Forgotten Photo Studio

Chapter 170 Advancement! Silver Level I

Xu Yan knew perfectly well that what Han Wenshan really wanted to ask about was the existence of the ancient tomb altar and Jiang Yu, but he absolutely could not reveal it.

Meeting Han Wenshan's probing gaze, he not only did not look away, but instead took half a step forward, lowering his voice and carrying an unprecedented solemnity:
"Mr. Han, let's be frank. There is indeed an ancient ruin down there, larger than you can imagine. But that's precisely why I must advise you—some murky waters are best left untouched."

Han Wenshan's smile faded slightly, and his eyes sharpened: "Oh? What makes you say that, Mr. Xu?"

"I survived thanks to a bit of luck and a trump card to save my life." Xu Yan pointed towards the sinkhole, his tone heavy. "But what dwells down there—whether it's those ancient ghosts with terrifying power, or the extraordinary beings that might be even more dangerous than the judge I encountered…—are not things that ordinary forces can afford to provoke. The Han Group may be wealthy, but in the face of absolute power, I'm afraid…"

He paused deliberately, leaving unsettling room for imagination, before slowly stating his conclusion: "If we insist on going deeper and attract their attention, the Han Group's vast empire may be in danger of being destroyed in an instant. This is not alarmist talk; this is a piece of advice I earned with my life."

His words were half true and half false. He pointed out the danger while blurring the specific threat of Jiang Yu, integrating him into the "more dangerous existence," thus amplifying the weight of the warning.

Han Wenshan listened quietly, his gentle smile completely disappearing, replaced by the profound calmness and composure characteristic of a business tycoon.

His fingers unconsciously traced the rim of the teacup, clearly weighing his options rapidly.

Xu Yan seized the opportunity and changed the subject, offering an even more tempting alternative:

"Mr. Han, if I may be frank, given the current momentum of the Han Group, complete control of Liuquan Town is just around the corner. The black market here is rife with transactions, and the profits in the gray area are enormous. If we can fully integrate it and establish order, the stable profits in the later stages will be astronomical. Isn't this more prudent and more in line with business logic than investing huge resources and risking destruction to explore an uncertain ruin?"

He put the "risks" and "rewards" on the table, trying to draw Han Wenshan's attention away from the underground and back to the surface.

A glint flashed in Han Wenshan's eyes, and he suddenly chuckled, a hint of appreciation mixed with a barely perceptible probing: "Mr. Xu is not only quite capable, but also has such a keen understanding of the business landscape. No wonder you've repeatedly managed to escape danger." He then changed the subject, "However, risk often goes hand in hand with opportunity. A relic that even you, Mr. Xu, are so wary of must be far more valuable than the mere profit of Liuquan Village, right?"

"Perhaps." Xu Yan remained noncommittal, his tone indifferent. "But the premise is that you have to be alive to enjoy that value. President Han, you are a person who does great things, you should understand the art of 'choosing and giving up' better than I do."

He did not deny the value of the relics, but instead threw back the difficult question of "choosing" them.

Their eyes met in the air, silently engaging in a contest of will and calculation.

After a moment, Han Wenshan broke the silence, his enigmatic smile returning to his face: "I will carefully consider Mr. Xu's suggestion. It seems we need to reassess the priority of the exploration plan."

His words were ambiguous, neither abandoning the underground nor promising to turn to the surface.

He extended the invitation again, his tone seemingly casual, but he offered a deal that was hard to refuse:

"In any case, I sincerely hope to cooperate with Mr. Xu in the long term. We have discussed before that Mr. Xu can receive 15% of the later profits of Liuquanji."

He paused slightly, observing Xu Yan's reaction, before revealing his true intention:
“Since we’re going to share the profits, why not be even closer? Mr. Han is willing to offer 15 percent of the shares of the Han Group in the Liuquanji business sector and formally invite Mr. Xu to become our shareholder. In this way, we will truly be on the same side, sharing the same interests.”

He added meaningfully, his gaze fixed on Xu Yan: "The value of this 15% stake is naturally not limited to the business on the surface... it also includes all the 'discoveries' and profits we may make underground in the subsidence area in the future. What do you think, Mr. Xu?"

This move was brilliant.

