127 Mystery of the End Times
“This is the energy shielding device, made using a simple reflection principle. Just stick it on your neck, but be aware that once it’s on, your ability to sense energy from other sources will decrease by 30%. Also, when you launch an attack, the energy fluctuations will no longer be concealed,” explained Zhuang Yao as he held a small brass-colored circular metal piece in his hand. It was half a centimeter thick, about the size of a grape, and had fine grooves carved all around.
Zhuang Yao placed the metal piece on the back of his neck, and it seemed to adhere to his skin as if it had some stickiness. “Like this, ordinary movements won’t make it fall off.”
Indeed, the others immediately felt unable to sense his energy fluctuations. For mutants, this was almost like an invisibility device, making it possible to hide their whereabouts and carry out assassinations undetected.
At this moment, the six of them were in a separate laboratory provided by Cong Zhenzhong, and Zhuang Yao shared all the new gadgets he had acquired throughout the day with them.
“This is a mobile phone, one for each of you. It’s only for use within Beijing as the signal supply is limited, and misuse is not allowed. Unless it’s absolutely necessary, try not to use it,” Zhuang Yao said, handing out the mobile phones.
Deng Xiao picked up the phone and fiddled with it. “Well, this is great. After over twenty years of mobile phone development, we’ve gone back to the basics. It’s only capable of making calls… At least they could’ve added Tetris.”
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Nkw Wldtuw vlyple bkx, “Zsw’al ealyxkdt. Mblu lhld tyhl usw yd Gdeaske pupvlx.”
Usdt Dky rzyule okvb vbl pkxrzl czwl pnalld yde ekyz rye sq vbl zktbvolktbv rbsdl. Mbkp jkde sq czwl pnalld rbsdl bye clld swveyvle vld ulyap yts, cwv kd vbkp lay oblal kdewpvakyz rasewnvksd bye yzxspv clld elnkxyvle, kv oypd’v lypu vs xypp-rasewnl pwnb vbkdtp. “Ekvb vbkp, kv’p xsal nsdhldkldv qsa prlnkyz pkvwyvksdp yde nsxxwdknyvksd.”
Hbwydt Zys yeele, “Rv eslp byhl psxl wpl, cwv alxlxcla, uswa rbsdl nyzzp nyd cl xsdkvsale yv ydu vkxl. Bdvkz R tlv vbl ywvbsakvu vs kdvlaqlal okvb nsxxwdknyvksdp, es dsv pyu yduvbkdt kdyrrasrakyvl shla vbl rbsdl. R okzz elhlzsr y dlo nsxxwdknyvksd elhknl zyvla, yde vbl xkzkvyau kp yzps osajkdt sd alpvsakdt nsxxwdknyvksd qynkzkvklp kd hyakswp altksdp. Mblu rzyd vs alpvsal nsxxwdknyvksd nshlaytl vs xspv rashkdnkyz nyrkvyz nkvklp okvbkd y ulya, yde cu vbld, xspv rzynlp pbswze byhl nsxxwdknyvksd elhknlp yhykzyczl.”
“Mbl czynj nzsvb kp ydsvbla kdhldvksd sq vblkap. Rv’p y xkzkvyau-tayel vlmvkzl xyel qasx xwvyvle nsvvsd. Mbl nsvvsd vwadp czynj yqvla xwvyvksd yde rspplpplp lmnlrvksdyz vswtbdlpp, oyaxvb, calyvbyckzkvu, yde lzypvknkvu. Rv kp shla voldvu vkxlp pwrlaksa vs ralhkswp vlmvkzlp. Rq oshld wpkdt prlnkyz vlnbdkiwlp, kv nyd lhld rashkel wr vs 70% sq vbl lqqlnvkhldlpp sq prlnkyz sa pkzknsd nyackel pvllz cwzzlvrassq hlpvp, cwv kvp olktbv kp sdzu y iwyavla sq nlayxkn cwzzlvrassq hlpvp. Rv’p qydvypvkn xyvlakyz. Jlnywpl sq kvp lmnlzzldv oyaxvb yde lzypvknkvu, R rzyd vs wpl kv vs xyjl y plv sq nzsvblp qsa Pldt Dkys, obknb nyd cl osad kd csvb bwxyd yde xwvydv qsaxp. R byhl sdzu yrrzkle qsa qkhl piwyal xlvlap sq qycakn qsa dso, ldswtb vs xyjl y plv sq okdvla nzsvblp yde y plv sq pbsavp yde hlpvp qsa pwxxla. R okzz qkde y oyu qsa vbl alpv sq usw, cwv vbkp jkde sq nsvvsd kp iwkvl ralnkswp,” Hbwydt Zys lmrzykdle.
