The rain outside the window blurred the world beyond.
Seated at his desk, Feng Qi meticulously refined the trajectory of this sacrificial timeline.
For the first time, he deeply felt the loneliness his future self had once described.
In this timeline, he had no companion in the form of the narrator, no innate abilities to rely on. He could only depend on his own efforts to gather intelligence for his alternate self in another timeline.
Yet, his heart harbored no resentment.
Each version of himself across timelines made the conscious choice to sacrifice, and he was no different.
Every choice was his own—a unified decision across iterations of himself.
And for this day, he had long since prepared.
Just as when he resolved to save humanity, he now reaffirmed his commitment: if this burden rested upon him, he would bear it without hesitation.
Without telekinetic powers, he picked up his pen and began writing notes in his notebook, the strokes filling the room with a soft, deliberate sound.
After several hours, he completed his plan for the future. Rising from his chair, he left the dormitory.
The goal of this timeline was clear: to infiltrate the Institute of Technological Research.
To achieve that, he needed to immerse himself in the study of technological disciplines, paving the way for his entry into the institute.
Arriving at the library, he found Lin Ran already there.
Lin Ran looked up with curiosity. "Qi-ge, what's going on? Why didn't you come for dinner?"
"I had things to take care of," Feng Qi replied with a calm smile before adding, "I'm going to grab some books. You keep studying."
Moments later, Feng Qi returned to Lin Ran's table with a copy of Modern Technological Development 5.7.
"Why are you reading this? Don't tell me you're actually planning to join the Institute of Technological Research," Lin Ran exclaimed, his expression stunned.
"Of course. You thought I was joking?" Feng Qi replied.
"Come on, Qi-ge, don't mess around. Joining the Institute of Technological Research would be such a waste of your talent. Just come with me to Tiger Soul Research Institute instead," Lin Ran argued, wide-eyed and incredulous.
"Do you trust me?" Feng Qi asked, his tone unusually serious.
"Of course, you're my brother," Lin Ran replied without hesitation.
"Then respect my choice. Don't try to persuade me, and don't ask why," Feng Qi said firmly.
Lin Ran would inevitably join the Tiger Soul Research Institute in this timeline and might even have his memories read. Feng Qi couldn't afford to reveal too much, as it could jeopardize his own plans to infiltrate the Institute of Technological Research.
Like in the previous timeline, having too many choices only led to confusion and interference with existing plans.
Lin Ran stared at Feng Qi for several seconds before finally relenting. "Technology is a boundless pursuit; the path forward is narrow. Whatever, I think you'll come back in the end."
"Flesh is weak; machines ascend," Feng Qi quipped, echoing the wisdom Mo Fei often repeated.
After their brief exchange, Feng Qi focused on his studies.
Now that he had lost his innate abilities, he could technically start cultivating again.
However, he chose not to. Since this timeline's focus was on infiltrating the Institute of Technological Research, he needed to dedicate all his time to studying technological knowledge, ensuring he could achieve his goal as quickly as possible.
Surprisingly, after committing to this sacrificial path, he found himself unburdened by the fear of death or the uncertainty of the future.
For the next several hours, he immersed himself in his studies, only stopping when the academy's midnight bell rang.
Returning to his dorm, Feng Qi sat at his desk and opened his computer, composing his first message to the future.
"A new journey begins. Wait for my good news. For now, I'm diving headfirst into technological studies, aiming for the Institute of Technological Research as fast as I can."
After sending the email, he decided not to sleep immediately. Instead, he scoured the internet for information about the Institute of Technological Research's admission requirements.
By the time the clock struck 2 a.m., fatigue overtook him. He washed up and lay down on his bed.
Unlike the heavy burden of being humanity's sole savior, he now felt a profound sense of peace, knowing he was just one cog in a greater machine.
His purpose was to illuminate a portion of the path ahead before his time ran out.
Lost in thought, he drifted into sleep.
The next morning, Feng Qi opened his computer and sent a playful emoji to Wei Wei.
Minutes later, he received a reply:
Wei Wei: "Oh? Feng Qi, are you thinking of joining the Crimson Research Institute?"
Feng Qi: "Not exactly. But I'd like to visit. Are you free to meet?"
Wei Wei: "Nope. Busy."
Feng Qi: "It's important. I need to discuss something with you—something critical."
Wei Wei: "Can't you just tell me online?"
Feng Qi: "It's better discussed in person."
