The next morning, Feng Qi woke up to find Wei Wei leaning against his bed, watching him with a mischievous smile.
"What are you doing?" he asked immediately.
"Nothing."
Feng Qi: …
Looking at Wei Wei's playful expression, he sighed inwardly.
Wei Wei stretched lazily as she stood up. Her thin sleepwear barely concealed her graceful curves. Flashing him a smile, she said, "Get up and have breakfast. Let's finish recording the rest of the material today."
Feng Qi nodded and got out of bed, relieved his clothes were still intact, sparing him from any awkward moments.
After a quick wash-up, during which Wei Wei changed into fresh clothes in the adjacent room, the two left for the cafeteria within the Crimson Research Institute.
Grabbing a modest breakfast, Feng Qi sat across from Wei Wei and started eating.
Without his innate abilities and energy progress bar, Feng Qi quickly felt full. Meanwhile, Wei Wei was locked in a fierce battle with her food, eating as if the world depended on it.
At that moment, his phone buzzed.
Pulling it out, he saw it was Bai Fusheng calling.
When he answered, Bai Fusheng's concerned voice came through:
"Ah Qi, where are you? The guard reported that you've been out for a whole day and night. Did something happen?"
Feng Qi replied, "Shi-gong, I'm fine. I'm visiting the Crimson Research Institute, and everything's safe here."
Hearing this, Bai Fusheng's tone softened.
"Alright. Take care of your business then."
After hanging up, Wei Wei put down her chopsticks, a satisfied smile on her face.
Observing her expression, Feng Qi became even more convinced that Mu Qing's eating habits were undoubtedly influenced by Wei Wei. Even their post-meal satisfaction expressions were identical.
Feng Qi followed Wei Wei back to the recording room to continue documenting the detailed information on the "Brain in a Vat" project.
In work mode, Wei Wei's demeanor transformed—focused and meticulous. She constantly double-checked the data to ensure its accuracy.
After spending most of the day on the task, the data was finally fully recorded.
"Ready to leave?" Wei Wei asked with a smile.
"I'll probably be back," Feng Qi said with a grin.
"Before you go, let me give you a gene injection. Many researchers here don't have time to cultivate. They rely on these injections to handle high-intensity workloads. It'll improve your physical condition and boost your learning efficiency."
Feng Qi nodded without hesitation.
Wei Wei took him for a comprehensive health check. After gathering his physical parameters, she brought him to a lab to prepare the gene solution.
Moments later, Feng Qi lay on a surgical table as the gene solution was injected into him.
"Your body is starting to absorb the gene fluid. This process will take some time, so rest for a while," Wei Wei said with a smile.
Hearing this, a wave of drowsiness swept over Feng Qi. He couldn't resist it and quickly fell asleep.
When he woke up, Wei Wei was nowhere to be found.
Getting off the table, he felt refreshed, his senses heightened. The effects of the gene injection were even more pronounced than he had expected.
The lab door opened, and Wei Wei, now dressed in a crimson research uniform, walked in.
"How do you feel? Pretty amazing, right?"
"Incredible. Nothing less from the Crimson Research Institute's top products," Feng Qi praised without reserve.
"Heading out?"
"Yeah." Feng Qi nodded.
This timeline's primary goal lay within the Institute of Technological Research, so he needed to focus on studying to secure a place there. Staying here longer wasn't an option.
"This place is pretty remote. You won't find a cab. I'll contact the base guards to arrange for someone to take you back to Star City Academy."
"Thanks."
Wei Wei called the base guards and personally escorted Feng Qi to the main gate.
An armored light vehicle was already waiting there.
Before parting, Wei Wei turned to him and said, "If you ever feel lost, you can always come to me."
"Do I look that fragile?" Feng Qi rolled his eyes.
"Even strong people feel lost sometimes. You're not a saint—you're just a 17-year-old kid. No matter how determined you are, there will be moments of helplessness and pain," Wei Wei said with a knowing smile.
Her words, filled with encouragement, warmed Feng Qi's heart.
"If that happens, I'll come to you."
"Alright, get going. I've got a mountain of work waiting for me," Wei Wei said, waving him off dismissively.
Feng Qi nodded and got into the vehicle.
As Wei Wei watched, the vehicle drove out of the base's gates.
Back at Star City Academy, Feng Qi first went to Bai Fusheng's office to report everything that had happened.
By the time he left the office, the sky had already darkened.
Returning to his dorm, he took a hot shower and changed into clean clothes.
Sitting at his desk, he began scouring the internet for knowledge, diving into study mode.
His understanding of technological subjects was shallow, requiring him to start from scratch.
But with an early demise looming over him, Feng Qi felt the urgency to learn as much as possible and join the Institute of Technological Research as soon as he could.
Even if he were destined to be a sacrifice, he would maximize his value.
The following days followed the same pattern.
