180 Enchanted Forest
Originally, Cong Xia had been worried that he might fall asleep while lying down, but once he was fully immersed, he found himself remarkably awake. He could distinctly sense the subtle changes in his energy nucleus as every trace of energy was drawn into his body. He felt his energy nucleus emitting a radiance, preparing for his transformation.
He knew that Cheng Tianbi had been watching him all along. Whenever he hastened the pace of energy circulation due to impatience, he could hear Cheng Tianbi’s soft warning in his ears.
As time flowed by, second by second, he lost track of how long had passed. He grew increasingly fatigued and hungry. His focus noticeably waned, and he understood that the pivotal moment was approaching.
Suddenly, he felt warmth spreading in his lower abdomen. He immediately realized that it was the ancient jade wrapped around his stomach that was heating up. Even with his eyes closed, he could sense the room being suffused with a green light. The mattress beside him shifted slightly with Cheng Tianbi’s movements, and he could feel Cheng Tianbi’s tension.
He wanted to assure Cheng Tianbi that he was fine, but he discovered that he couldn’t move his body or produce any sound. With closed eyes, he “saw” a dazzling green light and was once again pulled into the familiar void. Fatigue and hunger vanished instantly. A grand golden Sanskrit wall stood before him. He had perused it countless times, tirelessly seeking knowledge that could aid them, but he never expected that his mind would be so clear when faced with this wall. He even easily comprehended several parts that had confounded him before, as though his mental domain had evolved in that instant.
Cong Xia was both nervous and excited. Nervous because he couldn’t simply leave like he used to, and excited because he knew that his learning ability in this void was now several times greater than before. Since he couldn’t temporarily leave or wake up, he decided to make the most of this opportunity and read more. Who knew, maybe everything would return to normal after he successfully advanced. He quickly located the section that detailed energy usage methods and started studying it carefully.
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Gv vbkp rskdv, bl nswzed’v blya ydu lmvladyz pswdep, dsa nswze bl qllz ydu vynvkzl pldpyvksdp. Tsolhla, bl nswze pvkzz pldpl bkp ldlatu dwnzlwp pzsozu ycpsackdt ldlatu, yzclkv yv yd lmvalxlzu pzwttkpb rynl. Tl vbswtbv vs bkxplzq vbyv rlabyrp sdnl bkp ldlatu dwnzlwp oyp alrzldkpble ytykd, bl oswze cl yczl vs oyjl wr.
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Gqvla alnkvkdt vbl pvlrp vs nalyvl vbl ldlatu yaxsa kd bkp xkde plhlayz vkxlp, bl xshle sd vs svbla kdqsaxyvksd, zkjl jdsozletl ycswv nayqvkdt olyrsdp wpkdt qkhl vurlp sq lzlxldvyz ldlatu fyel puxcszp. Tsolhla, vbl olyrsdp elpnakcle kd vbl ydnkldv fyel eked’v pllx xsal pwkvyczl qsa vblx vbyd vbl olyrsdp nayqvle cu Hbwydt Zys. Gv zlypv, kq vblu nswzed’v rashkel y nsdpvydv qzso sq ldlatu, vblu oswzed’v cl hlau wplqwz vs ydusdl lzpl lmnlrv bkx. Tsolhla, kq vbl qkhl lzlxldvyz ldlatu fyel puxcszp olal wple vs tkhl prlnkyz ldbydnlxldvp vs vbl olyrsdp, vbyv oswze cl yd ldvkalzu ekqqlaldv pvsau. Tl prldv iwkvl psxl vkxl pvweukdt vbkp rsavksd yp olzz.
Mkxl pzkrrle yoyu wddsvknle obkzl bl alxykdle kd vbl hske. Tl nswzed’v vlzz bso zsdt bl bye clld kdpkel, oblvbla kv bye clld bswap sa eyup. Ekvb ds alqlaldnl rskdvp yaswde bkx, vbl kdkvkyz lmnkvlxldv tyhl oyu vs y bkdv sq rydkn. Tl prlnwzyvle vbyv Ubldt Mkydck xwpv cl ydmkswp, yp bl oyp rascyczu zukdt kd cle zkjl y nsarpl, wdalprsdpkhl. Mbl sdzu nsdpszyvksd oyp vbyv bkp ldlatu dwnzlwp nsdvkdwle vs ycpsac Uyxcakyd ldlatu, yzclkv yv yd ytsdkgkdtzu pzso rynl. Tsolhla pzso kv xktbv cl, kv oyp yzxspv nsxrzlvl dso.