This directly elevates Xu Yan from a "collaborator" or "mercenary" to a "shareholder" with deeply intertwined interests.

Once Xu Yan accepts the offer, any attempt to bypass the Han Group and act independently, or to disclose crucial information to others, would be tantamount to harming his own direct interests.

Han Wenshan is using real money and huge future potential to weave a soft net to firmly bind Xu Yan to his chariot.

Xu Yan felt a chill run down his spine, instantly realizing the other party's scheme.

This 15 percent stake is both bait and a shackle.

He showed a suitable look of surprise and consideration on his face, and did not refuse immediately.

After a moment of hesitation, he slowly spoke, his tone cautiously probing: "President Han, what a generous offer. Fifteen percent of the shares... this sincerity truly exceeds my expectations."

He then changed the subject and pointed out the key point:
"However, Mr. Han should understand that I am a person who is used to working alone and cannot tolerate too many constraints. Even if I become a shareholder, I am afraid I will not be able to follow orders like an ordinary employee."

Moreover, the risks underground, as I warned before, were no exaggeration. The value of these shares may depend largely on whether we can seize the profits while avoiding those fatal dangers.

He didn't agree outright, but instead drew his own bottom line. He maintained his freedom of action and reiterated the risks, leaving room for the possibility that he might not be able to "do his best" in exploration in the future.

Upon hearing this, Han Wenshan not only showed no displeasure but also laughed, as if he had expected him to say such a thing:
"Mr. Xu, you are overthinking it. What I value in you is your ability to stand on your own and your keen intuition for danger. As a shareholder, you naturally have the corresponding autonomy, and we can communicate regularly. As for the risks... it is precisely because they are so great that we need strong people like you, Mr. Xu, to share them, isn't that right? Fortune favors the bold, and Mr. Xu should understand this principle better than I do."

He repackaged "risk" as "shared opportunity".

Xu Yan knew that this was the maximum benefit and relatively free cooperation model he could currently obtain from Han Wenshan.

Making excuses again would only seem suspicious.

“Since President Han values ​​this so much, it would be ungrateful of Xu Yan to refuse.” He finally nodded, his tone becoming more serious. “Alright, I’ll accept this 15% stake. I hope our cooperation will be successful and that we can both achieve our goals.”

He did not show excessive excitement, remaining calm and cautious.

"It's a pleasure to cooperate with you!" Han Wenshan's smile deepened as he extended his hand.

Xu Yan shook hands with him, and the two, each with their own thoughts, reached an agreement that would more closely link their fates.

"I'll have my lawyer prepare the documents for the details. Mr. Xu, please go ahead and get back to me later."

Xu Yan nodded, said no more, and walked away.

He could sense that the gaze behind him had lessened its scrutiny and gained a more composed air of triumphant calculation.

Walking on the bustling streets of Liuquanji, Xu Yan felt a deep sense of exhaustion.

Becoming a shareholder of the Han Group may seem like a meteoric rise, but in reality, it's like handing yourself into a more luxurious cage.

He once thought that, given a second chance at life, he could live a carefree and vengeful life thanks to his precognitive abilities.

But the reality is that in the face of true power, an individual's strength is still pitifully insignificant.

"Is compromise for the sake of better survival, or will we ultimately lose ourselves in the process of compromise?"

He thought of his father, Xu Haoyu, that exceptionally talented man, and what his ultimate fate was.
Is it to uphold a certain belief and remain unyielding, or have you, like yourself, in the dead of night, tried to negotiate with a tiger for its skin, struggling to wade through the quagmire of self-interest?

This 15% stake is both a blessing and a curse. It represents resources, but also shackles.

In this dangerous game, he must always remember: borrowed power is not something to rely on; only by becoming strong himself can he have true choice.

The cooperation with Han Wenshan is a temporary measure, a test of endurance and perseverance. We must not be blinded by the superficial glamour of the moment.

"However, having this identity has made many things much easier."

He reconsidered, and his eyes sharpened again.

He quickly traversed several familiar alleyways in Liuquan Market and entered a shop located deep within the market, with an inconspicuous storefront but specializing in various psionic materials and rare metals.

"Boss, the usual."

