success, and they have already begun trial cultivation of crops."
Cong Xia asked, "What are your thoughts on this?"
Zhuang Yao's lips curled slightly. "These old intellectuals are quite naive. They are wholeheartedly focused on scientific research, thinking that as long as they provide the basic conditions for people to have enough to eat and wear, they can achieve their ideals. If they spent some effort studying the current situation in Chongqing, they would realize that the conditions they are providing will only be a shroud for the dead."
Cong Xia nodded. "You're right, especially that Chen Shao. After the Hongwei Gang was wiped out, his influence grew even stronger. He came to me earlier and asked us to take a pro-Huaxue faction stance when meeting with Wu You from the Frost Society."
"I know he came to see you, and I can guess what he said."
"So, what should we do?"
Zhuang Yao replied, "Let's wait until we meet Wu Yu and understand his intentions before deciding."
"But will Chongqing really be controlled by Chen Shao in the future?"
"Well, even if it does, it doesn't matter to us what this place becomes. Even if Chen Shao takes control of the entire Chongqing, he won't kill everyone. He would just be a regional king, and the people in the industrial park are not worth his time. This man's capacity is nothing more than that. There's nothing to worry too much about. The reason I say this is because I obtained some seeds of new drugs and crops, and they also have decent preservation techniques. I'll go there tomorrow and make sure to bring some back. What's even more important is that I am very interested in their research on mutated livestock. In the process of understanding it, I stumbled upon some unexpected things." Zhuang Yao's expression suddenly became serious.
"What things?"
Zhuang Yao said, "They are researching the transplantation of genes from mutated species into ordinary species using harmless viruses as a medium, in order to enhance the mutation of animals such as pigs and cows, resulting in more meat."
Cong Xia nodded. "This should be quite feasible."
"In Beijing, they should be able to complete this experiment, but there are some difficulties here. They lack the equipment for genome sequencing and can only rely on low-end instruments for gene identification and comparison, which slows down the progress. However, they have made some achievements. The experimental subjects currently cannot survive successfully, but there have been a few cases where their sizes did increase as desired, although they died quickly. Since the start of this experiment, the power within the research institute has split into two factions."
Everyone listened attentively.
"One faction is represented by these few old scientists I have been in contact with, who insist on using this experiment to revive animal husbandry, allowing ordinary people in Chongqing to have meat without risking their lives. The other faction is controlled by the military, and they want to create more mutated species, especially mutated humans."
Mutated humans...
Liu Fengyu showed a disgusted expression. "That doesn't sound like a good thing."
"The unexpected thing is not that. I believe many people fantasize about the creation of mutated humans and are even willing to take risks to become privileged in this era. What surprised me was that when I participated in their dissection of Zhao Jin's body, I discovered some secrets regarding energy bodies."
"What secret?"
"The energy of the energy bodies, shortly after their death, may be extractable," Zhuang Yao explained.
Cong Xia's eyes widened.
Zhuang Yao looked at him. "That's right. It's not just your method of absorbing energy. Perhaps it can also be done through some kind of device. However, if such a device truly exists, you are infinitely more advanced than it, and you can also store, utilize, and output energy."
"How did you... discover this?" Cong Xia asked.
"This is currently just my speculation. If it were the old me, I'm afraid I wouldn't have been able to come up with such a guess based on such subtle energy fluctuations. But after my cerebral domain evolved, my thinking ability has increased dozens of times compared to before. My mental domain is vast, and some ideas are simply fantastical, something the old me would never have dared to imagine. But now they are happening to me. Especially because you can absorb energy, it has expanded my thinking in this area. Those ordinary scientists, although they are intelligent, never even considered this possibility, but I did. Moreover, combined with your way of absorbing energy, I have even formulated some theoretical concepts. Since I can make such guesses, those cerebral domain evolved individuals in Beijing, who have undoubtedly dissected countless energy bodies, will eventually come up with similar speculations."
"If energy can truly be extracted..." Cong Xia suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
Zhuang Yao's expression turned solemn. "If energy can truly be extracted, then by deduction, it can also be absorbed. If this theory is put into practice, it means that if there are more people like you, it will be a greater disaster for humanity."
Cong Xia felt a shiver run down his spine.
In this isolated mountain city, with only a few hundred thousand people, there were already open conflicts and hidden battles, filled with killings and plundering every day. If energy became something that could be plundered, those who sought to become stronger would not stop at robbing the energy of others and other species. By then, there would be no need for other species to encroach upon human survival space; humans would gradually perish in their own self-destruction.
How cruel it was.
Zhuang Yao said, "I don't want such a thing to be put into practice, but I have a feeling that I can't stop it anymore. Those people in Beijing, they are at the forefront of this era of disaster."
Cong Xia took a deep breath, unable to suppress the chill running through his body. Everyone in the room had an unsettling expression on their faces.
