Chapter 75: Treatment Pod

Chapter 75: Treatment Pod

Zhou Qin rested for another half hour at Ji An's place before leaving with Gu Jinsheng.

After everyone had left, Ji An continued cultivating the bone marrow and bone fragments collected from Zhou Qin.

With these two materials, most people’s first thought would be to have a superpowered individual accelerate regeneration.

But this actually wouldn’t work.

As was commonly known, the principle of a healing superpower was restoration.

In other words, if a healing superpowerer were to accelerate regeneration, they would end up with a section of Zhou Qin’s undamaged shinbone.

However, the curvature, alignment, and joint details of human left and right leg bones were mirror opposites.

The bone accelerated by a superpowerer would be a perfect replica of the original, but what Zhou Qin needed was the opposite shinbone—completely unusable.

Otherwise, superpowered individuals wouldn’t be foolish; they would have already tried it.

At one point, superpowered individuals even considered another method: stimulating unlimited bone growth.

An infinitely large bone could theoretically be cut to fit the shape and size needed for the recipient.

They did attempt this, but it turned out to be completely unworkable.

Because bones accelerated to infinite size would experience structural degradation, resulting in severe osteoporosis.

The osteoporosis would be so severe that the bone couldn’t support the superpowered individual’s body—or if it barely managed, the bone fragments would crumble inside the flesh with every step.

So it simply wouldn’t work.

Ji An, however, adopted targeted cultivation technology.

This involved his custom 3D modeling system, using the model to obtain precise data for targeted cultivation of the shinbone.

Though the description sounded simple, every word represented an entirely new technology.

Ji An took out Magic Spring Water from his spatial storage device and added it to the culture medium.

The effects of Magic Spring Water were similar to a healing superpower—it could accelerate cultivation—but unlike superpowered acceleration, it wasn’t bound by restorative limitations.

It was the perfect choice for accelerated growth!

As for the issue of widespread adoption in hospitals lacking Magic Spring Water, Ji An had already devised a solution.

First, directly selling Magic Spring Water was not an option—that would be like announcing to the world that he possessed a miraculous water source.

Instead of selling the water directly, he could sell the culture medium.

The formula of the medium wouldn’t need to change; simply replacing the base water with Magic Spring Water would significantly boost its effectiveness without raising suspicion. Others would simply assume Ji An had developed a new culture medium, hence its better results.

As for why others couldn’t detect the difference in composition—well, that was just their limited technical capabilities. Just like spatial storage devices and nutrient solutions! A master's creations weren't so easily deciphered!

Whistling happily, Ji An took some painkillers with Magic Spring Water.

In less than three weeks—days ahead of the projected month—Ji An finally successfully completed the bone growth process.

Pleased with the results, he sent a message to Gu Jinsheng, instructing him to bring Zhou Qin over—the procedure was successful.

When Gu Jinsheng saw this message, even though he was prepared, his heart still lurched. He had to close his eyes for a moment to calm himself down.

At the time, Gu Jinsheng was in a meeting with several senior officers from the Jing City base. Though he quickly regained his composure and resumed speaking with his usual stone-faced demeanor, the others still picked up on his unease.

Wan Xueying and the others immediately thought something had happened to Ji An, but seeing that Gu Jinsheng could still continue the meeting, they quickly dismissed the idea.

Their boss was the kind of devoted man who would blow his crystal core if Ji An died—if something had happened to Boss Ji, he’d be out of his seat in an instant.

Apart from that, they couldn’t think of anything else that could make Gu Jinsheng react like that. But since he didn’t mention it, it was probably personal, so they didn’t ask.

However, Zhou Qin, who was sitting nearby, saw this and his heart began pounding wildly. He was even more unsettled than Gu Jinsheng, his face going ghost-white, his lips losing all color.

The others quickly noticed. After the meeting, Wan Xueying asked worriedly, “Zhou Qin, what’s going on between you and the boss? Why did both of you suddenly act so strangely during the meeting?”

Kong Zhongcheng said bluntly, “Old Zhou, you didn’t screw over the boss or the base, did you? Let me tell you, you can’t be ungrateful. The boss has had our backs, especially yours—you can’t let him down!”