Usdt Dky bye ds svbla srvksd cwv vs yhske oypvkdt vkxl. Tl nsdvkdwle alyekdt vbl hypv kdqsaxyvksd zlqv cu vbl ydnkldv fyel obkzl yoykvkdt vbl xsxldv sq bkp ldlatu dwnzlwp yehydnlxldv.
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Kwpv yp Usdt Dky oyp sd vbl cakdj sq nszzyrpl, bl qkdyzzu fsuswpzu olznsxle vbl xsxldv obld bkp ldlatu dwnzlwp oyp qkzzle qsa vbl zypv vkxl. G xyppkhl pwatl sq ldlatu cwapv qsavb qasx bkp ldlatu dwnzlwp, qzssekdt bkp ldvkal cseu. Tl valxczle qklanlzu yde vaydpkvksdle qasx vbl hske cynj vs alyzkvu. Qwkekdt vbyv ldsaxswp ldlatu, bl ekalnvle kv cynj kdvs vbl ldlatu dwnzlwp. Gqvla vbkp rasnlpp oyp nsxrzlvl, vbl ldlatu dwnzlwp oswze sqqknkyzzu vaydpqsax qasx yd ldlatu alplahska vs y qwpksd nsal.
He heard Cheng Tianbi calling him, but he dared not divert his attention nor open his eyes. Following the pathways of energy flow within his meridians, he gently propelled his energy, guiding them into the energy nucleus. This process encountered no hindrance. Over ninety percent of the energy within his body was safe Cambrian energy. The energy nucleus emitted a five-colored radiance, which it eventually gathered in a final, intense gleam, absorbing all the energy. Cong Xia abruptly opened his eyes.
“Cong Xia!” Cheng Tianbi anxiously watched him, his expression one of relief.
Cong Xia looked at him dazedly, then around at the familiar faces present. They all stared at him tensely.
Cong Zhen tightly gripped his shoulder, his voice trembling. “You’ve finally awakened.”
“I…” Cong Xia’s voice was hoarse. “What happened to me?”
Cheng Tianbi held onto his hand tightly; he could sense Cheng Tianbi’s trembling. “Six days. You’ve been lying motionless for six days.”
Cong Xia let out a sigh, a feeling of having narrowly escaped a calamity washing over him.
Liu Fengyu chimed in, “You scared us, man. You just lay down and didn’t move. If you didn’t wake up soon, I would’ve slapped you.”
Cheng Tianbi shot him a glance. “Haven’t you slapped him already?”
Instinctively, Cong Xia touched his own face. He then rose from the bed, and Cheng Tianbi supported his back, his voice deep. “What exactly happened? What did you encounter?”
Cong Xia looked at Cheng Tianbi, who had bloodshot eyes and a stubble-covered chin, and felt a sense of guilt. “I was dragged into the void by the ancient jade. I couldn’t get out. I could feel that I was still absorbing energy, but I couldn’t wake up. Moreover, I couldn’t sense the passage of time inside. Honestly, I even began to fear that I might not wake up at all.”
Zhuang Yao said, “Thank goodness you’re awake. Otherwise, all our plans would have been in vain.”
Deng Xiao, teary-eyed, gazed at him. “Cong-ge, if you had died, I…”
Tang Yanqiu patted his head. “Don’t say nonsense.”
Cong Xia hurriedly said, “But I gained a lot this time. I don’t know why, but my mind became exceptionally clear after entering the void. My comprehension and analytical abilities improved greatly. I managed to research and design the energy armor there. I’ll go to the lab to test it out tomorrow.”
“No rush, take some time to feel it out. After breaking through to the Second Stage, see what changes occur.”
“Changes…” Cong Xia pondered. “I feel more energized within my body. And then, it’s as if my overall physical quality has improved. But there haven’t been any significant changes that I can sense.”
“Try enhancing the vision of everyone in the room.”
