On the seventh day of the new year, light snow was falling.
After getting out of the car at the entrance of Star City Academy, Feng Qi walked straight to Bai Fusheng's office. Knocking on the door, Bai Fusheng's strong, clear voice came from inside: "Come in."
Pushing the door open, Feng Qi saw Bai Fusheng wearing a Zhongshan suit, flipping through documents on his desk. When Bai Fusheng looked up and saw him, he asked, "It's so late, and you came back just to see me? Couldn't this be handled over the phone?"
"This matter is too important. I thought it would be better to talk to you in person." Feng Qi grinned as he sat down in front of the desk and casually picked up the teapot, pouring tea into Bai Fusheng's cup.
Hearing this, Bai Fusheng's eyes showed a trace of doubt. Feng Qi had been frequently taking leave recently, but he hadn't said much about it. After all, Feng Qi was now engaged in cultivation technique research at Tiger Soul Research Institute, which Bai Fusheng considered a good thing. In his view, Star City Academy was too small a pond for a genius like Feng Qi. This place wasn't suited for his future development. He had tried multiple times to persuade Feng Qi to quit teaching and focus on his research at Tiger Soul Research Institute. But to his disappointment, Feng Qi had refused every time.
For such a stubborn student, he could only sigh helplessly. Thinking of this, Bai Fusheng couldn't help but ask, "So, have you finally come to your senses and decided to leave the academy to work full-time at Tiger Soul Research Institute?"
"No, it's something even more important than that!"
"Oh?" Bai Fusheng raised an eyebrow. "Then tell me in detail."
Looking at Bai Fusheng, Feng Qi had already made up his mind to reveal his secret. The reason he had come back specifically to see Bai Fusheng was because of a long-debated plan in his mind—a crucial decision regarding this battle timeline.
Should he introduce the super virtual game "Dawn" in this timeline?
If "Dawn" could prove its potential in shaping the future through this experimental timeline, then it would be an invaluable reference for his future sacrificial timelines.
Right now, Star City's military department and the various branches of the Dawn Organization were rigorously training soldiers in preparation for the upcoming war. If they introduced a super virtual game, it could greatly enhance the soldiers' combat skills. Additionally, training in the virtual space would reduce unnecessary injuries, allowing them to fight with full force without reservation.
From every angle, the introduction of a super virtual game would significantly boost Star City's military preparedness.
If it were just this, he would have already pushed forward with the plan. But the biggest issue was the potential risks involved, which had kept him hesitant.
The domain infiltrators had entrenched themselves within the major cities' power structures, each faction controlling its own sphere of influence. If the super virtual game was launched, it would be open to the entire human race, and its influence would grow rapidly with its promotion. That would inevitably trigger alarm among the hidden domain forces.
For example, once the player base grew exponentially, Feng Qi would be able to manipulate public opinion within the game with a single system announcement.
Executing such control was quite simple—he only needed to publish an in-game notice and millions of players would immediately be aware of whatever message he wanted to convey.
Additionally, Dawn contained powerful training features, simulated experiments, domain dungeon explorations, and more. The game itself would pose a massive threat to the domain forces.
Its existence could disrupt the power structures they had long controlled.
The real concern was: If Dawn was launched, would Star City become a primary target for the domain forces' joint attack?
The various domain factions weren't foolish. If their common interests were endangered, they would likely form an alliance to eradicate the shared threat.
A similar situation had occurred before—when he escorted the Miracle Bloodstone through the Old Day Supply Zone in a previous timeline. At the time, faced with a Calamity-level domain creature, the warring domain factions immediately set aside their differences and joined forces against the common threat.
That was the real reason for his hesitation—whether the benefits of introducing Dawn outweighed the risk of Star City being collectively targeted by domain forces.
But this time, he made up his mind.
Since this is a battle timeline, then I should be bold and experiment. Even if things went wrong, another version of himself in a different timeline would pick up the pieces and continue forward.
Some things, you won't know if they'll work until you try.
That was why he had returned to find Bai Fusheng—to discuss the promotion of the super virtual game.
His plan was to use Star City Academy as the first experimental base for Dawn, before gradually expanding it outward.
More importantly, he wanted Star City Academy to become a talent reservoir for the Dawn Organization.