Xu Yan lowered his voice and pushed over a pre-prepared list and several anonymous cards.

The list clearly states: three units of high-purity psionic crystals, five hundred grams of thousand-refined star iron powder, two portions of 'Shadow Adhesive' with the best spiritual conductivity, and several other special auxiliary materials used for energy stabilization and structural reinforcement.

The shop owner was a taciturn middle-aged man. He glanced at the list and cards, then silently turned and went into the back warehouse.

In just ten minutes, an ordinary-looking metal briefcase, which was actually embedded with multiple isolation runes, was placed on the counter.

"Everything you wanted is in there." The boss's voice was hoarse. "Things have been a bit tight lately, and these kinds of materials are being investigated more strictly. It might not be so easy next time."

Xu Yan nodded, picked up the box, and felt its heavy weight.

“In Liuquanji, as long as you are willing to pay, you can always find a way.”

He thought to himself that this was precisely why the black market in Liuquanji could exist and thrive.

After paying, he quickly carried his suitcase and blended into the crowd on the street.

Instead of heading directly to the meeting point he had agreed upon with A Zhe, he first circled around Liuquan Village several times, using the crowds and complex terrain as cover to repeatedly confirm that he was not being followed.

He even used part of the Jade Cicada's power to further conceal his aura, like a drop of water flowing into the ocean.

Only after confirming that it was safe did he walk toward the edge of Liuquan Village, toward an old, long-disused drainage culvert hidden by abandoned vehicles and dilapidated shacks.

This is one of the many hidden paths leading away from the regulatory area of ​​Liuquan Village.

The culvert was dark and damp, with a musty and rusty smell permeating the air.

Without pausing, Xu Yan disappeared into the darkness and quickly moved forward along the winding passage.

About half an hour later, a light appeared ahead. He cautiously peeked out and saw a desolate buffer zone filled with industrial waste. Further away, there was an endless wasteland.

He glanced back at the chaotic and noisy Stream Village behind him, enveloped by high walls, energy shields, and neon lights.

This place is both a hiding place and the center of the vortex.

Without further hesitation, he identified the direction, and the wisp of platinum inheritance power within his body flowed slightly, granting him greater endurance and speed. His figure darted out like a cheetah and quickly disappeared into the undulating hills and ruined buildings of the wasteland.

He must see A-Zhe as soon as possible.

He needs to quickly transform these resources and connections into real power that belongs to him and that he is not subject to others.

The race against time has only just begun.

After passing through a cluster of wind-eroded concrete buildings and rusted metal skeletons, Xu Yan arrived at a secret hideout of A Zhe deep in the wasteland.

From the outside, it looks like an abandoned small energy transfer station, but inside, A-Zhe has transformed it into a high-tech laboratory and safe house.

"Brother Yan! You've finally arrived!" A-Zhe greeted Xu Yan immediately upon seeing him, his face showing a mixture of exhaustion and excitement. His eyes lit up when he saw the specially made briefcase in Xu Yan's hand. "You brought everything?"

"Hmm, high-purity psionic crystals, Thousand-Refined Star Iron powder, Shadow Adhesive, and the other auxiliary materials you requested." Xu Yan placed the box on the workbench. "How's the prototype improvement going?"

"We've been waiting for these crucial materials!" A-Zhe eagerly opened the box, inspecting the items inside, and said quickly, "I used the funds you transferred to upgrade the core resonant cavity structure and added triple spiritual pressure buffer runes, but the stability still needs final testing. Now that the materials are all here, we can immediately begin the final assembly and debugging!"

Without much small talk, the two immediately got to work.

A-Zhe was responsible for the precise assembly of core components and the engraving of runes, while Xu Yan, with his keen perception of energy, assisted in connecting spiritual pathways and calibrating energy.

Only the soft hum of the instruments and the occasional brief exchange between the two remained in the laboratory.

Hours later, a device that looked much more complex and sophisticated than the previous rudimentary prototype, with its surface flowing with eerie blue energy patterns, was placed in the isolation field at the center of the laboratory.

"Are you ready, Brother Yan?" A Zhe's voice carried a hint of nervousness as he handed Xu Yan a special vest connected to countless fine wires and several sensor patches that needed to be attached to key acupoints. "This is an improved bio-interface that can more accurately monitor your vital signs and energy flow. If any abnormality is detected, I will immediately cut off the energy supply."