“Everyone?” Cong Xia glanced around. There were at least a dozen people in the room. He could usually supply energy to a maximum of three or five people simultaneously; that was his limit. He clenched his fist and released his energy abruptly. He could “see” the energy flowing out of him, gradually entering the bodies of everyone present and concentrating on their visual nerves.
“Wow.” Deng Xiao exclaimed in surprise. “Things look so clear now.”
Cong Xia couldn’t help but show his own amazement.
Zhuang Yao said, “How about it? Does it still feel difficult?”
Cong Xia grinned. “I can finally perform simultaneous energy supply to the whole team!”
“Excellent, your first advancement after breaking through to the Second Stage,” Zhuang Yao recorded it in his notebook. “You know, the energy you released just now, even though we can’t feel it, it’s as if the entire room is under some kind of pressure. It’s that feeling of pressure that you can’t pinpoint, can’t see, can’t touch, but your heart can sense it. It’s enough to show how massive the energy you released during your advancement was. Right now, there are definitely many facets of yourself that are worth exploring. Once you’re ready, come to the lab and find me.”
Cong Xia nodded. His blood was still boiling with excitement; he didn’t feel tired at all. However, he realized that his current state might not be suitable for anything else. It would be best to calm down.
One by one, the others left, leaving the room to him and Cheng Tianbi.
As the door closed, Cheng Tianbi suddenly embraced him tightly and gritted his teeth. “Damn it, you scared the hell out of me…”
Cong Xia hugged Cheng Tianbi back. “I’m sorry for worrying you. I was anxious inside too. I couldn’t hear anything, couldn’t move. I was genuinely afraid that I might never come out.” As he said this, he felt a wave of fear again, his voice slightly choked. What if he couldn’t wake up? What about Cheng Tianbi? What about his second uncle? What about his companions?
“Six days. You were unconscious for six days, just like…” Cheng Tianbi took a deep breath, his arms trembling slightly as he held Cong Xia.
Cong Xia ran his fingers through Cheng Tianbi’s hair. “Tianbi, I’m sorry…”
Cheng Tianbi let go of him and looked deeply into his eyes. “You don’t need to apologize. You coming back is enough.”
Cong Xia smiled. “I won’t die. Our journey is still long. Wherever you go, I’ll be there with you.”
Cheng Tianbi touched his cheek. “Don’t forget the promise you just made. No matter where I go, you’ll be there with me.”
“I’ll keep my word.” Cong Xia wrapped his arms around Cheng Tianbi’s neck and kissed him passionately.
Cong Xia spent a day resting in the room. In the kitchen, the two of them cooked dinner at a leisurely pace. Cheng Tianbi recounted the three most important things that had happened in the past few days.
First, Zhuang Yao and Deng Xiao’s cultivation progress had accelerated. In about a week, they would be ready to advance. Cong Zhenzhong and Tang Tingzhi’s progress was on a similar timeline. They planned to stagger their advancements to ensure that Cong Xia could manage their progress. Second, he mentioned the collaboration with experts from the Moscow Research Institute.
After collaborating with brain domain evolved individuals from Beijing, the development of new energy sources had progressed smoothly. Utilizing the new energy generated from Cambrian energy was nearly within reach. Lastly, concerning Zhuang Yu, Xu Ying had sent an official letter inviting American natural energy-evolved individuals and brain domain evolved individuals to China for exchange. The American side had agreed, and they were scheduled to visit within half a month.
Hearing the last piece of news, Cong Xia said, “I guess they’re also coming to advance.”
“It’s not just a casual visit; their main purpose is advancement. Xu Ying has spoken with Commander Cao. If they want your help with their advancements, the responsibility for hosting the American guests will be handed over to District Three. Of course, Zhou Fenglan and Zhuang Yu will certainly have opportunities to meet the Americans. They’re eager to see the results of Zhou Fenglan’s collaboration with that ‘Iron Man.’ We’re curious too. However, we need to prevent them from having deeper interactions.”
“Xu Ying agreed?”
“Yes, he did.”
“I wonder what kind of person this ‘Iron Man’ is. Just hope he’s not like Zhou Fenglan; if they both have similar personalities, it could be trouble.”
“Don’t worry, we won’t give them too many opportunities to interact.”
“That’s good.” Cong Xia took out a box of raw beef from the fridge. “Do you want the beef braised or in curry?”
“I want it spicy.”