Wei Wei: "Ugh, fine. Here's the number for our external liaison department. Talk to them."
Realizing Wei Wei wasn't taking him seriously, Feng Qi paused before typing:
Feng Qi: "It's about that old woman. Interested?"
Wei Wei: "!!! When can you come?"
Feng Qi: "Right now."
After closing the chat window, Feng Qi grabbed his belongings and left the dormitory.
Minutes later, he arrived at the academy gates and used his phone to hail a cab to the Crimson Research Institute.
The institute's base was located south of Star City, nestled at the foot of Canglong Mountain.
The area was sparsely populated, and the institute was surrounded by a three-meter-tall steel barrier topped with iron spikes and vines, isolating it from the outside world.
As he approached the gates, a green light scanned him, and a gruff voice boomed from the speaker:
"Do you have an invitation?"
"I'm here to see Wei Wei. She's expecting me," Feng Qi replied.
"Hold on. I'll transfer the feed to Director Wei."
After a moment, Wei Wei's languid voice sounded from the speaker:
"Come in."
As her words fell, the metal gate split open from the middle and slowly slid to the sides.
Feng Qi stepped into the Crimson Research Institute's base and immediately saw a tall figure in alloy armor approaching from afar. The person was fully equipped, with a helmet obscuring their face, leaving Feng Qi unable to discern any features.
"Follow me," the alloy-clad warrior said, turning to lead the way into the depths of the base.
Without hesitation, Feng Qi followed.
The Crimson Research Institute's security was extremely tight. Surveillance cameras were scattered along the walls, and a rotating elite guard squad patrolled within.
After navigating several twists and turns behind the guard, they entered the interior of the base.
Along the way, Feng Qi passed through multiple layers of identity verification. Thankfully, with the soldier leading him, the checks proceeded smoothly.
After more than ten minutes of walking, they reached a corridor filled with equipment.
Continuing onward, they reached the end of the hallway, where the soldier scanned a card for access. Beyond the door lay an expansive laboratory dominated by a stark white palette.
Inside, numerous researchers clad in Crimson uniforms bustled around various instruments, their focused expressions revealing their dedication.
"Director Wei's office is in Room 805. You can head there yourself," the armored guard said flatly before turning to leave without waiting for a response.
Feng Qi nodded, then walked toward Room 805.
Reaching the door, he knocked lightly.
"Director Wei?"
The door slid open to the right.
Feng Qi stepped inside as the metal door behind him closed slowly.
Looking ahead, he saw Wei Wei lounging on a sofa, dressed casually in light blue sleepwear, her smile faint but intriguing as she gazed at him.
This was Feng Qi's first official meeting with Wei Wei.
Previously, their interactions had been limited to messages.
Her sleepwear clung lightly to her figure, accentuating her graceful curves, with faint glimpses of her neckline peeking out. Every inch of her skin seemed to exude allure.
"Take a seat. I assume you have a lot to discuss with me?" Wei Wei said with a smile.
Feng Qi showed no reservations, settling down on the sofa across from her and meeting her gaze directly.
"Wei-jie, how about a soda?"
"Do I look that familiar to you? Already calling me 'jiejie'?" Wei Wei rolled her eyes but stood and went to the fridge. Moments later, she returned with a can of soda.
Handing him the drink, Wei Wei asked curiously, "Why do I get the feeling you know me quite well?"
"Of course. We've been comrades in arms before," Feng Qi replied with a grin.
"Oh? Care to elaborate?" Wei Wei didn't seem surprised, merely intrigued by his response.
Seeing her interest, Feng Qi didn't hold back and began recounting his story.
As Feng Qi spoke, Wei Wei's brows furrowed deeply, a flicker of disbelief shadowing her expression.
But as he continued to share increasingly detailed information, the skepticism in Wei Wei's eyes gradually faded. From time to time, she interjected with questions.
After hours of conversation, Wei Wei let out a long sigh.
"So, we've fought side by side across multiple timelines, and this time, it's your turn to make the sacrifice. That's why you've come to me?"
"Exactly. I need your help," Feng Qi confirmed.
"Hold up. I've lived a long life, but this is by far the wildest thing I've ever heard. My worldview is shattered. Give me a moment to process this—I'm having mental indigestion," Wei Wei said, waving him off as she leaned back, lost in thought.
After a pause, she raised her head to look at him again.
"So, all our plans at the Crimson Research Institute failed, and we were ultimately defeated by the Institute of Technological Research?"
