Chapter 78: Boundless Expanse

"Oh, what a vulgar metaphor this person used!" Upon hearing Li Qingshui's words, Liu Chang curled his lip and said, "By the way, is God a woman? Why bring up amniotic fluid?"

"In modern theology, God has no gender," Li Qingshui continued in his page-turning manner of reading. "The contents of this USB stick are truly comprehensive—there’s even research data on the red mist from recent years. Look, within this year, some countries have managed to purify the red mist."

"Purifying the red mist? Isn't this red mist supposed to be God's amniotic fluid? What’s in it, anyway?"

"No one really knows. Modern science can’t fully analyze it. All that’s known is that it contains more than a dozen types of unknown radiation, as well as various mysterious chemical element combinations." Li Qingshui paused at a set of images—a laboratory filled with equipment for collecting mist and a series of concentration compressors, with staff busily working inside.

"Two years ago, after that American who called the red mist 'God’s amniotic fluid' discovered some of its components and effects, the upper echelons of the world have been swept up in a wave of life genetics research. The effects of the red mist are simply miraculous: whether for exploring life, extending lifespan, genetic engineering, medicine, or weapons research, it has huge potential."

"Look at this—Russia. A year ago, after purifying the red mist, they used it in animal and human experiments, and managed to create a group of super soldiers."

"Super soldiers?" Liu Chang’s interest was piqued at the term. He knew nothing of life sciences or the field of genetics—they were far too remote for him—but he was keenly interested in physical modification, as it was directly tied to his own survival.

"So this purified red mist can be injected into the human body?"

"Yes." Li Qingshui nodded, then clicked the mouse, causing the image on the computer to change again—this time to a tragic scene. "Unfortunately, this batch of soldiers survived less than a week before their genes collapsed and they died."

"Sigh." Liu Chang let out a heavy sigh upon seeing the corpses in the photo. "So, it's hopeless?"

"Not necessarily. These people were just ordinary individuals, not enhanced by the red mist at all—just regular soldiers. People now, especially those who have mutated like you, have bodies with far greater strength and tolerance. Also, modern humans have already undergone basic gene modification from the red mist, so perhaps they’ve adapted to this mutation method. Look..." Li Qingshui switched to another image, and this time Liu Chang recognized the architecture—standard Chinese-style buildings, identical to those in this science park.

"In fact, the research and development on purifying and modifying the red mist has never stopped worldwide, and there’s already been some progress. This is a scientific park in China. According to the documents, they’ve successfully modified lab mice with the red mist—though the success rate is only three in ten thousand."

"Three in ten thousand? That’s an insanely high mortality rate. If you asked me to inject that stuff, I’d refuse even at gunpoint." A survival rate less than one in a hundred, even less than one in a thousand—something riskier than a desperate gamble, no one in their right mind would volunteer.

"This is just one direction, or rather, all the data I have is from before. Where the technology stands now needs further investigation," Li Qingshui said, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his tired eyes. "After all, I’m still a newcomer here, and there’s a long road ahead. This data is thorough, but whether it’s the latest remains to be seen. Of course, in the near future, this institute will be our stage. I have to finish my foundational coursework and complete my new ecological theory as soon as possible, so I can attract the attention of the higher-ups and truly enter the core of this experimental area."

"And you," Li Qingshui said seriously, his eyes bloodshot from rubbing, "must push your physical evolution even further. This research institute is far from peaceful; in fact, it’s more dangerous than anywhere else. In extreme environments, humans can breed extreme emotions, and the ultimate clash of different ideologies always comes down to force. So, whether our path forward will be smooth or not mostly depends on you."

"You make it sound like I’m carrying a tremendous responsibility, but..." Liu Chang also looked at Li Qingshui earnestly. "But I’m only one man. No matter how far my mutation goes, I can’t really make a difference among these heavily armed soldiers..."

"No, you’re wrong. The path of biological evolution is as boundless as technological advancement. Think about that strange giant willow forest..."

"You mean, I could evolve to that level?" Liu Chang perked up immediately.

"In theory, yes. In reality, no." Li Qingshui promptly cut off Liu Chang’s excitement in a flat tone, then added, "But don’t be discouraged. Humanity has long reached a dead end in natural evolution. Our complex biological structures and highly specialized social functions make it hard for us to progress naturally. That’s the main reason why, since the Red Mist Apocalypse, humans have lagged behind other species in evolutionary pace."

