Chapter 83 Classmate

Chapter 83 Classmate

Cao Kun was left speechless. Although he had long harbored doubts about Shenchi's series of actions, he never imagined such a fantastical outcome.

Cao Kun’s expression turned serious. "Your concerns are justified."

If it were anyone else who had 'reincarnated,' it would be one thing, but if it were Jiang Zhendong and the others, then Shenchi's pregnancy and his spatial ability would be impossible to hide. It would be all too easy for them to connect it to the true source of the "Elixir of Life."

Cao Kun added, "Don't have any more contact with Ji Kaiwen. I'll test him out."

Shenchi shook his head. "If Ji Kaiwen really knows me, he won’t be easily tricked by you. And from his attitude today, he might even be a friend rather than an enemy."

Cao Kun: "Alright. If Ji Kaiwen has indeed reincarnated, we should tell Xia Yi and the others so we can watch out for Jiang Zhendong and his group. If not, there’s no need to mention the reincarnation part; just tell Xia Yi about Ping An being a dual-ability user. They won’t ask too many questions."

Revealing that Shenchi had reincarnated meant reopening the wounds of his past life. Cao Kun was reluctant and unwilling to do so.

Shenchi gave a soft nod.

Cao Kun looked at him, his eyes slyly turning.

There was one person between Shenchi and Cao Kun, but Cao Kun simply scooted over, getting very close to Shenchi.

Shenchi was taken aback and reflexively moved away.

Cao Kun moved closer again. After returning home, they both changed into light, casual clothes. Shorts and tank tops were Cao Kun’s standard attire, while Shenchi started wearing short sleeves and shorts after having the baby. Now, their bodies were touching closely, and Shenchi felt as if he were being burned, standing up abruptly. "If there’s nothing else, I’ll go out now."

"Wait, wait, wait..." Cao Kun grabbed Shenchi’s wrist, but Shenchi reacted strongly, pushing Cao Kun away.

Cao Kun sensed something and, with a mischievous thought, used Shenchi’s push to throw him onto the sofa, pinning his hands above his head on the armrest.

Cao Kun’s entire body pressed against Shenchi’s, the proximity dangerously intimate.

"Why are you in such a hurry to leave?"

Cao Kun looked down at Shenchi. The summer sun set late, and the fading light still filtered through the windows. His silhouette blocked half the light, but he could still see Shenchi’s pale skin and soft hair clearly.

Cao Kun smiled. "You’ve shared such a big secret with me. I should return the favor, right?"

Warm breath brushed against Shenchi’s face, causing a tingling sensation. Shenchi moved his lips slightly, turning his face away uncomfortably. He said dryly, "No need."

"Actually, what I’m about to say involves you too." Cao Kun’s voice dropped an octave, deep and magnetic like a cello, sending shivers down Shenchi’s spine.

Cao Kun continued, "Do you remember Class One of Jiu Zhou City Experimental High School?"

Shenchi was startled, confused by why Cao Kun suddenly brought this up.

"Twelve years ago," Cao Kun added, smiling. "Still can’t remember? The class beauty."

Shenchi’s mind buzzed!

The term "class beauty" referred to his high school days when the school organized an arts festival. Shenchi’s class was a science class with few girls.

Those girls pulled the relatively handsome boys into performing a dance routine, convincing them it was for the honor of the class.

During high school, Shenchi was busy studying in class and working part-time after school. He didn’t socialize much, but that didn’t stop him from being considered a fresh-faced idol among the girls.

So he became the first target of their persuasion, with repeated assurances that it was all for the class’s honor.

Shenchi and three other boys were dressed up as girls, with wigs, makeup, and long dresses. After hours of preparation, the other three looked quite comical, but Shenchi was undeniably stunning.

With his gentle facial features and slender figure, after being meticulously styled by the girls, he looked like a school beauty, the kind labeled as a "first love."

The girls were so excited by Shenchi’s transformation that they decided to keep it a secret until the performance to create a surprise.

Shenchi later thanked those girls countless times because several boys rushed backstage to confess to him after the performance, leaving the other boys in shock.

More confessions followed from other classes, and Shenchi couldn’t bear the whistles and even being cornered by one boy!

This incident made Shenchi worry for a whole month, fearing someone would recognize him and think he was a pervert.