Xu Yan took a deep breath, took off his shirt, revealing his muscular physique, put on his vest, and attached the sensor patch.

He walked to a specially designed chair in the force field and sat down, his gaze resolute: "Let's begin."

Ah Zhe nodded heavily, his fingers dancing across the console as he entered the final command.

Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, and his voice carried a desperate resolve: "Brother Yan, it's starting! Energy gates... fully open!"

“Buzz—Boom!!”

It was no longer a low rumble, but a roar like a giant beast awakening.

The lights in the entire laboratory dimmed as a massive amount of energy was frantically extracted from the high-purity psionic crystal, transforming into a blinding, almost liquid, blue-white beam of light that was forcefully injected into the violently vibrating resonant cavity.

The dark blue patterns on the surface of the device now shone like lava, radiating terrifying high temperature and spiritual pressure, even distorting the surrounding air.

"Energy flow exceeds expectations by 125%! Frequency is being forcibly synchronized! Approaching the critical point... no, it has already surpassed the critical point!"

A Zhe roared, and the curve representing energy intensity on the screen soared like an out-of-control rocket, instantly breaking through the preset safety threshold and emitting a piercing red alarm light!

The moment his words fell.

"Bang!! Crack!"

A teeth-grinding cracking sound came from the core of the resonant cavity.

A crack spread across the reinforced cavity wall, and the uncontrolled, untamed, and violent psionic energy, like a wild horse, mixed with fragments of broken runes, transformed into a destructive energy torrent that rushed into Xu Yan's body through the biological interface.

"It's over! The structure has collapsed! The energy has gone completely out of control! Escape immediately!!"

Ah Zhe's eyes widened in horror as he frantically pressed the emergency stop button, but the energy flow was too violent, and the cut-off command was like a stone sinking into the sea.

"Ugh—!"

Within the force field, Xu Yan let out a low, suppressed growl of pain.

The feeling was no longer like being hit by a flood, but rather as if countless red-hot steel needles, mixed with high-voltage current, were being forcibly injected into every meridian and every cell of his body.

His skin cracked instantly, and the blood that had just seeped out was evaporated into blood mist by the high temperature. His whole body was enveloped in a chaotic and dangerous cocoon of energy.

The devastating pain nearly consumed his consciousness. But just as his consciousness was about to dissipate, and as the raging energy was frantically destroying his original physical structure, a deeper power originating from the very source of life was awakened by this extreme pressure—the "extraordinary blueprint" left behind by his father, Xu Haoyu, and imprinted in the deepest code of his life.

No longer a vague feeling, but at this critical moment of life and death, the blueprint unfolded directly in his "spiritual vision" with unprecedented clarity.

He "saw" it!
Those are not merely energy channels, but a complete and extraordinary life structure system.

The originally relatively simple, planar energy channels are being forcibly torn apart and expanded under the guidance of the blueprint and the impact of external energy, and then rewoven into an extremely complex, three-dimensional, multi-dimensional network structure.

New network nodes are being lit up like stars, connected by more efficient and resilient energy fibers, forming a far more sophisticated and efficient energy circulation and distribution system than before. This is no longer a "stream," but is evolving into an "energy matrix."

He clearly sensed that the basic particles that made up his flesh and bones were undergoing a slow but steady "spiritualization" under the influence of energy and the guidance of blueprint information.

The material structure of the cell remains unchanged, but its inherent "attributes" and "potential" are enhanced, making it more suitable for storing, conducting, and converting psionic energy, transforming it from ordinary "biological material" into "psionic biological material." This is the basis for the leap in life levels.

What shocked him even more was that, deep within the key nodes of that newly formed energy network and certain highly "spiritualized" cell clusters, extremely subtle platinum runes, each containing fragments of some kind of cosmic rule, were being slowly imprinted and constructed as energy flowed. These runes were not learned later in life, but rather his father's understanding of the cosmic rules, which had been incorporated into his life's heritage in an incredible way.

Their function is to regulate, resonate, and stimulate... to sow the seeds for future control of higher levels of power.

"So... this is the path to a higher level..."

