Volume One: The Beginning of the Path Chapter 106: A Visit

As soon as they stepped out of the laboratory, Kong Qing led them toward the adjacent room. Wu Jiang followed behind, and upon realizing Kong Qing’s intention, he stepped forward and asked, “Doctor, are we heading to the rescue team now?”

Kong Qing nodded. “Yes. Your rescue team brought them back, so the guests should get to know them.”

Receiving this response, Wu Jiang eagerly said, “Then let me lead the way. After all, I’m the captain of the rescue team, and those brats are my responsibility.”

Kong Qing nodded in agreement. “Alright, it’s in your hands.”

Hearing this, Wu Jiang immediately saluted respectfully. “Yes, Doctor. I promise to complete the task.”

Kong Qing smiled. “It’s not such an important mission; no need to be so serious.”

Wu Jiang’s face brightened again. “I’ll follow the Doctor’s lead.”

“Good. I’ll leave it to you. I’ll rest in the back,” Kong Qing said, then walked over to Ye Junze and the others, engaging them in casual conversation.

Feeling deeply touched by Kong Qing’s trust, Wu Jiang no longer hesitated. He addressed the group, “Next, we’re heading to where our rescue team is stationed—the security room.”

As Wu Jiang led them forward, he explained, “Our Institute’s security room, as the name suggests, is responsible for safeguarding the entire facility. It houses multiple teams, including our rescue team, the security team, and the enforcement team.”

The group nodded in understanding.

Soon, they arrived outside the security room. Wu Jiang stepped forward, scanned his credentials, and after verification, the security door opened.

Inside, the personnel immediately grew alert at the sight of strangers. The security room rarely saw unfamiliar faces; in an instant, they assumed an enemy had breached the perimeter and prepared for battle.

Wu Jiang quickly called out, “Stop, stop! What are you doing? These are our own people! Don’t you recognize me?”

One young man, looking particularly bold, eyed the newcomers suspiciously and said, “Captain Wu, we know you, but who are these people? They don’t look like they belong to the rescue team.”

Wu Jiang glanced at him and replied, “I was wondering who it was—it’s you, kid. Don’t worry, these are our guests for today. I brought them here for a tour. If you don’t recognize them, surely you recognize the Doctor?”

At Wu Jiang’s words, the others scrutinized the group once more. Moments later, their pupils contracted sharply.

Behind the group, Kong Qing stepped forward, casting a glance at the assembly.

Upon seeing Kong Qing, all present immediately saluted and said in unison, “Greetings, Doctor.”

Kong Qing waved his hand to signal them to relax, then said, “These are honored guests of our Institute. As Captain Wu said, I suggested bringing them here to have a look. You needn’t worry. Carry on with your duties; we’re just here for a casual visit.”

Hearing this, the guards finally lowered their defenses and responded, “Understood.”

Wu Jiang then turned to Ye Junze and the others. “I’ll take you to visit our rescue team. If those guys knew the people they rescued have awakened, they’d be very happy.”

“Good. We should thank them properly,” Ye Junze replied.

Qi Yi nodded. “Senior is right; we must express our gratitude.”

Wu Jiang waved his hand dismissively. “No need for thanks; it’s their duty.”

“But we still should,” Wen Yu shook her small head earnestly. “Qi and Junze are right.”

Wu Jiang smiled. “Alright, then we’ll do it your way.”

With that, Wu Jiang led them toward the rescue team’s location.

As they approached, some sharp-eyed team members spotted their arrival and called out excitedly, “Captain!”

Wu Jiang turned toward the voice and quickened his pace.

Reaching the group, he said, “Look who’s here, boys.”

The rescue team looked up and examined the newcomers. Although they didn’t recognize Ye Junze and the others, they all knew Kong Qing, having recently met him.

Upon seeing Kong Qing, they greeted respectfully, “Greetings, Doctor.”

Kong Qing waved them off politely and said, “These three are the people you rescued today.”

Realizing their identities, the rescue team became more interested and scrutinized Ye Junze and his companions.

Ye Junze stepped forward first. “Thank you all for saving our lives today. If you ever need help, just ask. I’ll do whatever I can.”

Qi Yi and Wen Yu quickly added, “Thank you for saving us.”

