Chapter 106 Condition

Chapter 106: Conditions

Lin Dusheng looked at the information before him, unable to quite put his finger on how he felt.

He had thought Levin was already unbelievably powerful, but it turned out there was always someone better. Compared to this person, Levin was completely outclassed.

Moreover, on top of what was in the report, there were certainly some details that hadn't been uncovered.

After that whole affair, they contacted the various teachers who had taught Ji Anzhi. Most of them said Ji Anzhi was very talented and was a quick study.

If it weren't for the Star Chart Department being difficult to poach from, they might have come to blows over him.

Just like Mu Wen, even after two years, he was still trying to poach him. The Star Chart Department was guarding against him tooth and nail, and had managed to thwart him every time.

Lin Dusheng felt that if not for the later military academy rule that each person could only serve as the head of one major department, Ji Anzhi might have achieved a full sweep.

As he thought this, a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in."

It was Levin. Upon entering, Levin noticed Lin Dusheng's agitated and frequently spiking mental energy, so he released his pheromones to soothe him.

Seeing Levin, Lin Dusheng suddenly remembered something. He had been bundled off here by Levin before he was even awake. After regaining consciousness, he received the news and had to dash off to deal with it urgently.

Lin Dusheng stroked his chin, thinking seriously.

Should he continue?

Anyway, Ji Anzhi's whereabouts were currently unknown. Vice-Principal Xiao Nan was here to handle things, and the Third Legion and the research institute would also assist. There wasn't much for him and Levin to do…

"Xiaoxiao, I need to go help at the research institute. That insectoid is very dangerous."

Lin Dusheng: "........"

Just kill it. What a piece of trash bug.

He reluctantly let the thought go. The atmosphere around Lin Dusheng grew heavy again, as if he had written "I'm very unhappy and very displeased right now" on his face.

Levin stepped forward and said with a chuckle, "Focus on the main task at hand now. At the national celebration in the second half of the year, I plan to take over the position of Federation Marshal."

Lin Dusheng was taken aback, looking up sharply at Levin in surprise. "Really?"

Levin nodded, as if having come to terms with something, a gentle, wistful smile on his face. "After more than sixty years, I should let it go."

Let go of the mistakes and fears of that year.

Those things couldn't have been avoided; they could only be accepted. Now that he had come to terms with it, there was no need to put Xiaoxiao through the most pain.

Lin Dusheng suddenly hugged Levin tightly, burying his face in Levin's abdomen. Came the muffled reply: "I've decided. Once the Bug Swarm is over, we're getting married."

This time, if anyone dares to obstruct us again,

I will make them wish they were dead.

Patting Lin Dusheng's back, Levin sighed.

So when Vice-Principal Kang Yunan arrived, this is what he saw.

Kang Yunan thought seriously: Was it too late to back out now? He didn't want to be crushed to death by work.

Levin gave him a questioning look.

Kang Yunan mouthed: 'That insectoid.'

Levin nodded in understanding and said softly, "Xiaoxiao, do you want to go sleep?"

Lin Dusheng's heat had just ended. Since he couldn't get the reassurance he needed, he couldn't fully get through his cycle, so he would always be very fatigued at times like this.

Not insisting, Lin Dusheng went back to catch up on sleep.

Levin followed Kang Yunan to the laboratory. As they hurried along, Kang Yunan said, "The test results show that this insectoid's mental energy is exponentially stronger than the White Worm's, comparable to an SSS-level mental energy user."

"Moreover, the Federation's current mental energy isolation materials cannot completely block it. That means even the most airtight isolation chamber can have their minds affected."

"However, like the White Worm, its mental energy is powerful, but its own defensive and offensive capabilities are almost zero..."

By the time they reached the laboratory, Kang Yunan had finished explaining. Levin pushed the door open and entered.

Seeing Levin arrive, everyone in the laboratory was overwhelmed with gratitude.

The Marshal had finally come!

That bastard of a dean, keeping him tied up!

Didn't he know their research institute was full of weaklings? Hogging our lifeline for himself and leaving us to fend for ourselves!

Of course, they didn't dare show any of this on their faces, greeting Levin with restrained enthusiasm.

Levin nodded in acknowledgment and inquired about the current situation.

The head of the Insectoid Research Department replied, "We thickened the mental energy isolation material to one and a half meters before completely blocking its mental energy."

"Name."

"Not determined yet."

"Green Worm."

"........" You really are straightforward and blunt.

Suppressing the urge to comment, the Insectoid Research Department head continued, "It... the Green Worm's defensive capabilities are even weaker than the White Worm's. Apart from mental energy attacks, it has almost no other means of attack."

After listening, Levin slightly lowered his head, looking at the data they had just obtained, and said, "Prepare the protective suit."

