Zhou You laughed heartily, allowing Shao Qi to pull him into the bathroom. After a quick shower, the two drifted off to sleep.

Nights in the City of Dawn are both long and short. Many still lived nocturnally. The apocalypse seemingly hadn’t changed much for them. If they wanted to venture out, they'd hire exploration teams as bodyguards, staying safe as long as they didn’t stray too far.

This region could arguably be called the safest place in the entire country.

Gu Zuo waited at home all day but Han Xi never showed. He had recently heard some rumors and needed confirmation directly from Han Xi.

"Do you know which hotel she's staying at?"

"Yes, I made sure. She's at the Tulip Grand Hotel. It’s just a short drive from here."

"Good. I'll head there first thing tomorrow." Gu Zuo glanced at the recent message he received, his frustration evident. His meticulously laid plans were effortlessly thwarted by Shao Qi.

"I heard that Shao Qi came back with his spouse?"

"Yes, I saw them myself just a while ago."

"Hmm, I'd like to meet this Marshal's spouse. Curious if they are as extraordinary as the rumors suggest."

"They seem ordinary to me, but inner martial arts masters can retain their youthful appearance. Given the dangers they've faced together, it's unlikely that they lack martial arts skills."

"Of course not. I've seen their teaching videos and they're insightful. Keep an eye on them. If one of them is alone, notify me. I'd like a private meeting."

"Master, you intend to...?"

"I want to test if this newly learned martial art is as miraculous as they say. Ordinary people aren't worth my time." As Gu Zuo lowered his gaze, his black eyes changed, becoming abyssal. Anyone making eye contact could feel their spirit being drawn into that void.

Chapter 211: I Did Nothing Wrong

At the research institute, the arrival of the specimen insect immediately drew attention. Even researchers not directly involved flocked to the spectacle.

For this insect research, Lin Shuqing was also a team member and was assigned a small specimen.

Geng Qinglu took advantage of their close relationship to linger in Lin's lab.

"Come help. It's too active, and its destructive power is formidable. I can't stabilize it," Lin Shuqing, who researched cellular topics, commented. He had a theory: he wanted to compare the cells of these spirit-absorbing insects to regular mutated beasts, suspecting they might represent a different evolutionary path.

The evolving paths of fauna and flora had become increasingly diverse. Initial theories about ancestral regression began to falter as it was discovered that current genetic materials didn't align with prehistoric records but indicated an even more potent existence.

This meant that humans could potentially evolve beyond historic capabilities, with martial arts being just the beginning. Humans will always find a way to continue living in this world.

Geng Qinglu, donning a pair of specially crafted gloves, easily grasped the insect, frowning as he remarked, “Its exoskeleton feels remarkably rigid, and its wings are thin. It should be fragile by design, yet these two pincers appear to be its most potent assets.”

Immediately, Lin Shuqing used a resilient thread to bind the pincers and gestured for Geng Qinglu to release. Indeed, without its primary weapons, the insect seemed disoriented, moving aimlessly.

“Based on its external features and mutation, it likely evolved from beetles, perhaps even integrating genes from other insects in the process. As for the luminescent blue on its back, it's invisible through the machine.”

“So, do we need to dissect its shell to see the luminescence? Also, under what conditions does it emit this blue glow?”

“I hypothesize it's during hunting, likely when it’s on the offensive.”

On this aspect, Zhou You and Shao Qi held a similar belief. This creature was the only known mutant to deploy psychic attacks. Intuitively, both felt this small entity was of paramount significance.

“It seems agitated,” observed Geng Qinglu.

Having achieved the rank of a novice martial artist and also practiced internal energy techniques, Geng Qinglu could somewhat sense the insect’s emotional fluctuations.

Lin Shuqing, intrigued, mused, “Imagine if all creatures evolved in this direction. Wouldn’t humans and beasts be able to communicate?”

He chuckled at his own thought, “But that’s likely eons away.”

“Still, it’s a positive indication, isn't it?” Geng Qinglu, squatting to eye-level with the insect, was met with a sudden blue flash. Instantly, a sharp pain shot through his mind, causing him to fall backward.

“Hey!” Lin Shuqing’s immediate reaction wasn’t to assist Geng Qinglu, but to secure the insect beneath an alloy cover.

This was a device the research institute developed to isolate psychic energy.

Recovering swiftly, Geng Qinglu sat up with a wry smile, “I underestimated it. I thought its psychic attack would be minimal.”

Lin Shuqing retorted sarcastically, “Minimal, maybe, but still far too much for you.”

Geng Qinglu, still a bit wobbly, leaned into Lin Shuqing, wrapping his arms around him and whispered, “Don’t be harsh. Remember, I’m still your husband.”

Flushing, Lin Shuqing struggled, “Step back! This lab is monitored.”

“So? Since when is office romance a crime?”

“Have you forgotten you're here without proper authorization?” Lin Shuqing would never have let him in if not for his significant influence.

After seating Geng Qinglu, Lin Shuqing tenderly asked, “Feeling okay? Need a medical check?”