Zhou Qin replied, “How could I? I would never betray the boss or the base. All I can say is, if this really works out, I owe my life to our boss and Boss Ji!”

At that moment, Gu Jinsheng called out, “Zhou Qin, come with me!”

“Okay.” Zhou Qin’s voice trembled as he answered, unaware that both his arms and his one good leg were shaking.

To Wan Xueying and Kong Zhongcheng, his behavior looked even more like a man caught red-handed, terrified after doing something wrong to Gu Jinsheng or the base.

Wan Xueying’s worry deepened. “Old Zhou couldn’t have actually done something to betray the boss and the base, could he?”

Kong Zhongcheng said, “Kinda looks like it. Damn, Old Zhou’s sweating bullets.”

Before Kong Zhongcheng could finish speaking, Zhou Qin suddenly hit the deck, unable to get up no matter how hard he tried.

Zhou Qin looked at Kong Zhongcheng pleadingly and said bitterly, “Old Kong, I don’t think I can stand up on my own. Help me, will you?”

Kong Zhongcheng grew even more concerned. As he helped Zhou Qin up, he noticed his entire body was trembling, like a leaf in the wind.

This made Kong Zhongcheng nervous too. He asked, “Old Zhou, what the hell did you do to scare yourself like this?”

“I didn’t do anything.” Zhou Qin knew his current state wasn’t convincing. He turned to Gu Jinsheng and said, “Boss, I can’t walk on my own right now. Let Old Kong help me there.”

“Fine.” Gu Jinsheng agreed.

As they left, Wan Xueying whispered to Kong Zhongcheng, “Looking at Old Zhou’s terrified state, whatever he did must be serious. Read the room—if possible, do whatever it takes to save his life.”

Kong Zhongcheng gave an OK sign. “Don’t worry about that. We’ve worked together for so many years—I’ve got his back.”

That said, once they were in the car, Kong Zhongcheng kept his mouth shut.

Since Gu Jinsheng still suffered from headaches as an aftermath of his burnt-out superpower and couldn’t drive, Kong Zhongcheng had to take the wheel. It was only then that Gu Jinsheng told him, “Head to the research institute.”

Gu Jinsheng had no involvement in the institute’s affairs—the only person who could drag him there was Ji An. This matter must be related to Boss Ji, Kong Zhongcheng guessed silently.

At the same time, he glanced at Zhou Qin through the rearview mirror.

Suddenly, he felt Zhou Qin had a death wish—daring to provoke Boss Ji. If he had offended Gu Jinsheng himself, their boss might have spared his life. But offending Boss Ji? Leaving him in one piece would already be an act of mercy.

Kong Zhongcheng didn’t dare utter a single word in Zhou Qin’s defense. He simply drove straight to the institute.

The entire way, with Kong Zhongcheng silent and Gu Jinsheng and Zhou Qin refusing to speak, the atmosphere was so thick you could cut it with a knife.

When the three of them entered Ji An’s lab, Ji An was already waiting. Seeing them, instead of the hellfire and brimstone Kong Zhongcheng had imagined, Ji An beamed at them.

"You're here, come in quickly. The healers from Country M have arrived," Researcher Ji greeted them with a smile.

The icy aura that had surrounded Commander-in-Chief Gu the entire way dissipated instantly, replaced by a gentleness that made Kong Zhongcheng feel as if a spring breeze had brushed his face. However, the trembling Zhou Qin, whom he was supporting, seemed to collapse even further, leaning against him like limp noodles, transferring all his weight onto Kong Zhongcheng.

Now Zhou Qin was even more bewildered, staring blankly at everyone.

As they entered the lab, they saw Philemon, a top-tier healing superpowered individual from Country M. Her hands were tied behind her back, her eyes blindfolded, and her ears plugged with special earplugs to ensure she could neither see nor hear. Several tall, burly guards stood beside her, escorting her.

When Commander-in-Chief Gu entered, the guards nodded in acknowledgment.