Shenchi stuttered, "H-how did you know?"

"Because I was the one who whistled first," Cao Kun grinned. "I recognized you back then. I thought this weakling was secretly a little pervert, liking to wear skirts and dance seductively."

"I didn’t!" Shenchi protested. "Chen Jing and the others forced me to wear it."

Cao Kun: "Oh, you remember Chen Jing but forgot all about me?"

Shenchi pushed him away. "Get off me."

Cao Kun: "No way. I’ll get off when you remember me."

Shenchi hesitated before saying, "Aren’t you the one who always pretended to be a stranger and took my flyers when I was handing them out?"

Cao Kun’s smile froze, feeling both annoyed and embarrassed, completely unprepared for Shenchi to know about his past behavior!

But then he smiled again.

Shenchi could see he was genuinely happy, the dimple on his left cheek particularly noticeable when he looked down.

The vibration from their close contact transmitted through Shenchi’s skin, making it feel as if the laughter wasn’t heard through the ears but seeped through every point of contact.

It sent tingles throughout his body.

Cao Kun gazed affectionately at Shenchi. "You really..."

Shenchi quickly pushed him away. Cao Kun didn’t press further, allowing Shenchi to push him away.

Once Shenchi left, Cao Kun’s expression changed instantly, his face darkening. "Jiang Zhendong, Zhong Botao, Shen Tian... You’re all going to pay!"

The next day, Cao Kun and Shenchi went to see Ji Kaiwen. They had originally planned for a chance encounter and then use the opportunity to probe him, but it seemed as if Ji Kaiwen had anticipated their visit and arranged for Ke Luo to wait for them downstairs early.

Cao Kun and Shenchi walked up the stairs one after the other. The living room was air-conditioned, making it quite comfortable.

When Ji Kaiwen saw Cao Kun, he greeted him politely with only the plain "Mr. Cao."

Upon seeing Shenchi behind Cao Kun, his expression immediately became more animated, and he approached them, saying, "Xiao Chi, I'm so glad to see you again!"

"Mr. Ji, you're not familiar with our Xiao Chi, so just call him by his name," Cao Kun said, adopting a parental demeanor as he sat down on the living room sofa.

Ji Kaiwen looked at Shenchi and, seeing that he did not object or get angry, apologized, "My apologies, I was too presumptuous."

They all sat down on the sofa.

Shenchi: "Did Mr. Ji know we were coming?"

"Not 'we,' but you. I thought only Shenchi would come," Ji Kaiwen said, looking at Cao Kun. "I didn't expect Mr. Cao to be here as well. It seems Shenchi trusts you greatly."

Cao Kun: "We've been through life and death together, of course we trust each other."

"Life and death, huh?" Ji Kaiwen seemed lost in thought for a moment before asking, "Do you believe in ghosts and spirits?"

Before they could answer, Ji Kaiwen continued, "Actually, I didn't believe in them until you really came."

Cao Kun showed interest: "Oh?"

Ji Kaiwen did not answer but stared straight at Shenchi, "I've always had a question for Shenchi. Have you seen me before this?"

Shenchi: "Didn't we meet in the research lab?"

Ji Kaiwen paused and smiled, "Yes, we met in the research lab. Back then, there was a zombie outbreak outside, and you saved me."

Shenchi: "I just helped a little; it doesn't count as saving."

Ji Kaiwen shook his head, "If not for you, I might have been burned alive."

It matched.

Shenchi pretended to be curious, "Burned alive?"

Ji Kaiwen looked at him and smiled, seemingly unconcerned about Shenchi's probing, "Yes, burned alive. As I mentioned before, I've dreamed many times about the scene where you saved me. Each time, it happened when Hongshan Base was besieged by zombies, and Jiang Zhendong tried to use us as bait. That's when you appeared and saved me."

Shenchi feigned ignorance, "You said 'us'?"

"Yes." Ji Kaiwen leaned closer, "Us."

Cao Kun blocked Ji Kaiwen's view and said, "Your description seems a bit different from what actually happened."

Ji Kaiwen sat back, "Yes, in reality, we were rescued earlier, and the zombie outbreak wasn't of that magnitude."

Cao Kun: "Then why do you keep dwelling on that dream?"

"The significance lies in your arrival. If Shenchi has reincarnated, he would remember me from yesterday's conversation, leading you to suspect whether I might have also reincarnated. What reason would you have to find me?"

