As Feng Qi opened his eyes, the familiar ceiling of his dormitory came into view. Slowly sitting up from the sofa, he glanced at the now-empty bottle of Meritorious Wine on the table and rubbed his aching temples. The overlapping effects of his memories were still present, but most of the fragmented images had settled into clarity.
He rose and walked over to the desk, sitting down before pulling out his notebook. With a deep breath, he began organizing the intelligence he had gleaned from his recent experience in the Dream Realm.
Since there had been no notable advancements in his strength this time, he skipped the section for recording power progress and moved directly to cataloging the vital information he had gathered.
The data was plentiful, and it took him a moment to arrange his thoughts before he started writing:
Confirmed Allies Within the Future Research Institute
Some individuals in the Future Research Institute, such as Li Xingchen and Jia Hui, were trustworthy collaborators. However, not all members could be relied upon, as many were still under the control of the Institute of Technological Research.
Note: Future collaborations with Li Xingchen and Jia Hui should be pursued cautiously.
Impact of Opposing the Institute of Technological Research
Actively resisting the Institute of Technological Research could significantly alter the future and facilitate contact with the "future people," potentially leading to more valuable intelligence and access to future database accounts.
Note: The key to altering the future lies not in the Dawn organization alone but in rallying influential allies during their rise to challenge the Institute of Technological Research.
Domain Weak Tribes Within Future Star City Shelter
Certain domain weak tribes are hiding in the Star City Shelter.
A mysterious golden orb is crucial to the shelter's operation and emits spatial signals outward.
The shelter contains abundant resources that aid in restoring Suction Cup's strength.
Hypothesis: The golden orb might serve as a communication node for Little Cripple and its tribe within the shelter. However, its origins remain unknown.
Mist Lord's Agenda and Its Hidden Targets
The Mist Lord's propagation of The Blood Sacrifice Ritual was not solely aimed at humans but also at other domain forces covertly entrenched in human civilization.
Note: Cracking The Blood Sacrifice Ritual could inadvertently aid other domain weak tribes. Collaboration with them might be feasible on specific timelines to counter Tiger Soul Research Institute and the Mist Lord.
Little Cripple's Origins
While Little Cripple's background has been clarified, questions remain as to why its tribe risked everything to journey to the human world rather than surviving in their domain world.
Hypotheses:
Little Cripple's ambition for racial ascension.
Awareness of a significant survival crisis (possibly related to the "Great Momentum"), forcing a desperate gamble to migrate to the human world.
Rune Enhancement Project by Crimson Research Institute
The rune- enhancement project could empower individuals in future timelines who lack innate abilities. Surviving the painful transformation enhances compatibility with rune crystals.
Note: Ensure Crimson Research Institute prepares multiple rune crystals compatible with my bloodline for selection.
Potential Collaborators Among Domain Resistance Groups
Intelligence from the Crimson Research Institute revealed that the Prajna Domain Combat Squad and Victory Combat Squad, under the Victory Research Institute, are covertly aligned with humanity's salvation efforts.
Note: Future attempts to contact these groups could yield additional critical intelligence.
...
The list extended beyond a dozen entries, but Feng Qi finally stopped after the essentials were detailed. As the mental strain from memory overlap subsided, he recalled several key pieces of information obtained at the Crimson Research Institute—particularly about the knowledge implantation technology.
This technology eliminated the need to memorize the colossal codebase of the Super Virtual Game. Instead, the data could be directly implanted into the brain of his "future self," enabling him to access it via his Nightmare ability. However, the technology had limitations.
The primary challenge lay in storage capacity. Despite his past self providing the institute with critical knowledge about psionic technology, the Crimson Research Institute was overwhelmed by the Super Virtual Game code. They lacked the resources to also implant the far more complex data concerning psionic advancements.
This left Feng Qi pondering another pressing question: how to bolster the Crimson Research Institute's capabilities, ensuring it could play a pivotal role in shaping the future?
"Resource issues, manpower issues," he muttered, scanning his notes. "For the Crimson Research Institute to gain a foothold in the future, its current strength isn't enough."
[That's an easy one,] the narrator interjected. [The Institute of Technological Research has Shadow backing it, while the Tiger Soul Research Institute is supported by the Mist Lord. Obviously, the Crimson Research Institute needs someone like… me.]
Feng Qi: "…"
The thought wasn't entirely far-fetched. Strengthening the Crimson Research Institute was already part of his plan, and now he had a clear path forward. Along with technical support, he had several ideas about securing resources for the institute.