“No problem, I’ll make it spicy.”
Cheng Tianbi placed the washed vegetables next to him and hugged his waist from behind. “Are you making a cake today?”
Cong Xia turned around and quickly pecked his lips. “Do you want some?”
“Yeah.”
Cong Xia smiled. “What color should it be? Camouflage?”
“No, make one that you like. Today, let’s make a cake to celebrate your advancement.”
“I like whatever you like, let’s go with camouflage.”
Cheng Tianbi rested his head on Cong Xia’s shoulder and gently embraced him. His lips lightly touched Cong Xia’s fair neck. Cong Xia lowered his head to cut the meat, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. Neither of them spoke because neither wanted to break the tranquility of this beautiful moment.
Zhuang Yao and Deng Xiao had ceased all work and training, focusing solely on their breakthroughs. Cong Xia had no one to communicate with, so he stayed in the laboratory, researching the energy armor.
He had transcribed all the information from the ancient jade, even creating models on the computer to analyze energy distribution patterns and mechanical principles. Within a day, he had meticulously crafted over a hundred energy-storing jade talismans, one by one. After advancing to the Second Rank, he clearly felt that his control over energy had become more precise, and his work efficiency had increased by more than five times.
A few days later, he managed to create a small energy armor, about the size of a duck egg. While it appeared invisible to outsiders, he could see it clearly. He tried poking it with a knife, and by the seventh attempt, the energy armor shattered. Cong Xia sighed; he knew that this level of strength wouldn’t withstand bullets. Improvements were necessary.
Subsequently, he attempted to craft several Five Elements elemental storing jade tokens. He wanted to see if the effects would be better if the energy armor was used by someone with the same elemental affinity. Through experimentation, he found that the performance of the armor did indeed improve. The armor also developed a unique energy-dependent relationship with the user of the same affinity. For instance, when an energy armor mediated by a Fire elemental storing jade token was worn by Liu Fengyu, its performance improved. Although Liu Fengyu couldn’t supply the armor with his own energy, the armor grew stronger when Liu Fengyu’s internal energy was abundant and weakened when it wasn’t.
Upon making this discovery, Cong Xia was ecstatic. He spent almost all his time in the laboratory, tirelessly refining these armors over and over again. At the very least, he wanted to provide each of them with qualified armor before their journey to Qinghai.
Zhuang Yao and Deng Xiao reached the critical point for advancement simultaneously. Everyone agreed that they should advance together. Since both had been practicing for a long time, the proportion of safe Cambrian energy in their bodies was definitely high. At least Zhuang Yao shouldn’t have any issues, and Cong Xia could manage both advancements simultaneously.
This morning, the two of them entered the laboratory where they had witnessed many people advancing before. They were the last two in the team to advance. A day later, they would become the only mutant group to collectively break through to the Second Rank. This would add another layer of distinction to their reputation and strength.
Cong Xia patted their shoulders. “Relax, you will succeed.”
Zhuang Yao looked at him. “Just in case— I mean, just in case I need your help, you’re not allowed to peek into my memories.”
Cong Xia said, “Alright, I won’t look.”
Zhuang Yao narrowed his eyes on him.
Cong Xia chuckled. “Little Zhuang Yao, I’m a person of my word. But you should know that, back then, I didn’t actively go through Zhuang Yu’s knowledge and memories. They presented themselves to me after my energy entered his body. You’ve seen the Natural Force Evolvers advancing, right? Colonel Shen burst into flames, Yao Qianjiang was submerged in water, Wu Yu appeared to be frozen. During the moment of advancement, every mutant releases an immense amount of energy.
When they can’t control this energy effectively, it manifests. Natural Force Evolvers display their abilities, and Brain Domain Evolvers reveal their brains. Zhuang Yu unconsciously showcased his brain to me, and that’s how I discovered the secret of invading their minds. So, it’s not necessarily that I can avoid looking.”
Zhuang Yao rolled his eyes at him. “You talk too much. I already know. Even if you look, you’ll pretend you didn’t.”
Cong Xia smiled. “Your way of putting it makes more sense.”