"Not completely defeated. You staged a strategic retreat and withdrew to a pre-prepared secret base, essentially cutting ties with the outside world," Feng Qi clarified.
"That's just a fancy way of saying we failed. Appreciate the sugarcoating, though," Wei Wei said with a wry smile, her expression unbothered.
Taking a deep breath, she stood up.
"Wait here. I'll contact the institute's leadership to convene an emergency meeting."
"Understood," Feng Qi replied with a nod.
After Wei Wei left, Feng Qi began surveying her room.
The space was cluttered, with disassembled electronic components and piles of documents strewn everywhere. The bed was one of the few areas that appeared usable.
This chaotic layout revealed Wei Wei's dedication to research.
Throughout her life, she had devoted herself entirely to scientific endeavors, never indulging in personal relationships.
Her commitment to humanity's advancement and her pact with Mu Qing was not just an empty slogan but a lifelong mission she fulfilled with unwavering determination.
Moments later, Wei Wei returned and led Feng Qi to a conference room.
Before the meeting began, Feng Qi underwent a series of rigorous checks, including being required to change into a freshly sterilized outfit.
Feng Qi wasn't surprised by the thoroughness of the procedures.
His future self had mentioned that such precautions were standard protocol to ensure security.
Once everything was completed, Wei Wei escorted him into the conference room.
The room exuded a high-tech aesthetic, with blue and black dominating its decor. The ambient lighting was a soft blue, and a black, metallic round table occupied the center of the space.
Around the table sat eight individuals, their eyes turning to Feng Qi as he entered.
"Take a seat, and repeat what you told me earlier," Wei Wei said casually, motioning for him to sit beside her.
Feng Qi obliged, settling into the chair next to Wei Wei.
"Feng Qi, Director Wei mentioned you possess the ability to traverse timelines. While we're skeptical, we trust Wei Wei. Could you explain in detail?" asked an elderly man with white hair and a kind demeanor.
Feng Qi nodded and began recounting everything he had told Wei Wei.
As he spoke, the expressions of the Crimson Research Institute's senior leaders shifted from doubt to astonishment.
When Feng Qi delved into details about the Reverse Infiltration Plan, the cloning of Mu Qing, and the Rune Energy Transformation Project, the atmosphere in the room grew heavier.
These were top-secret initiatives within the institute.
Feng Qi not only described them accurately but also outlined their outcomes with precision. This left the leaders no choice but to accept that he truly had knowledge of future events and that the Crimson Research Institute had indeed collaborated with him in another timeline.
When Feng Qi finished speaking, the room fell into a deep silence.
Feng Qi's recount left them in silence, as they struggled to digest the information he had shared.
After a prolonged pause, the head of the Crimson Research Institute, seated at the table's center, finally spoke:
"Feng Qi, we've dedicated our lives to changing the destiny of humanity. Our goals align. So… in the future, we'll stand with you."
Hearing these words, Feng Qi couldn't help but grin.
"Thank you."
Even though he had anticipated their support, hearing the director's resolute commitment still sent a warm current through his heart.
After the meeting concluded, Wei Wei led Feng Qi to a room equipped with a control console.
Here, Feng Qi began narrating the detailed data for the "Brain in a Vat" project, which Wei Wei transcribed into their database.
It took over five hours to record just one-third of the information.
"I'm starving. How about we grab some food first?" Wei Wei said, rubbing her stomach dramatically.
"Let's go!" Feng Qi agreed without hesitation.
"I thought someone so determined to save the world might refuse my suggestion to eat, insisting I finish recording everything first."
"Please. I'm human too. In my opinion, not eating properly is a sign of problematic thinking."
"Great minds think alike. Saving the world doesn't conflict with filling our stomachs." Wei Wei gave him an approving nod.
She led him to the Crimson Research Institute's cafeteria.
Though smaller than Star City Academy's dining hall, the food quality here was superior, featuring delicacies sourced directly from domain fields.
However, with his innate abilities gone, Feng Qi found that his appetite had also diminished. Halfway through the meal, he was already full.
In contrast, Wei Wei continued eating with gusto, her dining habits remarkably similar to Mu Qing's.
As Feng Qi watched her devour food with abandon, he suddenly recalled that Mu Qing, as a Rune-Modified human, was raised under Wei Wei's tutelage. He felt as though he had discovered the origin of this "crime."
"Finished eating?" Wei Wei asked, looking up from her plate.
