Blood energy surged, and flesh rapidly regenerated.
After finishing the test, Feng Qi picked up the mental soothing agent placed on the workstation and began drinking it in large gulps.
The mental soothing agent helped restore mental energy and cleanse negative emotions.
However, it also caused minor damage to the mind.
Wei Wei had set a daily limit on his consumption, ensuring that the intake was balanced with his mental recovery.
The prescribed dosage was updated after each future dream based on his medical examination results.
If it were possible to take it without consequences, he would have preferred to drink an entire bottle at once and completely erase all the negative emotions from his mind.
But that was obviously unrealistic.
After several days of regulation, his condition of being plagued by negative emotions had only eased slightly.
Essentially, the mental soothing agent could only serve as a supplement—if he wanted to fully eliminate the state of accumulating negative emotions, he would have to rely on the ability "Infinite Memory."
After a short rest, his mental energy was replenished.
Curious about Divine Body, he decided to continue testing the specifics of this ability.
With a single thought, a twisted mark appeared on his forehead.
In an instant, his hair fluttered despite the absence of wind, and golden energy flowed from his forehead.
Upon closer inspection, countless minuscule golden particles intertwined, gradually filling his vision.
Soon, the golden energy enveloped his entire body.
Feng Qi felt as if he were submerged in a warm current. His flesh began disintegrating, turning into a blood mist that surged into his heart.
As his flesh vanished, his skeleton became coated in golden energy, and the twisted mark on his forehead became more distinct.
In the blink of an eye, his fleshly body had been replaced with a pure elemental form. The world before his eyes was now filled with countless elemental particles and even purer elemental threads.
At this moment, he no longer felt the weight of his body.
With a single thought, he levitated off the ground and floated towards the full-length mirror on the other side of the workstation.
Raising his head, he saw that his appearance had completely departed from the concept of a human.
His body was entirely composed of golden energy, even his eyes had turned platinum white, and the twisted golden imprint on his forehead seemed to hover an inch above his skin, appearing incredibly ethereal.
With a wave of his hand, several elemental threads converged into his palm under his control.
In an instant, lightning, flames, and frost intertwined, surging and flickering within his palm.
What should have been an unstable, volatile energy mass miraculously reached a strange equilibrium.
At that moment, Feng Qi's consciousness extended outward, effortlessly separating the fused elements and suspending them in mid-air.
The sensation was utterly surreal—it was as if he had mastered the fundamental rules of nature, allowing him to manipulate the elements at will.
Every element now appeared as a symbol in his perception.
Just as the narrator had said, his flawless affinity with nature functioned like a programming language, allowing him to freely combine these elemental symbols to create entirely new spells.
Before he could continue further testing, a sharp pain suddenly struck him.
His mental energy had been completely drained.
The floating elemental mass instantly dispersed, and his golden energy body shattered, scattering into countless glowing fragments that gradually dimmed.
With a single thought, his heart began beating violently.
Surging blood energy gushed outward, transforming into crimson light that enveloped his form.
His flesh rapidly regenerated.
When he opened his eyes again, the entire world spun around him, and his head throbbed with sharp pain.
Without hesitation, he grabbed the mental soothing agent from the workstation and gulped down a large mouthful.
After a few breaths, the mental agony gradually faded.
Taking a deep breath, he finally steadied himself.
The Divine Body had shown overwhelming strength in its initial tests, making him feel as though he had transcended the natural order.
However, its flaws were also obvious.
If he activated Divine Body at the start of a battle and his mental energy ran out, he would instantly find himself in a helpless state.
This ability was best reserved as a last resort after Blood Source was exhausted, enabling him to extend his combat endurance by another 30 seconds.
As his mental energy increased in the future, the duration of Divine Body would undoubtedly improve.
Yet, Feng Qi couldn't shake a lingering doubt.
He had modeled Divine Body after Blood Source's internal structure, so even if it was incomplete, it should still have resulted in a physical enhancement ability.
For example, activating it should have granted him a golden, battle-hardened physique.
So why had he ended up with a spirit-based spellcasting ability instead?
At that moment, the narrator's voice sounded:
[This is actually quite easy to explain. Your Divine Body was only about 10% complete when you based it on Blood Source's framework. After that, you used evolution points to refine it, which led it to evolve toward its optimal form.]
[Additionally, the faith energy you used was a positive energy type, which is fundamentally different from the Blood Faith Energy sacrificed by the Goat-Headed Demons. In other words, Divine Body is actually your most optimal talent creation path. The evolution points simply corrected the flawed structure and guided it into its rightful form.]