"But what does that matter? From a natural evolution standpoint, we’re behind, but in terms of intervening in nature, we’re a step ahead thanks to technology. With our sophisticated social division of labor, we can accelerate evolution artificially. Our strength and our weakness are one and the same, but humanity won’t be eliminated so easily." As Li Qingshui spoke, for the first time a piercing brilliance appeared in his usually calm eyes, so bright that it hurt Liu Chang’s gaze. In the depths of his gaze, it was as if he already beheld the grand spectacle of humans riding the crest of future natural tides.

"So believe me, I’ll make you into a super being blessed by both nature and technology.

And until then, you have to help clear the obstacles from our path."

"Alright." Liu Chang met Li Qingshui’s bright gaze, his own eyes shining with determination.

"Don’t underestimate your physical strength. Starting tomorrow, focus on recovery, then begin training. Your body has never had systematic exercise, and much of your potential remains untapped. Even in the old days, a boxer could take down several ordinary men. So before I obtain the technological key to evolution, you should strengthen yourself as much as you can..."

"I understand." Liu Chang nodded again.

"Good, then let’s end our conversation here for today. You go to sleep; I’ll read a bit longer."

"Alright." Liu Chang patted Li Qingshui on the shoulder, no longer disturbing his reading, and lay down on the simple dormitory bed. He glanced at the little girl, whose cheeks were growing rosy, pondered the matters of life science and evolution for a while, and soon drifted off to sleep.

Over the next three days, Liu Chang’s injuries gradually healed, while Li Qingshui absorbed an enormous amount of knowledge from the computer day and night. During these three days, little Jing, who had lost so much blood, steadily recovered, and Liu Chang’s burns, cuts, and scratches also began to scab over. Life in the research compound for three days also gave him a basic understanding of the place.

On this particular morning, just as Liu Chang got up and was about to look for a place to train, someone knocked on his dorm room door.

He opened the door, puzzled, and saw an old acquaintance he hadn’t seen in three days—Shen Mingyi.

"Long time no see." Shen Mingyi stood at the door holding a tray of plant leaves and two large cups filled with a thick, unknown paste.

"Shen Mingyi, why are you the one delivering food today?" Seeing the comrade who had shared life and death with him, Liu Chang felt a genuine warmth. He stepped aside to let him in and asked, "What’s going on? Since you arrived, I haven’t seen you around. What brings you here today?"

"Sigh, it’s a long story. After I brought Mr. Li here, the higher-ups gave me a big commendation—first-class merit, and several promotions in one go. Now I’m a full company commander." After putting the food on the table, Shen Mingyi glanced at Li Qingshui, who was still flipping through his book with an expressionless face.

"Don’t mind him. He’s been like this for days, completely absorbed. Sometimes he doesn’t even hear me talking." Fearing that Shen Mingyi would disturb Li Qingshui, Liu Chang quickly said, "Ignore him. Go on with your story."

"Yeah. Later, Commander Xie of the 57th Division took notice of me. When he learned my evolutionary level was high, he assigned me directly to the research institute to help domesticate pets." Shen Mingyi sighed. "The job has great benefits—three square meals a day! But all those evolved pets have reverted to wildness and are impossible to tame. Even formerly obedient dogs are now feral. I’ve tried every method, and they still won’t listen, no matter what."

"Nothing to be done, just take it slow." Liu Chang sighed too. "But you haven’t said how you found me."

"Oh, that was also arranged by Commander Xie. He wanted me to get closer to Mr. Li and his family. So today, I’m on food delivery duty."

"I see." Liu Chang nodded. "By the way, do you know where there’s a place to work out in this compound? My injuries have healed, and I want to train. Since there’s no shortage of food here, I want to get my body in top shape—it’s the key to survival, after all..."

"Ha! You’re asking the right person." Shen Mingyi grinned, pleased that he could help with his 'get closer' assignment. "The military’s picked a handful of highly evolved soldiers to form a small team that trains every day in an equipment room. With your status, I’m sure you can join them."

"They’re selecting a group of highly evolved people for special training?" At these words, Liu Chang suddenly recalled the 'red mist serum' Li Qingshui had shown him three days ago, and immediately asked, "What’s it for?"

(To be continued)