A researcher immediately brought over a protective suit. The suit was made of flexible mental energy isolation material, and it contained anesthetic drugs inside. Once controlled, it would immediately release a high concentration.

It took three days to produce this suit, nearly dying in the process.

Levin put it on. No one guarded the entrance; only the AI controlled the switch for entry and exit. After opening the nearly two-meter-thick isolation door, Levin entered.

Observing the Green Worm up close, if you ignored its size, it really wasn't much different from a green worm.

Levin released his mental energy, attempting to sense the other's emotions and thoughts.

However, before he could sense anything, he noticed the Green Worm trying to attack and control him. Unfortunately, the Green Worm's mental energy had just reached the SSS level. Combined with the protective suit's effect, it couldn't harm him in a short time.

Having estimated the other's approximate strength, Levin confidently approached, crouched down, and began to physically examine it.

The Green Worm desperately wanted to bite the human in front of it to death. Unfortunately, its teeth weren't as sharp as its other kin's, leaving only shallow marks on the protective suit.

After Levin finished examining every detail of the green worm and ensuring it was fully documented, he stood up and left.

The green worm had suffered its second humiliation. The first time was understandable—that creature was as terrifying as the Queen Insect; no one would dare provoke it. But this human was barely larger than itself—what right did he have?

Furious, the green worm wanted to chase after him and resume its attack—but with its stubby legs, it simply couldn’t keep up.

Levin suddenly turned back, lowering his gaze to the large green worm writhing grotesquely on the ground.

*Is it trying to attack me?*

He was slightly startled by the thought he’d inadvertently picked up from the worm.

Even with the White Worm, he’d only sensed vague, human-like emotions—but this time, he’d clearly perceived its exact thoughts and feelings.

Intrigued, Levin took two steps back and attempted to establish a mental link.

The green worm appeared highly experienced in such matters, quickly completing the connection. The moment the link formed, it began shouting: “Humans! Release me—or the Queen Insect will show you no mercy!”

It was likely communicating via low-frequency sound waves, inaudible to humans.

Levin analyzed objectively, a faint, mocking smile curling at his lips. “Release you—and the Queen Insect will spare humanity?”

“Weakness is your own fault. Why should we abandon food already in our mouths?”

Levin raised an eyebrow. This one wouldn’t be easily deceived.

“Likewise, you’ve been captured by us. Weakness is your own fault. Why should we release a prisoner already in our grasp?”

Green Worm: …………

Without another word, Levin turned and walked away, ignoring the green worm’s furious outburst, and sealed the isolation door.

Outside, the researchers trembled with fear. One timidly asked, “Um… Marshal, were you just… speaking with the green worm?”

Levin nodded, removing his protective suit as he replied, “It possesses self-awareness, independent cognition, and intelligence. Maintain strict surveillance.”

Everyone present was stunned—but complied instantly.

Was the insect race evolving?

…………

Elsewhere

“Dad, are we activating maximum combat readiness?”

“Most likely.”

“I’m heading back to the military academy to collect some things.”

Yun Huaifeng looked up. “What things?”

“My Space Bracelet—and some spare parts and supplies.”

Qi Yanshen hesitated briefly before finally blurting out, “Is it because of Ji Anzhi that you won’t let me return to the academy?”

Hearing this, Yun Huaifeng didn’t answer directly. “You need to adapt to military life as soon as possible. There’s no point wasting time on trivialities.”

His father’s evasiveness disappointed Qi Yanshen. He couldn’t understand why even his own father would withhold the truth.

“What conditions must I meet for you to tell me the truth?”

The emotionless tone made Yun Huaifeng pause—then lower his gaze, concealing the emotions in his eyes.

Yan Shen was angry.

He’d never spoken to him like this before—not like father and son, but like two parties negotiating purely for mutual gain, utterly devoid of affection.

Yun Huaifeng was deeply conflicted. Qi Yanshen truly cared for Ji Anzhi.

As a father, he instinctively didn’t want his child walking down that arduous, endless path.

Yet he also feared driving his child further away by withholding the truth.

After a long silence, Yun Huaifeng finally relented.

“Major General.”

“Once you’re promoted to Major General, I’ll tell you.”

Qi Yanshen agreed immediately.

As for bargaining—he knew he was still too inexperienced compared to his father and didn’t want to risk stricter terms.

To be safe, Qi Yanshen added, “No deliberate suppression.”

“Talk to your mother. I can’t control that.”

With that, Yun Huaifeng lowered his head and resumed reviewing budget reports for the Pharmaceutical Department. Such thankless tasks were better left to Qi Lan—especially since, as Commander, she held final authority over such matters.

