Chapter 129: The Transformation in Lindong

Chapter 129: The Transformation in Lindong

"That Dark Valley laboratory should have experimental records of human crystal core transplants," Zhou Yun said the next morning, wrapped in his blanket as he called Shen Lan. "Keep an eye out for it." He was extremely tired, but his mind was preoccupied with this matter, so he made sure to remind Shen Lan early in the morning.

Shen Lan agreed: "We plan to send the subjects to grow herbs. It hasn't snowed at Nirvana Manor yet, so we're holding them at Nanshan Herb Garden for now."

Zhou Yun nodded: "Actually, snow is beneficial; it reduces the number of mutated pests." Shen Lan thought, confused, "Weren't we talking about human crystal core transplants?"

Fortunately, Zhou Yun quickly refocused: "The list specifies the exact location of the underground secret lab. Try to find it."

Even without the 0 and 1 subjects from the previous life, power and desire would still drive these actions.

From the moment psychic abilities emerged, the question of how to create psychics for the elite class and control them became an urgent desire for those in power.

As more and more psychics reached the third level, uncontrollable psychics would increasingly form new power factions.

The old power structures disintegrated. Those afraid of losing power accelerated their efforts to seize and steal power.

What's even more terrifying is that it's not just one Psychic Research Institute; countless research institutes and laboratories lurk in the shadows. Like what was done to Wei Anguo at the Lindong base. There are experiments to enhance psychic abilities, and of course, experiments to awaken them.

Even if he revealed now that mutated creature crystal cores could also have a chance of successful transplantation, some would still firmly believe that human crystal cores would have a higher success rate, be more reliable, and of superior quality. For some, obtaining a human crystal core is as easy as obtaining a mutated king-level creature's core.

The weak serve as resources for the strong—not just their crystal cores, but also their time, energy, labor, intelligence, blood, organs, children, and wombs, all of which can be exploited for profit.

Just like before the apocalypse.

A century ago, people believed that transfusing young people's plasma could grant immortality. Scientists connected two rats, allowing their capillaries and granulation tissue to interweave and their circulatory systems to merge, extending the older rat's lifespan.

Commercial organizations initiated clinical trials for the "young blood program," recruiting volunteers to receive plasma transfusions from young people aged 16-25, treating it as a divine elixir.

From Emperor Qin seeking immortality on mythical mountains, to emperors pursuing elixirs of life, to cryonics and digital immortality... various scientific experiments... the powerful's fear of death and desire for eternal life have never ceased. Humanity's desires drive endless exploration. Now, with the emergence of psychic abilities, humanity has found a new direction for evolution.

It's still unclear how long psychics live, but the significant improvement in their abilities and physical fitness is undeniable. Based on previous research, the rate of aging has also slowed considerably, and cellular vitality has greatly recovered.

The results of Ge Chen's physical exam are still unknown, but if possible, proceed with the surgery as soon as possible.

Their current achievements aren't enough to guarantee the success rate of crystal core transplants. Prematurely releasing the information would only invite imitation and skepticism, and bring unforeseen trouble to Guan Yuanfeng, the only successful case.

After hanging up, Shen Lan lay in bed for a while, his eyelids growing heavy. Hearing the howling wind outside, he decided to sleep a little longer. Guan Yuanfeng wasn't home, likely out for a morning run with Comet, his routine as precise as clockwork.

No matter what, he refused to join him for a morning run... otherwise, it would inevitably remind him of that damn winter training plan.

He already had that strong, fit body—he could look and touch as he pleased, doing whatever he wanted. There was no need to endure the hardship of winter training. Was it even winter if you didn't laze around in a warm bed? With that thought, he hugged the pillow beside him and drifted back to sleep.

Guan Yuanfeng was indeed running in the gym. He had brought a floor cleaner and vacuum downstairs to tidy up the place. It was clear that since he left, Zhou Yun hadn't set foot in the gym at all.

His attitude toward avoiding exercise was crystal clear. It was obvious that the winter training plan back then was entirely for his sake.

From the moment of their fated encounter and love at first sight, from feeding the dog to borrowing money... every step was calculated to get closer to him.

He was surprised by how clearly he remembered all those details. Before, he had only felt that he owed a debt of gratitude, but now he realized it was more than just gratitude—it was love.

Recalling those seemingly ordinary moments of thoughtfulness and care, once filled with that profound and delicate emotion, every memory felt like a silent thunderclap.

After cleaning the gym, he looked out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the dense trumpet vines, which had finally shed their leaves in the snow, leaving bare tendrils.

He took a pair of scissors and trimmed them, knowing that if Zhou Yun wanted, these vines would grow back and cover the entire building.

It was as if a seal had been placed on the building. After he left, it became inaccessible to anyone.

This kind of unabashed desire for control and possession, though, was something he found quite enjoyable. He thought he had obtained a cup of water, but he didn't realize it was a long-brewed, rich wine that left him intoxicated.

After tidying up the gym, he completed his training plan for the day and returned to the 30th floor to find Zhou Yun still sound asleep, his shoulders and back exposed, with an e-ink e-reader tossed beside him, the screen still displaying a paper.