Researcher Ji said, "First, take Philemon to the isolation chamber next door. I’ll call for her if needed. During this time, no matter what reason she gives—whether to loosen her restraints, remove her blindfold, or take out her earplugs—ignore her. Even if she claims she needs to use the bathroom, don’t comply."

The guards didn’t respond immediately to Researcher Ji. Instead, they looked at Commander-in-Chief Gu, awaiting his orders.

Commander-in-Chief Gu said, "From now on, inside this lab, you will prioritize following Researcher Ji’s instructions above all else."

"Understood, Commander-in-Chief Gu," the guards replied before turning to Researcher Ji. "Understood, Researcher Ji."

"Kong Zhongcheng, carry Zhou Qin and place him on the exam table," Researcher Ji said, patting the exam table at the center of the lab.

Though confused, Kong Zhongcheng followed the instruction and laid him down.

Kong Zhongcheng, Commander-in-Chief Gu, and Zhou Qin had already been disinfected by the machine at the entrance and changed into sterile gowns, so there was no need for further preparation.

Researcher Ji put on gloves and retrieved the cultivated tibia from the sterile container. At this moment, Kong Zhongcheng finally realized what was happening—his eyes nearly bulged out of his head.

When Researcher Ji placed the tibia against Zhou Qin’s amputated leg, even without explanation, Zhou Qin could see that the shape and size matched perfectly—as if it had been taken from his own uninjured leg.

"It seems the experiment was a success!" Researcher Ji said cheerfully.

Now Kong Zhongcheng finally understood how Zhou Qin had felt earlier—his legs went weak, and he couldn’t stand.

Without bothering to fetch a chair, he simply slumped down on the floor, afraid that if Researcher Ji revealed something even more astonishing, he might fall off a chair in shock, which would be even more embarrassing.

The only two people left standing calmly in the lab were Commander-in-Chief Gu and Researcher Ji.

Researcher Ji said, "Alright, now I can have Philemon heal you."

Just as Researcher Ji opened the lab door to call for someone from the next room, Wu Youyang walked in, beaming. "Chief, great news! Someone just delivered sea stars, jellyfish, octopi, dolphins, and seaweed—over twenty different species, all uninfected by the z-virus and unmutated!"

Wu Youyang laughed heartily. "And all they asked for was a year’s supply of enhancement supplements and one Spatial Storage device. Hahaha..."

Wu Youyang felt they had gotten an incredible deal, while the salvage team that delivered the goods thought the same.

The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. Researcher Ji couldn’t help but marvel at Zhou Qin’s good fortune.

Researcher Ji asked, "Have the items been tested?"

"Yes, all of them tested clean."

"Good." Researcher Ji immediately stored the specimens into the Magic Spring within his ring’s Spatial Storage.

The moment the Magic Spring came into contact with these creatures, it surged like a tidal wave, roiling violently. Researcher Ji could feel the spring’s vitality bursting forth.

He witnessed the Magic Spring’s transformation firsthand—as if it had broken free from some restraint, the water suddenly surged dozens of stories high, seemingly reaching for the sky before cascading in all directions across the Spatial Storage.

When Researcher Ji looked closely, he saw that wherever the Magic Spring’s water landed, it formed rivulets of varying sizes, depending on the amount of water that had splashed there.

The stream wound its way quietly, its waters clean and clear, with small stones and seaweed barely visible at the bottom.

Animals are the most perceptive. The kitten and the white mouse immediately ran toward the stream upon noticing its sudden appearance in the space.

The kitten twitched its tiny nose, sniffed, then stuck out its little tongue to take a few licks. Its eyes went wide with surprise as it suddenly realized the water tasted much better than what Ji An had given it before, and it began drinking eagerly.

Previously, Ji An had only fed the kitten water diluted from the Magic Spring, fearing it couldn’t handle the energy. Now, seeing the kitten drink so happily, he feared it might have a bad reaction—yet the kitten adapted perfectly.

Ji An couldn’t help but laugh.

Indeed, everything followed its own natural laws. It seemed that once the kitten entered the dimensional space, it was protected by the space’s rules and could no longer be measured by external standards.