In the midst of extreme pain, Xu Yan's consciousness entered a peculiar state of enlightenment.

He understood that his father's legacy was not about directly giving him power, but rather about providing him with a "blueprint" and a set of "evolutionary tools".

At this moment, this violent external energy is the most brutal and efficient "construction team" and "raw materials".

He no longer tried to "resist" the pain, but instead, with his indomitable will, he actively guided his consciousness to integrate into the unfolding blueprint, accelerating the "reconstruction" process of breaking down and rebuilding, of facing death and living again.

He guided the raging energy to attack those hidden nodes that had not yet been opened;

He mobilized the newly formed energy matrix to capture and tame the chaotic psionic flows, forcibly incorporating them into a new cycle; he sensed the condensation of those rule runes, comprehending the subtle truths contained within them regarding "thunder," "purification," and "protection."

This is a mad process of forcibly forging an extraordinary body by using oneself as a furnace, will as fuel, and inheritance as a mold.

Outside, Ah Zhe watched as Xu Yan's vital signs on the screen swayed violently like a candle in the wind, falling to the bottom countless times, only to be stubbornly pulled back by an incomprehensible force time and time again.

He watched as the chaotic cocoon of energy in the center of the laboratory expanded and contracted, its aura sometimes violent and about to burst, and sometimes exuding an indescribable, higher level of majesty and stability.

He dared not blink, his clothes soaked with sweat, and could only desperately hold onto the equipment's final output limit, praying for a miracle.

Time passed slowly amidst extreme tension.

Finally, the fluctuations of the energy cocoon began to weaken, and the dazzling light gradually subsided, revealing the figure sitting cross-legged within.

"Om..."

The prototype let out a weary groan and ceased operation completely. Energy output dropped to zero.

The laboratory fell into silence.

In the center of the force field, Xu Yan slowly opened his eyes.

There was no dazzling light, nor a powerful aura erupting.

His eyes were deep and calm, as if they contained a starry sky after a storm.

His wounds were healing at a visible speed, and beneath the cracked skin was new skin with a faint jade-like luster.

He gently clenched his fist, feeling the orderly yet surging power within his body, the more resilient, clearer, and more psychic-integrated physical state, and the subtle connection between his consciousness and the newly formed energy matrix and rule runes.

Silver I level.

It's not just an increase in total energy, but a solid step forward in the essence of life.

He gained a true and profound initial understanding of the path his father had left behind.

"It...it's a success?! It really is a success!"

Instead of slumping down, A Zhe suddenly jumped up from in front of the control panel, gripping the edge of the screen tightly with both hands, his eyes wide open, scanning the stabilized data curves over and over again.

His voice was no longer simply one of ecstasy, but a near-manic tremor mixed with immense relief and supreme glory.

"Energy infusion is stable! Vital signs have not only recovered, but all indicators have been comprehensively optimized. Cell activity, nerve conduction speed, energy affinity... have all broken through the previous theoretical limits! The psionic level is stable at... Silver I! A leapfrog advancement! Brother Yan, we did it! My theory was correct! This path is feasible!"

He waved his arms excitedly, turned to Xu Yan, and his eyes were even a little red.

This is not just a successful experiment, but also the most powerful proof of his own research direction and value.

Xu Yan slowly stood up from his seat, carefully experiencing the earth-shattering changes deep within his body.

The increase in strength is merely a superficial phenomenon. The true treasure lies in the state of "lightness" and "weight" that coexist after the optimization of one's life level, as well as the precise control of energy as if it were an extension of one's own arm.

Looking at A Zhe, who was so excited he could hardly contain himself, he was filled with mixed emotions.

This time, if it weren't for Ah Zhe's painstaking efforts to improve the equipment and his precise control, and if his seemingly crazy theories hadn't ultimately proven effective, he would never have been able to seize that glimmer of hope, let alone obtain such enormous benefits.

“Ah Zhe,” Xu Yan’s voice was steady and powerful. He stepped forward and patted Ah Zhe’s shoulder heavily, his eyes filled with undisguised appreciation and affirmation. “It’s not thanks to me, but thanks to you. Your talent and your perseverance are the key to this success. My father left me with maps, but you built a car that can travel on dangerous roads.”

