Forgotten Photo Studio

Chapter 140: Of Extraordinary Significance (Please Subscribe)

His previously pale face now glowed with a radiant light, and his deep eyes no longer held simple golden light of spiritual energy, but rather a fleeting phantom of the creation and destruction of the universe and the rotation of galaxies, carrying a majesty that transcended his level and inspired awe.

The horrifying bluish-black lines on his right arm had quietly disappeared, but the lingering chill that seemed to devour everything still made Lin Lan, who was nearby, feel a pang of fear.

Chen Zhiwei was the first to break through the remaining energy barrier and rush to Xu Yan's side. Forgetting all about her appearance, she grabbed his arm, her voice still trembling, "Senior brother! Are you alright? You scared me to death!"

Her concern was genuine and intense, contrasting sharply with the earlier danger and adding a touch of humanity to the tense scene.

Lin Lan did not speak immediately. She carefully and almost scrutinized the unusual energy field around Xu Yan and the pure light particles that were slowly merging into his body, which had a concentration far exceeding that of ordinary silver.

Her gaze shifted from initial shock and solemnity to an extremely complex astonishment.

She took a deep breath, her voice trembling slightly, and slowly said:
"Energy overload of 300%, psionic energy reserves instantly depleted... Instead of collapsing under such impact, it completed a near-perfect absorption and fusion, triggering psionic energy resonance, and its body radiated the 'Enlightenment' glow..."

She paused, her gaze sharpening as she looked at Xu Yan, and said, word by word:
“Xu Yan, the commotion you just caused and your current state... have surpassed all recorded cases of advancement to Silver rank in the center's history. Including... that once-renowned genius, Xu Haoyu.”

These words struck like a heavy hammer in the silent room, and also in Xu Yan's heart.

Xu Yan suppressed the powerful illusion that came from the "Abyss" within him after it had eaten its fill, as well as the emotions surging when he heard his father's name.

His face revealed a timely expression of weariness, lingering fear, and a perfectly timed hint of bewilderment:

"Manager Lin, I... I don't know what happened. I just felt like my body had become a bottomless pit, almost bursting... Now, I just feel... a lot more strength."

His explanation remained vague, but faced with the tangible "enlightenment" glow and the absorption efficiency that even instruments could not measure, any explanation seemed pale and only added to the mystery.

Lin Lan looked at him intently, as if trying to see through him inside and out.

Finally, a faint, enigmatic smile appeared on her face as she solemnly handed the silver badge to Xu Yan:

"Congratulations, Xu Yan. Your Silver rank is probably... of extraordinary significance."

Her tone was full of unspoken words.

Xu Yan glanced at Chen Zhiwei, who was still worried beside him, gave her a reassuring look, and then met Lin Lan's probing gaze.

"Thank you, Supervisor Lin."

He took the badge that symbolized his silver status, his fingers seemingly casually tracing the cold lines on it.

The overwhelming power within him, far exceeding that of a newly promoted Silver rank, was real, but his inner vigilance had reached its peak.

The Abyss's thirst for and ability to devour spiritual energy far exceeded his imagination; this was both an opportunity and a huge risk.

Numerous response plans and defense strategies began to be rapidly developed.

He must make use of his newly acquired silver-level privileges and enhanced power as soon as possible to obtain more resources and information.

At the same time, we must also prepare for the almost inevitable attack from the shadows.

This time, he will never repeat the same mistake.

“In addition,” Lin Lan added, her gaze falling on Xu Yan with a hint of barely perceptible inquiry, “the center’s technical department is very interested in the data from your ‘harmless treatment’ model test. Perhaps… we will have deeper cooperation soon.”

This means they have officially entered the "inner circle" of the central vision.

He and Chen Zhiwei exchanged a glance, both seeing the determination in each other's eyes. The first step had been successfully taken.

This time, his foundation is even stronger than before.

After leaving Lin Lan's office, which was filled with sophisticated instruments and invisible pressure, Xu Yan and Chen Zhiwei were guided to the "Level Verification and Permission Activation Area" on the fourth floor.

Unlike the hustle and bustle of the lobby downstairs, it was unusually quiet here. Their clear figures were reflected on the smooth, mirror-like metal floor, and the air seemed to be more concentrated, carrying a cold, technical scrutiny.

They stepped into the designated circular scanning area.

The scanner emitted a soft red beam of light, as if it were alive, slowly sweeping over the two people from top to bottom.

This time, Xu Yan could clearly "feel" that the beam of light was not just scanning, but more like a gentle penetration and resonance, subtly interacting with the spiritual energy in his body that had just stabilized and was far more profound and pure than that of a newly promoted silver-level cultivator.

A faint golden aura also flowed around Chen Zhiwei, a sign that his spiritual energy had been initially stabilized and perfectly integrated with his own.

The staff member holding the tablet stared at the rapidly changing data on the screen, which eventually settled. His pupils contracted sharply, and the professional calm on his face was instantly shattered, replaced by undisguised astonishment and a hint of instinctive awe when facing a powerful entity far beyond the norm.

He even unconsciously straightened his back slightly, becoming more respectful.

Not far away, several other staff members who were handling their work also noticed the unusual data fluctuations, and their suppressed whispers could be faintly heard:
"Silver II, Silver III... directly skipping levels for approval? I haven't seen this in years..."

"The rapid assessment channel... that gates of hell, actually someone not only survived it, but also achieved this level of assessment?"

"Looking at the stability and purity of the energy spectrum... just who are these two newcomers?"

Xu Yan remained expressionless, as if the scrutinizing gazes and whispered discussions that had drawn him were merely a gentle breeze brushing against the mountain rocks, unable to stir even the slightest ripple in his heart.

He could even clearly sense the subtle fluctuations in the spiritual energy within those few people discussing the topic. This superior perspective was an experience he had never had in his previous life.

He naturally reached out and gently took Chen Zhiwei's arm beside him.

Chen Zhiwei felt the reassuring and steady strength emanating from his palm, and she raised her head slightly, her previously somewhat apprehensive gaze becoming firm and clear.

The two men walked steadily, like generals inspecting soldiers, towards the slightly old freight elevator they had come from, under the complex gazes of the crowd.

The attention and scrutiny brought about by this brand-new "silver-level" status are like a spotlight suddenly turned on, placing them in the light.

Xu Yan knew that this would inevitably accelerate the arrival of certain hidden crises, but at this moment, the sense of control brought by this power made him even more certain of his path.

The elevator doors slowly closed, attempting to shut out everything from the outside world.

Just as the door gap was reduced to a mere hand's width, a hand wearing a black half-finger tactical glove swiftly reached in and precisely blocked the infrared sensor.

"Ding--"

The door slid open again, much to everyone's dismay.

A figure nimbly squeezed in from the side.

The newcomer was young, wearing cargo pants with fluorescent green stripes and a black T-shirt with intricate circuit board etching patterns. He casually wore a pair of high-tech smart glasses with thick temples around his neck, and a few strands of silver-gray hair hung unruly over his forehead.

It was Ah Zhe.

(End of this chapter)