After observing for a while and confirming the white mouse also adapted well, Ji An stopped worrying.

Turning his attention back to the Magic Spring, he noticed the marine creatures unsuited to freshwater remained in the spring, unaffected when the water sprayed out.

At the same time, Ji An sensed a difference in energy between the Magic Spring water and the stream that had sprayed out—the Magic Spring had upgraded.

The enhanced Magic Spring now contained even greater energy, and Ji An could distinctly feel the vital energy emanating from it.

His heart pounded with excitement, and without hesitation, he drew several buckets of undiluted Magic Spring water from the space.

As Ji An carried the buckets back, Gu Jinsheng hurried over to take them, puzzled. "Didn't you go to get Philemon? Where is she? Why did you come back alone?"

Ji An grinned. "I suddenly remembered that Commander Zhou should also do his part for science for once. We can’t always rely on conservative treatments."

Neither Gu Jinsheng nor Zhou Qin understood his meaning, but that didn’t stop them from following orders.

Ji An directed Gu Jinsheng to pour the two large buckets of water into a strange pod-like chamber.

The chamber was peculiar, constructed from some unknown alloy that resembled some kind of alloy—yet Gu Jinsheng had never seen anything like it before.

The chamber was neither too large nor too small, easily large enough for an adult. Inside, it was half-full of a viscous, clear fluid.

Gu Jinsheng recognized the liquid—it had previously been kept carelessly in a cheap inflatable bathtub, but now it had been upgraded into something entirely unfamiliar.

Ji An turned to Zhou Qin with a smile. "Commander Zhou, strip down and get in."

"Huh?" Zhou Qin suddenly felt a wave of unease, an inexplicable sense of dread washing over him. At that moment, Ji An seemed far more terrifying than even Gu Jinsheng.

With Kong Zhongcheng’s help, Zhou Qin shakily removed his clothes. Being fully naked in front of so many people was embarrassing, but before he could dwell on it, Gu Jinsheng gave him a sharp kick into the pod.

The kick sent Zhou Qin plunging face-first into the fluid. He expected to choke, but miraculously, he didn’t.

Rolling onto his back, he opened his mouth to speak—only for the transparent lid to slam shut with a resounding clang.

Then, a voice echoed in his mind:

*"Treatment Pod No. 1 activated… Activation successful… At your service… Scanning host… Head… Level 4 mid-level superpowered, energy core intact… Head condition: healthy… Neck… Legs… Right leg: healthy… Left leg: severed below the calf bone. Diagnosed as an old injury. Detected a section of calf bone… Data comparison in progress… All parameters and genetic markers match the host… Commencing treatment…"*

At that moment, Zhou Qin felt a mist release inside the pod—and then, he knew nothing more.

But those outside the pod could clearly see an unknown energy surge from the chamber, precisely cutting through the healed flesh at Zhou Qin’s severed leg. Some unseen force then pushed the detached bone back into place, followed by rapid flesh regenerating—as if an unseen superpowered was healing him.

Kong Zhongcheng was grateful for his foresight in sitting on the floor earlier. Otherwise, he would have surely fallen off his chair in shock, making a spectacle of himself.

Now he understood how Zhou Qin had felt earlier. Had he known what was coming, he too would have trembled with excitement.

Looking down at his hands, Kong Zhongcheng realized they were shaking uncontrollably. It seemed he *was* trembling after all.

All of a sudden, he envied Zhou Qin—he wished he could just pass out like that too.

Kong Zhongcheng didn’t faint. Instead, he pinched his own arm hard—"Ouch!!!"

A sudden scream startled Gu Jinsheng and Ji An, who had been intently watching the process. Gu Jinsheng frowned, "Did you mutate?"

Tears welled up in Kong Zhongcheng’s eyes. "No, Boss. I just wanted to check if I was still dreaming. How is any of this even real?"

Gu Jinsheng, with a mix of pride and disdain, said, "You’re not even the one doing the research. What’s unreal to you? By the time it feels real to you, spatial storage devices and nutrient solutions will already be in use."