As his thoughts crystallized, he realized he already possessed the complete code for the Super Virtual Game.
This realization meant he could begin developing the Super Virtual Game in the present reality. Beyond advancing human civilization, the project could generate enormous revenue to support the Crimson Research Institute, enabling it to acquire vast resources and expand its capabilities.
Additionally, the game's virtual reality simulations could significantly reduce unnecessary expenditures on research projects.
As for the associated risks?
Feng Qi wasn't overly concerned. He recalled his conversation with Shadow. At the time, Shadow had mistakenly assumed he represented a domain force infiltrating human society to prepare for future plans. Shadow had even remarked that as long as such forces didn't interfere with their interests, there would be no opposition.
Feng Qi had gleaned something crucial from that exchange: domain forces avoided exposing themselves and refrained from provoking others unless their opponent's identity was clear and the potential benefits outweighed the risks. This principle included forces like the Tiger Soul Research Institute.
The key stipulation? The force in question couldn't be human.
Feng Qi realized he could leverage the guise of a domain force to develop and release the Super Virtual Game.
Time passed swiftly as he contemplated this idea. After a while, his desk phone rang. Picking it up, he saw that the call was from Lin Ran.
[Mist Lord's calling! Probably inviting you for a rematch in the future!]
Feng Qi: "..."
Checking the time, he noticed it was already 5:32 PM. There was no need to guess why Lin Ran was calling.
Answering the call, Lin Ran's familiar voice came through:
"Qi-ge, what's going on? It's dinner time, and you're still not here! What's the deal? Losing your sense of priorities?"
"I'm on my way!"
Hanging up, Feng Qi stood, grabbed his jacket, and left the dormitory.
The sky outside was painted with vibrant hues of the setting sun, the red-tinged clouds stretching far and wide. He strode quickly down the tree-lined path leading to the campus cafeteria, his steps steady and deliberate.
After about ten minutes, he spotted a familiar figure heading his way from the cafeteria, a broad grin plastered across his face.
The man's strutting gait had a distinctly cocky edge, his shiny bald head glowing faintly in the sunset's light. His entire demeanor exuded a kind of grounded, roguish energy.
Recalling a moment from the sacrifice timeline when Hui Xu had laughed and said, "You never asked," Feng Qi stepped forward, blocking Hui Xu's path.
"Qi-ge! On your way to eat?" Hui Xu greeted him with his characteristic grin, seemingly unfazed by the sudden interruption.
"Hui Xu, keeping secrets, are we?" Feng Qi responded with a chuckle.
"What do you mean, Qi-ge? I don't get it," Hui Xu replied, feigning confusion as he scratched his shiny head.
"Got time tonight? Come by my dorm; we need to talk."
"Ah, what bad timing. I just put in a request to visit the monastery. I'm heading back to change into my ascetic robes and leave campus," Hui Xu replied, his tone apologetic as he scratched his head again.
"Alright then, another time. I'll head to the cafeteria for now," Feng Qi said, clapping Hui Xu on the shoulder with a smile.
As Feng Qi turned to leave, Hui Xu called out again, curiosity evident in his tone:
"Qi-ge, what do you mean by 'keeping secrets'? What secrets?"
Looking back at Hui Xu's guileless expression, Feng Qi knew the monk was probing him, trying to determine if he truly knew anything. He decided not to reveal too much for now.
Smiling, he simply said: "Never mind. Go handle your business."
With that, he continued toward the cafeteria, leaving Hui Xu standing there with a mix of puzzlement and suspicion on his face.
By the time Feng Qi arrived at the cafeteria, it was already past 6 PM.
The self-service area was still bustling as students trickled in, and the buffet remained plentiful. Grabbing a tray, Feng Qi spent five minutes piling it high with food before making his way to a corner table in the north section.
Lin Ran was already there, nearly finished with his meal, while Mu Qing was still focused on her food.
Setting down his tray, Feng Qi sat beside Lin Ran.
"Qi-ge, what took you so long? What were you up to?" Lin Ran asked, his curiosity evident as he leaned closer.
"Saving the world. It took a little longer than expected," Feng Qi replied nonchalantly.
"Count me in next time!" Lin Ran said with a laugh, assuming Feng Qi was joking.
"Sure, just make sure you can keep up."
Lin Ran's baffled expression made Feng Qi smirk. Turning his attention to Mu Qing, he noticed her looking up, her cheeks puffed as she chewed.
The sight immediately reminded him of Suction Cup.
As Feng Qi watched Mu Qing's puffed-up cheeks and focused expression while she ate, he couldn't help but be reminded of Suction Cup's usual antics.