"Pretty much. Without my former abilities, my appetite isn't what it used to be."
"No worries. Before you leave, come to my room. I'll give you a gene injection to enhance your physical condition," Wei Wei said casually.
"This timeline might not involve cultivation for you, but improving your physical fitness will help your learning efficiency and reduce fatigue."
"Alright," Feng Qi agreed readily.
Wei Wei consumed nearly twice as much as Feng Qi before finally setting down her utensils.
Afterward, they returned to the recording room to continue inputting the "Brain in a Vat" data.
By the time midnight rolled around, they still weren't finished. Feng Qi, visibly tired, struggled to stay focused.
Seeing his state, Wei Wei teased, "Where are you sleeping tonight?"
"Stop teasing me. Wherever it is, it won't be with you." Feng Qi shot back, half-jokingly.
"Such a bore," Wei Wei pouted, feigning disappointment.
"I've arranged a room for you on the third floor of the base. Or, if you'd prefer, you could crash on the floor in my room. I wouldn't mind chatting a bit more tonight."
"Sure, why not." Feng Qi shrugged.
Following Wei Wei back to her room, he set up a simple sleeping arrangement on the floor.
When the lights went out, Feng Qi could faintly smell the scent of her body wash lingering in the air.
Above him, the ceiling gradually turned transparent, revealing a breathtaking view of the starry sky and moonlit clouds.
"Transparent ceiling? High-tech."
"Of course. That's one reason I enjoy living here—it gives me a clear view of the world outside."
"Qi-ge, are you scared?" Wei Wei's voice broke the silence.
"Scared of what? Death? If I feared death, I wouldn't have chosen this path. To me, death is like a seemingly heavy fruit. But once you take a bite, it's nothing but liberation." Feng Qi's voice carried a hint of laughter.
"Ha! You think the same way I do. Sometimes, living is harder. Death, in contrast, can be a release."
"Old—uh, Wei-jie, why do you persist so tirelessly?"
"Didn't the me from other timelines tell you?"
"No. Maybe you could share it now."
After a brief pause, Wei Wei's voice returned, soft but firm:
"Because I believe in going with the flow."
"Going with the flow?"
"My idea of 'going with the flow' means doing everything within my power before letting things take their course—not passively surrendering. So, in the end, I'll burn my candle to its last flicker. Maybe my final wish would be to see the world one last time before passing on, knowing I had given it my all."
"That's different from me. I prefer fighting tooth and nail, refusing to give up even when the odds are against me."
"Go on, elaborate," Wei Wei said, intrigued.
"My fight is against the unseen enemies lurking in the shadows, against my own torment, and against the predestined trajectory of humanity's fate. Struggling is my way of defying the ending—it's my resistance against the heavens themselves."
"It's hard to imagine a seventeen-year-old could say something so profound." Wei Wei couldn't hide her amazement.
"Knowing too much takes away the joy of youth. If I were clueless, maybe I'd just be holding my girlfriend close, planning our future."
"Ha! You're inflating yourself. From where I'm sitting, you're still just a brat."
"Fine, think of me that way. Sleep time—staying up late is bad for your health." Feng Qi rolled his eyes.
This time, Wei Wei didn't reply. Feng Qi stared up at the starry night sky, his mind swirling with thoughts.
A moment later, Wei Wei's voice interrupted again:
"Still awake?"
"Almost asleep."
"Don't overthink. On this timeline, we're your comrades. We'll walk with you to the very end."
"Thank you."
Hearing Feng Qi's soft response, a wave of emotion swept through Wei Wei's heart.
The moment she learned their efforts would ultimately fail, sadness had overwhelmed her.
Though she masked her feelings and resolved to stand by Feng Qi in this timeline, the sorrow lingered.
It felt as though life's conclusion was already written, leaving her only to trudge step by step toward the abyss.
"Are you grieving internally while pretending to be optimistic?" Feng Qi suddenly asked.
"Bullshit. I'm as calm as can be. In fact, I'm thinking about having a midnight snack right now."
"We're not just characters in a historical footnote; we're real, living people. Even if we can't change humanity's ultimate fate, we can still shape our own paths."
Wei Wei fell silent for a moment before snapping, "Shut up and sleep, you chatterbox."
Hearing her exasperated outburst, Feng Qi chuckled and closed his eyes.
Their conversation had lightened his heart.
No longer dwelling on the past or fearing the future, he resolved to cherish the present.