Seeing that the others were about to speak, Ji Kaiwen shook his head, "Don't try to evade me with excuses. I have a minor flaw: once I make a judgment, I don't easily change it."

"I understand if you don't believe me, but there is one point I must emphasize." Ji Kaiwen looked at Shenchi seriously, "I genuinely like you. My feelings may not reach such heights, but I will never do anything harmful to you."

"You've said it all." Shenchi's tone carried a hint of sarcasm, "So, what's your proof? Proof that you've reincarnated."

"For example, the Level Six zombie outbreak three months from now?" Ji Kaiwen blinked his almond eyes and continued, "Or that Shenchi's high-dimensional spatial ability is an advanced form of spatial ability? The miraculous 'miracle water' isn't the Research Institute's creation but Shenchi's work. And, our common enemies, Jiang Zhendong and Zhong Botao."

Ji Kaiwen's last statement made Shenchi reassess the young man in front of him. After a moment, he made a decision and asked, "When did you die?"

Ji Kaiwen smiled brightly, "In June of the fifth year after the apocalypse, killed by the monsters released by Zhong Botao."

After leaving Ji Kaiwen, Shenchi and Cao Kun fell into deep thought. They could confirm that Ji Kaiwen was also part of the "reincarnation" group, having reincarnated just half a month ago, the second day after being injected with the ability-activating drug in the research lab. He woke up to find himself reborn.

Ji Kaiwen's goal was clear: he wanted Jiang Zhendong and Zhong Botao dead. Alone, he lacked the strength, so he sought cooperation with Shenchi and the others.

Cao Kun: "Do you think this person is trustworthy?"

Shenchi: "Temporary cooperation is fine. Since he comes from the future, he knows more about Jiang Zhendong's plans, which is crucial for us."

To prevent any mishaps, Shenchi told Xia Yi and the others everything.

Xia Yi and Gu Yibei reacted similarly to Cao Kun, showing great shock. Only Ming Jing, smiling warmly, recited a Buddhist chant, as if he already knew Shenchi's secret.

In the days that followed, Cao Kun resumed his routine of going out early and returning late. During the day, he joined Lu Ye's team to hunt zombies, especially high-level ones, wherever they were reported.

His control over fire also improved significantly. Not only could he manipulate fire into different shapes, but he also made the fire dragon more tangible, giving it specific features like whiskers, tail, claws, and eyes. It even breathed fire and roared. Although he did not know if real dragons looked like this, he firmly believed this was how they should look.

As he meticulously studied every muscle and bone of the dragon's body, every movement and force point, its appearance became increasingly realistic, and it gained corresponding combat abilities.

After some training, the results were impressive.

At the Research Institute, the new medicine containing "miracle water" effectively controlled the epidemic, and patients gradually recovered, reducing the mortality rate to one in a thousand.

This one in a thousand was mainly due to the natural decline in elderly people's bodily functions, making recovery difficult.

From Cao Kun's perspective, this was not necessarily a bad thing. If the miracle water could rejuvenate cells in the elderly, it would truly be an elixir of immortality.

This would not be beneficial from Shenchi's standpoint or for social stability.

Meanwhile, Xia Yi's research on using crystal cores as a new energy source also made significant progress, thanks to the two energy guns brought back by He Chang and Shenchi's revelation about Wang Zhiqing's method of extracting crystal cores from live subjects, which provided valuable insights.

Hongshan Base

Since the safety zone of Luyi City added Jiang Zhendong and others to the blacklist, Hongshan Base closed its gates.

The safety zone of Luyi City refrained from attacking the base due to the presence of ninety thousand ordinary civilians but did not stand idly by. They stationed guards who could execute anyone on the blacklist without reporting and prevented civilians from re-entering the base once they left, prohibiting anyone from entering as well.

Inside the base, Jiang Zhendong publicly unveiled a new weapon—the energy gun.

This was a firearm that could be used like natural force abilities once equipped with crystal cores, with varying usage limits based on the core's level.

For example, a Level 1 crystal core provided ten shots, each requiring 100 energy points, after which it needed replacement.

Energy guns of different attributes could unleash various ability attacks. However, the gun itself had a limited capacity to withstand impact. When the total energy exceeded 300,000 points, the damage and pressure would surpass the gun’s threshold, causing it to disintegrate into dust and become completely unusable.