If all graduates could be recruited into the Dawn Organization, it would provide an endless supply of skilled fighters for future conflicts.
That was why he needed to tell Bai Fusheng the truth.
Taking a deep breath, he looked at Bai Fusheng seriously and asked, "Shi-gong, do you believe humans can master time travel?"
Hearing this, Bai Fusheng was momentarily stunned, his expression turning serious.
Then, after a brief silence, he suddenly slammed the desk and shouted: "You little brat! I absolutely disagree—absolutely not!"
Feng Qi was dumbfounded as Bai Fusheng huffed, his beard bristling in anger: "What do you think you are? First, it's a super virtual game, and now you're talking about time travel?"
"I know what you're thinking! Are you planning to develop a time machine now? Can't you just focus on your work at Tiger Soul Research Institute? That's where you belong! What's all this nonsense about virtual games and time travel? You're wasting your talent!"
Looking at Bai Fusheng's furious expression, Feng Qi felt a cold sweat forming.
Clearly, Bai Fusheng had misunderstood.
But he could understand why.
Every time he came to see Bai Fusheng, it was because he needed something, and each time it was for some wild, unrealistic proposal. In Bai Fusheng's eyes, all of these ideas sounded too far-fetched to be practical.
So the moment Bai Fusheng heard "time travel," his first reaction was to assume Feng Qi was up to some crazy new plan again.
Realizing this, Feng Qi quickly poured tea into Bai Fusheng's cup and pushed it toward him.
"Shi-gong, I haven't finished speaking yet! You misunderstood me. How could I possibly have the ability to build a time machine?"
"I'm not drinking until you explain everything clearly."
Hearing this, Feng Qi felt helpless. He knew Bai Fusheng had a straightforward personality. Back then, he had fallen out with his teacher, Wang Jinsheng, due to differing ideologies. Bai Fusheng believed that Wang Jinsheng had exceptional talent in cultivation research but chose to become a high school teacher, which he saw as a complete waste of talent. After repeated failed attempts to persuade Wang Jinsheng, their relationship was completely severed.
Facing Bai Fusheng's questioning, Feng Qi immediately began explaining seriously, "Shi-gong, it's not that I want to build a time machine. It's that I already have the ability to traverse timelines. You probably think that techniques like Fierce Tiger Fist were developed by me, but that's not actually the case…"
As he listened, Bai Fusheng's expression gradually changed from initial skepticism to eventual belief. Especially when he learned that both Tiger Soul Research Institute and Crimson Research Institute had already joined the Dawn Organization, he was completely stunned. He didn't think Feng Qi was joking.
After briefly summarizing his situation over the course of several hours, Feng Qi took a deep breath and then said solemnly, "Shi-gong, I need your help. Next, I want to use Star City Academy as a starting point to promote the Super Virtual Game."
After digesting all the information in silence for a long while, Bai Fusheng finally raised his head to look at Feng Qi and gave a firm nod. "Ah Qi, I believe you. Star City Academy will fully support your decision!"
Looking at Bai Fusheng, Feng Qi felt a wave of emotion in his heart. Over the years, Bai Fusheng had helped him immensely, especially in the early stages. Without Bai Fusheng's repeated support, many of his plans wouldn't have gone smoothly. This time was no exception. Bai Fusheng once again chose to fully support him.
"Shi-gong, thank you."
"Now, tell me in detail about your plan." Bai Fusheng took a sip of tea and smiled.
Feng Qi nodded and immediately began explaining his strategy for rolling out the Super Virtual Game.
Currently, Star City Academy already had thirteen virtual game pods stored in Room 1019 of the gymnasium, but they had not been made available for public use. These were first-generation models with many issues—low realism, poor build quality, and excessive loading lag.
His plan was to transport a batch of the latest high-end game pods from the Super Virtual Game factory outside Star City and install them in Star City Academy to allow students to start using them. The collected feedback would then be analyzed.
Meanwhile, the previously sealed-off secret factory under Crimson Research Institute, which had gone into hiding, would be restarted to continue producing high-end virtual game pods. The goal was to use Star City Academy as a pilot site before expanding to all academic institutions in Star City.
At the same time, the pods would be supplied to the military and domain combat squads.
