During his conversation with Monk, Feng Qi uncovered even more critical information.
Beyond the Psionic Race and the "Miracle," Monk revealed another piece of intelligence being investigated by the Prajna Domain Combat Squad.
This intelligence also originated from the decoded transmission crystal.
Within it was an ominous message:
"The bloodthirsty madman has arrived. It seems determined to resurrect its deceased kin, and it will stop at nothing to achieve this. Avoid contact at all costs."
The Prajna Combat Squad's analysts speculated that the "madman" mentioned by the Psionic Race might represent a new, hidden domain force.
This force seemed so powerful and erratic that even the mighty Psionic Race was cautious in dealing with it.
Thus, the Prajna Combat Squad launched an investigation to identify this emerging threat. However, due to limited clues, the inquiry soon hit a dead end.
Outside, dawn began to break.
Having talked through the night, Feng Qi and Monk parted ways.
When Monk asked if this timeline could benefit from his help, Feng Qi declined.
His objective this time was to join the Dawn Army.
Until the army was established, he planned to keep a low profile and avoid unnecessary risks that could lead to his premature death.
Though he was cautious about branching into side missions, Feng Qi wasn't without a plan.
Emerging from the dormitory, the early morning mist blurred the landscape, and the temperature had noticeably dropped.
Without his innate abilities, the thin clothes he wore left him feeling chilled.
He grabbed a quick breakfast in the cafeteria before heading to Bai Fusheng's office.
After explaining in detail that he needed a leave of absence for several months to focus on virtual simulation research, Feng Qi left Star City Academy.
His next destination: Crimson Research Institute.
If he were to join the Dawn Army in this timeline, improving his strength was essential.
Moreover, stronger abilities would give him better means to protect himself.
Hours later, a taxi pulled up outside the metallic walls of the Crimson Research Institute.
After paying the fare, Feng Qi approached the identification zone at the gate.
A green beam scanned him, and the metallic gates slowly opened.
With his identity already registered and granted top-level clearance, he no longer needed to contact Wei Wei for approval.
At the main entrance, another identity verification passed seamlessly, allowing him to proceed inside.
As the metallic door closed behind him, Feng Qi made his way down the familiar corridor.
In the laboratory, Wei Wei, dressed in her institute uniform, was intently observing the creature inside a cultivation pod. She was so focused that she didn't notice Feng Qi's arrival.
"Wei-jie."
Startled, she turned and looked at him in surprise.
After a brief moment of shock, her face softened into a smile.
"You're here unannounced, huh? Let me guess—another new timeline?"
"Sharp as always," Feng Qi replied with a nod.
Wei Wei set aside her work, removed her gloves, and stood.
"Alright, let's hold a meeting. During it, you can share your plans for this timeline."
"Got it," Feng Qi agreed.
Shortly after, Feng Qi found himself in the institute's highest-level meeting room.
Seated at the chair marked with his name, he looked around at the gathered senior members of the Crimson Research Institute.
He began laying out his plans for this timeline.
His strategy was straightforward:
Until Mu Qing established the Dawn Army, Feng Qi intended to avoid all side missions. His primary focus would be on strengthening his abilities, ensuring his survival until the key moments of the timeline—Dawn's formation and Mu Yan's emergence.
After Feng Qi presented his plan, the Crimson Research Institute's leadership engaged in an intense discussion.
Hours later, the elderly institute director rose from his chair and solemnly declared:
"The meeting is adjourned. From this moment, we are all comrades on this timeline, united in fighting for the future."
As the director finished speaking, he turned to Feng Qi, clenched his right hand into a fist, and lightly tapped it against his chest twice.
The gesture took Feng Qi by surprise.
After a brief pause, he mirrored the motion, tapping his fist to his chest.
Seeing this, the other senior members of the institute followed suit, each replicating the gesture.
This hand signal had been created alongside the Dawn Army's banner, representing its ideals and unity.
Feng Qi had briefly mentioned it when he disclosed certain secrets to the institute in a previous timeline. However, he hadn't expected them to remember it so well.
Back in Wei Wei's private laboratory, Feng Qi couldn't help but ask, "Why did you adopt the Dawn Army's hand signal?"
