50 Global Evolution
Cheng Tianbi glanced at him, as expressionless as usual, his gaze calm and serene.
Cong Xia breathed a sigh of relief and chuckled, “Liu Ge always loves to joke around. I hope you’re not angry?”
Cheng Tianbi neither confirmed nor denied, calmly putting the guns that needed to be taken away into a box. He coldly replied, “You seem to enjoy joking with him.”
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“Elzz, kv’p dsv y ckt elyz. Rv’p yzalyeu vbkp vkxl, yde vblal’p wpwyzzu dsvbkdt lzpl vs es…” Usdt Dky, yzvbswtb dsv ryavknwzyazu lzsiwldv, nswze swvprlyj xydu ldtkdllakdt pvweldvp. Jwv yv vbkp xsxldv, bl qlzv lxcyaaypple.
Tl jdlo Ubldt Mkydck oyp y plakswp rlapsd obs dlhla prsjl wddlnlppyau osaep sa ldfsule clkdt fsjle yaswde. Nkw Wldtuw bye ds alplahyvksdp, cwv Usdt Dky bye vs pzllr sd vbl pyxl cle yp Ubldt Mkydck yv dktbv. Rq vblal oyp y pkzldv yde nsze rlapsd dlmv vs bkx, bl elqkdkvlzu oswzed’v pzllr olzz.
Rv vssj bkx y zsv sq lqqsav vs nsym Ubldt Mkydck cynj okvb nyjl, yde dso bl oyp ydtau ytykd. Usdt Dky qlzv qawpvayvle.
Ubldt Mkydck vwadle bkp blye yoyu. “Qs nssj.”
Cong Xia tried to please him, asking, “Tianbi, what do you want to eat? Do you still want cake?”
“Sweet, no.”
“How about I make you a non-sweet double-layered milk pudding with red beans, the way you like it?”
“Whatever.”
Cong Xia felt somewhat disappointed and busied himself in the kitchen. From time to time, he looked back and saw Cheng Tianbi engrossed in organizing the firearms.
He couldn’t help but remember Liu Fengyu’s words.
Liu Fengyu said he liked Cheng Tianbi. It sounded absurd no matter how he listened to it. He had never thought that he liked men before, and he couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to be with a man.
But if that man was Cheng Tianbi…
The handsome and aloof face of Cheng Tianbi, along with his slender and sturdy body, vividly appeared in his mind. Cong Xia once again experienced that dry mouth and accelerated heartbeat. He startled himself so much that his body trembled, and the kitchen knife sliced off a piece of flesh from his finger. He looked at his finger, and the bleeding quickly stopped. The skin on his finger visibly repaired itself at an astonishing speed. In less than half a minute, his finger was completely healed, as if nothing had happened.
Could it be true… Oh my goodness, how is that possible? Heaven can’t play with me like this! They have life-and-death survival issues to consider. How can he be thinking about these messy things?
Cong Xia desperately tried to push those messy thoughts out of his mind, swiftly handling the ingredients in his hands, not even daring to glance back at Cheng Tianbi.
Due to the fact that they had been eating together as a group for the past few days, and with the mindset of not knowing when they would have another meal, Zhuang Yao’s food reserves were quickly depleted. Cong Xia had initially worried about not being able to transport all these good things, but now it seemed that whether it was on the Road Bully or carried by Abu, there was more than enough space.
After eating their fill, the four of them gathered in the meeting room.
Liu Fengyu tapped the table. “Now that Abu is fine, and we’ve retrieved the generator, what are your plans?”
Zhuang Yao didn’t want to appear shorter than them, so he simply sat on the table. “What’s the rush? I never said I wouldn’t go to Beijing with you. I promised to retrieve the generator to prepare for the trip to Beijing, especially for the modification of the Road Bully, which requires high power.”
“Do we really have to travel in such a slow vehicle? It’s more comfortable with Abu.” Liu Fengyu savored the feeling of riding on Abu’s back at high speed.
Zhuang Yao gave him a scornful look. “I need to carry not only food but also weapons, energy sources, and many of my research findings. I also have to bring you three burdens. Do you want to exhaust Abu?”
“You little brat, you can’t even handle a gun. Make sure you know who the real burden is.”
Cong Xia waved his hand. “Stop arguing. We’ve already discussed the preparations beforehand, and we will all help. But according to your calculations on the breeding speed of the geckos, even though we’ve killed many of them, they’re likely to breed right up to our doorstep. Hopefully, it won’t take too long.”
“Well, I’ve done the calculations, and it will probably take another ten days or so. During these ten days, we need to complete all the preparation work,” Zhuang Yao replied.
“What specifically does it involve?”
