Six days after the incident with the death of the Biology Minister.
In the residential area near the central circular park on the eleventh floor of the fortress.
It was around nine o'clock in the evening, and most residents were resting.
Two members of the upper city law enforcement team were knocking on doors one by one, complaining about the sudden overtime.
"Those psychics are really annoying, insisting we look for some black storm."
"The new Biology Minister was said to be transferred directly from the Psychic Capital, right? They must want to achieve something."
"Not to mention, the new minister has a great figure."
"This household... let me see, the head of the household is named Wang Zheng."
Knock, knock, knock.
"Coming."
A young man's voice came from inside. The metal door was quickly pulled open, revealing a young man in a light sweater and loose sweatpants.
The law enforcement team members took a good look at the man. He had well-defined features, short hair, and his skin looked surprisingly good, giving him a clean and sunny appearance.
The two law enforcement members had clear roles; one focused on Wang Zheng while the other looked inside the house.
Living alone in a fifteen-square-meter couple's room?
He must have some background with the city’s security team.
So, the law enforcement member from the upper city spoke more politely, "Wang Zheng, right? Could you look this way and scan... Hmm, you're twenty-four this year, could you give me your gene bank serial number?"
Wang Jixuan recited a string of numbers.
The law enforcement member checked and nodded slowly, then asked, "Do you live alone?"
"Yes," Wang Jixuan replied with clear eyes.
"Do you know someone named Mu Liang?"
"Mu Liang? Never heard of him."
"Okay," the law enforcement member nodded. "He's a wanted criminal in the fortress, an E-level psychic, a murderer who killed hundreds in the lower city. We suspect he has escaped to the middle city. Take a look at this."
A photo, showing a blend of Lin Tao and Mu Liang's features, was handed to Wang Jixuan.
Wang Jixuan, who had slightly altered facial details, stared at the photo for a moment and shook his head gently. "I really don't recognize him."
"Alright, what do you do for work?"
"I'm in the logistics team of the security squad, moving goods," Wang Jixuan shrugged. "I'm currently preparing to become a junior mechanic; I want to serve as a professional logistics support for the army in the future."
"Oh? Ambitious! Keep it up, young man!"
The law enforcement member patted Wang Jixuan's arm with his gloved hand, gave it a squeeze, and then waved with a smile.
"Sorry to bother you, go back and rest early, young man."
Wang Jixuan thought: Am I being harassed?
He smiled and closed the metal door, then frowned slightly.
The law enforcement member who had just touched Wang Jixuan's arm took out a device from his pocket and muttered, "Next house, how long will it take to find everyone like this?"
The two walked to the intersection and turned to knock on other doors.
Wang Jixuan leaned against the door and pondered.
Over the past few days, things had been changing in both good and bad ways.
The military and the Thirteenth Institute were still in a tug-of-war, continuously ramping up their efforts in Fortress 76.
From what he knew, several significant events related to him had already occurred.
First, Kong Nu was identified as a victim of a terrorist attack and was recognized as a meritorious researcher by the Thirteenth Institute's headquarters.
Next, Fortress 76 replaced several military commanders and brought in two heavy artillery battalions yesterday, seemingly worried about a psychic ambush.
Wang Jixuan was familiar with the current military commander of the fortress, Zhou Zhengde; he had once been the bodyguard of the D5 comprehensive war zone commander.
Then, the Thirteenth Institute's headquarters sent a new Biology Minister named Qin Qin, a female researcher under thirty, who was also a student of Professor Zhuang.
In addition, when Qin Qin arrived at Fortress 76 yesterday, she brought twenty-one psychics sent by the Thirteenth Institute's headquarters.
These psychics were all D-level or above, and it was uncertain if there were any C-level or higher.
According to what Wang Jixuan learned from Ling Tong, there was a huge gap between C-level and B-level psychics, while B-level and A-level psychics were relatively close in strength.
‘This researcher Qin Qin, coming in and having the upper city's law enforcement search for Mu Liang, could be a problem.’
‘However, the newly deployed heavy artillery battalion from the military should be able to deter these psychics.’
‘It’s better to keep a low profile for now, hang around here a bit longer, and find a chance to leave.’
Wang Jixuan stretched and casually changed to a concealment talisman.
There was also a small matter that made him feel a bit helpless.
Even though he was now considered an ally of Zhou Zhengde and had healed his leg injury, he still couldn't obtain any resources related to the Blade Beasts through official channels.