He placed the e-reader aside, pulled the blanket over Zhou Yun, and went to the bathroom to shower. When he came out, he finally saw Zhou Yun slowly sitting up, looking as if he hadn't fully woken up yet.

He asked considerately, "The snow’s heavy. If you don’t feel like going to the city hall, don’t go. I see your schedule today is just a meeting to discuss the Spring Festival activities, and these matters can be decided by them." Last night’s arrest and interrogation had inevitably kept them up late.

Zhou Yun sighed deeply: "Really? Then I won’t go today. I have an appointment with Ge Chen in the afternoon to discuss the surgical plan with the teacher."

With that, he lay back down, pulled the blanket over himself, and fell asleep again.

In the afternoon, after examining Ge Chen and obtaining his consent, they discussed the surgical plan with Professor Yao Huan.

Though it was called a discussion, Yao Huan, unfamiliar with psychic abilities, mainly focused on ensuring the surgical plan and theoretical aspects were sound, ensuring all procedures met standards and could withstand scrutiny. He was shocked: "Are you sure this can really trigger psychic abilities?"

Zhou Yun replied, "Yes, but for ordinary people, there's really no guarantee, as they might not be able to harness the crystal core's abilities. But Ge Chen has already successfully activated his psychic abilities; it's just that the psychic cores are incompatible, so it should be relatively easy."

Ge Chen was very hopeful: "The surgeries performed by the drug lords were as rough as those done on animals, yet we all survived. With Dr. Zhou personally handling it, there will definitely be no problem."

Zhou Yun offered a few words of comfort, seeing in Ge Chen a reflection of Guan Yuanfeng from a past life, which made him particularly attentive to this surgical plan, repeatedly deliberating and refining it with Yao Huan.

After Ge Chen left, Yao Huan told Zhou Yun privately, "According to your plan, the key to this crystal core transplant is the person. If you were replaced, this surgery couldn't be done."

Zhou Yun thought for a moment: "At this stage, I haven't heard of any other wood psychic ability users who can execute grafts. But Li Xiong over there successfully transplanted just by using light psychics to heal wounds." There were also cases from the Psychic Research Institute in a past life, which is why he released the psychic affinity test strips. If he didn't release them, who knows how many black laboratories would simply and crudely transplant crystal cores, leading to incompatible attributes.

Yao Huan shook his head: "It's not just the precision required for grafting psychic abilities, but also the subsequent wound healing, psychic side effects, and more. Your plan is not a universal solution."

Zhou Yun said, "There has to be a first step. This plan already ensures safety; the worst outcome is a failed psychic graft, not life-threatening. Even if other research institutions try it, it won't cause psychic incompatibilities anymore."

Yao Huan, however, said, "You're putting yourself in danger—since releasing the psychic affinity test strips, others will reasonably assume you already have a successful experimental case."

Zhou Yun whispered, "I know."

Yao Huan’s sharp gaze seemed to have guessed the experimental case’s identity. He sighed, "No wonder you're building a city. Without your own influence, you will never have peace."

After setting the surgery date with Yao Huan, he returned to Yunding Mountain Villa.

When he returned, Guan Yuanfeng still hadn’t come back. Knowing the snow was heavy and that Guan Yuanfeng was responsible, he must have been out patrolling, especially after last night's incident of abducting psychics; he must have gone to intimidate.

Comet wasn’t there either; he’d been following Guan Yuanfeng on patrols, as he was now fully focused on research, and the lab wasn’t suitable for animals.

He checked the time, opened the fridge, and took out two chickens he’d left to thaw in the freezer that morning, planning to make three-cup chicken and a quick and tasty oyster and vermicelli pot. He could have hotpot on the weekend.

The three-cup chicken needed basil, so he headed to the rooftop greenhouse on the 30th floor, where he grew plenty of common herbs. Despite the heavy snow outside, he still had fresh vegetables.

He picked some basil, a cabbage, and a pumpkin; pumpkin was good in winter.

He chopped the chicken into pieces, stir-fried sesame oil, garlic, and ginger until fragrant, then added rice wine, soy sauce, and rock sugar, simmering for fifteen minutes, then transferred to a clay pot, added basil to reduce the sauce.

The rich, spicy aroma of basil filled the air, the chicken fragrant, tender, and succulent. Zhou Yun tasted a piece and was very satisfied, covering the clay pot and waiting for Guan Yuanfeng to return.

Next, he made the oyster and shrimp vermicelli pot, placing the vermicelli at the bottom, then layering cabbage and sliced ham in the clay pot, adding a layer of garlic sauce, topping with oysters and shrimp, another layer of garlic sauce, and drizzling with soy sauce, wine, sugar, and other seasonings. He covered the pot and started cooking, a dish that satisfied the need for vegetables, meat, starch, and protein, perfect.

The seafood pot didn't need long to cook, and soon the aroma filled the air. The rice was also ready. Zhou Yun checked the time again, frowned; it was already completely dark outside. Why hadn't he returned yet?