Feng Qi listened attentively to Wei Wei's explanation, her expression carrying a trace of pride as she elaborated on the symbolic meaning behind the Dawn Army's gesture.
"The director said that the organization you created, Dawn, is not just a faction but a spirit—a belief that transcends time. That's why the Dawn banner continues to wave even 1,500 years into the future."
Her words deepened, carrying an undercurrent of conviction, "In that sense, our Crimson Research Institute is also part of Dawn, just like Li Xingchen and countless others who follow. Though we might belong to different organizations, we share a singular vision and fight for the same future."
Her explanation sent a warm surge through Feng Qi's heart. In a world plagued by despair, hope endured because of these companions who forged ahead despite the odds.
Wei Wei's focus shifted. "So, when do you want to start the rune modification process? This time, I've come up with two new options."
"Whenever you're ready. Let me hear about these options first."
Wei Wei moved to her desk and tapped a few commands on her screen. Moments later, a detailed display lit up, showcasing four rune modification plans.
"Take a look and decide for yourself."
Feng Qi's eyes skimmed over the descriptions on the screen. The first two plans were familiar: Shadow Fiend and Demon Dragon.
He had chosen Shadow Fiend in a previous timeline. That modification had enhanced his physical resilience and granted him a liquefaction ability, ideal for stealth and infiltration.
The two new options intrigued him: Molten Beast and Death Mantis.
Molten Beast focused on unparalleled physical defense, combining his body with elements akin to minerals, providing immense durability and extended life.
Death Mantis, by contrast, specialized in explosive offensive capabilities, offering unparalleled lethality in short bursts.
However, the details warned of potential risks, particularly for Molten Beast. The process could permanently alter his biological nature, transforming him into a mineral-organic hybrid.
Faced with these choices, Feng Qi frowned and pondered his next step. He turned to Wei Wei.
"You know this better than me. Which option do you think suits me best?"
Wei Wei smiled faintly. "In the previous timeline, you chose Shadow Fiend because you focused on creating Dawn while operating in the shadows to investigate and counteract the Research Institute. The stealth benefits made it the logical choice."
"But this timeline is different. Your goal is to join the Dawn Army. For that, you'll need balanced strength and resilience. My recommendation is Demon Dragon. It perfectly complements your combat style as a muscle-heavy fighter."
Her suggestion resonated with Feng Qi. He nodded decisively. "Alright, let's go with Demon Dragon. But first, let's start with a round of gene enhancement."
Wei Wei quickly arranged for the procedure, instructing him to wait in the Gene Modification Lab.
Familiar with the layout of the Crimson Research Institute, Feng Qi navigated his way to the designated room. While he waited, Wei Wei arrived, carrying a gene syringe tailored to his unique physical parameters.
Thus began the first phase of his body's transformation.
The subsequent days saw Feng Qi gradually adapting to the effects of the genetic enhancements. To better withstand the potential side effects of rune modifications, he subjected himself to an intense regimen of physical training.
This high-intensity training pushed his body to its limits, but the Institute's advanced Recovery Pod allowed him to swiftly recuperate after each grueling session, enabling him to repeat the process day after day.
Under such rigorous conditions, his physical strength increased steadily.
After a month, Wei Wei conducted a thorough diagnostic of his body's adaptability.
The results were surprising. Despite the significant progress he'd made, his current physique still couldn't handle the Demon Dragon rune crystal's integration. Forcing the procedure would carry a fatality risk of 68%.
Though simulation models weren't always precise, the odds were far too high to proceed.
Resolute, Feng Qi resumed his training, determined to bring his body up to the required standard.
Weeks turned into months. The repetitive cycle of extreme training and recovery was monotonous, but Feng Qi's resolve never wavered. He firmly believed that only through persistence could he lay the groundwork for humanity's brighter future.
"Monk calls me a pioneer for humanity," he thought, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I'd rather think of myself as a trailblazer—a dreamer striving for the prosperity of the human race."
Through unwavering determination, Feng Qi's physical parameters steadily climbed.
Another month passed.
When he underwent another comprehensive physical evaluation, the results showed that his body had finally reached the threshold needed for the Demon Dragon rune crystal integration.
Feng Qi stood before Wei Wei, ready to take the next step. "Let's begin."
Wei Wei nodded, her eyes filled with a mix of pride and anticipation.