The Blade Beast blood he used for his latest talismans was still something he secretly bought in the lower city while wearing a nano-mask.
It wasn’t exactly the same as before, but it was pretty much indistinguishable.
Lin Bo managed to get some soil formulas from the Wanli Gold Gang, and after Wei Na examined it, she confirmed it was mixed with Blade Beast blood and flesh.
This made Wang Jixuan think about taking a step forward in the current human society.
Where could he find Blade Beast resources?
The front line of the war zone.
How to get to the front line?
Becoming a soldier didn't fit Wang Jixuan's principles; he didn't want to take orders from others.
Previously, while helping Ling Tong with her physical therapy, he asked her two questions: one about the combat power of Blade Beasts, which gave him a preliminary understanding of their fighting strength and main classifications.
The other question was about what technical jobs were needed on the front line.
The profession of mechanic caught Wang Jixuan's attention.
According to Ling Tong's description, mechanics were essential talents on the front line, mainly responsible for maintaining various types of mechas.
She had a team of sixteen mechanics who took care of her mechanical arm and various equipment, performing daily maintenance.
Wang Jixuan didn’t ask more questions and started looking for information related to mechanics after returning.
Then...
He began his journey to get certified.
‘If this world had a cultivation method, I wonder if it would also require a qualification certificate.’
Wang Daozhang sighed and returned to his desk.
He hadn’t been able to resist the temptation the other day and released two-thirds of the spiritual power from the three crystal cores, taking a small step toward the Gathering Spirit Realm, while leaving some spiritual power as a backup.
—If he ran out of his own magic during a fight, he could use them to recover quickly.
He also made a batch of sealing talismans, wrapping each crystal core in them, and then covering them with explosive talismans. If they were discovered, they would explode, leaving no evidence.
Blade Beasts truly had treasures all over their bodies.
Except for being a bit fierce and ugly, their bones, blood, crystal cores, and even remnants of their souls could shine in Wang Daozhang's hands.
—A righteous cultivator is always prepared to eliminate demons and protect the way. He was definitely reading related evil soul refining texts in the scripture pavilion for the sake of understanding his enemy, not out of curiosity, and he hadn’t tried anything.
He crossed his legs and opened "Mechanics: Professional One," starting to study hard and teach himself.
And he never forgot to absorb spiritual energy.
He aimed to obtain the junior mechanic certificate smoothly while stepping into the Gathering Spirit Realm!
He didn’t know how long it had been when his spiritual sense slightly stirred.
Just as he was about to recite a calming chant to improve his focus on studying, he instinctively turned to look at the door.
A familiar scent, an unfamiliar spice.
Ling Tong?
Why is she here again?
Didn’t they agree that the three people who knew his new identity wouldn’t contact him for a while?
...
"Is it convenient for me to come in?" Ling Tong said softly.
She was dressed simply and comfortably today, particularly favoring tight jeans.
Wang Jixuan opened the door and waved, glancing outside.
The overall atmosphere felt quite sneaky.
Ling Tong looked around the simple layout of the room, noticing the books and notebooks on the desk, and glanced at the contents.
"Is there something you need?"
Wang Jixuan frowned and asked.
Ling Tong replied softly, "Two things. One is to remind you that among the new psychics, there are some with energy responses exceeding C-level, but you don’t need to worry about it; the military is taking action. The other is to ask you for a massage like last time."
Wang Jixuan asked, "A massage?"
"Yes," Ling Tong's gaze shifted to the side.
She seemed a bit shy.
"It really helped a lot. I've been sleeping well these past few days, and my reactions have improved a lot; the dizziness has decreased."
"Have a seat."
Wang Daozhang was quite straightforward and pulled out a chair.
Ling Tong said, "I will pay you a certain amount."
How about a box of low-level Blade Beast crystal cores?
Wang Jixuan just smiled and didn’t ask further.
Ling Tong sat down in the chair, and he went to the wardrobe to find a brand-new tactical glove. Then he turned on the holographic music player and walked back behind Ling Tong.
The gentle voice of T.E.R filled the room with music.
"Relax, just think of it as taking a nap."
"Okay," Ling Tong replied, closing her eyes and leaning back in the chair.
Wang Jixuan gently pressed on her neck and slowly moved towards her shoulders, a faint, barely noticeable energy flowing into Ling Tong's shoulder.
They didn’t exchange many words; one was giving a massage, and the other was resting.
Soon, Ling Tong's head drooped down, and without any snoring, she had already fallen into a light sleep.