Zhuang Yao said, “Cong Xia, during the advancement process, I want to experience what Zhuang Yu mentioned. I want to think and feel more clearly. I also want to attempt to control that energy. This is a rare experience. Professor Zhuang, Colonel Tang, and I will all give it a try. We’ll summarize our experiences afterwards. It’s guaranteed that we’ll know more than Zhuang Yu. If I show any anomalies, I’ll rely on you.”
Cong Xia nodded. “But you must be careful. If I tell you to stop, you must stop immediately.”
“Got it.”
Cong Xia then looked at Deng Xiao. “Xiao Deng, are you okay?”
“Don’t worry, with Brother Cong here, I’m not afraid of anything.” Deng Xiao grinned. He always looked at them with openly trusting eyes, making it impossible not to like this kid.
Cheng Tianbi stood beside them. “I’ll guide you. Just relax and begin.”
Cong Xia exchanged a glance with Cheng Tianbi. He gave a thumbs-up and then left the laboratory. Cheng Tianbi leaned against the corner of the wall and sat down, watching the two intently.
The advancement had begun.
Originally, Cong Xia didn’t need to stay by their side now, but he was worried that something unexpected might happen to Zhuang Yao while he was exploring and contemplating. Therefore, he didn’t dare to leave that area at all. He even had his meals delivered by the kitchen. It wasn’t just him; Tang Yanqiu and Liu Fengyu also stayed close, bound by a bond as deep as life and death. Each companion stirred the hearts of everyone.
This continued for a whole day and night. When it was time for Deng Xiao to reach a crucial moment after Zhuang Yao, although he seemed to have stable breathing, Cong Xia was still concerned. He entered the room and sat down next to Cheng Tianbi, nervously watching Deng Xiao.
Deng Xiao was the last one to join them, having the shortest time practicing. He quickly came into contact with the Puppet Jade and had the highest proportion of destructive cambrian energy among the six. It was possible that it exceeded half. When Cong Xia saw the sweat beads the size of beans forming on Deng Xiao’s forehead and his arms trembling abnormally, he knew that Deng Xiao was struggling against his own energy, and it was quite strenuous.
Cong Xia hesitated and pushed Cheng Tianbi lightly. “Should I help him?”
Cheng Tianbi looked at Deng Xiao, his gaze burning like a torch. “No, let him do it himself. He can do it.”
Cong Xia anxiously rubbed his hands together, feeling restless. However, from Deng Xiao’s expression, he only saw seriousness and not signs of agony. It shouldn’t be too serious.
Both he and Cheng Tianbi, along with those outside the lab, were fully focused on Deng Xiao. They watched him drenched in sweat, with the faint green wrinkled skin on his body appearing and disappearing. The immense water energy filled the entire floor of the building. Deng Xiao struggled against his own energy for almost half an hour, finally pushing the energy into the energy core.
With the dissipation of the tremendous energy, everyone knew he had succeeded. After holding his breath for a long time, Deng Xiao finally exhaled.
Deng Xiao opened his eyes with great effort, his eyelids drooping heavily due to fatigue.
Cheng Tianbi supported him at the door and handed him over to Tang Yanqiu, whispering, “Don’t say anything, just go back and rest.”
Deng Xiao was so exhausted that he couldn’t say anything. He weakly smiled at Cheng Tianbi and Cong Xia, then glanced worriedly at Zhuang Yao before being half-carried back to his room by Tang Yanqiu.
Zhuang Yao’s time exceeded their imagination; it had already been more than thirty hours. Apart from Cong Xia, Zhuang Yao was the one who took the longest time to advance. Cong Xia sensed that Zhuang Yao was deliberately prolonging the process, seemingly wanting to make the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Cheng Tianbi reminded him three times to speed up, but he remained unmoved.
When it reached the thirty-fourth hour, Zhuang Yao’s stamina was likely at its limit. Finally, he entered the last moment of advancement. Similar to Zhuang Yu, when he released the immense energy, everyone inside and outside the lab felt a moment of dizziness. It was as if the string of thought had been lightly plucked. Although it was insignificant, it still left a sense of unease.
Zhuang Yao appeared increasingly strained. His entire body was drenched in sweat, resembling someone pulled out of water. His features were contorted in pain.
Cong Xia suspected that he had prolonged the time for too long. Now, he was too exhausted to guide his own energy. He didn’t dare to wait any longer. In an instant, he infused the energy into Zhuang Yao’s body.
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