[Tsk, tsk, no wonder she's Suction Cup's counterpart—she even eats with the same expression.] The narrator's voice chimed in with its signature commentary.
"Qi-ge, is something wrong?" Mu Qing asked curiously when she noticed his gaze.
"Nothing. Just keep eating," Feng Qi replied, grabbing a piece of golden-fried pork chop and taking a satisfying bite.
The combination of melted cheese and rich meat juices filled his mouth, and his face lit up with pleasure. After reliving the memories of the sacrifice timeline—where he had wandered through the night, barely surviving—such a meal felt like a luxury.
He deeply understood now that happiness was often found in comparison. People with healthy limbs might complain about the trivialities of life, only to long for the days when they could walk freely if ever paralyzed. And when bedridden with sores, they might yearn for the relative stability of sitting in a wheelchair.
Happiness in every stage of life is always measured against the possibility of worse circumstances.
Modern humans complained about the dangers posed by domain creatures, even within the city, but they couldn't comprehend the bleak future where survivors lived underground. In that era, newborn children had never seen true sunlight. To them, the sun was just a golden sphere in videos and pictures, without warmth or brilliance.
Eating this hearty meal, a wave of contentment surged in Feng Qi's heart.
He ate slowly, savoring each bite. At one point, he even went back for seconds before he was finally satisfied. After finishing his meal, he said goodbye to Mu Qing and left the cafeteria with Lin Ran, heading toward the library.
The library was brightly lit at night, teeming with students. It was the busiest spot in Star City Academy during this time of day. After selecting a few books, Feng Qi and Lin Ran found a spot in the reading room to settle in.
Feng Qi pushed a book toward Lin Ran and said, "Read this today. If you don't understand something, ask me."
"Introduction to Mental Deconstruction? Why would I need to read this?" Lin Ran asked, clearly puzzled.
"I'm planning to develop a cultivation technique to enhance mental strength. It'll need to be paired with a top-tier mental attack technique. I can handle the cultivation method, but I don't understand techniques, so I need your help," Feng Qi said with a calm smile.
Hearing Feng Qi mention creating a new technique, Lin Ran's interest was immediately piqued. "No problem, Qi-ge! But can you give me a hint about what kind of cultivation technique you're working on?"
In response, Feng Qi shared part of the knowledge he had memorized from the five-star technique Wu Liang during his time in the future dream realm. Since he needed Lin Ran's full cooperation, he dangled the bait without hesitation.
As expected, Lin Ran's curiosity was fully hooked. He pounded his chest and declared, "Qi-ge, leave the mental attack technique to me! I'll make sure it's worthy of your cultivation method."
"But I'm not very familiar with mental techniques, so I'll need some time to figure things out. You'll hear from me soon," Lin Ran added with enthusiasm.
[Great idea—waiting for your update in the future, Misty Ran.]
Feng Qi chuckled at the narrator's remark.
Lin Ran picked up the book Feng Qi had chosen for him and began reading earnestly. Seeing his dedication, Feng Qi felt a surge of satisfaction.
The path to saving humanity was too lonely for just one person. He longed for companions to walk beside him. Lin Ran's exceptional talent and willingness to assist promised to reduce the hurdles they faced in the future.
As the night deepened, the reading room became even busier. Students filled every seat, immersed in their books. Watching the studious atmosphere, Feng Qi felt a warm sense of hope.
These students, like him, had grown up learning about history. They understood that today's peace in Star City was bought with the sacrifices of countless predecessors who had given their lives in bloodshed. If not for those sacrifices, human civilization would have been wiped out 500 years ago.
"Those who came before planted trees, so we might enjoy the shade," Feng Qi thought. In this perilous era, the trees were the monumental sacrifices of the fallen heroes, their legacies forming the foundation of hope.
In the determined faces of the students, Feng Qi saw a glimpse of a promising future. History showed that every era had its share of despised criminals, but also its brave believers in the light—those who lit bonfires with their blood in the darkness to fight for humanity's future.
If asked why they worked so hard, they would answer: For you. For a distant, brighter future. For a time when humanity can bask in prosperity.
They knew they wouldn't live to see that future. They simply wanted to shine as brightly as they could in their time.
Listening to the scratching of pen against paper around him, Feng Qi realized that these students, burdened with the hopes of their era, also sought to carve their names into history in their own ways. They strove to build a better tomorrow for those who would come after them.
"Those who came before planted trees, so we might enjoy the shade."
This cycle repeated across all generations, carried by the few who never gave up.