Wang Jixuan didn’t stop, carefully pressing his fingers on her acupoints, continuing to soothe her.
He knew the root cause of Ling Tong's dizziness.
It was a small block of stagnant energy in her brain, formless and intangible, likely a mark left by the mental shock released when a Blade Beast was dying.
Wang Jixuan's current strength was insufficient to directly dissolve this mark, but he could help relieve her headaches and dizziness bit by bit.
What stories did she have?
Did she lose her arm in battle?
Her mechanical arm was actually connected to her spine, which had also been mechanized, along with some of her bones.
Her body was given to her by her parents; did they agree to her transformation?
It seemed this world didn’t care about that.
He became a cultivator because his master took him away at the age of three, leaving some money as compensation for his family.
Wang Jixuan's movements became more delicate, and he felt a strange understanding growing in his heart.
A completely new insight he had never experienced before.
...
Wang Daozhang realized...
It seemed he was being depended on by the battle maiden.
After Ling Tong experienced the massage for the second time, she showed up outside his door again three days later.
It couldn’t be said that she was depending on him; after all, Major Ling Tong always brought him the payment for the last massage when she came.
However, Ling Tong's visits were indeed becoming more frequent.
At first, it was every two or three days, then it became every day, and soon it was every day.
Wang Jixuan had to set aside half an hour each day, unable to cultivate or study, just to give her a massage.
What Wang Daozhang found most unbearable was that Ling Tong used to leave immediately after the massage, but later, she started to take a short rest here.
In just half a month, she discovered that Wang Jixuan hardly used the bed and began taking naps here!
Fortunately, Wang Daozhang also received some corresponding rewards.
A better-sounding music player, a reclining lounge chair, a pair of exquisite care gloves...
Wait, were these rewards really for him?
Later, it seemed Ling Tong didn’t know what else to give as a reward, so she brought her collectibles—two large pieces of high-level Blade Beast exoskeleton.
Wang Jixuan smiled brightly.
Just these two pieces of exoskeleton were worth the time and magic power he had spent during this period!
However, what surprised Wang Jixuan the most among the gifts Ling Tong brought was today’s one.
"This is the exam admission ticket," Ling Tong patiently reminded him, "I registered you in advance. The exam is tomorrow at noon at this address on the seventh floor for the junior mechanic exam, and also..."
Wang Daozhang was a bit confused. "What?"
"This is the exam questions and answers. Remember to intentionally get one question wrong; if you get a perfect score, you will be required to retake the exam."
"This..."
"If you’re willing."
Ling Tong adjusted her mechanical arm and calmly explained:
"I’m temporarily stationed in the expansion area C of Fortress 76 and can recruit you into my logistics team. I know your skills are unique, and you have your invaluable massage technique, so I will try to give you some material compensation. When I return to the front line, I will recommend you for a relaxed position in the upper city of Fortress 76... I know this might be a bit demanding, as the expansion area is a bit harsh, and there’s also the risk of Blade Beast attacks, but I will do my best to protect you..."
"And there’s a risk of Blade Beast attacks?"
Wang Jixuan asked softly.
Ling Tong nodded gently, her bright eyes showing a hint of disappointment, but her expression remained calm as usual.
"Yes."
"Then I’ll think about it."
Wang Jixuan turned around.
He couldn’t suppress the smile on his face, trying to adjust his expression to not seem too eager to agree.
He was a cultivator with a bunch of unique skills; if others wanted him to do something, they naturally had to seek him out.
Ling Tong's delicate face showed a faint disappointment. "Forget I said that..."
"I’m willing; there’s no other way. They are still investigating the whereabouts of the black storm," Wang Jixuan said calmly. "Let's go out and hide for a bit."
"Then, I’ll come to pick you up tomorrow afternoon. You can get your certificate on the spot after the exam."
"Sounds good."
"Great."
Ling Tong nodded calmly and quickly walked toward the door.
Bang!
She looked at the doorknob that had been pulled off in her hand and bit her lip.
Wang Jixuan said, "It's fine, I’ll report for repairs..."
"Sorry for breaking it. Well, see you tomorrow."
"Okay, hey!"
Before Wang Jixuan could say anything, Ling Tong had already used her strength to pull open the metal door, lifted it, turned around, and placed it back in the door frame, then hurriedly left.
Wang Daozhang had a black line on his forehead.
Fortunately, she didn’t really storm off and left the door behind.
What was going on with her mood swings?
It was very unprofessional.
(End of Chapter)