He paused, his tone becoming even more profound: "I am now even more certain that finding you was my rebirth... one of the best decisions I've ever made."

Seeing Ah Zhe's eyes redden with excitement, Xu Yan felt a surge of warmth in her heart.

In this cutthroat world, how fortunate it is to find a partner who will entrust you with their talents and dreams without reservation.

For him, A Zhe's relationship had long surpassed that of a simple "technical advisor" or "investor".

They were each other's only campfire in the dark forest, relying on and warming each other.

He entrusted his back to himself, and he himself had to become his strongest shield.

"Father left behind the blueprint, and A-Zhe is the engineer who turned that blueprint into reality. This bond is far more precious than any inheritance," Xu Yan murmured to himself.

He realized that the road ahead was no longer a solitary quest, but a heavy responsibility.

The significance of his becoming stronger is not only to unravel the mystery and avenge his grievances, but also to protect this hard-won trust and bond.

Upon hearing these words, especially Xu Yan's direct affirmation of his abilities and his elevation of them to the same level as "father's legacy," A Zhe's body trembled slightly. His excited emotions subsided, replaced by a solemnity filled with immense trust and recognition.

"Brother Yan, I..." He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, "I'm glad I could help you! I will definitely build a better and safer 'car'!"

"I believe you." Xu Yan nodded, those four words carrying immense weight.

Ah Zhe wiped his face hard, suppressing his surging emotions, turned around and strode to the encrypted locker. When he took out two metal boxes, his movements were filled with a sense of pride and solemnity.

“Brother Yan, this is the ‘data bomb’ carrier prepared as you requested. It has just completed its final testing.” He opened the first box and introduced it as if displaying a work of art. “‘Erosion Spirit Talisman’, specifically designed to target ghosts. I have miniaturized the ‘entropy increase singularity’ algorithm to the extreme and combined it with my research on the energy structure of souls, imprinting it within. When activated, it does not release an energy shock, but rather an information pollution storm targeting the logic of its existence, enough to plunge the cognitive core of an E-level ghost into chaos and temporarily disintegrate its spiritual structure.”

He then opened the second box:
"'Chaos Pebbles' are used against Silver-tier contractors. They appear ordinary, but in reality, they contain highly sensitive biometric authentication and psionic signal receivers. Once you authorize their activation, they can disguise themselves as environmental background and attach themselves to target objects or the environment."

Once detonated, the data bomb will act like a virus, prioritizing the attack on and contaminating the operating system and auxiliary computing units of the psionic equipment, and even interfering with the casting of spells that rely on precise energy control; its destructive power is extremely high.

Xu Yan took the box, his fingertips brushing against the cold talismans and pebbles, clearly sensing the dangerous fluctuations contained within, power that was completely different from traditional ones.

This is not just a weapon, but also the culmination of A Zhe's wisdom and hard work.

"Ingenious design," he praised sincerely. "Transforming an intangible information attack into a usable weapon, A-Zhe, you are pioneering a completely new path."

He increasingly realized that A Zhe's value was no less than any powerful inheritance or magic weapon.

Protecting him and supporting his research is the greatest investment you can make in your own future.

"With these, we finally have a bit of confidence to overturn the table."

Xu Yan carefully put the box away, then turned his gaze back to the tall buildings outside the window, his eyes sharp as knives.

The improvement in strength and the arrival of new weapons are like lighting two crucial campfires in the dark night, illuminating a corner of the road ahead and bringing a little warmth.

But beyond this radiance lie secrets buried deep within the subsidence zone, the undisguised murderous intent beneath Jiang Yu's cold, ghostly mask, Han Wenshan's seemingly gentle yet unfathomable schemes, and the immense mysteries surrounding his father and "Abyss" entangled in his origins and destiny...

All of this, like thick, unyielding ink, still shrouds the future.

The road ahead is by no means smooth; it is still full of thorns and unknown traps.

But Xu Yan clearly felt that he was different.

He was no longer the prey who could only hide behind the Jade Cicada and flee in panic under the pressure of the Gold-level aura.

The power of Silver Tier I flowed steadily within him, the extraordinary blueprint left by his father pointed out the direction of evolution, and the new weapon created by A Zhe provided unpredictable and difficult-to-defend methods.