“I’ve created a task list. The main focus is on the modification of the Road Bully and the improvement of weapons. Additionally, the development of your abilities, the three of you, is also part of the schedule. But that’s not urgent; we’ll have plenty of time on the road.”
Cheng Tianbi spoke up, “Putting that aside for now, tell us what you know about the ‘Cambrian Consciousness.’ Also, I believe you have some thoughts on the ‘Puppet Jade.'”
Zhuang Yao’s expression turned serious, and he fell silent for a moment. “Approximately three years ago, a new theory emerged in the field of paleobiology regarding the cause of the Cambrian explosion. Previously, there were many speculations about the reasons behind the explosion, but the two most commonly mentioned were changes in temperature and an increase in free oxygen concentration. However, this new theory is completely opposite to those two reasons, yet in a certain sense, it encompasses both. No, I should say that this new theory encompasses all the possible causes of the Cambrian explosion.”
They were all listening attentively, their hearts tensing up involuntarily.
Zhuang Yao continued, “This new theory, discovered and developed through the study of the Cambrian explosion, is named ‘Cambrian Consciousness’ because of its association with that period. However, its true name should be ‘Earth Balance Consciousness’.”
Earth Balance Consciousness?!
Zhuang Yao’s voice grew solemn. “The so-called Earth Balance Consciousness, or Cambrian Consciousness, assumes that since the birth of the Earth, it has possessed a self-awareness. The sole purpose of this consciousness is to maintain the balance of the Earth, including the balance of species, temperature, and geography, allowing life on Earth to thrive in a balanced environment. To keep the Earth in a state of equilibrium, this consciousness facilitates the emergence and extinction of species.”
The three of them were left speechless, marveling at what they had just heard. Perhaps they had accidentally glimpsed the secret of this planet because if this theory were true, it would provide a reasonable explanation for the Cambrian explosion and the second great evolution in the Cambrian period.
Zhuang Yao looked at their astonished expressions and nodded. “That’s right. If this theory holds true, then the purpose of the first Cambrian period was to enrich the Earth with diverse species, while the purpose of the second Cambrian period was to…”
Cong Xia trembled as he spoke, “To bring about the decline of humanity, a species that became too powerful, powerful enough to encroach upon the survival space of other species and push the entire planet out of balance.”
Zhuang Yao clenched his fist lightly. “This theory asserts that every powerful species that went extinct in the history of the Earth, such as dinosaurs and the Mayans, perished due to Cambrian Consciousness. Any organism that became too dominant and disrupted the Earth’s balance could not escape the regulation of Cambrian Consciousness.”
Cong Xia said in a solemn tone, “This theory… was it proposed by… your father?”
Zhuang Yao’s gaze dimmed. “That’s correct. When this theory first emerged, it was immediately suppressed. Many authoritative experts in the scientific community were silenced because it was during the time when rumors of the 2012 doomsday were rampant. The government was afraid of causing panic and only allowed secret research. However, at that time, there were more voices opposing this theory, and I was one of them.” Zhuang Yao looked at Cong Xia. “Your second uncle was one of the most vehement opponents.”
Cong Xia looked at him warily. “How do you know who my second uncle is?”
Zhuang Yao shrugged. “I went through your bag.”
Cong Xia could only helplessly accept his answer.
“I have met Professor Cong Zhenzhong. He is a very pure-minded scientific researcher. It’s a pity that his opposition was based on different grounds than mine. If we had joined forces to resist that person, perhaps we could have stopped the research and pushed this apocalypse back by several decades.”
“Why? Is the research on Cambrian Consciousness related to the second Cambrian period?”
“It must be related because when they were studying Cambrian Consciousness, their primary concern was how it activates, meaning how it perceives the Earth’s imbalance and how it regulates it. If they could unravel this secret, perhaps they could prevent Cambrian Consciousness from exterminating humanity. Subsequently, they discovered something extraordinary during their research, but I don’t know what exactly because I had already left Beijing at that time. However, I speculate that their research actually accelerated Cambrian Consciousness’ awareness of the threat posed by humanity, directly leading to the premature arrival of the second Cambrian period.”
Cheng Tianbi asked, “Could that extraordinary thing be related to the Puppet Jade? Based on that person’s description, the Puppet Jade seems to be a collection of non-attributed energy.” He glanced at Cong Xia. “Or should I say, a far more powerful version of Cong Xia?”
Zhuang Yao stared straight at Cong Xia. “That’s right, there must be a connection between Cong Xia and the Puppet Jade. The Puppet Jade undoubtedly releases non-attributed energy because if it released any of the other five elemental energies, energy beings would be able to sense it. But according to their accounts, the Puppet Jade can enhance any attribute of an energy being, a feat only achievable with non-attributed energy, which is precisely unperceivable. Since non-attributed energy can empower and drive the evolution of energy beings, we can deduce that the direct cause of global evolution is non-attributed energy—the unfamiliar energy that appeared on Earth after the earthquakes and spread worldwide, directly resulting in the mutation of all species.”