The team members shook their heads. “No need to thank us. It’s our duty. Now that you’re safe, we can rest easy.”

Wu Jiang smiled inwardly. “Finally, some manners—not bad.”

He waved them off. “I told you, no need to be so formal. Alright, you go on with your work. I’ll take them on a tour.”

“Yes, Captain,” they replied in unison.

Ye Junze admired their camaraderie. “It seems Captain Wu has a great relationship with his team.”

Wu Jiang smiled. “What else? They’re in my charge, so I take care of them well. We’re all just trying to make a living. It’s not easy.”

They nodded thoughtfully.

Wen Yu tugged at Qi Yi’s sleeve and whispered, “Qi, I didn’t expect Uncle Wu to seem so rough but be so gentle in private.”

Qi Yi smiled and nodded. “You’re right. You should learn from Big Brother Wu—be kind like him.”

They all smiled. Wu Jiang, on the other hand, scratched his head shyly, clearly unaccustomed to such praise.

Some people may look rough on the outside, but inside they carry boundless kindness and endless tenderness—whether toward the world or others. Such gentle souls, through countless ages, are surely met with gentleness in return. The world could always use more of them.

Ye Junze unexpectedly felt this thought wash over him, shook his head, and smiled.

Before long, Wu Jiang had shown them the entire rescue team and introduced each member personally.

After finishing, Kong Qing said, “Now that you’ve seen everything and met the people who saved you, shall we visit some other places?”

The three nodded enthusiastically. “Yes.”

They retraced their steps and left the security room.

Wu Jiang stayed behind to give his team a few final orders.

“Stay here and do your jobs well. Be ready at all times. No slacking off. If I catch anyone slacking, don’t expect a bonus next month,” he warned with a hint of menace.

The rescue team groaned and complained, “Captain, you’re always threatening us with bonuses. Can’t you say something else?”

Wu Jiang laughed. “I know you all too well. Nothing else works except bonuses.”

Their faces wilted like frostbitten eggplants.

Wu Jiang waved them off. “Alright, cheer up. What’s with these faces? I’m leaving now.”

“Goodbye, Captain!” they called out together.

Wu Jiang waved and turned to rejoin Ye Junze and the others.

After leaving the security room, Kong Qing led them to various other places, revealing many fascinating sights.

There was the archives room, brimming with all kinds of documents and books, both in physical form and projected terminals like the ones Kong Qing had shown earlier—countless methods for preserving knowledge.

There were also rooms storing various technological weapons and cultivation artifacts. As Kong Qing put it, these were essentially the Institute’s armory. Under normal circumstances, these items were not used. Letting Ye Junze and company inside was Kong Qing’s own indulgence; normally, this area was as forbidden as a sacred ground. Only a handful in the Institute could enter.

One place, in particular, captivated Wen Yu—a collection of rare and exotic specimens. Some were living creatures, like strange beasts from the sea or rare animals no longer found on Shangyang Continent; others were precious plants cultivated by the Institute, each stunningly beautiful and endowed with unique functions. Wen Yu’s eyes were overwhelmed, making her feel dizzy and enchanted.

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After an unknown length of time, Kong Qing finally completed the tour of the entire Mihai Research Institute.

Stopping at the last location, he said, “This covers almost everything in our Institute. Some areas are too sensitive to show you. I hope you enjoyed what you’ve seen.”

Ye Junze and the others nodded in understanding.

“Thank you, Doctor. Just what we saw was already a lot to learn from,” Ye Junze said sincerely.

Wen Yu nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, yes! This Institute is amazing; I love it!”

Kong Qing smiled. “Good to hear.”

He then said, “You must be tired. I’ll take you to rest now.”

They nodded gratefully. “Thank you, Doctor.”

Kong Qing waved off their thanks.

Wu Jiang spoke up, “Looks like there’s nothing left for me to do here. Doctor, everyone, I’ll head back—there’s still work in the team.”

Kong Qing nodded. “Alright, go ahead.”

“Goodbye, Big Brother Wu,” Wen Yu called sweetly.

Ye Junze and Qi Yi also said their farewells.

Wu Jiang waved and left.

Seeing this, Kong Qing led the group toward the resting quarters.