Such an energy gun was somewhat redundant for high-level natural force ability users, lacking appeal. But for less offensive ability users and ordinary people, it was a godsend!

Thus, when Jiang Zhendong began selling these energy guns, Hongshan Base became bustling with activity. Those capable immediately spent their savings to purchase their desired energy guns.

With guns in hand, the first thought was to go out and kill more zombies to earn crystal cores. However, they were unable to leave, as those guarding the city gates outside would intercept them and prevent their re-entry.

This was unacceptable; their families and belongings were all inside.

More and more people grew dissatisfied with Luyi City’s actions.

Jiang Zhendong was naturally pleased with this outcome. He accelerated production at the munitions factory while secretly contacting bases outside the city to exchange supplies.

During this period, others listed on the blacklist also arrived at Hongshan Base, joining Jiang Zhendong’s camp.

Zhong Botao’s laboratory had been rebuilt, and he devoted himself entirely to his research, working day and night. The guards outside became new targets for hunting.

As the sun set, Shen Tian followed Jiang Zhendong to the basement. The motion-sensor lights flickered on, illuminating a long winding staircase leading down into an endless void.

Jiang Zhendong scanned his fingerprint, face, and retina, and the heavy blast-proof door opened, revealing a corridor with purple lights flashing briefly before disappearing.

Shen Tian looked curiously at the people and zombies locked behind large iron doors, then peered at the massive glass sphere in the center.

Inside was a monster nearly two meters tall, with six arms and three heads, its abdomen hollowed out, leaving only a spine-like structure.

Connected to hundreds of conductive wires, it floated in a murky yellow liquid, eyes tightly shut, resembling an unborn predator.

Shen Tian swallowed hard.

Zhong Botao sipped his tea, waved his hand, and someone roughly dragged a person out of the nearby cage and threw them at his feet.

Zhong Botao looked at him, and the man, eyes wide with terror, scrambled toward the corner, mouth gaping open.

Zhong Botao approached step by step.

Shen Tian moved closer to Jiang Zhendong. "Dr. Zhong seems to be harboring a lot of anger lately."

Jiang Zhendong: "How could he not? His lab and specimens were destroyed."

In Luyi City, at the safety office.

"Damn bastards!" He Chang slammed a stack of documents on the table, chest heaving with rage.

Seeing their captain’s state, the officers in the office hurried over to inquire, "What do the doctors at the Research Institute say?"

He Chang pointed emphatically at the documents, and the others quickly took them to read.

He Chang took deep breaths, removed his dirty coat, and tossed it aside. A month ago, he had sent a team to watch Hongshan Base, only to receive news of their deaths soon after.

Several times, the bodies were nowhere to be found, and the zombies appeared and vanished mysteriously.

Given Jiang Zhendong’s history, He Chang went to investigate. After less than two hours of ambush, a piercing hum filled his ears, spreading through his body.

He Chang clutched his heart, which began to race, and his vision blurred. His bones trembled uncontrollably as zombies appeared.

These zombies were low-level but seemed to herd them in a specific direction.

From a distance, He Chang tried to warn them, but it was too late. He hid and waited until the danger passed to retrieve the hidden phones.

The video footage enraged him, and he stormed into the Research Institute.

"As we predicted, the bastard Jiang used infrasound to attract zombies and then used them to capture our men!"

He Chang’s subordinate, eyes bloodshot, said, "Captain, we can’t let this go!"

"So you think Xiao Yi and the others might still be alive?" Another officer, recalling the lab’s destruction, changed expression. "No, Captain, send me this time. I..."

He Chang: "Stay out of it! If anyone goes, it will be me. Calm down!"

The woman beside him grabbed his fist, about to slam it on the table, and said calmly, "Behave."

He Chang stopped and let her tend to his injured ear.

He then reported the incident, drawing attention from higher-ups.

Luyi City sent another delegation to Hongshan Base, but Jiang Zhendong denied everything and refused entry.

The zombie attacks outside Hongshan Base intensified, with daily battles, and some even sniped from within, pushing relations to a boiling point.

The professors at the Research Institute argued fiercely over Zhong Botao’s use of infrasound to summon zombies, considering it absurd.