Cong Xia and Cheng Tianbi were both taken aback. Zhuang Yao’s ability to piece together a clear train of thought from such scattered information, pinpointing the core issue, was truly astounding. Without the ancient jade they possessed, it would have been impossible to assemble such a complete conclusion from these fragmented pieces of information alone.
Unbeknownst to them, Liu Fengyu, who knew about Cong Xia’s ability to cultivate energy cores, was even more astonished. He looked at Cong Xia with puzzlement, unable to fathom who Cong Xia truly was.
Zhuang Yao squinted at Cong Xia. “You have many secrets you haven’t told me. Just for that, I will continue to follow you. I have a feeling that if I can unravel the secrets within you, I will take a big step towards the truth.”
Cong Xia replied seriously, “If one day you become a trustworthy companion, I will tell you. Trust is built through sincere communication and interaction, not just by rummaging through my bag.”
Zhuang Yao shrugged. “I don’t need you to lecture me. Even if you don’t tell me, sooner or later, I will uncover them myself. However, your sense of caution is commendable. I’ll spare you the confidentiality lecture.”
Cong Xia said, “But I can tell you that your speculation about the release of non-attributed energy after the earthquakes causing global evolution is correct. However, as for the Puppet Jade, I truly know nothing.”
Zhuang Yao stroked his chin. “The Puppet Jade is a compressed crystal core of non-attributed energy. According to their accounts, even a small fragment possesses tremendous power. I wonder how many fragments of the Puppet Jade exist and how large the Puppet Jade itself is.”
Liu Fengyu interjected, “Regardless of the quantity, it sounds like trouble.”
Zhuang Yao nodded. “That’s right. It seems the organization those two individuals belong to is going to great lengths to protect the Puppet Jade. He mentioned that the government is also collecting it, so perhaps the government holds the largest amount of Puppet Jade. Meanwhile, the organizations possessing the Puppet Jade are rapidly rising to power with the small fragments of the jade. Humans, no matter when it is, cannot escape fighting against each other. I also want to obtain a piece.”
The three of them looked at him.
Zhuang Yao jumped off the table. “I must get a piece of the Puppet Jade. It’s not just to bring me closer to the truth; the most important reason is that the Puppet Jade can enhance all of us. Those who are fighting for the Puppet Jade have their reasons. If we want to grow stronger, we must also obtain a piece. I’m going to adjust our roadmap now, and we must pass through Luoyang.”
Cong Xia frowned. “Are you planning to rob the organization those two people belong to?”
“Of course. Since the Puppet Jade cannot be sensed, and we don’t know how to find it, those two individuals are the only clues we have about the Puppet Jade. If we don’t rob them, then who will we rob?”
Cong Xia responded, “I disagree. There are thirty-one mutants in their organization, and just the bat-like person we encountered is unfathomable. We are only four people, and two of them can’t even fight. How can we rob them? Wouldn’t that be suicidal?”
Zhuang Yao looked at him with sharp eyes. “That depends on whether you can grow along the way. With my intelligence and your strength, I am still confident. I know you only want to survive peacefully, but you’re not naive enough to think you can rely on luck alone, right? Based on the current trend, the Puppet Jade is something every team is vying for. With the Puppet Jade, you can grow stronger, but without it, you’ll only be swallowed up or perish. Which do you want to be? If you want to protect yourself, you also need the ability to protect yourself.”
Cong Xia clenched his fist inwardly.
He didn’t want to seize things from others, let alone risk his life to do so. He held the mentality of avoiding danger if possible and escaping when necessary. He didn’t want to actively provoke trouble. However, Zhuang Yao’s theory was completely opposite to his own. Starting from actively persecuting mice and attacking geckos, and now planning to attack the team of that bat-like person, it was evident from Zhuang Yao’s actions. Zhuang Yao advocated taking the initiative, using offense as the best defense. Cong Xia didn’t know if this theory was correct, but he couldn’t refute it either.
Everyone knew that only through strength could one survive.
Only through strength.
Cong Xia felt conflicted for a moment.
Zhuang Yao shrugged. “This is not just my business. However, I believe that along this journey, we will encounter many dangers, and then you will understand how important it is to have strong power. Perhaps at that time, there won’t be a need for persuasion, and all of you will want to obtain the power that can make us stronger. So, I’m not in a hurry for you to agree. Let’s see how things unfold along the way.” He clapped his hands. “Alright, let’s get to work.”
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