Feng Qi was stunned. "How do you know that?"
[I just analyzed the internal structure of both Divine Body and Blood Source, and they are completely different now.]
"I see."
[By the way, take a guess—what else did I find inside the structure of Divine Body?]
"Spit it out."
[Something's off about this talent. I suspect that using it too often might shorten your lifespan. I strongly recommend feeding it to Three-Tails instead. If we break it down into evolution points, we can use them to enhance Blood Source—doesn't that sound much more useful?]
Feng Qi sneered, "Do you really think I'd believe that?"
[You're walking the wrong path. This is a dangerous and forbidden technique. I urge you to turn back before it's too late. Real men fight head-on with their fists. Only cowards hide in the back and go biu~ biu~ biu~.]
Feng Qi: …
Listening to the narrator's desperate ramblings, Feng Qi rolled his eyes in disdain.
Sure, he enjoyed close combat, but having an extra survival skill was always a good thing.
This was a talent ability he had created using all his faith energy—there was no way he was going to break it down just like that.
Who knew? Maybe in the future, it would bring him an unexpected surprise.
Besides, any future faith energy he gathered could be used to strengthen Divine Body, while evolution points could still go toward enhancing Blood Source.
The two abilities could grow in tandem without interfering with each other.
With his training finished, Feng Qi prepared to leave.
Before leaving, Feng Qi made a trip to Wei Wei's office to inform her about the successful creation of Divine Body.
As for the related data, there was no need for him to demonstrate the ability again.
The entire training room was filled with monitors and sensors, and all test data had been synchronized and recorded in Wei Wei's system. She could retrieve and review it at any time.
Next, he planned to return to Star City Academy and rest for a few days. He would continue drinking mental soothing agents to ensure his mental state was in peak condition before heading into the Sacrifice Line for his next operation.
…
By the time Feng Qi returned to Star City Academy, the sun was already setting, and the sky had begun to darken.
He pulled out his phone to check the time—5:39 PM.
It was just the right time for dinner.
Without hesitation, he sent a message to Lin Ran and Mu Qing to invite them to dinner.
By the time Feng Qi arrived at the academy cafeteria, it was already 6:10 PM.
As soon as he stepped inside, the aroma of food filled his nostrils.
Tonight, the cafeteria's menu had changed significantly—it was clear that the academy had exchanged chefs with another institution.
Grabbing a tray, Feng Qi headed toward the buffet section and began picking his food.
Tonight's dishes were mainly from the Zhejiang cuisine, featuring Dongpo Pork, Vinegar Fish, Beggar's Chicken, and Lotus Leaf Steamed Pork.
After selecting his main course, he scooped himself a large bowl of white rice.
At the northern corner of the cafeteria, Mu Qing and Lü Yue were already eating.
When he sat down beside Lin Ran, Mu Qing immediately looked up at him.
Their gazes met, and Feng Qi suddenly recalled the future dream, where Mu Qing—like a clingy little suction cup—kept rubbing against his chest.
Especially when she kicked and punched at Little Black, her expression of fierce adorableness was still fresh in his memory.
Compared to the future version of Mu Qing, who had matured into an elegant dominant beauty, the present-day Mu Qing, with her petite frame, looked exactly like that little suction cup.
She hadn't grown up at all.
[To be fair, Mu Qing could probably punch your head off with one hit.]
Feng Qi: …
But the narrator wasn't wrong.
Recalling the fight against Little Black, when Mu Qing had unleashed her Devour the Heavens and Earth ability, her sheer combat power was evident—she alone was a one-woman army.
The phrase "One man guards the pass, ten thousand cannot pass" used to be just a metaphor before the Cataclysm Era.
But Mu Qing truly lived up to that description.
Her title as "Humanity's Strongest War God" wasn't just for show. Even in the future timeline, her death had only come at the cost of multiple factions launching a coordinated siege against her.
In a one-on-one fight, aside from Little Black, there probably wasn't anyone who could stand against her.
At that moment, the sound of chopsticks tapping against the table snapped Feng Qi out of his thoughts.
"Qi-ge, tell me—where the hell have you been fooling around lately?"
Hearing Lin Ran's question, Mu Qing's ears perked up. She kept chewing her food, her cheeks puffed up like a squirrel, looking adorably silly.
Turning to face Lin Ran, who was staring at him with righteous fury, Feng Qi was taken aback.
"I already told you—I was out saving the world. Besides, why are you mad?"