Pldt Dkys lmnkvlezu bwttle Hbwydt Zys yde jkpple bkx, “Nkvvzl Hbwydt Zys, R zshl usw! Ju vbl oyu, xyjl xl y nssz xypj vss!”
Hbwydt Zys rwpble bkx yoyu ydtakzu, pyukdt, “Qlv cynj vs uswa plyv!”
Pldt Dkys byrrkzu rzyule okvb vbl nzsvb, kxytkdkdt bso eypbkdt yde pwyhl bl oswze zssj olyakdt vbl czynj “Lktbvolya.”
Hbwydt Zys vbld vwadle vs Usdt Dky, pyukdt, “Gzvbswtb vbkp xyvlakyz kp kelyz, kv’p dsv rlaqlnv ulv. Dky, R dlle usw vs kxrashl kv.”
“Me?” Cong Xia immediately understood, “I see. I’d like to give it a try.”
“Starting today, I’ll study the molecular properties of this mutated cotton. It must have room for further evolution. However, we don’t have time to wait for it to evolve naturally. Give me a few days, and I will create detailed diagrams for you to improve this fabric. I want you to use the attributeless… no, the Cambrian energy to alter its molecular structure and make its performance even better. Once you achieve that, I can apply to Cong Zhenzhong for more mutated cotton fabric and even gain his attention to improve the seeds and cultivation of mutated cotton. We can strive for mass production. Before we find a more perfect material, this cotton will serve as our temporary protective clothing.”
Cong Xia said, “This idea is brilliant! I believe that with the modification using the Cambrian energy, it can achieve complete bulletproofing. However… It’s different for Liu-ge. After a complete mutation, he is too large in size and carries corrosive substances on his body.”
Liu Fengyu waved his hand dismissively, “You guys don’t need to worry about me. Making me wear this ugly shaping garment, which looks like a thief’s undergarments, I’d rather die.”
Zhuang Yao added, “Exactly, leave him be. The digestive fluid he naturally carries is the best bulletproof protection.”
Deng Xiao said, “What other exciting things do you have? Let us take a look quickly.”
“Both of these guns are mutant No.1 weapons that I brought back. They are flame-flow bullet weapons and can hold two bullets at once. They have significant killing power, and with accurate marksmanship, an ordinary person can possess the attack strength of a mutant. Now, this type of weapon has been developed up to the 3rd generation, and these two are the samples I brought back. Similarly, I hope Cong Xia can try to modify these weapons. Cong Zhenzhong and I will be responsible for providing improvement plans, which will be detailed in multiple aspects, including physical structure, dynamics principles, and chemical reactions. Your task is to release energy according to the blueprints and transform them. In the initial stage, you only need to improve the existing weapons and armor, but I hope you can progress continuously to a point where you can create weapons, armor, and various tools out of thin air as long as you have the raw materials. This is not an empty talk. The ancient jade has taught you these abilities. As the only one who can access that precious knowledge, you must learn how to use it.”
Cong Xia nodded, “I understand.”
“How is your progress in manufacturing tools during this period?” Zhuang Yao asked.
Cong Xia thought for a moment and placed his hand on the aluminum alloy table. The sturdy aluminum alloy table slowly dented, forming the shape of a palm. Then, Cong Xia clenched his fist and slowly lifted it, causing the aluminum alloy to follow his hand, forming a cone on the table. Finally, he let go of his hand, and the table slowly returned to its original shape.
Everyone looked on in silence, somewhat surprised.
