Xuan Wei arrived swiftly. After some tests as instructed by Zhou You, his internal energy projection was minimal and short-lived. However, with added mental force, everyone noticed the glow inside the glass bottle brightening.

Xuan Wei joked, "Turns out they're using us as batteries. These bugs are truly remarkable."

After some contemplation, Zhou You asked, "Come and observe them. Try to communicate and see if you feel anything."

"Communicate? How? With bugs?" Xuan Wei had been practicing martial arts since childhood, not playing with insects.

"It's hard to explain. Just try it."

However, despite his efforts, Xuan Wei didn't experience what Zhou You described. Instead, watching the bugs crawl around only made him agitated.

Zhou You remarked, "They're running out of oxygen."

"Yes, that's it. I can sense their struggle for breath. They seem desperate to escape."

Tapping on the glass, Shao Qi said emotionlessly, "Not my concern. If one of these escapes, it's a potential threat. They can't be released."

"Let's go to the research institute. I believe they can survive a few more hours," Zhou You advised Xuan Wei. "You can stay here with your fellow disciples, or find someone to escort you back to Yang City."

Xuan Wei was flabbergasted. Rushing forward, he attempted to hug his master but was swiftly kicked away by Shao Qi.

Getting up and holding his sore butt, he lamented, "Master, you're abandoning me just like that? We've only just formally established our master-disciple bond today. This isn't right, is it?"

"I have things to take care of. Train on your own. If you have questions, call me."

"Can't you take me with you? I eat little, work hard, and can handle all chores like cooking and laundry. Besides, wouldn't it be embarrassing for you to meet your master's family alone? Bringing along an apprentice would surely add to your prestige, don't you think?"

Zhou You ruffled his hair, smiling, "I don’t need to put on airs, and you certainly won’t be much help unless you become an expert."

Xuan Yue hung his head, "Will you come back?"

"Of course. At the very least, I'll return to Yang City. After all, as the honorary principal, I have to attend this year's orientation ceremony."

That seemed like a long time away. Xuan Yue was saddened by the thought but knew Zhou You had important matters to attend to. Besides, if his master didn't take him to Shuguang City, he could always find someone else. After all, the headquarters of Xuanmen were in Shuguang City.

Speaking of which, did his master know about this? Did he assume that Xuan Yue had always lived in Yang City?

Xuan Yue decided to keep this pleasant news from Zhou You, hoping to surprise him later. With that, he cheerfully sent off his master and grandmaster onto the helicopter.

This was Zhou You's first long flight since leaving seclusion. The plane soared to an altitude much higher than any helicopter Zhou You had previously experienced, by several thousand feet.

"This is the safest altitude right now. Mutated birds can't reach this high. However, there's still a risk of thunderstorms. If we encounter severe turbulence, we'll have to descend," explained the pilot.

Zhou You looked out of the window at the verdant expanse below. From space, Earth must appear as a beautiful blend of blue and green, with no hints of its once brown lands.

"Shao Qi, how tall do you think these trees will grow?"

"Some experts predict that as long as they don't mutate, regular plants could grow to triple their original size. As for mutated ones, it's anyone's guess, as their growth patterns are unpredictable."

As they spoke, the helicopter jolted violently. The pilot quickly lowered the altitude in a rapid descent, giving everyone onboard a stomach-churning sensation of weightlessness. Such a dangerous maneuver would have been intolerable for most.

Once stable, Zhou You realized he was gripping Shao Qi's hand tightly. In that fleeting moment, both understood the gravity of their situation. If the aircraft had crashed, they would've faced death together.

"Scared?"

"A bit." They exchanged smiles, and the pilot, with a distinct Northeastern accent, exclaimed, "Gosh, that scared the life out of me! Thought we were goners!"

The pilot explained to Zhou You, "Air currents up here are unpredictable, which is why aviation progress is difficult. Any accident in the sky is almost always fatal, regardless of one's martial prowess."

Zhou You gripped Shao Qi's hand even tighter, took it, and bit down hard, "You're taking too many risks. This trip has been nothing short of harrowing. Traveling like this does require some nerve."

Before he could finish, the aircraft tumbled. The pilot shouted, "Brace yourselves! We've encountered a flock of mutated birds!"

Both Zhou You and Shao Qi spotted the creatures: a dozen or so mutated hawks. At a distance, they seemed harmless. Up close, however, each was as large as a helicopter, forming an intimidating line.

Zhou You asked Shao Qi, "How do we deal with this menace?"

"We fight until they give way."

As they spoke, one of the mutated hawks lunged. The pilot deftly maneuvered the helicopter, moving with the agility of a bird.

Shao Qi drew his blade, and Zhou You readied his concealed weapons. It was clear that escape would not be easy; they would have to fend for themselves.

However, the sky was the realm of these mutated birds. Here, they had the upper hand, while humans, wingless and earthbound, were at a severe disadvantage.

The helicopter's firepower was considerably limited. After firing several rounds, it managed to kill only one mutated bird. The remaining birds aggressively converged upon the helicopter.