They had tested the relationship between infrasound and zombies, using auditory ability users to capture zombie sound waves, but found nothing. How could infrasound suddenly have the power to summon zombies?

Upon learning this, Shenchi shared with Xia Yi how Meng Qingqing used infrasound to lure zombies away.

Considering Zhong Botao’s live experiments, both had a grim suspicion.

After Xia Yi learned that Ping An was a dual-ability user, he examined Ping An and soon discovered signs of energy flow, the same sky-blue color as Shenchi’s, distinct from ice and spatial abilities.

Zhuangzhuang is the same; he inherited Anna's dual Earth and Wood elemental abilities, with a color that is yellow-green—different from both Earth and Wood elemental colors but somewhere in between, vibrant yet substantial.

Xia Yi then guided the two babies under the watchful eyes of their parents, providing some sensory stimulation. Eventually, Zhuangzhuang successfully released his Earth and Wood elemental abilities, each at levels two and three respectively, just like Anna's when she gave birth to him.

Three days later, Pingan also successfully awakened her Ice elemental ability, which was at level three.

Pingan's ability was clearly more powerful than Zhuangzhuang's; as soon as it was released, it instantly froze Xia Yi, who was closest to her, into an ice block.

Gu Yibei, Cao Kun, and Shenchi simultaneously acted to break the ice around Xia Yi. Gu Yibei wrapped his wet body in a suit jacket, then cast a wind shield over Pingan and issued a punishment—no one was allowed to hold her for two hours—and threatened her not to cry.

This left Pingan feeling wronged, tears welling up in her eyes, but she dared not cry.

However, this amused Cao Kun greatly, teasing his daughter: "Why are you so scared of Gu Yibei? You really can't even cry?"

Pingan pouted, turned around, wiggled her bottom, and crawled away, falling every few steps until she found a spot farthest from Cao Kun to sit down.

Cao Kun approached, smiling broadly: "Go ahead, cry. Gu Yibei isn't here, I won't tell him."

Pingan clung to the wind shield, squeezing her eyes tightly, her curled lashes wet. She looked at Shenchi, pouting and pitifully reaching out: "Daddy~"

Shenchi extended a single index finger onto the wind shield, and Pingan's little chubby hand quickly slapped it, but that was all.

It was both consolation and punishment.

Pingan: QAQ

Two days later, Xia Yi was finally released by Gu Yibei, blushing even to his ears at Cao Kun's teasing gaze.

Next came the attempt to awaken Pingan's Spatial elemental ability. Due to its special nature, Shenchi had to hold Pingan during the process.

The moment Pingan's Spatial ability was awakened, Shenchi, sensing something, suddenly grabbed Cao Kun beside him, and in the next second, the three appeared in a vast, misty space.

Cao Kun looked around in shock, "Is this your space? Is yours like this too?"

Shenchi nodded, holding the babbling Pingan, walking around and examining the place, noting that it was almost identical to his own space.

The only difference was, "My space has a crescent-shaped Spirit Spring."

Shenchi stood by a round pool, leaning down to stir the water, tasting it, finding the texture and taste identical to his own Spirit Spring water.

Cao Kun tried it too, even pinching the soil beneath his feet. He had thought a space would be an ethereal void, like the initial interface in VR games—clean, spotless, yet unreal. But this space, if adorned with a bamboo hut and surrounded by peach trees, could easily pass as a secluded paradise.

Cao Kun asked curiously, "Why can I come in here?"

"I guess it's because of direct bloodline," Shenchi said, "After my rebirth, I tested my space. My parents can enter, but not Shen Tian."

Cao Kun thought of something and reached out, but nothing happened after a while.

Cao Kun asked Shenchi, "Can you use your abilities here?"

Shenchi thought about taking out a swimming ring from the space but couldn't.

Shenchi: "This might be a protection mechanism for the owner. I can use my abilities in my space."

Cao Kun looked around, listening to Shenchi describe the changes with each upgrade of the space, feeling increasingly that this space was too sentient.

So sentient that it was somewhat unsettling.

Pingan was clearly interested in this place, struggling to get down and play with the soil, even trying to put it in her mouth. Cao Kun managed to coax her out of the space, and Xia Yi and the others were already gone, leaving a note on the table:

"We're in the guest room having tea. Come join us when you're ready. —Ming Jing"