The reason for prioritizing academia over the military and domain combat squads was strategic. Soldiers and domain warriors had already survived the brutal frontlines, making them highly skilled in real combat. The Super Virtual Game wouldn't provide them as much of an advantage. However, within academies, there were many powerful students who lacked real combat experience. These students had immense potential, and the Super Virtual Game could fill in their practical combat gaps, significantly enhancing their combat abilities. Once the war broke out, these students would become a vital force in battle.
After listening to Feng Qi's detailed explanation, Bai Fusheng nodded in understanding and expressed his full support for promoting the Super Virtual Game Dawn.
By the time Feng Qi left Bai Fusheng's office, it was already 3 AM.
Walking through the snow-covered campus, his steps were light. The groundwork he had laid across multiple timelines was finally being implemented in this one. He believed that this battlefront would bring him many surprises.
One week later.
The gates of Star City Academy were wide open.
A long convoy of transport trucks drove into the campus, heading toward the gymnasium. These trucks, originally used for transporting resources to Tiger Soul Research Institute, had been repurposed by Feng Qi to transport high-end virtual game pods.
The convoy had departed from the Super Factory outside Star City at dawn and had finally arrived at the academy. Each truck carried an official Star City Academy pass. Over the coming weeks, these trucks would shuttle between the factory and the academy, delivering large quantities of high-end virtual game pods for faculty and students.
Students along the route watched curiously, clearly unsure of why so many transport trucks had arrived at the academy.
Meanwhile, inside the academy's conference room, Bai Fusheng was wrapping up a high-level meeting.
"That's all I have to say for now. In a bit, we'll be holding a school-wide assembly on the field. Make sure to notify everyone immediately. Meeting adjourned!"
Upon Bai Fusheng's command, the faculty members at the conference table stood up. As they left the room, they pulled out their phones and began making arrangements for the school-wide meeting.
That day, Star City Academy was busier than ever.
One by one, the virtual game pods were assembled inside the gymnasium.
After the school assembly, students finally understood the purpose of the transport trucks arriving on campus.
That afternoon, a large number of students gathered outside the gymnasium, eager to try out the high-end game pods. Having just listened to Bai Fusheng's presentation on the field, they found it hard to believe that such a thing existed and were eager to experience it for themselves.
However, since Bai Fusheng had yet to announce the official launch, they could only wait anxiously outside.
Inside the principal's office.
Bai Fusheng sat across from an old man with a head full of white hair and a slightly plump figure.
"Lao Liang, what do you think? Any thoughts?"
"Is this thing really as miraculous as you claim? Virtual reality technology? Why have I never heard of it before?"
"Of course, something this good should be tested by Star City Academy first. You should be proud of our academy's ranking—don't you have any self-awareness?" Bai Fusheng chuckled.
The elder known as Old Liang immediately blew out his beard and widened his eyes upon hearing those words, yet he didn't refute them aloud.
Star City Academy was undoubtedly the top academy in Star City, a universally recognized fact among its residents. The gap between other academies and Star City Academy was enormous, especially in terms of resource allocation.
Old Liang, the elder in question, was the current principal of Starlight Academy in the northern district of Star City. Although its overall ranking was far below Star City Academy, it was still among the top academies in the city.
After listening to Bai Fusheng's explanation, Old Liang remained silent for a long time before finally speaking.
"How about you let me try it first? Then I'll decide whether or not to introduce it to the academy."
"No problem." Bai Fusheng immediately smiled and nodded.
This was exactly what he had been waiting for—Old Liang's proactive request.
With Feng Qi's assistance, Bai Fusheng had already experienced the latest version of Breaking Dawn in advance.
At the time, he had been shocked by the game's advanced realism technology. Facing an old friend now, he was filled with confidence, knowing that once Old Liang tried it himself, he would undoubtedly accept the proposal.
This way, Bai Fusheng would also be able to complete the task Feng Qi had assigned him.
"Come with me to the gymnasium. The virtual game pods are all set up there."
Bai Fusheng stood up, and seeing this, Old Liang immediately followed him out of the principal's office.
An hour later, Bai Fusheng led Old Liang into the gymnasium of Starlight Academy.
At the moment, the gymnasium was cordoned off, temporarily prohibiting student entry.
Inside, a large number of staff members were in the midst of renovations, assembling and installing the virtual game pods.
In the future, the gymnasium would be completely transformed into a Virtual Game Hall.