Lin Ran scoffed, "Something big happened while you were gone. I wanted to share it with you, but you weren't there! I was so frustrated!"
Scooping a large spoonful of rice into his mouth, Feng Qi chewed and spoke at the same time.
"Well, you can tell me now."
Lin Ran's eyes gleamed with excitement.
"I received the Outstanding Contribution to Humanity Silver Medal! And my Sealed Hand Technique has been officially recognized!"
Hearing this, Feng Qi's chopsticks, which had been picking up a piece of fish, froze in midair.
"I originally wanted to share some Meritorious Wine with you, but now… it's not too late. What do you say—shall we drink tonight?"
"Absolutely," Feng Qi agreed immediately. "This is worth celebrating."
Lin Ran turned to Mu Qing.
"Mu Qing-jie?"
"Mm! Okay!" Mu Qing nodded enthusiastically, still chewing her food.
"Then it's settled." Lin Ran grinned.
As Lin Ran spoke about his achievement, a new thought suddenly emerged in Feng Qi's mind.
Wei Wei and Li Qianfeng had chosen him to approach Yin Ling, primarily because Crimson Research Institute didn't have anyone else of a similar age to assign to the mission.
Unlike other research institutes, which had many young talents, Crimson Research Institute was different.
Because Crimson Research Institute never participated in campus recruitment.
Only individuals who had already made significant contributions in their fields could join.
And those people were typically older—it was unrealistic to send them to approach Yin Ling.
Beyond the age factor, there was another crucial reason—he had the Outstanding Contribution to Humanity Silver Medal.
That medal was one of the highest honors possible for a civilian.
Though his was silver, at his age, there weren't even any gold medal recipients.
His credentials perfectly matched Yin Ling's status, meeting the Humanity Genius Reproduction Program's selection criteria.
If his qualifications were too weak, people would find it suspicious and might assume he was deliberately trying to get close.
Even Yin Ling herself might become wary.
But now, hearing Lin Ran's achievement, a new possibility dawned on him.
Right beside him stood a young genius.
Unlike Feng Qi, who had copied his achievements, Lin Ran was a true prodigy.
In the future, he was universally recognized as one of the founders of spell theory.
With such outstanding credentials, Lin Ran could completely replace him in the mission to approach Yin Ling.
And the most crucial part?
If Lin Ran went to be Yin Ling's loyal admirer, Feng Qi would be free to focus on his domain studies and apply to Old Day Academy.
The two objectives could be pursued simultaneously.
Before entering Old Day Academy, Feng Qi could still monitor Lin Ran's progress with Yin Ling and even assist in the execution of the plan.
This way, he would achieve two goals at once—killing two birds with one stone.
[I also know a few idioms: shooting yourself in the foot, penny wise but pound foolish, and completely wasting your time.]
"Shut up, dumbass system."
With his new plan in mind, a smile spread across Feng Qi's face.
This plan was completely viable.
He had full confidence in Lin Ran's abilities.
Becoming a devoted admirer didn't require Lin Ran to fight, so the mission was perfectly suited to him.
Feng Qi could entrust this task to Lin Ran without worry.
Since he had never been in a relationship before, Feng Qi had no idea how to court a woman. Rather than struggling himself, it was better to let Lin Ran take over.
[When it comes to betraying your brothers, I've never admired anyone more than you. Having you as a brother is guaranteed trouble.]
Ignoring the narrator's sarcastic remark, Feng Qi turned to look at Lin Ran, who was busy devouring his food.
Lin Ran felt the stare and raised his head, puzzled.
"Why are you looking at me?"
"Nothing, I just think your looks have improved significantly lately."
"Really?" Lin Ran immediately perked up.
"Really. I even calculated your fortune, and it looks like you'll have a great romantic encounter soon." Feng Qi said with a confident nod.
Lin Ran immediately dismissed the idea.
"No need. Women will only slow down my studies."
"That's not a good mindset. Love can refine your emotions and even give you inspiration."
Seeing Lin Ran's bewildered expression, Feng Qi continued:
"You need a balance between work and rest. You should give it a try."
"Qi-ge, why do I feel like you're implying something? What's this about?"
"You'll find out later. Let's just eat for now."
Since the Sacrifice Line hadn't been activated yet, Feng Qi wasn't planning to tell Lin Ran about his plan just yet.
Ignoring Lin Ran's suspicious gaze, Feng Qi reached out for a Beggar's Chicken, tore off a drumstick, and took a big bite.
The tender meat, infused with the rich aroma of broth, melted in his mouth.