Day after day, Feng Qi's life was consumed by study.
He didn't neglect his classes either. The knowledge he had stored in his mind about cultivation techniques, he planned to teach to others.
To avoid interference, Feng Qi decided against forming any organizations in this timeline. The fates of individuals like Lü Yue would unfold naturally, outside his plans.
Feng Qi's approach was simple—to share the cultivation techniques and knowledge he had extracted from the future database with the students around him.
Among those closest to him, Lin Ran and Mu Qing were the most puzzled by his sudden transformation.
When questioned, Feng Qi offered little explanation. He merely said he had found a new direction, all in pursuit of his dreams.
Lin Ran remained unconvinced, but Mu Qing chose to support him unconditionally.
Two months later.
Feng Qi left Star City Academy once again.
Exiting through the academy gates, he hailed a cab via his phone and set his destination to his alma mater, Xincheng High School.
According to his plans for this timeline, he hoped that Wang Jinsheng could uncover the hidden dangers buried within the cultivation method "Flesh Sacrifice."
In his opinion, Wang Jinsheng's future shouldn't involve joining Tiger Soul Research Institute but instead hiding in a safe place until the day "Flesh Sacrifice" was publicly released.
At that point, Old Wang would gain access to the technique's complete details, allowing him to delve into the research and attempt to neutralize its risks.
If Old Wang could truly succeed in eliminating the hidden dangers of "Flesh Sacrifice," he could either relay his findings to Wei Wei or leave a detailed record for the Feng Qi of another timeline.
This was the only viable method Feng Qi could think of to address the dangers of "Flesh Sacrifice" without directly opposing the Tiger Soul Research Institute.
If the plan succeeded, "Flesh Sacrifice" would no longer be a stumbling block on humanity's path to development but could become a driving force for advancing cultivation research.
Turning an enemy's weapon into an ally's strength—this was far more strategic than directly confronting the Tiger Soul Research Institute.
Humanity needed a "vaccine" against "Flesh Sacrifice," and Wang Jinsheng was its best hope.
After a two-hour ride, the cab stopped in front of Xincheng High School's gates.
Paying the fare, Feng Qi stepped out and verified his identity with the security guard. The familiar gatekeeper allowed him entry.
Walking down the tree-shaded paths of his alma mater, everything felt intimately familiar, filling him with nostalgia.
On the way to the teaching building, his mind involuntarily replayed scenes from his past.
Under the century-old sycamore tree in the distance, he and Mo Fei once climbed to catch cicadas, and he nearly fell off in the process.
The pathway lined with trash bins had been one of their class's cleanup zones. Armed with brooms, he and his classmates pretended to be domain warriors, engaging in mock battles.
Everything about this place held pieces of his youthful memories.
Arriving at Wang Jinsheng's office, Feng Qi pushed open the door.
Old Wang was sitting with a steaming teacup in hand. Hearing the door creak, he turned his head, meeting Feng Qi's gaze.
Their eyes met, and a smile spread across Wang Jinsheng's face.
"What brings you here all of a sudden?"
"Missed you, of course," Feng Qi replied, grinning as he stepped inside.
"Take a seat."
Without hesitation, Feng Qi pulled up a chair and sat down beside Wang Jinsheng.
After giving Feng Qi a once-over, Wang Jinsheng chuckled.
"You've been doing well. The school leaders always mention you in their speeches, telling new students to follow your example."
"Of course," Feng Qi said, puffing his chest. "After all, I'm a recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to Humanity Silver Medal. Who knows, maybe I'll bag the gold next."
"Don't let it get to your head," Wang Jinsheng retorted, though his eyes betrayed pride. Feng Qi's achievements clearly filled him with satisfaction.
For years, it had been one of Wang Jinsheng's goals to see his students become extraordinary individuals.
"Alright, spill it. What's the real reason you're here?" Wang Jinsheng pressed.
Feng Qi nodded, his expression turning serious.
"Old Wang, what I'm about to tell you might shock you, so brace yourself."
"Go ahead. I've got a hunch already," Wang Jinsheng said, leaning back.
"What's your guess?" Feng Qi asked curiously.
"Having known you for so many years, I can tell something's changed. You've transformed so much that I sometimes wonder if the person constantly sending good news back to the school is even the same Feng Qi I once knew."
"Sharp as ever," Feng Qi said, grinning.
"Alright, I'm ready. Lay it on me," Wang Jinsheng said, nodding.
Without hesitation, Feng Qi began detailing the situation with the Tiger Soul Research Institute and his former ability to traverse timelines.
Wang Jinsheng listened intently, his expression unwavering, though his eyes reflected growing disbelief.
By the time Feng Qi finished his account, the sky outside had darkened.
Wang Jinsheng sat in stunned silence, absorbing everything he had just heard.
After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice steady but tinged with awe.