Kong Zhongcheng turned to Ji An. "Boss Ji—no, Divine Ji—are you really not a deity descending to save us pitiful ants struggling to survive in this apocalyptic world?"

Gu Jinsheng abruptly looked at Ji An, something wild surging in his eyes.

Ji An burst out laughing. "Seriously, Jinsheng? With your brains, you’re buying this crap?"

Gu Jinsheng’s Adam’s apple bobbed, his voice hoarse within seconds. "Xiao An, you don’t act like a human—you act like a god!"

Ji An chuckled. "I’ll take that as high praise. I accept this praise, and I like it!"

Gu Jinsheng’s hands twitched as if to reach out, but he didn’t dare. Instead, he clenched them into tight fists. His Xiao An was right there, yet felt worlds away—as if separated not by mountains and rivers, but by the barriers of time and space, the chasm between dimensions. It was an abyss Gu Jinsheng could never cross in his lifetime, yet for Ji An, it was nothing more than a thin veil he could brush aside with a mere gesture.

Watching Ji An’s carefree, radiant smile, Gu Jinsheng suddenly realized—between them, it had always been Ji An who could step toward him. Otherwise, even if he exhausted his life and bled dry, he would never find him.

It had always been this way. In the past, now, and seemingly in the future.

A sudden stab of pain wrenched Gu Jinsheng forward, his heart pounding so wildly he could barely stand.

"Jinsheng, what’s wrong? Where does it hurt? Let me get Philemon to check on you." Ji An hurried over to support him, alarmed by Gu Jinsheng’s sudden distress.

Gu Jinsheng wanted to say he was fine, but his panic left him speechless. Ji An panicked, and even Kong Zhongcheng jumped up in concern.

Ji An instructed Kong Zhongcheng, "Stay here and watch. If the treatment pod malfunctions, it’ll alert you. If it doesn’t, everything’s fine—you don’t need to do anything. As for Zhou Qin, he’ll wake up on his own and can open the pod himself. I’ll take Jinsheng next door to see Philemon."

"Got it," Kong Zhongcheng nodded.

Ji An helped Gu Jinsheng out, but as soon as they opened the lab door, they were met with chaos outside—the research room was empty.

Ji An brushed off the noise and guided Gu Jinsheng toward the next room, only to collide with Rong Fan, who came rushing in.

Rong Fan blurted, frantic, "Boss Ji, Commander-in-Chief Gu, you gotta get out here now! Zhao Zhen has gathered several researchers, demanding an explanation from you!"

Ji An had never loathed Zhao Zhen more. At this moment, he truly wanted to turn him into an idiot.

"Jinsheng isn’t feeling well and needs treatment. We’ll deal with it afterward," Ji An said.

But Gu Jinsheng seemed to have recovered. He patted Ji An’s hand reassuringly. "I’m good. Just got hit hard for a sec. I’ll go handle it. Wu Youyang’s just a civilian—even with Yin Fang and Yu Xi’s help, they can’t manage alone."

It wasn’t that the researchers were particularly formidable. In fact, aside from Ji An, Yin Fang and Yu Xi could easily handle the entire research institute’s staff. Their status was the shield protecting them, making it difficult for Yin Fang and Yu Xi to retaliate without consequences.

But if they didn’t fight back, the researchers would only grow bolder.

Ji An scowled, but Gu Jinsheng soothed him. As they stepped out, they heard Zhao Zhen shouting, "Bring out Gu Jinsheng and Ji An! Today, we demand fairness! Why did the base give the Psychic Zombie King’s Core to Ji An? He’s a damn liability—how is he more valuable than us mental-type supers?"

"Listen up! From now on, any one of us could make a breakthrough in research, except that deadweight Ji An! So in terms of value, any of us has more right to that Psychic Zombie King’s Core than him!"

"Under these circumstances, why does that waste Ji An get to keep it? What backroom deal did he cut with Gu Jinsheng? Or is he just Gu Jinsheng’s bedwarmer? One’s a sellout, the other’s a sugar daddy—is it that simple?"

"That’s right! Gu better explain himself—now! We want justice!"