Leading Old Liang into the fully renovated Room 1, they stopped in front of a high-end game pod that gleamed under the lights with its metallic sheen.
After Bai Fusheng's careful explanations, Old Liang quickly understood how to operate these virtual game pods.
Moments later, Old Liang lay inside one of them.
Nutrient fluid flowed through the holes in the pod walls, while the lid of the virtual pod slowly descended over him.
His vision gradually dimmed into darkness…
Just as Old Liang was beginning to feel puzzled, a tiny point of light suddenly appeared before his eyes. In an instant, it erupted like a cosmic explosion, scattering countless stars across his field of vision.
The scene was so realistic that he felt as though he had truly been transported into the vast universe.
Then, the words Breaking Dawn gradually expanded before him.
"Identity verification in progress… Connecting to the database… Identity confirmed… Since this is your first time entering Breaking Dawn, please create a character name (Note: This game does not support renaming, please choose carefully)."
Staring at the floating virtual keyboard in front of him, Old Liang hesitated briefly before entering the name Old Liang.
The virtual screen immediately disappeared, and a character template materialized before him.
The template detailed his current physical attributes, mastered skills, and skill proficiency levels.
Since he was a new character, all attributes were set to None.
Once the character creation was complete, the scene before him dissolved like mist.
As his vision cleared, Old Liang found himself standing in the middle of a bustling cityscape.
Everything looked incredibly real.
The bright full moon in the sky, the marble-paved streets, the gushing fountains in the distance—even the shadows shifted in sync with his movements.
Recalling Bai Fusheng's words that this super-immersive virtual game would completely solve the safety risks of combat training for students, Old Liang had been somewhat skeptical at first.
But now, seeing how lifelike the environment was, he suddenly believed it.
Just then, a thunderous roar echoed through the sky. He instinctively looked up and saw a massive sky beast soaring overhead, its enormous figure blotting out the sky and exuding an overwhelming sense of oppression.
Roar!
A deep, resonant growl shook the air, sending a gust of wind that nearly knocked him off balance.
As the gigantic beast faded into the distance and flew toward the bright moon in the sky, Old Liang was left utterly speechless, overwhelmed by shock.
"This feels so real…" he muttered under his breath.
At that moment, a synthesized electronic voice rang out again:
"Character creation complete. Would you like to start the beginner's tutorial to familiarize yourself with the game?"
Without hesitation, Old Liang immediately responded, "Start the beginner's tutorial!"
As soon as he spoke, a functional interface appeared before him.
What followed was a detailed beginner's tutorial, with electronic narration and occasional pop-up video demonstrations explaining various mechanics.
Gradually, Old Liang came to understand how the game functioned.
But when he saw the introduction to the Virtual Dungeon feature, he was completely stunned.
At that moment, he realized something.
If this game could be fully developed, the difficulty of frontline warriors conquering domain fields would drastically decrease in the future.
Every dungeon run in the game was essentially a simulated real-world battle.
Once the beginner's tutorial ended, Old Liang intended to test out the PvP Matchmaking function in Breaking Dawn.
However, a system prompt quickly dashed his hopes.
[Sorry… Current detected online player count: 1. A minimum of 10 players is required to start PvP matchmaking. Unable to proceed with battle training.]
Feeling a bit regretful, he could only open the function panel and select Exit Game.
Once again, darkness engulfed his vision.
The lid of the game pod slowly lifted, and Old Liang opened his eyes.
As he sat up and climbed out of the pod, he turned decisively toward Bai Fusheng, who stood nearby grinning. His expression was filled with excitement.
"Old Bai, I'm in. But I need at least ten thousand virtual game pods for Starlight Academy!"
"Ten thousand? Why don't you just go rob someone?"
"Fine, five thousand then!"
"Get lost. Wait until we finish setting up the virtual pods at Star City Academy first. You'll have to get in line… Besides, I can't make that decision. You need to talk to Ah Qi."
"Who's Ah Qi?" Old Liang asked urgently.
Having experienced the game firsthand, he fully grasped its immense value.
If he could secure these virtual pods for Starlight Academy ahead of time, it would rapidly elevate the academy's overall strength.
With some luck, it might even propel Starlight Academy's ranking significantly upward—perhaps even into the ranks of the top-tier academies.