Cong Xia explained, “Changing the material structure is relatively simple. Now let me turn this table into an aluminum alloy greatsword. I can also do that. However, without sufficient theoretical foundation and research on materials, the sword I make might be uneven in weight and material distribution, or the handle and blade length might be unreasonable, turning it into a useless piece of scrap.”
Zhuang Yao nodded, “Correct, you have made significant progress. Next, you need to supplement a lot of related knowledge, including molecular physics, structural physics, energy studies, materials science, organic and inorganic chemistry, and so on. You must learn them all. I will arrange a researcher to teach you.”
Cong Xia said confidently, “No problem, I enjoy learning these things.”
“The last thing I want to introduce today is this.” Zhuang Yao placed a circular device in front of them. The device was about fifteen centimeters in diameter, with a circular handle, and the most attractive part was a suction cup-like mesh structure on the bottom. Zhuang Yao pressed the switch, and the suction cup emitted a blue light, which was somewhat dazzling.
Cong Xia frowned, “This can’t be the device that absorbs energy, can it?”
Zhuang Yao turned off the switch, “Yes, did you feel anything?”
“Nothing.”
“If I were to compare you to a large-scale energy absorption, conversion, and release station, this would be the initial prototype. Its only function is to absorb energy from deceased energy beings.” Zhuang Yao opened the top cover of the circular machine and took out a small box, “This is where the energy is stored. The storage capacity is small, but it can be replaced. After filling up this box, we sell it to the military. The military then takes it to the Institute of Science, where scientists transform this invisible energy into a liquid form that can be absorbed by the human body. This becomes the equivalent circulating object – the method of generating energy as a new currency.”
“How much can one box be sold for?”
“500 yuan. The energy in one box can be transformed into ten milligrams of liquid energy.”
Cong Xia sighed, “It can be sold for a thousand yuan once it’s resold. Is there any new unit of measurement for energy?”
“The unit of measurement for energy is currently under debate. Some suggest using a completely new naming method, but most people advocate using existing units of measurement, such as grams. Until there is a consensus, grams are currently used.”
“So, what does ten milligrams of energy represent? Ten milligrams is just a tiny amount that can barely be seen with the naked eye.”
“The impact of ten milligrams of energy is not easy to define. The effects of the same mass of energy can vary drastically depending on who it is used on. For example, if the energy that is twice the amount of what Abu has were to be used entirely on Cheng Tianbi, it can instantly restore about 5% of his energy even in a depleted state. With just this much energy, an ordinary mutant might only be able to escape, but Cheng Tianbi might be able to reverse the entire situation in a battle. That’s why this energy is sold at a high price. However, as higher-level mutants continue to evolve, the effects of ten milligrams of energy will diminish for them. To meet the demands of this group, the level of killing will only intensify.”
Cong Xia looked at the small box with emotion, “To fill up this small box, I wonder how many creatures need to be killed.”
“If you’re not tired, you can also absorb energy from mutant plants. Most mutant plants only increase in size and do not have any attacking ability. However, the energy from plants is very limited. Many ordinary people are now doing this work, but this device is not something an ordinary person can obtain. So, many ordinary people have become cheap labor for those who own energy absorption devices, collecting energy from deceased beings.”
Liu Fengyu said, “So, Xia is becoming a money-printing machine? With this thing, he can fill it just by sitting in the room.”
Zhuang Yao asked, “Can you already separate the Five Elements energy within your body?”
Cong Xia nodded, “Although it’s not very stable, I can basically do it.”
“Try it.”
Zhuang Yao switched on the device, and the dazzling blue light lit up again. Cong Xia placed his hand below the suction cup. Before coming to Beijing, he continuously practiced controlling the elemental energy with the help of the storage jade talismans and making arrows for Tang Yanqiu, allowing him to have more refined control over the energy. He now controlled the water energy in his body and slowly extracted water energy, sending it into the device.
The suction cup instantly adhered to his hand, and he felt the suction cup absorbing the energy he released. This device was truly miraculous; he wondered how those brain domain evolvers had researched it.
“It’s almost full.”
Cong Xia stopped releasing energy, and the suction cup detached instantly.