Thinking about how he no longer had to be the one playing the devoted admirer, Feng Qi felt an immense sense of satisfaction. Even the food tasted better.
Pure bliss.
After dinner, Feng Qi returned to his dormitory.
Tonight, he had already made plans to meet up with Lin Ran and Mu Qing at the lake in front of the dormitory to celebrate Lin Ran's Outstanding Contribution to Humanity Silver Medal with Meritorious Wine.
Back in his room, Feng Qi sat at his desk and began refining his future strategy.
Since he had decided to pursue both the mission to approach Yin Ling and his admission to Old Day Academy, his plan had to be adjusted accordingly.
After activating the Future Timeline, he planned to spend an entire year studying domain knowledge intensively in preparation for his entrance exam into Old Day Academy.
Even though his medal and achievements made it easy for him to be accepted, and he could walk right in if he wanted, without a solid foundation, even if he got in, he wouldn't be able to learn much.
After all, knowledge accumulation takes time. Skipping the fundamentals and jumping straight into advanced studies would be pointless.
During that one year of study, he would remain in Star City, keeping a close eye on Lin Ran's progress with Yin Ling.
As he mapped out his new strategy, his notebook quickly filled with detailed notes.
Soon, it was 10:00 PM.
Feng Qi left his dorm and headed toward the lake.
The night-time lake was breathtakingly beautiful. The water mirrored the bright full moon, the gentle night breeze carried the delicate fragrance of locust flowers, and the willow leaves swayed, rustling softly in the wind.
The vibrant energy of nature soothed the negative emotions in Feng Qi's heart.
As he waited, Mu Qing arrived first.
She was wearing a fluffy rabbit-themed pajama set, looking adorably cute.
"Good evening, Ah-Qi."
She walked over to the bench, sat down, then reached into her pajama pocket and pulled out a white harmonica, shaking it at him.
"I promised to teach you how to play the harmonica, but I never had the chance. Want to listen?"
"I do."
Hearing his eager response, Mu Qing's face lit up with a bright, innocent smile. She then placed the harmonica to her lips and began to play.
It was a familiar melody, but this time, it lacked the sadness it once held—instead, it carried a warmth.
This change was clearly a reflection of her evolving emotions.
In the past, the only thing keeping her alive was her desire for revenge against the domain forces. But now, she had formed bonds of friendship and kinship.
As for kinship, in her Future Diary, she had already considered Feng Qi her only family.
As she played, Lin Ran finally arrived, carrying a bottle of Meritorious Wine and three cups.
He walked over, sat down, and grinned mischievously as he twisted open the bottle and poured three glasses of wine, handing one to each of them.
"Ah-Ran, are we going for a swim tonight?" Feng Qi teased as he accepted his cup.
Lin Ran's smile instantly froze.
It was clear that he still remembered what had happened last time—when he had drunk too much Meritorious Wine and, unable to digest it properly, ended up jumping into the lake.
"Why don't you try using your devouring technique this time?" Feng Qi smirked.
"Oh right, I completely forgot about that!" Lin Ran clapped his hands in realization.
"Come on, let's drink first! A toast to this genius winning the Outstanding Contribution to Humanity Medal!" Lin Ran raised his glass.
Seeing this, Feng Qi and Mu Qing laughed and clinked their glasses with him.
While Feng Qi and Mu Qing downed their drinks in one go, Lin Ran only took a small sip—clearly still traumatized by last time.
Looking up at the night sky, the moon shone brilliantly.
Feng Qi suddenly realized just how many timelines had passed.
For Lin Ran and Mu Qing, their last time drinking together at this lake had only been six months ago.
But for him, it felt like a lifetime ago, separated by countless reincarnations.
Each Sacrifice Line had been a path he had walked.
Now, looking back, he had come so far.
Even scenes from just half a year ago felt like another era.
Yet, one thing remained unchanged—his unwavering hope for humanity's bright future, still burning like a raging fire.
[The saying goes, "May you wander half a lifetime and return as a youth." There's no one it fits better than you.]
Hearing this, Feng Qi grinned.
He raised his cup toward Lin Ran and Mu Qing.
"To the rise of humanity—cheers!"
"To the rise of humanity—cheers!" Lin Ran and Mu Qing lifted their cups and clinked them against his.
Laughter and chatter filled the lakeside night.
They shared dreams of the future, reminisced about the past, and spoke of their aspirations.
Even after so much time and so many struggles, Feng Qi could still laugh heartily like before.
The passage of time had not worn down his spirit.
At this moment, he was still that same young man.
…