"So, if I understand this correctly, you want me to stay at Xincheng High School and wait for the release of 'Flesh Sacrifice,' then work on decoding its hidden dangers?"
Feng Qi nodded firmly.
"Exactly."
Wang Jinsheng fell silent, lost in thought for a few moments before giving a resolute nod.
"Alright, we'll follow your plan. I'll stay here."
Hearing Old Wang's agreement, Feng Qi's heart filled with relief. Another crucial step in his timeline had been set in motion.
With Old Wang's agreement, Feng Qi had planted the seed for breaking the hidden dangers of "Flesh Sacrifice."
But whether that seed would grow and bear fruit… he might never witness.
It was already dinner time. Feng Qi followed Old Wang back to the teacher's dormitory, where Old Wang personally prepared a meal to treat him.
Tasting Old Wang's cooking again, Feng Qi couldn't help but savor every bite.
For most, "a mother's cooking" evoked nostalgic memories of warmth and love. But as an orphan, Feng Qi had never known that feeling. Instead, it was Old Wang who often invited him to the teacher's dormitory, tutoring him while preparing meals.
Revisiting the familiar flavors filled Feng Qi's heart with a bittersweet warmth.
After dinner, the sky had grown dark.
Old Wang grabbed a case of liquor and dragged Feng Qi to the rooftop of the teaching building, suggesting they share a drink before he left.
Seated on the rooftop beneath the clear, starlit sky, Feng Qi and Wang Jinsheng clinked their glasses, drinking deeply.
For the first time, Feng Qi opened up without any emotional burdens, sharing his innermost thoughts.
Old Wang listened with a warm smile, occasionally joining him in cursing the entrenched rot within human civilization.
After taking a swig of his bottle, Feng Qi exhaled deeply.
"Old Wang, tell me, how are you really feeling? Are you lost or overwhelmed?"
"Not at all."
"Really?" Feng Qi eyed him skeptically.
"Even knowing the future's outcome, what does it matter? I'm certain that in any timeline, there's no version of Wang Jinsheng who kneels in submission—only one who fights tirelessly for humanity's future. None of me will ever compromise with the end."
Gazing at Old Wang's slightly flushed face, Feng Qi felt warmth course through his chest.
This was the Wang Jinsheng he knew.
A man who was eternally optimistic about humanity's future and who would tirelessly strive toward his ideals.
"On the other hand, don't let yourself falter," Wang Jinsheng said with a faint smile.
"Your student isn't that fragile," Feng Qi retorted, his voice firm. "As you said, even knowing the outcome, so what? History books are far too small to capture the vastness of one's life. Mine is no exception."
Locking eyes with Feng Qi's steadfast gaze, Wang Jinsheng let out a hearty laugh.
"But history books are also vast—what you casually flip past in a single page may be someone else's entire life. Each of us has our own grand journey."
"Well said, Old Wang. Cheers to that."
As always, Wang Jinsheng radiated unwavering resolve toward the future.
There was no resignation, no surrender to despair—only an unyielding commitment to persevere.
For him, if the future wasn't as desired, it simply meant working harder to reshape it until it aligned with his vision.
Clinking their bottles together, the two continued talking about the future and history, their conversation growing more animated with each exchange.
At moments, they couldn't help but burst into laughter, their emotions spilling out freely under the starlit sky.
Sharing this moment of catharsis was deeply fulfilling, and Feng Qi cherished every second.
Their hearts resonated, united by the same dream: to fight for humanity's rise.
Wang Jinsheng's conviction was infectious, constantly inspiring him.
The figure that once stood at the podium, speaking with unwavering certainty about believing in humanity's future, had left an indelible mark on his soul.
Even the farewell messages left by his classmates at graduation bore the unmistakable influence of Wang Jinsheng's teachings.
Everyone needs a safe harbor in their hearts, and for Feng Qi, that harbor was Wang Jinsheng.
After a few rounds of drinks, Feng Qi was beginning to feel the effects of the alcohol.
He didn't know what the future held.
But he firmly believed that as time's wings brushed the river of moments and grazed the vastness of the stars, another version of him would be somewhere in that fractured timeline, listening to the bloom of idealism.
Through the cycle of time, the unchanging constant was the silhouette of the strivers. The clearest coordinates in history were the unwavering steps of those who dared to fight.
To cherish every moment is to aspire to greatness that lasts through eternity.
This sacrificial line was one he vowed to spend his entire life cultivating, striving to alter the course of fate.
Perhaps his trace would eventually fade, becoming mere fragments of text in history—a few faint messages that time would inevitably erode.
But Feng Qi believed that the words "the future is hopeful" would remain sharp and vibrant, impossible to erase.
Under the night sky, with blurred vision and flushed cheeks, Feng Qi raised his bottle high, shouting toward the vast cosmos,
"Future! Charge forward for me!"