Just as he was about to call Guan Yuanfeng, Guan Yuanfeng called first: "Have you eaten?"

Zhou Yun said, "Waiting for you. Made three-cup chicken and seafood pot. When are you coming back?"

Guan Yuanfeng said, "There's an urgent matter that needs to be handled. It would be best if you could come over. Qin Sheng is at the mountain villa; I'll have him escort you. I've also arranged for guards at Kexin's location."

Zhou Yun was taken aback. Guan Yuanfeng advised, "Finish your meal first, then come over."

Zhou Yun sensed the seriousness in his tone and promptly agreed, "Alright."

He quickly ate a bowl of rice, packed the two clay pot dishes, and Qin Sheng arrived shortly, "Dr. Zhou."

Zhou Yun handed him the packed basket, "Have you eaten?"

Qin Sheng replied, "I ate earlier. Why haven't you eaten yet?"

Zhou Yun said, "It's okay, I just ate. Let's go."

Outside, a driver and security detail were already in place. Zhou Yun got into the car, Qin Sheng followed him, and said, "I wonder what the urgency is."

Zhou Yun thought to himself that Guan Yuanfeng wouldn't easily ask him to come over. Since he was asked to come, it must be a big deal, but he was also told to eat first, which might mean there would be no chance to eat after arriving.

When they arrived at the military headquarters, Guan Yuanfeng personally came out to greet them and take them inside, his expression grim, "Today, the Lin Dong base is delivering oil and gas; this is the first batch."

Zhou Yun asked, "Something went wrong? Is Ye the fox trying to back out?"

Guan Yuanfeng instead asked him, "Have you eaten?"

Zhou Yun replied, "Yes, and I packed some for you." He gestured to Qin Sheng behind him, "Xiao Qin has it."

Guan Yuanfeng nodded, pushed the door open, "You need to brace yourself."

Zhou Yun entered and saw Qin Mu already standing inside, next to a tall, disheveled man, haggard with deep-set eyes, unshaven, and wearing dirty clothes. The man saw Zhou Yun, "Are you Mayor Zhou? Please, I beg you, save the General!"

He immediately knelt down, kowtowing repeatedly, "Please, have mercy and save the General. I was petty before; the assassination attempt was all my fault. As long as you save the General, I will let you kill me, cut me into pieces—this worthless life is yours to do with as you please!"

Zhou Yun: "..."

Guan Yuanfeng shouted coldly, "Ling Dingxiu! Get up! Let our Mayor take a look first."

Zhou Yun stepped forward and saw a man lying on the pale medical bed... strictly speaking, only half a man.

A white sheet covered half of his body, but it was clear there were no legs or arms underneath, only a thin, emaciated torso. The man's eyes were two dark red, ferocious hollows, obviously removed less than half a month ago.

His chest was still faintly rising and falling, his breath shallow. His lips were ashen, his face pale, and he was in a coma.

Zhou Yun couldn't help but glance at Qin Sheng.

Qin Sheng was puzzled, looking at him in confusion, thinking he had some request, and awkwardly lifted the lunch box in his hand. Surely he doesn't want to eat now?

Guan Yuanfeng said in a low voice, "It's Ye Yuqing. His limbs were cut off, his eyes gouged out—this is torture. His subordinates hid him in the oil and gas barrels delivered to us. There's been a shift at the Lin Dong base; he's been secretly imprisoned for a month, but Central Base knew nothing about it."

Ling Dingxiu wiped his eyes with the back of his hand, "Those monsters from the Ye family! I found the General, and he told me to bring him to Team Guan and Mayor Zhou, saying only Mayor Zhou could save him."

His voice was hoarse, his expression pained, but Zhou Yun's attention was elsewhere, "Does he still have his tongue?"

Ling Dingxiu, immersed in anger and pain, was stunned by the question, "Yes... they wanted to force the General to reveal some military secrets..."

Zhou Yun felt a bit awkward, "I'll... examine his condition." He couldn't take his pulse, so he could only do a simple physical check. He said, "Have Dr. Qi set up emergency and examination equipment; let's do a comprehensive check first."

Guan Yuanfeng said, "We've already had military doctors perform some emergency first aid."

Zhou Yun glanced at Ling Dingxiu, "This... the General's condition isn't good either." His eyes were blinking abnormally, his facial muscles twitching uncontrollably, clearly in pain and anger, but his mouth seemed to be smiling, his expression uncontrollable, his fingers trembling involuntarily. His military uniform was bloodied and torn, but there were no wounds on his exposed skin, possibly treated by someone with light psychics.

Ling Dingxiu wiped his face, "Save General Ye first. I accidentally gave him two doses of psychic enhancement hormones. After the General told me to stop, his body began to show signs of discomfort, especially after using psychic abilities."

Zhou Yun thought for a moment, "Only twice, that's good. Stop using psychic abilities for now—this is likely a severe rebound from overusing psychic abilities."

Ling Dingxiu said hoarsely, "I had to kill many people. Otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to bring the General out."

Zhou Yun and Guan Yuanfeng exchanged glances, both seeing the gravity in each other's eyes.