After bidding farewell to his father, Qi Yanshen headed straight for the Commander’s office.

Meanwhile, Qi Lan—who had just received a message from her partner—felt an overwhelming urge to rush to the front lines and fight nonstop for three days and nights.

But unfortunately, she couldn’t.

She’d just risen to her feet, contemplating hiding in some conference room, when a knock sounded at the door. Qi Lan stiffly sat back down.

“Come in.”

It was Qi Yanshen. Abandoning evasion, Qi Lan cut straight to the point. “You really want to know?”

It seemed his father had already spoken with his mother. Qi Yanshen nodded.

Qi Lan still tried to persuade him. “Yan Shen, sometimes forgetting is best.”

Qi Yanshen stood firm, replying resolutely, “I have the right to know.”

Qi Lan sighed, covering her face with her hands.

Was this truly their child? Perfectly inheriting both their worst traits.

Remembering her partner’s past stubbornness—and fearing Qi Yanshen might resort to any means to achieve his goal—Qi Lan, like Yun Huaifeng, relented.

“Fine. Once you’re promoted to Major General, your father and I will tell you the truth. Until then, I won’t interfere—and there’ll be no special treatment simply because you’re my son.”

“Agreed.”

With the matter settled, Qi Lan didn’t want to see this troublesome son for another second—and told him to leave.

Qi Yanshen obediently went out and headed to the training room to train. He had to climb to the rank of Major General as soon as possible.

He disliked the feeling of being kept in the dark.

…………

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"Are you sure you want to go to Yadecway? This is a sensitive time, it's easy for things to go wrong."

A blond man leaned against the doorframe, his waist-length hair falling loosely, yet it did nothing to detract from his god-like looks. He shone like a little sun, radiant and brilliant.

Meanwhile, the black-haired man in front of the mirror also had waist-length hair, but he had neatly combed and tied it back.

He held up a dark green omega dress to wear to the auction in Yadecway.

Hearing the question, the black-haired man replied calmly, "Do I have a choice? Only Yadecway sells Psychic Stimulants right now. If we don’t restock, you’ll run out, Anjue."

Ji Anjue replied nonchalantly, "So what if I run out? At worst, I’ll forgo the Guoguo this time."

Ji Anzhi frowned disapprovingly. "What if this batch produces a sentient companion? Don’t you want one of your own kind?"

Ji Anjue was at a loss for words. "...Why would I need a companion? To compete with me for food? Or to cause as much trouble as I do? Besides, your funds are almost depleted—why add another money pit?"

*Having him alone was enough.*

After all, with just him, Ji Anzhi was already nearly broke.

"Aren’t you lonely?"

Ji Anjue was even more puzzled. "Why would I feel lonely? The Star Network is so much fun—I haven’t even had my fill of it yet."

Dropping the subject, Ji Anzhi decided on the dress and insisted firmly, "I must go to Yadecway. The Psychic Stimulant must be obtained."

Leaning against the doorframe, Ji Anjue sighed. Sure enough, he couldn't out-stubborn him.

During last year’s Bug Swarm, Ji Anzhi had been unconscious for three full months before waking up. Worried that the skinny guy might not make it, Ji Anjue had cut five more of his own leaves for him.

The effect was remarkable—Ji Anzhi’s psychic sea stabilized completely, though its size became an issue, reduced to only half of what it was before consuming Guoguo.

His psychic ability dropped to D-rank, and his physical fitness fell to E-rank.

One could say that even an average beta on the street was stronger than Ji Anzhi now, which was the second reason Ji Anjue didn’t want him to go.

After spending eight leaves to save him, it'd be a waste if he died just a year later.

Seeing Ji Anjue still lingering, Ji Anzhi glanced over and said, "Aren’t you going to pilot?"

Remembering his duties, Ji Anjue quietly closed the door and left, having forgotten he had sneaked away on a break.

After Ji Anjue left, Ji Anzhi placed the dress on the sofa and sat down.

His current physical endurance was poor—walking for half an hour required rest, or he risked fainting.

After all, his body had been forcibly pulled back from the brink of collapse. It was impossible to expect no aftereffects or to remain as he was before. He was grateful just to be alive.

After resting for a while, Ji Anzhi changed into the dress and took out a vial of potion, drinking it.

A minute later, subtle changes began to appear in Ji Anzhi’s facial features. At first glance, nothing seemed different, yet his appearance no longer matched his original one.

Once the transformation was complete, he bore only a forty percent resemblance to his former self.

Gazing at his reflection—delicate and refined features, with vivid crimson eyes—Ji Anzhi couldn’t help but marvel.

Truly worthy of being a three-vial set of Face-Changing Potion costing a hundred million star coins. The effect was indeed impeccable.