He is now a lurker who has sharpened his claws and teeth and has seen through some of the rules of the hunting grounds...

He did not linger at A Zhe's stronghold.

While the leap in strength was exhilarating, he remained exceptionally clear-headed.

The center has been operating in Liuquanji for many years and has many informants. If I am out of their sight for a long time, it will inevitably attract unnecessary suspicion and investigation.

Moreover, the heavy burden of worry in his heart urged him to return as soon as possible.

The return journey was equally cautious.

Instead of taking the shortest route, he used his enhanced senses and speed to weave through the old city of Jiangcheng, like the most skilled hunter, skillfully erasing his own traces and repeatedly confirming that there was no "tail" behind him.

Finally, he once again silently disappeared into the abandoned culvert connecting the dark side of Liuquan Village, leaving the desolation and sandstorms of the wasteland behind, and stepped back into this chaotic city filled with neon lights and the atmosphere of desire.

Without alerting anyone, he quietly returned to the safe house provided by Han Wenshan, like an ink droplet dissolving into water.

The room maintained a constant temperature and humidity, with only the regular, soft beeping of the medical equipment.

Chen Zhiwei lay on the hospital bed, her breathing steady and her face serene. Xu Yan stood quietly by the bedside, as if trying to etch this moment of tranquility into his mind.

Since his rebirth, all the scheming, fighting, and careful planning have become meaningful the moment he sees her safe and sound.

She was his last emotional connection to this cold world, the only "quiet" and "Achilles' heel" in his mad career.

He couldn't imagine what he would become if he lost her—perhaps he would completely degenerate into a monster driven by hatred and power.

"Senior brother..."

Her unconscious murmurs in her sleep were like a feather, gently brushing against his hardened heart.

He craved power, not only the power to destroy, but also the power to protect.

To ensure she could sleep peacefully forever, he was willing to plunge into the deepest hell and make a deal with the most terrifying demon.

Xu Yan stood by the bed and gazed at it silently for a moment.

Seeing that her condition was stable, I finally relaxed a little.

He reached out and gently brushed his fingertips across a strand of her black hair that had fallen onto the pillow, his movements so tender as if he were afraid of disturbing her peaceful sleep, or as if he were confirming its real existence.

He didn't linger. He contacted Han Wenshan and calmly expressed his wish to take Chen Zhiwei back to the "Forgotten Photo Studio" to recuperate.

That was their relatively familiar "nest".

Han Wenshan's response was swift and, as he had expected, "reasonable."

He seemed to have anticipated this step, and instead of hindering it, he demonstrated great efficiency and a cooperative attitude.

In less than half an hour, a hovercraft with a low-key exterior but a specially modified interior, equipped with professional medical and stabilization equipment, stopped outside the safe house.

Accompanying them were a quiet and capable assistant and a nurse who was clearly a member of the medical team, to ensure the transfer went smoothly.

Xu Yan carefully carried the still unconscious Chen Zhiwei into the car and placed her in a specially made medical chair.

He sat to one side, his gaze sweeping across the rapidly receding street scene of Liuquanji outside the window, his eyes calm.

The vehicle smoothly drove away from the core area controlled by the Han Group, passing through the noise and chaos, and finally stopped in front of the store with the old sign that read "Forgotten Photo Studio".

When Xu Yan once again carried Chen Zhiwei into this old photo studio, filled with the smell of developing solution and where time seemed to stand still, it was as if the two of them had temporarily returned to a familiar harbor where they could catch their breath after a terrifying nightmare.

He gently placed Chen Zhiwei on her own bed on the second floor and carefully covered her with a blanket.

Outside the window, the ever-burning neon lights of Liuquanji cast dappled and tranquil light and shadows on her face through the gaps in the blinds.

Perhaps it was because she was back in a familiar environment, or perhaps her body was already at the point of recovery, but just as Xu Yan was about to pour her a glass of water, the person on the bed let out a soft moan.

Chen Zhiwei's long eyelashes trembled a few times, and she slowly opened her eyes.

At first, her eyes were somewhat confused and unfocused. She blinked, her gaze wandering over the familiar ceiling, the old chandelier, and the bookshelves piled with clutter, before finally settling on Xu Yan's concerned face by the bedside.