Zhuang Yao took out the energy storage box, and it appeared empty with nothing inside. “Very good, but this thing is not of much use to us. With you around, this is just a superfluous item. However, we have the ability to manufacture such things, and it can still be useful for various purposes.”
Liu Fengyu smiled and stretched out his hand, “Xia, give me some money. I heard that the Wangfujing Department Store is still open, and we can buy many good things there.”
Tang Yanqiu frowned, “How can you just casually ask for money from others?”
Liu Fengyu turned his head, “Then are you going to give me some?”
“I don’t have any.”
“Then why stop me from asking someone else?”
“You…”
Cong Xia took out some money, “Here’s 5,000 yuan… enough?”
Liu Fengyu reached out and took it, hooking his arm around Tang Yanqiu’s neck, “Tomorrow, you’ll accompany me for some shopping.”
“Why do I have to…”
“Aren’t you supposed to protect my safety? If I carry such a large sum of money, what if I get robbed? Besides, I need someone to carry things for me.”
Tang Yanqiu sighed, “Fine, I get it.”
Zhuang Yao said, “If you have time, produce more fire energy. It’s said that fire energy has been relatively scarce, and its price has been driven up. It generally sells for 20% higher than other elemental energies. We will spend money quickly and can’t keep asking for more, so it’s better to be self-sufficient.”
“I understand. Are all energy attributes mutually exclusive? What I mean is, for example, if someone is a fire-evolved human, can they only absorb fire energy?”
“No, each evolved individual with an elemental attribute can absorb their own attribute’s energy and the energy of attributes that are mutually enhancing. For example, Liu Fengyu can absorb fire energy as well as wood energy. However, in terms of energy performance, their own attribute’s energy would be more effective. In reality, those who truly consume these energies are mostly higher-level evolved individuals. Ordinary mutants neither have the ability nor the demand. The four major organizations in Beijing are the biggest consumers of energy. Each natural force-evolved person possesses hundreds of milligrams or even grams of energy, enough for them to fill themselves multiple times. Those energies are also distributed as rewards to their subordinates. In short, energy is the most valuable thing in this era. From this perspective alone, we are incredibly wealthy.”
Liu Fengyu let out a soft hum, “I still like the feeling of being rich.”
Cong Xia laughed, “I used to be a broke person all the time, but now, in the apocalypse, I suddenly have no worries about spending money.”
Deng Xiao laughed heartily, “That’s so awesome! From now on, we can give Abu a bath every month. Oh, by the way, Tang Ge, how’s Abu doing?”
Tang Yanqiu replied, “He’s doing fine, but he doesn’t want to see people. Except for us and those who bring food, no one else is allowed to approach him.”
Deng Xiao chuckled, “You’re talking about a cat with such a strong self-esteem.”
Zhuang Yao added, “I went to see him yesterday and today; he’s fine. He’ll be better in a few days.”
Tang Yanqiu said, “His fur is growing fast; it’s already about three to four centimeters long. It’s so soft, but overall, he still looks… well… bald.”
Thinking about Abu with only short fur on his head and being shaved bald everywhere else, Cong Xia couldn’t help but chuckle. “Let’s all go together and see him. He’s an important companion to us too.”
“Let’s go then! Let’s go and play with Abu for a while and comfort him,” Deng Xiao exclaimed, stretching lazily.
No one objected, and they made their way downstairs. As they crossed the hall, Xiao Wang ran over to them.
They greeted Xiao Wang, and he walked up to them, asking, “Where are you all going?”
“We’re going to see Abu.”
Xiao Wang said, “Professor Cong asked me to tell you not to go out. Commander Cao is here, discussing something with him about Yao Qianjiang’s treatment. Unless something unexpected happens, Cong Xia will be heading to Jiujian Prefecture.”
Cong Xia was taken aback and asked, “Wasn’t the treatment postponed due to the attack incident?”
“I’m not sure about the details. If you’re just going to the courtyard, you can go, and I’ll call you later to inform you.”
Cong Xia exchanged a glance with Cheng Tianbi, and the latter gave him a reassuring look.
Zhuang Yao said, “Don’t worry, we’ll accompany you.”
Cong Xia smiled, “With you all by my side, what do I have to worry about? Let’s go see Abu.”
*************
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