The days ahead demanded even more patience and strength. Wei Wei insisted that Feng Qi continue his training, explaining earnestly, "Do you realize how vital you are? If the rune modification fails, the loss would be devastating for us in this timeline."
Her tone softened, but her dark-circled eyes were resolute. "You're proof that our fate is ours to command. If you fall, the future we see ahead—our shared hope—becomes meaningless."
Wei Wei's unwavering dedication was evident in her exhaustion. Over the past two months, she and her team had tirelessly simulated the rune modification process, working late into countless nights to minimize every risk. Feng Qi couldn't help but feel the weight of their expectations.
After his next data report came back, Wei Wei administered the second, diluted gene enhancement serum. Once again, Feng Qi threw himself into another month of rigorous training.
This time, his body began to adapt more naturally. Every session left him drenched in sweat and utterly drained, but a deep satisfaction followed each accomplishment. The strain gradually became something he could embrace.
At one point, he recalled Narrator's teasing about the muscle-focused growth route. Now, he chuckled at the thought, finding it oddly fitting.
Three more months passed. When his latest series of physical evaluations confirmed that he had finally met the threshold for the Demon Dragon Rune Crystal integration, Feng Qi took a day to rest and prepare.
When the operation began, he lay flat on the surgical table, mentally bracing himself for the agony he knew awaited. Wei Wei and her team, equipped with precision instruments, were ready.
The machine hummed to life, its metallic restraints clamping securely around his limbs and torso. The bright operating lights filtered through his closed eyelids, painting his vision a stark red.
The first wave of searing pain hit as the rune crystal integration began. His muscles spasmed involuntarily, but he clenched his teeth, determined to endure. Instead of screaming, Feng Qi forced himself to confront the pain with sheer willpower.
Beyond the physical torment, a chilling darkness descended on his mind. It felt like being plunged into an endless void, devoid of light or sound. The oppressive silence stretched on, and each second felt like an eternity.
The operation lasted an excruciating 24 hours. To sustain him, the team infused his body with carefully balanced energy and nutrient solutions.
Throughout the process, Feng Qi's indomitable resolve left the Crimson Research Institute staff deeply moved. They saw his unrelenting desire to survive and marveled at his mental fortitude. It was clear that his spirit, driven by the hope of a better future, remained unshaken even in the face of overwhelming pain.
When it was finally over, Wei Wei's voice broke through the haze, calling his name.
Feng Qi opened his eyes slowly. Exhausted but alive, he sat up and glanced down at his chest.
Embedded just above his heart was the Demon Dragon Rune Crystal. The black gem pulsed rhythmically like a living organ, its surface connected to a network of raised, vein-like conduits that glowed faintly. He could feel energy coursing through him with each beat, spreading warmth to every corner of his body.
"Thank you… truly." His voice, hoarse but sincere, carried his gratitude to Wei Wei and the team.
Wei Wei gave a weary smile, brushing off his thanks. "You're the one who endured. Now rest for the day, and we'll conduct adaptive training tomorrow. After that, we'll check your vitals once more before we all take a well-earned break."
Feng Qi nodded. After a quick post-operation examination confirmed there were no immediate issues, the exhausted team finally left to recuperate.
Back in his room, Feng Qi stepped into the shower, washing away the blood and grime that clung to him. Dressed in fresh clothes, he collapsed onto his bed.
The newly integrated crystal left his body feeling unfamiliar. Earlier, he'd accidentally crushed a glass while brushing his teeth and slipped awkwardly in the bathroom.
He realized he would need significant adaptation training to regain control over his newfound strength. For now, the Demon Dragon Rune Crystal's power was still in its initial fusion phase, its full capabilities yet to manifest. However, he could already feel its influence, a steady stream of power reinforcing his body with every breath.
As his weary mind drifted, Feng Qi slipped into a vivid dream.
In it, he stood at the forefront of humanity's golden era, leading the once-downtrodden race into battle against countless domain forces. After 1,500 years of suppression, the long-awaited war had finally reached an even playing field.
Feng Qi clenched his fists, his heart swelling with pride and defiance. Charging headlong into the sea of enemies, he shouted with unwavering determination.
His spirit burned brighter than ever, a living testament to his unyielding belief: even in the face of death, he would not falter.