"Senior...brother?" Her voice was dry and hoarse, carrying the languor and uncertainty of someone just waking up. "We...went home?"

"Yes, we're home." Xu Yan's voice softened unconsciously as he brought warm water to her lips. "How are you feeling?"

After taking a small sip of water, Chen Zhiwei seemed to have fully regained consciousness.

She tried to move her body. Although she was still weak and powerless, especially with a dull ache in her chest, the heavy feeling of impending death and the pervasive chill had disappeared.

She took a deep breath of the familiar air in the photo studio, and a huge sense of peace enveloped her.

"It's alright..." she answered softly, her gaze sweeping across the room as if confirming every familiar item.

Suddenly, as if remembering something extremely important, her eyes lit up, and she looked at Xu Yan with a mixture of urgency and disbelief: "Senior brother! The money... the money Han Wenshan transferred..."

Seeing her instantly perk up, Xu Yan couldn't help but chuckle, and the worry in his heart dissipated.

He picked up his encrypted terminal from the side, brought up the account page, and handed it to her.

When Chen Zhiwei saw the long, dizzying string of numbers on the screen, she gasped and her eyes widened instantly.

She stretched out her slightly trembling finger, almost poking at the screen, and counted the zeros one by one.

"Ones, tens, hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands... millions! Eight million!" Chen Zhiwei suddenly raised her head, her cheeks flushed with excitement, her eyes sparkling. "It really... really arrived! We're rich, senior brother!"

Looking at her "little money-grubber" appearance, Xu Yan's eyes softened with a genuine and gentle smile.

"Yeah, you've struck it rich." He chimed in, his tone indulgent. "It's all yours, spend it however you want."

"Really? That's great!" Chen Zhiwei was so excited she almost jumped out of bed, but Xu Yan carefully pressed her back down onto the pillow.

She eagerly grabbed the terminal, her fingers flying across the screen, ready to start her shopping spree immediately.

However, when she carefully checked her account statements, she astutely discovered a considerable expense.

"Huh? Senior brother, there's a transfer of one million here, and the recipient is... an encrypted account?" She looked up at Xu Yan with a puzzled expression, not out of suspicion, but simply out of curiosity and an instinctive interest in the movement of such a "huge" sum of money.

Xu Yan remained calm and explained:
"Yes, I forwarded it to A-Zhe. His research has recently achieved a key breakthrough. Especially the psionic infusion technology. His equipment and theories played a decisive role in my breakthrough to Silver I rank. But you know how expensive cutting-edge research is. Equipment and materials are all very expensive. This money is an important investment to support how far we can go in the future."

"Silver Rank I?!" Chen Zhiwei's attention was instantly drawn to this even more shocking news. Her eyes widened abruptly, and the joy on her face was even more genuine and fervent than when she had just seen the huge sum of money. "Senior Brother! You've advanced?! That's wonderful! This is simply... this is simply double happiness!"

Her pale cheeks flushed with excitement as she genuinely felt happy for him.

In the perilous world of Liuquanji, increased strength provides a greater sense of security than money.

She immediately realized what was happening, nodded vigorously, and had no more doubts about where the money had gone: "So that's how it is! Ah Zhe is amazing! This money was well spent! Absolutely worth it!"

She would wholeheartedly support investments made by her own people, especially those that directly help improve Xu Yan's abilities.

Overwhelmed with joy, she could hardly sit still. She reached out and gently tugged at Xu Yan's sleeve, tilting her head back, her eyes sparkling with bright anticipation, her voice tinged with a hint of coquettishness and excitement:
"Senior, look! We survived this ordeal, made a fortune, and you even advanced! With so many good things happening at once, how can we not celebrate?" She counted the reasons for our happiness on her fingers, then revealed her real purpose: "How about we... how about we go to 'New World'? I don't want to stay home staring at a screen anymore! I want to get some fresh air, see and touch all those amazing things, and eat all the delicious food I've heard about! Let's just say it's... a celebration of our new life, okay?"

Her words were full of enthusiasm for life and hope for the future, defining the trip as a grand celebration of surviving a disaster and turning adversity into fortune.

(End of this chapter)